I get information about railroad stocks and bonds from a huge range of sources. The quality of information from the various sources is highly variable. The best sources are certificates .

I gather copies of certificates from all over the globe. Some certificates are available only in Europe and some only in the U.S. Copies can be in either a physical form or in electronic form.

Today's photocopiers are so good that I can discern most important features from paper copies. Just try to use a good photocopier. To speed things up, I suggest:

• Reduce to fit paper.
• Use black and white.
• Use 8-1/2" x 11" or A4 white paper.
• Leave lots of margin.
• Copy the fronts only.
• Record colors or notes in the bottom margin.
• PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, do not write over the image.

To keep things easy, there is

• no need to tell me the original size
• no need to copy backs
• no need to copy coupons
• no need to copy stubs.

And finally,

• DO NOT SEND ORIGINAL CERTIFICATES!!

I AM EXTREMELY SERIOUS ABOUT THIS!

DO NOT SEND ORIGINAL CERTIFICATES UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES.

You may mail me directly at:

Terry Cox
9989 W. 60th Ave, Suite 250
Arvada, CO 80004
USA

If you own a scanner, you may send images of your certificates as e-mail attachments. Spread throughout this web site is a huge amount of information and tips about scanning.

Here is a synopsis of tips:

• Scan certificates at 200 dpi (150 dpi absolute minimum).
• Save in JPG format. (Avoid GIFs and BMPs)
• Use a white background.
• Scan large certificates in TWO, rarely three, pieces. Do NOT try to patch them together.
• If scanning in pieces, scan all pieces facing the same direction.
• Scan critical details (such as valuable autographs) at higher resolutions, if necessary.

If you choose to scan certificates, I suggest:

• Do NOT patch the pieces together (it takes too long)
• If scanning in pieces, at least two inches of overlap.
• Do NOT scan coupons.
• Do NOT scan stubs.
• Do NOT scan backs.
• Do NOT use autoexposure
• Do NOT reduce images (scan full scale.)
• Save as MEDIUM quality JPGs. (There is no need to save at higher quality!)

Keep things simple. You do NOT need to manipulate images. You do NOT need to straighten them. You do NOT need to patch pieces together. You do NOT need to correct brightness. You do NOT need to correct contrast. Just send them to me out of your scanner and I'll fix them.

When you send electronic images, limit them to a few per e-mail, preferably, one per email.

Send e-mail to Terry Cox

There is no information about private collectors on this web site. However, if you still have concerns about privacy, please read about anonymity.