Jouef initially wanted to fit its own couplings to its trains, which were unfortunately completely incompatible with the majority of those of its competitors.
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The first tinplate lithographed vehicles were provided with a simple hook and bar system made from steel. |
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The first plastic goods wagons had a similar simple hook and bar system made from plastic. These models are now extremely rare. |
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In 1955, locomotives, wagons and coaches were provided with a system of non-reversible couplings including a side loop and hook made from mazac with counterbalance. This was replaced by the following year with a hook with a spring rather like the contemporary Tri-ang couplings |
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In 1958 the whole of the range was equipped with "Jouef" reversible coupling with a plastic loop and a metal hook which was raised to couple. This type of coupling enabled straightforward coupling and uncoupling of vehicles. These couplings are also known as 'Lanal'. |
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In 1963 Jouef adopted the Märklin universal coupling (called "international" in the catalogues), but kept its old system for the clockwork primary series of models. |
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Despite other improvements since then, the universal coupling has been retained by Jouef. |