Diorama base for single aeroplane model 1/72.

The famous PSP stands for Pierced Steel Planking, also known as Marston Mat, used to reinforce the surface of airfields with perforated steel mats. They were mass produced in the USA from the beginning of the Second World War and used in all theatres of war wherever the American air force appeared: in the Pacific, Europe, Africa and even Greenland!

They were first used during the famous Carolina Manoeuvres in 1941, on which, before Pearl Harbor, the Americans tested the readiness of their armed forces for war. The US Air Corps commander, General ‘Hap’ Arnold, described the PSP on that ocasion as “the year’s greatest achievement in aviation warfare,”. This is also where the colloquial name of the invention, Marston Mat, came from, as it was near the town of Marston that the manoeuvres were held.

Made from corrosion-resistant manganese steel, the individual mat weighed around 60 pounds. Holes allowed drainage and reduced the weight. Each piece was ringed with hooks to connect the mats into a permanent surface. A set of mats to build a complete runway could be carried within a cargo hold of one Liberty ship. Experienced builders were able to assemble it within 72 hours of unloading.

A universal and impressive 1/72 scale model aircraft base accurately reproducing the airfield surface covered with PSP (‘Marston Mat’) panels. Suitable for all types of smaller American aircraft in all theatres of operations of World War II and some later conflicts, as well as most aircraft of many other Allied air forces.

152x152mm

Kit includes a link to a free download to the file for self printing the accessory items on a 3D printer: fire extinguisher, wheel chocks, tool boxes, fuel barrels and British ‘flimsy’ fuel cans, wooden trestle. Once painted and optionally completed with pilot and crew figures, it makes an attractive and easy to make diorama.

3D files for self-printing (QR code for download available on the packaging)

The product is available in the form of 3D files in STL format. It is a universal format for sharing 3D printable files.

How to print accessories from the file?

The product should be printed on a resin printer such as Elegoo Mars 3 or similar from companies such as Anycubics, Phrozen, etc. The minimum resolution needed to obtain a good effect is 4K. The effect will be even better at higher resolutions, such as 8K.

The file should be processed in a program that prepares files for the printer, the so-called Slicer, appropriate for your printer. In the case of Elegoo Mars 3, it is the ChituBox program.

Basic printer and software skills are required to print the product.

Paint and glue not included