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General discussion about locomotives, rolling stock, and equipment

Moderator: John_Perkowski

 #201563  by epspsy
 
The latest Trains Mag has on the cover an LIRR coach with those peculiar couplers - like male/female openings. Can anyone explain how they work and why they are used on these as well as subway cars etc.

 #201586  by DutchRailnut
 
N2a couplers and newer beefier version on M7's of Automatic coupler works only with MU equipment it couples Mechanical/Electrical and air at same time.
The coupler has no slack, but can only handle control voltages upto 65 volt. the coupler mechanism is a sliding block inside controlled by air cylinder.

 #201805  by byte
 
There's different varieties of "slackless" passenger couplers. I know the Chicago-area Metra and NICTD electric lines use the Tomilson tightlock, whereas the CTA trains downtown use the Ohio Brass form 5 coupler.

 #201859  by DutchRailnut
 
Amtrak uses Tightlock type H a AAR couper with side ears to prevent jacknifing. http://www.greatlakesrailcar.com/couplers.htm
It has nothi g to do with Automatic couplers.
Last edited by DutchRailnut on Thu Jan 05, 2006 9:39 pm, edited 1 time in total.