Oh that takes me back. rod brakes. I had a bike with those when I was about that age. The other kids used to take the piss something rotten. I don't have a photo though, unfortunately.
I have no idea what happened to the bike either. The next one I had was a Viking road bike 27× 1 and 3/4" wheels with 3 sturmy archer gears and cable operated side pull caliper brakes! it was 3rd or 4th hand, cost £4 and was my 13th birthday present.
I was so happy.
I have photo of that somewhere.
Maybe we should start another parallel thread. Show us you and your bike when you were a kid.