Curved Tie Plate (Pair)

BNM Hobbies Free-mo Curved Tie Plate or CTP. (1 Pair)

These PCB parts were machined exclusively for us!

The parts create a butt joint on a curved radius. Ideal for yards and modules that have curves crossing internal module connections. These were designed to work with the Free-mo 42" minimum radius standard up through 50.25" radius curves *. Like our ETPv2 and ITPv2, these parts were designed and manufactured with the spacers on them. This will provide a uniform spacing over an internal module gap as well as providing a uniform space at the transition from the flex-track and the Tie Plate.

These two additional spacers, can be scored and snapped off if you don't want to use them.

I also chose not to provide pre-drilled holes on the boards, as these 8 holes added almost $1.00 to the cost of the board, which I felt was an unnecessary cost. Most people that I've spoken too about the product were comfortable drilling their own holes with the appropriately sized drill bit in a pin vice to suit the fastener used should they want to use a fastener. I prefer some sort of contact cement.

During the manufacturing process, strict tolerances and finishes for the tie plates were requested and the tie plates should be able to be used as they received, however, please inspect the tie plate for a flat and flash free copper pad before use to ensure a snug fit. As one or two parts may have passed through the inspection process.

Please note that these boards are designed to work with many different manufacturers flex-track, all of which have different tie thicknesses. As such and by design, these PCB CTP Tie Plates, most likely will need to be shimmed in order to get the ties of the CTP as close as possible to the bottom of the rail before soldering. The shims will create a smooth level transition between the bottom of the rail and the road bed surface.

I have been thinking of offering shim kits that will provide various thicknesses of styrene material, laser cut to the dimensions of the CTP, for use with shimming the tie plate up to the bottom of the rail in order to keep the rails level with the ties on the flex track. It's simple enough to cut your own from styrene sheet, however, if your interested in purchasing shim kits directly, please contact me and express your interest in getting them.

This product qualifies for a discount of 10% if you purchase 10 or more; 15% if you purchase 30 or more and for quantities in excess of 50 pieces I can offer a 20 % discount. Discount will be applied at checkout time. This product isn't eligible for Group Discounts or Sales Coupons.

A note on Shipping, Tie Plate only orders will be shipped in a USPS Priority Mail Small Flat Rate Box, which includes up to $50.00 worth of insurance in the base price. Any excess shipping charges above the base price may be used for additional insurance to cover the entire tie plate order if it exceeds $50 in value. Any left over shipping charges above the base USPS Small Flat Rate box charge and any additional insurance if applicable, will be refunded the day of shipment.

Product picture demonstrates how two CTP's (a left and right Tie Plate) are used together to create the uniform tie spacing across the module gap. Product sold in pairs, not as a single item.

For detailed information on how the tie plates are used, installed, etc... See: New England Free-mo Loop Build on Railroad-Line Forum

For more information on Free-mo / FREMO, the associated standards and links to regional Free-mo / FREMO groups in your area, please visit www.free-mo.org for Free-mo in the US, Canada and Australia or www.fremo.org for FREMO in Europe.

* the design of these curved tie plates will work below and above the 42" to 50.25" radii mentioned, however, as you get smaller (36" Minimum, before the copper pads are no longer in a position to solder the rails too) and up to 58" Radius (For the same reason), you lose the smooth transition at the edge of the tie into the flex / hand-laid track. Some filing of the Tie plate and flex track may blend this for those that would like try the CTP's on radii above or below 42" to 50.25".