This paper gives an account of the procurement of the electric multiple unit trains which have been manufactured and brought into service on the Mass Transit Railway in Hong Kong. The paper outlines the Corporation's project management and control systems used on rolling stock contracts that have been let within the three major projects constructed over the period 1975–86; the modified initial system, Tsuen Wan extension and the Island Line, and examines the development of rolling stock equipment and procurement methods within these projects and in further contracts which are still to be completed. Brief details of the railway system and parameters for design of the rolling stock are given and the paper reviews the planning, programming, forms of contract documents, tender procedures, financing methods and contract management techniques used by he Corporation in the rolling stock contracts.