It operates passenger trains at the museum using a mixture of steam, internal combustion and battery-electric locomotives.

The first loco to arrive on site was Hibberd Simplex 1980 from the City of Chichester Sewage Works at Apuldram.

This influx, including several steam locos, gave the inspiration to expand the operation to a passenger carrying line.

The Hudson Hunslet diesels 3097 and Blue Star were stalwarts of the passenger service in the 80s, until the arrival of Motor Rail Simplex 60S prototype 11001.

In the early 2000s it was decided that WW1 Baldwin 4-6-0PT 778 Lion, which had been in store for many years, needed an alternative home as it was too big for the sharp curves at Amberley.

A new running shed opened in 2005, serving as the operating and restoration base for the passenger steam fleet, as well as a dedicated home and charging station for the battery electric locos.

Brockham has a small siding on Platform 2, as well as a former London, Brighton and South Coast Railway ticket office from Hove station.

Listings correct as of December 2017 Engines marked 'In occasional use' are generally only operated at railway special events and are usually either on display in the museum building or stored in one of the sheds or the tunnel.

In 2010 four of the museum's Hudson flat wagons were sent to Pinewood Studios for use in the film, Captain America: The First Avenger.