Mixing AZL and MTL Intermodal Equipment

I'll add a non-biased nod of approval here...I ran my Maxi-I's with several MTL Husky Stack cars for quite a while....forward and backward. They are solid performers in my experience so far.

In my defense, it is on the AZL display/test track.   When I see Joe D. running trains on that, then we can talk about unbiased.   

Sorry not the AZL display/test track. That is the Ztrack REA T-Trak-Z module. I have it setup in the Ztrack office to test trains. For now, are have obviously. spent a lot of time testing the MAXI-I, but we also use the track to test all locos that come in to Ztrack Resale. That includes MTL and Marklin. When the new loco runs come in from AZL, every single loco will be QC'd on these modules. Kinda fun to think that loco you will be purchasing will have their first runs on these rails.

We actually have a multi-part article on building this module in Ztrack Magazine this year. The module was built to showcase T-Trak-Z and the products that Ztrack offers, including pieces from Archistories, Rokuhan, Ztrains, Father Nature and Z-Panzer. But to be fair, my plan was to take it to shows run trains on it... primarily AZL.

The bolster issue is common, and not just to MTL. I have had to loosen bolsters on AZL as well on occasions. Out of the 5 MTL cars I tested, only 1x bolster was too tight. And it is such as easy adjustment. You barely need any pressure to lightly lift the bolster. You will feel the truck swing freely once the bolster is lifted.