In a conveying system for a stream of rod-like articles in multi-layer stack formation, in which system the stream is moved along a path which is curved in a generally horizontal plane, suction is applied to the hub (30) of a turntable (10) for the stream, in order to draw the ends of the articles (16) against the hub and thereby help to maintain alignment of the articles during conveyance on the turntable. Further control, particularly for the uppermost articles, may be provided by a series of bristles (44) urged into contact with the articles on the turntable (10) by a guide rod (46). The system may be usefully employed in a filter cigarette assembling machine, for turning one of two streams of filter cigarettes issuing from the machine so that it may be merged with the other stream with the filter ends of the cigarettes in the two streams facing in the same direction.