HARRY POTTER TOYS & GAMES, PART 17:
HOGWARTS EXPRESS TRAINS

HOGWARTS

Bachmann Industries, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, dates back to 1833, when a German immigrant to the United States started an import-export firm. Another of his ventures was a toy company that was in business for more than a century. The firm eventually acquired the Kader Group, a manufacturer of toy trains.

Bachmann today focuses exclusively on the miniature trains. Its sole licensed Harry Potter product is this "HO" scale replica of the gleaming, scarlet Hogwarts Express. It's painted to look like the 1930s steam train in The Sorcerer's Stone movie. Like a lot of modern metal train sets, this thing is expensive. Suggested retail is $185, but some dealers are offering it for $115-$150.

The set includes: A replica of the Platform 9 3/4 building (assembly required). British prototype "4-6-0" scarlet steam locomotive -- a model previously unavailable in the United States -- and related tender (the car that carried coal for fuel). Three passenger coaches that attach with international style hook-and-loop couplers. Bachmann's "E-Z Track" that snaps together quickly. Set has 12 curved, three straight and one terminal. Parts assemble into a 56-by-38-inch oval. A UL (Underwriters Laboratory) listed power pack.

Now, if you search around for a castle, some little trees, etc., a wooden cottage, you could create a whole tiny setting that recreates Hogwarts. This stuff is available; Bachmann also makes buildings, train signals, etc. Maybe the train could even be set up by the LEGO or Mattel Hogwarts Castle Sets. The possibilities are endless.

So, all aboard for education in the magical arts!

HORNBY TRAIN

The United Kingdom equivalent to Bachmann's Hogwarts Express train was produced by Hornby Hobbies of England. Hornby specializes in "OO" gauge trains from the present time and yesteryear, with an emphasis on British models. Like the American version, this train is based upon the design of the real steam train used in the Warner Bros. movies.

This complete set includes the Hogwarts Castle engine (called a "loco" sometimes in British English); "Collett" tender, two passenger cars, playmat, track and siding, Hogsmeade Station building that serves as a train "halt", transformer and controller. Like the American set, Daniel Racliffe and owl, along with the movie title, are used on the packaging. The playmat is decorated with the Hogwarts Castle and Forbidden Forest. Retail is £89.99 ($129 US).

The real premium collectible from Hornby is this special edition "loco" electroplated in 18-carat gold. It's a special version of the same engine in the full package above. Retail for this fancy thing is £124.99 ($179 US), which reminds us that many adults like model trains, too, and this is a rather grown-up price. In fact, it comes with display track also plated in gold.

TO HARRY POTTER TOYS & GAMES, PART 18 >>