To this end it collects, preserves and makes available documents, drawings, photographs and other records, covering the period from the early 19th century to the present.

[3] The founding president was the influential railway official and historian, George Dow.

[6][7] The Society's collections, providing information for both railfans and model railroaders,[8] include over 200,000 photographs (50,000 of which are available in the Society's online catalogue as of December 2017[update]),[7][9] 300,000 drawings,[7][10] and a large and varied collection of railway documents including working documents, railway timetables, model catalogues and enthusiasts' documentation.

[11] Five of the paintings held in the Society's collection are listed in the Art UK database.

[12] The Historical Model Railway Society publishes the HMRS Journal on a quarterly basis; according to the Society, the Journal "aims to be one of scholarly record and publishes prime source material as well as items of debate and research.