Is this MTH SP Caboose Prototypical?

Close but no cigar. If you move the cupola back a few feet it would be pretty close.

Pete

No, not really. However, it does resemble the S.P. class C-30-1 but the window configuration and the position of the cupola are not quite the same even though it is based on a Harriman Common Standard design. The MTH model is of a Union Pacific caboose.  SOUTHERN PACIFIC FREIGHT CARS Volume 2: Cabooses is an excellent reference.   

I would say if you're looking for an exact replica: No.  If you're looking for "good enuf:" Yes.

Rusty

Yep, I was afraid of that.  I don't think there is an accurate (non bay window style) O scale model caboose out there.  Is there?

Sure there is.  You just have to spring for $300.

I should have qualified that question.  It is hard for me to spend $300 on a GGD passenger car.  I have and will continue to do so, but 300 bucks is my limit for a fine passenger car.  There is no way I could pay that much for a caboose.  I wish I had the discretionary budget to allow for that, but I do not!  I can justify $100 to $150 for a caboose, but I guess that is not a possibility at this point in time.  Everybody has a budget.

Here is the Sunset/3rd Rail model. It is an excellent model of an S.P. C-30-1 caboose. I painted the trucks as per the prototype.  I bought this one N.I.B. on ebay years ago for less than a hundred.

If you are just looking for a caboose to go with your SP engines, K-Line did a Bay Window that is pretty close. Actually there were many variations of the Bay Windows over the years its not hard to get close. Between the C-50s and converted C-30s and windows getting blocked off in later years.

Pete

PAUL ROMANO posted:

 The MTH model is of a Union Pacific caboose.  

I have the Railking version of that, which isn't quite as detailed as the one the picture OP showed, but is still one of the better values I've ever gotten (paid $12 for it at an estate sale).