Fans of the Harry Potter films have probably heard about the Harry Potter train in Scotland. The so-called Jacobite Steam runs there, which looks a lot like the famous Hogwarts Express. It is therefore a train journey that is on the bucket list of every fan. However, you may soon be able to cross the train ride off your list. The train may need a hugely expensive adjustment, which could cause the tourist attraction to go bankrupt. Oh no!
Ride on the Harry Potter train: will it continue to run?
The safety of the Jacobite Steam in Scotland, better known as the Harry Potter (steam) train, was already investigated in the summer of 2023. Fortunately, after this investigation, the train was allowed to continue running until the end of November. However, the train, which runs between Mallaig and Fort William in the Scottish Highlands, has now been stopped again. A train ride with the Jacobite Steam would be too dangerous for the many tourists who come here every year for a special train journey. Passengers were at risk from the outdated door locks, where they could suffer “serious injuries”. Oh oh! Previously, the operator of the popular Harry Potter train, West Coast Railways (WCR), was granted an exemption from the rules, but the exemption expired earlier this year. That is why a new investigation into the steam train is now underway.
New door locks needed
According to the WCR, the Jacobite Steam needs new door locks, but these are extremely expensive. They will have to spend approximately seven million pounds (more than eight million euros) for any necessary adjustments to the train. Wow! This release would cause the profits of the past ten years to disappear in no time, putting the future of the Harry Potter train at risk. “If the ORR [Office of Rail and Road, red.] If we are being punished severely, it will be difficult and we will have to make a decision,” WCR spokesman James Shuttleworth told The Herald. “We want to keep going. But if we have to install new door locks, it will be expensive.”
750 travelers per day annually
Normally the special steam train runs every year from March to October. During the special train journey you will drive over the Glenfinnan viaduct, which is an iconic bridge from the Harry Potter films. In the meantime, you can feel the vibes of the Hogwarts Express, which is inspired by the Jacobite Steam. It is therefore not surprising that the steam train transports 750 passengers per day every year. Let’s hope for every Harry Potter fan that something good comes from the research.
A judgment on the train’s safety requirements is expected in January 2024.
