In another thread about Salt operations there was this mention, but I didn't want cloud that thread with my response. 

eastwind said:

Did you hear about the fire that destroyed (?) the historic Domino Sugar company plant right on the Baltimore harbor? There were some overhead pictures but I didn't see any rails. I was wondering if any sugar was ever shipped in and out of there by hopper.

How tight of a real life turn is still workable?

I have no idea how to calculate what radius turn this would be when converted to various model railroad scales, but it looks more severe than an 18" in HO.

The Google image is along the mainline of the Stillwater Central Railroad near Wheatland, OK, now a WATCO shortline. The turnout leads to a few rail served small industries to the north, and some of the spurs to those leave at a 90 degree angle. Tank cars, boxcars, covered hoppers, and lumber racks make a weekly appearance.

Testing my VIA engines today on my layout, the Trenton Subdivision in N Scale, in anticipation of the arrival of the new Canadian 10 coach set by Rapido Trains Inc. 

How prototypical was a factory fresh modernized 40 foot box car, (no roof walks shorter ladders) ..Im not referring to an old owned railroad  company modified box car but a fresh out of the factory forty footer no roof walk etc?