Gaps between coaches

[Meerkat]

Just seen a photo of a Swiss intercity loco-hauled train and noticed how closely coupled the coaches are. How do they manage that whilst IETs have huge gaps?
The close coupling must be far more aerodynamic and get more coaches in a platform.

 

[Bletchleyite]

Just seen a photo of a Swiss intercity loco-hauled train and noticed how closely coupled the coaches are. How do they manage that whilst IETs have huge gaps?
The close coupling must be far more aerodynamic and get more coaches in a platform.

One thing I find noticeable is that Pendolinos and Classes 195/331 seem to have the coaches very close together - most other UK stock doesn't as you say.

 

[Cowley]

One thing I find noticeable is that Pendolinos and Classes 195/331 seem to have the coaches very close together - most other UK stock doesn't as you say.

Interesting observations.
Would it be something to do with the long length of the coaches and where the bogie pivots are? As in to keep them in gauge the bogies have to be slightly further in towards the centre of the carriage thus meaning slightly more swing at the vehicle ends?

 

[61653 HTAFC]

Just seen a photo of a Swiss intercity loco-hauled train and noticed how closely coupled the coaches are. How do they manage that whilst IETs have huge gaps?
The close coupling must be far more aerodynamic and get more coaches in a platform.

Being generous and supposing that you could narrow the gap between each coach by 0.5 metres, on a 9-car IET (8 connections) you'd gain a massive 4 metres of extra usable platform length.

Perhaps we could write to Grant Shapps to suggest uses for this extra space... I'd fill it with his predecessor, and at least 6 metres of quick-drying cement.