The brightly coloured brass ship's type wheel is used to apply the primary clamping type brake to the side of the rails. It is a "deadman's brake" in that the brakes are held in the applied position. To release the brake a driver must turn the wheel to lift a weight then hold the wheel continually. If he should let go of the wheel a weight will pull it into the braking position, applying the primary brakes, stopping both cars within 7 or 8 feet.