Abstract: A braking apparatus for a tape transport device including first and second, stacked coaxial reels includes first and second feelers respectively mounted in proximity to the first and second reels for respectively sensing the tape being fully wound on the first and second reels. A brake means is mounted in proximity to adjacent, central hubs of the first and second reels. The brake means simultaneously, frictionally engages both hubs to brake both reels by virtue of a mechanical actuator being mechanically coupled to both feelers and the brake means. The brake means comprises a pair of rubber shoulders that extend in opposite directions relative to a common axis. The brake means turns about the axis in response to either of the feelers, which are eccentrically mounted relative to the axis, being turned about the axis.