Brake wheels

[tcwright973]

Does it matter is the brake wheel on the end of rolling stock is facing the front of the train, the rear, or could it be mixed?
Thanks
Tom

[TomDiehl]

Depends on the era. If you go back before the air brakes (pre 1900) they usually tried to pair brake wheels, because they were the only train brakes and a brakeman had to walk along the tops of the cars to set them by the engineer's whistle signals. By having two of them together between the cars, it made it easier for a brakeman to do his job. This was a general guideline, not a rule.

After the advent of airbrakes they just fell where they happened to fall.

[tcwright973]

Thanks Tom, I thought it might not matter, but never considered the pre air brake portion of your reply.
Tom

[nbrodar]

Now adays, it doesn't matter which way the brake wheels face.