The Hogwarts Express & The Ghost Train | Bluebell Railway 26/10/2025

A new Harry Potter series is in the works, which demands a locomotive to play the role of "Hogwarts Castle"; the motive power for 'The Hogwarts Express'. 6989 "Wightwick Hall" would be selected for the duty, receiving a makeover into Hogwarts crimson for the production, ready to take up the role of the rail roaming star; or in this case 'Hall'.

Although 6989 is officially based at the Buckinghamshire Railway Centre, it's currently on an extended loan to the Bluebell Railway. Operating alongside 6989 would be resident Class 73 - E6040, deputising for 73082 "Camelot" which was receiving some light attention. 73082 would appear later in the day for 'The Ghost Train'.

60163 "Tornado" would be the final feature of the day, as it disturbed the peace at Horsted Keynes. The pacific would be making its way to East Grinstead ahead of its departure from the Bluebell, having visited for the 'Giants of Steam' Gala held over the weekend of October 17th-19th.

Locomotives:
BR(W) 6959 'Modified Hall' Class - 6989 "Wightwick Hall"
BR Standard Class 4MT Tank - 80151
BR Class 73 - E6040 "The Bluebell Railway"
BR Standard Class 5MT - 73082 "Camelot"
BR(E) A1 Class - 60163 "Tornado"

00:00 - On shed at Sheffield Park
01:18 - E6040 Horsted Keynes footpath
02:44 - 6989 Waterworks
04:05 - 80151 Freshfield Bank
05:14 - 6989 West Hoathly
07:42 - E6040 Leamland
08:43 - 80151 West Hoathly
10:22 - 80151 Tremaines
11:04 - 6989 Freshfield Bank
13:01 - 6989 Tremaines
14:17 - 73082 - Horsted Keynes
19:46 - 60163 - Horsted Keynes

Footnote: A thank you must be given to the volunteers of the Bluebell Railway, for their accommodation and support in making this video.

All footage filmed from a position of safety, while in possession of a valid PTS.
All footage filmed on Sunday the 26th of October 2025.