végfék

Végfék, or end brake, is a braking device located at the rear end of a railway vehicle or train. Its primary purpose is to participate in the train’s braking system and to help ensure safe, coordinated deceleration of the entire train, particularly in emergency situations or when the locomotive is not at the rear.

There are several implementations of the végfék. In traditional systems, the end brake is part of the train’s pneumatic or vacuum braking arrangement, connected to the brake pipe or equivalent control line on the last car. In modern rail operations, the term often refers to an end-of-train device (EOT), which uses electronic or wireless signaling to command brake application throughout the train or to monitor train integrity and brake status from the tail end.

Operation generally involves the end device receiving brake commands from the locomotive or control car. Under normal conditions it helps maintain the intended brake force as part of the distributed braking system. In an emergency, the végfék can trigger rapid, full-brake application for the entire train or alert the control system to prevent excessive slack between cars. Some EOT systems also provide status signals about line pressure, brake application, and train integrity.

In Hungary and many European contexts, the végfék is understood as part of the broader braking architecture, evolving from conventional tail-end brake valves to modern end-of-train devices in freight and passenger operations. The specific configuration and terminology can vary between rail operators and eras, but the function remains to enhance safety and braking reliability at the train’s tail.