The Robert W. Cox Railroad Collection offers wide variety of publications, audiovisual material, images, and realia associated with railroads, with a particular focus on railroads of southern New York, New Jersey, and the American Northeast. There is also a series of correspondence, photographs, and other print material relating to the operations and facilities of the Orange and Rockland (New York) Utility Company, and especially to that company's legal relationship with railroads. Robert Cox assembled this collection over the course of many years.

Correspondence, photographs, clippings The correspondence documents a portion of the business relationship between railroads and the Orange and Rockland (New York) Utility Company. Specifically, the correspondence deals with easements, real estate, construction, modifications, safety, rights of way, rent, and other matters relating to the utility company's use of railroad property. For example, a railroad might write a letter to the utility company to specify how deep a gas line must be buried under its tracks and how it must be maintained. Only the incoming correspondence, from railroads to the utility company, is present in this file. Material is arranged first by the name of the railroad, and then, chronologically within that file.

Books This collection of approximately 160 books relates to all facets of railroading. The emphasis of the collection is on American railroads, but there are also books that deal with railroading outside of the United States. The books include works on specific railroad companies, histories of particular line-building efforts, and close looks at locomotives and rolling stock. Most of these books are relatively recent, well-illustrated publications. The books in these boxes are arranged alphabetically by author's name. Three oversized titles are out of alphabetical sequence and are housed in Box 10.

Periodicals This is a collection of periodicals devoted to railroading. Some of the periodicals include serious historical articles, but most are of a popular nature, with good illustrations. There are long runs of some periodicals, but only scattered issues of others. The periodicals in this collection are arranged alphabetically by title.

Audio Visual Material Like the book collection noted above, this collection of approximately 160 pieces of audiovisual material is devoted to all facets of railroading. The collection is arranged alphabetically by title. Most titles are in VHS format, but a few are in DVD format.

Lapel pins and badges This is an attractive collection of lapel pins and badges relating to railroading. Most of the pins and badges are associated with attendance at a railroad convention or membership in a railroad group.

Greeting Cards and Postcards This is a collection of greeting cards and postcards relating to railroading. The greeting cards are commercial in nature. The postcards document significant facilities in southern New York railroading. Boxes 24-31 Realia This is a wide ranging collection of objects relating to railroading. It includes pieces such as mugs, clothing, trivets, model trains, refrigerator magnets, collector's edition train cards, iron-on patches for clothing, and signs.

Maps and Drawings This is a small collection of maps and drawings that shows electric lines over railroad tracks.