SnitchSeeker got the chance to preview the Hogwarts Express and Platform 9 3/4 expansion at Warner Bros Studio Tour London - The Making of Harry Potter on Tuesday, and the review with photos, via correspondent Milo, can be seen here. The expansion opens to the public on March 19, 2015.

The sight that first greets you when you step into this brand new space is something magnificent to behold. The real and original Hogwarts Express locomotive sits proudly in this reconstructed platform, complete with steam effects which adds that extra touch of authenticity that you have come to expect from the studio tour.

Immediately to your right you see Hogwarts trolleys embedded halfway between the walls, perfect for your photo opportunities. The Hogwarts express itself is open for visitors to step onboard, at once you climb up the steps and into the carriage you are immediately overwhelmed with just how real it feels, more so than any other set, you get that true feeling of being able to touch and experience a real part of the Harry Potter world.

At either end of the train are compartments, which you are able to sit in and get the feeling of what its like to travel on the Hogwarts Express just as all the actors would have done. The compartments in between have barriers but you are able to glimpse in and notice props and artefacts from the films. In fact, each compartment is themed to a different film, in which the Hogwarts express has featured, from prisoner of Azkaban through to Half-Blood Prince. This is just another feature of the studio tour for you to keep your eyes peeled and notice the small details.

When you’ve stepped off the narrow carriages of the Hogwarts Express, you will see more compartments to side, but notice there is something unusual. They all feature moving screens for the windows! This is another great opportunity for everyone to take photos and videos, but this time the environment outside the windows of the carriage, will be moving.

There are a few scenarios, from the scenic highlands of Scotland, right through to the scary and chilling Dementors, this is sure to be very popular and will no doubt leave people extremely satisfied. Completing the new expansion space is a Platform 9 & ¾ themed giftshop. Here you can buy t-shirts, plushes, and even a Hogwarts Express Scale model. If you’ve got a sweet tooth like Ron, then there is also a Honeydukes cart in the middle of the platform so you can stock up on your candy goodness ready for your ride on the Hogwarts Express.

On hand for the day was Mark Williams who played Arthur Weasley. A fan and driver of locomotives, Mark answered some questions for us, videos of which will be available soon. We will be back again for the VIP preview on March 17th, but for now, watch this space.

Steelsheen

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