Railway coupling

Uncommon card · No. 162837

A coupling or coupler is a mechanism, typically located at each end of a rail vehicle, that connects them to form a train. The equipment that connects the couplers to the vehicles is the draft gear or draw gear, which must absorb the stresses from coupling and the train's acceleration. Throughout the history of rail vehicles, a variety of coupler designs and types have been developed worldwide. Key design considerations include strength, reliability, ease and efficiency of handling, and operator safety. Automatic couplers engage when the cars are pushed together. Modern versions not only provide a mechanical connection, but can also couple brake lines and data lines. Different countries use different types of couplers. While North American railroads and China use Janney couplers, railways in the former Soviet Union use SA3 couplers, and the European countries use Scharfenberg and screw couplers. Challenges and complications arise when coupling vehicles with different couplers. Barrier...

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