What kinds of couplers are used on IRs trains?
IR passenger stock is mostly built with side buffers and screw couplers that have to be manually connected. The side buffers have single helical spring elements. The notable exceptions are the new [2/00] Alsthom LHB design coaches that have CBC (centre-buffer-coupler). IR is now introducing tightlock CBC couplers on passenger stock. This started as an experiment in the early 2000s. One rake of the Prayagraj Express was fitted with CBC couplers as a trial. CBC couplers overcome some of the limitations of the screw couplers — limited draft load and energy absorption capacity, lack of anti-climbing feature, etc. CBC couplers would also reduce the inter-coach distance. [12/05] More trains, such as the Godavari Exp. and Charminar Exp. now have CBC rakes. All new freight stock and container rake wagons for CONCOR, have CBC couplers (MCB (or ‘Janney’ or ‘knuckle’ (US style) couplers). In particular newer freight stock has AAR type ‘E’ CBC couplers usually with high-capacity draft gear. But t
IR passenger stock is mostly built with side buffers and screw couplers that have to be manually connected. The side buffers have single helical spring elements. The notable exceptions are the new [2/00] Alsthom LHB design coaches that have CBC (centre-buffer-coupler). IR is now introducing tightlock CBC on passenger stock. This started as an experiment in the early 2000s. One rake of the Prayagraj Express was fitted with CBC as a trial. CBC overcome some of the limitations of the screw couplers — limited draft load and energy absorption capacity, lack of anti-climbing feature, etc. CBC would also reduce the inter-coach distance. [12/05] More trains, such as the Godavari Exp. and Charminar Exp. now have CBC rakes. All new freight stock and container rake wagons for CONCOR, have CBC (MCB (or ‘Janney’ or ‘knuckle’ (US style) couplers). In particular newer freight stock has AAR type ‘E’ CBC usually with high-capacity draft gear. But there are still some older freight cars which have hook
