In the early days, train brakes were not of much concern to the Knapford and Elsbridge Tramway, all the trains being unfitted goods, slowed either by the brakes on the loco or by pinning down the wagon brakes.
It was not until 1904 that the company had to confront this issue, with the expiration of the contract for the W&S to supply passenger services. Both the 0-6-0T No.5, and the two new Kitsons arrived fitted with only steam brakes on the loco, and it was not until 1906 that all locos were fitted with Westinghouse Air Brakes.

After the NWR's absorption of the TK&F in 1923, it was fortuitous that the air brakes on ex-LBSCR E2 No.301 had been retained, allowing it to operate the TK&F stock until replacement with vacuum braked coaches.