What is the result of making a brake application that holds without increasing or graduating off until the train stops?

Making a brake application that holds without increasing or graduating off until the train stops results in a hard stop. When the brakes are applied in a manner that maintains constant pressure without reducing it as the train slows down, the train experiences a rapid deceleration. This lack of a gradual release or easing off during the braking process causes the train to come to a stop more abruptly, which is characterized by a hard stop.

In contrast, a smooth stop would typically involve a gradual increase in braking force followed by a controlled reduction to allow the train to decelerate more gently. A gradual stop would similarly imply a gradual application and release of braking pressure, thereby making the stop less forceful. An emergency stop involves maximum braking force but often includes additional factors, such as the urgency required in immediate stopping scenarios. Therefore, maintaining constant pressure from the brakes until coming to a complete stop correlates directly with a hard stop, as it leads to a sudden and forceful halt of the train's movement.