Brake shoe being positioned at a freight wagon wheel on the rail

The brake shoe

Rail Made Simple

When you think of shoes, human footwear is probably the first thing that comes to mind. But in railway operations, there is such a thing as a brake shoe, too. In this article, we explain what this device is and how it is used in our day-to-day operations.

Made of metal, weighing several kilos and used mainly when shunting rail wagons, the brake shoe is a wedge-shaped device. It is primarily used in shunting operations and is placed between the wheel and the rail to bring vehicles to a halt. Its design is reminiscent of ordinary footwear: the brake shoe has a base plate with a tongue that tapers towards the front and two guide flanges at the sides. Mounted on top of the base plate is the block itself, complete with a handle so that the device can be carried easily.

Getting the right fit  

What makes a good brake shoe? Here too, the right fit is crucial: its underside must match the rail profile exactly, because a brake shoe that is too wide is more likely to jam. Different types of brake shoes are therefore used for different rail profiles. For some years now, ÖBB has been using a new type of brake shoe developed by one of its employees. It features reflective elements, which improve visibility.

Green brake shoe against a freight wagon beside railway tracks in a terminal

Placing it takes practice  

During shunting, the brake shoe is placed on one rail in front of the approaching wagon, at exactly the right distance from the point where the wagon is meant to come to a stop. Being able to judge the braking distance correctly therefore requires a great deal of experience and skill. The wheel of the wagon then rolls over the tongue onto the base plate and meets the block with its replaceable cap attached. The wheel should continue turning on the base plate of the brake shoe – the more it turns, the better the braking effect, which is produced by friction. Brake shoes are also used to secure stationary wagons or groups of wagons against rolling away. It is equally important to remove the device after use, as leaving it in place can increase the risk of derailment.