Spec Sheet Taken Off an AT-17 Bobcat

[kklinejr]

Hey, guys,

 

This is a piece I don't believe I've shared before. This came from an airman's grouping who worked as a mechanic at Lubbock Field for part of the war. It is the spec sheet (skin) taken directly off a US Army AT-17 (AC 42-74). As I am told, the nickname for these two engine trainers was the bamboo bomber. Only 450 of the early AT-17s were built before a several other variations added to the fleet of 4600 by the end of the war. I know the Bobcat ranged from serial number 42-2 to 42-451 in 1942, but so far, I've been unable to find out whatever happened to this particular plane. The hunt continues.

 

Being such an unassuming little aircraft, I never thought folks would have interest in this, but three avid Cessna Bobcat fans email me at least once a month asking when I'll be ready to sell it. The offers have been ridiculous. Go figure.

 

Ken

 

Photo is a stock from Wiki to show what an AT-17 looked like.

[gwb123]

Bobcat is a pretty ambitious name for such a humble aircraft! Maybe they had a good press agent.

[Steindaddie]

Bobcat is a pretty ambitious name for such a humble aircraft! Maybe they had a good press agent.

 

It will be interesting to know what happened to this particular aircraft. Although, given that this piece of fabric is kind of crucial, if I were to guess, I'd say the plane was a write-off and he cut this off for a souvenir? (Shrug) They also might have just done some serious re-skinning.

 

Will