> In one point of the waiver request, it says that the couplers will couple all lines automatically, and uncoupling will be controlled from the cab (something which was "wow, cool" some 45 years ago).

The Key System started using this sort of thing in 1924 (Tomlynson couplers with remote controlled MU connections). The IRT (Interborough Rapid Transit) was using the Westinghouse version before 1911 (The PE and IER also used this version).

There can't be automatic closure of the brake pipe (or it's equivalent) because this would nullify and emergency brake application if a train became uncoupled. US railroads realized this by 1890.

> As I stated, the "standard" knuckle coupler is useless. . . . useless for automatic coupling and uncoupling of any kind of line (air, electric, control).

Tell this to the Washington, Baltimore, and Annapolis, which used knuckle couplers with automatic control and air piping make up attachments . . . back in the 1920s and 1930s.