The only interesting aspect of this article to me is the continued rise of cottage industries like this. The internet facilitates connecting people of ability (hardware hackers) with their potential patrons.

Too bad these fans can't be creative and industrious themselves. I'd love to read about a sharing community (plans and schematics) built up solely on reproducing these sorts of artifacts.

The 405th[1] and therpf[2] are the forums you want. The 405th has more schematics like you mention but therpf has a wider scope.

1: http://www.405th.com

2:http://www.therpf.com

Example: A gillion pepakura schematics for skyrim weapons and armours : http://www.405th.com/forum/armor-uniform-and-prop-making/noo...