A fiber optic cross connect system comprising a case defining a tray receiving space and at least one tray slideable in and out of the space between a first closed position, a second intermediate position and a third open or accessible position and a sliding engagment between a sidewall of the case and a side edge of the tray is disclosed. The sliding engagment comprises an elongate link member which is stationary as the tray is moved between the first closed position and the second intermediate position and moves with the tray as the tray is moved between the second intermediate and the third open position and such that the elongate link member does not interfere with fiber optic cables which are interconnecting external devices with devices on the tray. In a particular embodiment the link member is held stationary by a releasable locking mechanism.