Adapter for DCCConcepts Cobalt point motor to use as uncoupler (OO Gauge)

By adding this to a DCCConcepts Cobalt IP point motor (not included!) you are able to uncouple OO gauge tension lock (hook and loop) equipped rolling stock using a DCC model railway controller.

Add the point motor as usual to the controller - activation will cycle between raising and lowering the central bar.

To install on the model railway it is necessary to remove the central span of a single sleeper. In it's place drill a suitable hole to accommodate the riser tube.

Attach the adapter to the point motor with the metal actuation bar inserted through the slot at the bottom of the riser bar.

Once assembled, attach the point motor below the baseboard as usual but turned sideways so that the riser tube is within the baseboard hole. There is no need to align the point motor with the track as it'll function from any position.

Once secured, glue a piece of clear plastic (25mm x 12mm is the size I've used) to the top of the riser bar where it protrudes between the rails - this will be used to raise the coupling hooks.

I'd recommend assigning a dcc address to the point motor before it's installed as the 'set' switch is against the underside of the base board and is fiddly to reach once in place.

My baseboard is 11mm thick (ply plus a layer of cork). For a less deep one it will be necessary to shorten the riser tube and riser bar by an appropriate amount to match your depth.

When in use the lowest height of the riser bar is not adjustable but the upper height is - move the plastic slider which is part of the Cobalt point motor (with the rod through it) towards the motor arm pivot to increase the maximum height, away from the pivot to reduce it.

(Ignore the black towers either side of the track in some photos - they are not necessary for this project)

Hope this is of use to others.