Did Estes re-use Kit #'s?
 

While researching my current build Estes #2037 National Space Plane, I came across photos that show the same kit number for a different rocket. I was not aware ESTES did this. Estes #2037 - D Region Tomahawk has the same number. I confirmed on both face cards. Is this a mistake by Estes or have the re-used kit numbers before?

They have re-used kit numbers many many times. Another example is #1350 which has been the Black Hole Space Probe, and also the Interceptor E.

Well that makes sense now, but very annoying. Its not like it would have been hard to have a unique number for each kit.

That's not only annoying, it's really DUMBBBB.

If you want to figure out how many times Estes has re-used stock numbers for different kits, check out this website: http://www.seateddimevarieties.com/BAR/home.htm.

As for why they did it (and may do it in the future), most manufacturers are not concerned with the collectors market 25, 30, 40 years in the future when they plan sales of new items.

On a related subject, a while ago at the VFW hall the guys and I were discussing the multiple items that had the designation P38 during WWII.

P38 Lightning
P38 G.I. can opener
Walther P38 German pistol

I can just picture Richard Bong telling his ground crew to get his P38 ready and they bring him a can opener. :D

If you look at the Estes kit List, you can see all the duplicated numbers.

https://www.oldrocketforum.com/showthread.php?t=19233