How we built a steam engine

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In 2013, a project began of monumental proportions.  With Alex Sharphouse as the driving force and help from long term supporters Morris Lubricants and brand ambassador and TV personality Guy Martin. The aim was to build a rectration of Talisman a Fowler B6 Big Lion Road Locomotive, the ‘King of the Road’ of its era, capable of hauling loads in excess of 100 tonnes.

Now Alex’s journey to re-create Talisman has been captured in a mini-series of films  called 'How to Build a Steam Engine with Morris Lubricants'.

Watch the progress of the build and see if it makes it in time for Morris Lubricants 150th anniversary celebration at the Shrewsbury Steam Rally in 2019.

You can watch all 6 episodes below.

For more of the history on Talisman then click here...

There is a second series of Talisman, which is titled 'Talisman's First Major Pull' which is airing in 2022 and you can view it here.

SERIES ONE, EPISODE ONE

In Episode One of 'How to Build a Steam Engine', Alex Sharphouse and Guy Martin go over the initial challenge that is ahead of them.

SERIES ONE, EPISODE TWO

In Episode Two of 'How to Build a Steam Engine', With the plans now in place, it’s time for Alex Sharphouse and Guy Martin to start the Herculean task of manufacturing all of the individual components of Talisman – which once completed and assembled, will transform into the iconic shape of this famous road locomotive.

SERIES ONE, EPISODE THREE

In Episode Three of 'How to Build a Steam Engine', with the boiler now complete, it’s time for Alex and his team to begin constructing the wheels. These need to be designed, cast, and built from scratch, before being sent to a specialist facility to be rubbered.

SERIES ONE, EPISODE FOUR

In Episode Four of 'How to Build a Steam Engine', with the wheels now successfully rubbered, Alex and his team can return to the workshop to get them fitted to the engine. This is an exciting stage for the project, as it really begins to feel like Talisman is coming together.

SERIES ONE, EPISODE FIVE

In Episode Five of 'How to Build a Steam Engine', today at the workshop its judgement day for the project, as Alex Sharphouse and Guy Martin welcome the man who holds the destiny of Talisman in his hands - the Boiler Inspector!

SERIES ONE, EPISODE SIX

In Episode Six of 'How to Build a Steam Engine', today is a special day for Alex and his team. Not only has he fulfilled his lifelong dream of re-creating Talisman, he’s managed to achieve it in time to celebrate one-hundred-and-fifty years of Morris Lubricants at the Shrewsbury Steam Rally.

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Morris Lubricants, Castle Foregate
Shrewsbury, Shropshire. SY1 2EL
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