'Ready to give everything I've got' - Strongman to attempt massive feat at Yorkshire Wolds Railway
Renowned British strongman Stuart Lambert is preparing to push human physical limits to the absolute edge as he takes on his heaviest and most ambitious challenge to date: a locomotive and wagon pull at the Yorkshire Wolds Railway (YWR) just outside Fimber.
The monumental event, taking place on Sunday July 19 at 12.45pm, will see Lambert attempt to single-handedly haul locomotive “Sir Tatton Sykes” and freight wagons along the tracks at the YWR.
The combined weight of the rolling stock is expected to shatter Lambert’s previous personal records, making it a true test of brute force, endurance, and historical proportions.
Known across the strength community for his staggering feats of power, Lambert has spent months tailoring his training specifically for the unique frictional resistance of steel-on-steel rail tracking.
Moving a static locomotive requires an immense initial burst of explosive energy, but maintaining momentum with wagons coupled to the locomotive introduces an unprecedented level of mechanical difficulty.
Stuart said "I’ve pulled trucks, and other machinery before, but a locomotive coupled with two wagons is entirely different.
“The sheer inertia you have to overcome is immense.
“This is undeniably the heaviest challenge of my career, but I'm ready to give everything I've got!"
The following week, on Saturday and Sunday July 25 and 26, the YWR will be joined on site by members of the Lincolnshire Independent Model Engineers (L.I.M.E).
They will be bringing a variety of miniature traction engines to the site at Fimber including a miniature railway and street organ so there really will be something for everyone to see!
The YWR said, "We are absolutely thrilled to host Stuart for this incredible demonstration of strength.
“Our locomotives and wagons are built to be moved by powerful diesel engines, so seeing a single individual attempt to pull them by hand is going to be unforgettable.
“It’s a fantastic way to welcome visitors to the railway for a truly unique day out.
“Similarly for the LIME visit, we are really grateful that their members have chosen the YWR as its base for this exciting weekend and being open on the Saturday as well as the Sunday will give people the opportunity to visit that normally they are not given.
“The miniatures on display are a real testament to their builders and we know that the public will really enjoy being given the opportunity to see them up close.”
The YWR is run entirely by volunteers, and anyone interested in becoming a member, making a donation or just finding out more can visit the Yorkshire Wolds Railway website or call 01377 338053 for more information.
The YWR will be running trains and opening the visitor centre every Sunday and Bank Holiday from April 5 until the end of October and every Wednesday during school holidays from 10 – 4 (last train 3.30).
All trains and events run subject to availability.
The visitor centre only will be open every Wednesday from April 8 until the end of October from 10 - 4.
Additionally, there are members on site most Saturdays who will be happy to show what is being done, subject to safety requirements.