ICM has released a new 1/72^nd scale WWII US Marston Mat (aka PSP, Perforated Steel Plate). The molded plastic has great recessed detail and all you need to do is apply the paint.

In the Box

The base is made from injected light gray styrene, and the molded detail quality is very fine for 1/72^nd scale. Size is 2.5 X 5 inches (63.5 X 127 mm). Four plates of the mat are included. If glued side-by-side, a mat of 10 X 5 inches can be obtained.

The parts are wrapped in a single plastic bag and encased in a very sturdy cardboard box. A slipcover fits over the box and has a painted close-up of what the mat should look like. The instructions are for a 1/35^th scale Marston Mat set but you get the general idea but at smaller scale. The painting instructions list only one color for the mat, Gun Metal (ICM 1027), and a clear coat if so desired.

Review Process

For review purposes, one of the four mats was painted. First, an airbrush coat of flat black was applied as a primer coat. Next, a metallic color was needed on the top surface of the mat. So, I used Rub ’n Buff Sliver Leaf and applied it on the surface using my hand while protected by a nitrile glove. Looking at reference photos, PSP weathered to a red-brown hue which gave it a slightly rusty look. To imitate this, I airbrushed heavily thinned Tamiya Red Brown (XF-64). Finally, I applied some thinned Vallejo Heavy Brown over the mat to allow it to seep into seams and recessed areas.

I placed a P-51D Mustang on the finished mat to show how it looks with a 1/72^nd scale model. Also, this exercise of weathering the PSP mat versus its unfinished look shows how a little color can enhance this product tremendously.

Conclusions

ICM’s Marston Mat is a great base for your 1/72^nd scale aircraft or for a diorama display. Just provide the paint and elbow grease to get the look you want, and your aircraft can sit proudly on the contest table or your display case.

I want to thank ICM for providing the Marston Mat and IPMS/USA for allowing me the opportunity to review.

Highly Recommend to all experience levels.