Tender inspection hatches

[NW Modeling List]

Steam tenders had a large (?) round inspection plate in the lower forward lt & rt corners. Was there a reason for this being in that location? Was there a shutoff valve or something in that area that needed periodic maintenance? Strainer/filter? 
Were the interiors of all tanks open for access through the baffle plates from rear to front through the water fill hatch?
Roger HuberDeer Creek Locomotive Works
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