Abstract: The brake cylinder piston at its outer end is connected to a horizontal brake lever extending transversely of the car, which is connected generally at its mid-point to a first brake beam. The opposite end of the horizontal lever is connected to a first end of a slack adjuster which extends longitudinally and parallel to the brake cylinder. The opposite end of the slack adjuster is connected to a first end of a second horizontal lever. The opposite end of the second horizontal lever opposite the slack adjuster is fulcrumed to a fixed portion of the car. After the first brake beam engages its railway wheels, further outward movement of the piston rod pivots the first horizontal lever about this pivot point and moves the slack adjuster longitudinally of the car and in turn pivots the second horizontal lever about its fulcrum point.