A new 3D printed Marsden Matting (AKA: PSP, Perforated Steel Plate) is now available from Majestic Frames out of Warner Robins, Georgia. Due to a lack of affordable individual PSP for the modeler to create a 1/48^th scale diorama base, an IPMS member (and a small business owner) took it upon himself to fill a void in the hobby.

In the Package and Product Notes

The sample review came in to two (2) Ziploc bags. Each bag has 105 pieces, enough plates to cover an 8 X 10 inch base (203 X 254 mm). One bag has a “(T)” in the title which has 0.03 inch (0.8 mm) thick plates. The other bag has 0.05 inch (1.3 mm) thick plates. Each plate size is 0.3 X 2.5 inches (7.6 X 63.5 mm). In addition, a sample base was also sent with PSP already installed on a matt board and unpainted.

Inspecting the plates, they are created by a 3D printer using small diameter bronze filament. They are flexible yet brittle when reaching its breaking point.

Review Process

Beyond the included sample base, I wanted to see how easy it would be to create a PSP airfield. Using an old award plaque, the workable base area is 6.5 X 8.5 inches (165 X 216 mm). It took 66 plates to cover this area which left me 39 to do a smaller base in the future.

To start, I roughed up the surface with sandpaper and a scribing tool. Next, I laid out the PSP to see how I would stagger the pieces side by side. I did decide to leave one corner exposed for groundwork.

To bond the PSP to the base, I used 30-minute 2-part epoxy. This gave me enough time to mix & spread the epoxy, then apply the PSP and trim pieces at the edges using a heavy-duty sprue cutter. After letting it dry overnight, I carefully sanded the PSP edges and rattle can sprayed the entire base with Krylon Black Primer.

A metallic base coat was applied to the top surface. I used Rub ’n Buff Sliver Leaf and applied it on the surface using my hand while protected by a nitrile glove. In the uncovered corner, I added soil using Green Stuff World Ground Texture (Volcanic Earth). Looking at reference photos, PSP weathered to a red-brown hue which gave it a slight rusty look. To imitate this, I airbrushed heavily thinned Tamiya Red Brown (XF-64) to each individual plate. Once a plate was completed, I moved on to the next one.

Lastly, I applied some thinned Vallejo Heavy Brown over the soil and PSP seams. This color helped to lighten up the seams and connect the soil color which would settle there over time.

I placed some WWII subjects on the finished base to show how it looks with 1/48^th scale models. Also, this exercise of weathering the PSP versus an unfinished look shows how a little color can enhance this product tremendously.

Conclusions

This is a much-needed 3D detail product for diorama builders, and I applaud Majestic Frames for filling a void in our hobby. At the time of this review Majestic was in the process of adding the PSP to their website. If you wish to make a purchase, email may be the best way to contact them at this time.

Overall, this will make your finished model or diorama an eye-catching piece on the contest table or display case. It will compliment a build by giving the model a base to call home.

I want to thank Majestic Frames for providing the Marsden Mat PSP and IPMS/USA for allowing me the opportunity to review.

Highly Recommend to everyone who wants to add PSP to your diorama or aircraft model base.