They throw into ecstasies and leave young boys in open-mouthed wonderment. At the grown ups as well as those in the advanced adulthood they awake memories and unfulfilled dreams.
We all know them rushing, wroughting-up and proudly whistling. They chug excited their work; cover the hills and valleys. Through the bridges they pass the rivers. In the clouds of steam and smoke they pull their burden. Their appearance makes to stop and to amaze the most luxurious cars and their owners as well.
I saw the Beautiful Helen for the first time when she was 70 years old. She was unusual, intriguing and truly beautiful. Enormous, proud and towering. So close and dear to me. After all I knew her from my childhood.
I was overwhelmed with the moving magic of her bulk shining (with) blacking and olive.I decided to get to know her and other locomotives where they rest, where after the hard day and trails they are repaired, fed and prepared for the next assignment. Where at night they sleep and mysteriously pant.
That`s what the story is about.