The Western Depot in Yuba City, called “an old-fashioned hobby
shop” by owner Robert McBratney Jr., has carved out a niche in
the model railroad industry for 44 years with its impressive
inventory, knowledgeable staff and timeless train decor.
The Western Depot, one of the few remaining brick-and-mortar
model train shops in the Capital Region, has been closed to
walk-in customers due to the coronavirus pandemic since March
2020. McBratney, who says the store will reopen as soon as he
deems it’s safe for customers and employees, says his business
nonetheless has thrived through mail-order and internet sales,
mainly because of its inventory of 14,000 items.