[chengin]

Hi, i've just been looking through the 2006 hornby catalogue and have noticed that on the skaledale open coal deposit and coal shed, the track level seems to be raised above ground level. Would it be normal to have a raised track section above ground level to access one of these or would the storage area itself normally be below ground level? Just trying to figure out how I could incorporate this into my layout.

 

[chengin]

Thanks John, yes, it is that picture in the catalogue. That explains it perfectly, or rather the "short but fierce gradients leading up to them" bit does! I was wondering if this was normal as I thought these might have been used to load the coal to the engine tender from above somehow, the other option (coal dropping from the wagons) just didn't seem to make sense otherwise.
I didn't realise these were used more for coal delivery and distribution elsewhere. As I said, I assumed these might have a purpose like the water tower, to fill the engine tenders with coal i.e. early automation!

I guess i'll have to have a rethink about where I could put those buildings now!