Manufacturers of Authentic Reproductions of Historical Railway Components in 3½", 5", 7¼" & 10¼" Gauge Specialising in Vacuum Brakes & Trackwork
The sole plate is placed underneath the rails and its purpose is to distribute the weight of the tracks and trains over a larger area. It also supports the rail fixing by keeping them in place.
PNP Railways offer 3 types of Sole Plates
Sole Plate with 3 degree Cant
A rail sole plate with a 3-degree cant (or inclination) is used in to provide a specific alignment and geometry for the rail. The primary purpose of introducing a cant is to create a superelevation or banking effect on the track, which helps to counteract the centrifugal forces that occur when a train negotiates a curve.
The PNP Railways sole plate with 3 degree cant will enable the rail to match the angle of the wheel coning on the wheels of locomotives and rolling stock in 7¼" and 10¼" gauge. The angle should improve running by minimizing flange contact (squealing) and hunting (side to side movement).
Raised Sole Plate
The PNP Railways Raised Panel Sole Plate offers a superior solution for accommodating thinner foot profile rails. With its innovative design, this sole plate effectively prevents the clips from tipping at an adverse angle, ensuring a secure and stable rail installation.
Standard Sole Plate
Designed for precision and stability, the PNP Railways Standard Sole Plate features a flat base that allows the rail to sit perfectly flat. This crucial component ensures optimal contact between the rail and the sole plate, promoting a smooth and reliable railway system.
All plastic sleepers and rail fixings in the PNP Railways range are manufactured from high-grade engineering polymers that are extremely durable and resistant to rot, frost, and UV radiation. UV stabilizers are added to the base polymers to help prevent UV radiation degradation and extend the life of the products.
