AZL - 906557-3 - Container Car, Articulated Well, Gunderson Maxi-Stack IV - Arkansas-Oklahoma - 55374

Specific Item Information: Each set will come with six containers.

Model Information: The cars are articulated and ride on modified AZL 90001 roller-bearing trucks. These trucks swing quite freely. A railing ramp is suggested for placing the cars on the track. A minimum of curve of 220mm and above is recommended.

Each set will come with six containers. The 53′ containers are the first time AZL has offered corrugated type containers in this length. The 40′ containers are a re-release with new tooling as well. AZL plans to offer a mix of containers from discount stores, online stores, overnight delivery services, shipping companies, moving companies and railroads.

Prototype History: Intermodal container service is one of the most popular types of freight service on rails today. The Maxi-Stack IV car is the mainstay of the U.S. domestic double-stack car fleet. Providing an optimum balance between tare weight and capacity, the Gunderson Maxi-Stack IV is a 3-unit articulated double-stack car that can handle containers from 20-foot to 53-foot long in the well and containers 40-foot to 57-foot in the top, or double-stacked, position. As of a result of its versatility and sturdy construction, the Maxi-Stack IV is now the mainstay of the U.S. domestic double-stack fleet. The popularity of this car on North American rails is underscored by its popularity with model railroaders today!

Road Name History: This company was launched in 1996 by the Donoley family to operate a 73 mile line from McAlester to Howe and a 36 mile line from Oklahoma City to Shawnee, all in Oklahoma. Howe is just 7 miles from the Arkansas border so having Arkansas in their name isn't too much of a stretch. Both lines had been segments of Rock Island's Choctaw Route from Memphis to Tucumcari. Shortly after the Rock Island closed in 1980, MKT took over operation of these lines, followed by Union Pacific after their merger. In addition to these routes, AOK provides switching services to an automobile logistics facility in Midwest City, Oklahoma. You might get the impression that AOK owns many thousands of freight cars due to the ubiquity of those reporting marks but in fact Arkansas-Oklahoma leases their AOK reporting marks to Greenbrier Leasing. This is done because there are differences in how cars with railroad reporting marks and cars with private owner reporting marks (which end in X) are billed for movement when empty.

Read more on the company website.

Brand/Importer Information: AZL is the leader in North American Z scale locomotives and rolling stock. Since 2000, AZL has released a vast variety of freight, passenger and locomotives. AZL continues to push the boundaries of Z scale with amazing details and incredible performance. No matter if you are looking to run steam, or the most modern diesels, AZL has something for you.