COUPLING STYLES

The traditional British coupling consists of three hoops of chain and a hook on each item of rolling stock. There were variations, such as a screw coupling where a bar and thread allowed the coupling chain to be tightened. Buck-eye ‘knuckle’ couplers are very North American to British eyes, but there is historical precedent for using them on British layouts: Nigel Gresley fitted buck-eyes to his ‘A4s’ and main line coaches, whereas they’re also used on rakes of Mk 1‑Mk 4 coaches, as well as many new types of freight vehicle.