Clive’s Train Display

Clive and Eleanor build a model railway for the school display. Their small wooden train will travel around a hill and stop beside a tiny station.

Clive gently pushes the train away from the station. It follows the first curve, then stops suddenly beside the cardboard hill instead of rolling around it.

Eleanor looks at the wheels, but none is caught. Clive takes the train off so they can see the wooden track underneath without anything hiding the join.

One short piece sits slightly higher than the next. Its end has not fitted fully into the join, leaving a small step across the train’s path.

They ask their teacher to check it with them. Eleanor lifts the loose section and puts it back carefully while Clive holds the next piece steady.

Now both pieces lie flat on the table. Clive runs one finger lightly across the join and feels no raised edge for the train to hit.

He puts the train back beside the station and gives it a gentle push. It rolls around the bend, past the hill and over the repaired join.

Eleanor moves the little station closer so visitors can see it. Their train is ready for the display, after one small join has made a big difference.