@jacqueslees: Railway Rail Clamp Plate (Railway Clip Plate) Rail fastenings (rail fastening systems) are the components used on the track to connect the rails to the sleepers (or to other types of under-rail foundation). They are also known as intermediate fastenings. Their function is to secure the rails to the sleepers, maintain the track gauge, and prevent the rails from moving longitudinally and laterally relative to the sleepers. Rail fastening systems are classified into: spring blade fastening systems, clip-plate fastening systems, and elastic clip (spring clip) fastening systems.