Newbie N Gauge questions - with apologies/please be kind!

[ntpntpntp]

A repair job on [the bogie]  had been botched in my view and the miniscule holes in which the axles sit had been ground out/enlarged, so replacement the only option in the end!

Depends how badly the axlebox pinpoint recesses have been reamed out?  Usually to free up a stiff wheelset only requires the very slightness of reaming (sometimes just giving the sideframes a squeeze while turning the wheels is enough). If someone's managed to go too deep and ruin the recesses, a possible option may be to drill out further and fit brass axle bearing cups like these

https://peco-uk.com/products/brass-bearing-cups

[bwj]

Thanks @ntpntpntp

the new bogies weren't especially expensive and were a guaranteed fit - now installed although still have a problem with one of the retaining springs flying free, which as advised I've posted in a unique thread!

[njee20]

Definitely sounds like someone's fiddled with your 350 then, they do have couplings at the outer ends, bogie mounted long shank NEMs; there's literally a photo of one you've posted above.

The motor bogie also has an NEM pocket. The other 5 bogies do not have couplings at all, they use body-mounted kinematic mounts per the spring you've lost.