For years, Memphis has been fortunate to have an active model railroad and railfan community. A few years ago, some members of the local chapter of the NMRA were approached by officials of the Memphis Area Transit Authority (MATA) with the idea of establishing a museum to spotlight Memphis’ rail history, including the street railway system.

After looking at several locations, it was decided that Memphis’ Historic Central Station would be the ideal location for the Museum.

Running beneath the station and extending to the former Railway Express office is a large freight tunnel. The MATA offered this tunnel to the newly organized Memphis Railroad and Trolley Museum (MRTM) to house their museum.