Mystery of the Finnish steam train that had its final stop in an Essex wood

August 2024 ยท 4 minute read

Spooky images have emerged of a real-life Hogwarts Express that mysteriously ground to a halt in picturesque woodland.   

Bearing a striking resemblance to the Harry Potter train, it appears as though it has magically materialised between the thriving trees.

And much like the teenage wizard's beloved flying Ford Anglia, nature is reclaiming this coal-fired machine in what is likely its final destination.

Spooky images have emerged of a real-life Hogwarts Express that mysteriously ground to a halt in picturesque woodland

Spooky images have emerged of a real-life Hogwarts Express that mysteriously ground to a halt in picturesque woodland

Bearing a striking resemblance to the Harry Potter train, it appears as though it has magically materialised between the thriving trees

Bearing a striking resemblance to the Harry Potter train, it appears as though it has magically materialised between the thriving trees

And much like the teenage wizard's beloved flying Ford Anglia, nature is reclaiming this coal-fired machine in what is likely its final destination

And much like the teenage wizard's beloved flying Ford Anglia, nature is reclaiming this coal-fired machine in what is likely its final destination

Its front end is now covered in moss, with the peeling paint falling off, but the strong exterior is still intact

Its front end is now covered in moss, with the peeling paint falling off, but the strong exterior is still intact

Its once proud exterior has given way to rust and intrepid explorers can now only glimpse at its former glory

Its once proud exterior has given way to rust and intrepid explorers can now only glimpse at its former glory

Leaves now fill the train's hopper, with bracken growing from the floor in what once would have been a working area, constantly filled up and emptied out when the train travelled the tracks years ago

Leaves now fill the train's hopper, with bracken growing from the floor in what once would have been a working area, constantly filled up and emptied out when the train travelled the tracks years ago

Although old and faced, it remains colourful and is a striking sight poking out from the greenery of the trees in the forest

Although old and faced, it remains colourful and is a striking sight poking out from the greenery of the trees in the forest

A German import from Bosch, which still exists today, is marked on the inside and another list offers direction to the crew

A German import from Bosch, which still exists today, is marked on the inside and another list offers direction to the crew

Local man Larry Perkins said: 'Lots of people round round here know about the train, but it's a complete mystery where it came from.

'Sometimes we joke that it might have been magically dropped here as it does look a bit like the Hogwarts Express.'

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Its once proud exterior has given way to rust and intrepid explorers can now only glimpse at its former glory.

Tendrils of ivy have started snaking between the mighty wheels of the 15ft-tall machine and moss peppers its hard metal exterior.

The once complex system of pressure gauges and dials that helped navigate the magnificent machine is now obsolete but remains a fascinating reminder of another industrial era 

The once complex system of pressure gauges and dials that helped navigate the magnificent machine is now obsolete but remains a fascinating reminder of another industrial era 

A plaque on the side of the train indicates that the corroding train was made in 1953, making it more than 60 years old

A plaque on the side of the train indicates that the corroding train was made in 1953, making it more than 60 years old

Buffers stand firm, protruding from the peeling red paint on the side of the train, but they are unlikely to be needed again

Buffers stand firm, protruding from the peeling red paint on the side of the train, but they are unlikely to be needed again

The once roaring boiler (left) which would have fuelled its 50mph journeys has now been deadened for the last time - with leaves and twigs piling up inside it its heavy duty front end moves forward no more

The once roaring boiler (left) which would have fuelled its 50mph journeys has now been deadened for the last time - with leaves and twigs piling up inside it, and its heavy duty front end moves forward no more

Tendrils of ivy have started snaking between the mighty wheels of the 15ft-tall machine and moss peppers its hard metal exterior

Tendrils of ivy have started snaking between the mighty wheels of the 15ft-tall machine and moss peppers its hard metal exterior

Originally designed to endure the brutal Finnish winters, years of exposure on the Essex and Suffolk border have made a telling mark to the historic train

Originally designed to endure the brutal Finnish winters, years of exposure on the Essex and Suffolk border have made a telling mark to the historic train

Built at some point between 1940-57, this model was among the last steam-powered trains built by the Scandinavian state-owned company VR, which still exists today

Built at some point between 1940-57, this model was among the last steam-powered trains built by the Scandinavian state-owned company VR, which still exists today

It is not known how the TR1, nicknamed Risto, after fifth Finnish President Risto Ryti, travelled across the North Sea but it appears this quiet piece of English countryside is its last stop

It is not known how the TR1, nicknamed Risto, after fifth Finnish President Risto Ryti, travelled across the North Sea but it appears this quiet piece of English countryside is its last stop

Incredibly, a bird has made a nest in the cobweb-covered cab, which is protected by broken and smeared windows.

The once roaring boiler which would have fuelled its 50mph journeys has now been deadened for the last time - with leaves and twigs piling up inside it.

Originally designed to endure the brutal Finnish winters, years of exposure on the Essex and Suffolk border have made a telling mark to the historic train.

Built at some point between 1940-57, this model was among the last steam-powered trains built by the Scandinavian state-owned company VR, which still exists today.

It is not known how the TR1, nicknamed Risto, after fifth Finnish President Risto Ryti, travelled across the North Sea but it appears this quiet piece of English countryside is its last stop.

 

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