Depot-Signals

Welcome to Historic McLean Depot

McLean Depot is a full line and growing hobby shop specializing in model railroading, offering kits; ready to run; accessories; starter sets; modeling tools and materials; and an extensive selection of new and out-of-print books in association with Comoshops.com. Our inventory features an expanding selection of items from major and many smaller hobby manufacturers. If we do not have an item in stock, we are more than happy to special order it for you. We value our customers and will gladly go out of our way to provide any assistance that we can to ensure that your modeling needs will be met with friendly service, quality advice and great products.

DCC - Digital Command Control - is fast becoming the norm for model railroad operations. McLean Depot offers DCC systems, assessories and installation services at very competitive prices. NCE, TCS, Soundtraxx, and ESU decoders in stock and ready for installation.

McLean Depot discounts up to 20% off List Price most items in stock or special ordered. We want to make it worth your time to visit our shop.

Centrally located between Champaign/Urbana, Decatur, Springfield, Peoria/Pekin and Bloomington/Normal at the crossroads of I-55 exit 145 and US 136. Can't come to us? Call or email your order and we will get it sent out to you.

In or Visiting Central Illinois?

Where we are:

McLean Depot is located 15 miles southwest of Bloomington/Normal at Interstate 55 exit 145.  We are on historic US Route 66 across from Dixie Truckers Home. There is ample parking out front of the store.  

Come see the NEW shop in the OLD depot. 

Holiday Hours

Monday 10 - 6
Tuesday 10 - 6
Wadnesday 10 - 6
Thursday 10 - 6
Friday 10 - 6
Saturday 10 - 5
Sunday 10 - 5
Join. It's good for you!

About me - I am a retired Army veteran. Following service I did some odd jobs, a bucket list of sorts. Drove over-the-road and was a training fleet driver manager for Stevens Transport out of Dallas TX; went thru conductor training with BNSF at Overland Park KS and worked as a conductor for short line Ft Worth & Western in Ft Worth TX; completed college with a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics and was back in school for land surveying when life changed. On March 19, 2004 my son Jason died in Baqubah Iraq. With no reason to remain in Texas, we moved to our family farm in Illinois.

Meanwhile the Village of McLean purchased the old GM&O, Alton Route depot which was by this time run down and used as an office for a junk yard. The purchase was not without controversy, splitting the town along political lines. As an outsider from a neighboring village, I was a welcome neutral party to work on historical research and restoration. The depot was saved for its historical value, but with no plan for subsequent use, I suggested a train shop. While thinking my plan was crazy, the Village however gave me a lease and moral support to proceed.