Abstract: A paper tailing device accommodates automatic transfer of an initial portion of a paper web across a gap in a paper making machine during guiding of the initial portion through the machine. The paper tailing device comprises a pair of brackets, one on each side of the gap and each carrying a pair of sheaves over which carrier ropes extend. During guiding of the initial portion of the web through the machine, a side edge of the web is gripped between the carrier ropes, and at the sheaves, the ropes define an outgoing nip on one side of the gap and an incoming nip on the opposite side. To transfer the leading end of the web across the gap, the brackets are moved close together in the gap to place the nips in close facing relationship, so that as the leading end of the web exits the outgoing nip it is automatically introduced into the incoming nip.