Doh - wrong make - these are Dellner's not Scharfenberg http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coupling_(railway)#Fully_Automatic_Couplings has some comparisons... They are both versions of fully automatic couplers, which incorporate all mechanical, electrical and air connections. Here's a closeup of the retractable version on 57303 - it has conventional UK couplers and connections as well as the dellner. This is what it looks like in the lowered operating position. http://chris-mills.fotopic.net/p6328267.html
That one doesn't just have a nose, it has a beak!!! Neat stuff--begs the question, where was this bird of prey captured?
Hemi, you gotta come down and check out AZ sometime! http://www.verdecanyonrr.com/ It's in Clarkdale, AZ and has some cool equipment on the property.
(quote is seen on like page 3) It comes from a look out point in a State Park north of Savana Illinois like this one. Great train watching site on the BNSF double track main.
First Trans-Pennine Express are in the process of receiving an order of class 185 Desiro DMU's - here's the relevant nose-shot at Doncaster a couple of months back.
Of all the noses in this photo, mine is the smallest. My big brothers and I were seeing my dad off on a busness trip in 1955. Had to pose next to "his" engine.
