The collection contains reference material related to India including time tables, journals, magazines articles, newspaper clippings, booklets, hand books, administrative reports, published books, blue prints, photographs, maps, handwritten and typed notes. Some of the specific content relate to Indian electric upgrades (electrification) and Indian light and narrow gauge railways. The collection also contains items on the Middle East Railway relating to the Trans Iranian Railway including maps, route details and locomotives on certain lines.

Hugh Hughes also collected information and statistics of English railways with a particular focus on the Southern electric rolling stock. Documents relating to the Southern Railway and its pre-grouping constituents include timetables, drawings and notices.

Railways of other geographical areas are featured in the collection consisting of Malayan, Thailand and African railways in addition to railways in Europe.