Say what? My inside source shared a few details about this new exclusive Harry Potter model that’s going to be coming to Books-A-Million this fall (October-ish? Also, possibly appearing at Second and Charles, part of the Books-A-Million family). I was a bit surprised, because it seemed like my local BAM was clearing out their Metal Earth inventory, but it sounds like they are just being more selective on which models they’ll carry, and they are big into Harry Potter, with this exclusive 5-sheet color-printed Hogwarts Express! Here’s a not-hacked-together-by-me graphic announcing the model, as well as some additional angles:
Not to be confused with the recently announced ICONX Hogwarts Express, this model appears to be a colorized version of the classic silver Hogwarts Express. But colorizing it was not enough this time around (remember, they also did a BAM! exclusive colored version of the Burrow), they had to go and throw in a sweet looking display base, complete with tracks! I am so very much sold! Adding in the base increases the size of the model to 7.5″ x 1.5″ x 1.6″ (19 x 3.75 x 4 cm). For comparison, the engine-only ICONX version is approximately 6.9″ x 1.5″ x 2.25″ (17.5 x 3.75 x 5.75 cm).
Speaking of selling, be aware that this model may be distributed like their previous Harry Potter exclusive. By that, I mean that it might not be sold on their website, and you might have to watch your local BAM! for inventory to show up when it’s sent out. With the Burrow, there was no way in the system to special order the model. So I would suggest that if you really want this one, swing on by (or call) your nearest BAM! and ask the friendly staff if they would call you when they get it in stock. I know I will be contacting mine.
Also, AnimateOrange has a video about this exclusive, so check it out to get his take on this!
Source: a reliable insider
I’d love to build this BAM model but I’m based in the UK and can’t find it listed anywhere on Ebay, does anyone have any idea how I could order it?
Unfortunately, I don’t knoow of a good way, other than finding someone you know and trust from the US to purchase and ship it to you. I’ve done it for a few people, so I can tell you that I had to ask for roughly US$51 to cover the cost of the model, taxes, shipping and paypal fees. And then when it arrived, I heard that the recipients had to pay some additional fees (import or something?). Just to give you an idea of the costs. And that was at the cheapest shipping rate I could find.
That’s really helpful to know, thank you!
Anyone know how to order this to Canada???
It looks like Books A Million doesn’t ship internationally. So your best bet is to find someone you trust who lives in the US and is willing to purchase it for you and send it via post. Can I contact you on the email address you provided while entering the comment and see if I can help you out with finding someone? The comment system logs the email addresses for sending reply notifications, but I never use it, unless specifically given permission.
Why is it that the burrow gets a base and it is not available to the general public. I just did a search on BAM! and found no metal models, and now I’m probably going to miss out on the new Hogwart’s train with the track. I love trains! Boo Hoo!
Yeah, it’s frustrating that BAM! doesn’t make these models available on their website. I’m planning on keeping an eye out at my local BAM! for this model (I’m lucky enough to have one in town). I’ll probably grab as many of them as I can, and try to help other builders who don’t have easy access to a BAM!