Back in 2008, LEGO released a limited-edition set called the #4999 LEGO Vestas Wind Turbine. It featured a replica of a wind turbine made by Vestas Wind Systems, a Danish manufacturer of wind turbines, and the largest wind turbine company in the world. The set also included LEGO Power Functions, so the wind turbine could actually spin, as well as a maintenance van, and three minifigures. As this set had very limited distribution, it is highly desirable by collectors (the price on the secondary market is around $500). Since LEGO has been focusing more and more on sustainability and clean energy, it doesn’t come as a surprise that they decided to release an updated version of the original set. Below is the press-release with all the details of the upcoming #10268 LEGO Creator Expert Vestas Wind Turbine. Look through it and let’s discuss. 🙂
While the world-renowned New York Climate Week (24 – 30 September) is live, the LEGO Group unveiled the latest LEGO Creator Expert set to come out of the LEGO vault; the LEGO Vestas Wind Turbine. The updated model is released following popular demand for the original set, and to celebrate play, creativity, and imagination while also raising awareness about sustainability and renewable energy in partnership with Vestas. This is the very first set available to purchase that features one of the all-new sustainably sourced plant-based plastic LEGO elements.
The LEGO Creator Expert Vestas Wind Turbine has been designed in partnership with the sets’ namesake and world’s leading provider of sustainable energy solutions. Vestas is the energy industry’s global partner on sustainable energy solutions. They design, manufacture, install, and service wind turbines across the globe, and with 94 GW of wind turbines in 79 countries, they have installed more wind power than anyone else.
The 826-piece LEGO model stands nearly a meter-high towering over a wooded hill, featuring three of the new ‘Plants from Plants’ spruce trees. Made from plant-based plastic sourced from sugarcane, the inclusion of these elements is part of the first steps in the LEGO Group’s ambition to use sustainable materials in products by 2030 and packaging by 2025.
This latest installment in the LEGO Creator Expert series has been designed to provide a challenging and rewarding building experience with a touch of nostalgia. Builders will discover a house complete with a furnished patio, working porch light, and a powered wind turbine, as well as three Vestas technician minifigures and a dog. The set measures 100cm high, 72cm wide, and 31cm deep, and features adjustable wind blades, a detailed tower, movable nacelle with aircraft warning lights, and LEGO Power Functions to automate the set.
Tim Brooks, Vice President of Environmental Responsibility at the LEGO Group commented: “We strive to make a positive impact on the environment, and are committed to climate action and to use sustainable materials in products and packaging. This wind turbine celebrates our first steps in bringing these ambitions to life, and we hope it will inspire builders to learn about renewable energy. In August, we released the first LEGO elements made from plants, and now our fans around the world can buy a LEGO set containing these unique elements.”
Morten Dyrholm, Group Senior Vice President of Marketing, Communications and Public Affairs at Vestas said: “Today, wind energy is the cheapest source of energy in many markets, which have made wind turbines a sustainability icon across the globe. We are proud to partner with the LEGO Group on this re-launch. The original Vestas wind turbine LEGO model was specially created for Vestas to promote wind energy to a small audience within energy and as such. Today’s re-launch to the global LEGO community tells the story of how wind energy has gone from niche to mainstream, not just within energy but the entire world.”
The LEGO Creator Expert Vestas Wind Turbine is the latest in the LEGO Creator Expert line of products and will be available to buy on Black Friday (23rd Nov) directly from LEGO stores and the Online LEGO Shop. Prices are as follows: USA – 199.99 USD, Canada – 249.99 CAD, United Kingdom – 159.99 GBP, Germany – 179.99 EUR (Euro prices vary by country), check the LEGO Creator section of the Online LEGO Shop.
What do you think? How do you like the LEGO Creator Vestas Wind Turbine set? Are you excited about this re-release? Do you have the original set? Which one do you like better? What other green energy related sets do you think LEGO should release? Feel free to share your thoughts and discuss in the comment section below! 😉
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So, this is the third rerelease from 2007-2008 as far as I’m aware of. The Taj, the Falcon, and this. I wonder what comes next.
Yes, indeed, that’s the third set that was pulled out of the vault! There are some rumors (or maybe just wishful thinking) that maybe one of the early Modulars might have an upgrade as well. 😉
It’s important to go green as much as possible, but I’m worried that this means that Lego won’t make the chemical plant that’s almost at 10k votes on Ideas. It’s one of my favorites: https://ideas.lego.com/projects/95fff097-fcaf-4aa4-a8e8-6efebce91ed1
Hm… I love that model too and really hope that it will be a LEGo set! But you are right, LEGO may shy away from sets that don’t appear to be green.
Hmmm, pretty cool, although it might still be too big, and too niche…
The wind turbine looks very elegant. I think this set will be popular with the same crowd that likes the Architecture sets. Are the Vestas logos printed or on stickers?
Looking at the high resolution images I received from LEGO, it appears that all the logos are printed. 🙂
The wind turbine looks great, but why is there a house at the base? Is that a maintenance building? The description just says it’s a house. Is it a European thing to put houses at the foot of wind turbines? Wouldn’t the noise be deafening?
It could be just an artistic rendition that the house is powered by a wind turbine, or it could be a maintenance building. At least that’s my take on it. 🙂
Nice set, but what’s up with the price? 826 pieces and costs $200? Am I reading that right? Even with power functions, this should be no more than a $110-$120 set. Okay, licensing may add a little more. So, like $130 max? Maybe $150 if I’m really really generous?
Not sure about the price. There is a discussion about it at the LEGO Ambassador Forum, but no official response from LEGO.
I didn’t comprehend the size of this until seeing it on the desk at one of the last pictures. As someone said above, it looks elegant.
Nice to talk about ‘green’ plastic but Lego online uses plastic pillows for packing orders, hasn’t even emulated Amazon’s use of recycled paper & cardboard packaging. So Lego is very pale green – not goo enough for 2018.
I remember a road trip from sacramto to Las Vegas and saw a hand full of these ( wind turbines) . They aren’t as loud as people think they are. In fact they are quiet. Does the set come with the motor / battery pack? I’m wait for Lego to do a farm again and farm equipment.
Yes, the motor and battery pack are included. I would love to see some farm sets too! WE need the goat back, and sheep, and cows! 🙂
Well, if you’d be about three meters away, it might not be quiet enough for a chillaxing weekend at the countryside, anyway…
Yeah, imagine a giant propeller ominously rotating over you at all times! 😈
And hope this never happens: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yhXMycNAGpQ
Although it’s probably rather rare.
Oh, my! That’s probably the reason we don’t have wind turbines here in Florida!
That’s funny you mentioned goats . I just was looking at I think it was the kingdom theme where it had a farm set with goats and chickens. I loved the wind mill . I’m almost tempted to pull out my kingdom/ castle theme. But right now I’m in the middle of the monster fighters theme. ( love the Vampire Castle).
Monster Fighters is a perfect lead-up to Halloween, so you are doing good there. BTW, tomorrow morning there is a super interesting announcement coming. Stay tuned. 😉
Yeah, the single set that has ever included goats, I believe…
How do you keep a Lego fan in suspense ………..You make them wait for some news tomorrow. Lol
Oops, I tried to change the word “make” into “keep” but, it was to late .So, ignore the first one. Please.
I deleted the first one for you. 😉