Like comics, books, or coins, trains should have a grading system that allows the seller and buyer to speak the same language during assessment and transaction. What is Mint condition to one person may only be fair or good to another.Through trial and error, the following grading scale has been derived which covers the basics of a train's condition, as well as the box it comes in. I include it in my listings for z scale trains, and have had excellent success. It is available for all to use, I've even posted it on other websites. There are multiple authors, so I don't lay claim to making it up, but have revised it to fit my needs. I hope it works for you. If you find this guide helpful, please cast a vote! Thanks!

ENGINE OR BOXCAR GRADING

MINT: Unmarred, all original and unused. May require cleaning and lubrication from never having been run (Marklin’s vegetable-based oil consistently caused this problem).

NEAR MINT: Free of any blemishes, nicks or scratches, original condition throughout, original brushes, track tested only or cleaned and lubed to attain running condition.

FINE: Have been run slightly (less than 2 hours on engine), no cosmetic or mechanical damage.

GOOD: Have been run regularly, brushes may be worn, no damage, may be modified or have replaced engine.

FAIR: May have slight damage, some wear on wheels, brushes well worn.

POOR: Beat up, junk condition, some usable parts.

BOX GRADING

MINT – No blemishes or scratches, cradle perfect.

LIKE NEW – Slight blemish or scratches, cradle perfect, may have price tag attached.

GOOD – Scuffs or scratches, cradle may be cracked but useable, normal shelf wear.

FAIR – Scuffs, scratches or cracks, torn section from price tag removal.

POOR – Badly damaged cradle or case, or not original box.