NEM pockets N Gauge

[john.lammin]

  Hi all. I`ve been trying to find out how to remove a coupler from an NEM pocket. Can`t seem to find the info anywhere. Some say you just pull out the old coupler and push in the new one. Is it as simple as that? I have N gauge wagons & coaches.

[Bealman]

G'day from Australia, mate, and welcome to the NGF! 

I would have thought that it would be as simple as that, but our members will set you right.

Welcome!

[Steven B]

Yes, it's as simple as pulling the old one out and pushing the new one in its place.

You may find that pulling first one side clip, then the other makes it come out easier. Also, be aware that whilst there's a standard for the NEM coupling pocket that different manufacturers can end up at different ends of the tolerance scale meaning some couplings might be a very tight fit whilst others are very loose. Fortunately Dapol and Farish versions are reasonably consistent.

Happy modelling.

Steven B.

[Dr Al]

Some say you just pull out the old coupler and push in the new one. Is it as simple as that?

Yes. It is that simple.

But not all stock is NEM fitted. Older designs can use a hinged coupler (Peco's Elsie) or sprung couplers which sit in a coupling box and don't pull out. So you do need to check that the piece of stock in question is an NEM one before pulling on it!

Cheers,
Alan

[njee20]

I recommend holding the pocket too, otherwise you can pull it out of its 'guide' where fitted on some stock - Dapol mk3s are bad for it.