[4] It was possibly first installed at Norbury Coal Works about 9 mi (14 km) to the west[5] from where the Manchester Mercury for 9 October 1764 carried an advertisement for a 'Fire Engine'[iii] for sale.

Its cylinder has an 28 inches (710 mm) bore and 8 feet (2.4 m) stroke, driving a water pump with a 8 inches (200 mm) bore that could raise water from a depth of 240 ft at a rate of 14 strokes per minute.

[6] In 1801 the canal company was approached to contribute to the costs of its refurbishment, work that may have been carried out by Bateman and Sherratt engine builders of Manchester.

[5] Fairbottom Bobs is preserved at the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Michigan.

His agent, Herbert F. Morton, found the engine although it had been derelict for a hundred years and was in poor condition.

[5] Some features on the Fairbottom site remain in situ including the chimney base.