Blog

Old, rusty railroad car covered with green vines and moss
February 11, 2026
5 min read

Upcycling in the rail industry

Upcycling in the rail industry creates new value from discarded materials such as seat covers, uniforms, or entire vehicles. Innovative solutions promote sustainability, efficient use of resources, and a functioning circular economy—from individual projects to strategic tasks. Read more about this in this blog post.

Freight train on rails with illuminated digital data patterns symbolizes digitalization and modern technology in rail transport
January 29, 2026
6 min read

Blockchain in the spare parts trade – vision or imminent reality?

Blockchain technology could revolutionize the spare parts trade in the rail industry: it enables seamless tracking, greater transparency, and automated processes in complex supply chains. However, data protection, a lack of standards, and high costs have so far hindered widespread implementation—despite its great potential. Its use therefore remains more of a vision at present—but initial pilot projects show what could be possible in the future.

Stacked, partly rusty, steel railroad tracks for track construction and railway infrastructure
January 21, 2026
5 min read

Raw Materials in Rail: How Railway Components Are Recycled

The European rail industry is facing new challenges: valuable materials such as rails, sleepers, and overhead lines are increasingly being reused in line with the circular economy before they are recycled. Digital marketplaces are opening up new ways to market used rail parts and are helping to use resources more efficiently. This promotes sustainable business practices and supports the industry in implementing current environmental and recycling requirements.

Warehouse with shelves full of used railway and machine spare parts, sorted and stacked for reuse or sale
January 14, 2026
3 min read

Common problems with the storage of railway parts

The storage of railway parts presents numerous challenges: limited storage space, lack of overview, material damage due to incorrect conditions, and outdated inventory. Added to this are high costs and significant capital tied up in unused spare parts. These problems have a direct impact on efficiency, maintenance, and operational safety. Find out about the typical difficulties that arise in practice and why they are so relevant to the railway industry in our blog post.

Moving freight train on the railway line, close-up of a train wheel with sparks flying during travel
January 7, 2026
3 min read

Why the spare parts market is so opaque

Anyone who procures railway spare parts is familiar with the challenges: the market is confusing, manufacturers use their own designations, and there is often a lack of comparison options. Above all, the high degree of specialization and lack of standards make it difficult to find suitable components. Digital B2B marketplaces provide a remedy here: they bundle offers, simplify comparisons, and make the spare parts market more transparent and accessible for operators, workshops, and suppliers.

Stacked steel wheel sets with visible rusty signs of wear
December 17, 2025
5 min read

Differences in procurement: corporations vs. SMEs

Large railway companies and small, medium-sized enterprises pursue very different approaches to procurement. While large companies rely on standardized processes, centralized decision-making, and long-term strategies, SMEs operate more flexibly, quickly, and often more pragmatically. This article shows how these differences affect decision-making processes, spare parts strategies, and the use of new and used vehicles—and why both models have their own unique strengths.

Blue painted passenger rail car from Creditas Mobility on tracks, side view in the open air
December 10, 2025
3 min read

CREDITAS MOBILITY: How flexible leasing models are changing European passenger transport

Discover how new leasing and refurbishment models, such as those offered by Creditas Mobility,  together with flexible marketplaces such as railauction.plus, are bringing movement to the European rail market and giving operators more leeway.

Close-up of a train bogie with wheels, springs, and technical components on tracks
December 3, 2025
10 min read

Why many used railway parts never reach the market

The rail industry has enormous untapped potential: thousands of used spare parts are decommissioned, stored, or scrapped every year—even though they represent valuable resources in technical, economic, and ecological terms. This article explains why reuse is still irregular, what obstacles exist along the value chain, and which solutions are already working today. A look at the huge potential that the industry is only just beginning to tap into.

Person films the exposed wheel hub and brake disc of a vehicle during repairs using a smartphone
November 26, 2025
3 min read

How do I choose the right sales type for my product?

There are four types of sales available on railauction.plus. But which one is right for your product and your goals? In this article, you will get clear, quick guidance and learn about the advantages of all options.

Red freight locomotive pulling a long container train at sunset on a double-track railway line
November 19, 2025
4 min read

Retrofit instead of new parts – how old components are upgraded with modern technology

Retrofit makes existing rail vehicles and components fit for the future. Targeted modernization instead of new purchases saves costs, extends service life, and increases sustainability—a strategic advantage for operators. Read the blog post now to learn more!