5972 Olton Hall

Now that filming for Harry Potter is over will 5972 be returned to an authentic colour?

 

Now, I was thinking this myself whilst at NRM the other week - however, the locomotive in its Hogwarts Castle state will be a great attraction at heritage railways with Children - so I would presume, at least for a certain period, it will stay in its Harry Potter state.

 

Thanks, I was thinking along the same lines, how long has it got left on its bolier ticket?

 

I've no idea I'm afraid... I'm only speculating too. I think it would be missing a trick not to try and capitalise on Potter mania though...

 

But with all the books written and the last film being released will Potter mania not just gradually fade??

 

I am sure it will, but probably not before another couple of boiler ticket's worth

 

Im sure the popularity will gradually fade
But i went to york during the febuary half term week and is was packed with kids and adults wanting to see the hogwarts express train while it draws in crowds like that . I wouldn't expect a change of livery any time soon

 

According to uksteam it has a main line ticket until 2014 and the boiler is good until 2017. Surely WCRC can run excursions for tour companies - thousands of Americans come over here every year to see the locations used in the film - mainly London and Oxford, so why not link the two cities with a trip on the "Hogwarts Express".

 

I assume the engine must be in quite a good condition, surely it has not been used as many times as other mainline locomtives? Everytime I have seen it it has been sitting in the main hall of the NRM.

 

Dunno, its an awful long time since the Rev Awdry last wrote a Thomas the Tank Engine book... No doubt we can "look forward" to Harry Potter TV series, Harry Potter cartoon series and goodness knows what else in the future...

 

The Harry Potter books are some of the best written for children for decades. I'm sure they will not remain the most talked about (and best selling) childrens books for ever, but like many of the better written ones (Narnia, Alice, Enid Blyton, Swallows & Amazons) they will hang around for ever.
This is great news for steam enthusiasts! These books will be the first to introduce many children to the thrill, majesty and wonder of steam. The films are some great propoganda for steam - a beautiful loco blasting away in stunning scenery! And all paid for by Hollywood...
How many fondly remember the Railway Children film, or the Titfield Thunderbolt. Not terribly authentic, but great fun!
Let's revel in it. Children growing up now have no other introduction to steam than through the media. In a couple of decade's time, we are going to be needing them to run all our preserved railways!

 

Maybe 5972 should go on a tour of the US, it's the largest fan base and would be a major crowd pleaser.
They could use the 2 mark ones in Michigan as stock mixed with US coaches

 

5972 will be in steam at Shildon on 20-21 May if all is well.

 

Not sure that it's air brake fitted at the moment so couldn't haul US coaches unless an air pump (and ancillary controls/pipework) was installed.

 

I, personally would not like to see her go stateside - she might not come back ...
While we're on the subject of 5972, here's a shot of her at Barry...
http://www.flickr.com/photos/bristol-re/5653536122/in/photostream

Very Best Wishes,
Bob.

 

as well as a cowcatcher and bell.

However 6000, DS680 (Waddon), 30053, 30926, 563, 6100, 6229, 1247, 4472, 60008, 60010, Meaford no2, Dunrobin and pacers LEV2 and 142049 all made it to North America safely and many of them have operated there and returned home.

I'm sure 5972 with it's Hollywood stardom would make a sufficient killing to make fitting an airpump, cowcatcher, bell and control equipment worthwhile.

 

Air pump, yes, Control system interface, sure... Havent the US moved on from Cow catchers and bells by now ? ?

You might be better sending an actual Castle ( hey theyll never know the difference) that can pull a decent sized train though...

 

Cowcatchers apply to steam locomotives, diesels have snowploughs, but they all have something.
The bell however is an institution.. everything with an engine has one... even the high speed Acela (TGV equivalent), on more modern diesels usually mounted externally on the underside of the frame inbetween the bogies and fuel tank and visible to view.

If you look at this picture you can see it, hanging from the frame, just after the front bogie and before the fuel tank, also note the ploughs on either end.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:NS_2561_EMD_SD70.jpg

 

Will she move under her own power from York to Shildon Anthony? Or is she already there?

Si

 

Any idea when it moves from shildon. Staff at nrm not letting on any details