Best arrangement for loading dock at grain elevator

Model Railroader Prototype information for the modeler
1

I am building a Walthers ADM modern concrete grain elevator. The loading area for railcars includes sides that fully enclose the loading dock. I intend to keep the roof but I am considering leaving the sides off so the rail cars can be fully visible. I looked at a lot of pictures and see that real grain elevators exist in both configurations. I am assuming that the fully enclosed loading area is for weather protection. I should note that my layout represents southern Oklahoma which would not suffer the extrem snow of the northern plains.

Looking for opinions…leave the sides off and see the rail cars (more visual interest) or install the sides (more protected?).

2

I would leave it open for access.

3

For access, I think it would be even better to make it removable.

Ed

4

Not a snow shed. Wind and rain are also aproblem, especially when loading wheat or other small grains.