Bracket on K-27 Cylinder Heads

I copied this question off the Sn3 mailing list and have often wondered what they were really for myself. "...in the process of reworking a PFM K-27, to be in the likeness of #456. While perusing the Robb “Mudhens” pages dedicated to this engine I noticed a detail that I have a question about. My model will represent it as it appeared in the late 30’s - early 40’s and in the pictures from that time period both of the bottom cylinder front covers have a metal bar or channel extending downward from the cover bolt to below the bottom of the cylinder - almost to track level. Anyone know the purpose of these channels/bars?" I always figured they were some sort of stabilizer/attachment for a pilot plow. Anybody know for sure?