Re: Sams Coupler and Pin

The cars had a "cut lever" much like the Jenny (vertical plane) coupler. This provided part of the automatic concept of the Sams Coupler.

Another part of the automatic concept was that the side wings of the pin rested upon the link and held the link horizontal so that it would enter into the other pocket without being help up by stick or other means by the switchman.

For the car without the link, the pin would be rested in an inclined position with its bottom portion in the hole of the pocket. Then when the pockets impacted upon coupling the pin would fall and capture the link.

See the image below that was taken at Tonopah during the narrow gauge boom period:


a detail view:


Brian Norden