Review: Minifig display frame
Posted by Huw,
If you have Blocks magazine, you'll have seen the instructions for creating a minifig display frame from an Ikea Ribba frame and I suspect you also noticed the legoframes.co.uk advert on the inside back page who'll make them for you.
Having been on the lookout for something like this for some time, I ordered one and have now had a chance to fill it and and hang it on the wall.
They are available in two sizes and a number of different configurations providing for the display of between 15 and 48 minifigs in large 50 x 50cm frames and between 3 and 16 in small 23 x 23cm ones, both with the choice of white or black backing card. I went for the large white 48 minifig one which cost £39.99.
Given that the frame is a standard Ikea one, the main point of interest is the backing card, which has, in my case, 48 white 2x2 inverted slopes affixed to it. Obviously accuracy of alignment and neatness are key to the frame's aesthetic success and I am happy to report that they are spot-on and it looks excellent.
The slopes are mounted 7cm apart vertically which is enough for even Marge Simpson's hair. However the frame's depth of 2.5cm obviously limits what can be put in it: medusa and mermaids are out, for example.
So, what should I put in it...? After much deliberation (and after re-watching the movie on Blu-Ray), I thought I'd put The LEGO Movie figures into it. I don't have all the sets or all the minifigs, which in any case number more than 48, so I thought I'd put the main characters in, from both the sets and the collectable minifigure series, then fill up the remaining gaps with some of the more interesting extras that barely make an appearance in the film.
The result is shown below:
There wasn't room for Lord Business' long legs but other than that everything I wanted to put in it fitted okay. Taco Tuesday's hat is a tight squeeze, but there is a bit of give on the frame's hardboard back so it did just about fit.
It looks great hanging on the wall of my office: even my daughter thought it looked 'cool' :-)
If you don't have the time or patience to make one yourself they are available from FramesForBricks.co.uk (Note the URL change: 'lego' in domain names is not permitted under the company's fair use policy). They are not cheap, I admit, but quality never is.
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32 comments on this article
I've had a Ribba frame, a decent piece of white card for the backing and a pile of the 2x2 inverted slopes from BL sat in my office at home for a good few weeks now ready to get on and make one of these. Hopefully the forecast of torrential rain this weekend and this article reminding me, will be just the kick I need.
Wow, im clearly undercharging for mine. I only charge £10 (for the smaller one) on my facebook page.
Teamladd what's your Facebook page
That looks quite nice, and a quality alternative to the regular licensed 16x minifig display cases...
Looks good. But seeing as they only seem to ship to the UK (currently) I would have expected the postage to be absorbed into the total cost a bit. A flat rate of £8.50 on top of £19.95 seems a bit steep.
I like how have all the different versions of uni kitty! The lego movie figures was a good choice for display porposes, there very colorful and interesting.
@mini-fig-hunter its Its http://www.facebook.com/thebrickladd
Cheers.
@huw. Hopefully you'll add the new SDCC unikitties to the frame. :)
How funny that you're displaying The Lego Movie minifigures in a case that uses a Kragl'ed display stand for each fig...
^ Perhaps I should Kragle the figs to the stand, to make sure they are all aligned perfectly :)
Does it have glass in front to protect from dust?
I want to build a case for my minifigures, but it will have a glass/plexiglass front to prevent UV and dust. I'm just debating on if I should have it front open on a hinge, or back open.
^ Yes, glass; sorry, I should have mentioned.
Once the figs are in there's no easy way to get to them without removing the back although that does have the advantage that it's virtually dust-tight.
I've done this with the exact frame a few months back for my favorite and collectible minifig figures. Unfortunately alot of the female figures with slopes don't attach too well with blue tac. :-( other than that its great for fitting in lots of figs!
Can you scan the instruction from the magazine?
I've also created instructions for these back in 2012. Images and how-to's are on my flickr stream: https://www.flickr.com/photos/tijger-san/sets/72157630224965402
Anyhow, It's nice that some people took the time and effort in creating them for sale.
It was great to see the article in Blocks and after looking around it made me realise how many ribba frames are out there being used for minifigs. I've used both the small and large ribba frames for a while now - small ribbas for Collectable Minifig 16x sets and the large for those from the Lego Movie sets. My brick arrangement allows for 98 normal minifigs in the large frame. Just like the frame having a bit of 'give' for Taco Tuesday man, mermaids can be fitted just fine.
Their web site shows the king triton (merman) figure in the frame. I think they use a single circle stud to angle the figure to fit.
Now how do i buy them in Canada without paying for international shipping?
TBH I didn't try a mermaid, so thanks for the info.
Although I may have to get a few of these for the kids rooms.
@Huw @Sethro3 I have to many figs to display so I made my cases out of front opening shadow boxes. This way I can change them out when I want a change of scenery. I built some small shelves from hobby board (birch wood) i painted white and then stuck the collectable mini fig bases on with ticky tack (kind of like silly putty). I can fit a whole series of collectable minifigs on one row so it worked out pretty good. Here are some photos:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/125477478 @N02/14663139936/in/photostream/
I have a few of these in my appartment. My husband is going crazy because i can't stop making these frames... It's kinda my hobby. Pics on twitter @brickmine
Medussa is no problem
@The Brickmine: How? I also made these myself about two years ago and just updated them last week. For the mermaid I just turn the tails around and it does work just fine indeed. But for medusa I don't know how to make it work except by bending her tail like crazy.
I used a 2x3 brick, a flat piece without studs with a round stud on top. Place the figure on the round stud. But you are right you have to bend the tail a little bit.
Posted a pic of medusa on twitter @brickmine
Cool, I will also try it then. Hihi, I also see you dealt with the Christmas Elf issue quite creatively. I Just placed him and the box next to each other, your way seems to be more fun!
Ahhhh!!! It's the kragle. :) But seriously, I don't like super glue anywhere near my Lego.
no minifigures are harmed with the KRAGLE making this display
You recreated Lord Business draining tanks.
Nice! Really good collection. I've also got a no-glue version that uses baseplates for the backing.
http://hellobenteoh.com.au/2014/02/06/getting-geeky-with-a-bit-of-diy-lego-wall-art/
using the Ikea Frame it's not a great innovation, all people had already done it.
It's a good idea but the bigger minifig can't fit in the depth.
I want to show you my personal version, where I modified the inside of the frame to use at all the depth. in this way you can put also the bigger minifig (medusa, neptun and the marmaids).
In this link you can find more info and photo step by step.
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.3604360685624.1073741829.1771854852&type=1&l=2d00f18b90
I would be happy for your comments and critics :)
I have actually design a minifigure display case about 12" × 12" with Lego grey color studded base plate as backing and 16 pcs Lego L brackets for putting minifigures.
It can accommodate any minifigure. It has a depth of 2.5 inches.
The casing comes with front glass opening for easy access and also dust proof seal.
It is for sale at Malaysia Ringgit 140.00 per set.
You can check it out at www.bricksanctuary.com