Shapeways files for bankruptcy.

[PR19_Kit]

We're already in the era of "oh my god, how do you even function without a smart phone?"

Actually I manage quite well without one. 

My phone makes phone calls and txts, and that's all.

[Weaver]

We're already in the era of "oh my god, how do you even function without a smart phone?"

Actually I manage quite well without one. 

My phone makes phone calls and txts, and that's all.

Me too.

I find myself shut out or diadvantaged by one or two more things every year though.

[Rick Lowe]

We've already seen at least one garage kit maker go all-digital (Industria Mechanika) and more will surely follow. How long do you think it will be before Airfix or Bandai start testing the waters with accessories or conversion sets that are only available as 3D print files? Airfix have already tried selling their own-brand 3D printer (currently £135 on their website). Ironically, this might see a temporary revival of the Local Model Shop as a 3D print farm with more and bigger printers than you can reasonably buy/store at home, plus a store full of paint, glue and finishing accessories. The increased cost of a bigger model will come from the cost of going to the LMS to get it printed rather than doing it yourself.

That is a very interesting idea, and hopefully it will be something that will come to pass. There is a market for it, as you say.
Though I will probably still be a Cheap B@stard and get mine done at the local Library...