Lionel # 397 Coal Loader and # 456 Coal Ramp
A postwar Lionel # 397 Coal Loader is next to the track, while a # 456 Operating Coal Ramp is just behind it. A special Lionel # 3456 operating hopper carrying a coal load was backed onto the ramp. At the press of a button, the bottom of the hopper opened and coal dropped down into the dark red tray. The coal can be emptied into the bright red Coal Loader tray via a trap door. When commanded, the coal moves up the Coal Loader conveyor belt and falls into a waiting hopper car.