Stuart Lambert is preparing to push human physical limits to the absolute edge
Going loco with a test of strength is East Yorkshire strongman Stuart Lambert(Image: Stuart Lambert)
Renowned British strongman Stuart Lambert, from Market Weighton, is preparing to push human physical limits to the absolute edge. On Sunday, July 19, Stuart will be taking on his heaviest and most ambitious challenge to date – a locomotive and wagon pull at the Yorkshire Wolds Railway (YWR).
The monumental event will see Stuart attempt to single-handedly haul locomotive “Sir Tatton Sykes” and freight wagons along the tracks at the YWR, which is just outside Fimber, near Driffield. The combined weight of the rolling stock – 64,000 tonnes – is expected to shatter the strongman’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, Stuart 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 loco pull will be at 12.45pm, with Stuart posting on social media: “It’s my heaviest challenge to date and something I’ve wanted for quite some time.
“Anyone in the sport knows this is something that bit more special than a truck pull, but feeling fired up and going to give it my all.” Stuart, who has a history of pulling tractors, lorries and fire engines, went a step further last year with a successful pull at the UK Monsterstruck Nationals, hauling a monstertruck in front of 20,000 people in aid of the charity Barnardo’s.
Later in 2025, his strongman feats took a more unusual turn when he deadlifted a tonne of sausages at the Yorkshire HQ of major sausage brand Heck. The 15,000 sausages went to help feed the homeless and vulnerable in York and Hull.
A spokesperson for 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.” The following weekend, July 25 and 26, the YWR will be joined on site by members of the Lincolnshire Independent Model Engineers (LIME).
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 to entertain all ages. The YWR spokesperson said: “We are really grateful that LIME members have chosen the YWR as their base for this exciting weekend.
“Being open on the Saturday as well as the Sunday will give people an opportunity to visit us that they normally 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 until the end of October and every Wednesday during school holidays from 10am to 4pm (last train run 3.30pm).
All trains and events run subject to availability. The visitor centre only will be open every Wednesday until the end of October, 10am to 4pm. Additionally, there are members on site most Saturdays who will be happy to show what is being done on the site, subject to safety requirements.
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