Axle Check

Traction came first. The wood grain beneath my treads felt solid and level, segmented by narrow floor seams. I tested steering torque. The front wheels responded smoothly, shifting several degrees to the right. Directly ahead sat a diagonal cluster of miniature low-clearance coupes, completely inert. I engaged drive and rolled forward half an inch until my front tire nudged the flank of the red racer. It shifted slightly across the groove, then settled. Passage through the gap is viable. I held position to monitor the line.