Build Review of LEGO 40695 Borgin and Burkes: Floo Network

As most of you are probably aware, the LEGO GWPs are currently Harry Potter items because LEGO is focusing on “Back to Hogwarts” as its theme for the beginning of September.

We were lucky enough to receive the LEGO 40695 Borgin and Burkes: Floo Network gift with purchase and have managed to find time to complete the build. We have to say it’s an excellent little set, a perfect accompaniment to any LEGO Harry Potter display.

BUILDING BORGIN AND BURKES

On opening the box, we have:

• 3 x numbered plastic bags
• 1 x instruction manual
• 1 x sticker sheet with four stickers
• 1 x 6x8 tan plate
• 2 x black Technic pieces

We hoped the numbered bags would be paper bags rather than plastic. We also noticed that the three loose parts were not included in the bags, and we wondered if there was a specific reason for this, as they seemed like they would have fit.

The first part of the build process is, as is usually the case with LEGO, the minifigure. LEGO 40695 includes a Lucius Malfoy LEGO Minifigure. He has plain black legs, but the torso has excellent details. The printed brown fur collar extends onto the back around his neck. There is a beautifully printed silver chain fastener across the front of the jacket, and the back has creases denoted on it. Underneath the coat is a grey patterned shirt (or sweater) with an adornment at the neck just below the collar.

Lucius only has one face print (we were hoping for a variation on the other side). Atop his head is a long, flowing blonde hairpiece, and he holds a cane as an accessory. The first sticker decorates the lid of the Dark Matter box.

BUILDING THE INTERIOR

We start by using the loose 6x8 plate alongside bag one to build the base for the stock in Borgin and Burkes. This is a simple fourteen-step procedure. In step seven, the second sticker in the set is applied to the windshield part, which works as a counter front. Two skulls are contained within the counter, and the countertop is adorned with a selection of items, including a light green gem and a bust. A smaller shelf on top sports a green bottle and a skull in a cloche.

Bag two and the loose LEGO Technic parts see us building the fireplace that contains the Floo Network transportation point. The first nine steps involve creating the fireplace, which uses translucent green cheese wedges to simulate the magical glittery Floo powder. Once the fireplace is completed, we will start building the Floo network framework to make the LEGO Minifigure “disappear.”

Step twenty-six involves inserting the jazzy green corkscrew-type section between the Technic upright struts. Once this is in place, the buildable section for the LEGO Minifigure to stand on is slipped over it.

The following nine steps use a selection of grey and sand-green pieces to build up the walls around the fireplace. Two dark grey columns are placed on either side of the fireplace grate.

Moving onto the third and final bag, we start by building up the top of the tower a little more with light grey and sand green pieces. Steps thirty-nine to forty-one are for creating the handle that activates the Floo Network. This handle is then mounted onto the tower structure.

Once the handle has been attached, another black 2x6 is added to finish the roof. Then, the front grey plates are added, and the third sticker is used to create a shield effect. Chimney pots are built on the roof, and a couple of black, curved window pieces are added in the centre. The archway is decorated with another green gem and the Hand of Glory. The final sticker is added to create the Borgin and Burkes shop sign.

Lastly, eight pieces come together to create the back of the store. Four tiles and four plates cover the back of the building. Now that this is complete, the two builds can be joined via the connector rods on the shelf section and the corresponding holes in the Floo build. Of course, you don’t have to display them joined. They look just as good displayed separately.

FINAL THOUGHTS

This 190-piece set is fantastic; not only does it look great, but the joy of using the Floo network is pure: he’s there, he’s gone, he’s there, he’s gone - you get it, it’s fun! A note though - it does work more smoothly if Malfoy isn’t holding his cane. 

LEGO 40695 compliments the LEGO 76437 The Burrow-Collectors’ Edition perfectly; it’s the dip to your chips.

What do you think of this latest LEGO Harry Potter GWP? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

Happy Building!