I am moderating three categories here: nauticalia, railwayana and public transport.

What I am about to write may get refined with experience but it starts as a policy statement about how vendors may expect this moderator to operate.

There are plenty of comments made to me about replicas appearing on other on-line auction sites and being passed off as genuine. My attitude is that should you wish to list a replica in categories that I moderate, make sure the fact that it is a replica is made clear. Selling something that is clearly stated to be a replica is fine by me.  In fact, sometimes such items are not only welcome, but have become completely accepted in certain collectible categories.  so long as that fact is made clear.

Such items might well include enamel signs, reprinted timetables (Ian Allan did a number), replica packaging for Dublo trains and engine nameplates among others.

Additionally, it is a very wise idea - in fact essential - that if you are selling a potentially high value and rare piece, like a locomotive nameplate, that you provide evidence of your right of ownership.

If items that are listed in my categories appear on the face of it to raise questions in these respects, do not be offended if the auction is suspended. or if I ask a question. If the issue can be resolved I will willingly re-instate the auction.

Posted 4th September 2006.