Braking Overview

Brakes are devices found onboard the rail vehicles used to slow them down, bring them to a halt, or keep them stationary. There are several different types of brakes that are typically present on motorized and other rolling stock, with each being advantageous for a particular purpose. They are each operated by an individual control device, usually a lever or a crank that may be located inside the cab or on the vehicle’s exterior.

Application of brakes is almost always made to be oriented away from the driver. This is so that, in case of emergency, the driver can push all the levers forward as a safety measure, without needing to think of each control’s individual rule.

The types of brakes are:

Train brake:
Used to slow down or stop trains.

Independent brake:
Used to slow down or stop individual vehicles, such as locomotives.

Dynamic brake:
Used to aid train brakes in slowing down trains.

Handbrake:
Used to ensure that a train or individual vehicle remains parked.

See also: Train Brake, Independent Brake, Dynamic Brake, Handbrake, Brake Shoes, Air Brake System, Rail Vehicle Types