North Coast Railroad Authority is auctioning a collection of vintage rail coaches that carried passengers on fabled western train routes.

But the 60-year-old rolling stock may need a little work.

“They were beautiful at one time,” said Allen Hemphill, a train buff and rail authority director. “The buyer will have to invest significantly to restore them.”

The nine cars are scattered along the idle Northwestern Pacific Railroad from Healdsburg to Humboldt County.

They've been stranded since federal rail regulators shut down the railroad in the late 1990s. While several are in good condition, others may be worth more for their parts, Hemphill said. Some have been damaged by vandals and weather.

It is further agreed that the passenger cars will be removed from premises by July 31, 2011or a penalty of $500 per day will be due and payable monthly from purchaser. It is understood that security of stored passenger cars is the responsibility of the purchaser. If passenger cars are damaged due to purchaser’s inability to secure the cars NCRA will request that the cars be removed within thirty days of complaint.