A tie plate, baseplate or sole plate is a steel plate for centering and reinforcing the attachment point on the rail tracks between a flanged T rail and a railroad tie. The tie plate increases bearing area and holds the rail to correct gauge. It is fastened to wooden ties by means of spikes or bolts through holes in the plate.

Technical parameter for GNEE rail tie plates

The part of the plate under the rail base is tapered, setting the inboard cant of the rail, typically "one in forty" (or 1.4 degrees ). The top surface of the plate has one or two shoulders that fit against the edges of the base of the rail. The double-shoulder type is currently used. Older single-shoulder types were adaptable for various rail widths, with the single shoulder positioned on the outside (field side) of the rails. Most plates are slightly wider on the field side, without which the plates tend to cut more into the outsides of the tie, reducing cant angle.

Many railways use large wood screws, also called lag screws, to fasten the tie plates (or baseplates) to the railroad ties.

Tie plates came into use around the year 1900, before which time flanged T rail was spiked directly to the ties.

In China, Gnee Rail takes about 70 percent rail fasteners market and ranks NO.1 in China State Railway Accessories Production System Competition. Until now, rail fasteners manufactured by Gnee Rail have been exported to more than 50 destinations in more than 20 countries and received good reputation worldwide because of high quality and long service life. If you want to buy high quality rail tie plates and other rail components, Gnee Rail would be your best choice!