Over 10,000 Stearman trainers were built by Boeing's Wichita Division. These Kaydets, along with Fairchilds and Ryans, were the backbone of Army and Navy primary training in World War II. Externally similar, the various Model 75's differed in internal equipment and engines. Lycomings were used for the PT-13, N2S-2, and N2S-5. Jacobs engines powered PT- 18's. Continentals were used for the PT-17, PT-27, N2S-1, N2S-3, and N2S-4. Army Stearmans were initially delivered in the blue-yellow scheme worn by Planes of Fame's N-9955H. Production after spring 1942 was all silver finish. A few of the 300 Kaydets built for the RCAF had enclosed cockpits for winter operations. Stearmans, many with more powerful engines, have been favorites of air show performers.

The Museum's PT-17 was from the last batch of 950 Model A75N-1 's. After World War II it operated as a crop duster. It was restored to original configuration in October 1986 and registered N-9955H. Like its Planes of Fame sistership, N2S-3 (N-81235), it provides an opportunity for Museum visitors to buy a ride in a piece of aviation history.