Rail Equipment Valuation and Appraisal

Since our founding, we’ve appraised more than $1 billion worth of railroad equipment, including all types of freight cars, passenger cars, diesel-electric locomotives, and steam locomotives. Our railroad equipment valuation team is experienced in all commonly-used appraisal methodologies, including Fair Market Value (FMV), Orderly Liquidation Value (OLV), income approach, replacement cost new less depreciation (RCNLD), and the appraiser's opinion of value (OOV). We specialize in performing both desktop and on-site appraisals, depending on the individual needs of our clients. 

LOCOMOTIVE APPRAISAL

Our staff has appraised hundreds of locomotives over the past decade, spanning nearly every make and model on the market. We are well versed in the second hand locomotive market, including the value of locomotives typically found in industrial, short line, regional, and class I railroads. We are also experienced in the appraisal of more specialty locomotives, including have performed inspections and appraisals of modern passenger diesel-electric locomotives and antique steam locomotives. 

FREIGHT CAR RAIL

From the standard 50 foot boxcar to specialty, 16 axle flatcars, the experts at FMW have appraised nearly every type of freight railcar on the market. Our appraisals have been undertaken on behalf of lending companies, during litigation disputes, or merely for financing purposes. 

PASSENGER CAR APPRAISAL

The market for used intercity and commuter passenger rail equipment is unlike nearly any other used rail equipment market in the U.S. The majority of the buyers are either government agencies or non-profit rail organizations, and the range of comparable values for equipment often skews from nearly free to millions of dollars, depending on the item. Hiring an appraisal firm that understands intimately the nuances of the passenger rail equipment market is crucial in getting a realistic and accurate valuation.

HERITAGE RAIL EQUIPMENT Appraisal

Much like the passenger rail equipment market, appraising historic artifacts, such as vintage passenger cars or historic locomotives, is a specialized skill. The leaders of FMW have not only appraised dozens of heritage locomotives and hundreds of passenger cars in the past decade, but they possess the technical expertise to appropriately inspect and value these unique artifacts.