rails by the magnetic force. Drivers Also with articulated magnets, drivers ensure that the brake force is transmitted from the brake magnets to the vehicle. They are located in all four corners on the inside of the brake frame. Buffer switch If required, a buffer switch can be mounted on the brake frame. It signals when the brake frame leaves its high position and thus provides information on the status of the track brake. Friction material The pole shoes in magnetic track brakes can be made of different materials. These differ primarily in their magnetic properties, brake force coefficient, and wear. Steel Steel is the standard friction material for track brakes. The wear of steel pole shoes is low, but they form weldings which have to be knocked off regularly. Sinter Pole shoes made of sinter offer increased brake performance and do not form weldings, but their wear is higher. Sinter is used in cases where brake force is critical. It is currently used, for example, by Vy in Norway. Cast Pole shoes made of cast iron are only used in mainline. They have reduced brake force and increased wear, but do not form weldings. In France, cast iron is the standard friction material used for magnetic track brakes. Areas of application Magnetic track brakes are installed in almost all rail vehicles. Only high-speed trains use eddy current brakes instead of magnetic track brakes for technical reasons. Rigid magnets are usually suspended in low suspension and are used on streetcars. In special cases, the use of track rods is possible. Articulated magnets are usually suspended in high position and are used in mainline railroads. However, they can also be used in low suspension, for example in subways. See also Eddy current brake Brake run for information on skid brakes and magnetic brakes. References Railway brakes cs:Elektrodynamická brzda