Rail Tie Plate 7-3/4" x 11"

The 7-3/4" x 11" rail tie plate is the formal dimensions for the AREMA Plan 4 specification. While often colloquially referred to as a 7-1/2" x 11" plate, the exact 7-3/4" width is the engineering standard required to properly seat and secure 115RE and 119RE rail sections, which feature a 5-1/2" base width.

Technical Specifications (AREMA Plan 4)

Dimensions: Exactly 7-3/4 inches wide by 11 inches long.

Weight: Approximately 14.09 lbs (6.4 kg) per plate.

Rail Compatibility: Designed specifically for rails with a 5-1/2" base (primarily 115RE, 119RE).

Design: Typically a double shoulder plate for modern high-traffic lines, though some single-shoulder variants exist for lighter applications.

Inclination (Cant): Features a 1:40 cant to ensure the rail head tilts toward the track centerline for better wheel-to-rail contact.

Key Features & Construction

Punching Pattern: Usually features "Punch B" configurations, which typically include 4 to 8 square holes (3/4" or 23/32" size) for standard railroad spikes.

Material: Manufactured from hot-rolled steel, available in low-carbon (0.15%–0.35% C) or high-carbon (0.35%–0.85% C) grades depending on the required axle load capacity.

Applications: Standard for North American heavy-haul freight lines, industrial sidings, and transit systems in both the US and Canada.

Comparison with Larger Plates

While the 11" length is common for secondary tracks and sidings, mainlines often use larger versions of the same 7-3/4" width to better distribute loads on ties:

Plan 3: 7-3/4" x 12" (16.69 lbs)

Plan 7: 7-3/4" x 13" (20.56 lbs)

Plan 8: 7-3/4" x 14" (23.93 lbs) 

Signum specializes in AREMA tie plates, specifically for 115RE or 136RE rail sections. We currently support North American infrastructure projects by providing forged,rolled and cast plates that meet Plan 8 and Plan 12 specifications.We’d love to send over our latest technical data sheets and lead times for your maintenance cycle if you need.