Intermediate Tie Plate Floating Rail

BNM Hobbies Free-mo Intermediate Tie Plate Floating Rail or ITPFR. (1 Pair)

These PCB parts were machined exclusively for us!

The pair of tie plates are used in pairs and serve the same space as the ITPv2 does, where butt joint is needed that is perpendicular to the module ends, however,  where the IPTFR is different to the IPTv2, is that the last tie, closest to the end of the module, does not have solder pads, and the tie is machined to allow a rail joiner to slide on the end of the rail, without it catching on the end tie and forcing the rail up.

The IPTFR is especially suited, where numerous tracks cross a module, such as a yard, or passenger station, and because the rail floats above the last tie, alignment is always possible, by sliding a railjoiner from one side on to the adjoining rail on the other side of the module gap.

Laying track on the IPTFR is the same as the IPTv2, where you install your track, solder the rails, and then cut the rails directly above the module end.

Like our the other more recent releases, the ITPFR was designed and manufactured with the end spacers on them. This will provide a uniform space at the transition from your flex-track or hand-laid track onto the Tie Plate. These two full spacers, can be scored and snapped off if you don't want to use them.

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 some filing may be necessary to cleanup the part.

Please note that these boards are designed to work with many different manufacturers of flex-track, all of which have different tie thicknesses. As such and by design, the PCB ITPL Tie Plate, most likely will need to be shimmed in order to get the ties of the ITPL 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 that will provide various thicknesses of styrene material, laser cut to the dimensions of the ITPL, 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.

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.