Quote Originally Posted by CTMilller View Post
Excellent post!

Googling suggests they were banned in the 1970s as they were seen as something of a weapon in the hands of hooligans. They were beginning to die out anyway. I think you've largely answered the question why!

I may still have mine that I bought from Suggs in 1960. I think it was 7/6 and was painted in our colours. I added 'UP THE MILLERS' in capital letters on one of the slats with Humbrol paint and was dead proud of it standing in Kids Corner with mates from school. I was 9. I'll be clearing out the garage at my UK place in the next few months and will look for it.
Good luck with that pal, hope you find it. I also recall someone painting their's red and white and, maybe that's why I recall handling one as a kid. Felt quite heavy at the time to hold and swing about but the noise was great. A bit akin to sticking a lollipop stick through your rear brakes so it made a din coming off the spokes of your wheel, only the rattle was a hundred times louder!