Abstract: A hand brake mechanism having a release hold mechanism to prevent unwanted application of the railcar brakes. The release hold mechanism includes a cam and a holding pawl having cooperating force members and a detent retaining device engaging the cam disposed within the railcar hand brake to maintain the hand brake in the released hold condition. The cooperating force members disengage the cam from the detent retaining device to allow brake application. The hand brake incorporates an indicator member having a reflective coating to indicate such release hold position of the railcar hand brake.