Review: 40598 Gringott's Vault
Posted by CapnRex101,
40598 Gringotts Vault has been produced as an ideal companion for 76417 Gringotts Wizarding Bank - Collectors' Edition, adding another piece of track with an additional vault to the complex network of tunnels beneath the bank.
Furthermore, the model serves as a piggy bank, which is a nice concept. The spend threshold of £115, $130 or €130 also seems very reasonable, for a set containing 212 pieces, so I am expecting great things of 40598 Gringotts Vault.
Summary
40598 Gringotts Vault, 212 pieces.
Buy at LEGO.com »
Whether attached to Gringotts or displayed separately, this promotional set is satisfying
- Perfect companion for Gringotts Wizarding Bank
- Neat piggy bank function
- Appealing minifigure
- Rocks somewhat lacking in detail
The set was provided for review by LEGO. All opinions expressed are those of the author.
Box and Contents
This set includes an interesting sticker sheet. In addition to one sticker for the door and two forming brickwork on either side of the vault, there are different options for the vault number above the entrance. One sticker displays some damage, obscuring the number, so this vault remains generic. Alternatively, you could write your own vault number or initials on the blank stickers provided.
Minifigure
A single unnamed Goblin is provided, formally dressed and including the same torso as Alfred Pennyworth in 76252 Batcave - Shadow Box. The same piece also appears in 76417 Gringotts Wizarding Bank - Collectors' Edition, which is not ideal when displaying the sets together, as the repetition appears odd.
Fortunately, the identically-attired goblin in the bigger set features a different hair colour. This dual-moulded element includes superb detail and the prominent ears look great. Furthermore, the head is fittingly wrinkled for the goblins as they appear in the films, displaying a concerned expression on one side and a cunning smile on the other. The minifigure comes with a printed coin and a spare is provided as well.
The Completed Model
76417 Gringotts Wizarding Bank - Collectors' Edition establishes a clear style for the vaults and this example matches those in the bigger set perfectly. The model connects alongside Bellatrix Lestrange's vault using Technic pins and the blue pin shown below is needed to reposition the buffer at the end of the track from Gringotts, although 1x2 panels at both ends of this track fulfil the same purpose.
The mine cart is another area in which this set complements its direct-to-consumer counterpart, as both sets feature identical carts. Wheel inserts from Speed Champions are cleverly used for the upper wheels, while black saucers form small wheels underneath. This design corresponds with the onscreen carts and there is room for a couple of minifigures to stand on board.
While the vault looks impressive beside those in 76417 Gringotts Wizarding Bank - Collectors' Edition, including an identical functional door and stone surround, I think the rocks underneath could be better. These lack detail in places and the dark tan 1x2 rounded plates supporting the rocks look slightly awkward when connected to the whole bank, which avoids such supports.
However, the rocks on top of the vault look good and a slot is hidden in the centre, where you can insert some coins. There is ample space for coins inside and the money can be accessed by removing the panel on the back, as shown below. Additionally, a short ladder is found inside, so minifigures can climb down to the floor and deposit their own coins.
Overall
In general, I enjoy promotional items which complement other sets, perhaps expanding them or adding some extra minifigures. 40598 Gringotts Vault is an excellent example, as this structure matches 76417 Gringotts Wizarding Bank - Collectors' Edition nearly faultlessly, but also looks splendid as an independent model, once the conspicuous Technic pins are removed.
Moreover, the piggy bank idea is clever and well-realised, providing some extra functionality, without affecting the outward appearance of the vault. This set is currently available with any Harry Potter purchases of more than £115, $130 or €130 at LEGO.com and I think that is a fair threshold, considering the size of this set.
Thanks to Huw for the photos in this review.
119 likes
35 comments on this article
Goblin: "Vault ???"
HP: "What's in that vault Hagrid?"
Hagrid: "It holds people who ask too many questions. Goblins don't take to curious minds too much."
Might try and pick this up on bricklink, the whole piggy bank thing is cool. Wonder if we'll see any pictures of this alongside the larger bank :)
So can this actually simply slot into the Gringotts set somewhere or is it just made in the same style? I assume it can attach easily somehwere, but I'd love to see a pic of it in place.
@Brainslugged said:
"So can this actually simply slot into the Gringotts set somewhere or is it just made in the same style?"
Yes, it connects beside Bellatrix's vault at the base of 76417 Gringotts Wizarding Bank - Collectors' Edition. Ideally, we would have liked to include a photo showing them together, but Huw has this set and I have Gringotts. You can get an impression of how they combine on the back of the box though:
https://images.brickset.com/sets/AdditionalImages/40598-1/40598_alt2.jpg
An excellent set for teaching children what cash was before it became obsolete!
No doubt that the set is an ideal companion for 76417, but a £115 threshold GWP is far from an ideal companion to a £370 purchase... 3 maybe!
So it's a companion to 76419 for now. 76417 will come later.
Flaw the lack of coins/treasure
Looks nice, now lego needs to make a switch track for the new rails so more Gringotts expension is possible.
Sadly the HP on sale don't interest me so I can only pray I find it for a nice price.
Looks like it connects to other copies of the same set. And - if you find a way to curve space - it looks like it might even connect TO ITSELF.
I managed to spend exactly $0 on LEGO in August. Then BAM, this Vault is released (plus the other Quidditch freebie) and I went to the local store to get the Hogsmeade train which just clears the threshold for the two gifts. I am happy, though.
No use for this in my Hogwarts castle. Oh well. Hope it is useful to others.
@CapnRex101 said:
" Yes, it connects beside Bellatrix's vault at the base of 76417 Gringotts Wizarding Bank - Collectors' Edition. Ideally, we would have liked to include a photo showing them together, but Huw has this set and I have Gringotts. You can get an impression of how they combine on the back of the box though: "
Thanks - I hadn't noticed the greyed out image on the back of the box. Can't believe how hard it is to find a good picture of them actually connected.
It occurs to me that this would be great for storing all of one's extra printed coin tiles, which would work better from a minifig-scale point of view. Even if not all the designs would fit into the Harry Potter aesthetic, they'd still fit in better than human-scale coins would. Also, if you'd told me that a piece created for Speed Champions had ended up in Harry Potter, I'd have expected it to be one of the windshields or maybe the eight-wide chassis piece; I definitely wouldn't have called wheel inserts.
@CapnRex101: Why is the repeated torso odd? Been years since I saw any of the movies, and I don't have any HP sets with goblins, but didn't they have some sort of uniform?
Yes, very nice, but this won't make me buy the main set until there's a better deal. Instead, I bought a bunch of the sale stuff- by my calculations, more than 40% off. I did get 2 of these.
The real issue, how does it compare with the shadow box version?
@StyleCounselor said:
"The real issue, how does it compare with the shadow box version?"
Especially the shadow box version of Alfred's torso print.
So it's empty? Huh.
“Rocks somewhat lacking”
Bros caught lacking :skull:
Given how expensive the set is, I kinda feel like this build should’ve been included with it.
Great to see the saucer piece getting more use, now let's hope we also get it in white in more sets to match the tea cup!
Wait. It does not come with that printed big tile with coin pattern?
Lameeee
The customization / bank features feel like kind of a waste on a set that will only go to adult collectors and then sit on display.
Kind of a shame too that we get nothing but retail HP remakes, and this is new but locked behind GWP.
You've gotta be kidding it seems te be sold out.
It doesn't appear is my cart anymore I only see 30651.
@Huw is the continent isolated or do you have the same? or am I just bugged?
@watcher21 said:
"You've gotta be kidding it seems te be sold out.
It doesn't appear is my cart anymore I only see 30651.
@Huw is the continent isolated or do you have the same? or am I just bugged?"
Same in the UK. I had left a basket open earlier and its now a less attractive deal. 8 days left though, great predictions on demand.
@Lego34s said:
" @watcher21 said:
"You've gotta be kidding it seems te be sold out.
It doesn't appear is my cart anymore I only see 30651 .
@Huw is the continent isolated or do you have the same? or am I just bugged?"
Same in the UK. I had left a basket open earlier and its now a less attractive deal. 8 days left though, great predictions on demand."
Considering how hopelessly the website has performed it wouldn't surprise me if it's an IT issue rather than a stock shortage issue. They must surely have anticipated it being popular. I can't see many being enticed by a polybag!
In official images, the goblin in this set has glasses, like the one who greets Harry in «Philosopher's Stone», is that not the case? Also, repeating a tuxedo design is the most natural thing in the world. All tuxedos look the same.
@sjr60 said:
" @Lego34s said:
" @watcher21 said:
"You've gotta be kidding it seems te be sold out.
It doesn't appear is my cart anymore I only see 30651 .
@Huw is the continent isolated or do you have the same? or am I just bugged?"
Same in the UK. I had left a basket open earlier and its now a less attractive deal. 8 days left though, great predictions on demand."
Considering how hopelessly the website has performed it wouldn't surprise me if it's an IT issue rather than a stock shortage issue. They must surely have anticipated it being popular. I can't see many being enticed by a polybag! "
Me too… I’d left a basket open and was about to purchase it last night (2nd Sept) and it has disappeared from my order - however the promotion banner for it is still showing all over the site.
I’m guessing it’s sold out.
@Minifig_Jez said:
" @sjr60 said:
" @Lego34s said:
" @watcher21 said:
"You've gotta be kidding it seems te be sold out.
It doesn't appear is my cart anymore I only see 30651 .
@Huw is the continent isolated or do you have the same? or am I just bugged?"
Same in the UK. I had left a basket open earlier and its now a less attractive deal. 8 days left though, great predictions on demand."
Considering how hopelessly the website has performed it wouldn't surprise me if it's an IT issue rather than a stock shortage issue. They must surely have anticipated it being popular. I can't see many being enticed by a polybag! "
Me too… I’d left a basket open and was about to purchase it last night (2nd Sept) and it has disappeared from my order - however the promotion banner for it is still showing all over the site.
I’m guessing it’s sold out.
"
Still available in the US.
This GWP was no longer available at the Lego Store in Wijnegem (Belgium) yesterday; I guess TLG had underestimated demand for this one. Luckily I was able to order one on 1 September…
@essel said:
"This GWP was no longer available at the Lego Store in Wijnegem (Belgium) yesterday; I guess TLG had underestimated demand for this one. Luckily I was able to order one on 1 September…
"
30651 en 40598 zijn in de Leidschendam en Den haag Store niet meer verkrijgbaar. (Heb ik van een andere lego fan)
@StyleCounselor said:
" @Minifig_Jez said:
" @sjr60 said:
" @Lego34s said:
" @watcher21 said:
"You've gotta be kidding it seems te be sold out.
It doesn't appear is my cart anymore I only see 30651 .
@Huw is the continent isolated or do you have the same? or am I just bugged?"
Same in the UK. I had left a basket open earlier and its now a less attractive deal. 8 days left though, great predictions on demand."
Considering how hopelessly the website has performed it wouldn't surprise me if it's an IT issue rather than a stock shortage issue. They must surely have anticipated it being popular. I can't see many being enticed by a polybag! "
Me too… I’d left a basket open and was about to purchase it last night (2nd Sept) and it has disappeared from my order - however the promotion banner for it is still showing all over the site.
I’m guessing it’s sold out.
"
Still available in the US."
Yes, that's surprising. Normally seems to be the US with supply issues, rarely the Belgium warehouse.
Maybe they'll restock although, since I don't want another one, I'd be more than happy with something different to go with Concorde and the Insects!
Seems to be sold out in Sweden too within 2 days. Nice going TLG.
@J0rgen said:
"In official images, the goblin in this set has glasses, like the one who greets Harry in «Philosopher's Stone», is that not the case? Also, repeating a tuxedo design is the most natural thing in the world. All tuxedos look the same."
Even the hair color is different. The one on the box has dark gray.
40598 is no longer mentioned on the "celebration" page for LEGO UK.
That was a short party.
@bananaworld said:
"
40598 is no longer mentioned on the "celebration" page for LEGO UK.
That was a short party."
Nothing more to see, here. Back to class!
Still available in US, btw.
Sent a message to LEGO yesterday asking if they actually ran out of this set within 2 days. Wrote the message in English, which was listed as an acceptable language to write in, but on a Swedish page. It was forced like that because I happen to be in Sweden. Got a response in 24 hours in - I think - Danish. Google Translate is my friend I guess, but it seems odd to assume a person who happens to be in Sweden (not actually Swedish) will understand a message in Danish. Maybe take the hint when someone writes in English? First puzzling interaction I've had with TLG, normally they are quite good.
And it turns out they actually ran out in Europe in two days (despite their colleagues trying so hard to make a good estimate). So much for that.
It shows on the front page of the US site but isn't in my bag when I go to check out. I'm confused.
Polybag now also sold out