Water Trough Scoop (Tender) - Classic Toy Trains Magazine

TD I couldn't resist I open and no question I had to do it lol .

But to your question I believe yes they did lower and raise in real life but as for Lionel or someone making one not to my knowledge as most had a whistle above them so no where for it to go up to hide . I guess they were hand lowered and raised and I bet they lost quite a few along the way when someone for got to raise it back up lol