Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Where is the flashing circuitry?

A: The flasher is incorporated into the LED.

Q: Why do some of the kits have differnet switches?

A: We offer kits with either a slide switch or a magnetically latching reed switch.  The slide switch is less expensive and easy to operate. The latching reed swicth is harder to operate it takes some trial and error to get to operate and is the mor expensive option.

Q: Why not mount it on a dummy coupler?

A: We offer the kit mounted on a Micro-Trains 1015 coupler.  This is pretty universal, if you would like the kit with a different couple please ask.

Q: How long do the batteries last?

A: We have run tests on the CR1220 battery. We have found that it flashes continuously for 80+ hours. Because of the size differences a CR1216 battery would last fewer hours and the CR1225 battery would last longer than the CR1220 battery. We have readily found the batteries at drug stores or Radio Shack type of stores. 

Q: What scales of model trains do people buy them for?

A: We have found most people who have purchased GATR Works EOT/FRED and cabooseLITE kits purchased them for N and HO scale trains. Though we have had people purchase them for O and G scale.

Q: Can they be used for other things?

A: Yes. When we go to train shows, we have had people tell us that they are buying them to use as flashing beacons on top of a radio towers, to put in cop cars and to place them at the end of cabooses.

Q: Can they be painted?

A: Yes, they can be painted. We have painted some ultralite FREDS and tested them to make sure that they still work, which they did. We recommend painting multiple coats of polly scale paint.


Q: What do your EOT/FRED kits contain?

A: While with many EOT/FRED kits you have to buy multiply pieces just to make it work, our nanoFFRED-G3 kit comes complete. When you buy a nanoFRED-G3 kit from GATR Works you get the led light, batteries, battery holder, switch (slide or reed), wiring, etc. There are no extra parts to buy!

Q: Do you have to have a switch?

A: No, you do not have to put a switch in to make GATR Works ultraliteFreds work. With some cars, such as a 21' N scale ore car, there just is not room for a standard switch. To turn it off you just pop out the battery with a bent paperclip, tweezers, etc.

Q: Do you sell GATR Works nanoFRED-G3 in stores?

A: Yes, we are currently in several stores in Southern California and multiple across the country. To see a full list of our dealers click here to visit our Dealers page.