Abstract: In some aspects, there is provided an apparatus. The apparatus may include a cylinder for a reciprocating steam engine, wherein the cylinder further comprises a cylinder ring. The cylinder ring may include a face and a heel, wherein the face makes contact with a piston of the reciprocating steam engine, wherein the heel inserts into a cavity formed on an inner surface of the cylinder, wherein the cavity is positioned in a region of the inner surface proximate to a top of the piston, when the piston is at a bottom dead center position. Related apparatus and methods are also described.