Sandka Kan (one of those nigh anonymous Chinese toy manufacturing conglomorates) manufactured these models for Life-Like and Industrial Rail starting in the 1980s. Same models, same paint schemes, different packaging. These models were also sold by Con-Cor, Eastern Seaboard Models and Bev-Bel in custom paint schemes not available directly from the factory.
I'm told that the prototype for these models is the PC/CR X72. Penn Central purchased the first of these common, general-purpose box cars between 1972 and 1973. The WP also had a similar (if not identical) car.
