What is DK? Mechanical Animals, Magic Cats and Steam Trains in Bricks

Discover DK building sets: mechanical sea creatures, magic cats and dogs, steam locomotives and a 3,694-piece pirate ship. All rated 8+, from €19.95.
5 min read
DK 7052 Mechanical Spectacled Cobra, an assembled black and green brick-built cobra next to its box

DK is a Chinese building-block brand known for big, characterful display builds: mechanical sea creatures, magical cats and dogs, steam locomotives and a pirate ship of almost 3,700 pieces. Every DK set we stock is rated 8+, and most cost between €24.95 and €44.95.

If you have come across DK sets and wondered what they are like, this guide covers what DK make, how the builds feel, which set suits which builder, and what we have in stock at Toy Haven.

DK at a glance

  • Who: DK, a building-block brand from China.
  • What: brick-built display models of animals, fantasy creatures, trains, ships and sports gear.
  • Size of build: mostly around 700 to 1,900 pieces, up to 3,694 for the Queen Anne's Revenge.
  • Extras: some sets light up, and some build in more than one way (2-in-1 and 3-in-1).
  • Ages: 8+ on every DK set we stock.
  • Prices at Toy Haven: €19.95 to €74.95.

What do DK make?

DK sets are display models: you build them, then put them on a shelf or desk where people can see them. The range we stock falls into four groups.

Mechanical creatures

These sets turn animals into armoured machines with gear details and exposed joints. The 7011 Mechanical Seahorse (1,003 pieces) stands about 37.5 cm tall, the 7042 Mechanical Lantern Fish has rows of silver teeth and a lure on its antenna, and the 7052 Mechanical Spectacled Cobra stretches to about 48 cm. The 7058 Mechanical Bat is a 2-in-1 set that measures about 49 × 26 cm.

Magic and fantasy animals

This is DK at its most playful. The 7047 Magic Cat is a tuxedo cat in an oversized purple wizard's hat, with a separate brick-built lantern that lights up (it runs on LR41 button cells). The 7057 Magic Dog flies through the night on a broomstick, the 7074 Pirate Cat is ready to set sail, and the 7073 Head Chef Groundhog is exactly what it sounds like. On the more dramatic side, the 7066 Egyptian Pharaoh Dog is a black-and-gold guardian whose front legs move so you can adjust its pose, and the 7056 Eight-Eyed Spider is a proper fantasy beast.

The 7075 Dalmatian is a 3-in-1 set: you can build the dog sitting, standing or lying down, one at a time, so you get three builds from one box.

Trains and ships

Train fans have plenty of choice: the 80014 Big Boy steam locomotive (about 50 cm long), the 80016 BR01, the 80015 Leader, the 80017 Unlimited Steam Train (about 58.5 cm) and the 80019 AC6000CW diesel locomotive, which is about 77.5 cm long. At sea, the 7078 Nautilus Submarine is about 50 cm long, and the 6002 Queen Anne's Revenge pirate ship, with 3,694 pieces and a length of about 76 cm, is the biggest DK set we stock.

Sports

Two sets for sports fans: the 80020 Football Attack Sprint and the 80021 Baseball Bat, Glove & Ball, with a brick-built bat of about 62.7 cm.

DK 80020 Football Attack Sprint, an assembled brick-built American football and helmet display

What is it like to build a DK set?

DK sets come unassembled with an illustrated step-by-step manual. Because most models are in the 1,000 to 1,500 piece range, a DK set is a good evening or weekend build rather than a ten-minute one, and the result is big enough to enjoy on display. The fantasy animals are full of small details to spot as they come together, while the trains are long, satisfying builds for anyone who likes engines.

All the DK sets we stock are rated 8+. Younger builders will enjoy doing the bigger sets together with a parent or older sibling, sharing out the bags and steps.

Which DK set should I choose?

  • A first DK set: the 7011 Mechanical Seahorse at €24.95 or the 7060 Magical Centaurs at €19.95.
  • Most fun for animal lovers: the Magic Cat, Pirate Cat or the 3-in-1 Dalmatian.
  • Train fans: the Big Boy, BR01 or Unlimited Steam Train.
  • A big project: the Queen Anne's Revenge pirate ship.

Like the look of mechanical animals? MJI make motorised mechanical creatures that actually move, and Mould King make a motorised locomotive with remote control.

DK sets at Toy Haven

We stock 23 DK sets, from €19.95 to €74.95. Some to start with:

See all of them in our DK collection, or browse every brand in our bricks collection. New to non-LEGO bricks? Our overview of alternative brick systems is a good place to start.

Frequently asked questions

What is DK?

DK is a building-block brand from China. It makes brick-built display models such as mechanical animals, fantasy creatures, trains and a large pirate ship.

Is DK the same as LEGO?

No. DK is a separate brand and is not part of LEGO.

What age are DK sets for?

Every DK set we stock is rated 8+. The bigger sets are fun to build together with an adult.

Do any DK sets light up?

Yes. The 7047 Magic Cat comes with a light-up lantern, and the 7057 Magic Dog is also a light-up set.

What is the biggest DK set?

Of the sets we stock, the 6002 Queen Anne's Revenge pirate ship is the biggest, with 3,694 pieces and a length of about 76 cm.

Where can I buy DK sets in the Netherlands?

Toy Haven stocks 23 DK sets online, with free shipping within the Netherlands on orders from €60.

Find your next DK build

Toy Haven is an online toy shop based in Enschede, and shipping within the Netherlands is free on orders from €60. You can also meet us at conventions across Europe, including FACTS in Ghent (31 October – 1 November 2026) and Milan Games Week (27–29 November 2026): pre-order online and collect at our stand. Seahorse, magic cat or steam train? Shop the DK collection at Toy Haven.