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couplers?

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  • Member since
    October 2007
  • From: iron ridge
  • 204 posts
couplers?
Posted by wisandsouthernkid on Sunday, August 3, 2008 7:47 PM

i have seen my share of soupler and i am sure other railroaders have also i have noticed that tank cars have different couplers than say a boxcarwhy is that? and what is an alignment control coupler?

the happiest people in the world dont have the best of everything, but make the best out of everything they have
  • Member since
    December 2004
  • From: WSOR Northern Div.
  • 1,559 posts
Posted by WSOR 3801 on Sunday, August 3, 2008 11:17 PM

Tank cars have a double-shelf coupler.  There are castings above and below the coupler, to keep the coupler from riding up and puncturing a tank.  HO scale version.

 

Alignment control couplers don't swing as far as normal couplers.  Usually only found on engines.  Most have limits within the draft gear housing, not readily visible.

This shot shows the limiting tabs applied on an older engine (WSOR 702).  You can see on the coupler where it has rubbed against the tabs, limiting swing and preventing jacknifing.

Mike WSOR engineer | HO scale since 1988 | Visit our club www.WCGandyDancers.com

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