Abstract: A brake for rail cars comprises a floating caliper disc brake attached to a cylindrical housing element of a drive housing. The drive housing may be the motor housing, the transmission housing or a common housing for the drive motor and the transmission. The cylindrical housing element has an opening in its peripheral wall in which the floating caliper is mounted. The actuator is mounted in an entry in the peripheral wall of the drive housing. This mounting arrangement allows easier accessiblity to the brake during servicing operations and provides for ventilation of the brake disc.