Does A Model Train Collector Have To Actually Run His Trains?

by Bill Murphy

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.

Collectors are the people who ultimately set values and the standards used to grade the equipment. They spend great amounts of time learning historical facts about the various model trains and other model railroading equipment. They’re a good thing for the hobby, and in reality the majority of them aren’t satisfied just displaying their equipment - they actually run them on operational model railroad layouts.

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.

Model Train Grading

* NEW - To qualify as new the item must be all original and unused, preferably never removed from its packaging.

* LIKE NEW - Good as new with no damage but likely removed from the packaging at some point.

*EXCELLENT - Excellent condition means there is no rust, dirt or damage but that the item has definitely been used.

*VERY GOOD - This level indicates that slight wear but no damage or rust exists.

* GOOD - Scratches and other signs of normal wear, but no major damage.

* FAIR - May be slightly damaged, scratched or worn but still functional.

* POOR - Damaged, possibly not working. Generally only to be used for parts to repair better quality model trains.

How Packaging Is Graded

* NEW - Original packaging complete with no damage or fading.

* LIKE NEW - Original packaging, may have some slight wear.

* 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 - Pieces missing and tears and/or discoloration are possible.

* R - Replica of the original packaging, not the real thing.

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.

About the Author:

Author Bill Murphy offers tips about train scenery building and other Model Railroading subjects at TheModelRailroader.com. Surf over to http://www.themodelrailroader.com for a free copy of my report “Model Railroad Design Secrets”