Condition Grading | Diecast & Scale Models

Our Commitment to Model Quality and Grading

Many of the diecast models we sell are no longer newly manufactured and have come from previous collectors. Because of this, every pre-owned item is carefully inspected before it is listed for sale.

Our aim is to give every customer a clear and honest understanding of the item’s condition before purchase. To achieve this, we focus on:

Detailed inspections - We carefully check each model for signs of damage, restoration, missing parts, paint loss, wear, repairs or loose components. Where applicable, we also assess the box for edge wear, crushing, tears, fading, splits or storage marks.
Clear product photography - Our photos are taken to show the item as accurately as possible, including close-up images of any visible imperfections.
Accurate condition descriptions - Each listing includes a condition section explaining the model condition, box condition and any known missing accessories or included extras.

Where possible, the model condition and box condition are graded separately. This is because a model may be in excellent condition while the box shows heavier storage wear, or the box may be clean while the model itself has visible flaws.

How We Grade Model Condition

Our model condition grade is based mainly on the physical condition of the model itself. This includes the paintwork, parts attached to the model, repairs, visible damage, handling wear, display wear and overall presentation.

Accessories and completeness are assessed separately where needed. This means a model may still be graded as Mint or Near Mint if the model itself has no visible flaws, even if a separate accessory, stand, leaflet, certificate, screw, optional part or display item is missing.

Where anything is missing, this will be clearly mentioned in the condition description. In these cases, the model grade reflects the condition of the model itself, while the listing notes will explain whether the set is complete or incomplete.

If a missing or damaged part is attached to the model itself, such as an undercarriage door, propeller, aerial, wheel, canopy, pylon or other fixed component, this will affect the model condition grade.

Grading Metrics

To ensure full transparency, we use the following grading system for the physical condition of the model or box. Completeness, missing accessories and included extras are described separately within each listing where applicable.

Mint (10/10)
As new, with no visible flaws. The item appears unused, untouched or exceptionally well preserved.

Near Mint (9/10)
Very light signs of handling, storage or display only. Any marks are minimal and do not affect the overall presentation.

Excellent (8/10)
Light wear or a few tiny marks, but still displays very well. This is often used for clean pre-owned models with only minor imperfections.

Very Good (7/10)
Noticeable wear, small chips, rubs or light flaws, but still complete and presentable. The item remains a good display piece.

Good (6/10)
Obvious overall wear, visible paint loss or more noticeable imperfections. Better suited as a display or filler piece rather than a top-grade collector example.

Fair (5/10)
Heavy wear, larger areas of paint loss, repairs, damage or clearly visible flaws. Still of interest to collectors, but condition issues should be expected.

Spares / Repairs (4/10 or below)
Significant damage, missing parts, broken components or models best suited for restoration, repair projects or spare parts.

Completeness and Missing Accessories

Some diecast models originally included additional accessories such as stands, certificates, leaflets, screws, optional undercarriage parts, spare weapons, display pieces or collector cards. These items are important to many collectors, but they are assessed separately from the physical condition of the model itself.

For example, a model may be described as Model Condition - Mint (10/10) if the model itself has no visible flaws, while the listing may also state that a separate accessory is missing. In this situation, the model remains mint, but the overall set would be described as incomplete.

Any known missing accessories, replacement parts or non-original items will be mentioned in the listing condition notes wherever possible. Please check the photos and description carefully before purchase.

Model Grading and Collection Placement

Models graded as Mint, Near Mint, Excellent or Very Good are usually placed within our main shop collections, provided they remain presentable and suitable for general collectors.

Our Pre-Loved Models collection is used for models graded as Good, Fair or Spares / Repairs. These items are still fully inspected and described, but they will usually show more obvious wear, flaws, repairs, missing model parts or display-related imperfections.

In some cases, a high-grade model with a missing separate accessory may still appear in the main shop collection, provided the model itself remains in strong condition. Any missing accessories will be clearly stated in the listing.

This separation helps collectors browse more confidently. Higher-grade models remain in the main shop, while more worn examples are clearly grouped into a dedicated pre-loved section.

When We Use Stock Images

For some newly supplied models, we may use official manufacturer stock images for the first 1-3 photos. This is common with certain brands, such as Hobby Master, where the box artwork may not clearly show the aircraft livery or model details.

Where stock images are used, customers should still refer to the listing’s condition section for the most accurate information. For pre-owned items, we aim to provide actual photographs of the model, box and any visible imperfections wherever possible.

If you have any questions about an item's condition, please feel free to contact us. We are always happy to help before you place an order.