Abstract: A control system for effecting smooth braking resistor staging of a chopper controlled direct current electric motor. The control system utilizes auxiliary switches mechanically coupled to resistor by-pass contacts to sense actual motion of the by-pass contacts and to provide signals for reducing the chopper duty factor. In a preferred embodiment the chopper duty factor is reduced to an intermediate level between maximum and minimum duty factor by modification of an error signal representing the difference between actual motor current and commanded motor current so as to maintain the control system in a closed loop condition.