When I first joined in the early 50's, they gave me 14266. I couldn't afford the dues during college and the early years of marriage. Finally, in 1969, I was planning to go to a contest in Albany, GA and contacted HQ to rejoin. I asked for my old number, but it was in use. The lady offered to give me someting similar, 14272, and I said OK. Just 6 digits off isn't bad. I have pictures of my planes with the orig. number. In fact, I have part of a wing and fuse of one of the planes in the pictures. Still have my original sandcast 4 bolt Fox 35 also.