On a small point, tank engines operate bunker-first not tender-first, as they don't have tenders. I assume the reason they aren't used is because the turntables aren't long enough for a 70'-long engine. Or they aren't strong enough to take engines, only carriages/wagons or indeed the access roads to the turntable are full of other stock not to be kept continually clear for the engine.
It does look odd but actually did happen more often than would be supposed. Visibility is reduced as is the cornering ability due to no leading pony truck, hence why it was avoided where possible.
It's not that interesting tbh, it's just a loco turning round that takes about 3 minutes. And that assumes the turntables are visible from the public areas.