MiniArt roll out the 48th scale Marston Matt in their latest base…
Marston Mat
From MiniArt Models
Kit No #49017
1/48th scale
Injection moulded kit
This kit contains two flat base parts in hard, moulded plastic
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The Subject: Marston Mat
Pierced (or perforated) steel planking (PSP), is standardized, perforated steel matting material developed by the United States at the Waterways Experiment Station shortly before World War II, primarily for the rapid construction of temporary runways and landing strips (also misspelled as Marsden matting which is what I always thought it was called). This nickname was given to the product by Marston, North Carolina which is near Camp Mackall, where it first appeared. The holes formed rows with U-shaped channels in between. Slots and hooks were made along each long edge to allow mats adjacent to be joined. Short edges are cut without hooks or holes. The mats had to be laid out in an staggered fashion for them to interlock lengthwise. An RAAF Kittyhawk taxing Marston matting in Milne Bay, Sep 1942
The hooks are usually kept in place by a clip which fills the empty slot when adjacent sheets have been properly engaged. They were bent at the edges to stiffen the surrounding area. Some mats had T-shaped stakes driven through holes at regular intervals to hold the assembled assembly on the ground. Sometimes the sheets were welded together.
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Assembling Marston matting in Alaska
Used for large add-hoc bases and taxiways / runways right up until after WWII, Marston matting can be found in many different paces all around the world. Many places are still in use and have not yet been rusted. This matting us a ubiquitous sight in any WWII Allied diorama.
The kit:
MiniArt’s 48th scale of diorama accessories is growing ever larger, with this new Marston Matting for your airfield diorama. They compliment a lot of other MiniArt scenery like cables, plastic & metal barrels, & oil drums.
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Just some of the new 48th scale accessories from MiniArt of recent times…
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MiniArt’s new method of making solid (not vac-formed) bases for their dioramas continues with these two parts in the one kit. The dimensions of each are 315mm by 227mm. You can either use the two parts separately or in combination.
The photos show the differences between the structural ribbing underneath and the circular holes on the matting. Deep enough to make them look realistic.
The two parts together showing the joining surfaces.
The texture of the circular pressed matting shown to good effect in these photos.
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There is a slight undulation in an irregular pattern to give that realistic feeling also.
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This Marston Mat sections are both 454mm x 315mm long and both can be joined on their flat centres to make a longer strip of runway.
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This kit should be available next month from MiniArt’s distributors worldwide. This kit is available from MiniArt’s distributors worldwide.