The Special Tank Car

My grandpa’s hand felt warm and strong around mine as we walked along the shiny, black tracks. The train had stopped for a little while, and Grandpa said we had a very important lesson to learn. We had just seen the flatcar, which was so wide and open, perfect for carrying big, flat things like lumber or even a shiny red tractor. But Grandpa winked and said, “Sometimes, Leo, trains need to carry things that aren’t flat at all, and they certainly can’t be left out in the open!”

We walked a little further down the line, past a few more flatcars, and then I saw it. It looked like a giant, smooth barrel, lying on its side, attached to the train. It was a deep, dark blue color, and it had big, round ends. It wasn't open like the flatcar at all.

“Whoa, Grandpa, what’s that big round thing?” I asked, my eyes wide with wonder.