On a sunny day (Mon, 26 Mar 2012 07:48:52 -0700) it happened Joerg wrote in :
Never had a problem buying them. I think you were ignorant of Dutch electronics shops. Philips used programmable UJTs in their ultrasound remote controls, a mass product at that time.
And I have to add, that if 'electuur' (elektor) published a hobby project, then all the electronic parts shops would stock up on the parts. Some even advertised in the same magazine. Radio Bulletin, Elektuur, radio Electronica, all of that time. Elektuur then even had kits and ready made PCBs of very high quality. One supported the other. Yes parts cost money, hey, but not really that much to stop people building things. Were very good times for electronic tinkerers, and actually still are.
What was Elektuur named before it was named 'Elektuur'? Cannot seem to remember. Go further back, remember Dr Blan? :-)