Actually the technology is not that new but the application of it is. For a few years now rapid prototyping has been used to make prototypes for new models to sell outside of the local hobby shops. I saw a prototype of the Delta Flyer Shuttle from Star Trek :Voyager done in 1/48Th scale and as I held it up to look at the details I was told to be careful because that thing cost $10,000 dollars to make.