Tanks! Big armoured vehicles!
Mom, Dad, and Tolya 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 steer. 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 military and knew a lot about tanks.
Just like insects?
Yes, almost. Tracked treads help the tank drive even where there are no roads. The track belts grip the ground, and the combat vehicle can pass even over forest bumps and ravines.
Wow! That's cool! I'd like to drive a tank!
Do you know how heavy a tank is? What do you think 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 other equipment.
Tolya 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 took a long time to study.
The family returned from the museum late. Tolya immediately ran to his room and closed the door. Mom went to prepare dinner, and Dad went to read in the living room. Suddenly, there was a loud crash from the boy's room.
Tolya, are you alright? – Dad asked.
Yes, everything's fine! – Tolya shouted, but didn't come out of his room.
Soon Mom called everyone to the table. Tolya wasn't in a hurry to come, and strange knocking sounds kept coming from behind the children's room door.
When Tolya appeared in the living room, Mom and Dad were already sitting at the table.
Dad! Come here, look at me, I'm a tank driver! – the boy called.
Dad went into the living room... Tolya, dirty and dishevelled, stood in the middle of the room. On his head was a green plastic garbage bin. He had made two holes in it for eyes. A white sheet was painted with colours and became military camouflage. Tolya tied it around his neck like a cape. And on his feet were big rubber boots belonging to Dad.
Well... A tank driver, there's no other way to describe it... – 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 already guessed what he would see. Tolya solemnly opened the door.
Look, I tried hard! Does it look like one?
The boy had built the tank from his bed. He had pulled it to 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 Tolya jumped on it like it was a driver's seat.
Attack! – the boy shouted, making shooting sounds.
Yes, Tolya! I can see you tried hard! – Dad said.
Then Mom appeared in the room. Her eyes widened, she wanted to say something, but just threw up her hands.
Look, Mom! I'm a tank driver!
I see, – she answered.
It looks like dinner is going to be delayed. First, we need to tidy up the room with our tank driver, – Dad said, winking at Tolya.
Yes! Mom, don't worry, Dad and I will clean everything up, and you can rest.
Dad and Tolya didn't start tidying up right away. Tolya told Dad for a long time how his tank worked. It weighed no less than a regular one. Then Dad himself climbed into the 'vehicle' and even fired the 'gun.' After playing to their heart's content, they quickly put everything back in place and, hungry but happy, went to have dinner.
That's how Tolya surprised his parents and became a tank driver!
