James Robinson wrote:
"Roger T." wrote:

Nope, "power braking: is common, even on passenger trains.


The locomotives used on VIA Rail Canada's transcontinental passenger
train are set up like the HST. i.e., if the air brakes are applied, the
power is automatically shut off. That means the drivers cannot power
brake. Other passenger locomotives will allow power braking, but it is
discouraged.

With the possible exception of the auto train, I believe VIA's
transcontinental train is the longest passenger train in North America.
If power braking isn't needed on that train, then itn't likely to
be needed on very many passenger trains.

Greg Gritton