Nikolai is making an L-shaped platform for his collection of action figures.

What is the surface area of the platform if it is 3 in. thick?

To calculate the surface area of the platform, we need to know the dimensions of the two sides of the L-shape.

Let's assume the dimensions are:
- Side A: 12 in. long and 5 in. wide
- Side B: 8 in. long and 3 in. wide

First, we need to calculate the area of each side:
- Area of side A: 12 in. * 5 in. = 60 sq. in.
- Area of side B: 8 in. * 3 in. = 24 sq. in.

Now, we add the two areas together to get the total surface area of the platform:
60 sq. in. + 24 sq. in. = 84 sq. in.

Therefore, the surface area of the L-shaped platform is 84 sq. in.