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Dave's Trains, Inc.
www.davestrains.com

Phone: 732-271-5124 *** Fax: 732-271-9285 *** E-mail Dave & Joan

Grading & Guarantee Policy

This Web Page Last Updated: September 30, 2020

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Grading of Engines, Cars & Accessories

We grade according to generally accepted standards established by the major train clubs and commonly used by knowledgeable collectors. They are summarized here for your convenience:

Explanation of Grading
GradeCodeDefinition
Mint M Brand new, absolutely unmarred, all original and unused, in original packaging with all paperwork provided by the manufacturer
Like New LN Free of blemishes, nicks or scratches; original condition throughout, with vibrant colors; only faint signs of handling or use
Excellent E Minute scratches or nicks; no dents or rust; exceptionally clean
(Excellent Plus/E+ = high excellent; Excellent Minus/E- = low excellent)
Very Good VG Few scratches; no dents, rust or warpage; very clean
(Very Good Plus/VG+ = high very good; Very Good Minus/VG- = low very good)
Good G Scratched, small dents, and dirty
Fair F Well-scratched, chipped, dented, rusted, or warped
Poor P Junk, usable for parts only
Restored Res. - LN (Restored to Like New), Professionally refurbished or refinished with a color that approximates the original finish. Trim and ornamentation are present and in LN condition. The finish also appears in LN condition.
Restored Res. - E (Restored to Excellent) Amateur restoration with a color that resembles the original finish. Trim and ornamentation are present. Generally there are some flaws with these restorations.

In addition to the general overall grade assigned to the item, we also note significant flaws to help you understand the true condition of an item. That could include reproduction parts, missing items, alterations, cracks, broken steps, melt spots, deep scratches, chips, rust, battery damage, fading, stains, distorted lettering, decal peeling, dents, warpage, foreign paint or other substances, etc.

Note that no load, box, envelope, instruction sheet, controller, contactor, etc., is included unless stated. Please ask questions -- we will answer your questions truthfully and completely. Above all, we want you to be satisfied with the purchase.

Grading of Original Boxes & Other Paper Items

We grade original boxes and all other paper items (instruction sheets, envelopes, catalogs, instruction manuals, etc.) according to a commonly-used, subjective "1 to 10" scale with a "10" being "really nice or gorgeous" and a "1" being "crummy or downright ugly."

Original Box & Other Paper Grades
GradeExplanation
8, 9, 10 Collector quality
6 or 7 Decent
1 - 5 Placeholders

In addition to the general overall grade assigned to the item, we also note significant flaws to help you understand the true condition of an item. That could include separations, tape, tape residue, glue residue, rips, tears, holes, creases, water & oil stains, rust & battery stains, discolorations, fading, missing flaps, missing panels, missing inserts, insect nibblings, writing, foreign labels, foreign substances, wrong ends being open, dirt, alterations, peeling, distorted sides, etc.

Note that no insert, outer sleeve, shipping carton, master carton, companion box, etc., is included unless stated. Please ask questions -- we will describe everything thoroughly. Your satisfaction is our goal.

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Guarantee Policy - Operation & Condition

All engines, accessories, operating cars, and transformers work (operate properly) unless marked "As Is." In addition, as noted in the "Grading" sections, we grade according to the standards used by the TCA and other commonly used approaches. Further, we will describe every item thoroughly prior to shipping. However, if you are dissatisfied with anything, call and return within 7 days; we will reimburse your money as noted in the "Returns & Refunds" section.

Returns & Refunds

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