For information the Dapol/DCCsupplies grading system is as follows:-
Grade I
Cosmetically in good condition, with minimal signs of cosmetic wear or damage - light scratches, minor glue marks or paint blemishes. All parts attached by glue are present and un-damaged. Attachment points (screw holes and clips etc.) may show some signs of use/wear. Glazing is complete, though may show signs of use, fingerprints or smudges. Good runner. If applicable, the models mechanical and electrical operation has been verified prior to despatch. If applicable, lighting components are fitted and operational. 30 Day Warranty.
Grade II
Cosmetically in fair condition, with signs of cosmetic wear or damage - scratches, minor glue marks or paint blemishes. All parts attached by glue are present and un-damaged. Attachment points (screw holes and clips etc.) may show some signs of use/wear. Glazing is complete, though may show signs of use, fingerprints or smudges. Decent runner, but may have a slight wobble, be slightly jerky at certain speeds or be slightly noisy. If applicable, the models mechanical and electrical operation has been verified prior to despatch. If applicable, lighting components are fitted and operational. Sold as Seen - No Warranty NB: Models may have one or more of the issues listed.
Grade III
Good Static Model. Major fault - could be mechanical or electrical. May have cosmetic blemish, etc. Some of the small detailing parts may be missing. Attachment points (screw holes and clips etc.) may show some signs of use/wear. May have an electrical and/or mechanical fault, not likely to run very well if at all. Sold as Seen - No Warranty NB: Models may have one or more of the issues listed.
Grade IV
This grading may be suitable for parts, modification/repair by scratch builders and/or as spares for repairing your own locomotives or rolling stock. More substantial body damage, large glue marks or paint blemishes. Other parts may be missing or damaged Larger scratches, cracks or distortion of plastic parts Does not run. No lighting Sold as Seen - No Warranty

I've bought a few non runners at a very good price that have turned out to be excellent after a small tweak. I would always have a browse through the graded items if I was near the shop. The problem now is that you can't actually visit the shop so you can't see what it says about the loco on the box. For instance I wouldn't touch one that wobbles (unless it was a Western where I could use a spare bogie) or one that had dropped the valve gear. A grade A item would be ok to buy without seeing but I wouldn't buy any other category without seeing it and the note on the box. Even the grade A items won't have the detail pack in the box. So it would still be worth looking through the bin at an exhibition but I won't be buying any from the shop as I can't see them first.

They were happy to tell me by email the fault indicated on the box.

Perhaps it's just because you've posted this in every FB group too, but it seems a bit random! The definitions aren't new. There's no new items. You've not even posted a link, I imagine a number of people are confused! The guidance is even on the DCC Concepts website to see if you're looking at the graded items.

I bought a grade III IOA wagon for £7, it was missing two buffers and a handbrake wheel. Seemed a harsh assessment of its condition.

I've also bought a few non runners from DCC Supplies and with a bit of tinkering they have turned out to be great - a 9F, Britannia, Grange and a couple of Panniers. Well worth a look at when you next see them at an exhibition.

Quote from: njee20 on February 17, 2022, 08:46:01 AM
Perhaps it's just because you've posted this in every FB group too, but it seems a bit random! The definitions aren't new. There's no new items. You've not even posted a link, I imagine a number of people are confused! The guidance is even on the DCC Concepts website to see if you're looking at the graded items.

I bought a grade III IOA wagon for £7, it was missing two buffers and a handbrake wheel. Seemed a harsh assessment of its condition.

The definitions may not be new but I could not find any reference to them so I contacted DCCSUPPLIES and they sent me a copy and as it is not on the web site I thought others might find it useful, so I posted it to all the groups I am a member of clearly stating I was referring to Dapol/dccsupplies grading system so anyone with any common sense would know where to look with out the need for links but if you need a link here is onehttps://www.dccsupplies.com/product-category/locomotives-rolling-stock/graded-locomotives-rolling-stock/

Surely as DCC Supplies are listing items on their site with reference to these grades then they should publish those grade definitions on the web site too? I'm very surprised they're not on a page somewhere (not that I've looked)

It always was. I also haven't looked, I'll confess. Their website is now dismal, so perhaps they have taken them off, but that is ludicrous.

The grade descriptions used to be all on one page before the rebuild of the website, but they're still there to be found.  The description for each "Graded" item includes the relevant text from the original post.

Steven B.