What coupling? Can you identify?

In December 2009 during a visit to the South Devon Railway, I came across a pair of Southern Region Ferry Vans at Totnes (Littlehempston). The vehicles were coupled with a very strange coupler.

See >>> http://railwaymiscellany.fotopic.net/p68054166.html

Can anyone identify the type of coupling in use please?

Chris

 

These are standard BSI couplers as used on modern DMU stock (150's, 158's etc). The only difference is that on the cab end of DMU's they have an electrical coupler mounted underneath. The intermediate couplers on DMU's are as shown in the pictures. I guess these vans were probably used as barrier vehicles for shunting units about.

 

The intermediate couplings on most Sprinters classes eg 150/1, 150/2, 155, 156, 158 & 159 also have the electrical coupling box below the same as under the driving cabs. The only difference is that it is necessary to use a bar to uncouple the vehicles in the absence of an uncouple button in the cab. The two vehicles were used as translator vehicles for hauling units/vehicles between depots and works using locomotives at normal speed rather than at 5mph using the emergency coupling.

John.

 

Not wanting to be pedantic but the intermediate couplers on Sprinters DO NOT have electrical couplers underneath the BSI couplers. The electrical connections at the intermediate ends is via jumper cables. I speak from experience as I am employed at a depot where these vehicles are maintained!

 

Found quite an interesting story regarding these two vehicles, refer to http://www.traintesting.com/IVA_88.htm

 

Many thanks to all the contributors.

Chris