Tablet Catchers

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The term Tablet Catcher usually refers to automatic token exchange apparatus fitted to the cab sides of locomotives that operate on single line railways. The term can also apply to the lineside equipment for both automatic and manual token exchanges.

Mansons Tablet Catcher on preserved GNSR No.49, Gordon Highlander Photo by Dysgraphyk


There were three main types of Automatic exchange apparatus in use on Britain's Railways
  • Manson's Apparatus (GNoS/LNER/BR, HR/LMS/BR, CR/LMS/BR ; NBR/LNER)
  • Bryson's Apparatus (GSWR/LMS/BR)
  • Whitaker's Apparatus (not used in Scotland)


James Manson, at the time Locomotive Superintendent of Great North of Scotland Railway, had experimented unsuccessfully with a means of avoiding hand exchanges by a device resembling that used in the exchange of mail bags. Only after discussions with John Duncan, a blacksmith with experience of cotton weaving machinery was the apparatus for exchanging tablets accorded the former's name successfully developed. This was introduced on the Coast Line and Fraserburgh branch of the GNSR in May 1889. It was then extended to the main line (only to be removed when doubled) to Keith, the Craigellachie route to Elgin, Speyside and Deeside branch lines. This was soon to be followed by its adoption on the Highland Railway.



Locomotives equipped with Manson Tablet catchers

GNoSR Section, Locos fitted
(Sheds: Kittybrewster, Keith)
LNER classes
D40, D41, D42, B12, B1


NBR/LNER locos fitted - mostly Tender mounted
(Sheds: Dundee/Aberdeen/also Haymarket & St Margarets)
LNER A3 (cabside) 2563/65/66/67/68, 2796/97 (60064/66/67/68/100/101)
LNER P2 (Tender) 2001-2006 (501-506 as A2/2)
LNER V2 (cabside) 4775/87/90/93, 4805/09/15/22 (60804/16/19/22/34/38/44/51/937/969)
LNER C11 (NBR H) 9901-5, 9509, 9868-81
LNER D49 (cabside)
LNER D11/2 (Tender) 6386/93-96 (62679/86-89)
LNER D29
LNER D30
LNER D31
LNER D34



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Created by Dysgraphyk and last modified by him at 02:34, 01 of February 2026.