What is a railroad auction?

A railroad auction is an auction in which either railroad equipment or railroad memorabilia is sold. Sometimes these auctions are held as fundraisers for organizations tied to the railroad business.

Auctions of functional railroad equipment can include backhoes, grapples, rail heaters, rail saws, spike drivers and pullers, trailers, tie removers and inserters, as well as pallets filled with spare parts. Railroad auctions focusing on rail memorabilia typically include collectibles such as badges, books, locks and keys, various types of lamps, railroad brochures and posters, railroad company ads, and china used on passenger trains. Memorabilia auctions are conducted both live and online.