Mt Albert Scale Lumber Co.

Mt Albert's O scale kit offerings are seen as we walk in the front door.

HOMES - Hamilton, Ont. Layout Tour

Mt Albert Scale Lumber Co.

On Saturday Don Janes and I participated in the HOMES layout tour. One of the stops was at the Mt. Albert Scale Lumber Co. We did not know what to expect but it was well worth the visit. Entering the shop which is now in Stoney Creek, Ont. a nice display of  finished O scale kit offerings are on display. We are greeted as we enter by one of the staff who gives us a quick speech on the kits and the scale lumber warehouse just through the first door. A tour of the wood working shop was about to begin so on through the next set of doors to the shop.

Don Janes views the stripwood stock room.

Mt Albert Scale Lumber Co. owner holds a block of basswood as it looks before the process begins. All the basswood begin as 24" lengths. He gives us the run down regarding were the lumber comes from and quality that is expected.

 The owner gave us a brief description of the machines and the wood that is used. It was interesting to see the raw basswood cut into blocks before processing. At this point all the machines were turned on. Each machine was cutting, sanding or shaping lumber as we watched. Following the demonstration we had a chance to purchase some seconds siding sheets for $1 or $2 per sheet...what a deal. A great find for us was they give away all the scrap basswood for firewood. Well Don and I hauled out a full box each of all sorts of stock ends and thin sliced pieces. These we though would work great for kit bracing and layout stringers or shims. Mt. Albert has a well organised sharp looking complex that makes great model lumber. I have been pleased with both the siding and strip wood  that I have used on occasions....and now I know were it comes from...George Dutka

An overall view of the stock wood in the rear and one of the machines is cutting two basswood blocks at one time into strips. All machines are computer operated.