Tanks! Big armoured vehicles!
Mum, Dad and Toby went to a military technology museum, and the boy carefully studied the exhibits. Some vehicles could be climbed on, and one he was allowed to sit in and have a go at steering. But the boy liked the tanks most of all.
Dad, look how big it is! And what unusual wheels it has!
They're called tracks, – Dad had served in the army and knew a lot about tanks.
Just like insects?
Yes, almost. The tracked drive helps the tank travel even where there are no roads. The track belts grip the ground, and the combat vehicle can go even over forest tussocks and ravines.
Wow! That's brilliant! I'd like to drive a tank!
Do you know how heavy a tank is? What do you reckon it weighs?
Probably as much as an elephant, or even more!
Of course more – a tank weighs as much as nine elephants! About 45 tonnes.
No way!
Yes, imagine how hard it is to operate. You need to study a lot for that. Come on, let's look at some other vehicles.
Toby walked around the museum with his parents for a long time, but his thoughts kept returning to the big beautiful tank that weighs more than nine elephants! He firmly decided that when he grew up – he would definitely learn to drive a tank, even if it meant studying for a long time.
The family returned home from the museum late. Toby rushed straight to his room and shut the door. Mum went off to prepare dinner, and Dad went to read in the lounge. Suddenly there was a loud crash from the boy's room.
Toby, are you alright? – Dad asked.
Yes, all good! – Toby shouted, but didn't come out of his room.
Soon Mum called everyone to the table. Toby wasn't in a hurry to come, and from behind the bedroom door came a steady banging sound.
When Toby appeared in the lounge, Mum and Dad were already sitting at the table.
Dad! Come here, look at me, I'm a tank driver! – the boy called out.
Dad went into the lounge... Toby, dirty and dishevelled, stood in the middle of the room. On his head was a green plastic rubbish bin. He'd made two holes in it for eyes. A white sheet had been painted with colours and became military camouflage. Toby tied it around his neck like a cape. And on his feet were Dad's big rubber boots.
Well... A tank driver, you could say... – Dad said.
Come on, I'll show you my tank! – the boy exclaimed happily and, grabbing Dad by the hand, led him to his room.
Dad had already guessed what he'd see. Toby solemnly opened the door.
Look, I tried hard! Does it look like one?
The boy had built the tank from his bed. He'd pulled it into the centre of the room. Sheets had become the tracks, and a mop had become the gun. A chair sat proudly on the bed, and Toby jumped on it like it was the driver's seat.
Charge! – the boy shouted, making shooting sounds.
Yes, Toby! You can see you tried hard! – Dad said.
Then Mum appeared in the room. Her eyes widened, she wanted to say something, but just threw up her hands.
Look, Mum! I'm a tank driver!
I can see, – she replied.
Looks like dinner will have to wait. First we need to tidy up the room with our tank driver, – Dad said, winking at Toby.
Yes! Mum, don't worry, Dad and I will tidy everything up, you have a rest.
Dad and Toby didn't start tidying up straight away. Toby spent a long time telling Dad how his tank worked. It was just as heavy as a real one, if not heavier. Then Dad himself climbed into the 'vehicle' and even fired the 'gun'. After playing to their hearts' content, they quickly put everything back in place and, hungry but happy, went to have dinner.
That's how Toby surprised his parents and became a tank driver!
