I think I buy for 30 years ago the last parts from Radio Shack.....when he was closing.
For 5 years ago we have 4 electric stores into town, now only one.
Last year the last RC-models store is closed and we have a town with 95,000 people.

BTW, the machines are second hand, I can't permit me new.
The CDI's cost me all my money, I can't permit me even a cruise to Hawaii

I start also with a Harbor Freight 7 inch lathe, but it was to small to modify my 50cc oldtimer bike.
I start with a 1970 Kreidler who never see a repairman and rebuild it to new.
http://www.kreidler.gompy.net/Kreidler-TRS/index.htm
When I finish the bike I buy myself a littlebit bigger lathe and now I modify smaller engines