Trains and Hogwarts express

[Steve]

No: HPFGUIDX 157082

--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, pengolodh_sc at ... wrote:
>
> --- In HPforGrownups at y..., vheggie at y... wrote:
> [snip]
> 
> > In older Britrail trains ..., some carriages are
> > divided up into 'compartments' (like the first-class 
> > carriages in some trains, or on the Eurostar).  ... 
> > 'compartments' which would hold 6 - 8 people.

>  Christian Stubø:
> 
> That is most certainly the type. The carriages indicated 
> by the books seem to be from the steam-era on British 
> railroads, where open-seating coaches were all but unhear 
> of on British railways, ...
>
> I also have another theory:
> 
> As i believe has been established, the carriages of 
> the Hogwarts Express have a row of compartments, 
> each seating six-eight persons, connected with a corridor 
> along one side of the coach.  This is a typical layout 
> for many European types of coaches up to ca. the 70s.  
> My theory refers to a specific British breed of such 
> coaches, not  commonly seen in other countries.
> 
> ...edited...
> 
> Best regards
> Christian Stubø
>

bboyminn:

Just a few thoughts. I think you are both very accurately
describing the likely types of compartments found on the 
Hogwarts Express, and the train we see in the movies 
further confirms this image.

As far as the Prefects compartment, I will make two points. 
First, we know that in the wizard world, outside dimensions 
are not alway an indicator of inside dimensions. The Weasley 
and Ministry cars are a good example. 

So the Prefect compartment could first be a Deluxe First 
Class compartment of larger proportions that the 'common' 
compartments. It could also be magically enchanted with 
larger interior space to accommodate the necessary number 
of people.

My second points is my suspicion that the Prefect don't 
all stay in the compartments. I suspect the junior Prefect 
are quickly informed of any necessary information like 
passwords, then are sent off to patrol that hallways, 
while the Senior Prefect sit back and relax. So, all 
the Prefects would only need to be in the compartment 
briefly, consequently, a normal size compartment might 
be sufficient. After performing their duties, we see 
Ron and Hermione finish the journey in the compartment 
with Harry; not proof, but an indicator.

Just a couple of thoughts.

Steve/bboyminn