This story centres on the lives of three children whose comfortable, middle-class existence ends when their father has to go away unexpectedly.

Roberta, Peter and Phyllis leave their London home and move with their mother to a small cottage in the country where life is very different. With their mother now busy writing to earn money, the railway becomes a source of fascination and solace to the children. Soon they discover the hills and valleys, the canal and of course, the railway. However, with the thrilling rush and rattle and roar of the trains comes danger too. Will the brave trio come to the rescue? And most importantly, can they solve the disappearance of their Father?

Each day, Roberta, Peter and Phyllis run down the field to the railway track and wave at the passing London train, sending their love to Father. They make friends with Perks the Porter and the station master, and discover new and exciting things about the trains. However, mystery remains - where is their father? 

One of the best-loved classics of all time, this charming story has secured a place in the hearts of thousands.