Review: 40577 Hogwarts: Grand Staircase
Posted by CapnRex101,
40577 Hogwarts: Grand Staircase expands the controversial modular Hogwarts Castle system introduced last year, although this promotional addition seems unusual. Rather than following the established 8x8 layout, the grand staircase requires additional space.
Nevertheless, this staircase presents extensive detail, including various stickered portraits alongside some interesting architectural features. The Fat Lady's famed portrait looks great, but the qualifying purchase threshold is expensive.
Summary
40577 Hogwarts: Grand Staircase, 224 pieces.
Despite an expensive purchase threshold, Hogwarts: Grand Staircase is excellent
- The Fat Lady returns!
- Fun, referential portraits
- Simple and effective function
- Imperfect integration with other Hogwarts Castle sets
The set was provided for review by LEGO. All opinions expressed are those of the author.
Minifigure
The promotional 40452 Hogwarts Gryffindor Dorms, released last year, included Harry Potter and Ron Weasley minifigures. Hermione Granger therefore completes the trio here, sporting her Hogwarts uniform. This torso has only appeared in three previous sets and its dark red and flame yellowish orange highlights, denoting Gryffindor, look superb.
However, more remarkable are the black skirt component and triple-moulded short legs. They originate from 76399 Hogwarts Magical Trunk, faithfully recreating Hermione's attire from the early Harry Potter films. While a less common character would have been welcome, such as Percy Weasley, these updates clearly distinguish the new Hermione minifigure from its many predecessors.
As always, Hermione's wavy hair is perfect and I like the double-sided head, featuring happy and frightened expressions. The minifigure includes a dark tan wand, which also returns from Hermione's past appearances.
The Completed Model
LEGO established a consistent structure for sections of Hogwarts Castle last year, almost always occupying 8x8 and 8x16 footprints. 40577 Hogwarts: Grand Staircase moves away from that arrangement, instead expanding to a 12x12 design. While absolute uniformity between modules would be ideal, Hogwarts' grand staircase probably does warrant a bigger model.
Despite its large size, the staircase is compatible with the existing modular system, including Technic pins on the back. However, the exterior is significantly less detailed than usual, partly because this addition to Hogwarts is intended to connect sections at a right angle, which would cover these external walls.
When attached to other parts of the castle, I think the grand staircase looks surprisingly good. The unique footprint is noticeable, but seems appropriate for a focal location within Hogwarts, loosely reflecting the differing sizes of towers onscreen. Moreover, the height of the staircase matches the previous Hogwarts Castle modules and their archways line up correctly.
The model is designed around the rotating staircase at its centre. These steps are simply constructed on a 10x10 octagonal plate attached to a turntable underneath, allowing the whole staircase to rotate between positions. This function works nicely and I am impressed with the detail on the stairs, although there is nothing to stop the staircase moving beyond each door threshold.
Countless portraits line the walls of Hogwarts' grand staircase, so this rendition also displays as many as possible! Unfortunately, these entail numerous stickers, eighteen of which are spread across the walls. Such a number seems extraordinary in a relatively small set, but I think they were unavoidable because the many portraits are an important aspect of the onscreen location.
Many of these portraits are identifiable with designs from the films, including one which depicts Giffard Abbott and his dog in the corner on the ground floor. Others have been altered for LEGO replication, as portraits of a wizard on a flying carpet and a witch in flight are combined, while a painting of two lovers only displays one. These are situated under the strange Staring Portrait. Paintings on the upper level feature Elizabeth Burke, Iris Pius and Dumbledore's empty chair.
Of course, the Fat Lady is undoubtedly the most famous of these portraits and her design is outstanding. This sticker portrays the character's appearance during The Philosopher's Stone, wearing a pink dress and seeming fairly stern. The arched shape works well, but the Fat Lady's portrait cannot swing open to reveal Gryffindor common room and must be removed altogether for access. Its location can be changed though.
Overall
While not entirely consistent with other sections of Hogwarts Castle, I think 40577 Hogwarts: Grand Staircase benefits from its large footprint. This moving staircase function works nicely and I love the many portraits, especially given their accuracy to portraits from across the film series. Of course, the Fat Lady's painting is the highlight and looks excellent, finally returning after nearly two decades!
The qualifying purchase threshold of £130, $130 or €130 is high and I do think the increasing frequency of such expensive promotions could become problematic. However, this addition to Hogwarts is enjoyable and complements existing Harry Potter sets, so is certainly deserving of consideration.
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39 comments on this article
The online stock in the United States ran out a couple days ago, so either a small supply or a lot of sales.
In the United States, at least, this was sold out 2 days into a 16-day promotional period.
So that's cool.
Timely article about a set that no one will have because Lego apparently only made three.
Well, I got mine. My main gripe is that I'm displaying my modular Hogwarts on a mantle, so the staircase makes an unfortunate endpiece since I can't turn the mantle 90 degrees.
Cool little set, which is nice to get. The threshold is pretty high though. I wouldn’t be bothered as much if all purchases made would count towards it, since HP sets are so overpriced…
Finally! An image of the back of the set to see exactly how it connects. Nice review.
I think this is the first time I've ever been enthusiastic about stickers. It seems unreasonable to believe they could ever print all of these, and you really need a lot to convey the jumbled nature of the magical painting assemblage.
I guess I was one of the lucky ones to get this. I have a sneaking suspicion it'll make a return just like the dorms did. This set is so necessary for the modern modulars that lack the spiral staircases which were so ubiquitous in the old line of sets.
BTW, my Lego store still has a bunch in stock. So, get on your horse. Giddy-up!
Vancouver also ran out in 2 days, but i saw still have stock at Lego store.
Skirts! Finally.
Not into the minifig scale Hogwarts stuff myself but this is a nice GWP, I'm impressed by the compatibility.
A Lego set where applying the stickers at a jaunty angle might actually be considered a good thing based on the wonky picture hangings.
I've thought for a long time that the staircase would actually make a really good larger scale display piece with geared sections of stairs moving around and finally coming together to align to make the ascent/descent possible.
Wanted to get Grimmauld Place for this, but of course, standard Lego stuff - promotion goes live, set ‘Temporarily Out of Stock’, in Australia anyway.
Was trying to figure out what piece was used inside the archways, didn't realize it was a new window piece introduced a few years ago and I just never noticed it.
One of the best Hogwarts Castle sections released in years and it's relegated to a Gift with Purchase?
Thanks for the review. The stickers were necessary and I don't think I'm too bothered by it here. I should have one in the mail one of these days.
I didn't know this existed, I was almost like "well I could just blow my $100 LEGO Store card on some sets" and then I found out that this has a $130 requirement. Yeah no, if anyone ever posts a high-res enough pic of the sticker sheet I'll probably print that, tape it to some bricks, and make a version with the pieces I have. It is an interesting-looking build overall, though, I'm also one of the extremely few people who prefer the 2021 Hogwarts designs because of the interior space.
If I was collecting HP sets I'd feel miffed the grand staircase is relegated to a GWP
Looks like a fun small set, and even though the comments are divided, I think it's good Lego makes desirable GWP sets that actually entice people to buy more Lego, which is the purpose of GWP sets to begin with..
Buyers get a cool set they actually want or can use, and Lego makes more profit because of the high threshold, both are happy!
I was also encouraged to spend on Lego to get the Forest Hideout and was completely satisfied :)
I really wanted this I think it looks good and works well in a Hogwarts layout, I had a bunch of Harry Potter sets I wanted but hadn't gotten yet, this pushed me to do it, laterally 20 min after I found out, but alas it was already gone on the second day of a 2 week promotion, so now I don't know when I'll buy the sets... I was fuming the rest of the day, I literally have been pretty chill lately with less stress in my life, so this put me over the edge, look at the freaking ebay prices, and its necessary to keep up my collection, what a mess...
I got mine from my local Lego store on Monday, and the purchase threshold neatly matched the Ministry of Magic. It just about offset the discount I would have otherwise hung out for.
@JBBrickman said:
"I really wanted this I think it looks good and works well in a Hogwarts layout, I had a bunch of Harry Potter sets I wanted but hadn't gotten yet, this pushed me to do it, laterally 20 min after I found out, but alas it was already gone on the second day of a 2 week promotion, so now I don't know when I'll buy the sets... I was fuming the rest of the day, I literally have been pretty chill lately with less stress in my life, so this put me over the edge, look at the freaking ebay prices, and its necessary to keep up my collection, what a mess..."
Take JBBrickman to.... the store!
Such a shame that the best set of the new system isn't even available to buy. Seriously, why aren't there more $20 to $30 Hogwarts rooms you can buy? And the stickers here go great any display or MOC. Such a shame most will miss out.
I was thinking this GWP would be like dorm last year. But still couldn't wait and got all I want already. (I thought it'll be Oct like last year) Thought a while and decided not to buy extra to get it. Too bad for both dorm and this, it's not just a normal set for sale. I would buy multiple as this can be used to connect multiple sets. Like someone said above, I'll just build this with pieces. & print stickers myself. Probably change the stairs to have studs too.
I didn't even bother buying through Lego. Just bought on Ebay. That way I didn't have to spend a ton.
I placed an order when the promo went live and it's due to be delivered tomorrow. Went to place a second order two days later & the promo was gone already. Trying to decide if it's worth driving the hour & a half, plus the cost of gas, to my nearest store tomorrow if they still have any available.
I did not even know this existed until the review, and considering it was a promo/gwp, sadface
A nice set - but how much?!?
Remove the '1' at the start and that's what it should be...
I managed to get one of these in my Grimmauld Place order. I actually really like how it integrates with the existing castle pieces, even with the sharp corner. The stickers are honestly pretty great, and will be very useful for MOCs. I think my biggest issue with it is how awkward the opening where the room is looks while connected to other modules.
THEY INCLUDED FLIPENDO!? (It's the bottom most spiral symbol) To include such a fun, nostalgic reference and proceed to gatekeep it is unforgivable. First the forestmen and now this...
Look!
Stairs!
thankfully I could just got it from Allegro, and with Lego prices? I probably would spend the same if I get it on Lego with so much higher prices there
They should have had a Sir Cadogan window/door/portrait swap-out for the Fat Lady. Also, I wish they used tiles and other parts for *all* of the other portraits instead of doing the equivalent of painting on the walls. For example:
11252, Mini Tray
18336, Mini shield
30260, Octagonal sign with snap
and several other shields, kitchen parts and other pieces that would look very good as pictures.
@HuskyDynamics said:
"Look!
Stairs!"
Ray: "Where do these stairs go?"
Venkman: "They go up."
Both Harry Potter promotions in the United States are gone on the LEGO website. I'm guessing the LEGO stores have them but online is sold out.
@Furstynh said:
"Timely article about a set that no one will have because Lego apparently only made three.
"
I got one!
The spend threshold is becoming a bit much and very inconsistent in Australia, This set on Lego website was a spend of $209, then a few days later on the Lego Certified site and in store the spend is $179 (the certified stores are connected directly to Lego here and can get all of the Lego shop exclusives and have all the GWP promos, this is the first time it's been a different spend price)
The certified store spend is inline with the US/Euro spend, whereas the Lego shop spend is more like the UK spend so I don't understand why the UK spend is so high too.
Woohoo I got two! It was a surprise to see that the castle poly was included with each order when I added the HP sets to my bag, nice bonus. Two HP promos included per order was definitely a win win to me, especially since HP sets are not discounted in my area.
@PurpleDave
Here's the update to the saga of the 'dreaded policy.'
The CS representative had no clue why I had multiple orders canceled for Year of the Tiger and Santa's Front Yard. He said seasonal GWPs have no special status. His questioned whether I had received one last November (I had). Yet, obviously, this has no relevance for Year of the Tiger.
He understood that it is silly to run a Christmas in July GWP offer and exclude those of us who bought it last year!
Nevertheless, he said that the one-family-one-GWP was 'The Policy' and that the only reason it wasn't enforced every time is because their software system is in need of improvement.
Yet, he had nothing but an apology for why this was the case, and that Lego cancels GWPs from orders after they have been confirmed and with no notice.
Unlike the last time, this CS rep was very polite and courteous. He didn't argue that its enforcement was completely arbitrary (but, then again, I had already brought up the last 5 specific GWPs where I had been allowed to purchase multiples).
Finally, he agreed to povide me with $20 worth of VIP points for each canceled GWP. So, I suppose it's better than nothing. Still a lot of valuable time lost that I could have been building Lego or billing clients.
They better bring this set back! Lego needs to sort out their stock and availability ??
I told you! I told you about stairs!