The road locomotive Talisman, a recreated Fowler B6 Big Lion that is sponsored by Morris Lubricants, is set to take on a 50-mile challenge in the hills of the Lake District.
Alex Sharphouse, the steam enthusiastic who recreated the locomotive, will drive it to his workshop in Bouth from the Threlkeld Mining Museum with 50-ton load. The challenging hills of the Lake District mean it will take three days to complete the journey. Sharphouse will be assisted by fellow enthusiast Guy Martin, a TV presenter and brand ambassador for Morris Lubricants.
In addition to producing industrial products like hydraulic and slideway oil, Morris also produces a range of products for steam and heritage vehicles, and in a statement, Sharphouse expressed his gratitude for the company’s assistance:
“The project wouldn’t be possible without the help of Morris Lubricants. They helped us with financial support and supplied the oils, lubricants and greases for the original build and are continuing to do so in this one. We cannot thank them enough.”
The tour will raise funds for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust. Sharphouse’s nephew Angus sadly died in 2018 at age 25 after coping with cystic fibrosis, which is a genetic disorder that affects digestion and breathing.
Sharphouse said Angus had filmed and produced a video that was critical in securing the sponsorship to make the project a reality. He said it had long been a dream to have a Talisman engine, and he was looking forward to taking it out to help a cause like the Cystic Fibrosis Trust.
