An electronically controlled parking or safety brake is disclosed. The brake is capable of reliably immobilizing a locomotive. A brake may employ both manual and automatic modes, and be capable of providing for either mode in operation. The electronic control system facilitates the setting and releasing of the brake in the automatic mode without any manual manipulation or readjustment of gears, handles, levers, pawls, and the like being required by an operator. An actuating mechanism is capable of operating in a first mode to set the brake and in a second mode to release the brake. A motor, clutch, gearing means, ratchet mechanism, solenoid, and electronic control system are operatively connected to a chain to set the brake on the locomotive wheel. Further, remote operation of the brake is possible through hard wired control signals or by wireless communication using a transmitter to send signals to the electronic control means. Further, determination of the applied brake force may be through local sensing of motor current or remote sensing through a load sensor located at the wheel braking device.