There are also static models at the other Wizarding World of Harry Potter locations in Hollywood [10] and Japan. K. Rowling's fourth Harry Potter book, a West Country Class Southern Railway locomotive, named Taw Valley, was painted crimson red and was given the Hogwarts Express nameplate. It is possible, therefore, that either both the locomotive and the coaches were on loan to other railway companies, or that the locomotive was used on some freight duties for the school throughout the duration of the terms. At some point during the 2000s and 2010s, a new student aboarded the train, beginning their journey to Hogwarts. Its last shed allocation was to Cardiff East Dock, before it was withdrawn in December 1963, and sold to Woodham Brothers, Barry for scrap in May 1964.

There was initial resistance from pure-blood families against using a Muggle-built device for wizard transportation. However, since several real-life locomotives such as LNER 4472 Flying Scotsman were named after famous express services, it is possible that the locomotive received a similar treatment, and that perhaps the train itself had been hauled by other engines prior to its construction. Tri-ang Hornby had released a model of the Hall class in 1966; however, this model was last offered in 1983 as 4930 Hagley Hall, a preserved locomotive on the Severn Valley Railway. Olton Hall is a preserved Great Western Railway Hall class locomotive made famous for being depicted to pull the Hogwarts Express in the Harry Potter film series.The second confrontation between Harry and Draco Malfoy occurred on the train on the way to Hogwarts when Draco sneered at Ron and offered Harry his friendship. Combine a Hogwarts Express trip with the Isle of Skye and the best of the Scottish Highlands on this remarkable journey. Travelling along the West Highland Line is a breathtaking experience with stunning scenery of kaleidoscopic-coloured moors, snow-capped mountains, shimmering lochs and rugged coast. Voldemort stealing the elder wand from Dumbledore’s grave, filmed on Eilean na Moine (although the island is superimposed onto another loch, Loch Arkaig). However, it was rejected by film director Chris Columbus as looking "too modern" for the film, but it carried the name and colour for some months afterwards.

The Jacobite steam train between Fort William and Mallaig runs between early April and October 2023. The Jacobite has a morning round-trip service from Fort William between 3 April and 27 October 2023, plus an afternoon service between 1 May and 29 September 2023. Around 3 miles (5 km) after the stop at Glenfinnan, Loch Eilt will come into sight on the right side of the train. Information from Pottermore points to it being (rather erroneously) acquired by the Ministry about a century earlier, in the term of Minister Ottaline Gambol (in office 1827– 1835).The Glenfinnan Viaduct is featured as the Hogwarts Express bridge in the Chamber of Secrets, Prisoner of Azkaban and the Goblet of Fire. In 2015 Hornby introduced an all-new model of Olton Hall as part of their "Railroad" range, originally announced in 2012. Two as part of the Hogwarts Express train ride [8] and the other is a static exhibit in the Hogsmeade area. Discover the beauty of the Scottish Highlands and ride the Jacobite steam train on a round-trip day out from Inverness.

Around 40 minutes into the journey, the train slows down – and may pause – as it crosses the Glenfinnan Viaduct. Harry turned down Draco's offer abruptly, marking the beginning of a long-standing enmity and hatred between the two boys.About the same distance again, just before the loch goes out of view, you will see Eilean na Moine lying a short distance from the shore. We restrict the purchase limit available to a single household to ensure fairness for all of our fans. Scenes were filmed at King's Cross railway station, the Glenfinnan Viaduct and the North Yorkshire Moors Railway — along with internal scenes on board the train.

Because the engine is portrayed by a GWR Hall class locomotive, its original paintwork was Brunswick green, not crimson red. We think the best Hogwarts Express experience is riding the train in Scotland, but we would say that at the Train Hacker. The Platform 9 3⁄4 set at Warner Brothers: The Making of Harry Potter is the next best thing if you can’t ride Scotland’s Hogwarts Express.It retained its GWR number of 5972, but with alternative nameplates fitted, naming the engine Hogwarts Castle. Warner Brothers: The Making of Harry Potter has much more to experience, including the Great Hall, Forbidden Forest, Diagon Alley, props, costumes and a showcase of special and visual effects.