REALM OF BATTLE ZONE MORTALIS EPSILON Review

You may remember a little while back we talked about Forge World's terrain, specifically their Zone Mortalis range.
Well today the parcel arrived from Forge World with a brand-spanking new piece of terrain.
I was pretty happy with the delivery time - a little over two weeks - and it was all parcelled up well with adequate padding and the like.
So what is it like close up?
Is it worth all the cash?

Packaging

Thankfully the package was well protected for the flight all the way from the UK. I'd read stories recently of parcels arriving from recasters all smashed up, so this goes a way to putting Forge World in front!

Under the air bag packaging, the smaller parts of the order are placed down the side of the box and well wrapped in form bubble wrap. The Zone Mortalis plate itself is packed into an individual box.

The Zone Mortalis plate itself is just placed in the box. It's pretty solid, but has no padding whatsoever. Granted it fits tightly in there, but it does make you wonder; "what if..."

Zone Mortalis Epsilon Plate

IT'S BLACK!! The frakk... not what I expected! The surface of the plate is very oily and will need a mega clean.

Here's a good shot of the level of detail.. and the level of oily manufacturing oil. It's surprising they don't wash it at all post-mould!

An example of the different surface textures as seen in the light. There are small lights and details all over the walls. Don't look too closely - they're a tad repetitive.

The underside of the plate is glossy and hollow with a fairly roughly cut edge. Thankfully it sits flat unlike some Forge World pieces...

The surface also has good detail which should only improve once washed. The border around each tile is actually quite shallow, so undercoating will have to be very light.

A better view of the tile sections. You can see how light the details are. Interesting to see how a wash will work on this.

Verdict

I have to say I am pretty impressed with this piece; it's very light, sits square and will look great for photographs and display purposes. I was surprised that the walls were moulded on, but this in no way detracts from the overall feel and look.. 
Painting will be interesting and will be a challenge not to rush it and stuff it up.

Look, Zone Mortalis is not cheap - but it's a quality product, and being modular, something you could add to very very easily.

Do you use Zone Mortalis plates in your gaming? 
Have you got some pics?
Love to see them!