LEGO road plate harmony! Easiest, cheapest fixes & integrations for modulars, baseplates & more

Connecting LEGO City 2021 road plates to old baseplates, modular buildings, Creator 3-in-1s & more with the right height and minimal cost, plus more modification ideas.
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0:00 Intro
0:25 Plate vs. baseplate height
2:13 Modular building fixes
4:56 Creator 3-in-1 & City
6:55 Shimming away color bleeds
8:56 Old city/town on baseplates
9:56 New to old roads
11:45 Speed Champions 6 & 8 wide
14:55 Custom widths, medians, 4 lanes
16:23 Wrap-up
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[@JANGBRiCKS]

Just the tip of the iceberg of possibilities here, addressing some of the most common questions & misconceptions about compatibility. Like I say in the video, there's a ton more that can be done, so search & browse around and also experiment! Keep in mind that *nearly all* Creator 3-in-1, City, Friends, and other buildings have been on plates *since 2013* and thus out-of-sync with modulars. It's the old baseplates that are out of system, not the new plates. This changeover has been a long time coming.

[@thegrimlord834]

When we gonna get a new mega video?

[@davidrambharose1683]

Panit the red plates gray also your videos are amazing

[@nutellaontoast4281]

Can you try and integrate railroad tracks into them. Maybe the crosswalk sized plate could fit in-between the rails? I'd just like to see that. Thx for posting this!

[@mtm0471]

Hey jang, i've been building a lego star wars base and i've been running low on plates and tiles to fill in the ground of my hangar area, could these roadplates be effectively used for that?

[@legobrickabrac]

You did good Jang.

[@Reple2000]

with this system it would be very cool if they took the chance to make a set with two 45 degree angled roads rather than a full 90 degree one. imagine how awesome that would be?

[@JANGBRiCKS]

👍🔨😤 Smashing thumbs up

[@RottenMechGaming]

Great idea. I hope the brick gnomes in Denmark are listening 👂😀

[@coreyrodriguez1160]

@@JANGBRiCKS I got the new road plates

[@pysz6748]

I’d like to see a bridge made from these

[@rosteezek7668]

Yes

[@cyboticzombie]

I hadn’t thought of that but now you’ve said it I want that to.

[@Lordodragonss]

SOlbrick has one.

[@grandviceroyoftheempire]

That's a good idea.

[@zacez4512]

I would like to see a star wars hangar using these

[@jajproductionsfruitcakefil8489]

Jang, can I just thank you for being such a calm voice. When something new comes along that concerns the LEGO world, you keep showing us that our hobby still goes on despite or because of it, without strongly picking a side. You definitely play a considerable role in keeping this community such a relaxing one. Thanks.

[@TotyVale]

Our hobby still goes despise the new lego designers not knowing a lot about Lego. They are just good at computer design! 😢😢😢

[@fakeflash0794]

Well said man...

[@marloesvissers-schurman8693]

Hey Jang, this is why people subscribe to your channel. This is such a thorough study of the possibilities with the new system. Thank you!

[@infinityrocks7360]

He’s the best, honestly

[@manuel0578]

Yes. Much better than saying “this sucks”. However Lego themselves should have laid out all these new possibilities and there would have been a lot less backlash.

[@Brickanics]

Agreed, very helpful

[@dharma_dude]

Honestly, this was so comprehensive and well thought out. Plus I've always thought his voice is very pleasant too, especially for relaxing in the evening. One of the best channels on KZbin.

[@ChristopherDraws]

This demonstrates really well how the newer style plates are just more "Lego" in nature. It's great that - because they are in system - people can create roads of varying width within their city layouts (I mean, that's far more realistic of a city, to have some grand, wide boulevards, multi-lane orbital routes and much more intimate side roads and alleys). For storytelling, you can also use additional plates and tiles to build in unfinished road surfaces, geological faults, or changes from an asphalt to a cobbled road, mid-street. Additionally, I think Lego generally phasing out baseplates (and incorporating a pavement/sidewalk into the model) means that if you don't have a massive budget to buy tons of plates for your road system, you can just use the tabletop surface for your road/river/whatever, with a natural "kerb" drop - whereas using green baseplates would always leave a little strip of green when you could see it at the edge. Any changes that Lego make to allow more customisation and buildable options gets my vote.

[@McKrushi]

New speed champions + doubled road looks actually realy good and more like "city 2.0" with more details. Maybe a nice thing for a racing display scene with a few cars in rows etc.

[@xQuandaleDinglex]

heck yeah! That’s definitely the route I’m going with my city. The 8-wides are just so much better!

[@k1lcho213]

8 wides is really a cool thing and gives more space for details and such. But. Two of them are not able to pass on the new roads. Including their mirrors, they are well beyond the lanes of the new roads. They are simply too tiny. Fare well left mirror!

[@panfrei5932]

you could build a multi-storey parking garage or a bridge with the new streets

[@projectpitchfork860]

You can also do that with regular plates and tiles. And that would be cheaper.

[@strangehermitman7898]

With Lego once again progressing to faze out baseplates, I wonder when modular buildings will finally switch to plates which may further lead to the retirement of baseplates as a whole. Lego gradually started fazed out raised baseplates and non-road printed baseplates in the mid 2000s, however, there were some odd exceptions like the pharaoh’s quest pyramid so I may be underestimating the staying-power of them.

[@nihili4196]

I've been wondering for a while now whenever Lego is slowly fazing out baseplates. Lego seems to get rid of bricks with limited use. Also, if I remember correctly Pharaoh quest wasn't exactly a success, so even though Lego used baseplate in biggest set, that might've just quicken the decision to get rid of baseplates.

[@TheChoppip]

they cannot switch modulars to baseplates, the whole thing about modulars is that they are modular, meaning they can connect together seemlessly with the sidewalks at same height

[@mileschicken1]

If I remember correctly, the last use of those big moulded baseplates (the one in the big pharaohs quest set) was in 2006 with the hospital and police station sets from that city wave. Which means, unless I’m wrong, it was 5 years between uses. That could mean they may never truly retire the baseplates but save them for very specific situations. maybe really big sets such as the Ninjago cities.

[@MrDemonicDan]

I actually build all my modulars (and Ninjago/Ghostbusters HQ) on a sandwich of 16 x 16 plates with some large technic bricks inside and regular bricks around the perimeter, Makes them super sturdy to move around.

[@hunted_man4035]

The plates are much more expensive and smaller. Old and bigger vehicles do not fit and cannot drive next to each other. No curves. Plates do not naturally fit with Lego city products. At this rate I would buy my baseplates from alternative enterprises... cheaper, bigger, and better.

[@justanotherboyo3610]

These roads just... look more LEGO, the have customisable capabilities, while they’re certainly flawed (as most things are) but they just feel more proportional, once we get corner prints, it’s all good to go

[@adwind.homealone.fandesigner]

same here, I wish there was an official solutions from Lego to fix the height difference issue though

[@snfriedm]

@@adwind.homealone.fandesigner I assume one will be coming. As lego has started realizing, with all these upgrades to the roads, the modular line becoming independent, it seems they are starting to realize “Hey, these people are adults and build our sets, we should keep them interested” so they would probably think “hey, baseplates are suddenly obsolete but most serious lego cities are built solely on baseplates. We should fix that.” Now enough of my rant.

[@JOCoStudio1]

The biggest detractors are the increased cost per area and the loss of curved roads. The versatility and compatibility most like makes them worth it though, so long as Lego commits to the same style for many years.

[@JANGBRiCKS]

@@snfriedm I have to agree with that. They switched to plates for almost all buildings back in 2013. Modulars are the out-of-system outliers and can't transition to plates suddenly as every AFOL would revolt and burn their cities 😂 A simple pad piece of the correct thickness should be offered as at least an official fix for the modular problem.

[@nihili4196]

I've got a feeling that Lego may introduce separate plates in sizes of baseplates for people to buy. That may not be the best idea, but I can see Lego doing that.

[@paulhowell1534]

That was a great description of what you can do with the new plates, kinda understand them now, it works, shame it’s expensive

[@grizzly._.]

What LEGO really, really needs to do is start selling 16x32 and 32x32 baseplates that are the thickness of a plate, and offer them for sale individually so that people who want to can replace their old system-incompatible baseplates on their modulars etc. with something that works with everything. Or just switch away from the old baseplates altogether and sell those on LEGO's online shop as a sort of legacy item for those not wanting to switch to the new stuff. I can understand those who are heavily invested into the old baseplates being disgruntled, but the new road system is so much better in every single way, just like this video highlights. The old baseplates really don't offer any advantage other than "It's what I'm used to and it's too much work to switch".

[@bertbergers9171]

Baseplates that are the thickness of a plate, so you mean plates? Yes they should have made plates in these sizes long ago! It just doesn't help if you call them baseplate when the term baseplate is allready used for the thin stuff. Sorry if i sound nittpicky, but clarity is important in this subject in my eyes.

[@rowennightfall1369]

Curves. They offer curves. How do I build curves with the new system :< there are no cities looking like a chess board here in europe. And if I have to improvise myself I don't buy that system at all and scramble up everything.🤨

[@dallasfrost1996]

The new road system is almost perfect and better then the old one... but not quite.. the only thing that's letting down these new ones, is the odd 90 degree turns... if that was to ever be fixed and made into it's own specialized corner piece, then I'd have to 100% agree that the new version is that much better!

[@jamesquaine6264]

I hope everyone starts selling their baseplates to replace with these so the prices go down and then I can buy them cheap

[@TheMainCore]

Duude! The two lane and green middle... That looks amazing! Now I can really see the possibility with this system.

[@nihili4196]

To be honest if this road system was introduced first, everyone would love it, Maybe even more than old one. But since this is new area, it's only normal that not everyone will be immediately on board. To be honest I hope Lego will introduce elevated roads to maybe make bridges or roads going up hill. Or maybe more complicated intersections... I just wish those roads were cheaper

[@Rinesmyth]

When something new comes up to replace the old, it will definitely take time for everyone to adapt to it.

[@bt1234567892010]

if it's any consolation, these will probably come down in price significantly the more are produced.

[@Excremental_Discharge]

I'm hoping Lego releases an updated set of Blacktron road plates

[@patrickj]

@@bt1234567892010 Just like the old road plates did... oh wait.

[@mikegolf5427]

No

[@sebigwon]

finally a video by someone not throwing shade at the new roadplates and giving good solutions and system integrations - great work Jang keep it up

[@ThePetaaaaaa]

Yeah showing how to fix problems that Lego created instead of telling them whats wrong

[@phil32757]

That was very thorough, he covered all the bases.

[@LordEvrey]

I think these new road plates are great for building stuff like parking houses or viaducts. Just need some curves/angles and ramps. But for the ground level I still prefer big plates. I'm not that much of a fan of base plates, though, simply because they are not a full plate in height. If Lego switched to the plate-high base plates from the competition, and then integrated the new roads for raised stuff or bridges even, now that'd be something fancy.

[@rex-1141]

The only thing keeping me from being 100% on board with the new road system is the glossy finish. The satin finish of the old road base plates just feels more "right" to me. I know it would probably introduce different printing and compatibility issues with the insert plates, but I wish they could have given them and the main roads the rough matte texture they used on old slope pieces.

[@Goddot]

I think they used glossy mostly so that the shiny tiles used in conjonction look better?

[@urshurakdieohnekanal9291]

Those are the first sensible and workable solutions for Lego-city-builders that I've seen so far. For every other solution I saw on youtube, you had to invest a huge amount of money and and make substantial modifications to the buildings. Thank you for being the voice of reason here.

[@faithhowe7070]

When I first saw these plates I was like "there is no way I'm getting any of these" but now while I will be keeping the older ones for my city I am now interested in using these for bridges and stuff. I love how you showed how to integrate them!

[@dustybricks113]

For all the complaints about the new road parts, they sure do sell out fast. Nice video to show how to use the new pieces.

[@PetersPieces]

Finally a large creator gives this some attention. After buying the new road plates I made a video about it but obviously this is going to be a lot more useful to a lot more people. Thank you so much for talking about this 😄

[@NISSANZ33]

I like the look how you’ve integrated the new with the old system. It gives the Lego city an organic look, much like real life cities that dont have perfectly uniform roads

[@grahamschumacher1157]

I hated the new road plate design until I heard you go through all the possibilities. You are so thorough and it’s super inspiring to hear and see all the thing you can do with them!

[@charlescowart1931]

I originally did not like the new roads, but after watching this video and seeing the customization that can be done it, I changed my mind. I’m glad to see that Lego is not forcing you to think one way but rather be creative

[@skywarp2414]

The new speed champions are clearly not for Lego city scale.

[@chibiwibi]

Great analysis of these new road plates. I'm really starting to like them now that you've pointed out all the neat stuff you can do with them. Good video Jang!

[@Swat_Dennis]

I just don’t like the open “parts” of the new roads. I don’t like how it’s not one thing, so to speak. But I DO like the modularity…

[@sturmwind1180]

Yes, the cut-outs do look make the new system look very fussy. And obviously the more we put together the fussier the whole thing looks. I have tried to visually justify it by thinking in terms of the variant textures a-top of a road surface, but obvioulsy that doesn't really work, since the more we put together the more artificial and contrived the uniform pattern of the cut-outs appear.

[@jefdebackker1395]

I get why they did this, but I hope they also add ‘cleaner’ options without the patches in the future. I am also looking forward to an official solution for use with modulars, because to be honest, I like the basic idea of the new system beter than the old roadplates.

[@Ariranhaa]

Real roads have many openings and crevices too, man... The new one is more realistic from a point of view...

[@Lordodragonss]

These dont lok as bad when you get them as they look on pictures or videos.

[@woodycook3133]

Jang, you are so balanced and impartial towards both systems in this video, I respect you incredibly and think you are incredibly balanced as a person!

[@Manomet84]

I've been a long term fan and always loved what you've done Jang. I think your suggestions are perfectly reasonable and practical for all Lego fans! Love your continued perspective of looking at things objectively and rationally, especially something new we haven't seen before. I always look forward to hearing your thoughts on different things. Thanks for all the quality videos!

[@FormaFilmDan]

Really cool, cheap, easy and creative solutions. I like it! Thanks for taking the time to come up with these Jang 😁

[@kayfabe666]

Fantastic video!

[@gathaspazazen]

Thank you. Finally a clear video about the new road plates connecting with old system. Keep up the good work. All the best.

[@bourbonbobo]

Thank you for this video. I was excited to see these new plates because they seem so useful and expandable. I really hope Lego sticks with these and maybe they could even provide an official product to line baseplates up. I feel like if they ever want to fully stop using baseplates they need that solution to help things like modular collections not become split.

[@ChristopherGains]

This is the best baseplate/modular street explanation video I have seen, well done!!!

[@Skullgrin.]

I'm super stoked for these new roads, now I just need the space for them!

[@MinifigJez]

Invaluable and helpful research Jang. Thank you for buying some and doing the leg work and research to help people like me work out how to use them before I have to spend money on them. I’ve now bought some to experiment with myself. Many thanks.

[@Timep3]

Finally found the video I needed! Getting back into lego in my 30s and trying to learn all the new systems. Getting some modulars and want to start a small city with the new road plates. Every other video I see people recommending mils plates but that would cost so much as I have no extra parts so the foam board to raise up the height of modulars is perfect for me! Thank you

[@fgdj2000]

I just like how you don’t follow the mob and nope about how the new plates suck, but instead end up showing everyone how awesome their potential actually is. Really enjoy your videos and watch them even when they are about a set I‘m not Interested in.

[@sxeshoe]

Love the foam core idea! Thanks so much.

[@LibertyPrime1982]

Jang, Thank you for such a clear and comprehensive guide on these new road plates! I can now see the full potential in this new system.

[@grandbriznick9448]

What an amazing video. The hero we need. Thank you Jang. Love your analysis, your positivity, your creativity and the way your love of this hobby shines through everything. You are truly inspirational.

[@Lord_Tachanka05]

Nice video jang!

[@kleinemonnik]

Thanks for showing all these options! I have been building my modulars on plates for years now, so I'm good there.

[@JANGBRiCKS]

Fantastic!

[@casperhansen826]

I think you have made a very good case for the new road plates, thank you for showing some simple work around and some possibilities. In my LUG we have a heavy discussion about the new road plates, this video may provide some new inputs to the discussion. Thank you.

[@gorokderzerstorer5434]

“3 sixteenth of an inch “ the most american number i’ve ever heard

[@CarsSimplified]

Pretty great recommendation from KZbin since I just got a bunch of the road plate expansion pack sets on clearance for $12 each. Great ideas!

[@teatimebuilds]

This video was needed within the Lego world, though only a few possibilities it's a very good synopsis. Thanks Jang!

[@brickspong4773]

Thanks JANG! best review of these new road plates! You and @Brickinit have shown me this will be the best for my city as it gives more creative freedom! Keep up the great content for our awesome community!

[@terryrushing901]

Great video Jang! Thanks for making it.

[@dan8394]

Very informative! Great job, I'm sold on these new plates after watching this!

[@brentona75]

Great video Jang. Some new ideas I hadnt seen or thought of in here. Love the median idea and also turning them sideways to accommodate the 8 wide speed champions.

[@MicsarBuiltDesigns]

This was such a helpful video! And it just shows how much you can do with this new system.

[@Athooper15]

This gives me new hope for the new road plates.

[@NathanMaglott]

Thank you for this perspective on the versatility of the new system. Regardless of which you prefer, this video speaks to the strengths and weaknesses of both. I would recommend it to anyone debating which system to use

[@By_Morningstar]

I wasn't sold on the new system, until you showed the motorway/multi-lane idea, and now i am so excited for what can be done wioth these new road plates!

[@patoconnor1743]

I like the new road system and all of the ideas you introduced are perfect!

[@HuyTran]

This is super informative and amazing. I love the problem-solving!!!

[@EvanMoon]

A beautiful video that answers questions before you can think about them.

[@mbrick87]

This is by the far the most useful and in depth video regarding the new road plate system. Personally I already like this system better due to the ability to completely customize it.

[@toxicdefault6753]

Thanks a lot for this Jang! Very useful technique 😊

[@thedoctor4637]

I loved this video! THANK YOU! I was never skeptical about the new road plates, I had just always thought about widening in multiples of 16. I will definitely be using these new road plate if/when I begin my own city!

[@defenderprime8046]

Lego fans with big cities in their basements will be quite happy for these tips on how to adapt those new road plates to their existing cities, now any Lego car can ride on these roads if you adapt them properly, very nice advice, Jang!

[@samvise85]

These are cool ideas. Thanks!

[@ikemotosystems1434]

Fantastic video. Really good explanation and examples. Really shows how incredibly flexible these new road plates are.

[@basvanderwerff2725]

that center greenstrip is an awesome idea

[@FRETW1ZARD]

I just wish they were a shade darker. They look too similar to the modular buildings' sidewalks, and I feel they should be darker to denote tarmac.

[@jmaster2855]

Yeah, the only problem is the only shades darker are straight black-which would be too dark- a colored option (navy blue, dark green), or a metallic color (gunmetal). None of those are quite right either, but I get it.

[@LordPhobos6502]

I agree... I know it's easier said than done, but a charcoal grey would have been nice for roads :) Who knows, maybe standard dark grey has more build options, as Jang pointed out at the end of the video.

[@benvoliothefirst]

The point about the older baseplates changing color just made 'em sound MORE real-world accurate to me... I've never seen two stretches of road in my life that weren't all a patchwork of different colors.

[@DiegoNovoa]

Very inspirational on how to create multiple lanes or avenues with h the new road plates. I love the greenery between lanes options

[@antraxxslingshots]

Thank you very much for your detailed work!

[@shana10000]

My system is to build the modular builds on plates instead of the included baseplate. I have the plates raised with duplo to give the city depth. You don't have to use duplo though. You can raise you city up by one brick and build buildings on plates. Then place the new roads directly on the bricks and it all lines up perfectly if the sidewalk is tiled! Really loving this new road system!

[@Leonlloyd12]

Awesome video!

[@legolovinchick1440]

Another great video! Keep up the good work.

[@sir.confident]

Loving that overhaul Jang!

[@0912sting]

Thank You Jang!

[@Studious_Studios]

I love your videos, this one is particularly interesting. Thanks and keep up the good work !

[@SlickDiecast]

Hi Jan, been following you for a long time. Love your work and I’ve leaned so much. Thanks so much for what you do.

[@victorting7413]

great video, i was so confused at first, but now i totally get it. thank you.

[@AFOLTV]

Great review and ideas!

[@colbycheese7274]

Great video!!

[@IWASRANSOMED]

Jang - thank you for making this. Super useful. The only possible disadvantage is that the roads are much more narrow. But that would also create more space for buildings.

[@JorisKoolen]

Great idea with the grass in the middle!

[@funkofan6724]

Thanks that was the most informative video I’ve been able to find on the subject most appreciate it👍

[@blacktronpavel]

Foamboards. How practical. This also helps level surfaces, like connecting tables or even wood frames that are imperfect. Great pointers! Love your display!

[@vastril4o]

finally a positive review that I like, ty Jang

[@jenniferrode439]

Thank you so much. I had been fretting about how to cope with this change. Your channel is fantastic! :)

[@Solbrick]

Many great tips!

[@limka1]

New road plates have endless possibilities than old flimsy thin ones... great video!

[@brickknoll8797]

Awesome ideas! We are mostly invested in our buildings and other things than the roads at this point. With that said we are probably going with the new roads ourselves. Keep up the great builds and ideas!

[@anitrain]

Very useful video, thank you!

[@mrclever76]

Very informative video, thank you very much

[@kassandra_sae4563]

jang, thank you for bringing me onto those third party plates, they're AMAZING

[@clipsmasterproductions7479]

Very cool!

[@MarkzOng]

Very good , answer a lot of burning questions

[@ewanmccarthy7820]

I bought 4 boxes of these for my airport setup and they look great and I’m definitely going to buy more

[@getthebrick]

Solid tutorial!

[@mariken9178]

The new road system remembered me of the 80’s and 90’s Lego seaport sets. Like the police harbour and the seaport. It looks a little bit like that but that ones are more raised.

[@BlueToad6456]

Medieval and StarWars guy here, never had any interest in starting a city but these road plates really make me want to give it a shot. It just seems so simple, painless, and like you said its all in system. I might just buy a pack or two for the heck of it and create a little highway or town scene against a shelf!

[@comradeinternet467]

I just hope we get road plates with streetcar tracks built-in.

[@Steinklein]

Strictly Bricks also does 1-plate-high roadplates. They even have curves and are wide enough to fit vehicles!