In Loving Memory of Bill Knous, Co-Founder
Our Story
In 1987, my husband Bill and I rented a small retail space in Georgetown, CO with the plan of opening an antique store. We always had a passion for railroad collectibles and were eager for the opportunity to preserve these treasures of the past and ultimately find homes where they can be displayed and enjoyed. When our first consignor pulled up to our store with a pickup truck full of railroad lanterns, Railroad Memories was born.
Eventually our brick-and-mortar store transitioned into an auction service company where we sent out printed auction catalogs to our list of subscribers. We spent the next 20 years running our business side-by-side while also raising our children. In 2006, Bill passed away but his legacy lives on through the continued operation and success of Railroad Memories.
In 2013, we launched our live, online auction service platform, which has completely transformed the way railroad collectibles are bought and sold. Buyers are now able to browse the auction inventory weeks ahead of the auction close date to decide what items they are interested in. Then they can place their bids from the comfort of their own homes. Sellers have been getting top prices for rare, unique items as the Railroad Memories auctions continues to break records on what a piece has the potential to sell for.
With over 30 years of expertise in this field, we pride ourselves on our reputation and have been fortunate enough to build a strong relationship with our consignors as well as our buyers due to our honesty and integrity.
We thank you for your continued business and support!
Sue Knous, Co-Founder (2nd from right), with her children Billy, Amanda and Andie at the 2018 celebration of Railroad Memories’ 100th Auction.
What Our Customers Say
When it was time to sell my father’s extensive railroad plate collection, we had no idea where to turn. Fortunately, a friend recommended Sue, and we couldn’t be happier. Sue handled everything, from helping to get the RR plates to her, promoting the auction, understanding the market, and forwarding us the auction proceeds. Her auctions attract a wide range of dedicated railroad fans, and we couldn’t have possibly made the sales on our own. I like to think my father would be pleased, knowing his plates went for a fair price to other railroad fans who will enjoy the rich history of each plate. Sue couldn’t be nicer and easier to work with.
RR Memories has been a trusted leader for railroad memorabilia sales ever since their first catalog was issued in 1987. With over 110 catalogs to date, Sue Knous and family continue to strive for honesty, integrity, and complete customer satisfaction in how mail-in bid and online railroad memorabilia auctions are provided. I have been both a buyer and seller with RR Memories since catalog #1 was available and have observed how the Knous family have transitioned from black & white catalogs with pictures of selected items to a catalog with color photographs of every item and detailed item descriptions for over 500 rare and one-of-a-kind railroad items in every issue.
RR Memories online bidding process has become as close to actual “live” auctions as possible. The “soft close” bidding utilized for their auctions ensure bidders have ample opportunity to easily track the status of their bids and allow for raising their bid if desired. This unique bid ending process eliminates any chance of the last minute “sniping” often seen in other online bidding sites.
RR Memories catalogs consistently feature many rare or previously unseen railroad items giving both buyers and sellers the best options for adding to or downsizing their collections. Buyers and sellers’ identities are always kept confidential which is another feature that RR Memories has always supported.
The Knous family demonstrates sincere pride, honesty, and integrity in making the RR Memories online experience a win-win for both buyer and seller of fine railroad memorabilia. I would strongly recommend RR Memories to any railroad memorabilia collector in their pursuit of quality railroad collectables.
I want to take this opportunity to say that I have been collecting Railroadiana for 50 years. I met Sue at the Saint Charles railroad show I believe in the late 90`s, I decided in 2020 to downsize my collection, so, I did not forget Railroad Memories. I have sent her several shipments and have to say I am completely happy with all the ways she operates her auctions. A happy and satisfied consignor.
I have a long-term relationship with Railroad Memories that dates back over two decades and can say that I have no greater trust in anyone else in the hobby. Sue is honest, hard-working, and so incredibly knowledgeable about all parts of Railroadiana and that gives me the utmost confidence in doing business with her – both as a buyer as well as a consignor. Railroad Memories is truly a one-stop shop for all hobby enthusiasts at every experience level, you know you are dealing with someone of the highest integrity and will stand behind each and every transaction when doing business with the firm. Sue, I thank you for being such a wonderful resource and friend for all these years and heartily recommend you to everyone out there!
I absolutely love Railroad Memories. Sue is always super friendly and willing to go above and beyond to present the best auction possible. The railroad items are always top quality and beautifully advertised in the catalog as well as online. Sue has advertised and sold many railroad treasures for me and is a delight to work with. I would definitely recommend Railroad Memories to anyone looking to buy or sell quality railroad memorabilia
I just wanted all to know how much I’ve appreciated Sue with Railroad Memories. After Losing my husband Warren Scholl she has taken all his treasures and researched all his items making this a smooth and easy transition for me. Well worth all her hard work packing sorting researching each item nothing I could have done.
Railroad Memories equals one word – Excellence! Whether buying or selling, Sue Knous and her Railroad Memories bring forth knowledge, experience, professionalism, dedication. From the minute we contacted her to sell a collection until the last item was auctioned, she guided us with professionalism and friendliness and I can assure you no one could have done it better. Very, very thankful to have found Railroad Memories!
