Roberta (Bobbie), Peter, and Phyllis live a happy life in London until their father is suddenly taken away and imprisoned, being falsely accused of treason. Their family falls on hard times, and the children and their mother move to a small house near a railway station in the countryside.
They become fascinated with the trains which run by their house and wave at it vigourously everyday as it passes by. One passenger, who they refer to as the old gentleman, waves back at them regularly. They also befriend the station master and the porter at the railway station.
During their time in the countryside, they have several adventures, including preventing a train accident, rescuing a baby from a burning barge on the canal, taking in a Russian exile as a lodger, and aiding an injured boy in a railway tunnel. The injured boy, Jim, is revealed to be the grandson of the old gentleman, who returns the Railway Children’s kindness and bravery by helping clear their father’s name and having him released.
Written at the turn of the century (1906), the story incorporates events from the current affairs of the times; the author also draws upon her own childhood in the countryside. A charming and engaging read, this is essentially a children’s book, as the various adventures are specifically designed to appeal to young children.
It should be noted that though the book is a product of its times. It would be unthinkable for children to be left to their own devices in today’s day and age, or indeed, being allowed to explore an uncontrolled environment.