LARGER SOLEPLATES FOR SLEEPER PRESERVATION

The Norfolk and Western Railway introduced a large steel soleplate to increase the life of bridge timbers directly used for the support of railway track. It was soon realized that if these plates were substituted for the 13-in. plates already in use on bad curves in main lines, the former would bridge the spike-killed portions of the timber, and make it possible to drive the holding-down spikes in sound wood. It was hoped also, with the greater length to reduce if not to eliminate plate-cutting. So far as possible the 18-in. plates have been inserted only as part of a complete relaying operation. Where desirable, special methods have been devised lengthening the existing soleplate seats in order to accommodate the longer plate. The operation of substituting the new plates is performed by a gang of 20 men, who first draw the old spikes, remove the old plates, adze the sleepers, plug the old spike-holes, and then insert and spike the 18-in. plates.

• Corporate Authors:

  Temple Press Limited

  161-166 Fleet Street
  Longon EC4,   England 
• Publication Date: 1944-11-10

Media Info

• Features: Figures;
• Pagination: p. 450
• Serial:
  • RAILWAY GAZETTE
  • Volume: 81

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Bridges; Curved track; Fastenings; Maintenance of way; Railroad rails; Railroad ties; Railroad tracks; Structural design; Structural plates; Technology
• Uncontrolled Terms: Track design
• Geographic Terms: United States
• Old TRIS Terms: Baseplates
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Railroads;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00037981
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Jul 8 1994 12:00AM