>>1577773Yes, but usually, the tap controls are often mechanically linked to the transformer, like in the DB BR 103, allowing the driver's legs to fit under the console.
Tap controls are a much simpler design to build, but much harder to control for the driver, who needs to watch a bunch of metres to make sure he doesn't accidentally trigger the circuit breaker.
Of course, the need for such controls became obsolete once solid state thyristor controlled systems for AC motors became mainstream. The main advantage of thyristor based systems was the ability to have regenerative braking, allowing for the train to put power back into the electrification system, instead of wasting the power through heat energy.
