Grading Issues
Train Repair Parts:
We are primarily a service station dedicated to the repair of toy trains, most
of which are those manufactured by The Lionel Corporation during the period the
early 1900's through the 1970's. Therefore the majority of the items that we
sell are repair parts. As such, attempting to apply any type of grading standard
to them is speculative at best as many of these items are 40 to 90 years old.
Aside from NOS (New Old Stock), Like New and the like, all descriptions are
usually specific to the applicable item.
Engines-Cars-Accessories:
As far as complete engines, cars and accessories are concerned, we utilize a
modified version of the new TCA grading standards as recently
released by the TCA. Please read the grading system below
CAREFULLY! All returns we authorize will be based solely upon this
grading system and no other. There will be no returns unless there is a material
difference between the item we ship and the items description. This does not
mean your opinion or the opinion of any third party. Material difference means
that should the item description state that the item is a C6 and in reality it
is a C3, then we will make an adjustment. Should we state that there is no rust
and you search with a magnifying glass and find there is a tiny bit of tarnish
or two or three specks of rust, that is not a material difference. You should be
aware that the TCA grading standard only applies to the visual or external
appearance of the item and makes absolutely no reference to whether or not the
item actually operates as intended.
Quoting
the Train Collectors Association:
"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."
"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."
You may read and confirm this information for yourself
by following this link to the
TCA website.
Our Modified Grading Scale:
C1 Junk-Parts value only
C2 Restoration required
C3 Poor- Requires major body repair: heavily scratched, major rust, missing
parts, major restoration candidate.
C4 Fair-Scratched: moderate paint loss, may have dents, missing parts, surface
rust, evidence of heavy use.
C5 Good- Signs of play wear: May have scratches and minor paint loss; small
dents; minor surface rust; evidence of heavy use.
C6 Very good: Minor scratches and paint nicks, minor spots of surface rust, free
of dents, may have minor parts replaced.
C7 Excellent-All Original: Minute scratches and paint nicks, no rust, no missing
parts, no distortion of component parts.
C8 Like New-Complete and all original: No rust, no missing parts, may show
affects of being on display and/or age, may have been run.
C9 Factory New or Brand New: All original, unused, may evidence factory rubs and
the slightest evidence of handling, shipping and having been test run at the
factory. (Lionel test ran every engine they shipped!)
C10 Mint-Brand New: All original, unused and unblemished. (In our opinion C-10
is non-existent unless the item is in a sealed unopened box!)
We do not grade incomplete items, or items that
are missing components, to the above standards. Grading for incomplete items is
as noted in the particulars for each item! We do NOT guarantee
the running ability of any item graded as "Like New" or above
unless specifically stated otherwise. Absolutely no returns are accepted
on items graded C6 or lower under any circumstances. Items may only be returned
upon request and upon your receipt of a return authorization from us; such
requests must be requested within 3 days of your receipt of the item from us. We
will not accept returns under any circumstances, including items that may be
described incorrectly, after 3 days.
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