Catt, I can't tell you how AZL choose that exact 3-bay. But typically a manufacturer is going to look at a prototype that has been produced in the highest quantity, or has the largest number of liveries to reproduce. I can see how both ED and AZL come up with using the same prototype for this hopper.
An injection manufacturer is looking a the mass audience when the research, design and tool a product. For this reason, kit and brass releases may not be taken into consideration when choosing a model for release. I am not meaning the kits and brass releases are not good products. The difference is that have a limited market. Most Z scalers are not into car kits. Also, most are not willing to pay for high end brass. While you are choosing to focus on a kit, it is easy to also ask the question why AZL chose PS2-cd covered hoppers since FR released them in brass. But then again, you can ask why Robert Ray offered wood chip car kits when FR had brass models. Again, two very different clientele.
The core issue is that a manufacturer chose to release the exact two body styles that another manufacturer has offered. More important, these two hopper represent 50% of Full Throttle body styles. There are quite a few hopper cars that could be produced, including a number of different style of 2-bays. There are options.
As for MTL's OEM decision, here is the story. A few years ago, Marsilius was preparing to release their line of passenger cars. Marsilus (who is an authorized MTL dealers) purchased a large quantity of MTL parts for the cars (trucks, couplers). The exact month Marsilus was set to release their cars, they received the letter from MTL. Full Throttle received the same letter. Also receiving the letter was a startup company, North American Scale Models. This company was open and shared their plans with MTL. They never actually released a product.
I don't know if AZL received a letter since they were using MTL couplers on their brass line. But they were already transitioning to their own truck and coupler line.
So you have the story. I find the timing interesting. I also am curiious about MTL decision to purchase the Marsilius line of passenger cars. I only hope they continue to the manufacturer of these, and the tooling doesn't end up on a shelf collecting dust.
Rob
