4920 Dumbleton Hall

Thats odd, japan already has a mock loco. Rumours had it going to a different country, where have you heard it as japan?

 

I take it this will be only a temporary loan, hopefully not a permanent export...?

Richard.

 

I thought it was going to Germany.

 

I don't think it was ever established who actually bought her from the DHPS, so it may not even be a loan, possibly more a contractor delivering completed work to its customer.

Whatever one thinks it always amazes me that WCR can get a bloody great steam locomotive out of Carnforth by road (no mean feat by itself) then onto the motorway and away with no one seeming to notice or take any pictures.

 

I think the article in Steam Railway never mentioned 4920 specifically, just an appeal to anyone who might loan them a Hall to appear as 5972 for a while.

 

It was reported on WNXX this morning that it is being exported to Japan

 

As for where it might be going there is already a fiberglass mock-up in the universal theme park, however in Tokyo a Japan version of the Warner Bros Studio tour is being built, which if it follows the Leavesden setup will have Plat 9 3/4 with Hogwarts castle. Its also suggested its going with a mk1, so it will perform the same role Olton Hall is doing currently, but in Japan

 

It would appear to be heading to the under construction "The World of Harry Potter" theme park in Tokyo which is going to be a replica of the https://www.wbstudiotour.co.uk
Warner Bros. Studio Tour London - The Making of Harry Potter. Due to open at the beginning of 2023. So plenty of time for a cosmetic overhaul.

Sent from my XQ-BT52 using Tapatalk

 

Playing devil's advocate - secure (indoor?) location may well be better for the long-term survival of the loco than sitting outside on a siding on a railway not getting preserved. And if in 20, 30, 40 years time interest in Harry Potter has waned but railway preservation is still going strong, it could be returned if the will was here. Several British locos have returned permanently from abroad, ranging from Flying Scotsman all the way down to Dunrobin, so not necessarily permanent. It's not as if Halls were rare in the UK ...

Tom

 

Better that than rotting away as per OP photo.

 

Is it known who actually owns the locomotive? I presume David Smith/WCRC do not own it after his comments in Steam Railway months ago and that WCRC have just been involved in getting the loco ready. I guess WB, or whoever owns the Japan HP world, have purchased the locomotive?

While it is better than rusting away in a siding, it is a shame it is 4920 with it's links to the SDR birth and being the eldest Hall surviving, but these things happen.

 

I subscribed to the £4 per month appeal back in the early 1980s, and it was good to see her in the 1990s working on the Kingswear line and the West Somerset. I felt a bit miffed that she left Devon, without my even as a shareholder (albeit a very minor one) being asked about it. But it didn't look as if she was ever going to be restored again to working order while at Buckfastleigh. I would feel happier if she was at least staying in the UK, so could be seen working again.