Coupler Specifications and Rules

[Anonymous]

All -

I'm looking to quantify the maximum amount of slack in an individual coupler pair. That is to say, what's the most separation that could exist between two knuckles during a push or pull event.

I've been unable to find any rules, recommendations, or specifications for Type E, Type F or Type E/F couplers. Are there any such specifications available?
[?]

Thank you very much for your input,
Dave Davenport

[CSSHEGEWISCH]

Since couplers are part of interchange equipment, the specifications for them would be written by the AAR.

[CShaveRR]

I went looking in my Car and Locomotive Cycloopedias, and although a lot of dimensions for couplers are given, those particular dimensions (the thickness of the knuckle and the distance between the faces of the coupler) aren't shown. That difference is roughly an inch, though. More slack action comes from between the drawbar and the car's underframe.

[oltmannd]

Are you taking free slack only? There is also slack from the deflection of the draft gear or end of car cushioning unit that will vary depending on conditions.