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The set was provided for review by LEGO. All opinions expressed are those of the author. Minifigures For parts fans, this set includes a new broom mold that appears in several of the Summer 2022 Harry Potter sets, which is much more accurate to the on-screen brooms the characters use; it’s also arguably simply better scaled for a minifigure. The approach of only molding the bristles also makes the part much more flexible – I guarantee someone will be able to make engine plumes from these – and there is an anti-stud on the bottom offering more attachment possibilities. The hair component and head chosen for Ron Weasley appear similarly appropriate, but this torso is new. I dislike this combination of green shades and yellow stripes, although the gaudy design corresponds with the movie! Since they are nearing adulthood, both minifigures include standard legs, rather than the small and medium legs common among Harry Potter sets. Upon first glance, this building appears surprisingly mundane. The architecture corresponds precisely with the terraced houses in areas of central London and the distinct proportions of these houses are perfect, although they are one floor shorter and accordingly narrower than their onscreen counterparts. Nevertheless, the relative heights and widths are most important and those measurements look great.
Grimmauld Place works twice as hard as any other LEGO Harry Potter set for that reason too. The play function is central to its initial appeal, but the ability to still offer up a decent exterior design and interior space for play ensures that for both of those standard LEGO Harry Potter theme identifiers it stands shoulder to shoulder with any of the other sets currently available, with little compromise, considering that the outer terraced house interiors are on triangular-shaped plates to allow the model’s internal folding mechanism. Altogether, delivering on play and display ensures that beyond what is a noteworthy play feature, 76408 12 Grimmauld Place is a set with the same longevity for both aspects as any other LEGO Harry Potter set. Grimmauld Place fills a conspicuous gap in the LEGO Harry Potter theme and has proven impressive, in many respects. The function that reveals number twelve is outstanding and I think the exterior looks marvellous, while the interior includes numerous details from the movies. The designer has certainly made efficient use of the limited space.The limited room becomes more apparent on the middle floor, which looks surprisingly sparse. One room contains a basic armchair, while the small piano is inspired by The Deathly Hallows, when Harry, Ron and Hermione take refuge in Grimmauld Place. There are stools for Ron and Hermione, so it is a shame that Hermione omitted.
Crookshanks completes the figure selection, despite Hermione's absence. This half-Kneazle cat looks reasonable and I love his moody expression, reflecting Crookshanks' sometimes haughty personality. I think a traditional dark orange colour may have been more appropriate than this vibrant colour though and my figure exhibits a printing issue around the eyes, which is hopefully isolated. Grimmauld Place slots almost seamlessly into position between its neighbours. The model inevitably appears more substantial in this configuration and measures 24cm across, which seems closer to what one might envisage for a set containing nearly 1100 pieces. I like the contrasting colours too, even though that contrast has been exaggerated, relative to the film. However, the model is significantly smaller than I had envisaged, reaching just 26cm in height. While perhaps disappointing, the size is roughly equivalent to the buildings from 75978 Diagon Alley, so they look good together and some simple modifications could ensure total consistency between them. The scale does feel underwhelming for the price though, unfortunately.Several mugs and goblets are placed along this table, with an exclusive newspaper tile which depicts The Daily Prophet's momentous 'The Boy Who Lies?' headline. Four linkages connect the dining room with the areas on each side and they are integral to the sliding function, pulling 12 Grimmauld Place forward. Kreacher's den occupies the corner, behind a door with room for Kreacher inside. These designs previously appeared in 75978 Diagon Alley and capture wonderful personality, since both twins seem fittingly cheerful. Fred features a smile and a laughing expression with open eyes, while George's laughing face includes closed eyes. The twins' reddish brown and dark brown wands are also provided, as always. And we cannot overstate just how perfectly this single feature to the set elevates it above any number of other LEGO sets, in the Harry Potter theme and indeed across the wider product range, and from what’s currently available and from what has come before. There’s nothing to fairly compare the fluid, fantastic motion that this set offers, for how effectively it works, for how accurately it actually looks and, for how strongly it plays all the right notes to Harry Potter fans. As a theme, LEGO Harry Potter has been delivering some stand-out LEGO sets in recent years and it is pretty clear that 76408 12 Grimmauld Place is the latest such creation. The set also includes another interesting, albeit less significant, accessory from the film. Fred and George develop the magical Extendable Ear, perfect for listening to distant conversations. This example comprises a flexible tube, a new medium nougat angled accessory holder and a printed ear, stretching from the top floor to the dining room. The build starts with the front steps and the base for the sliding mechanism which is the core feature of the set. Ingot pieces and half-stud spacing with jumper plates give the steps appealing texture and spacing, while several bright colors help to tile the pieces of the mechanism that will be hidden. Two reddish brown 2×6 tiles are hidden here; these are relatively rare still and I’m tempted to replace them with more common tiles to save them for visible use.
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