Yeah, rolling stock is old. Also, in Germany the DB Class 120 locos (the first series-production 3-phase inverter electric locos) were retired between 2016 and

Yeah, rolling stock is old. Also, in Germany the DB Class 120 locos (the first series-production 3-phase inverter electric locos) were retired between 2016 and 2020 (build during the 80's). Even the older non-inverter locos here use electro-dynamic brakes (afaik for economic/control reasons, as they are better than air for keeping speed during downhill sections under control), and the remaining ones will retire soon. The screw and hook/buffers issue is more due to the distributed ownership of the freight cars, and early issues with certification of adapters between UIC central couplers and screw+hook/buffers. Sure, there are situations where it's too steep to only brake the loco, but they aren't that common and adding some induction brakes to some of the heavier cars and preferentially using them shouldn't be particularly expensive. Sure, not cheap, but also not prohibitive for getting rid of friction breaks in the course of normal operation (well, some friction breaking may be needed from time to time to keep them in check and verify proper function.... but still a >90% reduction shouldn't be hard.