Patent Publication Number: US-2021170936-A1

Title: Modular Systems and Methods for Transporting Tower Assembly of Wind Turbine

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/603,172, filed May 23, 2017, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/057,765, filed Mar. 1, 2016, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Appl. 62/261,183, filed Nov. 30, 2015, both of which are incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     The subject matter of the present disclosure relates to systems and methods for transporting cylindrical tower sections, such as used for commercial wind turbines, using one or more railcars or other transport devices. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     A wind turbine, such as a Horizontal Axis Wind Turbine, for generating electrical power has a tower that support a nacelle at its top end. A rotor extends from the nacelle and has turbine blades. During operation, prevailing winds cause the turbine blades to rotate the rotor, which is coupled to a generator within the nacelle to produce electricity. To orient the blades, the nacelle can turn about the vertical axis of the tower. 
     The tower can be any acceptable height. However, the power generation capacity of a wind turbine is directly related to how long the turbine blades are. The length of the turbine blades in turn dictates the required height of the tower. In some large-scale installations, the blades can be about 45-meters long, and the tower can be as much as 90-meters high. Generally, the tower tapers from its base to its top end, which still provides the required strength but with reduced material and fabrication costs. Due to their overall height, the tower is manufactured and transported in a number of tower sections that assemble together at the installation site. 
     As will be appreciated, the different components of the wind turbine are separately manufactured, sometimes at different locations, and are then transported in pieces to the desired site where they are assembled. Because the components are manufactured in many different places, a number of various forms of transportation must be used, including ships, barges, trains, and trucks. 
     The sheer size of the various components complicates the transportation. Additionally, the components must be protected and handled properly during transportation to prevent damage. Moreover, the components in many cases must be switched from one mode of transport to another mode during stages of the journey. In the end, it will be appreciated that the logistics to move the various components from the point of manufacture to the ultimate installation site can be complicated, expensive, and time consuming. 
     Each mode of transport presents challenges to transporting the tower sections. In particular, the profile for railroad transport can be tightly limited because the trains must traverse curved sections and complex rail yards. Mounting fixtures are used to fix the tower sections to railcars during transport. 
     A particular example of mounting fixtures for fixing tower sections is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,529,174. Reproduced here in  FIG. 1 , a train  2  is shown for transporting a three-section tower assembly via rail  1  according to the prior art. The train  2  has three railroad flatcars  4 ,  6 , and  8  traversing the rail  1 , and the tower assembly has three tower sections, which include a base tower section  12 , a middle tower section  14 , and a top tower section  10 —each tapering from the base to the top. The base tower section  12  is loaded onto a center flatcar  6  and is disposed toward one end of the flatcar  6 , clearing an open area at the opposite end of the flatcar  6 . The middle tower section  14  is loaded onto another flatcar  8  and has a length that takes up most of the length of the flatcar  8 . The top tower section  10  is loaded onto yet another flatcar  4 . The length of the top tower section  10  is longer than the length of the flatcar  4  so that one end of the section  10  extends over the next coupled flatcar  6 . 
     Each of the tower sections  10 ,  12 ,  14  is supported on the flatcars  4 ,  6 , and  8  using saddle assemblies. Looking in particular at how the middle tower section  14  is supported on the flatcar  8 , reference is directed to  FIG. 2A . The flatcar  8  is a conventional 90-foot flatcar with a pair of conventional bolsters  48 ,  50 , and a load deck  11 . In this example, the tower section  14  has a length approximately as long as the flatcar&#39;s deck  11 . The middle tower section  14  includes an internal flange  30  on its larger circumference end for engaging the base tower section ( 12 ) when the tower is finally assembled. The flange  30  is also used as an attachment point for a stop  34  disposed between the flatcar&#39;s deck  11  and the tower section  14  during transit. The stop  34  retains the tower section  14  against longitudinal movement with respect to the flatcar  8 . To a lesser extent, the stop  34  also retains the tower section  14  against lateral movement. 
     The primary lateral support is by saddles assemblies  38 ,  42 . The weight of the tower section  14  is supported by a first saddle assembly  38  located over the bolster  48 , and a second saddle assembly  42  located over the other bolster  50 . The second saddle assembly  42  also includes a spacer assembly  44 . 
     The sectional view of  FIG. 2B  is taken at the location of the flange  30  on the end of tower section  14 . Plural connecting bolts join the flange  30  to the stop  34 , which has previously been fixed to the deck  11 , such as by welding or other suitable means. As illustrated, the stop  34  is comprised of an attachment plate bolted to the flange  30 , and of plural gusset plates welded to the attachment plate and the deck  11  of the flatcar  8 . 
     The sectional view of  FIG. 2C  is taken at the position of the bolster  48  of the flatcar  8  where the saddle assembly  38  is situated. The saddle assembly  38  is fixed to the deck  11  of the flatcar  14 . The upper surface of the saddle assembly  38  is a saddle that conforms to the shape of the tower section  14  at a location along the elongated portion of the tower section  14  at which the saddles assembly  38  engages. Because the tower  14  is circular in cross-section, the saddle assembly  38  is an arcuate circular section, conforming to the exterior shape of the tower section  14 . A resilient saddle liner  40  is disposed between saddle assembly  38  and the surface of the tower section  14  to protect the surface finish of the tower section  14  and to accommodate small variances between the two surface shapes. 
     The sectional view of  FIG. 2D  is taken at the location of the other bolster  50 , which is also the location of the other saddle assembly  42 . This saddle assembly  42  is substantially the same as the other saddle assembly  38 . To accommodate different sizes and shapes of the tower cross sections, a spacer assembly  44  is positioned on top of saddle assembly  42  and adapts the conformal shape of the saddle assembly  42  to the exterior shape of the tower section  14  at the location of support of saddle assembly  42 . Because the tower section  14  has a smaller diameter at the location of saddle assembly  42 , the spacer assembly  44  presents a correspondingly smaller diameter spacer saddle profile. A resilient liner  46  is disposed between the spacer assembly saddle  44  and the tower  14 . Also, the saddle assembly  42  is fixed to the deck  11  of the flatcar  8  using pins disposed between fixed deck brackets and gussets on the saddle assembly. 
     Although current techniques are available for transporting tower sections on a railcar, such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,529,174, transportation personnel are continually seeking more versatile and useful ways to transport large cylindrical objects, such as tower sections of a wind turbine. 
     SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     According to the present disclosure, a modular system is used for transporting a plurality of cylindrical items, such as sections of a tower assembly for a wind turbine. The system includes a plurality of transport devices and a plurality of support members. The transport devices each have a bed with a plurality of support locations thereon. Each of the transport devices accommodates one of the tower sections thereon. 
     The support members are each positionable at one of the support locations to support the cylindrical items (e.g., tower sections) on the beds of the transport devices. Each of the support members have a cradle surface against which the tower section is rests. The cradle surfaces are adjustable on the support member between a plurality of circumferential dimensions. At least one of the support members on each of the transport devices is a foot having a flange affixable to an end of the tower section supported on the bed of the transport device. 
     The transport device can be a railroad car, such as a flatcar with a bed. The bed can have at least two support locations, such as towards the ends of the bed. Preferably, more than two support locations are provided, especially in intermediate locations on the bed, so the flatcar can accommodate any of the various tower sections. 
     Each support location can be the same as the others so that the system maintains its modularity. In one arrangement, the support locations include a number of inner tabs or clips in the bed of the flatcar. The support locations can also include outer tabs or clips affixed to the bed of the flatcar. The outer tabs are used for affixing the feet in place. The inner tabs are used for holding the support members laterally and longitudinally on the bed of the flatcar. The weight of the cylindrical tower sections may be all that is need to hold the support members against the surface of the flatcar&#39;s bed. 
     The modular system is a fixture and securement system that can be readily adjustable to fit a range of configurations. No welding is required for the adjustment from one tower section to another. The system reduces overall costs by reducing the number of railcars need for transport and eliminating dwell time of the railcars when being prepared, loaded, and unloaded. 
     The adjustable fixtures accommodate multiple tower sizes, weights, and centers of gravity. One-time set up is needed for preparing the flatcars, and there is no need for welding once the flatcar is set up. Accordingly, installation field personnel can adjust the modular components of the system as needed. For example, a method of the present disclosure can involve: adjusting a circumferential dimension of a cradle on each support against which a tower section rests; adjusting a height of a base supporting a hinge, the cradle surface, and a saddle above a bed of the transport device; changing a position of a saddle on the base; engaging a plurality of tabs and slots on the base and the saddle with one another to hold the saddle in position on the base; positioning one or more spacers between an edge of the base and the saddle to hold the saddle in position on the base; and selecting from a plurality of the spacers of different lengths for adjusting the position of the saddle on the base. 
     As disclosed herein, a system can transport a tower section of a wind turbine. The tower section has a length and a circumference. The system comprises a transport device, end supports, and at least one intermediate support. The transport device has a bed, and the end supports are each disposed on the bed and affix to one end of the tower section. At least one of the end supports is longitudinally adjustable relative to the bed to accommodate the length of the tower section. The at least one intermediate support is disposed on the bed and supports portion of the tower section. The at least one intermediate support has a cradle being adjustable circumferentially against which the tower section rests to accommodate the circumference of the tower section. 
     The transport device can be selected from the group consisting of a railroad car, a flatcar, a vessel, a ship, a tug, a barge, a truck, a trailer, a pallet, and a shipping container. 
     The system can includ4e a plurality of support locations disposed on the bed of the transport device at which the end supports and the at least one intermediate support are disposed. For example, the support location for the at least one intermediate support can include one or more tabs disposed on the bed of the transport device to restraining the at least one intermediate support positionable thereon at least laterally and longitudinally on the bed. The at least one intermediate support can be affixable by fasteners to the one or more tabs disposed on the bed. 
     In another example, one of the support locations for the at least one adjustable end support can include a rail disposed longitudinally on the bed. The at least one adjustable end support can be adjustably affixable to the rail and can have a flange affixable to the end of the tower section. At least one anchor can be affixed to the end of the tower section and connected by at least one line to the bed. 
     In yet another example, the at least one adjustable end support can include at least one anchor affixed to the end of the tower section and connected by at least one line to the bed. 
     One of the end supports can be a fixed flange affixable between the bed and the end of the tower section. This fixed flange can include a cradle being adjustable circumferentially against which the tower section rests. Further, at least one anchor can be affixed to the end of the tower section and can connected by at least one line to the bed. 
     The at least one intermediate support can include a lashing connected to the at least one intermediate support and lashed about the portion of the tower section. 
     The at least one intermediate support can include a hinge and a saddle. The hinge is positioned adjacent the bed of the transport device and supports a cradle surface of the adjustable cradle. The saddle is positioned between the bed and the cradle surface and is adjustable relative to the hinge to adjust an angle of the cradle surface relative to the bed. In one example, the hinge affixes the cradle surface to the saddle. 
     The at least one intermediate support can include a base positioned against the bed of the transport device. The base can have the saddle positioned thereon. A lift supporting the hinge, the cradle surface, and the saddle can elevate the support a height above the bed. 
     The base and the saddle comprises a plurality of tabs and slots engageable with one another to hold the saddle in position on the base. Each of the base and the saddle can use the slots adjustably alignable with one another so the saddle can be laterally adjustable relative to the base. The tabs, which can be bolts, can affix between the aligned slots of the base and saddle to retain the saddle laterally relative to the base. 
     According to the present disclosure, a system for transporting a tower section of a wind turbine comprises a transport device, a plurality of bed supports, first and second end supports, and intermediate supports. The transport device has a bed, and the plurality of bed supports are disposed on the bed of the transport device. The first end support is disposed at a first of the bed supports and affixes to one end of the tower section. The second end support is disposed at a second of the bed supports and affixes to another end of the tower section. The second end support is adjustable longitudinally at the second bed support to accommodate the length of the tower section. The intermediate supports are disposed at one of the bed supports and support portion of the tower section. The intermediate supports each having a cradle being adjustable circumferentially against which the tower section rests to accommodate the circumference of the tower section. 
     According to the present disclosure, a system can adapt a transport device to transport a tower section of a wind turbine on a bed of the transport device. The system comprises a first bed support positioning on the bed of the transport device and comprises a first end support positioning at the first of the bed supports to affix to one end of the tower section. The system comprises a second bed support positioning on the bed of the transport device and comprises a second end support positioning at a second of the bed supports to affix to another end of the tower section. The second end support is adjustable longitudinally at the second bed support. The system comprises at least one intermediate bed support positioning on the bed of the transport device and comprises at least one intermediate support positioning at the at least one intermediate bed support and supporting portion of the tower section. The at least one intermediate support has a cradle being adjustable circumferentially against which the tower section rests. 
     According to the present disclosure, a method of transporting a tower section of a wind turbine comprises positioning ends supports at end locations on a bed of a transport device; positioning at least one intermediate support at at least one intermediate location on the bed of the transport device; adjusting at least one of the end supports to accommodate the length of the tower section; adjusting a moveable cradle on the at least one intermediate support against which the tower section rests to accommodate the circumference; loading the tower section on the transport device; and affixing the tower section to the end supports. 
     The foregoing summary is not intended to summarize each potential embodiment or every aspect of the present disclosure. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  illustrates an example of a train carrying three tower sections according to the prior art. 
         FIG. 2A  illustrates a side view of one of the tower sections in  FIG. 1  loaded on a railcar according to the prior art. 
         FIGS. 2B-2D  illustrate sectional views of the tower section loaded on the railcar in  FIG. 2A . 
         FIG. 3  illustrates an example of a modular assembly according to the present disclosure transporting sections of a tower assembly. 
         FIGS. 4A-4C  illustrate plan, side, and detailed views of a flatcar of the modular assembly. 
         FIG. 4D  illustrates an isolated view of an inner clip for the flatcar of the modular assembly. 
         FIG. 4E  illustrates an isolated view of an outer clip for the flatcar of the modular assembly. 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a flatcar being fitted with a cradle and a foot of the disclosed modular assembly. 
         FIGS. 6A-6D  illustrate perspective, plan, side, and end views of a cradle of the disclosed modular assembly. 
         FIG. 7  illustrates an isolated view of the base for the disclosed cradle. 
         FIGS. 8A-8E  illustrate various views of a saddle for the disclosed cradle. 
         FIGS. 9A-9E  illustrate various views of a foot of the disclosed modular assembly. 
         FIGS. 10A-10B  illustrate perspective views of opposing sides of a foot disposed relative to tabs on the bed of a flatcar. 
         FIGS. 11A-1B  illustrate perspective views of a base for the disclosed foot. 
         FIGS. 12A-12C  illustrate three spacer arrangements according to the present disclosure for spacing the saddles on the base for the disclosed cradles and feet. 
         FIG. 13  illustrates views of one type of spacer for the saddle on the base of a cradle or foot. 
         FIGS. 14A-14B  illustrate side and end views of a portion of a cradle with first spacers for the saddle. 
         FIG. 15  illustrates a side view of a portion of a cradle with second spacers for the saddle. 
         FIGS. 16A-16B  illustrate a container holding various spacers for the modular assembly. 
         FIG. 17  illustrates a perspective view of a portion of a cradle with another type of spacer for the saddle. 
         FIG. 18A-18D  illustrate perspective, plan, side, and end views of an elevated cradle of the disclosed modular assembly. 
         FIG. 19  illustrates the elevated cradle on a flatcar supporting a tower section. 
         FIG. 20  illustrates another example of a modular assembly according to the present disclosure transporting sections of a tower assembly. 
         FIGS. 21A-21B  illustrate a side view and a plan view of one of the flatcars of the modular assembly. 
         FIG. 21C  illustrates an isolated plan view of a bed support for the flatcar. 
         FIGS. 22A-22D  illustrate a side view, a plan view, and opposing end views of another of the flatcars of the modular assembly. 
         FIGS. 23A-23C  illustrate a side view, a plan view, and an end view of yet another of the flatcars of the modular assembly. 
         FIGS. 24A-24C  illustrate a side view, a plan view, and an end view of an alternative of the flatcars of the modular assembly. 
         FIGS. 25A-25B  illustrate a perspective view and a side view of a cradle of the disclosed modular assembly. 
         FIGS. 26A-26B  illustrate end views of the cradle of the disclosed modular assembly in two adjusted states. 
         FIGS. 27A-27C  illustrate a side view, a plan view, and an end view of a base of the disclosed cradle. 
         FIGS. 28A-28D  illustrate a perspective view, a side view, an end view, and an expanded view of a saddle of the disclosed cradle. 
         FIGS. 29A-29D  illustrate a perspective view, a front view, a side view, and a plan view of an adjustable foot of the disclosed assembly. 
         FIGS. 30A-30C  illustrate an elevation arrangement for the disclosed cradle. 
         FIGS. 31A-31E  show a number of other configurations for the disclosed modular assembly. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 , transport devices  110 A-D transport four cylindrical items, namely tower sections  62 ,  64 ,  66 , and  68  of a tower assembly  60  for a wind turbine. The tower sections  62 ,  64 ,  66 , and  68  represent a type of heavy-lift and over-dimension cargo, which requires significant coordination and time to transport. Other tower assembles with other numbers of tower sections and lengths can readily be accommodated by the teachings of the present disclosure. 
     As shown herein  FIG. 3 , the tower sections  62  . . .  68  can be transported by rail. Transporting the tower assembly  60  requires the right selection of railcars, be they heavy-duty, multi-axle, or Schnabel types of railcars. The tower sections  62  . . .  68  can also be transported by road transport using regular, specialized multi-axle, articulated, air ride, or hydraulic heavy haul types of equipment and trucks. Moreover, the tower sections ( 62  . . .  68 ) can be transported by vessels, ships, tugs, barges, trucks, trailers, pallets, shipping containers, and the like. The teachings of the present disclosure can therefore apply not only to railcars as shown, but to other transport devices. 
     Again, the transport devices  110 A-D as shown here can be railcars for transporting the tower assembly  60  by rail. The railcars include a first flatcar  110 A supporting an upper intermediate tower section  66 , a second flatcar  110 B supporting a lower intermediate tower sections  64 , a third flatcar  110 C supporting a base tower section  62 , and a fourth flatcar  110 D supporting a top tower section  68 . As is typical, each of these tower sections  68  taper from its base end to its top end. 
     The base tower section  62  loaded onto third flatcar  110 C does not take up the full length so that clearance is available for an overhang of the top tower section  68  on the following flatcar  110 D. The other tower sections  64  and  66  may generally fit the length of their flatcars  110 A-B. As will be appreciated, a tower assembly  60  may have more or less sections, and they can be arranged in a different order as the case may be. 
     A modular assembly  100  supports the tower sections  62 ,  64 ,  66 , and  68  on the flatcars  110 A-D. Each of the flatcars  110 A-D can accommodate at least one of the tower sections  62 ,  64 ,  66 , and  68  thereon using a plurality of supports  101  of the module assembly  100 . The supports  101  include a plurality of bed supports  102  affixable at support locations on the beds  112  of the flatcars  110 A-D. The supports  101  also include a plurality of intermediate or cradle supports  103  engageable to the bed supports  102 . Finally, the supports  101  include a plurality of end supports or feet  130 ′ engageable to the bed supports  102 . In this way, each of the supports  101  is positionable at one of the support locations in a modular fashion to support the tower sections  62 ,  64 ,  66 , and  68  on the beds  112  of the flatcars  110 A-D. 
     Each of the intermediate or cradle supports  103  have an adjustable cradle against which the tower section  62 ,  64 ,  66 , and  68  rests. The adjustable cradle can be adjusted on each cradle support  103  between a plurality of circumferential dimensions, which can be set to the particular circumference of the tower section  62 ,  64 ,  66 , and  68  being supported. At least one of the supports  101  (i.e., end support or foot  130 ′) on each of the flatcars  110 A-D is affixable to an end of the tower section supported on the bed  112  of the flatcar  110 A-D. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 4A-4B , the bed supports  102  at the support locations include one or more tabs  122 ,  125  disposed on the bed  112  of the flatcars  110 A-D for restraining the cradle supports ( 103 ) positionable thereon. The tabs  122 ,  125  at least laterally and longitudinally restrain the cradle supports  103  on the bed. 
     The one or more tabs  122 ,  125  can include one or more inner tabs  122  extending from the bed  112  of the flatcar  110  and positionable in one or more slots of the cradle support ( 103 ) positionable on the bed  112  at the support location  120 . 
     The one or more tabs  122 ,  125  can include one or more outer tabs  125  extending from the bed  112  of the flatcar  110  and positionable adjacent one or more edges of the cradle support ( 103 ) positionable on the bed  112  at the support location  120 . Depending on the arrangement, at least one of the one or more outer tabs  125  can affix to the at least one of the cradle support ( 103 ) that affixes to the end of the tower section ( 62  . . .  68 ). 
     As shown in  FIG. 5 , for example, each of the tower sections ( 62  . . .  68 ) is supported on the flatcars  110 A-D using adjustable cradles  130  and feet  130 ′ as the supports ( 101 ), which are discussed in more detail below. Additionally, the adjustable cradles  130  and the feet  130 ′ can fit on configured locations  120  on the flatcars  110 A-D. In this way, various flatcars  110 , cradles  130 , and feet  130 ′ can be configured to accommodate various tower sections having different arrangements, tapers, lengths, etc. Lashing using straps or tie downs (not shown) can be further added to the flatcars  110 A-D to support the tower sections  62 ,  64 ,  66 , and  68 , but separate lashing may not be necessary. Overall, the modular system  100  preferably meets longitudinal, lateral, and vertical railroad transport requirements. 
     Looking at the configuration of a flatcar  110  in more detail,  FIGS. 4A-4C  illustrate plan, side, and detailed views of a flatcar  110  of the modular assembly. The flatcar  110  has a bed  112  supported with trucks  114  and having couplings  116 . The bed  112  has a number of support locations  120 / 120 ′, which are the bed supports  102  where a tower section (not shown) can be supported on the bed  112 . At least two support locations  120 / 120 ′ are provided on the bed  112 ; however, preferably a number of support locations  120 / 120 ′ are provided so various lengths of tower sections can be supported in different ways on the same flatcar  110 . In the particular embodiment shown here, the flatcar&#39;s bed  112  has six support locations  120 / 120 ′. Although not strictly necessary in all implementations, it may be preferred to locate one or more of the support locations  120 / 120 ′ over the rail trucks  114  so the weight of a supported load (i.e., tower section) may be more directly transferred to the underlying rails. 
     Each of the support locations  120 / 120 ′ can be the same, or as specifically shown, different support locations  120 / 120 ′ can be provided. A universal support location  120  has one or more inner tabs or clips  122  disposed between one or more opposing outer tabs or clips  125  on both sides. An end support location  120  has one or more inner tabs or clips  122  with one or more outer tabs or clips  125  only toward the end of the bed  112 . In this particular example, two universal support locations  120  are centrally located on the bed  112 . Two opposing sets of end support locations  120 ′ are positioned toward the ends of the bed  112 . Other configurations can be used. 
     The flatcar  110  can be prepared ahead of time and can be reused as necessary. In one embodiment, the flatcar  110  can be a four axle, 89-ft. flat deck railcar. As configured, the flatcar  110  has all the prepositioned support locations  120 / 120 ′ to allow the cradle(s) ( 130 ) and the feet ( 130 ′)′ to be moved based on varying lengths of tower sections. In this way, a given tower section sits in the cradle(s) ( 130 ) and feet ( 130 ′), which can be adjusted for varying diameter sections, and the cradle(s) ( 130 ) and feet ( 130 ′) can be moved to any of the pre-set support locations  120 / 120 ′ to accommodate various diameters and lengths of tower sections. 
     In this particular example, a set of three inner clips  122  is used for each support location  120 / 120 ′. These inner clips  122  can be welded to the bed  112 , can be disposed in configured slots in the bed  112 , or can be otherwise affixed in place on the bed  112 . For example, the inner clips  122  can be permanently welded to the bed  112  with ⅝″ welds using type E70 rods. The outer clips  125  also come in sets of three disposed with wider spacing than the three inner clips  122 . The outer clips  125  can be welded to the bed  112 , can be disposed in configured slots in the bed  112 , or can be otherwise affixed in place on the bed  112 . 
       FIG. 4D  illustrates an isolated view of an inner clip  122 . As shown, the inner clip  122  can be a rectangular plate of steel.  FIG. 4E  illustrates an isolated view of an outer clip  125 . As shown, the outer clip  125  can have a straight edge and a ramped edge. A lateral hole is also defined through the side of the outer clip  125 . The ramp on the clip  125  may be provided for guiding and placing cradle supports ( 103 ), and the lateral hole can be provided for affixing to a cradle supports ( 103 ). 
     As noted above, cradle supports  103  including an adjustable cradle  130  and a foot  130 ′ of the modular assembly  100  support a tower section on a flatcar  110 .  FIG. 5  illustrates a flatcar  110  being fitted with a cradle  130  and a foot  130 ′ of the disclosed modular assembly  100 . The cradle  130  and foot  130 ′ can be positioned at any of the available support locations  120 / 120 ′, which in this particular example are all the same so the cradle  130  and foot  130 ′ can be placed for the particular size of the tower section to be supported on the bed  112 . The foot  130 ′ can be placed either at the lead or tail end of the flatcar  110 , but preferably at the tail end to support the following end of the supported tower section. More than one cradle  130  can be used. Also, for some tower sections, two opposing feet  130 ′ can be used at the ends of the tower section. These and other configurations can be used. 
     The cradle  130  supports the weight of the tower section and is adjustable to the outer dimension on the particular portion resting on the cradle  130  to support the section laterally. The foot  130 ′ also supports the weight of the tower section and is adjustable to the outer dimension on the particular portion resting on the foot  130 ′ to support the section laterally. As already mentioned, the foot  130 ′ also affixes to the end of the tower section to support it longitudinally. 
     Looking now at the adjustable cradle  130 ,  FIGS. 6A-6D  illustrate perspective, plan, side, and end views of a cradle  130  of the disclosed modular assembly. In general, the cradle  130  has a hinge  148  that positions adjacent the bed ( 112 ) of the flatcar and supports an end of a cradle surface  160  of the adjustable cradle  130 . Additionally, a saddle  150  is positioned between the bed ( 112 ) and the cradle surface  160  and is adjustable relative to the hinge  148  to adjust an angle of the cradle surface  160  relative to the bed ( 112 ). The hinge and saddle arrangement are mirrored on an opposing side of the cradle  130  so that an opposing angle of another cradle surface  160  can be adjusted relative to the bed ( 112 ) in a comparable manner. 
     As shown here, the hinge  148  is disposed on a base  140  of the cradle  130 , and the saddle  150  fits on this base  140 . This facilitates the assembly and the modularity of the cradle  130 . It is possible for the hinge  148  to be a part of the bed supports ( 102 ) mounted directly on the bed ( 112 ) of the flatcar, and/or the saddle  150  can likewise rest directly against the bed ( 112 ). In this way, the cradle  130  may not require a base  140  because various elements may be made part of the bed supports ( 102 ) and vice versa. 
     As shown in particular in  FIGS. 6A-6B , the cradle  130  has the base  140  that rests against the bed ( 112 ) of the flatcar ( 110 ). ( FIG. 7  illustrates an isolated view of the base  140  for the disclosed cradle  130 .) Reinforced slots  142  in the central area of the base  140  fit over the inner clips ( 122 ) of a support location ( 120 / 120 ′) where the cradle  130  is positioned. As noted above, the cradle  130  is restrained at least in part using the internal clips ( 122 ). Due to rail requirements, the cradle  130  may or may not need to be bolted, pinned, or the like to the bed ( 112 ), such as to the inner clips ( 122 ) or to the outer clips ( 125 ) as the foot ( 130 ) is. 
     Saddles  150  are positioned on opposing ends of the base  140  and hold up the cradle surfaces  160  pivoted on pivot pins  168  installed in the base hinges  148 . ( FIGS. 8A-8E  illustrate various views of a saddle  150  for the disclosed cradle  130 .) The saddle  150  has a bottom surface  152  that sets against the base  140  and has a bearing surface  156  against which the cradle surface  160  rests. The cradle surface  160  can have a pad  162  of protective material, such as rubber, neoprene, or the like, against which the surface of the tower section rests. 
     In one arrangement, the base  140  and the saddle  150  have a plurality of tabs and slots engageable with one another to hold the saddle  150  in position on the base  140 . For example, the saddle  150  can have tabs, the base  140  can have slots, both can have the reverse, or both can each have tabs and slots. As shown in this particular example, the bottom surface  152  of the saddle  150  can have extending features or tabs  154  for adjustably setting in apertures or slots  144  in the surface of the base  140  so that particular placement of the saddle  150  can be set on the cradle  130 . The extending features  154  can be integral tabs formed on the bottom surface  152 , or the bottom surface  152  can have a number of holes for receiving inserted pins for the extending features  154 . As discussed later, other configurations can be used for adjustably setting the saddles  150  in particular placements on the base  140 . 
     On the extreme ends of the base  140 , the cradle  130  has end walls  146 . In arrangements disclosed herein, spacer elements (not shown), which are discussed in detail below, can fit in the space between the end walls  146  and the saddles  150  to prevent movement of the saddles  150  outward as the cradle surfaces  160  hold the weight of the supported tower section. Such spacer elements can be used in combination with (or instead of) the extending pins  154  and apertures  144  shown here. As disclosed in more detail below, the spacer elements can include bars, plates, blocks, or the like of configured lengths to fit the adjusted positions of the saddles  150  relative to the end walls  146 . 
     Looking next at the adjustable foot  130 ′,  FIGS. 9A-9E  illustrate various views of a foot  130 ′ of the disclosed modular assembly. The foot  130 ′ is similar to the cradle  130  and has many of the same components so like reference numerals are used. The foot  130 ′ has slots  142  or cutouts on its base  140  that slide over corresponding inner clips ( 122 ) on the bed ( 112 ) of the flatcar ( 110 ). The slots  142  can be reinforced as shown. The engagement between the slots  142  and the inner clips ( 122 ) restrain the foot  130 ′ in the longitudinal and lateral planes. 
     In addition to engaging the inner clips ( 122 ), the foot  130 ′ can be affixed in locations to the outer clips ( 125 ). This affixing of the foot  130 ′ to the outer clips ( 125 ) may be responsible for restraining the vertical force component required by transportation requirements; however, they may add additional reinforcement for the other required restraint vectors. As best shown in  FIGS. 9A-9B , for example, the base  140  of the foot  130 ′ extends beyond the sidewall  145  to accommodate supporting features. Hinge hole and slot arrangements  149  on the base  140  are used to affix the base  140  of the foot  130 ′ to the outer clips ( 125 ) disposed on the flatcar&#39;s bed ( 112 ), as shown in  FIG. 10B , using hinge pin and spacer arrangements. 
     The foot&#39;s base  140 , which is shown in isolated views of  FIGS. 11A-11B , has a sidewall or flange  145  extending therefrom. The sidewall  145  has a number of slots  147  for affixing with bolts to the bolt holes arranged on the end of a tower section (not shown). The size and placement of the slots  147  allow for the sidewall  145  to affix to different sized tower sections. To accommodate varying bolt hole positions in the tower section (not shown), for example, the sidewall  145  can have four cutouts  147  that allow bolts to run through the bolt holes in the tower sections. Load bearing plates (not shown) can be used on both sides of the sidewall  145  and the tower&#39;s flange to adapt the fixture between the cutouts and bolt holes. ( FIGS. 10A-10B  illustrates some example components of these features.) 
     Again, the foot  130 ′ is similar to the cradle  130  and holds the weight of the tower section. Bolting to the sidewall  145  is used to restrain primarily the longitudinal load, but also to a lesser extent the lateral and vertical loads. In one example, the end of the tower section secures to the sidewall  145  with four grade “8” tool steel bolts that are prevented from backing out using grade “8” tool steel sheer plates. To increase the restraint, the tower section can be strapped down to the foot  130 ′. The combination of adjustable angle of the surfaces  160  and the different bolt securement positions enables the disclosed foot  130 ′ to handle a number of tower diameters, tower lengths, bolt-hole sizes, and bolt-hole arrangements. 
     As noted above, tabs  154  on the saddles  150  can fit in apertures  144  in the base, and/or spacer elements can fit in the space between the end walls  146  and the saddles  150  to fix the saddles  150  and prevent movement outward as the cradle surfaces  160  hold the weight of the supported tower section. The spacer elements can be a large block, bar, rod, plate, or the like used to hold the saddle  150  in place. 
     For example,  FIGS. 12A-12C  illustrate three arrangements according to the present disclosure for spacing the saddles  150  on the base  140  for the disclosed cradles  130  and feet  130 ′. In general, the base  140  has an edge, stop, or endwall  146  opposite to the hinges  148 . One or more spacers (e.g.,  170 ,  180 ) can be positioned between the endwall  146  and the saddle  150  to hold the saddle  150  in position on the base  140 . Various spacers (e.g.,  170 ,  180 ) of different lengths can be provided for adjusting the position of the saddle  150  on the base  140 . 
       FIG. 12A  shows the previously discussed arrangement in which tabs ( 154 ) on the saddle  150  adjustably position in apertures  144  in the base  140  to hold the saddle  150  in a set position. A reverse arrangement of tabs and apertures could be used so that the saddle  150  includes apertures and the base  140  in includes extending tabs. 
     Instead of the arrangement in  FIG. 12A  or used in conjunction therewith,  FIG. 12B  shows a first spacer arrangement for spacing the saddles  150  on the base  140  for the disclosed cradles  130  and feet  130 ′. In this first arrangement, spacer elements  170  in the form of bars fit in the space between the endwall  146  and the saddle  150 . 
     Instead of the arrangement in  FIG. 12A  or used in conjunction therewith,  FIG. 12C  shows a second spacer arrangement for spacing the saddles  150  on the base  140  for the disclosed cradles  130  and feet  130 ′. In this second arrangement, a spacer element  180  in the form of a block or plate fits in the space between the endwall  146  and the saddle  150 . 
     In each of these arrangements, the cradle surface  160  can receive the majority of the vertical load, while the saddles&#39; tabs  158  (if present) and/or the spacer elements  170 / 180  (if present) absorb the lateral forces caused by the angled cradle surfaces  160 . To change the angle of the cradle surfaces  160 , the tab/aperture arrangement and/or the spacer elements  170 / 180  for the saddle  150  can be changed. The saddle  150  is moved to different apertures  144 , and/or the spacer element  170 / 180  can be changed out for a different length element. The different spacer elements  170 / 180  can be color coded for ease of use in the field. If apertures  144  and tabs  154  are not used, then the bottom of the saddle  150  and the surface of the base  140  can use a configuration of longitudinal or lateral rails and tracks for the slots  144 . 
     Although only one end is shown herein in  FIGS. 12A-12C , the other end of the base  140  can be similarly configured. Once the saddles  150  are in place, gravity forces the cradle surfaces  160  down onto the saddles  150 , which push out toward the endwalls  146 . Once the system  100  is set up, there are no moving parts because all of the components are essentially held in place by their own weight and that of the load from the supported tower section. 
       FIG. 13  illustrates perspective, side, and end views of first spacer elements  170  for the saddle ( 150 ) on the base ( 140 ) of a cradle  130  or a foot  130 ′. Again, this first spacer element  170  is a bar  172  having tabs  174  on its ends. The bar  172  can have a particular length to space out the saddle ( 150 ) a particular distance on the base ( 140 ). A number of such bars  172  are formed in predetermined increments to adjust the angle of the cradle surfaces  160  to the required angle for the given tower diameter. 
     For example,  FIGS. 14A-14B  illustrate side and end views of a portion of a cradle  130  with bars  172  of a first length. Preferably, more than one bar  172  is used as shown. The tab  174  of the bar  172  fits in an aperture or slot in the endwall  146  of the base  140 . The other tab  174  of the bar  172  fits in an aperture or slot in the saddle  150 . The length of the bar  172  can then keep the saddle  150  a set distance from the endwall  146 . This in turn places the cradle surface  160  at a given angle for a given radius R 1 . 
     For comparison,  FIG. 15  illustrates a side view of the portion of the cradle  130  with second bars  172  of a greater length. The saddle  150  is supported closer to the hinge  148  so the cradle surface  160  is at a greater incline for a smaller radius R 2 , such as would support a tower section of smaller circumference. 
     Because the assembly  100  of the present disclosure is modular and can be assembled as needed for the various tapers, sizes, circumferences, lengths, and the like of the tower sections, several spacer elements  170  such as the bars  172  may be provided.  FIGS. 16A-6B  illustrate a container  175  holding various spacer bars  172  for the modular assembly. Several such containers  175  may be held on the flatcar ( 110 ) or stored separately so that the correct length bars  172  can be selected and used on the cradles ( 130 ) and feet ( 130 ′). 
     The container  175  can have a pair of each pin size, and one container  175  can be used one each corner of the railcar ( 110 ) to carry pins  170  to set the foot  130 ′ and cradle  130 . The length of the pins  172  can come in 1″ increments from 1″ to 10″, and the diameter of the pins  172  can be 2″ along the load bearing length. The tabs  174  on the ends can be 1″ long and have 1″ diameter to secure the pin  172  in place. Other configurations could be used. 
     For further illustration,  FIG. 17  shows a perspective view of a portion of a cradle  130  with another type of spacer element  180  for the saddle  150 . In this example, the spacer element  180  is a plate or block  182  that fits between the endwall  146  and the saddle  150 . Tabs, lips, or the like (not shown) can be used to hold the plate  182  in place against the endwall  146  and the saddle  150 . As will be appreciated with the benefit of the bar  172  of  FIGS. 12B-12C  and plate  180  of  FIG. 17 , the spacer elements for the cradle  130  and foot  130 ′ can have a number of different configurations. 
     To accommodate reduced diameters of the taper of the tower section, the adjustable cradles  130  and feet  130 ′ for the modular assembly  100  can be used with lifting platforms or can be preconfigured with lifted bases. For example,  FIGS. 18A-18B  illustrate perspective, plan, side, and end views of an elevated cradle  130  of the disclosed modular assembly  100 . An elevated foot  130 ′ can be similarly configured. 
     A lower base  140  rests against the flatcar&#39;s bed ( 112 ) and has the slots  142  for the inner clips ( 122 ). An upper base  140 ′ is elevated from the lower base  140  by stands  141 . The upper base  140 ′ has the other elements of the cradle  130 , such as the saddles  150 , cradle surfaces  160 , spacer elements  180 , etc. The stands  141  as shown here can be permanently affixed between the bases  140 / 140 ′ so that this cradle  130  is preconfigured as elevated. Also, the stands  141  can be separately affixable between the bases  140 / 140 ′ using bolting and the like so that even the elevation of the cradle  130  and foot  130 ′ can be modularly adjustable. 
       FIG. 19  illustrates how the elevated cradle  130 ′ can be used on a flatcar  110  to support a tower section with a smaller diameter taper. Although not expressly shown, an elevated foot  130 ′ could be comparably configured like the elevated cradle  130 . The elevated cradle  130  accommodates the large change in diameter at the narrow end of the tower section so that cradle&#39;s cradle surfaces  160  do not need to be raised to high angles that, why mathematically possible, may not be practical for most applications. 
       FIG. 20  illustrates another example of a modular assembly  200  according to the present disclosure for transporting sections of a tower assembly  60 . This modular assembly  200  is similar to that disclosed above so that reference to comparable components, functions, and features disclosed above are incorporated herein with respect to the present assembly  200 . 
     Again, transport devices  210 A-D transport cylindrical items, namely tower sections  62 ,  64 , and  66  of the tower assembly  60  for a wind turbine. The tower sections  62 ,  64 , and  66  represent a type of heavy-lift and over-dimension cargo, which requires significant coordination and time to transport. Other tower assembles with other numbers of tower sections and lengths can readily be accommodated by the teachings of the present disclosure. 
     Again, the tower sections  62 ,  64 , and  66  can be transported by rail so that the transport devices  210 A-D can be railcars for transporting the tower assembly  60  by rail. The railcars include a first flatcar  210 A supporting a lower tower section  62 , a second flatcar  210 B supporting an intermediate tower section  64 , and a third flatcar  210 C supporting a top tower section  66 . As is typical, various ones of these tower sections  62 ,  66 , and  64  may taper from its base end to its top end. 
     The base tower section  62  loaded onto the first flatcar  210 A and the intermediate tower section  64  loaded on the second flatcar  210 B do not take up the full length of the cars&#39; beds  112 . The upper tower section  66  may extend a length longer than the bed  212  of the third flatcar  210 C. As will be appreciated, the tower assembly  60  may have more or less sections, and they can be arranged in a different order as the case may be. Likewise, more or less flatcars  210  can be used depending on the implementation. 
     Each of the flatcars  210 A-C can accommodate at least one of the tower sections  62 ,  64 , and  66  thereon using a plurality of supports  201  of the assembly  200 . In general, the modular system  200  for transporting a tower section on the bed  121  of a transport device (i.e., flatcar  210 ) includes end supports  205 ,  207  and includes at least one intermediate support  203 . The end supports  205 ,  207  generally include sleds, feet, and anchors, while the intermediate support  203  generally includes a cradle support. Each of the end supports  205 ,  207  are disposed on the bed  212  and are affixed to one end of the tower section. At least one of the end supports  205 ,  207  is longitudinally adjustable relative to the bed  212  to accommodate the varying longitudinal length of the given tower section. The at least one intermediate support  203  is disposed on the bed  212  and supports portion of the tower section. The at least one intermediate support  203  has a cradle being adjustable circumferentially against which the tower section rests. The adjustable cradle of the at least one intermediate support  203  allows it to accommodate the varying circumference of the given tower section. 
     On each flatcar  210  for each tower section, the supports  201  include a plurality of bed supports  202  affixable at support locations on the beds  212  of the flatcars  210 . The at least one intermediate or cradle support  203  is engageable to the bed supports  202 . In this way, the at least one cradle support  203  is positionable at one of the support locations in a modular fashion to support the tower sections  62 ,  64 , and  66  on the beds  112  of the flatcars  210 A-C. 
     As noted, the at least one cradle support  203  has an adjustable cradle against which the tower section  62 ,  64 , and  66  rests. The adjustable cradle can be adjusted on each cradle support  203  between a plurality of circumferential dimensions, which can be set to the particular circumference of the tower section  62 ,  64 , and  66  being supported. 
     On each flatcar  210  for each tower section, the supports  201  also include at least one foot  205  affixable to an end of the tower section supported on the bed  212  of the flatcar  210 . For those tower sections that are too long, the supports  201  can include an anchor support  207  affixable to another end of the tower section. 
     To discuss the various supports  201 , support locations  202 , cradle support  203 , feet  205 , anchor support  207 , etc., reference is made to  FIGS. 21A through 24C , which illustrate features on each of the flatcars  210 A-C of  FIG. 20 . Turning first to  FIGS. 21A-21C , a side view, a plan view, and an end view are illustrated of a first of the flatcars  210 A of the present disclosure configured with components of the modular assembly  200  to support a tower section  62 . 
     The flatcar  210  has a bed  212  supported with trucks  213  and having couplings  215 . The bed  112  has a number of bed supports  202  at locations where the tower section can be supported on the bed  212 . At least two support locations having the bed supports  202  are provided on the bed  212 ; however, preferably a number of support locations with bed supports  202  may be provided so various lengths of tower sections can be supported in different ways on the same flatcar  210 A. Although not strictly necessary in all implementations, it may be preferred to locate one or more of the bed supports  202  over the rail trucks  213  so the weight of a supported load (i.e., tower section) may be more directly transferred to the underlying rails. 
     Two cradle supports  203  disposed on the bed supports  202  are used to support the tower section  62  near both ends, and straps  216  extending from sides of the cradle supports  203  wrap around portions of the tower section  62 . The bed supports  202  include bed fixtures  220  for supporting the cradle supports  203 . Opposing bed fixtures  220  at the edges of the bed  212  affix to the ends of the cradle support  203  to restrain it both laterally and longitudinally on the bed  212 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 21B , for example, ends of an adjustable cradle  230 , which is discussed in more detail below, can fit in the opposing set of bed fixtures  220  on the bed  212 . Preferably, at least one opposing set of bed fixtures  220  is affixed at each end of the bed  112 , but more can be placed in intermediate locations between them to provide selective support locations. These low profile bed fixtures  220  mounted on the bed  212  are preferred for transferring the weight of the tower section onto the flatcar&#39;s bed  212 . (Depending on the weight of the transported item, however, it may be possible for one or more of the intermediate cradle supports  203  to be adjustably mounted on rails  206  in a manner similar to the end supports  205 . Likewise, it may be possible for one of the end supports  205  adjustably mounted on the rails  206  to also include cradle surfaces similar to those disclosed herein.) 
     As shown in the detail of  FIG. 21C , the bed fixture  220  has tabs or clips  222 ,  224  affixed toward the edge of the flatcar&#39;s bed  112 . A sidewall tab  222  is disposed on the bed&#39;s edge and has openings  226  for affixing to the end of the cradle support  203  with bolts or other fasteners. Endwall tabs  224  extend orthogonally from the sidewall tab  222  and have openings  228  for affixing to the end of the cradle support  203  with bolts or other fasteners. The sidewall and endwall tabs  222 ,  224  create a slot or pocket in which the end of the cradle support  203  positions. In general, the tabs  220 ,  224  can be welded, bolted, or otherwise permanently affixed to the bed  112 , or they can be affixed to a base plate (not shown) that in turn is affixed to the bed  112 . 
     Elsewhere on the bed  212 , the bed supports  202  can include eyelet loops  214  or similar lashing features affixed to the bed  212  adjacent the bed fixtures  220 . Straps or tie downs (not shown) can be used with these eyelet loops  214  to lash the tower section  62  on the cradles  230 . The cradles  230  also include features for straps or tie downs  216  to lash the tower section  62  on the cradles  230 . 
     This tower section  62  has a length that allows it to fit on the bed  212  of the flatcar  210 A. Accordingly, the supports include feet  205  at opposing ends of the tower section  62  to restrain the section  62 . The bed supports  202  for these opposing feet  205  include rails  206  disposed at each end of the bed  212  for adjustably affixing to the feet  205 , which are discussed in more detail below. The rails  206  can be welded, bolted, or otherwise affixed to the bed  212 . To accommodate the various lengths of the tower section, the position of the foot  205  on the rails  206  can be adjusted, and the foot  205  can be affixed in place with bolts or other fasteners. For their part, the feet  205  can affix directly with bolts or the like to ends of the tower section  62 , which typically already have a bolting arrangement used for assembly of the tower. 
     The flatcar  210  can be prepared ahead of time and can be reused as necessary. In one embodiment, the flatcar  210  can be a four axle, 89-ft. flat deck railcar. As configured, the flatcar  210  has all the prepositioned support locations  202  to allow the cradle supports  203  and the feet  205  to be moved based on varying lengths of tower sections. In this way, a given tower section sits in the cradle supports  203  and affixes to the feet  205 , which can be adjusted for varying diameter sections. The cradle supports  203  can be moved to any of the pre-set bed fixtures  202 , and the feet  205  can be adjusted along the rails  206  to accommodate various diameters and lengths of tower sections. 
       FIGS. 22A-22D  illustrate a side view, a plan view, and opposing end views of another flatcar  210 B of the modular assembly  200 . As opposed to the previous example, the tower section  64  here is nearly as long as the bed  212 . Therefore, a cradle support  203  and a foot  205  support one end of the tower section  64 , while a cradle support  203  and an anchor  207  support the other end of the tower section  61 . In fact, the bed  212  at this other end may or may not include rails ( 206 ) for a foot ( 205 ), although it could. 
       FIG. 22C  shows the end of the tower section  64  supported by the foot  205  affixed to the rails  206 . Side lines  208  can affix from the bed  212  to anchors  209  attached to the edge of the tower section  64 . By contrast,  FIG. 22D  shows the other end of the tower section  64  supported by the anchor arrangement  207 . Here, side lines  208  affix from the bed  212  to anchors  209  attached to the edge on opposite sides of the tower section  64 . More centrally located to prevent longitudinal movement, centralized lines  208 ′ can affix from the bed  212  to a centralized anchor  209 ′ attached to the bottom of the edge of the tower section  64 . As shown, the anchor support  207  can use lines  208  in the form of straps, cable, cord, rope, etc. and can attach the lines  207  to plates as the anchors  209  bolted to the bolting arrangement on the tower section&#39;s ends. 
       FIGS. 23A-23C  illustrate a side view, a plan view, and an end view of the other flatcar  210 C of the modular assembly  200 . As opposed to the previous examples, the tower section  66  here is longer than the bed  212 . Therefore, a cradle support  203  and a foot  205  support one end of the tower section  66 , while a cradle support  203  and an anchor support  207  support the other end of the tower section  66 . In fact, the bed  22  at this other end may or may not include rails  206  for a foot  205 , although it could. 
     Overall, the foot  205  and anchor support  207  for this longer tower section can be similar to that discussed previously. In some differences, additional lashing  218  can be used to support the tower section  66 , especially at its tapered end. Additionally, the cradle support  203  at the tapered end may be elevated or higher to account for the smaller diameter of the section  66  at this tapered end. Further details of an elevated cradle support  203  are discussed later. 
       FIGS. 24A-24C  illustrate a side view, a plan view, and a cross-sectional end view of an alternative flatcar  210 C of the modular assembly  200 . Again, the tower section  66  here is longer than the bed  202 . Therefore, a cradle support  203  and a foot  205 ′ support one end of the tower section  66 , while a cradle support  203  and an anchor support  207  support the other end of the tower section  66 . 
     As shown here, the foot  205 ′ is not adjustable on rails as in previous arrangements. Instead, the foot  205 ′ is directly affixed at a support location to the bed  212 . In general, the fixed foot  280  can be similar to what is disclosed previously with reference to  FIGS. 9A-9B . The fixed foot  280  has a base  282  that affixes to the bed  212  of the flatcar  210 . A flange  286  extends from the base  280  and has slots  288  for attaching by bolts and the like to the bolting arrangement on the end of the tower section in a manner similar to the foot discuss previously. The fixed foot  280  can also have pivotable cradle surfaces  284  on which the end of the tower section can rest. 
     As this example indicates, any one or more of the given feet  205 ′ used on the flatcars  210  can have a fixed position, while any foot  205  for the other end can be used adjustable on rails  206  (or an anchor support  205  for the other end can be used for adjustment instead). 
     Having an understanding of the various supports  202  and other features of the flatcars  210 , discussion now turns to particulars of several of these components. Looking now at the adjustable cradle  230 ,  FIGS. 25A-25B  illustrate a perspective and a side view of an adjustable cradle  230  of the disclosed modular assembly. In general, the cradle  230  has a base  240  that sets on the bed ( 212 ) of the flatcar ( 210 ). Opposing ends of the base  240  affix to the sidewall tabs (not shown) of the bed supports ( 220 ) to hold the cradle  230  in place. In particular, sidewalls on the base  240  have fastener openings  248  to receive bolts to affix to the sidewall tabs of the bed supports ( 220 ), and endwalls on the base  240  have openings  246  to receive bolts to affix to the endwalls tabs of the bed supports ( 220 ). 
     As before, the cradle  230  has a hinge  256  that positions adjacent the bed ( 212 ) of the flatcar ( 210 ) and supports an end of a cradle surface  260  of the adjustable cradle  230 . Additionally, a saddle  250  is positioned on the base  240  between the bed ( 212 ) and the cradle surface  260  and is adjustable relative to the hinge  256  to adjust an angle of the cradle surface  260  relative to the bed ( 212 ). The hinge and saddle arrangement are mirrored on an opposing end of the cradle  230  so that an opposing angle of another cradle surface  260  can be adjusted relative to the bed ( 212 ) in a comparable manner. 
     In particular, the base  240  has at least two struts  242  running along its length from end to end. ( FIGS. 27A-27C  illustrate isolated views of the base  240  for the disclosed cradle  230 .) Here, three struts  242  are shown—one inner and two outer. At the outer ends, pins  244  pass through the struts  242  to provide attachment points for any lashing to be used. 
     Along both ends, each of the struts  242  has two rows of fastener openings  243  to receive bolts to affix the saddles  250  in place on the base  240 . The saddles  250  positioned on opposing ends of the base  240  hold up the cradle surfaces  260  pivoted on the hinges  256 . The saddles  250  can adjustably positioned on the base  240  along the length of the struts  242 , aligning slots/holes in the saddles  250  with the fastener openings  243  in the struts  242  to receive tabs/bolts  255 . (As noted above, other arrangements using tabs, slots, pins, bolts, openings, and the like can be used to adjustably position the saddle  250  on the base  240 .) The saddles  250  having the cradle surfaces  260  attached with the hinges  256  to the upper ends of the saddles  250  allow the surfaces  260  to pivotably adjust to the outer dimension of the tower section. In this way, the opposing saddles  250  facing inward toward a central pad  243  on the base  240  can adjust the dimension, circumference, and the like of the cradle surfaces  260  for supporting a tower section. (For comparison,  FIGS. 26A-26B  illustrate end views of the cradle  230  of the disclosed modular assembly  200  with the saddles  250  in two adjusted states to accommodate tower sections  61 A-B having different diameters.) 
     In arrangements disclosed herein, protruding tabs on the bottom of the saddles  250  can install in slots in the base ( 240 ). Also, spacer elements (not shown) could fit in the space between the cradle&#39;s endwalls and the saddles  250  to prevent movement of the saddles  250  outward as the cradle surfaces  260  hold the weight of the supported tower section. Such spacer elements can be used in combination with (or instead of) the bolts  255 , pins, or the like and the strut openings  243  shown here. As disclosed herein, the spacer elements can include bars, plates, blocks, or the like of configured lengths to fit the adjusted positions of the saddles  250  on the base  240 . 
       FIGS. 28A-28D  illustrate various views of the saddle  250  for the disclosed cradle ( 230 ). The saddle  250  has adjacent members  252  that set in the base ( 240 ) between the struts ( 242 ). Each of the adjacent members  252  are comprised of adjacent plates interconnected to one another. Each has bearing surfaces or ends  254  against which the cradle surface  260  rests. On its underside, the cradle surface  260  has trussets  266  that align with pivot openings on the saddle&#39;s bearing ends  254  for insertion of the hinge  256  about which the cradle surface  260  can pivot. On its exposed side, the cradle surface  260  can have a pad  262  of protective material, such as rubber, neoprene, or the like, against which the surface of the tower section rests. 
     As noted, the base ( 240 ) and the saddle  250  can have a plurality slots or fastener openings to receive bolts ( 255 ) or the like to hold the saddle  250  in position on the base ( 240 ). For that purpose, the saddle  250  has a number of fastener openings  253  defined in the plates of the saddle  250  to adjustably align with the openings ( 243 ) in the base ( 240 ). Several openings  253  are provided to allow for a number of alignable arrangements of the saddle  250  to the base ( 240 ). 
       FIGS. 29A-29D  illustrates a perspective view, a front view, a side view, and a plan view of an adjustable foot  270  of the disclosed assembly. A base  272  of the foot  270  has tracks  274  with holes  275  along their length to affix to the rails ( 206 ) on the bed ( 212 ) of the flatcar ( 210 ). A flange  276  extending from the base  272  has a number of slots  278  for affixing with bolts to the bolt holes arranged on the end of a tower section (not shown). The size and placement of the slots  278  allow for the flange  276  to affix to different sized tower sections. To accommodate varying bolt hole positions in the tower section (not shown), for example, the flange  276  can have four slots  278  that allow bolts  279  to run through the bolt holes (not shown) in the tower sections. Load bearing plates  277  can be used with the bolts  279  on both sides of the flange  276  to adapt the fixture between the slots  278  and the bolt holes (not shown) on the end of the tower section. 
     Bolting to the flange  276  is used to restrain primarily the longitudinal load, but also to a lesser extent the lateral and vertical loads. In one example, the end of the tower section secures to the flange  276  with four grade “8” tool steel bolts  279  that are prevented from backing out using grade “8” tool steel sheer plates  277 . To increase the restraint, the tower section can be strapped down as noted. The combination of adjustable cradle  230  and the different bolt securement positions of the foot  270  enables the foot  270  to handle a number of tower diameters, tower lengths, bolt-hole sizes, and bolt-hole arrangements. 
     As noted, some tower sections may taper so that a cradle support  203  on one of the ends may be elevated.  FIGS. 30A-30C  illustrate an elevation arrangement for the disclosed cradle. A pad  290  composed of struts  292  and cross-braces  294  has end and side openings  296 ,  298  for affixing with bolts  221  to the tabs of the support locations  220 . As shown in  FIG. 30A , the base  240  of the cradle  230  rests on the pad  290  so that the cradle surfaces  260 , the saddles  250 , and the like can be elevated a height off of the bed  212 . The tabs of the support locations  220 ′ can be increased in height to accommodate the combined thickness of the pad  290  and the base  240  and to accept two sets of bolts  221 . 
     As disclosed herein, the module system  200  for transporting a tower section of a wind turbine includes a transport device, end supports, and at least one intermediate support. In previous examples, the transport device  210 A of  FIG. 21A  included two intermediate supports  203  and two adjustable end supports  205 ; the transport device  210 B of  FIG. 22A  included two intermediate supports  203  and two adjustable end supports  205 ,  207 ; the transport device  210 C of  FIG. 23A  included two intermediate supports  203  and two adjustable end supports  205 ,  207 ; and the transport device  210 C of  FIG. 23A  included two intermediate supports  203 , one fixed end support  205 ′, and one adjustable end supports  207 . These configurations may be best suited for supporting cylindrical items such as the tower sections noted herein based on the weight and size of the tower sections and the flatcars of the transport devices  210 . 
     Other configurations are possible depending on the type, size, weight, etc. of cylindrical item to be transported and depending on the type, size, etc. of the transport device  210  to be used. To that end,  FIGS. 31A-31E  show a number of other possible configurations. Each of these configurations include a transport device  210  that may include a flatcar, although other devices could be used. Each of the configurations is used for transporting a cylindrical item  61 , such as a tower section or the like. 
     In  FIG. 31A , the transport device  210  includes at least one intermediate support  203 , one fixed end support  205 ′ (e.g., fixed flange  280  with adjustable cradle surfaces  284 ), and one adjustable end support  207  (e.g., anchor support). In  FIG. 31B , the transport device  210  includes at least one intermediate support  203 , one fixed end support  205 ′ (e.g., fixed flange  280  with adjustable cradle surfaces  284 ), and one adjustable end support (e.g., flange  205  having adjustable cradle surfaces  284  and movable on rail  206 ). In  FIGS. 31C-31D , the transport devices  210  include at least one intermediate support  203  and two adjustable end support  205  and/or  207 . These and other configurations are possible depending on the implementation. 
     The teachings of the present disclosure facilitate the transportation of large towers and tower sections used in conjunction with wind turbines. The term “tower,” “tower section,” and the like may be generally interchangeable in the present disclosure. 
     The modular system  100  uses mounting fixtures that include supports  101 / 201 , intermediate supports  103 / 203 , adjustable cradles  130 / 230 , end supports  205 / 205 / 207 , feet  130 ′/ 270 / 280 , bed supports and preconfigured support locations  102 / 120 / 120 / 202 / 206 / 214 / 220  that can accommodate various tower dimensions and arrangements. The cradles  130 / 230 , feet  130 / 270 / 280 , and the like can be reusable on the same or other transport devices or railcars to transport other tower sections or the like. The reusable cradles  130 / 230  and feet  130 / 270 / 280  do not require welding and cutting on railcar beds, which reduces the time to load tower sections on the railcars. 
     The foregoing description of preferred and other embodiments is not intended to limit or restrict the scope or applicability of the inventive concepts conceived of by the Applicants. It will be appreciated with the benefit of the present disclosure that features described above in accordance with any embodiment or aspect of the disclosed subject matter can be utilized, either alone or in combination, with any other described feature, in any other embodiment or aspect of the disclosed subject matter. 
     Various details of loads, materials, strengths, forces, and the like are omitted in the description, but would be appreciated by one skilled in the art having the benefit of the present disclosure. Although expressly described for use with tower sections, the assembly  100  can be used to transport any type of cylindrical items, including drums, pipes, stacks, etc. 
     In exchange for disclosing the inventive concepts contained herein, the Applicants desire all patent rights afforded by the appended claims. Therefore, it is intended that the appended claims include all modifications and alterations to the full extent that they come within the scope of the following claims or the equivalents thereof.