At first glance, it would seem that magnetic brake systems would be better than pinch brakes or friction brakes since the magnetic systems are failsafe and don't require any power. However, there are some disadvantages. Magnetic brakes can't eliminate their stopping power without a system to either move the magnets away from the train or a system to move the fins away from the magnets. Additionally, magnetic brakes can't bring a train to a total stop, so they can't be used for a block brake or in the station.
©2014 Joel A. Rogers.