RETURN TO GENERAL INFORMATION
 

 

September 6, 2022
 

Models and related items are graded and described based on the following condition standards.

 
Scale Models
  Mint Model is in perfect condition and is as delivered from the manufacturer.   The model may have been unwrapped for inspection.  Never tested or operated, except if done at the factory, with original box, extra parts bags, additional components, paperwork, and packaging.
 
  New Model may have been test run or displayed, otherwise it is as delivered from the manufacturer, generally with original box and packaging.  The model may show minor evidence of handling.
 
  Like New Model has been minimally operated or displayed.  There may be some minor signs of use beyond testing.  The original box and packaging will be noted if not present.
 
  Excellent Model has been moderately operated or displayed.  There are some signs of careful regular use.  The original box and packaging will be noted if not present.
 
  Very Good Model has been consistently operated or displayed.  There are a number of signs of use, such as minor scratches, paint chips, or overall wheel wear.  Minor defects and imperfections are present as described.  The original box and packaging will be noted if not present.
 
  Good Model has seen significant use, but is essentially complete.  Some defects and imperfections exist as described.  The original box and packaging will be noted if not present.
 
  Fair Model has seen significant use, and shows heavy signs of wear.  Imperfections exist as described.  There may be noticeable issues with the construction, operation, or finish.
 
  As Is Model has deficiencies, such as damage, missing parts, excessive operational use, or poor finish.  The model requires attention by the purchaser to correct these deficiencies.
 
  Project Model requires additional work to complete. Additional components and parts may be required. The overall completeness of the existing project components will be noted. As appropriate, the project condition will be described using standard condition categories.
 
  Notes 1.  The above categories apply to the overall condition of the model.  In all cases, except for models categorized as mint
     or new, specific deficiencies that exist will be noted.
Scale Model Boxes
  Mint The original box is in perfect condition and is as delivered from the manufacturer.  All original packaging foam and materials are also in as delivered condition.
 
  New The original box is in new condition and is as delivered from the manufacturer.  All original packaging foam and materials are also in as delivered condition or has been equivalently replaced.  The box may have a handwritten or affixed price tag, or a dealer stamp or label, or other very minor additions.
 
  Like New The original box is in like new condition, but the exterior may display signs of moderate use such as fading, scuffs, minor blemishes, and/or general shelf wear.  All original packaging foam and materials are included and are in good condition, or exact reproduction replacement foam and packaging materials have been substituted.  The box may have a handwritten or affixed price tag, or a dealer stamp or label.
 
  Excellent The exterior of the original box shows signs of wear, and may have some minor damage or blemishes.  Original interior foam and packaging may be incomplete or replaced with similar, but not exact, materials.  The box may have a handwritten or affixed price tag, or a dealer stamp or label.
 
  Very Good The exterior of the original box shows heavy signs of wear, and has some damage, such as torn corners, heavy soiling, significant fading, or missing labels.  Original interior foam and packaging materials may be missing and substitute packaging included.
 
  Substitute
Box		 The original box and interior packaging materials are not present.  An equivalent, but not original, model box has been substituted.  The substitute box may have an incorrect or a locally printed replacement label, and may have replacement or equivalent packaging materials.  The substitute box provides the internal packaging required for safe handling and shipping of the model.
 
  Replacement
Box		 The original box and interior packaging materials are not present.  A replacement box appropriate for the model has been substituted.  The replacement box is usually new and of corrugated cardboard construction.  The replacement box may have a locally printed box label, and will have internal packaging materials as required for safe handling and shipping.
 
  Notes 1.  In all cases, the presence of original included contents, such as extra parts, paperwork, and other items shall be
     noted.
Three Rail & Tinplate Models
  C-10
Mint
 		 Brand New - All original - Unused and unblemished.
  C-9
Factory New
 		 All original - Unused - May evidence factory rubs and the slightest evidence of handling, shipping, and having been test run at the factory.
  C-8
Like New
 		 Complete All Original - No rust - No missing parts - May show effects of being on display and/or age - May have been run.
  C-7
Excellent
 		 All Original - Minute scratches and paint nicks - No rust - No Missing parts - No Distortion of component parts.
  C-6
Very Good
 		 Minor scratches and paint nicks - Minor spots of surface rust - Free of dents - May have minor parts replaced.
  C-5
Good
 		 Sign of play wear - Scratches and minor paint loss - Small dents - Minor surface rust - Evidence of heavy use.
  C-4
Fair
 		 Scratched - Moderate paint loss - Surface rust - Dented - Missing parts - Evidence of heavy use.
  C-3
Poor
 		 Requires major body repair - Heavily scratched - Major rust - Missing parts - Restoration candidate.
  C-2
Restoration Required
 		 Restoration required.
  C-1
Junk
 		 Parts value only.
  Notes 1.  Three Rail and Tinplate Model grading standards based on published Train Collectors Association standards.
2.  Any paper or box that has been repaired can be graded no higher than P-5.
Three Rail & Tinplate Model Paper & Boxes
  P-10
Mint
 		 Brand new - Complete and all original as manufactured - Unused.
  P-9
Store New
 		 Complete and all original  - Unused -   May have merchant additions such as store stamps, price tags, et al. - Boxes must have inner liner/s, if appropriate.
  P-8
Like New
 		 Complete and all original - Evidence of light use and aging - Evidence of additional notations since leaving manufacturer or publisher - Contents of box may be missing.
  P-7
Excellent
 		 Complete and all original - Handling indentations - Minute edge wear - Small creases.
  P-6
Very Good
 		 Complete and all original - Minor abrasions, creases, and/or folds - Small tears - Slight color changes - Minor soiling - Box may have inner liner/s missing.
  P-5
Very Good
 		 Complete and all original - Minor abrasions, creases, and/or folds - Small tears - Slight color changes - Minor soiling - Box may have inner liner/s missing.
  P-4
Fair
 		 Heavy damage but generally legible - May or may not have been repaired - Paper may be brittle - Boxes may have inner flaps missing.
  P-3
Poor
 		 Incomplete - May be very brittle - Significant deterioration - Extensive amateur repairs (Scotch tape or equivalent).
  Notes 1.  Three Rail and Tinplate Paper and Box grading standards based on published Train Collectors Association standards.
Books and Documents
  As New
Fine - Mint
 		 Without faults or defects.
  Near Fine A book approaching FINE (or AS NEW or MINT) but with a couple of very minor defects or faults, which will be noted.
 
  Very Good The book shows some signs of wear.  Any defects or faults will be noted.
 
  Good The average used book that is totally complete (as issued) and intact.  Any defects or faults will be noted..
 
  Fair A worn book that has complete text pages (including those with maps or plates) but may lack endpapers, half-title page, etc.  Any defects or faults will be noted.
 
  Poor A book that is sufficiently worn that it’s only merit is the complete text, which is legible.   Any missing maps or plates will  be noted.  May be soiled, scuffed, stained, or spotted, and may have loose joints, hinges, pages, etc.
 
  Ex-Library Will always be designated as such no matter what the condition of the book
 
  Book Club Will always be noted as such no matter what the condition of the book.
 
  Binding Copy A book in which the text block, including illustrations, is complete but the binding is lacking, or in such poor condition it is beyond realistic restoration efforts.
 
  Notes 1.  These standards are derived from IOBA Book Condition Definitions and are used to describe both the book and the
     dust jacket, if applicable. The word “book” may be replaced by “dust jacket” in the following definitions.
2.  Any additional faults, such as remainder marks, bookplates, previous owner's name, etc. will be noted if applicable.