An automatic hand brake system for a railcar including a release mechanism operatively connected between an actuator and the spool gear that is turned by hand to set the hand brake. The actuator is operatively connected to a pressured fluid system. When a threshold pressure is reached the actuator operates the release mechanism to release the spool gear so that the brakes are released. When there is a pressure drop, an automatic reset apparatus resets the release mechanism so that the hand brake can set. In one aspect, the pressurized fluid system such is an air brake system. In another aspect, the pressurized fluid system is oil or hydraulic system or a combination of air and oil. An apparatus can be employed to permit release of the hand brake if desired.
