Brakeman's cabin

[citation needed] In the early years of the railway, brakemen just had an open seat.

Communication between engine driver and brakemen was by train whistle signals which required the design of the brakeman's cab to be partially open to the elements.

As a result brakemen frequently froze, sometimes even to death, placing the entire train at risk due to lack of braking power.

[citation needed] Brakeman's cabins became superfluous with the widespread introduction of compressed air brakes.

In Germany, such brakes first appeared on D-Zug (express) trains at the end of the 19th century.