From the Pacific Northwest, from Canada, from the southern states, colorful freight cars arrive daily with loads of lumber. The fragrant smell of fresh-cut wood is everywhere as crews begin unloading. At the office, contractors and builders take delivery of lumber and other materials. Trucks groan out on to the street, working through the gears as they move loads to area building projects.

As the local lumber yard evolved into a building materials center, the operation grew larger in scope and size. Lumber is only part of the business these days. Most carry anything and everything, from insulating materials to plumbing fixtures to electrical supplies. Some also fabricate major components, such as roof trusses, decks and other structural subassemblies. And the business still depends on the local railroad to bring in the raw materials in bulk.

With Mills Bros. Lumber, building more action into your operations is a snap! The kit includes six separate structures: a large shed with dock, two open sheds with positionable doors, an outdoor canopy and a corrugated office building. You can arrange them to fit your layout space and create a perfect business for any trackside town. All parts are molded in realistic colors and complete instructions make construction fast and fun. Plus, colorful sign decals are included for the finishing touch.