IncrediBuilds: Harry Potter: Sorting Hat Deluxe Book and Model Set

This is the second of the Harry Potter Incredibuilds model sets that I've built and Buckbeak was much easier to put together than the Dobby model (not that either were particularly difficult but this one had less pieces!). I did find it a bit more fiddly popping the pieces out of the wooden board they come on, partly because there were some very thin and easy to break parts, but as long as you're careful it should be fine. Make sure you follow the included instructions and you'll have the model made in no time.The finished model stands about 12cm tall and is about 20cm wide across the wing span. If you're going to decorate the model it would probably be easier to paint it before you put the pieces together and you'll find some painting tips at the back of the book if you want to make your model look like the original Buckbeak. I was happy to leave mine undecorated though and it's still a really nice looking model.The hardback book it comes with is only about 30 pages long but it includes lots of fun facts about Hippogriffs in general and Buckbeak in particular. You'll find stills from the movie, pictures of the life sized models they created, quotes from the books and information on exactly how they brought Buckbeak to life including 3 different full sized models and a lot of CGI. It's not a long read but it was interesting to see how much effort went into creating just one character who doesn't even have a major role in the story really. They wanted to create a fantastical creature that was as real to life as possible and studied both birds and horses to help them work out how Buckbeak would move.I love these sets, they're brilliant for any Harry Potter fans who will enjoy the information included in the book and love having a finished model to display on their bookshelves. I plan to collect them all eventually!

This is the fourth one in this range of kits that I've bought. Buckbeak is my favourite kit. They take about an hour to put together if you are doing a good job and glueing the pieces in place. You don't have to glue them but I want mine to last. They are well cut and come with easy instructions. An 11 year old would be able to build this alone. You also get some paints and a nice hardback book with info on buckbeak and tips on painting. They are a bit expensive but if you are a mad HP fan you will enjoy creating something to add to your collection.

Well packaged, arrived quickly, exactly as described. My daughter loves it!