AZL - 906560-1 - Container Car, Articulated Well, Gunderson Maxi-Stack IV - Massachusetts Central - 5253

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: MCER was chartered in 1975 in the build up to the creation of Conrail. In 1979, they began operating under the Massachusetts Central name a route between Palmer and South Barre, Massachusetts on former Boston & Maine and Boston & Albany track. The line is about 29 miles long.

Mass Central’s claim to fame is a Customs bonded inland intermodal terminal in Palmer opened in 1984. When combined with trackage rights on Central Vermont (now New England Central) MCER provides friendly connections to CN, CSX, and Canadian Pacific for long haul intermodal traffic to New England. They also have two large bulk transfer terminals.

During the 1990’s MCER leased a sizable fleet of double stack cars to serve the Palmer terminal. Twinstacks, and All-Purpose Maxi-III’s were painted in full MassCentral dress, with “America’s Intermodal Shortline” on some wells.

MCER’s diesel fleet long consisted of a pair of rebuilt geeps and a rare NW5. They have recently been joined by a pair of GP38-2’s in a Boston & Maine inspired paint scheme.

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.