Abstract: The invention relates to methods of constructing and operating a wind turbine, said methods comprising the steps of lifting a wind turbine nacelle and tower sections with the use of an external lifting system, and using a lifting system to propel said nacelle vertically up and down said tower sections. The external lifting mechanism comprises a guide rail and guide car onto which tower sections are loaded for horizontal movement, a foundation structure joined to a tower section hoist mechanism containing clamps, and a nacelle holding mechanism. A nacelle includes a tower penetrating hole through which said tower vertically penetrates. Tower sections are provided with a plethora of guide rails positioned around said tower extending from the lower end to the upper end of said tower sections, said guide rails contain removable toothed racks meshing with said lifting system to propel said nacelle vertically up and down said tower sections.