I mean, that's what I assume that brake lever to be anyways, because it looks similar to the BR 185 electric brake lever. Is it because the leading unit of the ICE is never meant to be used alone, but always as a train? Even assuming that it is a combination of electric brake and train brake with real brake pads, wouldn't it be better to have them separately? The electric brake for speed limit compliance and smooth deceleration, and the train brake for stopping. I mean, the AFB already kind of does that (as far as I could see, it only applies the electric brake), but why not have a manual option for the driver?
Yes but if electric(dynamic) braking could be used on its own, you could slow down to a speed limit without worrying when would train brakes start to release. Also less wear on the train brakes.
The brake handle in the ICE acts as a blended dynamic (rheo or regen I’m not sure) and pneumatic brake in a service application. This means it uses both the motors as generators and mechanical friction brakes to stop in these settings. In the emergency position, I should believe the brakes are all pneumatic and magnetic track brakes.
The brake handle is just a brake power demanding device. The brake computers decide what brakes are used then. If needed, they use all 3 brake systems to get to a halt. But that all depends on numerous conditions.
