The automatic couplers between the leading unit 151 092-4 (right) and the trailing unit 151 111-2 (left), 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. There are air hoses integrated in the couplers, but between the locos the standard air hoses are used, which are not present on the cars. Also there is a control connector for the multiple unit. All vehicles with automatic couplers have warning signs at the corners. The heavy ore trains normally use another line, it's the first time i saw one there.

Digital photo by Christoph Schmitz