Another rare eBay find:
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P-59 hardwick 1958 3.jpg [ 577.28 KiB | Viewed 1508 times ]
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P-59 hardwick 1958 2.jpg [ 154.08 KiB | Viewed 1508 times ]
https://www.ebay.com/itm/1958-Photo-Jun ... 1438.l2649What exactly happened to this one? I know it lasted into the 1970s; did Planes of Fame obtain it to incorporate into their Airacomet (42-108777) restoration? Baugher has this:
Joe Baugher wrote:
(42-)108786 (MSN 27-10) first flight Apr 1943. To 4144th Base Unit at Muroc Field, CA. At Planes of Fame Museum, Chino, CA. Noted under restoration Jan 13, 2002.
And Forgotten Jets has this:
Nathan Decker wrote:
XP-59A-BE third prototype s/n 42-108786
*4/1943: First flight.
*USAF 4144th Base Unit.
*4/1947: Used for spare parts but not totally salvaged.
*Currently preserved at the Planes of Fame Museum in Chino, CA.
Note that '786 has the fighter nose, while '777 was displayed for many years with the second cockpit nose. Over to the experts...
_________________

All right, Mister Dorfmann, start pullin'!
Pilot: "Flap switch works hard in down position."
Mechanic: "Flap switch checked OK. Pilot needs more P.T." - Flight report, TB-17G 42-102875 (Hobbs AAF)