B-17E Desert Rat Restoration Project

05/20/2026

So here’s the update on the bombadier / navigator chairs. The 4 legged green chair is a B17F bombardiers chair for serial numbers 42-29467- 42-31031 and looks to be modified. That one is going to go to B17F “Lucky Thirteen” for their restoration.
The second chair is for a B29 and is up for sale and we are asking $500 obo. You can call or message us @ 847-924-8284

05/18/2026

We have a couple bombardiers or navigator chairs that we do not know what aircraft they belong to. They are not B-17. We will sell them for a reasonable price once we know what aircraft they go to. Thanks.

05/06/2026

03/21/2026

Hi all,
Happy Fortress Saturday. We at the Desert Rat have a few items that are surplus to our needs and wanted to put them out there in case they can help other projects. We will try to add more as time goes. If there is something that sparks your interest please feel free to reach out directly. We also have both an A-26 and a F9F photo recon Cougar project and a landing gear trainer. Thank you.

03/13/2026

ItsYourAirplane.com is the official corporate sponsor of the Desert Rat, a B-17E restoration project. Your purchase helps to fund this endeavor.

ItsYourAirplane.com is proud to be an authorized dealer of Paul K. Guillow, Inc.

Guillow's has been the number one source for balsa wood airplane kits and flying toy airplane's for the last 100 years.

If you enjoy outdoor fun with your family, now is the time to get ahead of the season.

Spring and summer are great times to be outside building and flying Model Airplane kits. It is smart to place your orders now—before demand spikes and lead times tighten.

Our classic balsa gliders and kits are a consistent favorite with kids and families year after year.

02/17/2026

Reproduction Nose Art Panels from our sponsor ItsYourAirplane.com

Great for your Pilot Cave or the Aviator in your life

02/14/2026

Delivered to the Air Corps on this day, 84 years ago, B-17E 41-2595. Here is a picture from Life Magazine, showing the Bombardier in the nose of what was to be named "Desert Rat".

01/16/2026

ItsYourAirplane.com is the official corporate sponsor of the Desert Rat B-17e restoration project. Your purchase helps to fund this endeavor.

01/15/2026

How much would the sale price be in today's dollars?

12/07/2025