Brake Car???????

[hopper]

Can someone tell me what the function of the "brake car" was on British passenger trains. Thanks Hopper

[joetrains]

Can someone tell me what the function of the "brake car" was on British passenger trains. Thanks Hopper

 

  It is the guards (conductors) compartment. It is so named because in the old trains that did not have all carriages fitted with brakes there was a brake wheel in it to put on the brakes of the carriage the compartment was in.The brake was also used to take the slack out of the couplers when going downhill or stopping. 

  Freight brake vans are cabeese. 

[hopper]

Thanks for the scoop "joetrains" but,does it also carry regular paying customers??? I am making reference to the car on the Hogwarts express." That's a big car for just the guards. Hopper

[joetrains]

  The brake in the Hogwarts set is a combine or combination car. Half brake/baggage and half passenger accommodation.