Re: Flagging

It is my understanding that the big roads have pretty much done away with torpedoes for two reasons. The main reason is that they are inaudible in the cab of a big, air-conditioned locomotive, particularly if that unit is running long hood leading. The second is that the lead straps which secure the torpedo to the rail have been known to fly out and strike innocent bystanders, livestock, etc.
As for flagging at the rear of a train, just think how long a walk it is for the conductor from the front of a hundred autoracks back to protect the rear end of his train!