Method and apparatus for limiting brake cylinder pressure in emergency braking of a locomotive consist connected to a train of railway cars. The apparatus includes a manifold device connected to a reservoir of pressurized fluid for operating pneumatic brakes of the locomotive consist. A first magnet valve is connected to the manifold device for supplying fluid pressure from such device to a brake actuating pipe when an operating coil of the first magnet valve is energized. A second magnet valve having an operating coil is connected to the manifold device for supplying fluid pressure from the reservoir to an adjustable pressure regulator connecting an independent application and release pipe to the manifold device. A relay is connected to receive an emergency brake signal and conduct emergency power to the operating coils of the first and second valves whereby fluid pressure is supplied to the brake actuating pipe and to the adjustable pressure regulator from the manifold device. The adjustable pressure regulator provides the independent and release pipe with a fluid pressure preset to a predetermined value by the adjustable pressure regulator.