[pmw]

> The way the US does it (especially detecting if a train has not been separated along the way by using a caboose/end-of-train beacon) may cost less money, but would be viable to such issues.

Detecting separation doesn't rely on the end-of-train device. The EOTD only helps with this by 1/ helping activate the brakes twice as fast by detecting loss of pressure on its end and opening the brake valve, and 2/ sending periodic status indication via radio signal to the locomotive so the crew has more visibility into what the pressure is and whether the tail of the train is moving.