rolling thunder used skid brakes to stop the trains rather than modern fin brakes. the trains had brake pads underneath each car which slid against the brakes to lift the train's wheels off the track. the brakes were always in the up position unless the operator, in conjunction with the rear unloader attendant, advanced a train. the road wheels were heard spinning at the end of the ride and continued to spin until the operator, in conjunction with the unload attendant, advanced the train.