Re: Tie plates

49CFR, Part 213 deals with Track Safety Standards. However, nowhere does it specify any requirement for tie spacing. In my experience in this part of the world, 22 inches is about the maximum center-to-center distance, with 19 inches being the minimum. Quick, somebody go outside with a tape measure and check! Obviously, with heavier rail, there is more bridging strength between ties. And it is possible to get ties too close together. This precludes effective tamping. The CFR doesn't speak to tie plates either. They do spread the weight out over a larger area on the tie, and the plate helps reduce the cutting effect on the wood. I would never install new ties without tie plates. Various track material suppliers have punches that can be used to modify plates to fit just about any size rail. Even a torch works, in a pinch!