what is rolling stock

Rolling stock refers to the wheeled vehicles used in the rail transport industry, including both powered and unpowered vehicles such as locomotives, freight and passenger cars, and non-revenue cars. The term is also used in other industries to refer to vehicles on wheels, such as buses, vans, cars, railcars, locomotives, trolley cars and buses, and ferry boats, as well as vehicles used for support services. Rolling stock is considered a liquid asset since the value of the vehicle can be readily estimated and shipped to the buyer without much cost or delay. The term contrasts with fixed stock, which refers to the infrastructure necessary to operate a railway, such as the track, signals, stations, electric wires, and other buildings. The term "rolling stock" is also used in the railroad industry to denote anything on rail wheels.