The present invention includes a braking system for a railway car generally including a brake cylinder having a cylinder rod. The cylinder rod is in mechanical communication with a lever transfer assembly and is configured to articulate said lever transfer assembly. The lever transfer assembly may be rotatably connected to a first brake assembly and connected to a rear brake assembly through respective connection rods. Actuating the lever transfer assembly with the cylinder rod generates a divergent braking force between the first and second brake assemblies for slowing and/or stopping the railway car.