"Matthew Geier"

Irrelevant. We know that with the brakes applied traction power
cannot be obtained.

Does this mean that any brake application automatically cuts traction
power?

It's typical in North America to "power brake". In power braking, the
throttle is left in notch two or three, the independent brake in full
release while the train is brought to a stand with the train brake
working
against the throttle. Is this not possible in the UK?

You are also comparing a technique to handle slack in a long rake of
goods wagons with the operation of relatively short rake of passenger
rolling stock with low slack couplers and a locomotive on each end, not
just the front.

I would be surprised if goods trains in the UK didn't also use the 'power
brake' technique to stop the slack from running in.

Nope, "power braking: is common, even on passenger trains. Even North
America steam used the "power brake" technique.


--
Cheers
Roger T.

Home of the Great Eastern Railway
http://www.highspeedplus.com/~rogertra/