U.S. M5A1 Stuart ; 31st Tank Battalion, 7th Armored Division (Forces of Valor (Unimax), 1/32)

During the chaotic breakout from Normandy in August 1944, the M5A1 Stuart known as 'CAROL' was pushing hard with the 31st Tank Battalion of the "Lucky Seventh" Armored Division. Bearing the hull code C-34 and registration number U.S.A. 3051254S, this light tank and its crew were tasked with screening the division's advance as they raced from Utah Beach toward Chartres. The hedgerows of the French countryside posed a nasty challenge, but 'CAROL' spent much of its time scouting ahead of the heavier Shermans, using its small profile to slip through narrow lanes and ambush unsuspecting German infantry before radioing back enemy positions to the main force.

'CAROL' was built for speed rather than slugging matches, powered by twin Cadillac V8 engines that allowed it to hit speeds up to 36 mph on roads, a crucial asset for the reconnaissance work it performed. While its 37mm M6 main gun was too light to take on enemy Panthers or Tigers head-on, it was effective against soft targets and light vehicles, supported by three .30 caliber machine guns for infantry suppression. The tank featured an upgraded turret with a rear bustle for the radio, a distinctive trait of the A1 model, and its vertical volute spring suspension helped the crew endure the rough terrain during their rapid push across France.