So uh… where's the coupler? – Traction Forum

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Tim FrostMember since Apr-9-03 · 1279 postsMar 16, 2004 9:59 AM

Houston's new light rail system is up and running, and they have new LRV's that I've never seen before. Apparently they can be coupled into two-car sets. The only *problem* with this is: where's the coupler?http://world.nycsubway.org/perl/show?28472 http://world.nycsubway.org/perl/show?28476I don't even see a door or anything for one to come out of.http://world.nycsubway.org/us/houston/ <-- has more pictures.I'm mostly just curious, and this is the first place I thought to come for answers. I couldn't find any detailed information on this particular LRV online, and if I know Swissie he'll have at least an educated guess. Tim Frost

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RE: So uh... where's the coupler?, ssw, Mar-16-04, 12:24 PM, (1) RE: So uh... where's the coupler?, Nhtrain2, Mar-16-04, 03:43 PM, (2) RE: So uh... where's the coupler?, henry3, Mar-16-04, 04:23 PM, (3) RE: So uh... where's the coupler?, Gecko, Mar-16-04, 06:45 PM, (4) RE: So uh... where's the coupler?, bradhig, Mar-16-04, 09:44 PM, (5) Here is the Coupler!!, CMO, Mar-17-04, 07:59 PM, (6) RE: Here is the Coupler!!, Tim Frost, Mar-19-04, 03:54 AM, (7) RE: Here is the Coupler!!, Palal, Mar-28-04, 06:57 PM, (8) RE: Here is the Coupler!!, P42number1, Mar-28-04, 07:49 PM, (9) RE: Here is the Coupler!!, ccyko, Mar-28-04, 10:27 PM, (10)

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sswCharter Member · 2129 postsMar 16, 2004 5:24 PM

RE: So uh... where's the coupler?

Maybe the front panel on the bottom comes up. It looks like it is a separate pice from the sides. I won't be in Houston until June, so maybe I'll remember to look

Bradley Linda
Waco, Texas

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Nhtrain2Charter Member · 769 postsMar 16, 2004 8:43 PM

RE: So uh... where's the coupler?

Perhaps, like with many new light rail lines, they anticipated low ridership, and no need for couplers. King of morbid, isn't it?-Alexander NHtrain So uh… where's the coupler? – image 5

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henry3Charter Member · 1645 postsMar 16, 2004 9:23 PM

RE: So uh... where's the coupler?

It appears that you are correct, Bradley.They have been running the cars in pairs for the Rodeo over the past week or so, but I didn't really look too closely at the time. And they're only running in pairs during the evenings.However, I took a closer look at one during lunchtime, and there's a seam around the panel in question.Henry

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GeckoMember since Nov-9-03 · 73 postsMar 16, 2004 11:45 PM

RE: So uh... where's the coupler?

This sounds crazy but could the front part of the car seperate from the back giving them a lot of versitility in setting up consists. George

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bradhigMember since Jan-13-04 · 286 postsMar 17, 2004 2:44 AM

RE: So uh... where's the coupler?

IN St. Louis they cover the couplers with plastic bags when they are in use so when you see a train approach it has a plastic bag on the front and rear couplers.

Supertrain is reborn in MSTS.

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CMOCharter Member · 404 postsMar 18, 2004 12:59 AM

Here is the Coupler!!

LAST EDITED ON Mar-17-04 AT 08:02 PM (EST)

These cars are electronic marvels, and everything is streamlined.
The couplers are hidden under the fairing at each end, and in order to hide them, they are pivoted to the side.
Here are two photos, one showing the car as it ordinarily runs, and the second showing the fairing removed, so you can see the coupler.Now look carefully at the open fairing photo. These couplers are fully automatic, and include the electrical connections as well. The black plastic pieces on each side of the coupler cover the electrical connections for protection.
Over to the left you see what looks like a loudspeaker - well it is. These cars have no air compressor, and no air brakes, and no air at all. Instead they are braked with track magnets, and hydraulically. So in order to blow the horn, or ring the gong, you have an electronic gong and electronic horn - hence the loudspeaker.
Paul.

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So uh… where's the coupler? – image 7
http://www.train-sim.com/dcforum/User_files/4058f335095b7fb1.jpg

http://www.train-sim.com/dcforum/User_files/4058f35d09c5c6c5.jpg

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Tim FrostMember since Apr-9-03 · 1279 postsMar 19, 2004 8:54 AM

RE: Here is the Coupler!!

Very interesting. Thanks for the replies. Tim Frost

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PalalMember since Jul-24-03 · 46 postsMar 28, 2004 11:57 PM

RE: Here is the Coupler!!

>Over to the left you see what looks like a loudspeaker -
>well it is. These cars have no air compressor, and no air
>brakes, and no air at all. Instead they are braked with
>track magnets, and hydraulically. So in order to blow the
>horn, or ring the gong, you have an electronic gong and
>electronic horn - hence the loudspeaker.
Most new Siemens cars have no air. For example, the LA Metro P2000 cars are as much similar as they are different. Siemens has done it again! Another good order of cars!

From San Francisco, California,
-Palal

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P42number1Member since Apr-16-03 · 445 postsMar 29, 2004 12:49 AM

RE: Here is the Coupler!!

LAST EDITED ON Mar-28-04 AT 07:50 PM (EST)

Why don't the cars have air? Is their any advantage?Yay, 444 posts.

Stand clear of the biting doors.

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ccykoCharter Member · 726 postsMar 29, 2004 3:27 AM

RE: Here is the Coupler!!

Chicago Elevated cars have not had any systems using compressed air since the 1950s. The Chicago Transit Authority said that it was done not only for ease in equipment, but also so that if an emergency arose, the car would be instantaneously available. Just flip a switch and on you go. This also makes cars easier to trainline, not requiring an air pipe connection for braking (if such exists still in rapid transit).-Chris

CYKWORKS

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