Most if not all major antique and vintage collector hobbies have established grading scales. The TCA exterior grading scale seems to be well established and accepted. However, as I suggested, it doesn't deal with some of the most fundamental characteristics of a train, characteristics that could very significantly affect its value. I would pay a lot more for a train with an excellent exterior and interior than a train with an excellent exterior and nothing inside, or what's inside is in such bad condition that it cannot reasonably be salvaged. And I certainly take into consideration informed judgements based on recognized grading scales. If someone estimates the exterior of a train to be C-6, or C-7, or C-2, I certainly take that into consideration in gauging desirability and value. Perhaps I am in a small minority in that regard.
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