Abstract: An improved remote-controlled model railway vehicle coupling device comprising a coupler configured with a channeled shaft having a proximal and distal end, the proximal end forming an aperture designated for pivotably mounting within a housing, the distal end forming a head designated for limiting the pivotable displacement of a knuckle; the knuckle operable to pivot between a closed and an open position. An electronically automated locking assembly is substantially carried within the shaft of the coupler. The locking assembly includes a thermo-mechanical actuator capable of using an electric current to provide thermal energy to transpose between a martensite phase length and a shorter austenite phase length. The locking assembly further includes a bias-spring operable to both encourage the thermo-mechanical actuator towards its martensite phase length and urge the locking assembly towards the knuckle for substantial engagement with the knuckle to lock it in its closed position.

Abstract: A railway car coupler includes a knuckle locked in a closed position and movable into an open position upon opening of the lock and actuation of a thrower arm engaging the knuckle. The thrower arm is configured to limit the shortening of the knuckle opening moment during the knuckle opening movement.