To make it to others they were not the children's railway from the start. I do not think they ever thought about railways except as a means to get to Maskelyne and Cook , mime, Zoological Gardens, and Madame Tussaud's . They were just ordinary suburban children , and they lived with his father and mother in the usual red brick facade villa, with colored glass in the front door , tiled passage that was called room, bathroom with hot and cold water, electric bells , French windows , and lots of white paint , and "all the modern conveniences such as a house - agents say . There were three of them. Robert was the eldest . Of course, the mother never to have favorites, but if their mother had a favorite , it would be Robert. Then came Peter, who wanted to be an engineer when he grew up , and the youngest was Phyllis , who meant well . Mother did not spend all their time in paying dull calls to dull ladies, and stupidly sitting at home waiting for dull ladies to pay calls to her . She was almost always there, ready to play with the kids and read them , and help them in their home - lessons. In addition, she used to write stories for them when they were in school , and read them aloud after tea , and she always made up funny poetry for their birthdays and other special occasions such as baptisms of new kittens , or . refurnishing of the doll's house , or the time when they received for pig These three happy children always have everything you need : beautiful clothes, good fires , a lovely nursery with a bunch of toys , and Mother Goose wallpaper. They were kind and cheerful nurse, and a dog that was called James , and who was their own . They also had a father who was just perfect - do not cross, never unjust , and always ready to play - at least , if at any time he was not ready, he always had a good reason for it, and explained the reason for children so interesting and funny that they felt that he could not help himself. You 'd think they were very happy. And so they were, but they did not know how happy until quite life in the Red Villa was over and they had to live a different life indeed. terrible change came quite suddenly . Peter had a birthday - his tenth . Among his other presents was a model engine more perfect than you could ever dream of. Other gifts were full of charm, but the engine was full of charm than any of the others were . Her fascination continued in full perfection for exactly three days. Then , either because of inexperience or Phyllis Peter's good intentions , which was quite relevant, or some other reason , the engine suddenly went down with a bang . James was so frightened that he went out and did not come back all day. All of Noah's Ark people who were in the tender were broken to pieces , but nothing else was hurt except the poor little motor and sensory Peter . Others said he wept over it - but , of course , boys do not cry out of ten , but the terrible tragedy may be many, which darken them . He said that his eyes were red because he had a cold . This turned out to be true, though Peter did not know what it was when he said it , the next day he had to go to bed and stay there.