Review: 76430 Hogwarts Castle Owlery
Posted by CapnRex101,
Several versions of Hogwarts Castle have been produced, including two modular models since the Harry Potter range returned in 2018. 76430 Hogwarts Castle Owlery introduces the newest rendition of the school, which is ironic because this tower is completely isolated from the main castle complex.
LEGO has never portrayed the Owlery correctly before, as a lone tower, instead integrating this location into other sets. On that basis, this model should prove interesting, particularly with a couple of new minifigures and owls!
Summary
76430 Hogwarts Castle Owlery, 364 pieces.
£39.99 / $44.99 / €44.99 | 11.0p/12.4c/12.4c per piece.
Buy at LEGO.com »
I am happy to see the Owlery represented in LEGO, but this model needed more detail
- Good interior, overall
- New minifigures and owls
- Relatively lacking in detail
- Too expensive
The set was provided for review by LEGO. All opinions expressed are those of the author.
Minifigures
Harry Potter has now appeared in over 100 sets, but LEGO continues to release new versions of the titular wizard. This minifigure takes inspiration from The Goblet of Fire, so features longer hair than usual, as well as medium legs. The dark brown jacket looks nice and corresponds with Harry's visit to the Owlery in the fourth film, where he memorably encounters Cho.
This version of Cho Chang is also new and originates from the same scene. Given the muted colours of the movie, it is difficult to see whether olive green was an accurate colour choice for Cho's jacket, or sand blue for her skirt. Nevertheless, the striped shirt and dark blue Ravenclaw scarf look superb and I am pleased to see Cho portrayed in casual attire, finally.
Argus Filch appears in surprisingly few sets and this minifigure returns from 76402 Hogwarts: Dumbledore's Office, albeit without printed legs on this occasion. That change is disappointing and rather strange because those printed legs were developed specifically for Filch. At least his torso captures ample detail, seeming suitably shabby.
Short of developing a unique element, I think the balding hair piece works nicely for Filch and his mean facial expression is certainly appropriate, with a cruel smile on the other side. Filch's demeanour is perhaps understandable though, as he is equipped with a broom, presumably for cleaning out the Owlery by hand!
Harry and Cho, meanwhile, feature their dark brown and reddish brown wands. Those figures also include double-sided heads and Cho's sad expression is notable, perfectly conveying her gentle rejection of Harry's invitation to the Yule Ball. Harry's happy and determined designs are less appropriate, so perhaps a new Harry Potter head could have arrived here.
The Completed Model
The Owlery stands some distance away from Hogwarts Castle in the movies, constructed on a rocky outcrop and accessed via a long staircase. This model clearly prioritises the actual tower over its natural base, but I think the building's overall silhouette is effective, especially given the substantial height of 37cm.
The base incorporates a couple of 2x4x6 rock elements and looks reasonable, although I find the olive green plate used at the corner quite odd. Moreover, I am not sure whether the snowy accents were really necessary. They are faithful to the scene of Harry and Cho's meeting at the Owlery, but are bound to look awkward beside subsequent additions to Hogwarts Castle.
On the other hand, the snow looks good on the whole, particularly on the tree and the foliage beneath the staircase. The staircase is reasonable too, but similar to the surrounding rocks, a little more detail would have improved the model hugely. Perhaps the steps could wrap around the base, for example. Also, I wish they were wider, allowing minifigures more space to stand.
While the exterior leaves a lot to be desired, the interior is satisfying. An exclusive light bluish grey baby owl is included, using the piece introduced with the Hawkeye Collectable Minifigure last year. I believe this is intended to be Ron's owl, Pigwidgeon, based on its grey plumage and orange eyes, as well as the owl's small size.
Pigwidgeon's perch is placed on a turntable, also presenting a water bowl, a table and a printed box of owl treats from Eeylops Owl Emporium. I was pleasantly surprised to find that the box is printed and its decoration matches props displayed at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, so that demonstrates excellent attention to detail on the part of the graphic designer.
The avoidance of stickers is usually a positive, but returning to the exterior, I wonder whether a couple of brickwork stickers should have been applied on the curved wall panels. Without them, the tower appears extremely bland. Even the entrances are awkward because they are only two studs wide, so you cannot easily pose minifigures walking through them.
At least the railing provides some detail and conceals a surprise underneath, as removing the railing reveals the face of an owl! I am baffled as to why this is included, especially when other areas of the model desperately needed more detail and therefore more pieces. However, this is a fun inclusion and one disguised well.
Detail gradually improves towards the top of the tower, where medium nougat tiles and 1x2 masonry bricks introduce some texture. The windows for the owls look perfect as well, each including perches outside. Hedwig is included, alongside a dark tan owl, which has appeared several times before. The dark red owl on the lower level is new though and I like its unique colour.
Tan handgrip elements are used around the roof, attempting to recreate features seen on the Owlery in the movie. I appreciate this attention to the source material and the turrets are fairly accurate too, although most of their architectural shaping has been lost when reduced in scale to this degree.
Several more perches for owls are found inside, with some printed letters and plenty of white pieces to represent owl droppings! Again, I think removing the snow would improve the visual impact of these parts. Thankfully, the owl statue between the doors has escaped the droppings from above and includes an undecorated owl, which is new in tan.
One more owl takes pride of place in the roof, strangely flanked by two lanterns. However, I am more interested in the portrait above. Fourteen portraits are randomly distributed in three of the new Harry Potter sets and probably future sets, similar to the Chocolate Frog cards released in 2021 and 2022. This portrait depicts Jocunda Sykes, a witch famed for flying across the Atlantic Ocean by broomstick.
Overall
I have mixed feelings about 76430 Hogwarts Castle Owlery. The model includes everything I would hope to see in a LEGO recreation of the Owlery, including the new owls and things like the box of Eeylops Owl Treats. Even so, some sections of the structure are severely lacking in detail, when compared with other Harry Potter sets.
The price of £39.99, $44.99 or €44.99 therefore seems quite expensive to me, especially with only three minifigures provided. Those minifigures are excellent though and I am happy to see Filch in a smaller set than normal. For a lower price, perhaps some of the minor flaws would be excused, but I expect a greater level of detail in the Harry Potter theme, ultimately.
118 likes
47 comments on this article
Sure, that's definitely snow outside...
I don't think that's snow...
Too little for too much. I prefer my own Owlery over this despite its many many flaws.
It would appear the best part about the Owlery is, in fact, not the Owlery, but rather its inhabitants, the owls.
Don't lick that snow, please. Just don't.
And no snow ball fights either
I'm gonna stop manifesting now, there's probably 5 people annoyed at me now. I have no town or right arm, and the devil wants more.
Expendable. There are Hogwarts buildings in the past much better recreated than this one ... Lego designers, we all know you can do better...and cheaper.
Too much money and too little set.
This is not the dragon you are looking for, move along.
No modular connections makes this sad.
But hey, this isn't we worst they've done. A few of the last couple years were really bad ones, like Fluffy Encounter and Sirius' rescue. They were basically "get minifigs and a couple generic Hogwarts modular pieces".
That great big spider is going to eat that tiny little baby owl in the basement.
This set needs more for the money. I look forward to getting it during the inevitable major sale.
Great review! Although I think use of the word "droppings" is crude and unbecoming considering Brickset's new editorial policy of erasing all comments that mention anything unmentionable.
I definitely oppose all mention of droppings, scat, manure, guano, Number 2, shite, shit, shinola, turd polishings, or Mr. Poopykins. What are we running here? Some smut site?
Not too sure which minifig is Ayrton Senna....
Will buy, particularly for my wife, who's a big owl fan.
Although this is hitting my tolerance limits for Lego. I think I need to take a break from licensed Lego for the foreseeable future after this, at least at RRP. $45 USD is pushing it for me on this one. I noticed that the Hogwarts boathouse looks VERY, VERY overpriced for what you get.
There's no getting around the Disney tax on Star Wars and Marvel sets and I think I'm on hiatus from those for the foreseeable future (clearance sales notwithstanding). But I thought the Warner properties were still immune from that, and I honestly thought that Lego DC (whatever's left of it) and Harry Potter were still reasonable for the ethereal price-to-content ratio. But this year, no. It's exceeding my mental limit.
So, Owlery and that may be it. It'll just have to do without whatever Super-Castle is coming out of this, particularly since I have all the 2021-2023 Hogwarts builds. I don't need to do another Build-a-Castle.
@ItisNoe:
Or, at least the one new flying owl. I can pass on pretty much everything else in this set except that one. Waiting for it to hit PAB. New scarf is nice, too.
@iwybs said:
"That great big spider is going to eat that tiny little baby owl in the basement."
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goliath_birdeater
@emQ said:
"No modular connections makes this sad.
But hey, this isn't we worst they've done. A few of the last couple years were really bad ones, like Fluffy Encounter and Sirius' rescue. They were basically "get minifigs and a couple generic Hogwarts modular pieces"."
I mean.... those were great for modding yourself. I bought two of each on sale for that purpose... not sure what to do with the extra fluffy though... six headed dog?
@R1_Drift said:
"I'm gonna stop manifesting now, there's probably 5 people annoyed at me now. I have no town or right arm, and the devil wants more. "
Or, friends...Thanks a lot!
The Devil came down to Georgia
Lookin' for a soul to steal
He saw R1Drift pining for reviews
And he said, "Here's the deal.
I'll show you a review of your pretty, little car
With writing from the Cap'n that's right.
But, I'll steal your soul, take it to my hole,
And, lock it up tight!"
(jangly-bangly country music plays)
Is the modular HP castle set series done now?
It's underwhelming for an overdue addition to the lineup. There are MOCs on Rebrickable, at least one of which I think looks much better than this.
@tomthepirate said:
"Is the modular HP castle set series done now?"
I haven't seen anything in the modules planned for this year yet, but there are rumors of new summer sets. The issue is that every couple of years they sort of have to reboot the modules by going back to the basics of the Great Hall & Grand Tower, and it seems we are getting close to that re-starting point again.
Other than the roof color differences (gray vs. sand green) I do like though how the last two modular systems had some sort of cross-compatibility with the pin hole connections. I hope future sets retain that so we long-time fans of the theme can use all the sets to build their own Mega-Super-Hogwarts line up. But with how long those modules have been in use, I wouldn't be surprised if LEGO shaked it up for the next relaunch of the module system.
Even while this is half price of 71795 : Temple of the Dragon Energy Cores , the diagonal cut off half interior does neither set good.
Open backs are okay, but this style cuts off 50% of the walls + takes 50% of the floor space with it, instead of just an open wall.
@Murdoch17 said:
"I don't think that's snow..."
I am fairly sure the white elements on the exterior are supposed to be snow, but perhaps Filch's situation is even worse than I thought!
"The words came out before Harry had quite got his tongue around them.
'Wangoballwime?'"
@xboxtravis7992 said:
" @tomthepirate said:
"Is the modular HP castle set series done now?"
I haven't seen anything in the modules planned for this year yet, but there are rumors of new summer sets. The issue is that every couple of years they sort of have to reboot the modules by going back to the basics of the Great Hall & Grand Tower, and it seems we are getting close to that re-starting point again.
Other than the roof color differences (gray vs. sand green) I do like though how the last two modular systems had some sort of cross-compatibility with the pin hole connections. I hope future sets retain that so we long-time fans of the theme can use all the sets to build their own Mega-Super-Hogwarts line up. But with how long those modules have been in use, I wouldn't be surprised if LEGO shaked it up for the next relaunch of the module system. "
There's something on the Owlery box about "Build the Ultimate Hogwarts," so presumably we're on Mega-Hogwarts Phase V now. And I'm noticing we're back to dark bley roofs, so this technicallly isn't a thematic match to Phase IV.
(I"m assuming this is five iterations of Hogwarts. The original Lego HP sets had two system-sized versions (yellow flesh and modern flesh), and the reboot line has had two as well. Did I miss one?)
I like the set. It's the only one that I'm going to buy from the latest wave.
I don't care about the modularity or lack thereof. IT'S LEGO! The whole point is that everything can be connected! You don't need special connections built into the sets! And the other Hogwarts sets don't even look good when connected anyway!
@CapnRex101 How many owls fit in? Seems also limited but it might be wrong.
+Filch
++Owls in new print
---price
--build (just rewatched ugh)
@StyleCounselor said:
"This set needs more for the money. I look forward to getting it during the inevitable major sale.
Great review! Although I think use of the word "droppings" is crude and unbecoming considering Brickset's new editorial policy of erasing all comments that mention anything unmentionable.
I definitely oppose all mention of droppings, scat, manure, guano, Number 2, shite, shit, shinola, turd polishings, or Mr. Poopykins. What are we running here? Some smut site?
"
Well, sheet! Why can't we talk about Shinola? Isn't that just a shoe polish?
I was surprised to not read anything about the roof color switch. I've already been working with my daughter to update the clock and astronomy towers to match her Hogwarts.
@TeriXeri said:
"Even while this is half price of 71795 : Temple of the Dragon Energy Cores , the diagonal cut off half interior does neither set good.
Open backs are okay, but this style cuts off 50% of the walls + takes 50% of the floor space with it, instead of just an open wall."
I personally see these kind of cut off interiors horrible, not only from a perspective of aesthetics but playability too.
@ResIpsaLoquitur said:
" @xboxtravis7992 said:
" @tomthepirate said:
"Is the modular HP castle set series done now?"
I haven't seen anything in the modules planned for this year yet, but there are rumors of new summer sets. The issue is that every couple of years they sort of have to reboot the modules by going back to the basics of the Great Hall & Grand Tower, and it seems we are getting close to that re-starting point again.
Other than the roof color differences (gray vs. sand green) I do like though how the last two modular systems had some sort of cross-compatibility with the pin hole connections. I hope future sets retain that so we long-time fans of the theme can use all the sets to build their own Mega-Super-Hogwarts line up. But with how long those modules have been in use, I wouldn't be surprised if LEGO shaked it up for the next relaunch of the module system. "
There's something on the Owlery box about "Build the Ultimate Hogwarts," so presumably we're on Mega-Hogwarts Phase V now. And I'm noticing we're back to dark bley roofs, so this technicallly isn't a thematic match to Phase IV.
(I"m assuming this is five iterations of Hogwarts. The original Lego HP sets had two system-sized versions (yellow flesh and modern flesh), and the reboot line has had two as well. Did I miss one?) "
I guess I started with Phase I then back in 2001 if we're going to give them phases, but those sets for all their charm as toys aren't as great for display as the newer sets are. I assume Phase III are the gray roofs and Phase IV the green roofs of the re-launched line? I would personally say Phase III are my favorite although I still need to get the Astronomy Tower before it is gone for good, although I feel Phase IV blends well with III if you're willing to swap the roofs or just deal with the roofs not matching.
Onto Phase V I suppose...
@xboxtravis7992 said:
" @ResIpsaLoquitur said:
" @xboxtravis7992 said:
" @tomthepirate said:
"Is the modular HP castle set series done now?"
I haven't seen anything in the modules planned for this year yet, but there are rumors of new summer sets. The issue is that every couple of years they sort of have to reboot the modules by going back to the basics of the Great Hall & Grand Tower, and it seems we are getting close to that re-starting point again.
Other than the roof color differences (gray vs. sand green) I do like though how the last two modular systems had some sort of cross-compatibility with the pin hole connections. I hope future sets retain that so we long-time fans of the theme can use all the sets to build their own Mega-Super-Hogwarts line up. But with how long those modules have been in use, I wouldn't be surprised if LEGO shaked it up for the next relaunch of the module system. "
There's something on the Owlery box about "Build the Ultimate Hogwarts," so presumably we're on Mega-Hogwarts Phase V now. And I'm noticing we're back to dark bley roofs, so this technicallly isn't a thematic match to Phase IV.
(I"m assuming this is five iterations of Hogwarts. The original Lego HP sets had two system-sized versions (yellow flesh and modern flesh), and the reboot line has had two as well. Did I miss one?) "
I guess I started with Phase I then back in 2001 if we're going to give them phases, but those sets for all their charm as toys aren't as great for display as the newer sets are. I assume Phase III are the gray roofs and Phase IV the green roofs of the re-launched line? I would personally say Phase III are my favorite although I still need to get the Astronomy Tower before it is gone for good, although I feel Phase IV blends well with III if you're willing to swap the roofs or just deal with the roofs not matching.
Onto Phase V I suppose... "
Because I'm bored and looking at the HP inventory:
Phase I - 2001 (particularly 4709)
Phase II - 2004 (4757)
Phase III - 2007 (5378)
Phase III - 2010 (4842 and 4867)
Phase IV - the 2018-2020 stuff: 75948, 75953, 75954, 75966, 75969
Phase V - the 2021-2022 stuff starting with 76386
So I guess this is Phase VI?
Overpriced (though I've seen worse) but the owls and casual clothing more or less make up for that. It will go on my wish list, but no promises after that.
This is VERY good set. Overpriced for sure, but still, so many good pieces AND animals in one set?
@Adrianucho said:
" @TeriXeri said:
"Even while this is half price of 71795 : Temple of the Dragon Energy Cores , the diagonal cut off half interior does neither set good.
Open backs are okay, but this style cuts off 50% of the walls + takes 50% of the floor space with it, instead of just an open wall."
I personally see these kind of cut off interiors horrible, not only from a perspective of aesthetics but playability too."
Yes, too much ground floor space cut off, even the lack of window glass in the sides of the tower in 60419: Police Prison Island is better then triangle floors.
@ResIpsaLoquitur said:
"
Phase I - 2001 (particularly 4709 )
Phase II - 2004 ( 4757 )
Phase III - 2007 ( 5378 )
Phase III - 2010 ( 4842 and 4867 )
Phase IV - the 2018-2020 stuff: 75948 , 75953 , 75954 , 75966 , 75969
Phase V - the 2021-2022 stuff starting with 76386
So I guess this is Phase VI?"
This is the 7th edition of Hogwarts (you messed up your Roman numerals on the 2007 castle). But in terms of modular systems the second and third iterations of hogwarts were not actually modular
Hogwarts 1 is 2001 & 2002 sets, covering the first and second movies. Nearly all sets could be stacked and combined in these waves
Hogwarts 2 is 2004 for the third movie. This was the switch to the flesh toned figures. Sets are built in similar manner to sets in the first system but with an updated color palette. There is no intended way to connect the sets together in this system and build a large Hogwarts.
In 2005 four sets are released for the fourth movie, but none depict a part of the castle
Hogwarts 3 is 2007 for the fifth movie, with only one set
Hogwarts 4 is comprised of a few sets in 2010 & 2011 released for the final films. Technically a partial reboot since it includes sets from some of the earlier films. The two main sets (4842 & 4867) can combine together. 4736 also depicts part of the castle but not sure if it can connect.
Hogwarts 5 is the reboot in 2018 to 2020, which covers the first through sixth films.
Hogwarts 6 is the 20th anniversary reboot, from 2021 to 2023. This run of the theme is the first to include scenes from all films, although not all are Hogwarts castle sets.
Now we’re beginning Hogwarts 7
I know it's blasphemy to say this, but honestly the exterior could've used some stickers on those large curved panels to give it some more detail. It just looks too smooth and plain as is.
Obviously the better solution would be to make those details with a variety of different bricks instead of one large panel, but of course that's a bit too much wishful thinking.
I feel the review is a bit too harsh, and I think it's a beautiful set, it's very tall, detailed, relatively accurate to the film. It also has a beautiful color palette, and is meant to stand separate from the castle so it should have some snow I feel.
So I think it's unfair to call things out as 'extremely bland' because it has no stickers and 'severely lacking' compared to other HP sets. The designers deserve a bit more credit than that, it's a really great looking model in my opinion.
All this talk about "Phases" has me thinking of Clone Troopers...
@TheOtherMike said:
"All this talk about "Phases" has me thinking of Clone Troopers..."
Hey, everyone, look at all the melted Clone Troopers encrusting the landscape.
@PurpleDave said:
" @TheOtherMike said:
"All this talk about "Phases" has me thinking of Clone Troopers..."
Hey, everyone, look at all the melted Clone Troopers encrusting the landscape."
This HAS to violate some of the new Brickset priggish policy principles.
@ha21 said:
" @ResIpsaLoquitur said:
"
Phase I - 2001 (particularly 4709 )
Phase II - 2004 ( 4757 )
Phase III - 2007 ( 5378 )
Phase III - 2010 ( 4842 and 4867 )
Phase IV - the 2018-2020 stuff: 75948 , 75953 , 75954 , 75966 , 75969
Phase V - the 2021-2022 stuff starting with 76386
So I guess this is Phase VI?"
This is the 7th edition of Hogwarts (you messed up your Roman numerals on the 2007 castle). But in terms of modular systems the second and third iterations of hogwarts were not actually modular
Hogwarts 1 is 2001 & 2002 sets, covering the first and second movies. Nearly all sets could be stacked and combined in these waves
Hogwarts 2 is 2004 for the third movie. This was the switch to the flesh toned figures. Sets are built in similar manner to sets in the first system but with an updated color palette. There is no intended way to connect the sets together in this system and build a large Hogwarts.
In 2005 four sets are released for the fourth movie, but none depict a part of the castle
Hogwarts 3 is 2007 for the fifth movie, with only one set
Hogwarts 4 is comprised of a few sets in 2010 & 2011 released for the final films. Technically a partial reboot since it includes sets from some of the earlier films. The two main sets (4842 & 4867) can combine together. 4736 also depicts part of the castle but not sure if it can connect.
Hogwarts 5 is the reboot in 2018 to 2020, which covers the first through sixth films.
Hogwarts 6 is the 20th anniversary reboot, from 2021 to 2023. This run of the theme is the first to include scenes from all films, although not all are Hogwarts castle sets.
Now we’re beginning Hogwarts 7"
Nice summary. You gotta love those Hoggy 1s. Grey, waxed paper roofs!
I have all of the sets displayed together, Hogs 1-6. It actually works better than you'd think. It's a pleasant jumble of architectural styles and shades all deriving from a similar palette just like the real Hogwarts.
I have glow-in-the-dark Snape on a high balcony looking mournfully over all of it wondering how he got in this mess and why he was never able to find love.
@StyleCounselor:
I mean, when they filmed the first movie, they didn't have anywhere near the budget they ended the series with, so they couldn't afford to build all the set pieces from scratch. Instead, they did a bunch of location shoots at various European castles, so _NOTHING_ in the first film has matching exteriors.
Also, the guy who painted the matte background for the first film didn't like the result, and painted something different for the second film, so the overall look of the castle even changed.
Also also, starting with the third film, stuff got moved around (Whomping Willow has been both inside the courtyard and out in the grounds), and stuff got added (standing stones, wooden bridge) as the next three directors saw fit.
@PurpleDave said:
" @StyleCounselor:
I mean, when they filmed the first movie, they didn't have anywhere near the budget they ended the series with, so they couldn't afford to build all the set pieces from scratch. Instead, they did a bunch of location shoots at various European castles, so _NOTHING_ in the first film has matching exteriors.
Also, the guy who painted the matte background for the first film didn't like the result, and painted something different for the second film, so the overall look of the castle even changed.
Also also, starting with the third film, stuff got moved around (Whomping Willow has been both inside the courtyard and out in the grounds), and stuff got added (standing stones, wooden bridge) as the next three directors saw fit."
That actually jives with the book as well. Wizarding stuff (including Hogwarts) is supposed to be a mismash of competing ideas, historical additions, and an implication that it is an entity which grows, changes, and has agendas of its own.
@StyleCounselor:
The interior is shown actually shifting around, with staircases that pivot to link different balconies with each other. The exterior, in long shots, is always shown to be fairly cohesive. It's the closeup shots in HP1 that don't even have bricks that are the same color or size, because they're shot hundreds of miles apart, against castle walls that are made of completely different types of stone.
@Ridgeheart said:
"So Hogwarts is a living entity, shaping itself to the whims of its demented architect? Well, why not.
Castlevania did it first, but I guess Rowling milked it better, harder, faster, longer."
Don't tempt me with Lego Castlevania. Especially since I don't think Lego could make floating steps that collapse as you step on each one.
@CapnRex101 maybe Filch prefers to use plain legs for particularly unpleasant tasks?
Kind of sad how the movies essentially turn Filch into a grouchy magicless janitor who has to clean up a gigantic magical school. The guy is able to repair knife damage done to centuries old enchanted paintings in the books.
LEGO shrinkflation….