Some LEGO builds cast a long shadow, not just in bricks, but in nostalgia. LEGO 75955: Hogwarts Express is one such set. Although it’s been retired from shelves for a few years now, it still arrives with all the excitement of the magical train pulling into Platform 9¾. In June 2025, we were lucky enough to pick up a second-hand version in great condition, just as we began constructing the Harry Potter quarter of Redmond’s Forge LEGO City.
Built at our kitchen table, as always, this was a set filled with moments of magic. Darren handled the build solo this time (Luke and Rose were busy helping sort out pieces for Diagon Alley), but the joy was shared by all.
Set Name: LEGO Harry Potter 75955: Hogwarts Express
Piece Count: 801
Minifigures: 5 + Dementor + Scabbers
RRP: €89.99 (retired)
Where It Lives Now: The newly forming Harry Potter section of Redmond’s Forge LEGO City
First Impressions
Opening the box, felt like unsealing a spellbook. Everything was there, the distinctive red engine, the coal tender, the passenger carriage, and the platform, all in excellent condition. The set may not be the largest or most complex in the Harry Potter line-up, but few LEGO creations are as instantly iconic.
And from the first turn of the instruction manual, it’s clear: this isn’t just a train. This is a journey.
The Build Experience
Building 75955 was a joyfully linear experience. You start with the locomotive, which has all the charm of the GWR 4900 Hall Class engine used in the films, right down to the classic red and black colour scheme. There’s no motorization here, though with a bit of MOC magic, you could easily add it to a powered rail system, but it captures the feel of steam-travel magic perfectly.
Next comes the coal tender, which is simple but essential, and then the passenger carriage, which opens up to reveal seating, luggage racks, and that wonderful trolley cart (“Anything from the trolley, dears?”). Inside, there’s enough space for role-play and display, especially with the included minifigures.
Finally, there’s a compact but effective Platform 9¾, including a brick wall function where a trolley can “disappear” through, a clever and playful touch that gives life to the scene, and Luke played with this morning, making Ron and his trolley run through it, matching the memorable scene from the movie.
Mini-figures & Magic
The set includes:
- Harry Potter (casual Hogwarts attire)
- Ron Weasley
- Hermione Granger
- Remus Lupin
- The Trolley Witch
- Dementor
- Scabbers the rat
The presence of Professor Lupin and a Dementor makes this more than just a train ride, it transforms it into a scene straight from Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. The mini-figures have expressive dual faces (Harry’s terrified reaction to the Dementor is especially good) and detailed printing. Lupin’s werewolf-transformation-ready alternate face is a bonus for storytelling.
Into the City: Hogwarts Comes to Redmond’s Forge
With the Hogwarts Express built and displayed, we knew exactly where it belonged: in the new Harry Potter quarter of Redmond’s Forge LEGO City. We’ve begun designating a corner for the Wizarding World, eventually to include the big-ticket sets like Diagon Alley (75978), Hogwarts Castle (71043), and more modular-style additions over time, although the Burrow will be added immediately.
For now, the Express sits on a siding, leading into a custom MOC tunnel we’re building to mimic the Highlands. The platform butts up against a modified modular station build, making it feel like a seamless part of our city’s transit network, even if it runs on steam and spells instead of diesel and timetables.
We also lit the interior of the passenger carriage using third-party LEDs, which brings the carriage to life during evening play sessions.
Pros & Cons
✅ Pros:
- Iconic Design – Instantly recognisable and display-worthy, even on its own.
- Fun Minifigures – Excellent selection including Lupin and a Dementor.
- Playability – Platform, hidden wall feature, and accessible carriage make it very interactive.
- Great for City Integration – Easy to combine with modular stations or Harry Potter areas.
❌ Cons:
- No Track or Motor – As a standalone train, it’s not ready for running unless you modify it.
- Platform Size – Some might find the platform section a bit small.
- Not the Most Complex Build – Simpler than most adult LEGO fans might prefer, but perfect for younger builders or collectors.
Value in 2025
Though retired, this set still commands a respectable price on the second-hand market, typically between €75 and €120 depending on condition. We picked ours up as part of a larger Harry Potter haul, and considering the quality of the pieces and mini-figures, it’s held its value remarkably well.
For LEGO City builders, it’s also far more affordable than the upcoming motorized collector’s edition Hogwarts Express (76405), making it a practical choice for integration into everyday layouts.
Final Thoughts
LEGO 75955 Hogwarts Express may not be the biggest train on the tracks, but it’s certainly one of the most beloved. For Redmond’s Forge LEGO City, it marks the start of a magical expansion, and a chance to blend wizarding whimsy into our brick-built world, and provided the idea for our Harry Potter Weekend at Redmond’s Forge this weekend.
As we build out Hogsmeade, Diagon Alley, and perhaps even Hogwarts itself, this train will remain the cornerstone of the journey. After all, every adventure starts at Platform 9¾, and this set delivers that moment perfectly, one brick at a time.
