This is a joy to behold. The latest 'active diorama' from Michael at 1/72 Legions In Plastic Depot is an alternative history in which Napoleon invades the United States and confronts Lee and his Army of Northern Virginia. Plenty of suspension of disbelief required but it is superbly done and had me beaming from ear to ear!
Click this link to see the video
I love that he adds the caveat/disclaimer of "Not intended to be 100% historically accurate", just for the pedants!
I became aware of Michael's marvellous dioramas after I ordered some figures from him via his 1/72 Legions In Plastic Depot store. He brings together the playfulness of the toy soldiers of our childhood with the patience and sheer capacity of the model soldiers of our adult selves.
This video is one of his "Bedroom Floor Battlefield series". He uses primarily 1/72 plastic figures with classic 25 mm figures added in. As one person commented on the video, it is fun to play 'spot the figure'.
If you liked this (and I can't see how you could not), then you'll also enjoy his version of Waterloo or the one inspired by Major Dundee. Better still, check out the lot on his YouTube channel.
Some joyous Sunday viewing.
On your reccomendation I subscribed and hope to be amazed after the Packers-Steelers game tonight.
ReplyDeleteI am guessing/assuming that you support Pittsburgh. If so, I hope that Michael's video cheered you up!
Delete(In looking up the score I stumbled across the trailer for the 1942 film, "action as fiery as a furnace"!!)
Michael must have a lot of fun putting these dioramas together!
ReplyDeleteToo true Keith.
DeleteI really like the mix of playfulness and details in his layout, the use of lots of different figure manufactures/styles within units and even individual cavalrymen/horses, guns and artillerists and wagons. Also that some figures have the main details painted only while others have all the 'fruit'. Most impressive of all is how he produces a dynamic story from a static form. Great fun and clever too.
Reminds me of the games we used to play on my brother's bedroom floor, with Romans up against medieval knights etc.
ReplyDeleteMichael would be pleased to hear that Lawrence as it is the effect that he is trying to recreate.
DeleteSplendid overall effect, great fun!
ReplyDeleteBest Iain