The LNER Encyclopedia

Yes, the Harry Potter franchise has had a massive influence on children who now like trains, but the problem is that all they see whenever they see a steam loco or a maroon carriage is the 'Hogwarts express'.

At the upcoming NRM railfest 2012, to my disgust, 5972 is wearing the Hogwarts Castle nameplates and the 'Wizard Express' headboard. Surely for this big event 5972 deserves to wear her Olton Hall nameplates with no silly headboard on the front?

(I'm letting the livery pass for this discussion, as I think it suits her well and is now a kind of trademark for the ex-GWR hall)

Yeah i totally agree with you blackout BUT some folks on here don't mind wot livery a locomotive is painted in believe it or not??.

If a A4 was turned out painted in all over PINK livery with a silly face fixed to the front end some on here wouldn't see anything wrong with that believe me.

Surely it's more 'accurate' to have it in red with Harry Potter nameplates than red with GWR nameplates? Plus not only is it red, but the company logo on the tender is Harry Potter related too. It would be a bit like saying a Thomas look-a-like is alright as long as the numberplates are different....

This is why i'm not interested in preserved steam railways in the UK now days, it was a great idea back at the end of steam on B.R. but unfortunately the whole preservation movement has been hi-jacked and turned into a nightmare.

I got shouted down a couple of years ago for posting these views but so wot it's suppose to be a free country with free speech isn't it??.

I just think it's a massive visual improvement:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/25459770@N03/3767034272/

Sorry Blackout, I'm with Rlangham on this.

If you think about it, red livery plus Olton Hall is neither one thing nor another.

Olton Hall masquerading as red Hogwarts Castle is a famous entity in its own right, and the name and livery go hand-in-hand.

If it helps the NRM replace some of the funds spent on 4472 for example, good luck to them.

Maybe cos it's only a ex-GWR loco not many on here are bothered?.

I wonder wot the reaction would be if it had been an A4? painted in brick red/brown.

Micky wrote:I wonder wot the reaction would be if it had been an A4? painted in brick red/brown.

Or worse, LMS crimson lake

Micky wrote:Maybe cos it's only a ex-GWR loco not many on here are bothered?.

I wonder wot the reaction would be if it had been an A4? painted in brick red/brown.

Actually, NER aside the GWR is probably my favourite railway company (prefer the two streets ahead to the SR and LMS despite currently living in Derby and all my life having lived somewhere in LMS territory)! The way I see it is that as it's a non-unique type in steam (I count 3 others, in accurate liveries, currently operational), then it's not doing any harm whilst at the same time increasing knowledge and hopefully enthusiasm for steam as well as earning money for the NRM who do a fantastic job. I'm not sure blue Jinty's masquerading as Thomas are subject to even this much controversy (and that doesn't bother me either, although I do wonder about lines using a faceless Thomas as the only operating engine on a normal operating weekend whilst still purporting to be an authentic recreation of steam railways)

I'd have the same view towards an A4 if they were to repaint one as Hogwarts Express. Or a B1, Black 5, Ivatt 2MT, 9F, Standard 4, or a Bulleid West Country.... oh wait, they did!

It's up to the owner as to what livery it stays in. There's plenty of other GWR halls in authentic liveries around the country to enjoy.

I myself am grateful to see "Hogwarts Castle" as it provides a real, tangible link to the films for many of the young fans who may see beyond the red paint and see a steam locomotive. Who knows what imaginations might flare from that point on.

Ay up!

Personally I reckon the red suits it. After all, its only a coat of paint when all's said and done!

Didn't a BB/WC run as the Hogwarts when the first film came out?
Pretty sure i got a video of it at Twyford (berks)

It was a rebuilt Bulleid which was repainted for a book tour - before the movies went into production. I'm having problems finding links online, but I thought it was a Merchant Navy but it could well have been a BB/WC.

Ay up!

It was a rebuilt light Pacific. Taw Valley to be precise.

Follow this link for details:

http://www.dapsites.com/gcr/news/2000.htm

I have a photo of Taw Valley in Hogwarts colours somewhere, taken on the GCR