The Hogwarts Express - July 2011

Because I travelled on their 2009 run, I just got an email notification from Harry Potter Fan Trips in the United States about their trip next year.

It looks to me as if they will hire the Hogwarts Express for a trip in Scotland this time. You can see some preliminary information here:
http://campaign.constantcontact.com...rfWnMlKJfwwbRvi3O5jfyBsw5Hx79PqF1gEglbbOPDQ==

When we went in 2009, we just booked the train trip with them, not the whole tour, and it was great fun. The train uses the authentic "Hogwarts Railways" stock used in the film - we even sat in the seat where Harry used the invisibility claok at the start of the last film . There are loads of families come over from the US, and many of the kids get dressed up in Hogwarts uniforms, etc, for the trip - see a couple of snaps attached.

Anyway, there you are, you have the info if you want it - I know it's not a serious railway heritage experience, but we had a great time last time out, and Olton Hall is a lovely engine, especially in maroon!!

PS Please ignore my email address which is included on the page, and don't go unsubscribing me!!!

 

the photo's certainly sound out the warnings given on here by one astute member, although it seems strange that you found a spot to get a photo of yourself , well clear of them, I wonder if there was some disapointment with the nameplates, glad you enjoyed it.

 

Yes, I was slightly disappointed that it wasn't running as Hogwarts Castle, I know it had done on previous occasions. Perhaps the nameplates have got lost.....

And to tell the truth, with the tour members being mostly americans, they're not all that interested in the loco itself, once they've seen it and been photographed beside it they go away again, you get more people milling around on a "real" mainline steam tour.

I admit, you do need to be a Harry Potter fan to enjoy this trip, but I am

 

Plus, perhaps, the small bonus of being able to travel behind a 'Hall' from Paddington in 2009?

 

Looks like next year's trip is Edinburgh - Fort William (and Mallaig? Not sure) on July 14th. Definitely a date for the diary !!

"Lodging - Edinburgh 3 star hotel Enjoy a sleep-in as we have a late start this morning. Arrive at the train depot by 9:30am for a fabulous private ride on a steam train where you will travel along the same route used to film the movies. Travel through the Highlands, take loads of pictures, and enjoy a fantastic day with all of the HP Fan Trip’ers!
Return to Fort William at 4:00pm for the coach transfers to Edinburgh. Share stories of your adventures or just catch up on some sleep during the ride through the beautiful Scottish countryside."