Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

brake-van

noun

/breɪk væn/

Definition

A car on a train that is used to provide braking assistance and ensure the safety of the train.

Examples

The brake-van allowed the crew to control the speed of the train more effectively.
Before modern braking systems, many trains relied heavily on brake-vans for safety.
The brake-van was equipped with a hand-operated brake system that needed to be checked regularly.

Meaning

A brake-van is typically located at the rear of a goods train, where crew members can operate the brakes manually and monitor the freight being transported.