The Hogwarts Express is the wizarding world’s equivalent of the X-wing when it comes to LEGO® sets. It appeared in many forms during both eras of the theme. Past versions of the famous steam engine have included a motorised train set and most recently, a stupendously big, highly detailed display piece. The new edition of the Hogwarts Express is a little more sensible size-wise and features Hogsmeade Station instead of the usual Platform 9 3/4. But how does it fair against previous versions? Here’s a look at the latest edition of the Hogwarts Express Train.
Product Details
Set Name:
Hogwarts Express Train Set with Hogsmeade Station | Set Number: 76423 | Pieces: 1074 | Theme: Harry Potter
RRP: £114.99/$129.99/129.99€ | Number of Bags: Bags x 8 + loose elements | Instructions: Paper booklets x 1 + Builder App | Stickers: Sheet x 1 | Minifigures: Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger, Draco Malfoy, Lee Jordan, Rubeus Hagrid, the Trolley Witch & the train conductor
Availability: LEGO Stores, LEGO Online & General Retail
The iconic Hogwarts Express steam train is built in four different sections which can all be connected together by Technic pin couplers. The first thing you build is the engine section. This uses the same train wheels as most other LEGO trains, so it can run on any other LEGO train track pieces. The train has a feature connected to the wheels, which are tied to the front of the engine. This has a panel which is clipped to the main body of the train, flipping this around allows the front wheels to move freely or be locked in place so the train has the ability to move along the track in different ways. As will all steam trains, just behind the main engine is a smaller coal store carriage.
Along with the engine, the train features two carriages. Both carriages are the same size and they both feature a removable wall section and roof, making it easier to access the interior. The inside of the carriages is fairly cramped with the first carriage featuring four seats and the rear carriage only featuring three seats. The reason for the different configuration of seating is due to the rear carriage also having just enough room for the Trolley Witch’s treat cart. The carriages also have sets of wheels which can run on standard LEGO tracks, these are the wheels which are connected through metal rods which connect small connectors panels under each carriage.
For me, the highlight of the set is Hogsmeade Station. It’s not a location which has appeared in many other LEGO Harry Potter sets. Most times a set features the Hogwarts Express it’s paired with the magical platform at King’s Cross Station. Hogsmeade is where the train ends its journey. The station is a quaint village building and in LEGO form it feels a little like a Winter Village Collection set. The platform side of the station has a few fun details like the fire buckets hanging up and a unique red lamppost. It also has a couple of sloped bricks, which allow the station building to be connected to the sections of the track. The interior is quite small in terms of space, but it still has a few little flourishes such as a toilet and a owl post office.
To add an extra layer of detail to the set, there’s a small signpost, directing you to both Hogwarts and Hogsmeade. The Trolley Witch wouldn’t be a Trolley Witch if she didn’t have a trolley. The version found in this set is filled with all sorts of sweet treats and other goodies. The set also includes 4 straight sections of track along with two track ramps. You can extend the track by using any of the other LEGO train tracks
The set features a surprising amount of characters. This seems to be an increasing feature of the Wizarding World sets, with them not only featuring a lot of characters but also new versions of previous characters or characters appearing in minifigure-form for the first time. There are 8 characters featured in this set, 4 of them have appeared in sets before with the other 4 offering exclusive minifigures. Of the returning minifigures, the Trolley Witch is probably the most exciting as she was only featured in the much more expensive version of the Hogwarts Express. Hagrid is also a nice addition with this being only the second set still on sale to include the unique minifigure. Harry and Hermione are unique thanks to their heads but the other pieces used to create them have featured in. Both the conductor and Lee Jordan are also unique to this set.
Overall
It’s certainly an easier set to find space for compared to the ‘UCS-style’ set released last year. Even though it’s a smaller set, it still features an impressive line-up of minifigures. I do like that the Wizarding World sets are taking the opportunity to include some fairly random characters and the alternate face prints are becoming increasingly more comical. The build of the train is quite fun, I like the ability to transform the front wheels of the steam train so they can be run on both straight and curved track. It’s also nice to have the train paired up with something different to Platform 9 3/4. It’s an iconic location but Hogsmeade has its charms. I assume the release of the Hogwarts Legacy game has partly inspired the change of location for the Hogwarts Express to visit.
Shop Now: UKIrelandUSCanadaGermanyDenmarkAustraliaNew Zealand
This set was provided to BricksFanz.com by the LEGO Group for review purposes. The thoughts within this review are that of BricksFanz.com and do not reflect those of the LEGO Group or Warner Discovery. Providing the set for free does not guarantee a favourable opinion of the set. Featuring Harry Potter sets, are not an indication of support for the series’ author or their views.
