I am in agreement that there is less interest in mechanical things than in the past but I also think that preservation and playiing with old equipment has always been the hobby of "older types" not young men. I am in my mid fifties and remember my father saying the same thing 40 years ago, nobody has interest and the hobby will die with us (them). Personally my interests in antiquities and preservation was pretty much zilch until I was in my mid 40s. While most young people cannot explain hit miss governing they can do things with an I-phone so fast it makes my head spin. Of what importance is that? some might say. Those with no interest in our hobby will rightfully ask of what importance is your old flywheels going round and round? Some will get it at some point in life, some wont, there are older types today who don't know diesel fuel from gasoline don't ya know? I have two sons, 21 and 22. One gets it when it comes to old flywheels going round and round the other doesn't. Both are mechanics by trade and damn good ones I must say. One goes with me to shows, the other plays with an I-phone in his spare time.
What's all this ramble about? I don't think I know for sure, LOL but I don't think there is reason for panic over who is going to carry on. Many of the guys who collected when these things were available for scrap price are passing on and many huge collections are being sold and the prices will make a person's head spin. Somebody has interest for sure