Standards - Condition and Grading

The following Condition and Grading Standards apply to ALL toy train and related accessory items. The items that are being evaluated may or may not include the original box. Boxes and other paper are subject to a separate set of grading and condition standards. Standards for all toy train related accessory items apply to the visual appearance of the item and do not consider the operating functionality of the equipment.

The Standards have been expanded with the introduction of a separate designation for restored/refinished items. Restored/refinished items must continue to be marked as such using the pressure sensitive labels (Ident Tags) available from the TCA. The Association provides these labels through members of the Standards Committee or the National Business Office.

Condition and Grading Standards are subjective, at best, and are intended to act as a guide. It is important and logical that wishful thinking not be allowed to influence the choice of grade.

Toy Train & Related Accessory Items

Grade Description
C-10
 Mint: - Brand New, all original, unused and unblemished.
C-9
 Factory New: - Brand 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 and 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 with scratches and minor paint loss. Small dents, minor surface rust. Evidence of heavy use.
C-4
 Fair: - Scratched, moderate paint loss, dented missing parts, surface rust. Evidence of heavy use.
C-3
 Poor: - Requires major body repair. Heavily scratched, major rust and missing parts. Restoration candidate.
C-2
 Restoration required.
C-1
 Junk, parts value only.