NEM or Not?

[Haymarket47]

Hi Bit of a newbie question here. I've just started dabbling in n gauge and am in the process of setting a up an inglenook. I would like to use "automatic" uncoupling using the Dapol easifits and, naively, went ahead and bought some wagons. Unfortunately I'm having real difficulty, possibly due to the their small nature, of identifying whether or not the wagons have nem pockets. I tried looking on the manufacturer's  websites and a few online retailers but info is hard to come by. Can anyone point me in the right direction please?

Many thanks
Alan

[RailGooner]

I reckon a NEM 355 pocket is easily visually distinguisable from other types. Take an item of stock that you've confirmed - via box info, manufacturers website, etc. - is fitted with NEM pockets and study it. Then compare and contrast. Additionally you should be able to pull a NEM coupler from a NEM socket with very little force.

[ntpntpntp]

The NEM coupling pocket is usually quite distinctive compared to the older T shank pocket. 

NEM is a standard "box" with a horizontal slot across the front, and the shaft of the coupling is quite wide.

T shank comes in various designs of pocket, sometimes with a metal or plastic cover plate. sometimes the internal spring is visible from underneath.  The front of the pocket has a vertical slot, and the coupling shaft is not as wide as an NEM coupling.   

Be aware that early Graham Farish wagons used a coupling with no spring, held in place with a round plastic pin and with a characteristic "U-bend" shape to the coupling shaft.

Here is NEM coupling and pocket on the left, T shank and spring on the right

[Haymarket47]

The NEM coupling pocket is usually quite distinctive compared to the older T shank pocket. 

NEM is a standard "box" with a horizontal slot across the front, and the shaft of the coupling is quite wide.

T shank comes in various designs of pocket, sometimes with a metal or plastic cover plate. somethings the internal spring is visible from underneath.  The front of the pocket has a vertical slot, and the coupling shaft is not as wide as an NEM coupling.   

Be aware that early Graham Farish wagons used a coupling with no spring, held in place with a round plastic pin and with a characteristic "U-bend" shape to the coupling shaft.

Here is NEM coupling and pocket on the left, T shank and spring on the right

Thank you so much, the pictures make it clear now. I think I've made a mistake with some of the wagons I have bought. I assumed that because they were all new they would all have the "nem" style pocket. I don't really want to return them so I guess I'll need to find another system...thankfully I've not bought any easishunt couplings yet.

Much obliged
Alan

[Hightower]

Be aware that early Graham Farish wagons used a coupling with no spring, held in place with a round plastic pin and with a characteristic "U-bend" shape to the coupling shaft.

Sorry for butting in on the thread, but looks like I've had a question of mine answered about some coaches I got from ebay. My next question would be, is there any way to get hold of some of these 'U-bend' couplings, as a few are broken?

Mark

[ntpntpntp]

[some coaches I got from ebay]... is there any way to get hold of some of these [Grafar] 'U-bend' couplings, as a few are broken?

Mark

They've not been used since probably the late 70s/early 80s as far as I can recall.  Unless someone's created a replacement 3D print on somewhere like Shapeways, then really your only hope is salvaging from other old cheap scrapped coaches or wagons.

I believe it has been said that later production coach bogies which are still available as spares may still fit the some of old models, but I can't confirm that.   Maybe if you can identify exactly which old coaches you have (post a photo?) then someone can advise?

These bogie sideframes with newer couplings are available, they might do the job if they are the same style of bogie?
https://www.farishnspares.co.uk/graham-farish/coach-bogie-mk1/sub-sideframes-gf7150-a.html

[Hightower]

I'll look into it, thanks a lot. 

[Portpatrick]

While it adds to the cost , Dapol sell packets of NEM pockets.  It is easy enough on most 4 wheel wagons to carve off the old coupling mounts and glue a NEM pocket in it place.  Them you can fit easishunts or trad style NEM couplings etc as you wish.  Older garish bogies with the U bend coupling are easy to convert.  Remove the old coupling and turn the bogie round 180 degrees.  Drill a small hole centrally and glue on the inner part of the pocket  only.  The height will be just right.  To keep costs reasonable With coaches I have only converted the ends of required rakes.  With wagons I change the end of a short raft.  Converting bogie wagons I have not managed.

Converting pre NEM locos, and Union Mills locos  is possible but can be a challenge. There have been articles in the NGS journal and N Gauge Now