Technic MILS Plates (TELS)

Construction and Comparision of Technic MILS plates (TELS)

First published in Hispabrick Magazine [1], MILS plates have become a de facto standard for LEGO collaborative builds. Tutorials on how to build MILS plates can be found in many places [2].

A standard MILS plate.

The cost of a MILS plate varies depending on the size and number of top plates and Technic 1x4 bricks, and can take time to source parts and assemble. A quicker, and potentially cost effective method is to use Technic part 65803 to replace most of the other pieces, resulting in stronger and faster build. This combination of Technic + MILS shall be refered to as TELS for the rest of this presentation.

A TELS plate is the exact same dimensions as a standard MILS plate, with the added feature of additional connection points for even more secure adhesion.

Top/bottom comparison of MILS/TELS plates.

Side by side comparison of MILS/TELS plates.

To assemble a TELS plate, connect 4 Technic 16x16 bricks (BRICK 4/3, 16X16 W/ 4.85 HOLE , part number 65803) with a minimum of 12 Technic pins (CONNECTOR PEG W. FRICTION, part number 61332).


A minimum of 12 Technic pins are recommended.

Bottom view of connected bricks.

Then place the assembled bricks on a standard 32x32 base plate (BASE PLATE 32X32, part number 3811).

Completed TELS plate with connector pins.

Another nice feature of the TELS plate is your ability to build half or quarter size plates. (LEGO has stopped production of quarter or half size baseplates, but they can be obtained from resale sites or third party manufacturers.)

1/4 TELS plate.

There are a few potential concerns with a TELS build that should be addressed.

1. Several of the top studs are hollow. This may be aesthetically displeasing to some, but the studs are easily covered up, and in fact allow for connection to a wider array of pieces.

2 At the time of this update, there are only 5 colors available. If these colors don't work, they are easily covered up.

3. No central arch in the center for the running of wires. Most aftermarket light sets have connections small enough to be run through standard Technic holes.

Currently available colors of Technic 16x16 bricks can be bought from LEGO here [3], previous colors can be found on Bricklink here [4].