Why Build MILS Plates? Is it worth it for the LEGO city?

[@HEY-ITS-COREY]

MILS is the way. Great job breaking it down. I really liked your little river scene as well.

[@LittleBinsandBricks]

Thank you. There are so many uses for this style of plate.

[@FubukiCards]

The Green Grocer is just beautiful!

[@LittleBinsandBricks]

Oh, it surely is!

[@amessofbricks2264]

At 5:40 your river landscape , do you have a singular video for that or can you make a tutorial or give pointers ! Please !!

[@LittleBinsandBricks]

Do you make mils? I do have a picture or two on Instagram that might help you get started. No video on that yet. Too little time!

[@nikoletalazarevic9359]

Mils plates NUMBER 1👍👍👍👍☺️😊, is really great for your city and more better looking.

[@poleythepolarbear9706]

I'm new to City Building, and have not started building my own yet. I decided to go with the MILS method. I am ordering enough plates, and bricks to make 4 MILS plates to start with.

[@LittleBinsandBricks]

Awesome! Good luck!

[@JediTim28]

Sarah... Glad I found you videos. I now plan on converting all of my modular buildings to the MILS barf on your video. Thankfully I only have four build and write a few NIB so it won't be too painful. You explanation was just what I needed... Now to watch the rest of your videos. I look forward to you new videos as well.

[@LittleBinsandBricks]

Awesome! Yes starting right away will make it easier. We had six to transfer and it’s pretty easy! Thank you!

[@cozmocandy1688]

I learned a lot today! Also almost convinced to switch to MILS.

[@LittleBinsandBricks]

You should! I'll help you ;)

[@kipphoffman5834]

Come on...nudge nudge...wink wink...you know you want to be the next victim (err... I mean guest) of the MILS building club!!!

[@DigitalSynergyLLC]

Can you please do a demo video of how you replace a base plate with a mils plate on a modular building, that is already built.

[@LittleBinsandBricks]

Did you see the video I made where I switched over the green grocer to a mils plate?

[@Chris-ep4jz]

Your video inspired me to finally switch. Thank you for making this video. Been working on my personal Lego City for several years. And with each move has been a pain rebuilding the City. MILS will also help me with my lighting city issue for all the cables.

[@LittleBinsandBricks]

Awesome! Glad to hear it. It’s amazing the stability a mils plate gives to a city and I know all about moving a city when we took it to a convention. The mils saved me for sure! Good luck and have fun!

[@tomweiss9600]

I've been building the modulars for years and your videos are helping me go to the next step. Thanks.

[@LittleBinsandBricks]

Fantastic! Let me know if you have questions or want to see another type of tutorial.

[@BryanChumbers]

I don’t need MILS I have a way to. Make Lego roads more wider

[@jjwallisauthor]

I started switching mine a couple of weeks ago. Only started creating a lego city Christmas 2020. 9 buildings done. A few half finished MOCs I'm working on now, and mentally planning on how to convert the lego ideas tree house

[@LittleBinsandBricks]

Awesome! We are actually planning to build the tree house very soon!

[@samuelturnerakabjornflamer8225]

Hi Sarah. Your presentation on MILS was fantastic. I have to say that before now, I wasn't even interested at all. Now, you have me thinking. Thanks so much. Good show!

[@kipphoffman5834]

MILS is the way for any Lego display the you plan on either rearranging a lot at home or moving to display at a convention. The stability is worth the extra effort and $...imo

[@LittleBinsandBricks]

Thank you so much! Good thing I didn't drop the modular. They are a fantastic addition to a city or any kind of diorama.

[@mikecarswell7170]

Great Post! I have just started to add Mils to my modular builds, just need more plates!

[@LittleBinsandBricks]

You can do it! You always need more plates!

[@BrickZOfTheDead]

I’m glad I found your videos about MILS. I’m slowly starting my city and I’m heading down the MILS path. It’s definitely worth it!

[@LittleBinsandBricks]

Awesome! Let me know how it goes!

[@tiny3537]

I’ve only heard of the term MILS recently and this video explains it really well!

[@LittleBinsandBricks]

Awesome thank you!

[@andrewnaeseth8490]

Thanks for info just starting my lego city and glad to learn it now before I get too deep.

[@LittleBinsandBricks]

Perfect! Yes, it’s less of a pain starting at the beginning but it’s worth it!

[@JuanDiazPalma]

Nice video, you totally convince me to move my modulars to mils, now i need the pieces for that hahaha. Great video!

[@blah1_]

Great overview of MILS. Thank you for sharing your insights and examples.

[@LittleBinsandBricks]

You’re welcome! I appreciate your comment! 😀

[@kipphoffman5834]

Great video btw! MILS is always my 1st step in a new build now-a-days...👍👍

[@LittleBinsandBricks]

I love that first step, very relaxing!

[@Blake_Stone]

MILS Plate: makes three storey buildings swooshable!

[@LittleBinsandBricks]

Sure do! Even trampoline jumpable 😂

[@Axiom-ug3js]

I was so against the MILS system until I saw your break down argument and specially the stability when you were holding the Palace Cinema with one hand and the river diarama. Thanks for your convincing argument on this subject now I have to contact my bank to let them know that I’ll be doing more purchases LOL. Now since the building is already sitting on a standard baseplate, did you had to rebuild the building on the MILS? or did you just ripped it out and carefully and put it on the MILS? Thank you again,

[@LittleBinsandBricks]

I’m glad I could make a compelling argument! You should see me carry the daily bugle! Look for the video I did specifically on transferring a modular to mils and you can see it in action!

[@supercooperstories]

Great video with great info! Just a couple of tips: look into the camera, you seem to be looking off to the side, you probably don’t need the intro thing at the beginning, and closer up shots of the mils would have been great!

[@dd_zzero6827]

Because of Bevins Bricks and You, I have just started getting into MILS. I just still do not like the new road systems and I hate to give up the old roads. Trying to figure out how I can intergrate the old roads with the mils system. I do not want to do MILS roads because that will just be too much money and work. Somehow, someway I have to figure out how to do the old road system with the MILS plates I am doing for everything else.

[@LittleBinsandBricks]

Well depending on how you feel about it, you can prop them up with boards underneath or make sort of a reverse mils with plates on the bottom, then the bricks and then just simply lay the road plates on top of that. You can’t connect them but it will give you the right height. Are you considering brick built roads at all? It’s pricey but an option. The new roads are very shiny and it can throw you off.

[@dd_zzero6827]

@@LittleBinsandBricks I was thinking about that. But I think I have a way of connecting the road plate and make it solid. I'll see.

[@donnaw2019]

Hi Sarah, I'm Donna. I'm so glad to find your vlogs, they are very informative 😁 Just what I needed to know👍

[@LittleBinsandBricks]

I'm so glad! Feel free to ask any questions!

[@donnaw2019]

@@LittleBinsandBricks oh thank you. I'm delighted to find a womans site, who is willing to answer a questions! I notice that people predominantly use the 4x4 plate to cover the top of the mils, but can't 16x16's be used? Is it cost or difficulty finding these? Thanks for letting me pick your much more experienced brain.😁👍🤗

[@Cmoneymarr]

Hey can you do a video showing how to make a half mill plate?!

[@LittleBinsandBricks]

Hi Charles, may not get to do that one but all you need to do is make the corners as you would the normal way and then grab a couple plates and gauge where to set down the 2x2 between the corner and then go from there. The main thing if you are using 4x4 plates is to have each corner supported by a stud form a 2x2. You got this!

[@pbcarney233]

i have to say after watching one of your videos a few weeks ago i swapped to mills and i love them, i do think they are a added expense well worth it for larger buildings

[@LittleBinsandBricks]

Awesome! Can’t get around the added expense but they are amazing for supporting the buildings!

[@j.keithwykowski601]

I use MILs plates for my LEGO universe. I fell in love with them several years ago. My biggest puzzle right now with the new road plates is how to get them elevated enough to go over a nice stream as opposed to bring only one plate over it. My roads are 20 studs wide and I haven't found any good elevation ramp ideas that look nice with that width.

[@LittleBinsandBricks]

Oh boy that is a tough scenario. I don't have any answers from you right now. I bet what you have looks awesome so far.

[@kipphoffman5834]

I guess my question is how elevated above the water are you looking to go? If more than a couple bricks higher, I would say the new roads might have an issue, but if you brick build your road for the bridge area, depending on the bricks used, you could apply a "brick bending" technique (not really bending bricks) to create a curved slope up and down over your water...

[@jmedina718]

Welcome back Sarah! After watching your original MILS plate system I went all in. Sturdy and reliable! I hope Liam is felling better! See you soon. Great content as always!

[@LittleBinsandBricks]

Yay! Thank you! Yes, he's better finally! MILS is great!

[@brianreip411]

thank you for the video! the plate above the base plate what sizes would you get if you were gonna cover the whole base plate. I'm not sure if I seen plates 32x32 besides a baseplate.

[@LittleBinsandBricks]

I use 4x4 plates as the surface of my mils plate, generally it’s the cheapest way to go. Check out my mild playlist and you can see me make one!

[@NARFALICIOUS]

Hi just starting out with Lego. What are the technic bricks for? Is it for Wiring? or is it for connecting plates together?

[@builtfrombricks]

i'm trying to decide if the color of the 4x4 plates would matter, i know underneath doesn't Also, i think having a modular with then a mils road plate seems like a huge sidewalk, i'm thinking of doing just the width of the road for the road mils

[@LittleBinsandBricks]

Check out some of my earlier mils videos too for more thoughts on color plates and roads. The color only matters if it matters to you, example palace cinema is a red base plate.

[@builtfrombricks]

@@LittleBinsandBricks yeah, i know that, also could matter in sets like Detective's Office where the back of the building has no tiling, then it just means I can get creative. Looking for better costs on 4x4 plates is why.

[@epiccitybuilders]

My biggest issue is trying to find the best way to connect the buildings to the road. Some of the baseplates have trangular shapes to them as well.

[@LittleBinsandBricks]

Sounds like an epic city!

[@kipphoffman5834]

Next challenge...MILS curved road plate!! I've only seen a couple I think look decent and they are both super parts intensive!

[@LittleBinsandBricks]

Yea, I never planned on having curved roads anyway, so I am good to go. Sometimes you can only do so much!

[@bobs8005]

This is very helpful! Just started building a city on a hill and coast scene. It’s my first city and I’m going for it with 100% custom MOCs it could be too ambitious…do you use only Lego brand or use off brand for certain portions? Why or why not? Any guidance is helpful.

[@LittleBinsandBricks]

Awesome! I do only use LEGO brand as I’ve had not the greatest luck with off brand plates. My new city is heading to all custom so make sure to check out the latest update. I have an epic moc coming very soon

[@mybricksandme6152]

Yes MILS! But I recently found an issue.. the edges, they are not the prettiest, and i know that 95% of the time it doesn't matter because your building will be surrounded by other things, but what about the end of the street? Or the "outside" corners where you do see the edges... what do you do to make it more astetically pleasing?

[@LittleBinsandBricks]

I’m guessing it depends on the table you are using if it has a lip or not. I’m guessing that it’s hard to say which will be where but it will get super pricy make them all solid and one color. It’s an investment. I think if I have a custom table it would have a molding that would come up.

[@mybricksandme6152]

@@LittleBinsandBricks my thoughts were to do like 1 or 2 edges solid LBG or something like that. I mean otherwise you could always maybe find a way to make the mils plate flow downwards.

[@kipphoffman5834]

That is an issue that we all toy with...my best suggestion is to pick a neutral color (LBG, DBG, Black, or white) and leave no spacing. Also, you can replace the technic hole bricks on the side that will not connect to anything. I have road plates built like that to clean up my city edges...

[@karens8633]

You only need to do the solid color around the edges!

[@leonardocalderon7374]

Great video, you've got a new subscriber

[@LittleBinsandBricks]

Hey thanks friend! Glad you joined the fun.

[@bricksailor1695]

I have them and I love the new plates

[@LittleBinsandBricks]

Awesome!

[@SeanTheRightWay]

What is the average cost per modular to make a MIL?

[@LittleBinsandBricks]

Depending on the market, $5-6 for a regular plate. Check out my video on breaking down the cost too!

[@RisenNephalem]

Seen quite a few of your videos, and pretty sure we live close, cuz i'm going to the providence brick company today with my son... just recently got into building with my 7 year old son... its quite a bit overwhelming wanting to start a build without knowing if my son will lose interest in a month. But i've begun to push the interest due to my own interest in doing it. Problem is its very expensive and i'm trying to find a way to build without spending large amounts on sets. Any idea how to create beautiful cityscapes, without having to buy sets?

[@LittleBinsandBricks]

It’s a bit of a drive for us but not bad. Yea, my son never really took to it for too long even though my husband loved it. Building a city, if that’s your intention is a huge expense unless you stick with the city theme and then you can always score deals on them. Traditional Modular’s are pricey but those not retired can be made into alternate builds. Buying loose bricks to build Modular’s can also be very expensive. Maybe a small table and creating a portion of a city scene might be a good idea instead of trying to include everything… like just a carnival or just a beach area…

[@Aerospace_Education]

Heard about MILS plates for the first time tonight. You were the first video I came across. Thanks for all the great information. Now I need to watch how to build one and where I even get the parts from to start with.

[@LittleBinsandBricks]

Glad it was helpful! I've got videos on both of those topics!

[@Aerospace_Education]

@@LittleBinsandBricks Watched them and perfect. Thanks. Ordered enough to make about 8 MILS plates to start. Including two for the haunted house for Halloween!

[@dereksonderegger]

I’m just looking at my first modular and won’t be adding roads anytime soon so the buildings will be showing the ugly MILS internals. I’m torn between making them just always making the outside of the plate structure in black or creating a couple of 1x32 and 1x34 attractive borders that can be attached to the technic bricks. I haven’t seen any other KZbinr address this question with a recommendation. Do you have any opinions about which way to go?

[@LittleBinsandBricks]

Oh yea! I’ve seen it done both with a bit of decorative appeal or just a straight dbg around it all. For the convention I took my custom city to, every bit of mils facing out was dbg or lbg. I would personally wouldn’t get fancy with it unless you think you might add roads in the future or even one small road in front to display some of the specific cars from the Modular’s or gwps. Thoughts?

[@dereksonderegger]

@@LittleBinsandBricks For people just starting in LEGO, the paralysis of too many choices all at once is real! I was leaning towards a uniform MILS color, but worried knowing that the color would be visible for months/years. Knowing that my initial thought of creating MILS plate skirting isn't a Pandora's box of frustration with 1x?? baseplate is reassuring so I can just just use MILS right from the start. When I get annoyed by whatever color my MILS uses, I'll just create some decorative skirts and switch them out as desired. Your channel has been helpful for me to wrap my mind around what kind of LEGO building appeals to me and what issues to think about and what to not worry about. Thanks!

[@PaPasBricks]

Great overview. I like mils plates 👍

[@simonmoss101]

Fantastic video which covered it all really. I’m already a MILS plate user as I start to build my city. I also use MILS plates for non city builds too. For example I recently built a Star Wars display of 154 stormtroopers on a 48 x 48 baseplate. Even this is super strong and can be carried single handedly. I wonder though how big you can go before things would start flexing again 🤔

[@LittleBinsandBricks]

Good question! But yes, they really started as diorama pieces! I’ve never really liked the actual baseplates.

[@micabryant4513]

I can't deny mils makes the base sturdier but I can honestly say the standard plates haven't ever been an issue when moving them. Depth can be achieved with creativity in an area without raising the entire city so I'm not sure the depth validates the cost either for me. Then there's the sides looking rough as a side effect like I saw someone else mention as well. Dunno personally still can't see the worth when I also look at the cost but that said there's no right or wrong way to do these things it's all just fun and self expression (on a budget!)

[@LittleBinsandBricks]

Yes, you can clean up the sides easily! Not a big deal except for the extra few cents possibly for specific colors. However, once you make one, I know you will love it.

[@kimymhat7832]

Hello. How to make curved road using mils + new road plate. Tia. 😀😀

[@LittleBinsandBricks]

Great suggestion! I had never planned to use a curved road even with the old road plates, but let's see what we can do!

[@darlabricks828]

Hi Little Bins and Bricks Your city is beautiful if you want to change it to something different go bigger Texas style lol add skyscrapers, make your bridges larger and the canal more festive you don’t have to have theme unless you want it

[@LittleBinsandBricks]

Great ideas as long as I can stay in this table size! Might have to add a level to all the Modulars!

[@jraglob5924]

I bought a LEGO 32x32 to build a MILS plate from my LEGO store. the holes on the reverse side are too small to lock into the bricks. Has LEGO changed the design or am I doing something wrong?

[@LittleBinsandBricks]

That would be your bottom layer to which you then add the bricks followed by the plates. A baseplate and actual plates are not the same.

[@jraglob5924]

Thanks, that makes since. I am new to LEGO. @@LittleBinsandBricks

[@LittleBinsandBricks]

@@jraglob5924 feel free to ask questions! While I don’t make videos any longer I do see comments come through. Your Modular’s will all have the initial base plate you can use to start the mils plate and from there you’ll need to source the top plates. You can choose to match the color of the baseplate that comes with the modular like I did or you can try to buy bulk in one color. It’s gotten more expensive to do this then when I initially started.

[@Elke_KB]

First of all, I love the forest scene and the bear... I've come to the realization my city is still far off in the future, but I'm putting some displays together with 48x48 plates, so MILS for me with those flimsy things..... BTW, still didn't buy Assembly Square or Corner Garage, but I bought the Batwing for my son (he's getting straight A's this term!) and Friends - Central Perk, which came with a free mug.

[@LittleBinsandBricks]

Thank you! I love the bear fig! Definitely get on the Corner Garage before it retires...That's a great gift though and congrats to him. Well earned!

[@darthpenguin2345]

You’re really starting to convince me to switch over to MILS but I don’t know how feasible it is for a Shelf city so I’m still considering it. Also looking forward to seeing the upcoming video for switching from baseplate to MILS cause I find the whole process intimidating🙈

[@LittleBinsandBricks]

I think it’s totally good for a shelf city too! I may even have a small one myself! It’s so easy to switch! I’ve got the video done and ready to schedule soon.

[@TiesonTrowbridge]

It's not as secure, BUT... you can do a bit of a hybrid between MILS and the original baseplate for a modular building, using the the 1x1 Tile with Bar and Pin Holder (www.bricklink.com/v2/catalog/catalogitem.page?P=20482). The pin will seat itself inside the underside of the studs in the baseplate. Again, not as secure, but the modular will stay in place and and you can start converting to MILS roadplates like you're making.

[@TiesonTrowbridge]

If you want to see what I'm talking about, MrBookieboo shows how he uses these, here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pXnYoZKepLSSbJo

[@LittleBinsandBricks]

Oh interesting! I will have to take a look!

[@erez1768]

Going to start a city. The only thing bad with mils is the price. So expensive.

[@LittleBinsandBricks]

It is a bit more expensive, just look for good deals! About $5-6 per building but roads are more of course.

[@saintjamesmodernart]

For the MILS plate that has the front edge of your city, do you use the same color bricks as the top of the MILS plate along the complete front edge with no spaces? In not, wouldn't someone standing in front of your city see the front edge with spaces and different colored bricks on the leading edge of the MILS plate. James

[@LittleBinsandBricks]

Sure you would want to do that some point or just do the whole perimeter to start because Modular’s get moved all the time. The custom city I brought to a convention had all dbg going around it for a clean look.

[@saintjamesmodernart]

@@LittleBinsandBricks Thanks! James

[@DZstudios.]

Impressive

[@LittleBinsandBricks]

👋 thank you so much!

[@rockies1790]

Rectification : technically you can attach a baseplate ON TOP of a regular plate or something else by using part 20482 ! 😉 This parts fit under a baseplate.👍

[@LittleBinsandBricks]

Oh boy! Thanks for the tip!

[@kendrasmokeywinnieriggs6654]

Would it work on something like Winnie the pooh tree

[@LittleBinsandBricks]

Yes, I have put the Winnie set on MILS, I will have to do a short video on it. Super easy and cute!

[@kendrasmokeywinnieriggs6654]

@@LittleBinsandBricks ok sounds great I was goin to say you can DM me on Instagram if you want but a video would be great

[@meliodashadeyoshi9156]

the fact you have to modify the road and your modular.. means you have to have all those extra peaces you thank lego would have made it to where you could just slide it up to the modular like the old ones but just upgraded.. cause now if you want to make roads you cant unless you buy all those other peaces and it says no where on the road plates that BTW this has to be modified so go back and buy 200 extra peaces... just a bad design overall

[@LittleBinsandBricks]

I hear you! The new roads slide up to the city and creator 3-1 nicely but they didn’t think about the modular people at all. There is a modified way you can use the old roads still with mils using a couple little pieces but it’s more for show and not as stable.

[@meliodashadeyoshi9156]

@@LittleBinsandBricks and i heard there supposed to be retiring base plates but it could be just a rumor but as far as that goes.. lego is such a creative company and is for a lot of people that like to invest there time in to creating things or simply putting together a puzzle... i just started collecting not to long ago and now im addicted lol

[@ItzduggeeXYT]

Watch out numberblocks yideo is in every sense

[@ItzduggeeXYT]

I saying it will pop up in the yideos

[@LittleBinsandBricks]

I'm sorry but I don't know what you mean.

[@juansaladzar]

Ads 👎

[@LittleBinsandBricks]

Ads what? Not sure I understand.

[@juansaladzar]

@@LittleBinsandBricks You set your vid to monetize trying to get rich & sh_t brah

[@tigrone]

1st view, comment! Ha! Ha!