YOU CHOOSE - Grade B - ERTL Thomas & Friends Metal Diecast Railway Train Engine and Diesel Toys (New Grading System, New Photos Soon!)
Only 3 left
Regular price
$22.50
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*As of 8/28/24, this listing has been created to use the same grading scale used in my Wooden Railway listings in order to provide consistent conditions of any and all trains!*
This listing is for the Thomas & Friends ERTL Diecast range. Released in the UK initially in 1985, this line featured 1/64 scale die-cast models and playsets based off of the characters from The Railway Series and its television counterpart. Many characters that were trains, cars, tenders, helicopters and even people were miniaturized and became collectible items as well as toys. Since being discontinued in 2004, the interest in these has only increased, with some characters becoming increasingly hard to find, albeit in good condition.
In the early 2000's, a new type of coupler was tested in only the UK, the U-Hook coupler. Instead of a pin coupler that could break off, these were an attempt to remedy this issue. The line was discontinued soon after this though in 2004, so they are uncommon. Several trains were only exclusively released in the UK at the same time, making them a rarity that could only be obtained in the US by importing them. This listing now features these UK exclusive trains and the U-Hook coupler in general, they will be denoted with "U-Hook" in the title. As they did require being imported, and their overall rarity, they will be priced as such.
The goal of this listing is to make these not only accessible again, but to make it convenient to find any and all characters. This listing is updated frequently with new stock so that whether its for a birthday gift, stocking stuffer, or for yourself, you can always find that one character you're looking for.
I have tried to price these fairly based on their market value in relation to their condition. These are in great condition, meaning they are not excellent, but they have minimal to mild paint chipping or paint fading, they will be decremented by a constant value starting from full market value price, or their Grade A pricing.
As this is the Grade B listing, there will be minimal to mild no paint chipping on these trains. Due to their age and material type being diecast though, paint chipping is inevitable, these are trains that were played with but not as roughly as others, but they were not gently used either. As there is paint chipping, I have tried to limit it to corners or edges that you would likely notice upon looking at them. Some trains may have some detail paint fading (ex. Thomas' number logo); as the train is not paint chipped, I still consider these to be in great condition. If there is excessive detail paint fading, these have been downgraded. Trains with paint chipping AND paint fading will be downgraded further as necessary.
If you're worried about the particular condition of a character, please feel free to reach out to ask for up close up photos so you can decide for yourself if it meets your standards for its condition, I will provide photos as quick as I possibly can, and as detailed of photos as I can. I am more than happy to work with you and ensure that you are satisfied with your purchase, before and after receiving it, so please do not hesitate to inquire about any questions or concerns you may have.
If there is a character that I do not currently have listed as an option that you are looking for, please feel free to reach out and ask! I will gladly see if I happen to have it in stock, or find you one that is in good condition for a reasonable price.
If you're looking for any other brands or ranges of Thomas toys, please feel free to look at my store as I am always adding new listings and adding new stock. Please ensure that you are purchasing the right brand or range you're looking for before purchasing!
*Payment Options*
Any and all payment options accepted by this commerce platform I will accept as well! Payment must be provided in full at the time of purchase, an item will not ship until this is verified.
*Return Options*
If you are not satisfied with the condition of the item, or purchased the wrong item, there is a 30 day period for returns or exchanges. You as the buyer are responsible for the return shipping costs and any loss in value if an item isn't returned in original condition, all items will be examined upon return to verify if any new damage has appeared.
*Shipping & Delivery*
Shipping is primarily via Ground Advantage using the smallest reasonably sized box to contain all items in the order. If you place two separate orders in reasonable succession, these will be combined into one shipment unless prior arrangements are made. All items are wrapped in bubble wrap to ensure no damage during shipping. This is the cheapest shipping method possible, and I will be unable to bring the price down further than this. Orders over $35 USD and ordered in the continental United States will qualify for free shipping. International orders do not qualify in any situation for free shipping as the rates are much different from local, national rates. Shipping cost for international orders will be directly proportional to the amount of items in the order due to the increased shipping weight. Every item has a different weight, so the cost change may vary. Please see the shipping cost provided in the cart for an accurate estimate as I cannot provide shipping estimates. Any overage shipping cost paid by the buyer will be refunded back to the buyer in a reasonable amount of time.
*Photos are up to date as of 1/14/24*
This listing is for the Thomas & Friends ERTL Diecast range. Released in the UK initially in 1985, this line featured 1/64 scale die-cast models and playsets based off of the characters from The Railway Series and its television counterpart. Many characters that were trains, cars, tenders, helicopters and even people were miniaturized and became collectible items as well as toys. Since being discontinued in 2004, the interest in these has only increased, with some characters becoming increasingly hard to find, albeit in good condition.
In the early 2000's, a new type of coupler was tested in only the UK, the U-Hook coupler. Instead of a pin coupler that could break off, these were an attempt to remedy this issue. The line was discontinued soon after this though in 2004, so they are uncommon. Several trains were only exclusively released in the UK at the same time, making them a rarity that could only be obtained in the US by importing them. This listing now features these UK exclusive trains and the U-Hook coupler in general, they will be denoted with "U-Hook" in the title. As they did require being imported, and their overall rarity, they will be priced as such.
The goal of this listing is to make these not only accessible again, but to make it convenient to find any and all characters. This listing is updated frequently with new stock so that whether its for a birthday gift, stocking stuffer, or for yourself, you can always find that one character you're looking for.
I have tried to price these fairly based on their market value in relation to their condition. These are in great condition, meaning they are not excellent, but they have minimal to mild paint chipping or paint fading, they will be decremented by a constant value starting from full market value price, or their Grade A pricing.
As this is the Grade B listing, there will be minimal to mild no paint chipping on these trains. Due to their age and material type being diecast though, paint chipping is inevitable, these are trains that were played with but not as roughly as others, but they were not gently used either. As there is paint chipping, I have tried to limit it to corners or edges that you would likely notice upon looking at them. Some trains may have some detail paint fading (ex. Thomas' number logo); as the train is not paint chipped, I still consider these to be in great condition. If there is excessive detail paint fading, these have been downgraded. Trains with paint chipping AND paint fading will be downgraded further as necessary.
If you're worried about the particular condition of a character, please feel free to reach out to ask for up close up photos so you can decide for yourself if it meets your standards for its condition, I will provide photos as quick as I possibly can, and as detailed of photos as I can. I am more than happy to work with you and ensure that you are satisfied with your purchase, before and after receiving it, so please do not hesitate to inquire about any questions or concerns you may have.
If there is a character that I do not currently have listed as an option that you are looking for, please feel free to reach out and ask! I will gladly see if I happen to have it in stock, or find you one that is in good condition for a reasonable price.
If you're looking for any other brands or ranges of Thomas toys, please feel free to look at my store as I am always adding new listings and adding new stock. Please ensure that you are purchasing the right brand or range you're looking for before purchasing!
*Payment Options*
Any and all payment options accepted by this commerce platform I will accept as well! Payment must be provided in full at the time of purchase, an item will not ship until this is verified.
*Return Options*
If you are not satisfied with the condition of the item, or purchased the wrong item, there is a 30 day period for returns or exchanges. You as the buyer are responsible for the return shipping costs and any loss in value if an item isn't returned in original condition, all items will be examined upon return to verify if any new damage has appeared.
*Shipping & Delivery*
Shipping is primarily via Ground Advantage using the smallest reasonably sized box to contain all items in the order. If you place two separate orders in reasonable succession, these will be combined into one shipment unless prior arrangements are made. All items are wrapped in bubble wrap to ensure no damage during shipping. This is the cheapest shipping method possible, and I will be unable to bring the price down further than this. Orders over $35 USD and ordered in the continental United States will qualify for free shipping. International orders do not qualify in any situation for free shipping as the rates are much different from local, national rates. Shipping cost for international orders will be directly proportional to the amount of items in the order due to the increased shipping weight. Every item has a different weight, so the cost change may vary. Please see the shipping cost provided in the cart for an accurate estimate as I cannot provide shipping estimates. Any overage shipping cost paid by the buyer will be refunded back to the buyer in a reasonable amount of time.
*Photos are up to date as of 1/14/24*