Here it is: my expansion / upgrade of The Three Broomsticks, from Hogsmeade Village Visit. Since my last post, I've made a few small tweaks, but it's largely unchanged from my BL studio design. I will have to find another solution for my chandeliers, but for now, I'm sitting it on the shelf. I'm so happy with how it turned out!
Next, on to Honeydukes to save it from sticker hell.
I love the Hogwarts Castle And Grounds set. But, I thought it needed something to elevate it and give it a bit more presence on the shelf, so I downloaded BrickLink Studio about a month ago and came up with this (see second photo for finished design render). I was inspired by the Hogwarts model produced by The Noble Collection years back (not sure if it's still produced), that sat on a large wooden plinth.
The main support is complete, and despite the rudimentary design, is quite rigid. It's probably because I used more long 1 x bricks than just 1 x 2s. It made for a quicker build too! I'm still waiting on some reddish brown slopes from Lego PAB, but I'll be sure to post the finished build. Maybe I'll add the light kit one day, who knows?
I had a previous version of the file on the Bricklink Studio Gallery, but I've since updated the file using cheaper slope parts, so if you want to build this, this new version will hopefully be approved and republished in a day or so. My username there is nobigdiehl, keep an eye out.
I've been working on a project to upgrade and expand my Hogsmeade Village Visit set (76388). It's largely inspired by the Collector's Edition Hogsmeade Village set (76457). I like a lot of the architectural details of the bigger set, but I don't LOVE the set overall, and I don't need two versions of Hogsmeade. So, I decided to give my set the "Collector's Edition" treatment.
This is the final version of my design of The Three Broomsticks. It's taller, wider, and deeper. It has redesigned chairs, a new front door, improved roofs and dormers, and more. My favorite new detail that I'm shocked didn't end up in the collectors edition: the snowman.
I will use a combination of stickers from both sets to add detail to the round 2x2 tiles and the 1x6x5 panels. I have a cat part that's new with the Series 29 Witch Minifig that I plan to have perched on the upstairs fireplace, on top of the books. The part is just not in BL Studio yet. Madame Rosmerta, the pub owner, had a dog and a cat, so I will be on the lookout for a good dog.
The parts have been ordered, so I'm excited to get building!! After that, on to Honeydukes!
I've started a project to upgrade 76388 – Hogsmeade Village Visit, using some of the best ideas from 76457 – Hogsmeade Village Collector's Edition.
I really like a lot of the architectural details in the Collector's Edition, but I'm not a fan of the set overall. For its price and size, it doesn't seem like the best deal, and I don't like the interiors all that much. So much of the three broomstick's interior is taken up by chandeliers, that while look nice, don't add much to playability.
My goal was to give 76388 more of that "Collector's Edition" feel by adding height, width, depth, and detail while keeping the original set's, in my opinion, better playability and layout.
Changes so far:
This is just the first phase of the project, and I still have to design the interior and sidewalks. But, I plan to give my Honeydukes building the same treatment.
I'd love to hear what everyone thinks! Any suggestions for architectural details or building techniques I should try before I move on to finishing touches? Or any ideas on a good third building to add? I'm leaning towards Zonkos. I think that could be a fun challenge.