I have used the walk-away successfully in school shows. My version is sold by Tillford (don't hit me!) and IS made of steel. My only disappointment in the prop was the curtain around the board, flimsy and not really long enough. I quickly had another made for me and I like it.

On a small stage, like that of a school and some careful checking angles from various seats in the house, you can literally get gasps from your young audience.
I heard one young man sitting in the front row and way off to the side exclaim to his friend, "Man. that's not possible." I assume it was because I carefully checked all angles before opening the doors to the show or I may have heard, "Hey what the heck is that big hunk of steel pipe doing?"

Frank Tougas

Frank,

The one sold by Tilford is built by Sommers and the same one that is sold by Klamm. That's the one in my avatar.