I'd say 52" is quite long to lift and turn as one unit, though you can get longer lengths in the Train-Safe product line - up to 2m or 78"

https://www.train-safe.de/en/tsb-n/ts-basic-gauge-n

My yard is designed with crossovers at each end which means every line can be bi-directional. Each line is split in half electrically to accommodate 2 shorter trains or 1 long train. All points are motorised, and although I always ensure there is frog/route switching on the scenic parts of the layout these Setrack points are generally still ok relying on blade contact even after 30 years and dozens of exhibitions   The 2 outside lines were originally going to support cassettes (hence the wider spacing) but in the end I've never bothered to make them up.




Typically I only use one or two of the yard lines as bi-directional, for long unit sets or push-pull expresses.  No need to remove the loco to the other end

I have a 4 track main line coming into double tracks at each end leading to my stock yard.
At present I have 10 looped lines and 2 sidings for the 12 trains which I wish to run.
I prefer to see 8 of these trains to run both ways, Up & Down and at present this is achieved by turning the loco only not the whole train.

Points in the yard are hand operated and rely on blade contact for electrical connectivity. I have found this to lead to erratic running, problems with derailments and or electrical at varying places at different times.

I am considering using cassettes, the longest would have to be 52" for my longest train.

What experiences have other members had when using this type of storage and is the 52" length practical?

Maurice C.

Quote from: Newportnobby on Yesterday at 12:45:22 PMHaving a bit of a 'Yes' morning. All early stuff, with the latest played being 'Close to the Edge'

To me the early Yes stuff was their best work.

It all became rather unforgettable after Tales from Topographic Oceans which itself was only good in parts.

Back when I flogged new cars there would always be a few new cars floating around that had been registered and were then sold as used. It was to hit targets.
If the dealership was a few cars short of their monthly/quarterly target we'd register the shortfall from stock then sold as used. The pre delivery inspection would only be done when the car was sold.

Hi Paul  you are of course correct, well last nightI checked the car on the DVLA website, it turns out the car was first registered in November 2025 hence the 75 plate, but then it was not given the pre delivery checks till 18th March 2026. I collected the car yesterday with 18 miles on the clock so I am happy, it drives ok no faults found so far. You have to watch out for digital faults nowadays, so nothing new there, same with our model railways digital.
Chris H.

Having a bit of a 'Yes' morning. All early stuff, with the latest played being 'Close to the Edge'

Ningen Isu

Ok I have now finished the designs for this round of testing, thanks for your input everyone! I now have three shank lengths to test, and assuming that the NEM standard of 6mm from the front of the coupling socket to the mid point between the couplings is 6mm (it is often considerably shorter on actual models) you get:

Size: Short Midpoint from socket: 6mm Buffer gap: 0mm

Size: Medium Midpoint from socket: 7mm Buffer gap: 2mm

Size: Long Midpoint from socket: 8mm Buffer gap: 4mm

So in the case of a socket which is only 4mm from the buffers (2mm under standard) then you would get a 4mm buffer gap using the short coupler. I hope that makes sense. So you should be able to get the right buffer distance for your layout curve radii for looks and reliable operation across a wide range of different rolling stock.

These will also work for 009 and TT120 using the same sizes which is handy!

When I get the second catch versions back from the etchers I will test it and update this.

Will.

My buddy just turned me on to Sweet. I've heard these songs before, but never knew who sang them.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=96j6Ms6mDrI


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zRgWvvkSvfk

Quote from: lil chris on May 19, 2026, 07:43:59 PMWell I have just traded my car for a newer one,the old one cost me a few quid last mot, I was not having a repeat. They kept me waiting a while for paper work but it was worth it. The car is a 75 plate so i thought it was about 8/9 months old, checked the paperwork and it was first registered 18th March this year, so its two months old and only 18 miles on the clock, what a good do. You got to laugh  the wife ie swmbo was away last week and when she came back on Friday and found cans of Thatchers Cider in the fridge and then found out I had bought a car too. Eldist son said to her you have only been away a week and dads started drinking and bought car.....lol
Chris H.

Hi

A little puzzled as a car registered in March this year should be 26. 75 would relate to 1/09/2025 to 28/02/2026

Cheers

Paul