Marcus' Hiccups
Marcus and Kenneth are resting in the Yard. They have been telling jokes to make each other laugh…but what's this?
Oh no, Marcus was laughing so hard that he got the hiccups. What can Marcus do to make them stop?
"Try taking on water," puffs Kenneth. "That should help."
So, Marcus puffs to the water tower and his Driver fills his water tank. Did it work? …
Oh dear, Marcus still has the hiccups…What else can he try to make them go away?
"Try holding your breath for as long as you can," says Kenneth. Marcus takes a big breath and holds it. Will this make his hiccups go away? …
Bother! Marcus' hiccups made him loose his breath. What can Marcus do now? …
"TOOOOOOOT!" Nathan snuck up on Marcus and Kenneth and scared them. They are very cross…but wait…
Marcus has lost his hiccups! "A good scare can always stop hiccups," chuckles Nathan.
Marcus is very grateful. "Thank you, Nathan."
There are always many ways to solve a problem and if one way doesn't work, you should always try something different.
Kenneth's Balloons
Today, Kenneth has a very special delivery. He is taking balloons to a party at Kendal Castle.
There are three tracks Kenneth can take to the Castle, along the windy seaside, through the Woods and past the Meadow. Which is the best way for Kenneth to go?
Should he take the track by the seaside? …
No, the seaside is very windy. If the wind blows the balloons too hard, their nets could come loose, and they would fly away.
What about the track through the Woods. Is that the way Kenneth should take to the Castle? …
No, the Woods are full of tall trees. If the trees are too close to the track, the balloons could pop.
What about the track by the meadow? Should Kenneth go that way? …
Yes! the track by the meadow is very calm; there is no strong wind and there are no trees. This track is the perfect way to the Castle.
Now, Kenneth can deliver the balloons to the party on time. Well done, Kenneth!
Sorting Parts
Sandy and Loni are storing spare parts for the other engines. The workmen have built a new shelf for some new engine parts.
The shelf has three cubbyholes. The first hole is round like a wheel, the second hole is tall and thin, and the third hole is very long and flat.
Sandy has brought three new parts to go on the shelf. Can you help Loni find the right cubbyhole for each part?
Loni picks up the first part; it's a new wheel. Which is the best cubbyhole for this part?
What about the tall, thin hole? …
No, this hole is the wrong shape and even if the wheel was sideways, the hole wouldn't be deep enough.
What shape is the wheel? …The wheel is round.
What about the round hole? Will the wheel fit there? …
Yes, the round hole is just the right shape for a round wheel.
Loni picks up the second part; this one is a funnel. Which cubbyhole is right for this part?
What about the long, flat hole? Is that the right hole for this part? …
No, even if the funnel was lying flat, it's not narrow enough for that hole.
What shape is the funnel? …The funnel is tall and thin.
What about the tall, thin hole? Is this where the funnel should go? …
Yes, the tall, thin hole is perfect for a tall, thin funnel.
Now, Loni picks up the last part; a handrail.
The handrail is very long and flat. Will the handrail fit in the last cubbyhole? …
Yes! the last hole is long and flat. It's perfect for a long, flat handrail.
Now, the new parts are ready for another engine to use. Well done, Loni, and well done, everyone!
Lift and Load
There is a big order to fill at the Port today. Loni has been asked to help Corry the Dock Crane load some barges; it's a very big job.
"You're very strong, Loni," says the workman.
"But not as strong as me," chuckles Corry.
Loni is cross. "I can lift just as heavy loads as you; maybe, even heavier."
Loni and Corry are lifting even bigger loads much quicker than before…but what's that?
Oh dear! Corry and Loni's crane hooks are tangled.
The Dock Master is upset. "You two should be working together to get the job done," he says.
When Loni and Corry's hooks are untangled, they go back to work. The barges are soon loaded and are on their way.
Now, Loni and Corry understand they each have their own strengths and that it's silly to compete against one another. Well done, both of you!