Vacuum brakes

Vacuum brakes have been favored in the past with trains headed by a live steam locomotive. A simple steam-driven ejector can quickly develop a significant vacuum to apply the brakes. No storage tanks are required.

Mike Massee wrote:

In New Zealand, most clubs have standardized on steam vacuum brakes via the use of a steam ejector. The problem with this if a novice engineer runs low on steam, the ejector also stops working.