Tanks! Big armoured vehicles!
Mum, Dad and Tolya went to a military technology museum, and the boy carefully studied the exhibits. Some of the vehicles could be climbed on, and he was even allowed to sit in one and have a go at steering. But the boy liked the tanks most of all.
Dad, look how big it is! And what unusual tracks it has!
They're called caterpillar tracks, – Tolya's dad had served in the army and knew a lot about tanks.
Just like insects?
Yes, almost. Caterpillar tracks help the tank drive even where there are no roads. The caterpillar belts grip the ground, and the combat vehicle can go even over forest bumps and ravines.
Wow! That's brilliant! I'd like to drive a tank!
Do you know that a tank is very heavy? 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 difficult it is to operate. You need to study a lot for that. Come on, let's look at the other vehicles.
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 he had to study for a long time.
The family returned home from the museum late. Tolya ran straight to his room and shut the door. Mum went off 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? – asked Dad.
Yes, everything's fine! – shouted Tolya, but he didn't come out of his room.
Soon Mum called everyone to the table. Tolya wasn't in a hurry to come, and strange banging sounds kept coming from behind the bedroom door.
When Tolya appeared in the living room, Mum and Dad were already sitting at the table.
Dad! Come here, look at me, I'm a tank commander! – called the boy.
Dad went into the living room... Tolya, covered in dirt and with his hair standing on end, stood in the middle of the room. On his head was a green plastic rubbish bin. He had made two holes in it for eyes. A white sheet had been painted with colours and had become military camouflage. Tolya had tied it around his neck like a cape. And on his feet were his father's large rubber boots.
Well... A tank commander, you could say... – said Dad.
Come on, I'll show you my tank! – the boy exclaimed happily, grabbed his dad's hand and led him to his room.
Dad had 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 caterpillar tracks, and a mop had become the gun. A chair sat proudly on the bed, and Tolya jumped onto it as if it were the driver's seat.
Attack! – shouted the boy, making shooting sounds.
Yes, Tolya! You can see you tried hard! – said Dad.
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 commander!
I can see that, – she replied.
It looks like dinner will have to wait. First, the tank commander and I need to tidy up the room, – said Dad, winking at Tolya.
Yes! Mum, don't worry, Dad and I will clean everything up, you have a rest.
Dad and Tolya didn't start tidying up straight away. Tolya 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 they'd had enough fun, 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 commander!
