A remote control system for a locomotive utilizes air from the train air brake line to control the independent locomotive brakes. The system provides a portable remote control unit for easy attachment to a locomotive utilizing locomotive power and trainline wires to provide input for the locomotive operation. The system comprises an air link between the train air brake line and the independent locomotive brake line, brake control valve in the air link, operating control for the brake control valve utilizing air from the train air brake line to control air pressure in the independent locomotive brake line, receiver attached to the locomotive for receiving radio instructions and producing signals for the operating control for the brake control valve, direction of travel and throttle position for the locomotive, and transmitter having control switches for an operator remote from the locomotive to send radio instructions to the receiver.