I’d bought a 2-8-0 steamer,

“Consolidation-type” in N scale…

I had one train circle running

And delightedly put this engine on rails!

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This BOSTON AND MAINE “2-8-0”

It didn’t travel far…

Before the engine stubbed its toe

And the front wheels went ajar.

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My careful but quickly laid track

Was not perfectly smooth….

And like it’s prototype,

The engine wheels hit a cross-groove!

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Rough track is anathema

To models with light pilot wheels…

Even the real ones suffered

From extra tight curve squeals!

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–Jonathan Caswell