'A Hogwarts Express Adventure'

Looks like 2026 will see official 'Hogwarts Express' operation(s) - as Rail Events Incorporated are involved I'm assuming a similar license model to the Polar Express? Get the red paint ready...

https://harrypottertrainadventure.com/

 

Perhaps those lines with an American-looking big red engine could "Hogwarts Polar Express" specials?

 

Not my thing, but.

If it brings in revenue for railways, great.

 

Rail Events Inc are US based but are the license holders for Polar Express. Nothing to say it'll be a UK based on the website, Facebook or Instagram though.

 

The ultimate Hogwarts experience, Complete with Soul sucking dementors, oh, and Umbridge

 

Are Britt-Ekland involved then?

 

Who will be the first to repaint their locomotive Red for the experience?

 

Earlier in the year magazines were reporting a Black Five possibly to go red for the experiences...

 

So far as I recall she was never reported as having appeared in any Harry Potter film.
Perchance do you mean Britt Allcroft [who died aged 81 in December last year] who started the Friends of Thomas licensing ?

 

Furness Railway 0-4-0 ?

 

The Umbridge I was referring to, was the fictional Delores Umbridge in the books, probably the evillest woman in the entire story,

 

Aging memory at fault here, on my part I hasten to add!

 

I can understand you thinking about Brit Ekland in preference to Brit Allcroft, especially if you’re a fan of The Wicker Man.

 

I wasn't though, honest - just a faulty memory!

 

Before my wife books us on this, does anybody know what the stock will be? Coffins? ;-)

 

Funny when you first posted and I scan read it, I read Uxbridge instead of Umbridge.
Mind you soul sucking may well still apply

 

I imagine this operation will be like the Polar Express, a franchise to preserved lines and possibly some main line operation too. Probably with professional actors and side-shows, with the railway needing to supply some maroon coaches and a red engine. It's good news for heritage railways, coming in advance of a new Potter TV show which should see a resurgence of interest in Hogwarts. It could help to fill the void created by the waning interest in Day out with Thomas events.

 

Both are Warner Bros franchises
Could say a franchise name might get more bookings (and help running and promoting) than say just a generic "Wizard" or "Santa"? but depends on a lot of factors.
There are only 3 working Hall class locos and don't think any are mainline approved (if that is part of the unknown location where the train is running), so could be a Black 5?

 

I don't think the punters will care about the engine to be honest. If it's red it'll be a bonus, look at the engines used for the polar operations; everything from an S160 to a six-coupled Barclay.

But I expect there will also be a market for an authentic/exclusive operation, using the Bucks Rail Centre/Bluebell hall that's being repainted for the new TV series.