I don't think I bought a new model from Games Workshop until I was a teenager. No, growing up my forces consisted of boot-sale finds and I remember my mind being blown with the arrival of a certain online auction house. I reckon it was this "make do and mend" approach to the hobby which spurred my interest in conversion and customising. 
As I turned 18 I managed to land a job at the local Games Workshop, sometimes I miss those days. Long hair, rock music and painting toy soldiers, a much simpler time. I was also lucky enough to benefit from the fabled weight discount on the figures while working there.

In the last few years I've revisited the LEGO sets I had, or didn't manage to get as a kid. The by product of collecting another horde of plastic has allowed my to start exhibiting my LEGO collection at local shows. Which is a lot simpler than Warhammer tournaments let me tell you.