Illustrated Quick Practical Guide to
Assessing Condition
by Rolande Allen
Please click on any picture on this page to view a larger image
Part 1 : Individual Models, their Boxes and your Catalogues
Part 2 : Tri-ang Railways Canadian Set Boxes
Part 1 : Individual models, boxes and catalogues
How to accurately assess condition
The United Kingdom (and the majority of the Rest of the World) uses a system of grading from 'Mint' down to 'Poor' whereas in the United States of America models are graded from 'C10' down to 'C1'. These two systems can be matched together, but not exactly,
therefore I have endeavoured to match the different grading systems as closely as possible in the guide below:
therefore I have endeavoured to match the different grading systems as closely as possible in the guide below:
Grading Standards for individual models, boxes and catalogues
Mint
C10 + C9 Near Mint C8 Excellent Plus Excellent C7 Good Plus (or Very Good) C6 Good C5 Fair C4 Poor C3, C2 + C1 |
The model or box or catalogue / paperwork is in perfect condition - as supplied new by the manufacturer - unused
Almost perfect - any imperfections, if at all, will be extremely minor - eg: the item looks ‘as new’ but may have had very, very minor use The item has had very little use, with only a very few minor imperfections - still very collectable and desirable The item has had very careful use, with only small imperfections - still collectable and looks very presentable The item has had a reasonable amount of use, showing imperfections - presentable, and may display well, may well look good on the layout (from a distance) but not usually suitable for the serious collector; unless, perhaps, it is an example of a rare item The item has had more use, showing obvious imperfections - what is called ‘a runner’; it looks acceptable when running on a layout but not for the collector - boxes will appear worn and may not be complete (for example a missing inner flap) - catalogues will still be complete but may well have some prices or ticks written in them The item has had a great deal of use, showing obvious imperfections, including missing small parts or evidence of some repainting - models like this should be avoided wherever possible - boxes will appear to be very worn or incomplete (for example: missing internal packing pieces) - catalogues complete but only suitable for reference purposes The item is in a very distressed condition, with many faults - avoid items like these unless they are useful for spare parts, a restoration project or unless the paperwork is useful for reference purposes |
Part 2 : Tri-ang Railways Canadian Set Boxes
(including Presentation Set Packaging / Boxes)
Set boxes are comprised of three basic parts: box lid (or sleeve), box base and box inner tray.
From the years 1957 until 1967 the set box inner trays were manufactured in thick card or cardboard.
From late-1967 until 1972 the set box inner trays were manufactured in vacuum-formed plastic.
1973 and 1974 set boxes did not have inner trays but were supplied with various-sized, folded thin card inserts.
1973 and 1974 set boxes did not have inner trays but were supplied with various-sized, folded thin card inserts.
Note: from 1965 until 1972 the box base, box inner tray and set contents were shrink-wrapped so that dealers could remove the set box lid and more easily display the set and its contents to customers.
This also prevented the models falling out of the boxes !
This also prevented the models falling out of the boxes !
Set boxes need to be complete with all three main sections intact: cardboard box lid or sleeve, cardboard box base and cardboard inner tray (insert) or plastic inner tray. All three sections are essential. In addition, the pre-1965 'red boxed' sets and Hornby 1973-1974 Sets all have various, loose card internal packing pieces.
It is advised to consider the condition of the box lid (the most important), box base and box insert or inner tray as separate components.
Generally speaking, the conditions of the set box lid and the inner tray are the most important factors when determining overall set box condition. However, any damage to the box base will still detract from both overall condition and value.
When assessing value: in any given set, the value of the individual models and their individual model boxes (if any) should be considered independently of the set box itself.
In terms of the value of set boxes: a missing or badly damaged box lid will considerably reduce any perceived monetary value down to between 10% and 25% of a complete set box in 'Excellent condition'.
Similarly, a missing inner tray will automatically reduce the value of a set box by a minimum of 50% or more (depending upon the rarity of the set).
Incomplete or badly damaged boxes have little or no monetary value but may be of ‘academic interest’ to a collector.
Any perceived value of a set in this condition would be in the value of the individual models themselves.
It is advised to consider the condition of the box lid (the most important), box base and box insert or inner tray as separate components.
Generally speaking, the conditions of the set box lid and the inner tray are the most important factors when determining overall set box condition. However, any damage to the box base will still detract from both overall condition and value.
When assessing value: in any given set, the value of the individual models and their individual model boxes (if any) should be considered independently of the set box itself.
In terms of the value of set boxes: a missing or badly damaged box lid will considerably reduce any perceived monetary value down to between 10% and 25% of a complete set box in 'Excellent condition'.
Similarly, a missing inner tray will automatically reduce the value of a set box by a minimum of 50% or more (depending upon the rarity of the set).
Incomplete or badly damaged boxes have little or no monetary value but may be of ‘academic interest’ to a collector.
Any perceived value of a set in this condition would be in the value of the individual models themselves.
Grading Standards for Set Boxes
Mint
Near Mint Excellent Plus Excellent Good Plus (or Very Good) Good Fair Poor |
The set box is in perfect condition - as supplied new by the manufacturer - virtually impossible to find - set boxes may show evidence of clear-tape marks if they were originally sealed at the factory.
Set boxes complete with original shrink-wrapping will command a premium. Note: all Canadian Presentation Sets were shrink-wrapped when supplied new. Almost perfect - any imperfections, if at all, will be extremely minor - eg: the item looks ‘as new’ but has had very, very minor use The set box has had very little use, with only a very few minor imperfections - still very collectable and desirable The set box has had very careful use and looks very presentable with only small imperfections - no tape damage to the box surfaces - no major tears to the box lid, base or cardboard insert (some box lid corners may be split or have minor repairs) - no damage to the plastic inner tray (if present) The set box has had a reasonable amount of use, showing imperfections - presentable, and may display well - there may be some minor tape damage or small abrasions to the box surfaces - a few small tears to the box lid, base or cardboard insert may be present (some box lid corners may be split or more heavily repaired) - no damage to the plastic inner tray (if present) The set box will be complete but showing obvious signs of wear and imperfections - there may be some larger tears or repairs to the box lid, base or cardboard insert (most box lid corners will be split) - no damage but possible discoloration or wear to the plastic inner tray (if present) The set box may be incomplete and / or showing considerable wear, imperfections or repairs to the box lid, base or cardboard insert - there may be minor damage or splitting to the plastic inner tray (if present) The set box may be incomplete or in a very distressed condition, with many faults |
Illustrated Guide to Grading Standards for Set Boxes
Mint Condition
(above:) a Presentation Set from 1968 complete with the original shrink-wrapping. The box is in immaculate condition with just a small tear to the shrink-wrap. The set would command a premium in value because the original shrink-wrapping is still present and the set is still un-opened. (right:) a rare set from 1973-4. Again the set box is in immaculate condition and complete with all internal packing pieces (which are often missing). The presence of these internal packing pieces would command a premium in value but their condition is also very important. In general, damaged internal packing pieces are of very little monetary value. |
Note: the condition of the individual model boxes would have to be assessed on an individual basis - they have no bearing on assessing set box condition but are very relevant to the value of the complete set !
Near Mint Condition
A Special Train Set from 1967. The box is in superb condition - no tears or damage to the edges or corners - just a very minor mark on the yellow contents panel and another on the bottom edge (right of centre).
|
A Presentation Set from 1967. The box is in immaculate condition with just very minor splitting to the top edge of the front left corner.
|
(above right:) a Standard Train Set from 1971 complete with the original shrink-wrapping. The set box base and plastic inner tray are in original condition. The distortion is due to the excessive shrinkage of the original wrapping film; this could be easily remedied if the film was carefully cut to relieve the tension but would it be advisable ?
Excellent Plus Condition
A Standard Train Set from 1967. The box is very clean and attractive - no obvious surface damage, no tears or damage to the edges or corners - just a slight crumpling to the to right corner and a slightly grubby area (top centre) which has probably been caused by being handled, but carefully, over many years. |
A Special Train Set from 1970. The box is bright and clean in appearance with no obvious tears or damage - just a few minor blemishes between the clouds (top centre), slight speckling (left edge centre) and minor abrasions to the top and top of the left edges. |
Excellent Condition
A rare Military Set from 1958. The box is a classic example of Excellent condition. Bright and clean with some obvious minor edge wear. Three corners have split but have been very neatly repaired with clear tape.
|
A Standard Train Set from 1967. The box base and the cardboard box inner tray (insert) are clean and attractive with no damage other than a small surface tear to the top right corner of the transformer / power unit cut out.
|
A Special Train Set from 1967. The box appears to be relatively clean with no obvious signs of damage other than some minor general wear. There is, however, some minor water damage (staining) to the top right and bottom right corners.
This box is border-line EXCELLENT or GOOD PLUS. |
A Standard Train Set from 1970. The box lid is bright and attractive. The tape marks are from the original packing and should not be considered to detract from the condition. The only issue is that there is some speckling of black surface mould (as a result of the box having been stored in a slightly damp environment with poor air circulation).
|
Good Plus (or Very Good) Condition
The very first Standard Train Set from 1965. The box appears to be clean and attractive with no obvious surface damage. There is, however, some yellow discolouration to a large area of the outer box sleeve and a small tear to the middle of the right side. |
A Special Train Set from 1969. The box is rather grubby (dirty) in appearance and has some minor general wear but with no obvious tears or damage. |
A Standard Train Set from 1967. The box is very clean and attractive - no obvious surface damage to the top of the box lid, no tears or damage to the edges or corners. But, what detracts is the damage to the box lid sides - there are quite a few minor tears and non-original tape marks (which are particularly noticeable in the 2nd photograph).
A Standard Train Set from 1967. The box base and the cardboard box inner tray (insert) are clean and attractive with only minor damage. There is a small tear to the top middle of the transformer / power unit cut out and a small section of the inner tray is missing (bottom left side corner).
(The brown mark over the RAILWAYS logo is just a piece of loose, dried-out, old tape that has fallen off one of the original model boxes.) |
A rare Special Train Set from Christmas 1971. An otherwise Excellent Plus box, bright and clean in appearance with no obvious tears or damage apart from where the cardboard packaging has unfortunately been badly torn where the transformer / power unit is located (bottom right).
Good Condition
One of the very first Special Train Sets from 1965. The box appears to be relatively clean with no obvious signs of damage other than it has been heavily taped at some time. Over the years, the tape has dried and fallen off leaving a heavy residue on the outer box sleeve. |
A Special Train Set from 1971. The box is clean with general wear to the surface and edges. The box lid corners have been rather clumsily repaired with brown tape and there are further tape repairs to the sides. |
A Special Train Set from 1966. The box appears to be relatively clean with no obvious signs of damage other than some minor general wear. But (as above) it is suffering from the effects of being heavily taped at some time: probably to seal the set for transportation.
|
Another Special Train Set from 1966. The box is clean with some minor general wear. The obvious damage is to the set contents label (bottom right) which appears to have been all but destroyed !
|
Fair Condition
A Special Train Set from 1960. The box is bright and clean but with obvious signs of wear to the edges and damage to the corners. Also some additional large clear tape has been applied at some time; probably to seal the lid to the base for transportation. |
Another one of the very first Special Train Sets from 1965. The outer box sleeve is rather 'frayed' on both sides with many minor tears and old tape repairs with have caused a lot of yellow discolouration. There is water damage to the left half which particularly affects the illustration of the train. |
A Standard Train Set from 1967. But for the coffee stains, the cardboard box inner tray (insert) would have been in Excellent condition - clean and attractive, no obvious surface damage with just a small tear to the top right corner of the transformer / power unit cut out. (The box base is heavily stained underneath and is in Poor condition.) |
A Special Train Set from 1970. The box lid is very worn and has a large area of liquid staining / discolouration around the diesel locomotives. There is also crushing to the top left corner, tearing to the edges (particularly at the bottom left) and badly made, heavy tape repairs. |
Poor Condition
(above) Two views of the same set box lid
A Special Train Set from 1967. The box lid has a large piece missing and the side is incomplete (top left). There are significant tears to all four corners and non-original tape remains can be seen to the top and right hand sides of the box lid. The only compensation was that the rest of the set box plus contents were complete and in original mint condition - including the cardboard packing pieces and Track Pack box !
A Special Train Set from 1970. Brown plastic packing tape is the curse of the collector ! It looks horrific and is impossible to remove without further ruining what was once a perfectly decent box.
|
Another Special Train Set from 1970. The box lid has a large piece missing at the top, the top side is also incomplete and someone has been rather over-zealous with the clear tape - to list just a few of the many faults !
|