I recently saw an interview with Ed and he said it was there to help maximize resources. They try to minimize the use of the breaks because unlike the 1940’s when there was a roundhouse in every town, if they wear out a set of breaks, they crew has to change the breaks themselves and it’s just not a fun thing to do after a long day on the rails. Also can use it to help stretch out a run between stops for water if need be.
Brake vs. Break, though they sound the same they are not the same.
brake
/brāk/
noun
plural noun: brakes
1. a device for slowing or stopping a moving vehicle, typically by applying pressure to the wheels.
"he slammed on his brakes"
break
/brāk/
verb
1. separate or cause to separate into pieces as a result of a blow, shock, or strain.
"the rope broke with a loud snap"
synonyms: shatter, smash, smash to smithereens, crack, snap, fracture, fragment, splinter; More
2. interrupt (a continuity, sequence, or course).
"the new government broke the pattern of growth"
synonyms: interrupt, disturb, interfere with
"his concentration was broken by a sound"
