Abstract: Apparatus for transferring coils or bundles of rod or wire. The apparatus has a turn-table whose axis is inclined to the vertical, and mandrels on the turn-table each make an angle to the axis of the turn-table which is equal to the angle between the axis of the turn-table and the vertical. As the turn-table rotates, each mandrel moves between an uppermost position in which it is substantially vertical and a lowermost position in which it is inclined to the vertical. A conveyor track has an inclined portion which is adjacent to and parallel to the mandrel in the lowermost position. On the track, there can be a carrier which either removes coils or bundles from, or supplies coils or bundles to, the respective mandrel.

Abstract: A train comprises a towing car and at least one free car connected to the towing car and having a car body. At least one of the free cars is a load-carrying free car, which comprises two pairs of guide rollers and carries a load suspended from the car body. A track carries the train and comprises a lower track rail, which has an upwardly facing backing surface engageable by the guide rollers. A driving chain extends along the track and is operable to move along the track. Coupling is provided for releasably coupling the towing car to the driving chain for movement therewith along the track in such a direction that the towing car precedes the at least one free car.