This is the third, and final, version of the Hogwarts Express. Actually, it's the fourth, since there is also a motorized version, but LEGO® calls this one the 3rd version, not the 4th. The 1st edition and 2nd edition both had the train and Platform 9-3/4. The motorized version includes the train station at Hogsmeade. This one, however, does not include any type of train station.
Instead, it has the treat trolley pushed by Trolley Witch and Arthur Weasley's Ford Anglia car. There are also several more minifigs, including Luna Lovegood, which doesn't actually make sense story-wise. Do you see why that doesn't make sense?
If not, I'll help you out. The flying car was part of the second story, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, and was never seen again. Yet, Luna wasn't introduced until the fifth story, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. Luna and the Ford Anglia were never in the same story.
Set 4841 - Hogwarts Express (3rd Edition)
Year Released: 2010
Set Number: 4841-1
Name of Set: Hogwarts Express (3rd Edition)
Book Set is Based On: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
Number of Parts: 625
Minifigures: 5 - Draco Malfoy, Ginny Weasley, Harry Potter, Luna Lovegood, and Ron Weasley
Creatures: 6 - Frog, 3 owls, rat, and spider
Minimum Recommended Age to Build This Set: 8 years old
I find that odd, but I suppose it's good for people who don't own Escape from Privet Drive and want the car. On the other hand, this is the only one of the 60+ sets where you can get a Luna Lovegood minifigure, and I love her! She is dressed in casual clothes that are totally Luna. Her head is double sided. One side looks normal and the other side has Luna wearing Spectraspecs.
Luna is not the only rare minifig found in this set. This is the only set with this version of Draco Malfoy, Ron Weasley, and Ginny Weasley. There are plenty of Harry Potter minifigs but this version of Harry is only available in this set and one other (Trolley). Collectors want this set because of the rare minifigs found in it.
Also included is Harry's Invisibility Cloak, which you can see in one of the pictures below. Harry didn't use his cloak on the train in any of the stories except for one - Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. If you are keeping count, that means this set includes items from three different stories.
As for the train, it differs slightly from earlier versions. The overall look is similar, but the compartment that the students ride in is a bit different. All versions allow for access to the inside by removing the top, but earlier versions took off most of the walls and roof of the car so people could access the inside area. This version removes just the roof. It is easier to play with minifigs in the train in earlier versions than with this one.
The wheels are also different on this train. I don't know how the wheel differences will affect playing with each train on LEGO® train tracks because I don't have any tracks. Having said that, train tracks are not required to play with any of the trains. The train rolls on a flat surface just fine.
More Pictures of This Set
Image Source: All images are from my collection
This LEGO® set contains small pieces that could be a choke hazard and is not meant for children age three and younger. LEGO® is a trademark of the LEGO Group of companies which does not sponsor, authorize or endorse this site.
