How to make a Nimbus 2000

In the Harry Potter universe, Harry receives a Nimbus 2000 racing broom from Professor McGonagall when he joins the Gryffindor Quidditch team. This is how I made mine for a Harry Potter Halloween party.

I've entered this in for the Halloween Props competition, feel free to cast a vote if you like this!

Step 1: Always reference your work

First step is to get reference pictures of the broom so you know what to aim for. I used this replica from Cinereplicas as the basis for my build. I imported the side view into a drawing programme and scaled it to the right size for my height. This allows me to work out the ratio of broom to stick and the right diameters. Close up photos also allow me to see what various parts are made of and how things go together. Notice how the back half is more curved like a tree branch and the front end has a sharper curve like it had been shaped into a broomstick.

Comments

[chiok]

I'm afraid not. The Nimbus 2001 has a much sleeker shape to the body and a different shape head stock.  But the overall construction is similar.  That being said, if you're going for the quick look, you could whack on black gloss paint and silver hardware instead and it will be convincing enough on first impressions.  Do try it though, it's very satisfying.  Here's a reference for the shape:

[slehman]

Does this pattern also work for a nimbus 2001? just a black stain instead, i feel would work and then some dye on the end of the bristles.

[tkdgirl368]

I really want to make one of these, but the problem im having is finding the bristles. Where did everyone else buy them from? Thank you

[instructable person 9]

use pine needles and silver tape

[tkdgirl368]

umm I've never seen pine needles that long and where do you get them?

[chiok]

I also have never seen pine needles that long. Options are: bundles of willow which I believe you can find in a Hobby Lobby, hay or straw if you live near a farm, or bundles of decorative sticks from the IKEA garden and plant section. All will make fine bristles. I believe mine were some type of dried grass.

[tkdgirl368]

thank you! I have the the wood piece done, just been waiting to find the right bristles :)

[nodoubtman]

does it fly? :)

[Pickles5000]

Maybe Harry should have tried a steel pin biscuit and glue when he fell off his and it landed in the whomping willow

[StoryAddict]

LOL. Sadly, although it was only broken into three visible pieces in the movie version, the book's record shows it was basically just splinters gathered in a paper bag. I'm pretty sure that if magic couldn't fix it, even a handy muggle solution of a steel pin biscuit and glue probably wouldn't have done any good. Although I have to say, the book's description of the Firebolt seemed way cooler than the Frankenstein's monster thing they schlepted together as an afterthought in the third and fourth films.

[instructable person 9]

could you use shoe polish

[el_hereje]

si vuela te mereces el premio Nobel

[kuehntw]

Hi, I love the work you've done and I'm trying my best to create a broom similar to yours. I'm trying to figure out the size ratio of the shaft/handle of the broom to the bristles/head of the broom. I’m trying to make one according to the size of the replica which is 71". According to my measurements the shaft/handle of the broom is about 1.35 times the length of the bristles/head of the broom. I was wondering if you could give us some measurements on your broom so I could compare? Thanks again! You’ve done a spectacular job to say the least!

[chiok]

You are pretty much spot on. The ratio is around 1.3 to 1.35:1, shaft to bristle length. So for a broom 1803mm (71") in length, you would want a bristle section around 780mm (30") to a shaft length of 1020mm (41"). Mine is a bit smaller at 650mm to 850mm. Finding longer bristles would have been a pain for me.

[Penolopy Bulnick]

That looks great! I love the detail, the name on the handle looks great!

[chiok]

I must admit that the lettering is my favourite part. I was worried about the detail of the lettering coming through, but carefully cut out and the spray glue on the back holds all the little bits down nicely.

I used a "Metallic Gold Spray" from Wilkinsons (UK) which isn't a name brand or anything, but offers excellent coverage for a metallic spray which really helped give an even look to the lettering. Thanks for your comment!

[mtonacchio]

I can't wait to make this!!!

[brunoip]

Awesome

[afierens]

Epic!

[ChrysN]

Wow, that looks amazing, excellent work.