With another lot of Harry Potter LEGO sets out, it was time for this Potterhead toy photographer to take the sets out for a toy photography spin!

First up, I’m going to be looking at the Hungarian Horntail Triwizard Challenge (set 75946). This is a mid-sized set in the new range, and comes with some good items for your 4th book toy photography needs! As with all my LEGO reviews there will be no piece count, and no build review, just an honest look at the potential for toy photography.

The figures

The four champions in a row, from the back.

We get 4 figures in this set – the Triwizard Champions:

  • Harry Potter
  • Fleur Delacour
  • Cedric Diggory
  • Viktor Krum

All the figures have some great details on their champion trackies. I particularly love the back detailing on each of them. The colours are also great, particularly Fleur’s tracksuit.

In addition to some great printing, they each come with dual faces – one happy, one slightly scared. This is perfect for reenacting your favourite moments.

LEGO Fleur lying on a bed looking worried.
“Fleur Delacour was sitting in the corner on a low wooden stool. She didn’t look nearly as composed as usual, but rather pale and clammy.” – Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, page 305.

Harry also comes with the long floppy hair that is recognisable from the movies. All of them come with wands as their main accessory. Harry also comes with a Firebolt – a nice little upgrade to the standard broomstick.

LEGO Harry Potter staring into the camera
“‘No, I’m fine,’ said Harry, wondering why he kept telling people this, and wondering whether he had ever been less fine.” – Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, page 307.
LEGO Cedric Diggory looking pensive.
“‘The Hogwarts champion,’ he called, ‘is Cedric Diggory!'” – Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, page 238.

As well as the figures and the dragon, there’s also a small tent, complete with a bed and some refreshments. This makes for a useful backdrop for the figures, although it is very simple and a little bit bland from the outside.

LEGO Viktor Krum leaving the tent
“Viktor Krum was thin, dark, and sallow-skinned, with a large curved nose and thick black eyebrows. He looked like an overgrown bird of prey.” – Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, page 95.

The Hungarian Horntail

I would guess that for most people, the real star of this set is the Hungarian Horntail.

A flying LEGO dragon.

LEGO dragons are pretty darn awesome. And the Horntail is no slacker in this department. With some wonderful dual plastic moulded wings she can soar through the skies, looking for the one who would take her eggs.

LEGO Harry Potter being chased by a dragon.
“And then she reared, spreading her great black leathery wings at last, as wide as those of a small aeroplane – and Harry dived.” – Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, page 311.

It’s quite tricky to photograph the Horntail in flight. After all, if you are not quick about it, flames may head your way. (Or the wind will make her move before you can get the shot you want!) With the use of some wire and a helping hand, I managed to get a couple of shots that I wasn’t completely unhappy with!

Out of focus Harry being chased by a dragon.
“He was like a fly to her, a fly she was longing to swat; her tail thrashed again, but he was too high to reach now… she shot fire into the air, which he dodged… her jaw opened wide…” – Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, page 311.

The only issue I really had with the dragon is that with the flame and attachment piece, you couldn’t close her mouth. I ended up removing the piece to be able to show her in another way. The printing on her face really is rather great, if a little scary!

A LEGO dragon with claws

Final thoughts

In all, this is a great set for Harry Potter fans, although might be a bit of miss if you are not a fan. Whilst the 4th book is not one of my favourites, getting all the champions in one set is brilliant, and I can definitely see the advantage in having them all for other photography opportunities. Likewise the dragon is a nice one to have (and I think is my first LEGO dragon). I can see other photos with the Horntail coming in the near future!

Disclaimer: This set was provided by LEGO for review.

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