Q: Identify this appliance on steam loco please (for the 0-6-0 project)

[Ed Kapuscinski]

I think the original appliance may be a lubricator.

[Chris333]

On top it's just the air (or steam) valves to operate the cylinder. The valves are operated with the rod going into the cab. If it wasn't a "POWER" reverse this would just be a straight lever going straight to the linkage.

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[garethashenden]

I think the original appliance may be a lubricator.

It's definitely a power reverser. It is a piston that uses steam to push or pull the reversing linkages. Much easier than having to shift it by hand.

[mmagliaro]

I am thorougly convinced guys.  Power reverse it is.
Chris, thanks for those demo video links!  And yes, the NP engine clearly has one.  Interesting how it is located in a completely different spot than on the SP&S engine.  I wonder if there are any L-9's with the power reverse mounted where the SP&S engine has it.

Be that as it may, the mystery is solved.  For the purposes of modeling, I just need to model the air pipe going in, and the rod coming out, connected to a faux linkage that disappears "somewhere" inside the frames.  Getting a close photo of the valve control that sits on top of the cylinder will be tough.  I'll just have to guess on that one.

Thank you, everyone for helping me out.

[wazzou]

Most as you know, were located right above the first driver in my photo collection.