Marion, NC began restoration of their historic train depot in anticipation of passenger rail service's return to western North Carolina. The project, a joint venture of federal, state and local funds, began the fall of 2003. The first order of business was to remove the hip roof system built in the … 1950's and reconstruct the original timber framed gable roof. The challenge for my crew and I was to frame a timbered king post truss and purlin roof system on each end of the depot to match the carpentry techniques used in 1864 and 1910 respectively.

Half-lap v-joint joinery was used to mend the new purlins into the existing framing. Efforts were taken to salvage and reuse wood for framing and roof sheathing. The nostalgic feeling of the depot is accentuated by its 6 foot overhangs and massive eave brackets for protection from the elements.

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