Intermodal
container service is one of the most popular types of freight service on rails
today. The Maxi-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-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-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!
The Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad first took delivery
of the MAXI-IV railcar in 2000. Ongoing deliveries of this car since that time
now put thousands of these cars on the BNSF roster. These cars can now be seen
on virtually any mainline railroad from coast to coast. |
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| - The
powerful appearance of this articulated car will be achieved using a metal injection-molded
frame, enhanced by the extensive detail of piping and running board.
- Like
the prototype, the model will feature two different sized wheels! The two end
trucks will have 33” scale wheels while the two middle trucks will have 38”
scale wheels. (This is done on the prototype for weight bearing reasons, with
the greater weight of the load being borne by the wheels of the mid-car trucks
than by the wheels of the trucks on each end.)
- This
car will provide stable operation with or without container loads due to Kato’s
new innovative heavier material steel compound plastic used for the construction
of the well car.
- Each
container has a magnet and a metal plate to hold it securely to the well car bottom
or to the top of the lower Kato container.
- Shock
absorber construction will provide smooth and stable operation, with or without
the container loads. The KATO Kinematic trucks will maintain the prototypical
appearance on straight track while delivering smooth operation on curved track.
- KATO
magnetic knuckle couplers will allow automatic coupling and uncoupling action.
- Each
set will include six removable and individually numbered 53-foot containers with
the BNSF logo.
- Kato
packaging will be designed for the separated storage of the articulated unit,
providing ease and security when not in use.
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