Review: 76440 Triwizard Tournament: The Arrival
Posted by CapnRex101,
LEGO Harry Potter returned in 2018 and nearly everything featured in the older sets, produced between 2001 and 2011, has subsequently been revisited. However, the famed Durmstrang Ship has been an exception, other than a couple of microscale designs.
At last, the vessel returns at minifigure-scale in 76440 Triwizard Tournament: The Arrival, long after its memorable predecessor, 4768 The Durmstrang Ship, from 2005. This model appears accurate to the movie and quite unlike previous LEGO sailing ships, while an updated version of the Beauxbatons carriage is also included, with suitable minifigures for each vehicle.
Summary
76440 Triwizard Tournament: The Arrival, 1,229 pieces.
£124.99 / $139.99 / €139.99 | 10.2p/11.4c/11.4c per piece.
Buy at LEGO.com »
The long-awaited Durmstrang Ship looks magnificent, albeit with little interior
- A new Durmstrang Ship, finally!
- Outstanding ship design
- Stunning exterior detail
- Highly desirable minifigures
- Beauxbatons' carriage looks nice, for its size
- Very limited interior
- Only five minifigures
The set was provided for review by LEGO. All opinions expressed are those of the author.
Minifigures
Igor Karkaroff has previously been limited to 4768 The Durmstrang Ship, so I am delighted to see the Durmstrang headmaster in minifigure form again. This version sports formal attire and makes splendid use of dual-moulded legs to represent his long coat and boots. Moreover, this dark brown hair element suits the character brilliantly, originating with Nova from Friends.
Ushanka hats could perhaps have been supplied for Karkaroff and Viktor Krum, although both minifigures look excellent without them. Viktor has appeared several times before, but never in his jacket from the Durmstrang delegation's arrival at Hogwarts, which has translated nicely to the minifigure. I particularly like the combination of printing and a collar element for the jacket's fur trim.
Viktor's smiling expression returns from 76240 Triwizard Tournament: The Black Lake, but his severe alternative face is new. Igor Karkaroff, meanwhile, displays an emotionless grimace on one side of his head and a cruel smile on the other, suiting an ex-Death Eater. Both minifigures include their wands and Karkaroff also carries a golden staff, as shown in the film.
Beauxbatons Academy is also represented by two minifigures, including the school's half-giant headmistress, Madame Maxime. This figure takes advantage of the elongated arms and legs created for the Avatar theme, which makes sense given the character's height, although I find their proportions odd. The previous version of Madame Maxime featured a long dress, which I prefer, but articulated legs allow her to sit in the carriage.
Additionally, the torso has been updated since Maxime's last appearance in 2019, adding pink and white highlights to her coat. I understand the reasons for this adjustment, although neither dark red nor pink are truly accurate to the film. Fleur Delacour has also undergone some small changes since 75958 Beauxbatons' Carriage: Arrival at Hogwarts was launched, as the details of her uniform have improved.
The dual-moulded hat and hair element developed for the prior Beauxbatons carriage returns and looks lovely, as do the dual-moulded legs. Fleur's double-sided head leaves something to be desired though, while Madame Maxime's hairstyle would be more faithfully portrayed by the piece introduced with Bo-Katan Kryze last year.
Barty Crouch Sr. makes his minifigure debut in this set, finally filling one of the most notable gaps in the roster of Harry Potter minifigures. Crouch's black bowler hat, neat moustache and serious expression are absolutely perfect, although it would have been nice to see a hair piece provided as well.
The torso is new and suits Crouch, although I presume this piece was created for another as-yet-unknown character because some small details from his onscreen attire are missing. The minifigure comes equipped with a reddish brown wand, as well as a couple of famous magical artefacts.
The Completed Model
Appropriately, the Triwizard Cup and the Goblet of Fire are the first items to be assembled and these look better than ever, in my opinion. Clearly, the trophy is hugely oversized, but its shape has improved, accurately featuring three handles. In addition, the Goblet of Fire includes carved details around its base, plus an all-important trans-light blue flame on top.
LEGO has produced numerous sailing vessels, although the Durmstrang Ship is completely unique. The distinctive curvature of its hull corresponds with the onscreen vessel, which was inspired by Spanish and Portuguese galleons, rather than the full-rigged ships that commonly provide the basis for LEGO designs.
70810 MetalBeard's Sea Cow is probably the nearest equivalent to this model, sharing similar proportions and an almost identical sail plan. However, this vessel is much smaller, measuring 39cm from the tip of the bowsprit to the stern, or only 25cm along the length of the hull. A larger iteration of the Durmstrang Ship could have been fun, but this one certainly has a presence on display.
Also, I appreciate that the hull is completely brick-built, instead of relying on specialised hull pieces. The bow is incredibly elegant and its layers of plates and tiles give the impression of overlapping planks of wood, before reaching a carved figurehead beneath the beakhead. The figurehead should include arms, but recreating the animal's head was paramount.
The steep bowsprit mirrors the onscreen vessel, while the foremast accurately leans forward, again exaggerating a feature present on some real galleons. The fabric sails are fixed around small ball joints on each mast and these were entirely missing from 4768 The Durmstrang Ship, so I am glad to see them included here.
Red and yellow striped streamers are also mounted atop each mast, accurately displaying an increasing number of stripes towards the bow. Additionally, medium nougat cables form stays beside the fore and mainmasts. These look excellent, corresponding with the source material, without becoming excessively complicated or interfering with access to the ship for play.
Unfortunately, the deck space for minifigures is restricted to an area between the masts. More space would have been helpful for play, but open decks are similarly limited to this area on the Durmstrang Ship in the film. Furthermore, the decorative faces on both flanks match the original vessel and I like their LEGO styling, with eyes like those on a minifigure.
Though the deck is small, it is also uncluttered, so you can stand some minifigures here. I like the continuation of reddish brown and dark tan colours inside the ship and 1x2 grille tiles form realistic grating on the deck. A couple of reddish brown 1x2 clamps are integrated too, serving as unobtrusive handles to lift the deck panel.
Like the deck above, the interior is tiny. Nevertheless, the designer has managed to include a table with a lantern and cup on top, opposite a simple bed. Given how little of the Durmstrang Ship is shown in the books or films, I am satisfied with these generic features, although I think the bed could be better. Perhaps the bedding could have combined the sand green, dark green and yellow shades of the Durmstrang crest, for instance.
However, the double-headed eagle from the Durmstrang Institute crest is proudly displayed on its mainsail, which looks superb. The dark orange 4x4 tubs forming the crow's nests on the two bigger masts are appealing as well. Once again, these match the ship from the movie and there is enough space for a minifigure inside each crow's nest.
The ornate aftercastle is among the Durmstrang Ship's most distinctive features and provides an opportunity for some colour. These dark red and medium azure highlights are arguably too bright, but they look fantastic, in combination with pearl gold details. Moreover, the shields are attractive and accurately decorated, but it is a shame they need stickers. A total of 28 stickers are included, with over half adorning the aftercastle.
Also, the dark red structure between the rows of shields is easily big enough for minifigures to stand inside, but its roof is not removable, unfortunately. You can detach the entire front half of the aftercastle though, revealing Karkaroff's cabin. I like the consistent colour between this sand green chair and the bed, but I wish something was provided to hint at Karkaroff's sinister past.
The stern section of the aftercastle lacks any interior, although the compromise was necessary because the whole structure is connected at an angle, as shown onscreen. The relative lack of interaction between characters and the ship is a problem, but I think a larger scale was the only alternative to this design, without severely reducing the level of detail.
I am impressed with the smooth transition between the two sections of the aftercastle and the connection method is clever, using two angled Technic beams. However, the desired angle is marginally outside the normal LEGO grid, so a white 4L bar slots through a couple of Technic pin holes to anchor the structure. A traditional Technic connection would be even stronger, but this suffices.
Golden lanterns form cupolas atop the aftercastle and look splendid, flanking the mizzen mast. For complete accuracy, this mast would be positioned slightly further forward, but placing it on the uppermost deck is simpler and hardly affects the ship's overall appearance. The triangular sail looks perfect too, beneath a third streamer.
While the Durmstrang Ship is undoubtedly the highlight of this set, given its size and the long wait for a new model, the Beauxbatons carriage should not be overlooked. The proportions of this vehicle look brilliant and bright light blue is an attractive colour choice, with complementary pearl gold and dark red accents.
75958 Beauxbatons' Carriage: Arrival at Hogwarts shares these colours, but the prior model is obviously much larger. The vehicle from 2019 measures 30cm in length, compared with nearly 22cm for the new version. The bigger size afforded the earlier design more detail and functions, although its essential features are present on the smaller carriage.
The number of Abraxans included is another significant change, as well as the choice of pearl silver wings, instead of white. Of course, more Abraxans would be great and there are actually seven in the movie, although one is enough for play and I love its silver wings, giving the animal an extra sense of magic. Also, a 1x2 tile is provided, so you can detach the winged horse from its articulated hitch.
Beauxbatons' carriage seemingly has no need for a driver in the movie, but a reddish brown seat is included, just in case. Furthermore, this recreation of the carriage is shorter and more rounded than its predecessor, but its shape remains elegant and the lamps positioned at each corner look marvellous, taken directly from the onscreen vehicle.
I think the ornamental feature on the roof improves upon 75958 Beauxbatons' Carriage: Arrival at Hogwarts, as its height seems more faithful to the film. The stickered crests on the doors are effective too. However, the rear wheels should be bigger than those in front, so I wish that detail was retained from the 2019 model.
Both doors open and the roof can be removed, revealing benches for two minifigures inside. There is even enough space for Madame Maxime's long legs, which is great, but something could have been added between the passengers, filling the empty area. A table would suffice, particularly given the contents of the chest on the back of the carriage.
Two teacups are stored here, so the lack of a table for them is disappointing. Also, I dislike the grey plates visible underneath, standing out among such vibrant colours. Pearl gold or reddish brown trim could easily have concealed these pieces, after all. Despite these minor issues, the carriage is better than I anticipated, considering its comparatively modest size.
Overall
LEGO Harry Potter fans have discussed an updated version of the Durmstrang Ship for many years and 76440 Triwizard Tournament: The Arrival finally obliges. Thankfully, the model looks absolutely beautiful, faithfully recreating the exaggerated proportions of the ship featured in the movie, with remarkable exterior detail and wonderful colours.
Authentic shaping has come at the cost of interior space or functions, but given the scarcity of information about the vessel's interior, which is not shown in the film, I consider this a sensible compromise. The carriage and minifigures are superb too, even though just five characters are supplied. Given the price of £124.99, $139.99 or €139.99, I hoped for more. Nevertheless, the long-awaited Durmstrang Ship does not disappoint.
162 likes
45 comments on this article
I don't care a thing for Harry Potter, but I'd love to mod this ship into a proper Spanish Galleon with plenty of room for cannons and treasure!
Love this set. Wasn't sure if I was going to get it due to the lack of interior but your review may change my mind...
Looks good! Great review; I will definitely put it on my Wanted list.
"Merci." - Ronald Bilius Weasley
I'm happy to see black and white dual molded legs again.
Time to never get this ever!!!
That is a very chibi boat.
Not a big Harry Potter fan and therefore not a set I'd ever buy, but I do like the ship. But this review only reinforces my initial feeling that the carriage and other stuff looks like an afterthought, and this set would have been better had it only been the ship with a few more Durmstrang students. And then a separate set for the carriage with also a few more students and an extra whatever-that-flying-horse-is-called. Throwing it all together makes this set less than the sum of its parts.
This looks more like a 13-15th century carrack than a 16-17th century galleon to me. I want to crew it with Lion Knights and have it dock next to the Lion Knights Castle. The problem is that I don't have any Lion Knights, much less their Castle ....
I'm delighted that the ship is brick-built.
Great review of a nice set - thanks, Cap!
I’ve been looking forward to this, very excited to finally get an updated model.
I am happy with this set and the amount of mini-figures. Especially if adding more would have just been another Harry. I missed out on the last boat, and this will look great with my Sea Cow
Pretty solid build, not gonna lie. I’m a huge fan of ships and even horse drawn carriages. It’s a shame I don’t feel comfortable buying these sets anymore. But it looks good.
Such a fun release; it feels super fresh, too. I'd be curious to see how it looks without the majority of the stickers.
I recall asking a mall Santa for the original set way back when. I ended up not getting it (although I'm sure I was bequeathed other sets), so I'll be looking forward to indulging in this new set as an adult to finally scratch that decades-old itch!
The ship looks like an amazing build. I'm really impressed with this set - even though I'd love more of an interior, it's such a unique offering from the Harry Potter theme and a great execution of something fans have been asking for!
@whw_iv said:
"I recall asking a mall Santa for the original set way back when. I ended up not getting it (although I'm sure I was bequeathed other sets)"
Santa... Santa died?!
I think this is a beautiful companion to 75958 and allows for a potential beefing up of the Beauxbatons carriage. That and the ship will look marvelous next to the castle (any of the three Hogwarts interations, for the record). Lovely set, feels magical and expressive in a good way.
Glad to see the long limbs still in use after Avatar. Gives me hope for Jack Skellington!
New Light royal blue Train Doors!!! Train fans get all excited - but, wait, what's this??
NOOO, there's 2x Left Train Doors, not 1x Left and 1x Right. Train MOC builders start to cry in their beer.........
Hello darkness my old friend, yes this one will hit my wallet.
This set is cool! but we got 75958 a couple years ago, so they shouldn't have included the cartridge, especially as it's down-sized. They should have just focused on the ship.
The ship is pretty much the perfect size.
Bigger would have been nice but then the curved pieces would likely not have lined up as good as they do here and while the size isn't realistic, it's not like a 170$ pricepoint with or without the carriage would have added anything substantial.
The added carriage bothers me more as this looks like it could have been a nice 90-100$ set without it and might have added a second or third pupil.
@Maxbricks14 said:
"This set is cool! but we got 75958 a couple years ago, so they shouldn't have included the cartridge, especially as it's down-sized. They should have just focused on the ship."
Agreed. This ship is really nice. It could have been better or cheaper, and with more Durms. The limited interior does continue the tradition of the first ship (which I proudly have on display with its chrome gold accents).
As is, this set is still my first choice once the inevitable Hoggy Day GWP comes around.
Didn't the original set also have Victor in his arrival jacket?
I love it! ...it's a pitty that the shields are not printed though... But definitely getting this someday...
I wonder how it would look next to the Lions Knight castle.
The ship's exaggerated proportions have really translated well here, it looks very good indeed; or at least, very much like the ship in the film. It's never really described in the books so there's not much to go on there. The figs look good too, although I'd have to agree that at this price it would have been good to have a couple more.
I doubt it'll make the cut for me this year, but it looks like a good set overall!
Ah, those sails and banners! I may need to somehow budget for this thing. A case of: don't care about the minifigs but need that amazing build.
I'm just curious if recent things with creator have affected sales of Harry Potter sets?
I've never been Harry Potter fan nor do I really care what creator have said or done but I'm just curious.
Madame Maxime looks rather atrocious to me.
@mediAFOL said:
" @whw_iv said:
"I recall asking a mall Santa for the original set way back when. I ended up not getting it (although I'm sure I was bequeathed other sets)"
Santa... Santa died?!"
Sadly, yes. (Oops, haha.)
The only good thing about this set are the 'sails' that were glaringly omitted from the first iteration of this set. The rest: Price, size, lack of figures, the insane amount of stickers... 'Meh'. To me, even at a discount its still 'Meh'.. IMO, its just another cash grab from any Potter collector/completion-ist, otherwise its not worth it.
How do you place your stickers?
It looks beautiful!
That's it though. Not much functionality, barely any interior or fun accessories. The old one's cabin could at least be removed and opened, filled with stuff for the figs.
And although it's been said before, but I don't like that the carriage is there to meet a pricepoint. Then again, if that budget was put in the ship I'm not sure it would have provided as much play value...
Idk. I'm going to say it's a decent inclusion then, but I can't help but wonder if they could have put that budget into a folding interior or something.
At first i was surprised to see another version of this carriage, thinking it was released just a year ago or so. But it was 2019. For an afol it seems like yesterday, but in kids years, that's a new generation.
Still, these two vehicles should be separate sets so that this magnificent ship would be cheaper or bigger.
I saw those shields and was like, "Ooh!" Then I realized they weren't printed. Oh well, it's not like I was planning to get this set anyway...
@mediAFOL said:
" @whw_iv said:
"I recall asking a mall Santa for the original set way back when. I ended up not getting it (although I'm sure I was bequeathed other sets)"
Santa... Santa died?!"
Yes, but if The Santa Clause is any indication, he's been replaced.
Perchance, didst thou take any photographic evidence of said sticker sheet before application? Tis curious as to what exactly is being stickerized?
Another set that looks good but otherwise is bad.
The Carriage should have been separate set...
I have no interest at all in HP, which is my problem, not yours, but I recently got the microscale Hogwarts School at 2/3 original price and it builds as a really nice fantasy castle. Similarly, this is also a breakover set, which would be worth getting (once it's discounted) for the ship alone. It's a masterpiece.
I agree the Carriage should have been a separate set, but from the context I assume that attendees arrived for the Triwizard Contest by sea and air and Lego is still, nominally at least, a toy which young people should be able to play out scenarios with.
I'm not a fan of Harry Potter yet (still waiting for time to binge all the films and read all the novels) but this looks like a marvelous set and from the little knowledge I have about the scene that this set portrays, I think it looks pretty good.
Definitely going to try to pick this one up. Even if I decide that I don't HP, I'd still end up with a brilliant-looking ship.
Needs an unnamed student from each school at the very least to bump up minifig to price ratio. Maybe thrown in the previously used merfolk fig peaking up from the water.
Having 75958 (which is excellent btw) I am torn between this set (obviously for the ship) and 10332 Medieval Townd Square as the usual "big" purchase/splurge of the year. sigh! help people, help!
The ship looks glorious. They really captured the shaping and details.
I like that they included the carriage since it is a whole to-do in the movie. And I like the smaller size of the carriage. It will be easier to repurpose it for the medieval setting.
I love the galleon-look. And the brick build hull. Like the recent creator Pirate ship and viking ship. I am not into Harry Potter, but I will want this ship to go with other ship models. Especially the pirate ship.
Seeing these long legs and arms for Madame Maxime (forgot that Avatar figs had them) , I think Sauron should've been given this height and arm length for the Barad-dur set?
This set really shows how utterly broken Lego's "First set the price, then design the set" approach is. Even if I wanted the carriage, the Norwegian price of 1900kr is about 50% too high for a 1230-piece set, only wanting the ship it costs nearly twice what I'm willing to pay. And the "two left doors" issue is just plain unforgivable.