Meglomaniac

I regret that I also remember Automatic Crispin, crane shunting and the erstwhile Mr Freezer talking about Fiddle Yards in his many books. For me, its a generic term that encompasses all areas where trains are stored, re-marshalled or removed. I agree that hands-on is not ideal so I use cartridges. The train consist is not changed but the area gives me the chance to remove it wholesale from the layout and replace it with another set of wagons/coaches/whatever. I would still call that a Fiddle Yard. I agree that the format does not matter - if it works for you, its right for you. Traversers and sector plates can be beautifully made but still do the same job as a length of track nailed to a length of wood. I would encourage newcomers to experiment with various types - we all seem to have our favourites and those decisions are made by having/using different types on layouts as we develop our skills.

For me it would have to be Norrisesque and be MR 1920's with all those wonderful clerestory coaches and beautiful engines. 7mm I guess to get the best of it. Computer control and a section of 10 (scale) miles or so allowing a couple of stations to potter around in. One would be junction with a branch to something like Grassington. Storage yards would hold 50 trains so that I can get a real sense of "watching the trains go by". Good question demanding a serious response - how do you get everything you want into a layout and stay sane/married/solvent???? Perhaps on another thread.............