Glossary - Bell Crank

The Bell Crank is the casting to the left of the coupler and draft gear that has the chain running from it to the underside of the car. The chain connects to rodding that is connected to the brake piston. The portion that is connected to the "front" of the Bell Crank and running up the end of the car is attached to the hand brake. When the hand brake is loosened or tightened by a car man, that is transmitted down the rod on the end of the car to the Bell Crank where it is transferred to the piston via the other rod connected to the Bell Crank and running under the car.