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.

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turbofireball
NAR 25162
SAM 0278