| Greg,you have outlined some very valid comments there,one thing is for sure and that is as long as there are model builders out there,then they will remain resourceful to get the models that they want.The hobby is going through a strange phase at the moment due to changes in the market which we have discussed recently here,as you say once kits were prolific in the States with companies battling it out to produce their version of every new jet fighter,the same here as every high street shop,hardware store,newsagent etc had kits of some sort on their shelves,but not any longer as they are drying up and only specialist suppliers can fulfill our demand.
The way that I see it is that whether card,wood,wire,plastic or metal,the true modeller will always find a way to carry on with the hobby,even if every kt manufacturer stopped production now then I bet there would be enough kits in dealers stock- rooms to keep us all busy for many years to come,and just take a look at the kits that are surfacing on E-bay that modellers are selling off and preening their stashe's ? people now realise that even if they lived to be 110 then they will never be able to complete those models,so they are thinning out.
Regarding the excellent card models available then there are advantages in supply,as you have commented yourself there are plenty of downloads available any time,and they are on the increase daily,the advantages in supply any time that you need a model are obvious,you simply download and print them out as needed,you cannot do that with a plastic model !
You could even download plans for small flying models and print the parts onto tackyback film,press onto the balsawood,then cut them out,having tried this it works well,anything that is flat that can be transferred to paper or card or sheet wood,can then be easily reworked and shaped.
Yes Greg you are a true ambassador to the hobby,sharing something great can be a joy,as modellers this hobby is timeless,only the processes have changed,but as long as there are raw materials out there,then models can and will be built up to enjoyed by everyone throughout the world.
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