Movies

Harry Potter’s new Hogwarts Express revealed after it nearly ended up on the scrap heap

BBG News

More than 40 years ago the Wightwick Hall steam locomotive was saved from a scrapyard. 

Currently, it’s poised for international recognition since it will star as the Hogwarts Express in the upcoming Harry Potter television production.

A lovingly refurbished train, painstakingly worked on by volunteers for 41 years, is set to whisk the wizard away from platform 9 3/4 at King’s Cross Station in London, bound for the magical school.

1948 saw the construction of Wightwick Hall, which later became a regular fixture on the Great Western Railway, covering an impressive distance of 640,000 miles. However, its journey came to an end in 1964 when it was taken out of service and sold to a scrapyard in Barry, South Wales.

In the year 1978, volunteers from Buckinghamshire Railway Centre in Quainton purchased it for £9,180 and subsequently restored it.

The loco is now on long-term loan to the Bluebell Railway in West Sussex.

For the upcoming eight years, Wightwick Hall will dedicate half a year each to filming scenes for the HBO series. During off-hours, it will continue operating as a tourist attraction.

This month marks the start of filming for the newest screen version of J.K. Rowling’s books, with a planned release scheduled for the following year.

In a fascinating casting choice, Dom McLaughlin, who is 11 years old, has been selected to portray Harry Potter, while Arabella Stanton, also 11, takes on the role of Hermione Granger, and Alastair Stout, again 11, will shine as Ron Weasley.

In movies produced from 2001 to 2011, the Olton Hall engine, currently on display at the Warner Bros Studio Tour in Watford, played the role of the Hogwarts Express.

Earlier this month, I found myself immersed in an exciting new project – contributing to the scriptwriting of a highly-anticipated TV series. This development comes following a wave of online criticism regarding my personal beliefs on transgender matters. However, rather than being deterred, I chose to channel my creativity into the heart of this captivating production.

59-year-old creator of the fantasy book series, overjoyed by the first two episodes upon initial read, publicly praised X, acknowledging that although she didn’t write them personally, she collaborated extensively with the writers in their creation.

She exclaimed: ‘The initial two episodes of the upcoming HBO Harry Potter series are incredibly good, truly excellent!’

When someone asked, “Are you the one who writes for the show?”, she answered, “No, but I’ve collaborated very closely with the exceptionally skilled writers.

Previously, HBO stood by J.K. Rowling when faced with numerous criticisms due to her role as an executive producer for the recent television series.

According to a statement made to Variety, HBO expresses pride in being able to retell the tale of Harry Potter – the captivating novels that embody the themes of friendship, determination, and tolerance.

As an ardent supporter and admirer, I firmly believe that J.K. Rowling has every right to share her personal opinions. Regardless, our unwavering commitment remains on nurturing the growth of this upcoming series. Her continued involvement can undeniably contribute positively to its success.

Many fans have expressed disapproval towards the plan to adapt Rowling’s novels, labeling another adaptation as unnecessary.

Others have stated they plan to boycott the project due to the author’s comments on trans people. 

This past month, actor Nick Frost disclosed that trans activists had aimed their criticism at him following his acceptance of the part of Hagrid.

The 53-year-old actor has been cast as the iconic groundskeeper of Hogwarts, a role that fans are eagerly waiting for, and production on the upcoming series is expected to start this coming summer.

After posting an exhilarating update about his collaboration with J.K. Rowling on Instagram, Nick found himself inundated with criticism and had to disable comments on the post.

Nick made it clear to The Observer that he holds a different perspective on trans issues than she does, stating: “She has her viewpoint, and I have mine. Ours simply do not coincide in the slightest.

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2025-07-08 02:03

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