So I thought I'd post a few more pictures of 1:8 scale trains.
You've got to love the detail on this caboose.
These raised sections of track are mainly used to allow engineers to fire up steam locomotives. It takes almost an hour to stoke the fire and build steam pressure. There's a roof over this area, as indicated by the shadow.
A rail car for raw materials won't ordinarily be used for a public run. On this particular day, a local club was preparing to host an international meet.