Question

If couplers are not aligned, how much space is required between the cars before they can be safely adjusted?

Answer 1

When couplers are not aligned, there should be enough space between the cars to safely adjust them. This space is typically a few inches to a foot, depending on the type of coupler.

Step-by-step explanation:

When couplers are not aligned, there should be enough space between the cars to safely adjust them. This space is typically a few inches to a foot, depending on the type of coupler. For example, in the case of a AAR coupler used in North America, there is usually a slack zone of about 1 to 2 inches between cars to allow for vertical movement and misalignment. This allows the couplers to adjust and prevent excessive forces on the cars during operation.