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There is a subtle, but important difference between model train enthusiasts and model train collectors. Collectors are generally more concerned about the "collectability" of an item - how rare it is and what shape it's in - where enthusiasts are all about operating their model railway. 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. These people are the ones who help to set the value of the equipment as well as the standards used to grade it. They often spend a great deal of time and energy learning all they can about the history of various model trains and other related equipment. In reality though, many collectors aren't happy to simply display their trains - they want to run them on an operating layout as well. Companies like Lionel Trains even go so far as to sponsor collectors' clubs for their past equipment. There are plenty of groups you can join if you're interested in learning more about the hobby. 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. Grades For Model Train Equipment * NEW - In order to be considered "new" the item must be unused, ideally never even removed from its original package. * LIKE NEW - This grade indicates that the model train is as good as new, but may have been used and removed from its packaging in the past. * EXCELLENT - No damage, rust or dirt but more than likely used in the past. *VERY GOOD - This level indicates that slight wear but no damage or rust exists. * GOOD - Could be some minor damage such as scratches, and other signs of normal wear but no rust or major damage. * FAIR - Some damage and wear, possibly scratched but still working well. * POOR - Serious damage, may not even work. Likely only used for parts to repair better specimens. How Containers And Packaging Are Graded * NEW - Original packaging complete with no damage or fading. * LIKE NEW - Original packaging, may have some slight wear. * EXCELLENT - Packaging is complete but may show signs of wear. * 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. Armed with this information and a healthy bank account you too can begin collecting. Just pick a favorite theme or brand and dive in - just remember that in the world of collecting the buyer sets the value and there may be a difference between a collection and an investment!
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Author Bill Murphy writes about train scenery building and more Model Railroading topics at TheModelRailroader.com. Visit www.themodelrailroader.com to get your a free copy of my report "Model Railroad Design Secrets"
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