What Specifications Do Rail Baffle Plates Have?
Nov 10, 2025
How Rail Baffle Plate Specifications Are Defined
The specification design of rail baffle plates (railway gauge baffles) is built around three factors: adaptation to the fastening system, matching of the rail model, and installation requirements. The result is a multi-dimensional specification system that ensures precise adaptation to the track structure.
Matching by Fastening System
Baffle plate specifications correspond one-to-one with railway fastening systems such as Type I, Type II, Type III and Type VI:
Type I fastening system: matched with models 13#, 14# and 20#.
Type II fastening system: core models 6# and 10#.
Type III fastening system: mainly 6# and 10#.
Type VI fastening system: models 12#, 16#, 20# and 24#.
The structural dimensions of each model are precisely matched to the system so that installation fits correctly.
Matching by Rail Section
The specifications are compatible with mainstream rails of 43 kg/m, 50 kg/m, 60 kg/m and 75 kg/m. The 14# and 20# gauge baffles are commonly used with 50 kg/m rails, while 6# and 10# are the core models for 60 kg/m rails. Some models support universal use for middle sections and joints, adapting to the installation needs of different parts of the line.
Model and Hole Type Combinations
| Fastening system | Model | Hole type |
|---|---|---|
| Type II | 6# | Oblong hole |
| Type II | 10# | Oblong hole |
| Type II | 6#, 10# | Square hole |
| Type II | 3# | Square hole |
| Type I | 13# | Big round hole |
| Type I | 14#, 20# | Oblong hole |
| Type I | 14#, 20# | Big round hole |
| Type VI | 12#, 16#, 20#, 24# | Oblong hole |
| Type III | 6# | Square hole |
| Type III | 10# | Square hole |
Dimensional Parameters
Specifications include clear installation hole spacing, shoulder height and gauge adjustment dimensions. For the 60 kg/m rail support models as an example:
Installation hole centre distance: mostly 214 mm plus or minus 0.5 mm, matching the pre-embedded sleeves of concrete sleepers.
Shoulder height: 32 mm standard type for straight sections, 35 mm adjustment type for medium-radius curves, and 38 mm special type for small-radius curves.
Gauge adjustment: achieved with adjustment plates of 2 mm, 4 mm and 6 mm thickness, providing a compensation range of plus or minus 6 mm.
WJ-8 Fastening Components per Sleeper End
| No. | Item | Spec. | Qty/pcs |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tension clamp | W1/X2 | 4 |
| 2 | Flat washer | - | 4 |
| 3 | Screw spike | S2/S3 | 4 |
| 4 | Rail gauge baffle | WJ8 | 4 |
| 5 | Embedded dowel | D1 | 4 |
| 6 | Rail gauge insulator | WJ8 | 4 |
| 7 | Rubber pad | WJ8 | 2 |
| 8 | Rail tie plate | WJ8 | 2 |
| 9 | Resilient tie plate | WJ8 | 2 |
FAQ
What is the difference between a rail baffle plate and a rail gauge plate?
The terms are used for the same family of components: the plate that bears against the rail foot and fixes the gauge. Baffle plate specifications are organised by fastening system and rail model, with different hole designs for each system.
Which baffle plate fits a 60 kg/m rail?
The 6# and 10# models are the core baffle plates for 60 kg/m rails in Type II and Type III systems, with an installation hole centre distance of about 214 mm for standard concrete sleeper spacing.
What are the shoulder heights used for?
Shoulder height adapts the baffle to the vertical position of the rail foot: 32 mm for straight sections, 35 mm for medium-radius curves and 38 mm for small-radius curves.
How is track gauge adjusted with baffle plates?
Gauge is adjusted using 2 mm, 4 mm or 6 mm adjustment plates between the baffle and the rail foot, giving a compensation range of plus or minus 6 mm.
Are the specifications compliant with international standards?
The products comply with international and domestic standards such as UIC and GB, and customised specifications can be supplied according to the fastening system type, rail specification and line working conditions.
