This must be a oldie as the 40 watt GE ballast shows connections for a "flasher control".

Rapid start ballast uses a "Flasher Control" where ever you may find one of those.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1930s-Fluorescent-ballast-/320727900772?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4aacdf6264

That is a flashing ballast. The flasher is simply a switch that interrupts the arc current, and the cathode heating circuit is maintained to conserve lamp life while flashing. It's applications would be commercial signs and such (or jukeboxes as the seller suggests)... The flasher module is similar in operation to an automotive blinking relay. It can be used as a standard RS ballast by shorting the flasher switch wires. It is otherwise a standard RS ballast and uses no starter.

That is a flashing ballast. The flasher is simply a switch that interrupts the arc current, and the cathode heating circuit is maintained to conserve lamp life while flashing. It's applications would be commercial signs and such (or jukeboxes as the seller suggests)... The flasher module is similar in operation to an automotive blinking relay. It can be used as a standard RS ballast by shorting the flasher switch wires. It is otherwise a standard RS ballast and uses no starter.

I did not know that.
I never thought of a  flashing Fluorescent light before, but I guess for signs it would be ok.
But I would not want one in my home.

The most memorable installation that I can recall is the billboards at Picadilly Circus in London. You  may be able to find some footage of those signs on Youtube. One in particular had dozens of vertical lamps and the flashing chased each other in a similar fasion to the S14 lamps on the perimeter of cabaret signs.

Larry, have a look at this video. At 0:56 the TDK billboard (underneath the digital display) lights up. It's background is a massive amount of flashing fluorescent tubes. Very impressive in person. I think, however, that it has since been replaced with more electronic billboard like the top one, sadly. If any Londoners are nearby, maybe you can shed a little light on this question. 

Yeah a lot of nice signs here have been replaced with these bill boards.
It has turned in to just light pollution for the most part as they are going up all over the place.
It has turned in to a distraction for drivers, so with these types of bill boards and driver cell phone use it is really distracting.
If I told you where I lived, you would understand.

That is way cool! Never knew these existed.