Testing the Cobalt SS - Surface Mount Servo Turnout Control from DCC Concepts

For my latest N gauge shelf layout I wanted to try a servo drive system. The DCC Concepts 'Cobalt SS' seemed to offer the complete deal with frog and accessory switch wiring included. This set was bought from Rails of Sheffield by myself for £50+ P&P, although the RRP is closer to £60, which is not cheap. The system seems well designed and I've cobbled this test up to 'check' it will work on British Finescale Code 40 Bull-head rail turnouts in N gauge.

[@steveNCB7754]

Having watched your videos on 'Cameo' layouts, I am finalising plans for one of my own, based on your principles (great book BTW). Looking at point motor control under DCC, I saw a couple of videos recently on Charlie's 'Chadwick Model Railway' KZbin channel, where he has looked at the MTB Models MP1 and MP5 point control motors. They work very like Tortoise motors, but have a very low profile and so I was wondering if they could be an option, but still mounted underneath the layout. Their product datasheets contain a lot of information, but trying to confirm the actual maximum height of the MP series has proven difficult - I suspect I may have to buy one to be sure.

[@JamesHiltonCustomModelRailways]

Let me know how you get on. These are bullet proof in their packaging, instructions and setup. You get what you pay for and I’m happy with these, they suited me and got me up and running fairly painlessly…

[@JamesHiltonCustomModelRailways]

Steve they look to be just under 20mm deep. The throw might be the problem, 3mm might not be small enough for N.

[@steveNCB7754]

@@JamesHiltonCustomModelRailways Thanks for the info confirmation. Ah yes, I'm looking at OO scale, so hadn't thought about suitability for N. Even so, I think a mock-up similar to yours would be a smart move on my part (before I get too much further with the design). Will let you know.

[@zivadivathedog9392]

Hi James its a lot of Money £54 when you could do it with a Arduino Nano and possibly a 2g servo for £10. Just trying to make the money go further to buy more trains

[@JamesHiltonCustomModelRailways]

I understand that if you have an interest in model railways beyond the artistry then they’re expensive but for me, they save so much if my time I think, on balance, I’m comfortable with the solution for the price.

[@lukestevens8735]

One important thing with this set-up is how small the point motors are. I have a similar layout/ shunting plank to many of James's designs and there is no way that I could use/ hide a 2g servo. These point motors are surface mount and much less obtrusive.