The coupling looks very interesting, similar to the german Scharffenberg coupler, but the overlapping circles are unusual. Do you know more about this type?

--
Güter auf die Bahn!

All I know is that its known as a spear-type coupler. All air, HEP, COM and MU connections are made at the same time the units are coupled. Push-Pull equipment however requires air hoses, HEP, COM and MU cabled to be made up after coupling. The yellow piece is a compromise coupler. This is there in case the unit dies and needs to be towed by a locomotive with an AAR Type Freight coupler.

--
-Sully

Photography pho · tog · ra · phy - (n): The art of trial & error.

Interesting, thank you!

--
Güter auf die Bahn!

bela foto!

--
___________________

My Portfolio: [link]
___________________


[ Everything shall be called Design or nothing shall be called Design.

This is the Budd type automatic coupler, originally designed for the budd Pioneer III and Silverliner MU cars. Info transfered thru here is MU and Comm only. No HEP (hotel power) gets transfered thru as that is a high voltage connection and these couplers only carry low voltage jumpers. They only connect Main Res and Brake pipe between cars, with the straight air EP brake system and MU traincar setup this is all you need to connect between them.

--
There is a difference between Model Trains and Toy Trains. I should know, I own both.

Thank you, good to know! Is this system used on other occasions as well, or are the forces it can hold too low for locomotive-drawn trains? A similar-looking coupler is used in Europe a lot, but only on MU cars since it's not too strong, so I'm wondering whether it's the same here.

--
Güter auf die Bahn!

We can only use these on MU cars, since every car is powered the stress isnt so great on the couplers. They are limited to I believe 12 in tow by a locomotive due to the lesser strength of the coupler, and when such is done nothing is to be connected with a compromise coupler (used to connect the loco or other cars to the automatic) at the other end of the 12 car set.

--
There is a difference between Model Trains and Toy Trains. I should know, I own both.

Interesting! If I may just continue to ask about couplers, is there any difference between the standard couplers used for freight and for passenger service? I've heard there's some difference, to have less slack on passenger trains, but are they completely compatible, or are the differences something major?

--
Güter auf die Bahn!

They are completly compatible, however, the couplers used on passenger trains in the US are called Tightlok couplers and they do provide far less slack than freight (About 3 inches, vs 6 for freight) They provide when a derailment or collision that they dont come uncoupled easily, the freight car knuckle couplers can slide right up out of each other. The minimal slack is also important for smoother train operations. Freight railroads are starting to convert many fright cars to the tightlok type as its good for trains with hazmats or other delicate materials.

A great write up here on the different types of US couplers automatic and manual.
[link])

--
There is a difference between Model Trains and Toy Trains. I should know, I own both.