Tie plate

A tie plate is like a big metal sticker that helps keep train tracks in place. When the train tracks are laid down on the ground, they need something to hold them in place so that they don't move around too much when the train goes by.

The tie plate is kind of like a big metal hand that holds onto the train tracks and keeps them from moving. It is made of really strong metal, so it doesn't break easily if the train goes over it.

The tie plate also helps protect the wooden rails that the train tracks are made of. Without the tie plate, the wooden rails might start to wear out or break from all the weight of the train going over them.

So, the tie plate is kind of like a superhero for train tracks – it keeps everything in place and makes sure the train can go where it needs to go safely.