FOOTPLATE ADVENTURE

As it happens we did find a loo on the train — but by then both TT and Antony said they'd changed their minds, and Wilson thought he wouldn't be able to go if the train was moving, so we made our way back to our seats.

By the time we'd settled down, however, the train was stopping in a station, so we 'de-trained' (as W insists on calling it) onto the platform to have a look around.

The Engine Driver asked Wilson if he'd like to go up onto the footplate to see how the engine worked. W first made him promise not to sound the whistle unexpectedly, and having gained his assurance thrust Antony and TT into my hands and climbed up to join the Driver and the Fireman…