Marty;
There is an authorized MTH and Lionel dealer in Dubuque, IA, about 15 miles from Galena, IL., that is combined with an antique store named Cathy's Treasurers. I've been there a couple of times and they have a somewhat run down layout, some MTH items and some Lionel items, but they advertise that they are a service center. Have your gentleman call before he goes to make sure there is someone knowledgeable there when he arrives. The couple of times that I've been there, there has only been one lady, who was not schooled in trains whatsoever. So he will want to make sure there is someone on staff when he arrives to assist him.
Ph. number is 563-585-0000, They advertise in the "Leading Model Retailers" section of CTT. Mark