"Roger T." wrote
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?

"Nev Arthur"
Not with the stuff I drive. Why would you do that?

To Keep the slack stretched. Remember, even North American
passenger trains
have slack. An inch or so in every coupling between each car.

Ah! See, you're talking to a passenger train driver here! I don't
know of all these tricks of the trade. On a Eurostar if you make
a brake application of more than just a bit, then the power gets
cut off. If the brake is slightly on, you cannot take power
either. That can cause much consternation when the driver hasn't
realised the brake is on slightly.
Nev