W. H. Bailey & Co Hot-Air Engine

Made:
1880 in Salford
maker:
Sir W. H. Bailey & Co. Ltd
Hot-air engine made by Sir W. H. Bailey & Co. Ltd, Salford, c

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Hot-air engine made by Sir W. H. Bailey & Co. Ltd, Salford, c
Science Museum Group
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Hot-air engine made by Sir 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.

Details

Category:
Motive Power
Object Number:
Y1969.49
Materials:
cast iron
Measurements:
overall: 1440 mm x 1240 mm x 1950 mm,
type:
hot air engine
credit:
Gift of Sir W. H. Bailey & Co. Ltd