Okay! Imagine you are playing a game with your friends, and you need a special signal to start running. For trains, they have a special signal too!

When the train is ready to leave, it looks for a red flag or a lantern that shines red. This is kind of like a stop sign. When the flag or lantern is red, it means 'wait'! The train needs to stay still.

But when the flag or lantern is not red anymore, it means 'go!' The train can then start moving, just like you would rush off when your friend says 'go!'.

So, the red flag or lantern tells the train when it’s time to stay put and when it’s time to start moving!

Written October 16, 2024