This model is a slightly modified knock-off of the old Lima bay window caboose (as imported by AHM, et al starting back in the late 60's / early 70's). Apart from the absence of the "Lima Italy" stamp on the bottom of the chassis, the main difference is the bay. The bays on the Lima version were actually separate parts. Conversely, the bays on this newer Chinese-made version are a part of the shell casting itself. But given the similarities between the two, I'm assuming that somewhere along the line Model Power acquired the old Lima tooling and shipped it over to China (where it was modified and set up for continued production).
This model is also quite similar to Rivarossi's bay window caboose, although they do have their minor differences (both in terms of detailing and the actual shell). Presumably they are based on the same (SP C-40-4) prototype, though.
The wheels are plastic and the couplers are truck-mounted Rapidos. As mentioned above, there are no manufacturer's stamps on the model itself, but the box does say "Made in China". At least as of this writing (2008), Model Power is still cranking these things out.
A company called "Squeak N Products" has also offered custom-painted versions of these models (Susquehanna, among others).
Circa 1991, a company called "Loco-Motives" (Taneytown, Maryland) used this model to produce a gorgeous Chessie Safety Caboose (in the "Green Cross Over Tracks" scheme). Confirmed road numbers are C&O #904159 and B&O #904032 -
