The German Steam Engine Tractor
September 2025
Since we have begun our exciting exploration into trains, especially steam trains, Marianne invited me in to surprise you all with something very special: my working ‘Steam Engine Tractor’, all the way from Germany! Lynda kindly ordered it for me, knowing how much I love trains, and Marianne thought it would be the perfect time to bring it in and share it with you.
This train was a real working steam engine, which meant it could be a little bit dangerous. The engine has a fire tray that needs firelighters to make it work. With a big bucket of water and a fire blanket close by for safety, I carefully lit the fire with matches, something we know is only for adults. As I did this, I pretended to be a ‘fireman’, not the kind that rides a fire engine, but the special train fireman whose important job is to start the fire and keep it going so the steam engine can move!
You all gathered around, watching with such excitement and anticipation as the fire began to heat the water in the boiler above the fire tray. Suddenly, we could hear it—bubble, bubble, bubble.
“It’s boiling!” you shouted.
You were right! As the water boiled, it sent steam up into the pistons. We watched closely as the piston started to move in and out, making the flywheel turn—the big wheel at the top of the engine. Just like magic, the wheels began to turn!
It began to move around the mat. With all our legs carefully tucked in, the engine chugged forward in a tight little circle. I steered it gently with the tiny steering wheel, guiding it round and round as you watched in amazement.
What an incredible sight it was to see this steam engine tractor in action, with all of its different parts working together to make it move!
Your favourite builder, Steve 🚂🛠️
Te Whāriki Learning Outcome – Exploration | Mana Aotūroa
Children develop working theories for making sense of the natural, social, physical, and material worlds.
Through observing this real steam engine, you were able to see how heat turns water into steam, how steam moves pistons, and how pistons power wheels. You are building important working theories about how machines operate, discovering the wonder of energy, movement, and invention.
