Abstract: A brake apparatus having components formed from sheet metal pressings or stampings which brake apparatus includes a pair of brake arms each pivotally connected with a base on opposite sides of a brake drum. The brake arms are spring-biased together to urge brake shoes thereon into braking engagement with opposite sides of a brake drum, respectively. A normally de-energized brake release mechanism is provided for pivoting the brake arms apart against the force of the spring biasing device, thereby releasing the brake shoes from engagement with the drum. The base and the brake arms are constructed as assemblies of sheet metal pressings, and the electromagnetic parts of the brake release mechanism include lamination stacks which are sandwiched between side plates of one of the arms.