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A visit to Harry Potter’s Hogwarts Express

12 March 2012 7 Comments

The Harry Potter train that takes young witches and wizards from platform nine and three quarters to Hogwarts is on display at York’s National Railway Museum.

The Olton Hall no. 5972 steam train, otherwise known as the Hogwarts Express, that takes Harry Potter and his wizarding friends to Hogwarts Schools of Witchcraft and Wizardry, has gone on display at York’s National Railway Museum. During a weekend in the historic city of York, I decided to pay the 1937 locomotive a visit.

Believe it or not, the steam train was very close to being scrapped before it was plucked for Hollywood stardom. Built in 1937, the Olton Hall was withdrawn from service in the 1960s. It was rescued in 1981 and refurbished in 1997 before winning the “role” in the Harry Potter films.

Here are some photographs I took from my visit.

Well, where else would you find the Hogwarts Express?

The little girl pictured told her friends: “I can’t believe it…I can’t BELIEVE it…what a great day…I’ve seen the REAL Harry Potter train!”

Not sure why they have changed the title on the front to The Wizard Express…perhaps a copyright issue?



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7 Comments »

  • Rodney said:

    Nice pics! Must have been great to see, Dan!!

    # 13 March 2012 at 1:28 am
  • mark said:

    Are they bullet holes in the 9 (top pic) or just rust spots? Not a Potter fan I must admit, but this is a great addition to the site – you are a fair dinkum cinephile …

    # 13 March 2012 at 7:37 am
  • Dan (author) said:

    @Rodney: I think the Harry Potter tour at Warner’s studios in London will be a bit more enthralling, but it was nice to see.

    @Mark: I think they are burn marks from when ten-year-old wizards have been messing about with their wands! ;)

    # 13 March 2012 at 8:59 am
  • Andina said:

    Must’ve been quite an experience ;) Cool post! That platform sure is great as a background for self picture

    # 13 March 2012 at 9:08 am
  • Scott said:

    HAHA Cool.

    Even though I am not a fan of the series I am pleased you had a good time matey

    # 13 March 2012 at 9:32 am
  • ruth said:

    Oh this is awesome, I wish I could go visit. I love vintage trains and the one in HP is definitely a classic.

    # 13 March 2012 at 9:49 pm
  • Castor said:

    Glad you got to see the Hogwarts Express Dan, I’m jealous :D Maybe Leavesden Studio next?

    # 15 March 2012 at 3:02 pm

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