On occasion, we all feel like building a showcase piece rather than just another Lego train. That is what you get when you buy the Lego 76405 Hogwarts Express. Add lights from Lightailing, and you have a unique display to show your friends and family.
On this page, we are taking a closer look at the Hogwarts Express Lego number 76405. Let's find out why we think you should snap up the 76405 Hogwarts Express Collectors' Edition.
Also read: Best way to add lights to Lego Hogwarts Express 76405
Behind The Scenes of the Lego 76405 Review
The Hogwarts Express is the largest Lego train set produced. If you have room for it and can afford it, this special service to Hogwarts makes a great buy before stock runs out. When you love Lego, The Hogwarts Express is a special collectors' item that will increase in value in the not-too-distant future.
At first, the prospect of building the 5,129-piece Hogwarts Express may seem daunting. The Hogwarts Express is not for the faint-hearted. It helps if you have experience in building large Lego projects. Yes, that is how you should think about the Hogwarts Express - it is certainly a project.
How Much Does the Lego Hogwarts Express Cost?
In the United States, the Lego Hogwarts Express costs just shy of $500. You have to budget for at least $499.99 when you like to take this Lego set home. For that price, you certainly get value for money.
You end up with 5,129 pieces, 20 minifigures, and hours of fun.
Looking at images of the Lego 76405 Hogwarts Express, it is hard to appreciate the scale of this Lego model. Once the Lego pieces are out of the box, you realize you are in for a real treat.
Not only do you have the engine to assemble, but you also have the track and tender, carriage, and platform. As it goes, this is one giant Lego project. The designers of the 76405 Hogwarts Express appear to have been given the keys to the candy store and enjoyed the entire inventory.
The Lego Hogwarts Express Review: Pros and Cons
Let's point out one of the main pros before we check out the pros and cons in more detail. The kit comes with four instruction manuals - one for each part of the project. That makes the build easier to complete.
The Cons:
To be fair, there are not many negatives as far as this Lego 76405 review goes. But, when it comes down to it, there are a lot of pieces here. The track is perhaps the most laborious part of the entire construction. The annoying thing about the track is that once you have the completed Lego model on display, the track does not add that much. It feels like a lot of effort for little reward.
The best way to kick off the project is to get the track completed first.
The Pros
What is good about this build? Once you have completed the track, the rest of the build is a pleasure. The kit comes with everything you need including the Technic elements that ensure your model stays in place.
As you are constructing the Hogwarts Express, you probably find your mind starts drifting, and you end up thinking the Hogwarts Castle would complete your display. That is to say, if you have room for it in your display cabinet. But, yes, Hogwarts Castle is the perfect companion piece. Just imagine how nice the castle would look lit up.
Building the Hogwarts Express is not as varied as other Lego projects including the 765391 Hogwarts Icons Collectors' Edition. One of the challenges is the color palette. With so much of it in red, it is tough on the eyes sometimes. Make sure you work in good light and take frequent breaks.
The Lego 76405 Hogwarts Express is a rather complex build. If you like to challenge yourself and the room and cash to spare, the Hogwarts Express is an excellent project for experienced Lego fans. There is an 18+ label on the box with good reason. This Lego construction model requires skill, time, and patience.
But, there is no reason why you should not get the rest of the family involved with your Harry Potter project. The other models in the Harry Potter range are better for younger members of the family. Best of all, they perfectly complement your Hogwarts Express.
The Hogwarts Express tests your Lego engineering skills thanks to the many twists and turns it offers. As you work your way through, the four manuals are going to be your best buddies for the duration of the build.
Are There Some Fiddly Parts?
As with all larger Lego sets, you will run into sections of the build you can call "fiddly." However, if you take on a project of this scale, a challenge or two is only to be expected.
What About the Magic of Hogwarts Express?
Yes, there is something magical about the Lego 76405 Hogwarts Express. The three built-in light bricks you have to fit in each compartment add magic to the build.
You may feel annoyed that the design forces the bricks to stick out of the train roof. But without interior lights and the included figures, the sense of magic is lost.
Collectors Edition Characters
Do the collector's edition characters add anything to the 76405 Hogwarts Express? Yes, they do. Without them, the finish would look empty and devoid of character.
Using the figures, you can set three different scenes from the Prisoner of Azkaban, the Half-Blood prince and the Philosopher's Stone. Your Hogwarts Express travellers also get the opportunity to enjoy the company of the Conductor and the Trolley witch. Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff are included as well but seem surplus to requirements.
As you would expect with such a hefty price tag, the minifigures are well made. Once in place, they become an essential part of the final set.
Final Thoughts
You can bring your Hogwarts Express alive by adding a LED lighting kit from Lightailing. If you like Lego, LED light kits are perhaps one of the most innovative ideas in recent years. They are easy to install using the included instructions. Alternatively, you can let your imagination run riot. A Hogwarts Express Lighting Kit adds a special touch to your Hogwarts Express.
Is Hogwarts Express worth the effort and time it takes? Yes, it is. The final result is a unique Lego designer piece by Lego artists Marcos Bessa and Andrew Seenan.
