Hot-air engine made by W. H. Bailey & Co. Ltd, Worsley, Salford, 1880. Made to Lehmann's 1869 patent. Speed 180 rpm, power output ½ horsepower.

Small engines like this were popular for use in sawmills and on farms driving light machinery.

Although low power, hot air engines were popular because they were simple to make and ran silently. Bailey's engine used wood, coke, coal, or any waste material as fuel. They were also safer to use than steam engines because they used hot air instead of scalding pressurised steam.

This engine was originally purchased by Lt. Col. Sir William Starkey of Norwood Park, Southwell, Nottinghamshire in 1880.