A steam train featuring in one of the world’s most anticipated television shows is set to appear at an event in Essex this year.
The Hogwarts Express from the upcoming Harry Potter television series has been announced as a part of the Essex Steam Gala.
The train is actually the 6989 Wightwick Hall locomotive, a Great Western Railway (GWR) Modified Hall class engine.
It will appear in red livery at the Epping Ongar Railway from April 17 to 19, alongside GWR’s original Hall class locomotive, the 4953 Pitchford Hall.
A spokesperson for Epping Ongar Railway said: "Great Western Railway Modified Hall class locomotive 6989 'Wightwick Hall' will be working alongside our own Great Western Railway Hall class locomotive 4953 'Pitchford Hall,' allowing a contrast between the modified and original Hall class locomotives.
"A further visiting locomotive will give a truly 'Great Western Workhorses' theme.
"It will also be a rare opportunity to travel behind Hawthorn Leslie locomotive Isabel at the Epping Ongar Railway."
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The gala promises an intensive timetable, with steam engines taking on the line’s challenging gradients and services running late into the evening on Saturday.
Visitors can expect a nostalgic travel experience, as all trains will be complemented by routes from the railway’s fleet of vintage London buses.
The buses will connect passengers with Epping Underground and Shenfield National Rail stations.
Onboard bars will be open throughout the event, serving draught beers, wines, lagers, and soft drinks.
