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The fall of the Reich

Alan, a good question, and perhaps my choice of term is not entirely accurate. You are correct, forced perspective is usually used with different scales, to depict larger distances in a smaller space. What I was refering to here, is that the Russian Soldier mounting the flag, was doing so on top of the Reichstag in Berlin. (There is a famous photo sequence of this (I can't find it at the moment, but I'm sure somebody will post a link soon...), it's a bit like the Flag Raising by the Marines on Guadalcanal.) To have reproduced the height of the Reichstag to scale however, would have been impractical . The choice is mine, as it is my interpretation of the diorama. Dan may have had something different in mind. Cheers Henk

Hi Henk Thanks for replying. I thought I was missing something or that it was so well done I couldn't see the scale changes, but then seeing the base depth I was getting mixed messages. "Artistic license" maybe? Apparently, and I know the film sequence you are talking about, this was scene was played out for the camera and propaganda purposes. The soldiers that stormed the building did do it originally but there was no cameras around, so they re-shot the scene the next day so I've been told. A great scene because of its significance, effectively marking the end of the war in Europe. All the best Alan

IMHO, this is Dan's most cohessive piece. I saw this at AMPS East a few years ago. As always, the elements Dan presents are spectacular in their painting and modification. The story line is very strong. But there are two problems. The placement of the jeep on the right side is nearly impossible. It's backed up to the wall but there is a girder directly in front of it. A really skilled driver might have been able to do this on a smooth surface, but it's surrounded by rubble. Likewise, the nashorh has a street sign directly in back of it so it can''t have driven forward to its position and the telephone pole leaning against the building is directly in front of it so it can't have backed into place.

Then let me be the one I have to say that I too did not really understand the forced Perspective link but thanks for clearing that up Henk

A visual treat, amigo. Simply splendid and rich in detail and excellent weathering and painting. Those figures turned out great as they are a difficult kit to build well. Nice job on the debris and ruins. Plently of things to study and enjoy. Splendid job. Museum quality results. Ironmike

Great diorama. Thanks for sharing

here is a link to some of the work of the photojournalist who took that shot: http://www.schicklerart.com/exh/yevgeni_khaldei/khaldei_selected_photographs.html It includes 5 versions of the referred to picture. some history behind the photo: "In April of 1945, the Russians reached Berlin. Khaldei planned to photograph the capture of the city as it unfolded. When he realized that there were no Soviet flags in the city, he hopped on a plane to Moscow and searched throughout the day for a flag. As he entered a shop, he noticed some red tablecloths used for formal events. He borrowed three of these tablecloths from a reluctant shop worker named Grisha Lubinskii. Khaldei brought them to his uncle, a tailor, who then stayed up all night to sew on the hammer and sickle and yellow star. Rushing back to Berlin he raised the first make shift flag over the Great German Eagle at the Tempelhof Airport on April 28. On May 2, Khaldei reached the Brandenburg Gate and witnessed a group of Russian troops being told that Hitler was dead. Khaldei immediately climbed the staircase of the gate and placed the second tablecloth-flag at the top with the bronze horses. Khaldei was determined to place the final Red Army flag at the top of the Reichstag. When he reached the burnt out structure, fighting was still going on in the basement. Khaldei and three comrades ascended to the roof of the Reichstag, which was slippery with blood from the fierce fighting just hours before. Khaldei then snapped one the most dramatic images of the century as the Russian soldiers raised the Soviet flag over the Reichstag."

I just love seeing these dio's on here, lots of fine details, great painting and weathering effects....Awesome work to say the least and this one is no exception. Great work... milvehfan

Excellent, excellent, excellent!!!! Briliant use of color. Almost feel like I am looking at an actual color still of the action. Great Job!! Robert Liles

It still amazes me at the incredible talent that is consistently shown on Armorama. This piece is no exception , really amazing. Robert and Vance , thanks for the pictures as I've actually never seen any of them before Bob