78 Collectable Model Trains: Collecting Trains: Is is in original condition?
Description
This article is from the Model Trains FAQ, by Christopher D Coleman with numerous contributions by others.
78 Collectable Model Trains: Collecting Trains: Is is in original condition?
This matters to some more than others, but is accepted as wrong to
repaint or replace with reproductions major sections of an item and
try to pass it off as original. Groups like the TCA take this very
seriously and have expelled members for it.
Reproduction parts are quite a controversy. They are needed where
original parts can no longer be found, but can be misrepresented.
Volumes have been written on what parts have been cloned and how to
tell, but I will give some general guidelines.
1. Lionel molded parts usually say "Lionel Corporation, New York,
NY" or similar. Watch for parts with this missing.
2. Reproductions usually have more apparent "parting lines" where
the two pieces of the die meet.
3. The parts most often broken or lost are those most often cloned.
Automobiles, helicopters, submarines, missiles, and other plastic
loads are good examples.
4. Bad copies are often warped or show color variation.
5. If you are at all suspicious, don't accuse. Ask someone more
experienced for their opinion, especially train group officers.
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