Contributed by Bill Murphy
Believe it or not there is a difference between model train enthusiasts and model train collectors. A subtle one for sure, but a difference nonetheless! Collectors are more interested in owning and displaying hard to come by prototypes or items of value rather then the art of recreating a diorama or prototype themselves.
Pretty well every hobby you can think of has collectors in it. They're the people who drive up prices of old items like the first edition of a famous novel. Most people don't understand the obsession, but collectors certainly do.
They help set standards and values, expend vast amounts of time detailing and listing historical facts about existing railroad prototypes and in general help to drive a level of professionalism into the hobby that otherwise might be missing. model train collectors are a good thing, and the fact is that most collectors are also hobbyists - displaying their collections not in jewel cases or behind glass but in a model train layout of their own design.
Some of the model train companies, such as Lionel Trains, even sponsor collectors groups for their historic equipment. If you're interested in learning more about a particular type of train, there are probably clubs you can join.
One of the things these groups do is create standards by which equipment can be rated. The equipment is often rated separately from the packaging it came in, if the box is still intact, and those that are still in the original box, never having been removed, fetch the highest prices.
model train Grading
* NEW - In order to be considered "new" the item must be unused, ideally never even removed from its original package.
* LIKE NEW - Good as new with no damage but likely removed from the packaging at some point.
* EXCELLENT - No rust, dirt or other types of damage but almost certainly used at some point.
* VERY GOOD - Some wear but no serious damage or rust.
* GOOD - Could be some minor damage such as scratches, and other signs of normal wear but no rust or major damage.
* FAIR - May be slightly damaged, scratched or worn but still functional.
* POOR - Suitable only for parts and possible not working.
How Packaging Is Graded
* NEW - Original packaging complete with no damage or fading.
* LIKE NEW - May have a bit of wear but no major blemishes.
* EXCELLENT - Like-original packaging with only moderate wear, no repairs.
* VERY GOOD - Minor damage possible, maybe even some tape for repairs but still complete.
* GOOD - Missing elements, heavy wear and possibly some mildew but complete.
* FAIR - Missing pieces, tears and discolorations on original items.
* R - A replica, not the original packaging.
If you're starting out with model train collecting, knowing your grades is important. Then pick the era and/or brand you want to pursue and get started.
Bill Murphy offers tips about (http://www.themodelrailroader.com/landscaping/practical-model-railway-b uilding-materials) train scenery building and other Model Railroading subjects at TheModelRailroader.com. Surf over to http://www.themodelrailroader.com to get your a free copy of my report "Model Railroad Design Secrets"
Believe it or not there is a difference between model train enthusiasts and model train collectors. A subtle one for sure, but a difference nonetheless! Collectors are more interested in owning and displaying hard to come by prototypes or items of value rather then the art of recreating a diorama or prototype themselves.
Pretty well every hobby you can think of has collectors in it. They're the people who drive up prices of old items like the first edition of a famous novel. Most people don't understand the obsession, but collectors certainly do.
They help set standards and values, expend vast amounts of time detailing and listing historical facts about existing railroad prototypes and in general help to drive a level of professionalism into the hobby that otherwise might be missing. model train collectors are a good thing, and the fact is that most collectors are also hobbyists - displaying their collections not in jewel cases or behind glass but in a model train layout of their own design.
Some of the model train companies, such as Lionel Trains, even sponsor collectors groups for their historic equipment. If you're interested in learning more about a particular type of train, there are probably clubs you can join.
One of the things these groups do is create standards by which equipment can be rated. The equipment is often rated separately from the packaging it came in, if the box is still intact, and those that are still in the original box, never having been removed, fetch the highest prices.
model train Grading
* NEW - In order to be considered "new" the item must be unused, ideally never even removed from its original package.
* LIKE NEW - Good as new with no damage but likely removed from the packaging at some point.
* EXCELLENT - No rust, dirt or other types of damage but almost certainly used at some point.
* VERY GOOD - Some wear but no serious damage or rust.
* GOOD - Could be some minor damage such as scratches, and other signs of normal wear but no rust or major damage.
* FAIR - May be slightly damaged, scratched or worn but still functional.
* POOR - Suitable only for parts and possible not working.
How Packaging Is Graded
* NEW - Original packaging complete with no damage or fading.
* LIKE NEW - May have a bit of wear but no major blemishes.
* EXCELLENT - Like-original packaging with only moderate wear, no repairs.
* VERY GOOD - Minor damage possible, maybe even some tape for repairs but still complete.
* GOOD - Missing elements, heavy wear and possibly some mildew but complete.
* FAIR - Missing pieces, tears and discolorations on original items.
* R - A replica, not the original packaging.
If you're starting out with model train collecting, knowing your grades is important. Then pick the era and/or brand you want to pursue and get started.
Bill Murphy offers tips about (http://www.themodelrailroader.com/landscaping/practical-model-railway-b uilding-materials) train scenery building and other Model Railroading subjects at TheModelRailroader.com. Surf over to http://www.themodelrailroader.com to get your a free copy of my report "Model Railroad Design Secrets"
Everything you ever wanted to know about model railroading: Model Train Help.
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