A Cumbrian engineer is undertaking a mammoth challenge to raise funds in memory of his nephew.
Alex Sharphouse is undertaking The Talisman Tour for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust.
Alex spent six years recreating the classic 1920s steam engine locomotive – the Talisman – marking the first time one has been built since 1931.
TV presenter and engineering enthusiast Guy Martin was involved in parts of the original build.
He will be putting his workmanship to the test tomorrow as he embarks on a three-day challenge that will see the iconic steam-powered locomotive hauling a hefty 50-tonne historic engine along a 50-mile route from Threlkeld Mining Museum to his workshop in Bouth.
The journey will not be an easy task, with a top speed of 20mph and being the engine’s first major pull since its reconstruction.
Alex and his wife Charlotte are taking on the challenge in honour of their nephew, Angus McIntosh, who died away in 2018 at the age of 25, after a lifelong battle with cystic fibrosis – a genetic condition that affects over 10,000 people in the UK.
Angus played an integral role in the launch of the Talisman, as he filmed and produced video content that was used to obtain the sponsorship required to fund the refurbishment project.
Alex said: “It was my lifelong dream to own a Talisman engine. To now be taking Talisman out on the road and raising money for a cause that’s so close to my heart with it, is one I’m looking forward to immensely.
“We wouldn’t have been able to launch the original project without Angus, as he filmed and produced a video that we used to obtain the vital sponsorship that we needed to fund it. He travelled from Devon to Cumbria to do this.
“It will be an amazing experience to finally put Talisman through its paces and show people its capabilities, raise money for such a good cause and remember Angus on the journey. I hope he’ll be proud of the challenge.
“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”.
Locals will have plenty of chances to view the Talisman along its journey over the weekend– Find it at 11am on Saturday November 13 moving from Ambleside to Staveley on the A591, or on Sunday November 14 as it ventures down the A590 from Brettagh Holt roundabout.
The Talisman is expected to reach its final destination at Old Hall Farm, Bouth from 3pm.
Alex is well respected as a steam engineer throughout the county and became chief engineer of the heritage Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway in 2018, where he oversees the maintenance of the locomotives in carriages used on La’al Ratty and is a driving force behind many of the restoration projects.
Martin Cookman, general manager operations at Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway, said: “We take our hats off to Alex, Charlotte and his team who are undertaking The Talisman Tour – it’s a big accomplishment getting this engine on the road in memory of Angus, and we encourage our local community to support his efforts as he takes on this remarkable journey.”
The Talisman is one of five Fowler Road B6 locomotives ever made – its engine weighs 20 tonnes, with back-wheels seven feet high and a nominal ten horse engine. It is the equivalent of a very large, modern lorry and was used to carry heavy haulage in the 1920s.
Find full details on Alex Sharphouse’s fundraising efforts and ways to donate to The Talisman Tour at his JustGiving page: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/talisman-tour
