Refitting Heljan Kestrel coupling

[ColinK]

Hi, the front coupling mount on my Heljan Kestrel has popped out.

 

It is the bit on the right of the photo which has two pins which go into the slot on the bogie (right).  I can’t find a way of springing them apart so I can get the coupling mount back in.  Any ideas?

[Dagworth]

About the only way to do it is to unclip the wheel retaining plate from the bottom of the bogie* and then take the leading axle out. This should give you enough leeway to spring the bogie halves apart and be able to put the coupling mount back. The problem is there’s a good chance that the whole bogie may fall apart, which then needs to be taken out of the loco for reassembly. 
Don’t try to force the coupling mount back in though as the clips in the bogie are quite brittle and will snap easily. 
 

*Use a small flat screwdriver to lever the clips of the plate outwards enough to release them one at a time, they will try to refix themselves so it’s a bit of a battle! 
 

Andi 

[ColinK]

Success, many thanks.