Can anyone explain the purpose and/or the process the equipment in the kit is used for so it can be modeled properly? So what is the purpose of the Intake Hopper? Does the hopper that is part of the main Elevator for loading railcars just transfer "finished sand" into the concrete silos (that part seems logical but don't want to assume so still going to ask)? Also, according to the instructions this kit "...can be combined with other buildings to model a complete operation".

I have about 100 ore cars that I bought lettered for inappropriate roads to the Missabe.  I have painted over the sides.  Faced with having to buy LOTS of decal sets, I am wondering whether one could create a custom art rubber stamp to letter most of the car.

The artwork would attempt to recreate this, less the number:

Next up on my workbench is a TTPX bulkhead flat I'm just kicking off, the prototype for which was in service hauling walnut logs from eastern Iowa to Midwest Walnut, a small mom & pop sawmill on the IAIS in Council Bluffs, IA.  MW takes in walnut logs and ships out specialty dimensional walnut in containers, often for export, for use in such things as rifle stocks and furniture.

I was looking at a locomotive I'm considering to order. I note that it says the loco has a "Power Reverser" and has a "preserved condition-steel cab". Does anyone know what is meant by "preserved condition'?

Here it is in context:

"HO Scale - Steam Locomotive - H-6-g 4-6-0 (DC/SILENT): Canadian National (CNR) - Tilted Wafer - Preserved Condition - Steel cab, Power Reverser, Front-mounted bell, Horizontal pilot, Coal Tender - Small Headlight."