Hogworts Express Vandalized

[THB-DAVE]

I just found this news item on the BBC website. I am sure this will be of interest to many of you younger Modelrailroaders.

Potter train attacked by vandals 

The number 5972 is well-known by Harry Potter fans
Vandals have caused an estimated £50,000 of damage to the train made famous by the Harry Potter films. 
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/lancashire/6483519.stm

[Hoople]

Who would do such a thing? 50,000 Euros is a LOT of money (Well to me it is.)so who would decide to go and smash it?

[SteamGene]

There are those who believe that the Harry Potter books and films are the spawn of the devil.  It has been extensively quoted out of context in various attacks.  I'm not saying that the vandals thought they were fighting against evil in their vandalism, but that is one possible reason. 
Gene

[rogertra]

The vandals probably didn't even know they were attacking the so called "Howorts Express".  After all, all the train consists of is a rake of common and everyday MarkI open carriages painted Ex BR Maroon, the colour they carried when in service with BR.

The locomotive (Which in NOT a train) was probably safely stored and under lock and key.

[Rich R]

Who would do such a thing? 50,000 Euros is a LOT of money (Well to me it is.)so who would decide to go and smash it?

I think that figure is in GBP's not Euros so the actual figure would be even higher! Something along the lines of $98,100.00 give or take with the exchange rate.
That should draw a few "howlers" from the ministry of magic !

Cheers,
Rich R

[SteamGene]

Damn expense glass!  Can't they get permission for Hermione to use her "fix it" spell?
Gene

[JerryB]

The total estimate of £50,000 or $~98,000 for 200 windows works out to ~$490 each. Sounds realistic for replacing highly specialized windows. I would guess they are non-standard size, required to be hardened against vandalism, shatter proof, UV reducing, and must be compliant with whatever government transit system, railway board, or other authorities' rules are in effect. Adding a seldom performed semi-custom installation, $490 could be a bargain. These aren't your avarage household window.

And don't ignore the UK's high fiscal levies on everything that can possibly be taxed!

Happy RRing,

Jerry

[ben_not_benny]

Yeah, nice and expensive windows...

Imagine that everything in the hobby was scale priced from the prototype...well, then there would be no hobby.

I'm no fan of the book or the movie. I didn't even know about it until I saw Bachmann's model.

[Seasaltchap]

They were  doing a "Detailing Job"

It's now a "Soccer Special"

Soccer supporters generally travel in old coach stock, because of the general vandalism of the coaches.

[Rich R]

Hmmmmmm,

Try Fenestra Reparo! With a good "swish and flick" Hermione might be able to hit all the broken ones on one side at once?

Had to look that one up, my Latin is really,  really rusty.

Cheers,
Rich R