Handbrake

Handbrake is a braking system type designed to keep a rail vehicle permanently stationary.

All rail vehicles come equipped with handbrakes, typically operated manually, by one or more yellow cranks. Handbrakes are used to override the brake shoes to a desired braking force, regardless of the compressed air brake's input. Because they’re not operated by air pressure, handbrakes are immune to leaks in the system and therefore have permanent effect. They are used on parked vehicles to ensure that they remain still.

All handbrakes must be released before setting a train in motion and must be applied before leaving a vehicle parked. To release a handbrake crank it fully counterclockwise, and to apply it, crank it fully clockwise.

To help increase productivity in level yards , it is allowed to apply the handbrake only on a single vehicle in a train, on one of its ends. In all other scenarios, handbrakes should be applied on each individual vehicle in the parked train.

Depending on the session difficulty settings , when coupling and uncoupling using the locomotive remote controller , handbrakes are handled automatically. To bypass the automatic action, holding the run key (default Left Shift) while coupling or uncoupling.

Handbrakes can also be operated remotely with the driving UI, or even handled automatically at all times, depending on the difficulty settings.