4920 Dumbleton Hall

From what i have been told 4920 has had to be reduced in weight to 50 tonnes. So was stripped of a lot of parts, so hardly keeping it in good condition.

 

If you're going to remove anything to reduce weight, you can start with the boiler tubes, which would all need to be replaced anyway if the loco is ever to steam again.

 

They did ... three according to Wikipedia "Three full-size replicas of the locomotive as 5972 Hogwarts Castle are at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter (Universal Orlando Resort). Two as part of the Hogwarts Express train ride[7] and the other is a static exhibit in the Hogsmeade area.[8] There are also static models at the other Wizarding World of Harry Potter locations in Hollywood[9] and Japan.[10]"


Pity that they didn't just build another replica and leave a perfectly restorable loco well alone. 4920 was, after all, the earliest remaining Hall. I suppose it all came down to Warners making Mr.S an offer he couldn't refuse. I'd be mighty pi$$ed if I'd donated to the original appeal to purchase it from Woodham's.
Ray.

 

Under the complex regulations*, the key question if whether or not WB paid more than £65,000 for it, at which point a license is required. Of course the question of whether or not a license will be granted is difficult to determine before it is actually applied for.

*Which really are arcane and bizarre - it is technically illegal to take your grandfather's diary out of the country without a license!

The different in this case is it is going to a museum of props, not a theme park - but since 4920 never appeared in the HP films, it's difference from a replica is somewhat dubious...

 

According to a letter that Richard Elliot, chairman of the dumbleton hall preservation society and ex General manager of the South Devon railway, sent to members, the loco was sold to westcoast railways for 300k. I have the full newsletter from the end of 2020.

 

I have heard 4979 Wootton Hall, but not sure if thats true, but it would make sense given that loco would be needing them.

 

Well just shows nothing is "saved" or "preserved" is just a matter of cold hard cash.

 

Shame then that none of them came out of the woodwork while she was rotting away at Buckfastleigh.

 

Deleted

 

As my dad is on the DHPS committee, i can tell you that he DID warn them that it would probably be going to a harry potter, however Richard Elliots response was that he wouldn't spend 300k on a loco for a static loco.