Hi,

I found this photo of Alton & Southern #12, a unique three-cylinder locomotive. But what interests me is not the rarity of a locomotive like this (at least on this side of the Atlantic) but rather what is on the doghouse.

I've asked several people what is is, some of whom were present when the loco was donated to the St. Louis Museum, but they were just as clueless as I am. So I've come here.

It appears to be a device for winding something on, maybe? But what would have needed to be wound up on the doghouse like that? Whatever it is, it's not on the locomotive anymore.
I apologize for the poor quality of the close-up.

hose reel?

If you look at this photo of Alton & Southern 16, you can see it has a similar reel that is labeled "Fire Hose"

Alton & Southern 16