I agree there used to be side covers on the fire box. I may make some, but I like the look of the tubes.
I tried the burners using a propane torch tank. Just took off the torch tip and slipped a rubber hose over the torch and onto the feed tube to the burners. They have an orifice built in and really put out the heat. Nice blue flame. I have not run it on steam yet, but I am sure it would heat up fast.
Gene