The brakeman’s role has evolved significantly over time. Because most trains had cars with individual braking systems, the brakeman was traditionally a person who assisted in stopping the train. The brakeman’s job was to go to each car and manually apply the brakes in order to help the train stop or slow down when necessary. Since the introduction of automatic train braking systems, brakemen have taken on additional responsibilities in order to keep a train running efficiently and safely.
While brakemen did move from car to car — a dangerous activity even in the best of circumstances — the brakeman was usually stationed in the train’s caboose. The caboose could be fitted with brakes, which would help slow the train down. Brakemen were also responsible for ensuring that all couplings were properly connected, and they were always on the lookout for overheating axles, stowaways, and shifting cargo that could negatively affect the train’s handling. Because brakemen rode in different cars on the train, they were exposed to a variety of hazards, including moving freight, stowaways, and harsh weather. Brakemen were frequently exposed to the elements, which resulted in illness and, in some cases, death.
Hand signals were used the brakeman to communicate with the conductor. Because he might be moving from car to car, the brakeman needed to make sure the conductor was aware of any problems right away. Hand signals have largely been replaced two-way communication devices, and automatic air brakes eliminate the need for brakemen to move from car to car. As a result, today’s job is far safer than it was previously.
Brakemen today have a variety of responsibilities. On passenger trains, a brakeman is in charge of collecting tickets and ensuring that all doors are properly closed before the train departs. He is in charge of communicating with passengers, making pertinent trip announcements, and assisting passengers in boarding and disembarking the train. Brakemen will throw hand-operated switches in freight train yards to allow different cars to be moved into position and coupled to other cars. Before the train leaves the station, a brakeman inspects the train’s braking systems, which includes brake pads, air hoses, and gaskets. He also serves as the conductor’s second set of eyes, keeping an eye out for rail obstructions, train problems, and other issues that could complicate or jeopardize the train’s operations.