26/03/2026 #closecoupling #nem363couplings Just over a week ago @andyptsmith posted about the Kadee adjustable couplings. They are known as the NEM363 type and are specifically designed for European couplings, where the heights are different to the Kadee standard. I have been waiting for Kadee to do something like this for years, as I have lots of old stock with large tension locks that I want to change, as well as Bachmann and others that have the NEM pocket in the wrong position. They are a game changer! I reproduce the sheets here in photos 1 and 2. They first came up when @Kevin Appleby and myself were discussing a problem he was having with a Rapido loco last April. I bought two packs at DEMU Showcase last June, from DC Kits at £12.50 each. One number 51 (short) and one number 52 (medium). They come with an adaptor for standard NEM 362 pockets and a screw on (or glue on) bracket for where there is no NEM pocket. I am finding several uses for these, as I like to explore and experiment with close coupling methods. I think the first use I found for them may surprise you! I hate tension lock couplings of any kind, even the short stubby ones (which were my go to ones many years ago, before Hunt magnetic ones came out). So I change them on locos for Kadee type. When I put them on my Cavalex class 56 last year, I noticed that it was continually uncoupling! Strange, I thought! On investigating, I found that when the loco pulled away with a long load, the Kadee on the loco was rising up and slipping out of its partner on the first wagon. I tried several things to alleviate this, without success. I put this down to play in the kinematic coupling and the long arm of the NEM pocket. (Note! Cavalex became aware of this and have now redesigned the coupling.) So I thought I would try to use the new Kadee NEM pocket adapter with a number 51 NEM363 coupling and set it lower down than the standard position. Lo and behold, it works! The coupling still rises up, but now to a central position which is in line with its partner on the wagon! Result! You can see the fitting in photos 3 and 4. Please see my future posts to show some further examples.

Posted by Wagons Mike at 2026-03-26 13:33:43 UTC