# 213.143 Frog guard rails and guard faces; gage.
(a) The guard check and guard face gages in frogs shall be within the following limits—
Table 1 to § 213.143(**a**)
| Class of track | Guard check gage | Guard face gage |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Class 1 track | 4′6⁄″ | 4′5⁄″ |
| Class 2 track | 4′6⁄″ | 4′5⁄″ |
| Class 3 and 4 track | 4′6⁄″ | 4′5⁄″ |
| Class 5 track | 4′6⁄″ | 4′5″ |
| A line along that side of the flangeway which is nearer to the center of the track and at the same elevation as the gage line. | | |
| A line five-eighths of an inch below the top of the center line of the head of the running rail, or corresponding location of the tread portion of the track structure. | | |
| See paragraph (b) of this section. | | |
(b) For any heavy-point frog (HPF) on Class 5 track, the guard check gage may be less than 4′6
1/2″ but not be less than 4′6
3/8″, provided that:
(1) Each HPF and guard rails on both rails through the turnout are equipped with at least three serviceable through-gage plates with elastic rail fasteners and guard rail braces that permit adjustment of the guard check gage without removing spikes or other fasteners from the crossties; and
(2) Each HPF bears an identifying mark applied by either the track owner, railroad, or the frog manufacturer that identifies the frog as an HPF.
[85 FR 63388, Oct. 7, 2020]