The automatic coupler at the front end of 151 092-4, seen in the new overtaking station Dorsfeld (on Cologne-Aachen) on 11 November 2001. These couplers are used for ore trains with up to 5400 tons, where screw-link couplers are not possible due to the high forces. The side buffers are not needed, but on the locos they remained. The cars don't have any buffers. Also the locos have the standard air hoses, the cars have them not, they use the air hoses integrated in the coupler which are visible in the lower part. All vehicles with automatic couplers have warning signs at the corners. Between the sign and the buffer is a control connector used for multiple units. Behind 151 092-4 is 151 111-2. The heavy ore trains normally use another line, it's the first time i saw one there.

Digital photo by Christoph Schmitz