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Under restoration, 1997.
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Serial #: 41-2595 Construction #: 2406 Civil Registration: None Model(s): B-17E XC-108A Name: Desert Rat Status: Restoration Last info: 2002 |
History: Accepted by USAAF, Feb. 14, 1942. - Assigned to 97th Bomb Group as crew trainer. -- Flew as Desert Rat - Transfered to 383rd Bomb Group, Ainworth Field, NE, Feb. 1943. - Transferred to Wright field, OH, Mar. 1943 for use as staff transport. - Converted to XC-108A by Fairchild Air Service Command, Patterson Field, OH, Mar. 1944. -- Fitted with large cargo door on port side. -- Glass nose replaced with solid nose that hinged open to the left. -- Bomb bay was floored over. - Assigned to Air Transport Command, Chabua, India - Returned to U.S.A. in Oct. 1944. - Assigned to 1379th Base Unit, Dow Field, ME. - Transferred to 147th Base Unit. Sold as scrap, Dow Field, Bangor, ME, Circa Dec. 1945. Acquired by local dealer, cut in sections, stored on local farm, La Grange, ME, 1945-1985 Steve Alex, Bangor, ME, 1985. Michael W. Kellner, Crystal Lake, Il, 1985-2002. - Purchased remains for reported $7,250. - Long-term restoration to bomber configuration. - Planned to be flown as "Desert Rat". |