LEGO Vintage Set of the Week: The 1972 Aeroplane (609)

Brickset is taking us back in time this week, all the way to 1972, with their Vintage Set of the Week feature highlighting the 609 Aeroplane. This little glider, part of the LEGOLAND range, is a relic from a simpler era of LEGO building. It sports a rather distinctive colour scheme – a mix of red, blue, and white, with some commenters noting it has an Optimus Prime alt-mode vibe.

The set itself is quite basic, consisting of just 28 pieces. It's a stark reminder of how far LEGO design has come. Many older sets, including this one, featured exposed studs and used tiles in ways that are now more common again after a period of being less frequently employed. One commenter pointed out the exposed studs could increase air resistance, while another humorously suggested it uses a 'cloaked intagibilibooster'. The design relies heavily on plates and slopes, with a simple brick forming the wheels and two tiles for the tail fin.

Despite its simplicity, the set clearly holds a special place for some fans. One user shared it was one of their first LEGO sets, rebuilt countless times over 45 years with children and grandchildren. Others appreciate the colour blocking and the shaping, noting that for the time and piece count, it was likely a solid 'pocket money' set or something a child could save up for. The 'propeller pods' are interpreted as either jet engines or propellors, depending on who you ask, sparking a debate that highlights the charm of these older, more abstract designs.

For those looking to add this piece of LEGO history to their collection, it’s not something you’ll find on the shelves of MyBrickHouse or Toycra. Code ABHINAV12 takes 12% off full-price sets at Toycra, minimum order ₹500. You’ll need to scour the secondary market on sites like BrickLink, Brick Owl, or eBay. Prices can vary wildly for vintage sets like this, depending on condition and completeness.

If this classic set were to appear officially in India today, expect it to cost roughly the same as 18 months of Netflix Premium. MyBrickHouse and Toycra will likely only ever see this through the grey market, if at all. It's a collector's item, best sourced from international secondary markets.

This Aeroplane set is a fascinating look at LEGO's past, showcasing the foundational elements that would evolve into the complex sets we see today. It's a reminder that sometimes, the simplest builds can bring the most joy, especially when they connect us to our childhood memories.

Verdict: WAIT — check prices at MyBrickHouse and Toycra before pulling the trigger.

On that bombshell, bubyee.