"Some Other Guy" wrote
But sites like

http://www.flyingkettle.com/besler6.htm

claim that the engine really did reverse:

Each time as the machine swooped down and the landing wheels touched
ground, the pilot pulled back a small lever at the side of the cockpit
and the steam engine at the nose of the plane instantly reversed,
whirling the propeller backwards, creating a powerful braking effect
which reduced the landing runs to a very short distance.

I have only run toy steam engines at home, but I do know that they are
just
as happy to run one direction as another. I have never imagined one
flying,
though.

I saw a video once of a guy with a steam powered plane. One thing he did
was back up on the ramp. It was funny to see steam blowing through the prop
backwards, the prop then stop and go the right way.
--
Jim in NC