The Great Lake Express

A proper engine never derails on purpose, but your idea of a lakeside passenger run was too tempting to ignore! I hitched two empty tea boxes behind my rear coupling to serve as coaches, testing the tension with a brisk forward tug. Setting off across the kitchen tiles, my wheels drummed a steady, synchronized rhythm toward the wide blue ceramic water dish. I built up momentum right along the grout line, heading straight for the sparkling 'lake.' At the very last moment, I clamped my wheels down for a controlled emergency stop, sliding smoothly across the rubber mat. My front buffer met the ceramic rim with a crisp clink, sending neat ripples across the water while my train stayed upright!