Well i just got into model cars by a post on performanceforums.com, where d0p3y (celsior) showed off some of his work. Don't know why I got into it, but I like 3d animation so I guess it came kinda naturally.
I have 3 hobby shops within about 10 minutes drive, so its easy to hop down there and check out the local bargains. Often however, that doesn't happen though. Most models are priced at AU$45+, which quite frankly is a rip off, especially when it is a kit like the Tamiya GT-Four. Of course one shop has some models cheap, while another one has other models cheap. So it makes it possible for me to find models priced at around AU$30 which is pretty good. Thats how I got my Rx7 and GT-Four. However one of the hobby shops is really going down in model cars. Everytime I go there, they have less and less Tamiya models (I think they have around 10 now). And the models they have are outrageously priced. I really won't buy a 10 year old model here if i can get 2 new models from japan for that price. It really is a matter of convenience. I'd rather wait a month to get goods for half the price from japan than buy them here. If they only decreased every model price by only 20% (which still prices cars such as a modena or enzo at $52), then I would definately consider buying models here. And don't even get me started on aftermarket rims. They cost AU$25 here at every model shop i've been to. I buy models for the same price! If rims were $12 i would definately buy them, but not that much..
Needless to say I don't think that we are a dying breed. There seriously has not been one time yet when I have walked into the model shops (at different times in the day) and not seen another person. Usually there is 3 or more people in the shops with me. Even at 10 in the morning at just before closing. I think it's all a matter of cost though. No way in hell would a person buy a 10 year old model car for AU$50 (for example the GT-Four at one of the local shops).
that is all