We present medium-resolution spectroscopy of a sample of stars in the second Galactic quadrant selected from the literature because their colours suggest that they are moderately-reddened early-type stars at very large distances .
From the derived spectral types and observed colours , we calculate distances to all these objects .
For a sizable fraction of our sample , we find distances well in excess of what is expected for Perseus Arm objects , even allowing for rather generous errors .
In the interval l = 150 \degr - 180 \degr , there is a large number of objects with distances in excess of 4 kpc , which are likely tracing the Outer or Cygnus Arm .
In particular , we find that the association Cam OB3 is placed on this Arm .
Based on our results , the extent and definition of the associations Cas OB4 and Aur OB2 need to be reevaluated .