A Question for Rail Enthusiasts…

What am I looking at here?

During a recent visit to the California Railroad Museum, Sacramento, I wondered what the bolt-like features on this boiler were.  I speculated.  I consulted with the museum staff and docents.  We ruminated. We postulated. We hypothesized. We came up with fabulous ideas – ideas that did more credit to our imagination than our knowledge base.

One young employee was confident that we were looking the outward presentation of rods that strengthened the wall – but could not explain how these acted or how they were attached to the boiler’s interior (firebox end).  So, I was left with more questions than answers.  Unfortunately, I am not a half-answer type of gal, and now I am totally frustrated.

Can anyone give a reasonable (i.e. detailed and believable) explanation of what the purpose of these attachments are and how they function? Does anyone have a diagram or sketch of how these are arranged from outer to inner wall?

During my visit, I also discovered that some very distant relatives had the good fortune to build steam engines for a living!

But this snow blower is too big for our domestic purposes!

The museum is a great place to visit; there are some monstrous engines that reflect the American heyday in steam and diesel.  https://www.californiarailroad.museum/

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