Bar Rail Combi Fishplate Kit (20 x 10mm Bar Rail)

The MRW Bar Rail Combi Fishplate is the solution to non-standardised and dipped joints with bar rail fishplates. Ensuring a smooth joint between track panels is essential for all miniature railways. The Combi Fishplate combines multiple design traits to give a fishplate that is supportive of the rail and if used can give significant benefit over standard flat bar fish plate designs. As the hole spacing is standardised on the fishplates, this means track panels can easily be swapped and moved. MRW Combi Fishplates combine the traditional profile rail fishplate form with an integral chair, which acts not only to counter dip in the vertical direction, but also accommodates a 60mm sleeper to be positioned directly below the rail joint. When ballasted correctly, this shores up the joint in a way that truly ties one rail to the next and counters the rocking effect that can occur when using standard profile rail fishplates on flat bar stock.

 

The combi fishplate is designed and specified for 20 x 10mm bar stock. Alternative variants for larger bar stock are available upon request, however we have chosen 20 x 10mm as it is a good compromise between size and value for money. For larger 7 ¼” gauge steam locos we would recommend 30 x 12mm bar if exceeding 200kg in total weight. These fishplates will be available in due course.

 

As standard, the assemblies are gauge widened to help avoid excessive flange root wear and ensure compatibility with curves (widened by 1.6mm [1/16"] for 5"g/ 2.3mm [3/32"] for 7 1/4"g). The chairs feature cutting guides should you wish to use them at exact 5” or 7 ¼” gauges. For heat expansion, the hole spacing is set in such a way that 4mm of expansion is allowed at the joint between the rails in a temperature range of -10 to 100 degrees celsius. The maximum rail length usable with these fishplates is 3m. We do not recommend rails beyond this length as they would require expansion gaps up to 8mm for a 6m long rail, which is unsafe for a 5” or 7 ¼” gauge loco.

 

Drawings for rail hole position are available in the product gallery. We recommend only using a 5.1mm drill bit as this allows clearance for the bolts but not excessive play that could compromise the stability of the joint. 5.1mm drill bits are available from any good model engineering or specialist tools supplier.

 

This product will be available in dual gauge forms in due course. Contact us for specific requirements. 

 

Kit Contents:-

 

1 x Bar Rail Combi Fishplate Set (Joins one panel to the next)

 

8 x M5 x 25mm Bolts

 

8 x M5 Washers

 

8 x M5 Nuts

 

Installation

 

It is the responsibility of the operator to ensure the products have been properly installed. The components arrive as a flat nest which can be worked apart by hand or using a cutting disc. The remaining material from the joining tabs can be removed with an abrasive wheel, file or power file - Please follow the manufacturer instructions when using power tools. We are available to give help and advice but take no responsibility for installation. Use of the correct sized drill bit and accurate measurement and drilling is key to the successful use of this product. A drilling jig will be available in due course. Liberal application of waterproof grease on the contact surfaces is important for the long term serviceability of this product and will also help the rails to move during expansion and contraction based on weather conditions. To this point, ensure the bolts are tightened to no more than 5Nm of torque.

 

Making a purchase

 

This listing is for one item, select the number of items you require from the drop down menu. You may also contact us for large orders and specific requirements or modifications required for your rolling stock.

 

Defective items will be repaired/replaced within one year from the date of sale, damage caused through improper use is not covered by this guarantee.

 

Please note if purchased with a long lead time item we will hold this item and dispatch it as one order unless otherwise agreed.

 

Orders

 

Please note there is approximately a 1 week lead time on this product from payment until dispatch unless otherwise noted. This listing is for a single track section, select the number of sections you require from the drop down menu, or contact us for large orders. Please note; we aim to dispatch these items next day. Iif purchased with a long lead time item we will hold this item and dispatch as one order unless otherwise agreed.

 

Bulk-Buy Savings

 

These products are available individually or in packs of 10 as a pack discount.