MAIN INDEX > B-17 FLYING FORTRESS REGISTRY > B-17 FLYING FORTRESS/41-2595 Serial #: 41-2595 Construction #: 2406 Civil Registration:   None Model(s):   B-17E Flying Fortress   XC-108A Name: Desert Rat Status: Restoration Last info: 2011 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, February 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, March 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 December 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, 1985-2011. - Purchased remains for reported $7,250. - Long-term restoration to bomber configuration. - Planned to be flown as "Desert Rat". Source(s): Goodall, Geoff - Warbirds Directory-5th Edition, 2008. Federal Aviation Administration, 2011. Joe Baugher's Serial Numbers Page Flypast Magazine No. 190, May 1997. Thompson, Scott A. - Final Cut: The Post-War B-17 Flying Fortress and Survivors (4th Edition) Photo Source(s): Fox 1 Aviation. Research Assistance: - MAIN INDEX > B-17 FLYING FORTRESS REGISTRY >