Coupling issues

[mark1]

The Bachmann catalogue lists 5 versions of NEM couplings. (What does NEM mean?)
Most of my rolling stock is Bachmann and I do have occasional issues with couplings parting, mainly on curves. These are not tight radii.

Are some versions of NEM couplings more tolerant of curves or imperfections of track?

I might consider establishing whole train permanent coupling if that would help. any suggestions about going about this please?

[Mike Parkes]

NEM is a standard coupling mount - NEM 362 to be precise and the couplings are removed simply by pulling them out of the socket, replaced by pushing back in. The variations that Bachmann offer are partly because some models have a NEM mount set too high hence the cranked variety.

[Rog (RJ)]

NEM stands for Normen Europäischer Modellbahnen, which translates to Standards of European Model Railways.

[Tallpaul70]

Can I pick up on the comment about differing pocket heights and push the subject sideways to Kadee couplings?

These sound a good idea for NEM pocketed stock, as you just pull the tension lock out and push the Kadee in!

However, I think there is an issue with regard to different pocket heights, which the cranked tension lock gets over, but I don't think there is a cranked Kadee?

I know there is a gauge for setting kadee heights but how do you actually adjust their height?

Thanks All
Paul

[Mike Parkes]

The issue of NEM mounts that are set too high can be resolved either by lowering the mount if possible by sliding it out of the chassis fixing partly (and gluing a piece of plastic card between to it pushing up) or by fixing a Kadee coupling (with its NEM tails removed) under a NEM tension lock (with its tension lock loop and hook removed) so making up a cranked Kadee. Bolt and glue together with some suitably sized nut and bolt

[Mr Bones]

As Mike says there are ways round this. Kadee do also do cranked couplers, Kadee Coupler list. Although I've not seen many on sale in the UK, but if you use the gear boxes you can adjust the height to suit.

[Ron S]

Fitting Kadee's
http://yourmodelrailway.net/view_topic. ... rum_id=156

re NEM & UK models
http://www.doubleogauge.com/standards/couplings.htm

[Bandit Mick]

I have probs with my Hornby and Bachmann couplers when used together - they seem to be reluctant to couple side by side - instead they seem to head towards each other sort of thing. Grrr!

[Walkingthedog]

That’s very strange. I have models from all the UK outline producers and they all couple together.

[Mike Parkes]

As Mike says there are ways round this. Kadee do also do cranked couplers, Kadee Coupler list. Although I've not seen many on sale in the UK, but if you use the gear boxes you can adjust the height to suit.

Those are normal Kadees that fit a Kadee draft box not a NEM mount. The long underset ones are useful on kit built wagons as you can Kadee them without having to cut the bufferbeam.