TCA Grading Standards

Condition/Grading Standards

The following Condition and Grading Standards apply to all toy train and related accessory items. The items that are being evaluated may or may not include the original box. Boxes and other paper are subject to a separate set of grading and condition standards. Standards for all toy train and related accessory items apply to the visual appearance of the item and do not consider the operating functionality of the equipment.

The Standards have been expanded with the introduction of a separate designation for restored/refinished items. Restored/
refinished items must continue to be marked as such using the pressure sensitive labels (Identags) available from the TCA. The Association provides these labels through members of the Standards Committee or the National Business Office.

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.

  • C-10 Mint—Brand New: all original; unused and unblemished.
  • C-9 Factory New—Brand New: all original; unused; may
    evidence factory rubs and the slightest evidence of handling,
    shipping and having been test run at the factory.
  • C-8 Like New—Complete all original: no rust, no missing parts; may show effects of being on display and/or age; may have been run.
  • C-7 Excellent—all original: minute scratches and paint
    nicks; no rust and no missing parts; no distortion of component
    parts.
  • C-6 Very Good: Minor scratches and paint nicks, minor
    spots of surface rust, free of dents. May have minor parts replaced.
  • C-5 Good—Signs of play wear: scratches and minor paint
    loss. Small dents, minor surface rust. Evidence of heavy use.
  • C-4 Fair: Scratched, moderate paint loss, dented missing
    parts, surface rust. Evidence of heavy use.
  • C-3 Poor—Requires major body repair: Heavily
    scratched, major rust and missing parts. Restoration candidate.
  • C-2 Restoration required.
  • C-1 Junk—parts value only.

Restored / Refinished Items Standards

Restored/refinished toy train and related accessory items must continue to be marked as such using pressure-sensitive labels available from TCA. All replacement parts considered “major component parts” such as an engine frame, boiler or cab that have been used in the restoration of an item must include the required identification marks of the manufacturer.

  • R-5 Professional Grade—Restored in all aspects of finish and detail as when manufactured: Finished in correct type of paint, color, texture and gloss. All wiring exactly matches the original. All trim in correct finish or plating. Virtually identical to the original. No surface imperfections in the metal work. No wear or evidence of use present. Authentic in all aspects.
  • R-4 Very Good—Restored to a general high standard: However, noticeable differences exist particularly with respect to the color, finish, and texture of paint when compared to an original piece.
  • R-3 Good—A restored piece that has signs of play wear
    with minor dents and scratches.
  • R-2 Fair—A non-professional restoration: Color, texture
    and finish clearly different from the original. Other items, such
    as non-authentic wiring are also evident.
  • R-1 Poor—A poorly constructed restoration in all respects: May be a candidate for restoration. Includes dents or rust pitting under the finish.

Paper/Box Grading Standards

  • P-10 MINT-BRAND NEW Complete and all original as
    manufactured and unused.
  • P-9 STORE NEW Complete and all original and unused.
    May have merchant additions such as store stamps, price tags
    et al. Boxes must have inner liner/s, if appropriate.
  • P-8 LIKE NEW Complete and all original. Evidence of light
    use and aging, additional notations since leaving publisher or
    manufacturer. Contents of box may be missing.
  • P-7 EXCELLENT Complete and all original. Handling
    indentations, minute edge wear, small creases.
  • P-6 VERY GOOD Complete and all original. Minor abrasions, creases and/or folds. Small tears, slight color changes,
    minor soiling. Box may have inner liner/s missing.
NOTE: Any paper or box that has been repaired can be graded no higher than P-5.
  • P-5 GOOD Items show substantial wear. Moderate abrasions, creases and/or folds; moderate tears and losses. Moderate color changes, staples may be rusty or replaced. May have been repaired with archival tissue and adhesive.
  • P-4 FAIR Heavy damage but generally legible. May or may
    not have been repaired. Paper may be brittle. Boxes may have
    inner flaps missing.
  • P-3 POOR Incomplete, may be very brittle, significant
    deterioration. Extensive amateur repairs. (Scotch Tape ® or equivalent).
Based on 541 reviews
93%
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These were actully much smaller than i anticipated (im not great with understanding scale sizes yet). However these are exteremly well made, prime up and paint well, and look amazing with some of my exsisting diorama. Very happy!

Arrived very quickly! Box was in collectors level condition, packed with care. However can not wait to build! Thanks Squeaky!

Woodland Scenics 5900 | Just Plug Value 12 Pack - Wooden Pole Street Lights | HO Scale

The Woodland Scenics Just Plug Value Packs are a great way to add lighting to a layout at a reasonable price!

TSU Eco PNP sound decoder 882004

The PNP Eco sound decoders work as good as the more expensive versions, I have recently installed three in different Manufacturer's HO scale Locomotives.
Ease of installation, good wiring diagrams and consistent performance have made them my choice over other makers decoders. J.H. PA.

Digitrax EVOXD | Evolution Express Advanced 5A/8A Duplex Starter Set | Multi Scale (Free Shipping)

Great place to buy from!

Had what I needed at a competitive price and shipped really fast. Thanks!

Great service

The price was good and ship cost reasonable. Delivery was very very prompt. I’ll be checking in soon.

Fantastic service

I got my order promptly and on time as promised. They are great people.

Great decoder

These are a GREAT fit for an Atlas HO scale RS1. They drop right in place of the existing light board, and it is a very easy hookup.

Great Blunami board ror larger engines

I installed this decoder in a Piko 2-6-0 analog engine. Nice to have **** terminals for instalation. Has 4amp rating with 400mA for each function nice improvement. Used Function 6 for smoke unit. Installed in tender along with a battery used for running on a non powered track. Good sound quality and the android app is great! A++++

Great little speaker

These are a great little speaker, I have used a bunch of them in Atlas RS-1 locos. The speaker box is a little deep for some installations but, you can trim it a bit so it is not as deep.

I am slowly figuring it out. Bought a locomotive with a SD40-2 decoder but have no paperwork for it. I do like the DCS52 and as you suggested for now I am running two lines one DC and one Dcc. If you have anything on the decoder I would appreciate it. I will be in touch.Thanks

Thank you for the kind words. It sounds like you’re off to a great start with your setup and the DCS52 is a solid choice. Running one line in DC and one in DCC is a smart way to ease into it. If you can find any info on the decoder like a brand or part number, I’d be happy to help track down some paperwork for it. Looking forward to hearing from you again.

Recently purchased Digitrax DCS52

I ordered this product and really don't know much about it, but am looking forward to using it. However, the service, quality and care that was put into shipping this product to me was outstanding! Even the postal worker commented on the quality materials and method of packing. I liked the little extras included and shows that someone knows how to create return customers :)

Thank you so much for the thoughtful review. We’re really glad to hear the care we put into packing stood out, and it means a lot that even your postal worker noticed. We’re excited for you to start using your new item and hope it brings a lot of enjoyment. The little extras are our way of saying thanks. We truly appreciate your support.

RIH Assorted Autos review

Disappointed. HO autos not to scale. Much smaller than all my other autos. Typically they are 1/2" shorted than 1/87 scale models. They will live in a drawer and NOT on the layout. It's a shame since, other than size, they look good for what they cost.

We're sorry to hear the scale was a letdown. We appreciate your honest feedback. Consistency is important and we understand your frustration. While the detail may have been there, it's unfortunate they won't make it onto your layout. Customer service is our top priority, and if you'd like to return the item, we do offer free returns. Just let us know and we're happy to help.

Bowser Trains 23 | Foam Work Cradle - Locomotive & Freight Car Tool | N Scale

Lokprogrammer

I need to learn the software yet… but seems pretty straightforward. Easy to set up.

Great Little Station

Found it a good price. Easy to assemble and paint. A must have for your layout.

Blunami & Squeaky

I've ordered two 4408's from Squeaky and shipping is quick and the product works perfect.

All Good

Very good prices and instant, well packed shipping. Thanks!

Ring Engineering- Rail Pro

Very user friendly and brings back fun to running trains. No more dcc for me.

WalthersTrainline 931-808 | Katie's Candy Creations - Assembled Building | HO Scale

Great service, great system

Order filled quickly and packed well.

Fast shipping on the 2 foam cradles

Just as advertised. Got two to hold larger steam engines like the big boy. Works great. Thank you!

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