Model Railway Forum

I have two Dapol Class 121/122 single car DMUs and I want to remove the NEM couplers. That will leave holes where the NEM couplers live. Is there such a thing as a NEM pocket filler/blank available to buy? I know that such items exists, as a new Bachmann class 03 shunter that I've seen is supplied with a pair to fill the NEM sockets if the couplers are removed. However, a quick web search hasn't highlighted anything, although perhaps I'm using the wrong search terms.

I suppose that it might be possible to cannibalise some NEM couplings, but that looks to be quite a lot of hassle, with no guarantee of success.

Any thoughts or suggestions welcome.

Cheers.

Have you contacted Bachmann?

Sounds like a job for some plasticard.

I did think of using a different sort of coupling, just to add some realism, like some Kadee, but that doesn’t really solve the issue. Plasticard is a bit too permanent, hence the search for a ‘blank’.

I will try Bachmann, but I think I know what the answer is going to be …

You just need one of these,

Black tack? R-

Buffer Stop wrote: ↑Fri Oct 29, 2021 6:05 pm I did think of using a different sort of coupling, just to add some realism, like some Kadee, but that doesn’t really solve the issue. Plasticard is a bit too permanent, hence the search for a ‘blank’.

I will try Bachmann, but I think I know what the answer is going to be …

I was thinking about using plasticard to make a blank to plug into the socket. I take it the sockets are not removable, many are.

I haven’t used black tack but that might be an option. I’ll also have to check to see if the entire NEM pockets are removable. I’ll try Bachmann first as that’s the simplest option.

Thanks for the suggestions so far.

My Electrotren locos came with the choice of a fully dressed buffer beam or a coupling capable buffer beam. I have seen other loco brands with such an option, some of which were a breakout section for sno-ploughs to accommodate a coupling.
Edit - check the applicable service sheet or parts list.

i'll dig out the NEM Specs and see if I can produce something on the printer.

Do you want it to have something like a fake multifunction coupler or simply something to fill the void?

Regards

Steve.

Steve — thanks for the response. All I need is to fill the void to give a flat face to the coupling sockets. I suppose it would be nice to have some sort of fake coupling. What I’m trying to avoid is the coupling hook sticking out. Class 121/122 units were only, from what I can make out, ran as single units, which is how I want to run them, so I’ll never use the couplings.

If you can work your 3D printer magic you’ll have to let me know how much I owe you. I fancy a 3D printer but SWMBO has said ‘no’, on the basis that we don’t have space, which annoying is true.