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Ralph on the Overland Express
Ralph on the Overland Express

Chapter I · Chapter 1

Chapter 1 of Ralph on the Overland Express is here in full — 114 sentences across 23 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Cover illustration for Ralph on the Overland Express
Context Illustration Reading 1/22 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
AUTHOR OF "RALPH OF THE ROUNDHOUSE," "RALPH IN THE SWITCH TOWER," "RALPH ON THE ENGINE," "DAREWELL CHUMS SERIES," ETC.
Made in the United States of America RALPH OF THE ROUNDHOUSE Or, Bound to Become a Railroad Man RALPH ON THE ENGINE Or, The Young Fireman of the Limited Mail RALPH ON THE OVERLAND EXPRESS Or, The Trials and Triumphs of a Young Engineer (Other Volumes in Preparation.)
Ralph on the Overland Express "All aboard."
Ralph Fairbanks swung into the cab of No. 999 with the lever hooked up for forward motion, and placed a firm hand on the throttle.
It looked as though half the working force of the railroad, and every juvenile friend he had ever known in Stanley Junction, had come down to the little old depot that beautiful summer afternoon to especially celebrate the greatest event in his active railroad career.
0:00 / 0:00
Speed 0.75x
AI-generated narration by OpenAI · Slow US English
LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

Ralph on the Overland Express

Chapter I · Chapter 1

Chapter 1 of Ralph on the Overland Express is here in full — 114 sentences across 23 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/22 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
AUTHOR OF "RALPH OF THE ROUNDHOUSE," "RALPH IN THE SWITCH TOWER," "RALPH ON THE ENGINE," "DAREWELL CHUMS SERIES," ETC.
Line 2
Made in the United States of America RALPH OF THE ROUNDHOUSE Or, Bound to Become a Railroad Man RALPH ON THE ENGINE Or, The Young Fireman of the Limited Mail RALPH ON THE OVERLAND EXPRESS Or, The Trials and Triumphs of a Young Engineer (Other Volumes in Preparation.)
Line 3
Ralph on the Overland Express "All aboard."
Line 4
Ralph Fairbanks swung into the cab of No. 999 with the lever hooked up for forward motion, and placed a firm hand on the throttle.
Line 5
It looked as though half the working force of the railroad, and every juvenile friend he had ever known in Stanley Junction, had come down to the little old depot that beautiful summer afternoon to especially celebrate the greatest event in his active railroad career.
/ɪt lʊkt æz ðoʊ hæf ðə ˈwɜːrkɪŋ fɔːrs ʌv ðə ˈreɪlroʊd ənd ˈevəri ˈdʒuːvənəl frend hiː hæd ˈevər noʊn ɪn ˈstænli ˈdʒʌŋkʃən hæd kʌm daʊn tuː ðə ˈlɪtəl oʊld ˈdiːpoʊ ðæt ˈbjuːtəfəl ˈsʌmər ˌæftərˈnuːn tuː əˈspeʃli ˈseləbreɪt ðə ˈɡreɪtəst ɪˈvent ɪn hɪz ˈæktɪv ˈreɪlroʊd kərˈɪr/

Learner Dictionary

These definitions explain words found in the current reading and keep every example grounded in its original sentence.

Oxford-style entry order: headword, part of speech, US IPA, concise definition, contextual example, and audio.

chums noun US /tʃʌmz/

plural of “chum” — a close friend who accompanies his buddies in their activities

From this reading “AUTHOR OF "RALPH OF THE ROUNDHOUSE," "RALPH IN THE SWITCH TOWER," "RALPH ON THE ENGINE," "DAREWELL CHUMS SERIES," ETC.”

Fairbanks noun US /ˈferbəŋks/

United States film actor; son of Douglas Elton Fairbanks, (1909-2000)

From this reading “Ralph Fairbanks swung into the cab of No. 999 with the lever hooked up for forward motion, and placed a firm hand on the throttle.”

Fireman noun US /ˈfaɪrmən/

play in which children pretend to put out a fire

From this reading “Made in the United States of America RALPH OF THE ROUNDHOUSE Or, Bound to Become a Railroad Man RALPH ON THE ENGINE Or, The Young Fireman of the Limited Mail RALPH ON THE OVERLAND EXPRESS Or, The Trials and Triumphs of a Young Engineer (Other Volumes in Preparation.)”

juvenile adjective US /ˈdʒuːvənəl/

of or relating to or characteristic of or appropriate for children or young people

From this reading “It looked as though half the working force of the railroad, and every juvenile friend he had ever known in Stanley Junction, had come down to the little old depot that beautiful summer afternoon to especially celebrate the greatest event in his active railroad career.”

overland adjective US /ˈoʊvərlænd/

traveling or passing over land

From this reading “Made in the United States of America RALPH OF THE ROUNDHOUSE Or, Bound to Become a Railroad Man RALPH ON THE ENGINE Or, The Young Fireman of the Limited Mail RALPH ON THE OVERLAND EXPRESS Or, The Trials and Triumphs of a Young Engineer (Other Volumes in Preparation.)”

roundhouse noun US /ˈraʊndhaʊs/

workplace consisting of a circular building for repairing locomotives

From this reading “AUTHOR OF "RALPH OF THE ROUNDHOUSE," "RALPH IN THE SWITCH TOWER," "RALPH ON THE ENGINE," "DAREWELL CHUMS SERIES," ETC.”

switch verb US /swɪtʃ/

change over, change around, as to a new order or sequence

From this reading “AUTHOR OF "RALPH OF THE ROUNDHOUSE," "RALPH IN THE SWITCH TOWER," "RALPH ON THE ENGINE," "DAREWELL CHUMS SERIES," ETC.”

throttle verb US /ˈθrɑːtəl/

place limits on (extent or amount or access)

From this reading “Ralph Fairbanks swung into the cab of No. 999 with the lever hooked up for forward motion, and placed a firm hand on the throttle.”

All words in this reading · 89

Every word in these five lines is listed here, and every one of them can be played on its own.

Dictionary details are shown only when verified; these are not licensed Oxford entries.

999

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Ralph Fairbanks swung into the cab of No. 999 with the lever hooked up for forward motion, and placed a firm hand on the throttle.

adeterminerUS /ə/

used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one

From this reading Made in the United States of America RALPH OF THE ROUNDHOUSE Or, Bound to Become a Railroad Man RALPH ON THE ENGINE Or, The Young Fireman of the Limited Mail RALPH ON THE OVERLAND EXPRESS Or, The Trials and Triumphs of a Young Engineer (Other Volumes in Preparation.)

aboardadverbUS /əˈbɔːrd/

on a ship, train, plane or other vehicle

From this reading Ralph on the Overland Express "All aboard."

activeadjectiveUS /ˈæktɪv/

tending to become more severe or wider in scope

From this reading It looked as though half the working force of the railroad, and every juvenile friend he had ever known in Stanley Junction, had come down to the little old depot that beautiful summer afternoon to especially celebrate the greatest event in his active railroad career.

afternoonnounUS /ˌæftərˈnuːn/

the part of the day between noon and evening

From this reading It looked as though half the working force of the railroad, and every juvenile friend he had ever known in Stanley Junction, had come down to the little old depot that beautiful summer afternoon to especially celebrate the greatest event in his active railroad career.

AlladjectiveUS /ɔːl/

(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class

From this reading Ralph on the Overland Express "All aboard."

AmericanounUS /əˈmerəkə/

North American republic containing 50 states - 48 conterminous states in North America plus Alaska in northwest North America and the Hawaiian Islands in the Pacific Ocean; achieved independence in 1776

From this reading Made in the United States of America RALPH OF THE ROUNDHOUSE Or, Bound to Become a Railroad Man RALPH ON THE ENGINE Or, The Young Fireman of the Limited Mail RALPH ON THE OVERLAND EXPRESS Or, The Trials and Triumphs of a Young Engineer (Other Volumes in Preparation.)

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together

From this reading Made in the United States of America RALPH OF THE ROUNDHOUSE Or, Bound to Become a Railroad Man RALPH ON THE ENGINE Or, The Young Fireman of the Limited Mail RALPH ON THE OVERLAND EXPRESS Or, The Trials and Triumphs of a Young Engineer (Other Volumes in Preparation.)

asconjunctionUS /æz/

at the same time that; because; in the way that

From this reading It looked as though half the working force of the railroad, and every juvenile friend he had ever known in Stanley Junction, had come down to the little old depot that beautiful summer afternoon to especially celebrate the greatest event in his active railroad career.

AUTHORnounUS /ˈɔːθər/

writes (books or stories or articles or the like) professionally (for pay)

From this reading AUTHOR OF "RALPH OF THE ROUNDHOUSE," "RALPH IN THE SWITCH TOWER," "RALPH ON THE ENGINE," "DAREWELL CHUMS SERIES," ETC.

beautifuladjectiveUS /ˈbjuːtəfəl/

delighting the senses or exciting intellectual or emotional admiration

From this reading It looked as though half the working force of the railroad, and every juvenile friend he had ever known in Stanley Junction, had come down to the little old depot that beautiful summer afternoon to especially celebrate the greatest event in his active railroad career.

BecomeverbUS /bɪˈkʌm/

enter or assume a certain state or condition

From this reading Made in the United States of America RALPH OF THE ROUNDHOUSE Or, Bound to Become a Railroad Man RALPH ON THE ENGINE Or, The Young Fireman of the Limited Mail RALPH ON THE OVERLAND EXPRESS Or, The Trials and Triumphs of a Young Engineer (Other Volumes in Preparation.)

BoundadjectiveUS /baʊnd/

confined by bonds

From this reading Made in the United States of America RALPH OF THE ROUNDHOUSE Or, Bound to Become a Railroad Man RALPH ON THE ENGINE Or, The Young Fireman of the Limited Mail RALPH ON THE OVERLAND EXPRESS Or, The Trials and Triumphs of a Young Engineer (Other Volumes in Preparation.)

cabnounUS /kæb/

a compartment at the front of a motor vehicle or locomotive where driver sits

From this reading Ralph Fairbanks swung into the cab of No. 999 with the lever hooked up for forward motion, and placed a firm hand on the throttle.

careernounUS /kərˈɪr/

the particular occupation for which you are trained

From this reading It looked as though half the working force of the railroad, and every juvenile friend he had ever known in Stanley Junction, had come down to the little old depot that beautiful summer afternoon to especially celebrate the greatest event in his active railroad career.

celebrateverbUS /ˈseləbreɪt/

behave as expected during of holidays or rites

From this reading It looked as though half the working force of the railroad, and every juvenile friend he had ever known in Stanley Junction, had come down to the little old depot that beautiful summer afternoon to especially celebrate the greatest event in his active railroad career.

CHUMSnounUS /tʃʌmz/

plural of “chum” — a close friend who accompanies his buddies in their activities

From this reading AUTHOR OF "RALPH OF THE ROUNDHOUSE," "RALPH IN THE SWITCH TOWER," "RALPH ON THE ENGINE," "DAREWELL CHUMS SERIES," ETC.

comeverbUS /kʌm/

move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading It looked as though half the working force of the railroad, and every juvenile friend he had ever known in Stanley Junction, had come down to the little old depot that beautiful summer afternoon to especially celebrate the greatest event in his active railroad career.

DAREWELL

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading AUTHOR OF "RALPH OF THE ROUNDHOUSE," "RALPH IN THE SWITCH TOWER," "RALPH ON THE ENGINE," "DAREWELL CHUMS SERIES," ETC.

depotnounUS /ˈdiːpoʊ/

station where transport vehicles load or unload passengers or goods

From this reading It looked as though half the working force of the railroad, and every juvenile friend he had ever known in Stanley Junction, had come down to the little old depot that beautiful summer afternoon to especially celebrate the greatest event in his active railroad career.

downadjectiveUS /daʊn/

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading It looked as though half the working force of the railroad, and every juvenile friend he had ever known in Stanley Junction, had come down to the little old depot that beautiful summer afternoon to especially celebrate the greatest event in his active railroad career.

ENGINEnounUS /ˈendʒən/

motor that converts thermal energy to mechanical work

From this reading AUTHOR OF "RALPH OF THE ROUNDHOUSE," "RALPH IN THE SWITCH TOWER," "RALPH ON THE ENGINE," "DAREWELL CHUMS SERIES," ETC.

EngineernounUS /ˈendʒəˈnɪr/

a person who uses scientific knowledge to solve practical problems

From this reading Made in the United States of America RALPH OF THE ROUNDHOUSE Or, Bound to Become a Railroad Man RALPH ON THE ENGINE Or, The Young Fireman of the Limited Mail RALPH ON THE OVERLAND EXPRESS Or, The Trials and Triumphs of a Young Engineer (Other Volumes in Preparation.)

especiallyadverbUS /əˈspeʃli/

to a distinctly greater extent or degree than is common

From this reading It looked as though half the working force of the railroad, and every juvenile friend he had ever known in Stanley Junction, had come down to the little old depot that beautiful summer afternoon to especially celebrate the greatest event in his active railroad career.

ETC

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading AUTHOR OF "RALPH OF THE ROUNDHOUSE," "RALPH IN THE SWITCH TOWER," "RALPH ON THE ENGINE," "DAREWELL CHUMS SERIES," ETC.

eventnounUS /ɪˈvent/

something that happens at a given place and time

From this reading It looked as though half the working force of the railroad, and every juvenile friend he had ever known in Stanley Junction, had come down to the little old depot that beautiful summer afternoon to especially celebrate the greatest event in his active railroad career.

everadverbUS /ˈevər/

at any time

From this reading It looked as though half the working force of the railroad, and every juvenile friend he had ever known in Stanley Junction, had come down to the little old depot that beautiful summer afternoon to especially celebrate the greatest event in his active railroad career.

everydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading It looked as though half the working force of the railroad, and every juvenile friend he had ever known in Stanley Junction, had come down to the little old depot that beautiful summer afternoon to especially celebrate the greatest event in his active railroad career.

EXPRESSverbUS /ɪkˈspres/

give expression to

From this reading Made in the United States of America RALPH OF THE ROUNDHOUSE Or, Bound to Become a Railroad Man RALPH ON THE ENGINE Or, The Young Fireman of the Limited Mail RALPH ON THE OVERLAND EXPRESS Or, The Trials and Triumphs of a Young Engineer (Other Volumes in Preparation.)

FairbanksnounUS /ˈferbəŋks/

United States film actor; son of Douglas Elton Fairbanks, (1909-2000)

From this reading Ralph Fairbanks swung into the cab of No. 999 with the lever hooked up for forward motion, and placed a firm hand on the throttle.

FiremannounUS /ˈfaɪrmən/

play in which children pretend to put out a fire

From this reading Made in the United States of America RALPH OF THE ROUNDHOUSE Or, Bound to Become a Railroad Man RALPH ON THE ENGINE Or, The Young Fireman of the Limited Mail RALPH ON THE OVERLAND EXPRESS Or, The Trials and Triumphs of a Young Engineer (Other Volumes in Preparation.)

firmadjectiveUS /fɜːrm/

marked by firm determination or resolution; not shakable

From this reading Ralph Fairbanks swung into the cab of No. 999 with the lever hooked up for forward motion, and placed a firm hand on the throttle.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Ralph Fairbanks swung into the cab of No. 999 with the lever hooked up for forward motion, and placed a firm hand on the throttle.

forcenounUS /fɔːrs/

a powerful effect or influence

From this reading It looked as though half the working force of the railroad, and every juvenile friend he had ever known in Stanley Junction, had come down to the little old depot that beautiful summer afternoon to especially celebrate the greatest event in his active railroad career.

forwardadverbUS /ˈfɔːrwərd/

at or to or toward the front

From this reading Ralph Fairbanks swung into the cab of No. 999 with the lever hooked up for forward motion, and placed a firm hand on the throttle.

friendnounUS /frend/

a person you know well and regard with affection and trust

From this reading It looked as though half the working force of the railroad, and every juvenile friend he had ever known in Stanley Junction, had come down to the little old depot that beautiful summer afternoon to especially celebrate the greatest event in his active railroad career.

greatestadjectiveUS /ˈɡreɪtəst/

highest in quality

From this reading It looked as though half the working force of the railroad, and every juvenile friend he had ever known in Stanley Junction, had come down to the little old depot that beautiful summer afternoon to especially celebrate the greatest event in his active railroad career.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect

From this reading It looked as though half the working force of the railroad, and every juvenile friend he had ever known in Stanley Junction, had come down to the little old depot that beautiful summer afternoon to especially celebrate the greatest event in his active railroad career.

halfadjectiveUS /hæf/

consisting of one of two equivalent parts in value or quantity

From this reading It looked as though half the working force of the railroad, and every juvenile friend he had ever known in Stanley Junction, had come down to the little old depot that beautiful summer afternoon to especially celebrate the greatest event in his active railroad career.

handnounUS /hænd/

the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb

From this reading Ralph Fairbanks swung into the cab of No. 999 with the lever hooked up for forward motion, and placed a firm hand on the throttle.

hepronounUS /hiː/

a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading It looked as though half the working force of the railroad, and every juvenile friend he had ever known in Stanley Junction, had come down to the little old depot that beautiful summer afternoon to especially celebrate the greatest event in his active railroad career.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned

From this reading It looked as though half the working force of the railroad, and every juvenile friend he had ever known in Stanley Junction, had come down to the little old depot that beautiful summer afternoon to especially celebrate the greatest event in his active railroad career.

hookedadjectiveUS /hʊkt/

curved down like an eagle's beak

From this reading Ralph Fairbanks swung into the cab of No. 999 with the lever hooked up for forward motion, and placed a firm hand on the throttle.

INprepositionUS /ɪn/

inside something, or within a place, period, or state

From this reading AUTHOR OF "RALPH OF THE ROUNDHOUSE," "RALPH IN THE SWITCH TOWER," "RALPH ON THE ENGINE," "DAREWELL CHUMS SERIES," ETC.

intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/

moving to the inside of something

From this reading Ralph Fairbanks swung into the cab of No. 999 with the lever hooked up for forward motion, and placed a firm hand on the throttle.

ItpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It looked as though half the working force of the railroad, and every juvenile friend he had ever known in Stanley Junction, had come down to the little old depot that beautiful summer afternoon to especially celebrate the greatest event in his active railroad career.

JunctionnounUS /ˈdʒʌŋkʃən/

the place where two or more things come together

From this reading It looked as though half the working force of the railroad, and every juvenile friend he had ever known in Stanley Junction, had come down to the little old depot that beautiful summer afternoon to especially celebrate the greatest event in his active railroad career.

juvenileadjectiveUS /ˈdʒuːvənəl/

of or relating to or characteristic of or appropriate for children or young people

From this reading It looked as though half the working force of the railroad, and every juvenile friend he had ever known in Stanley Junction, had come down to the little old depot that beautiful summer afternoon to especially celebrate the greatest event in his active railroad career.

knownadjectiveUS /noʊn/

apprehended with certainty

From this reading It looked as though half the working force of the railroad, and every juvenile friend he had ever known in Stanley Junction, had come down to the little old depot that beautiful summer afternoon to especially celebrate the greatest event in his active railroad career.

levernounUS /ˈlevər/

a rigid bar pivoted about a fulcrum

From this reading Ralph Fairbanks swung into the cab of No. 999 with the lever hooked up for forward motion, and placed a firm hand on the throttle.

LimitedadjectiveUS /ˈlɪmətəd/

small in range or scope

From this reading Made in the United States of America RALPH OF THE ROUNDHOUSE Or, Bound to Become a Railroad Man RALPH ON THE ENGINE Or, The Young Fireman of the Limited Mail RALPH ON THE OVERLAND EXPRESS Or, The Trials and Triumphs of a Young Engineer (Other Volumes in Preparation.)

littleadjectiveUS /ˈlɪtəl/

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading It looked as though half the working force of the railroad, and every juvenile friend he had ever known in Stanley Junction, had come down to the little old depot that beautiful summer afternoon to especially celebrate the greatest event in his active railroad career.

lookedverbUS /lʊkt/

past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards

From this reading It looked as though half the working force of the railroad, and every juvenile friend he had ever known in Stanley Junction, had come down to the little old depot that beautiful summer afternoon to especially celebrate the greatest event in his active railroad career.

MadeadjectiveUS /meɪd/

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading Made in the United States of America RALPH OF THE ROUNDHOUSE Or, Bound to Become a Railroad Man RALPH ON THE ENGINE Or, The Young Fireman of the Limited Mail RALPH ON THE OVERLAND EXPRESS Or, The Trials and Triumphs of a Young Engineer (Other Volumes in Preparation.)

MailnounUS /meɪl/

the bags of letters and packages that are transported by the postal service

From this reading Made in the United States of America RALPH OF THE ROUNDHOUSE Or, Bound to Become a Railroad Man RALPH ON THE ENGINE Or, The Young Fireman of the Limited Mail RALPH ON THE OVERLAND EXPRESS Or, The Trials and Triumphs of a Young Engineer (Other Volumes in Preparation.)

MannounUS /mæn/

an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading Made in the United States of America RALPH OF THE ROUNDHOUSE Or, Bound to Become a Railroad Man RALPH ON THE ENGINE Or, The Young Fireman of the Limited Mail RALPH ON THE OVERLAND EXPRESS Or, The Trials and Triumphs of a Young Engineer (Other Volumes in Preparation.)

motionnounUS /ˈmoʊʃən/

the use of movements (especially of the hands) to communicate familiar or prearranged signals

From this reading Ralph Fairbanks swung into the cab of No. 999 with the lever hooked up for forward motion, and placed a firm hand on the throttle.

NodeterminerUS /noʊ/

not any; not one

From this reading Ralph Fairbanks swung into the cab of No. 999 with the lever hooked up for forward motion, and placed a firm hand on the throttle.

OFprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading AUTHOR OF "RALPH OF THE ROUNDHOUSE," "RALPH IN THE SWITCH TOWER," "RALPH ON THE ENGINE," "DAREWELL CHUMS SERIES," ETC.

oldadjectiveUS /oʊld/

(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age

From this reading It looked as though half the working force of the railroad, and every juvenile friend he had ever known in Stanley Junction, had come down to the little old depot that beautiful summer afternoon to especially celebrate the greatest event in his active railroad career.

ONprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading AUTHOR OF "RALPH OF THE ROUNDHOUSE," "RALPH IN THE SWITCH TOWER," "RALPH ON THE ENGINE," "DAREWELL CHUMS SERIES," ETC.

OrconjunctionUS /ɔːr/

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Made in the United States of America RALPH OF THE ROUNDHOUSE Or, Bound to Become a Railroad Man RALPH ON THE ENGINE Or, The Young Fireman of the Limited Mail RALPH ON THE OVERLAND EXPRESS Or, The Trials and Triumphs of a Young Engineer (Other Volumes in Preparation.)

OtheradjectiveUS /ˈʌðər/

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading Made in the United States of America RALPH OF THE ROUNDHOUSE Or, Bound to Become a Railroad Man RALPH ON THE ENGINE Or, The Young Fireman of the Limited Mail RALPH ON THE OVERLAND EXPRESS Or, The Trials and Triumphs of a Young Engineer (Other Volumes in Preparation.)

OVERLANDadjectiveUS /ˈoʊvərlænd/

traveling or passing over land

From this reading Made in the United States of America RALPH OF THE ROUNDHOUSE Or, Bound to Become a Railroad Man RALPH ON THE ENGINE Or, The Young Fireman of the Limited Mail RALPH ON THE OVERLAND EXPRESS Or, The Trials and Triumphs of a Young Engineer (Other Volumes in Preparation.)

placedadjectiveUS /pleɪst/

situated in a particular spot or position

From this reading Ralph Fairbanks swung into the cab of No. 999 with the lever hooked up for forward motion, and placed a firm hand on the throttle.

PreparationnounUS /ˌprepərˈeɪʃən/

the activity of putting or setting in order in advance of some act or purpose

From this reading Made in the United States of America RALPH OF THE ROUNDHOUSE Or, Bound to Become a Railroad Man RALPH ON THE ENGINE Or, The Young Fireman of the Limited Mail RALPH ON THE OVERLAND EXPRESS Or, The Trials and Triumphs of a Young Engineer (Other Volumes in Preparation.)

RailroadnounUS /ˈreɪlroʊd/

line that is the commercial organization responsible for operating a system of transportation for trains that pull passengers or freight

From this reading Made in the United States of America RALPH OF THE ROUNDHOUSE Or, Bound to Become a Railroad Man RALPH ON THE ENGINE Or, The Young Fireman of the Limited Mail RALPH ON THE OVERLAND EXPRESS Or, The Trials and Triumphs of a Young Engineer (Other Volumes in Preparation.)

RALPH

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading AUTHOR OF "RALPH OF THE ROUNDHOUSE," "RALPH IN THE SWITCH TOWER," "RALPH ON THE ENGINE," "DAREWELL CHUMS SERIES," ETC.

ROUNDHOUSEnounUS /ˈraʊndhaʊs/

workplace consisting of a circular building for repairing locomotives

From this reading AUTHOR OF "RALPH OF THE ROUNDHOUSE," "RALPH IN THE SWITCH TOWER," "RALPH ON THE ENGINE," "DAREWELL CHUMS SERIES," ETC.

SERIESnounUS /ˈsɪriz/

similar things placed in order or happening one after another

From this reading AUTHOR OF "RALPH OF THE ROUNDHOUSE," "RALPH IN THE SWITCH TOWER," "RALPH ON THE ENGINE," "DAREWELL CHUMS SERIES," ETC.

StanleynounUS /ˈstænli/

United States inventor who built a steam-powered automobile (1849-1918)

From this reading It looked as though half the working force of the railroad, and every juvenile friend he had ever known in Stanley Junction, had come down to the little old depot that beautiful summer afternoon to especially celebrate the greatest event in his active railroad career.

StatesnounUS /steɪts/

plural of “state” — the territory occupied by one of the constituent administrative districts of a nation

From this reading Made in the United States of America RALPH OF THE ROUNDHOUSE Or, Bound to Become a Railroad Man RALPH ON THE ENGINE Or, The Young Fireman of the Limited Mail RALPH ON THE OVERLAND EXPRESS Or, The Trials and Triumphs of a Young Engineer (Other Volumes in Preparation.)

summernounUS /ˈsʌmər/

the warmest season of the year; in the northern hemisphere it extends from the summer solstice to the autumnal equinox

From this reading It looked as though half the working force of the railroad, and every juvenile friend he had ever known in Stanley Junction, had come down to the little old depot that beautiful summer afternoon to especially celebrate the greatest event in his active railroad career.

SWITCHverbUS /swɪtʃ/

change over, change around, as to a new order or sequence

From this reading AUTHOR OF "RALPH OF THE ROUNDHOUSE," "RALPH IN THE SWITCH TOWER," "RALPH ON THE ENGINE," "DAREWELL CHUMS SERIES," ETC.

swungverbUS /swʌŋ/

inflected form of “swing” — move in a curve or arc, usually with the intent of hitting

From this reading Ralph Fairbanks swung into the cab of No. 999 with the lever hooked up for forward motion, and placed a firm hand on the throttle.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading It looked as though half the working force of the railroad, and every juvenile friend he had ever known in Stanley Junction, had come down to the little old depot that beautiful summer afternoon to especially celebrate the greatest event in his active railroad career.

THEdeterminerUS /ðə/

used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind

From this reading AUTHOR OF "RALPH OF THE ROUNDHOUSE," "RALPH IN THE SWITCH TOWER," "RALPH ON THE ENGINE," "DAREWELL CHUMS SERIES," ETC.

thoughconjunctionUS /ðoʊ/

in spite of the fact that

From this reading It looked as though half the working force of the railroad, and every juvenile friend he had ever known in Stanley Junction, had come down to the little old depot that beautiful summer afternoon to especially celebrate the greatest event in his active railroad career.

throttleverbUS /ˈθrɑːtəl/

place limits on (extent or amount or access)

From this reading Ralph Fairbanks swung into the cab of No. 999 with the lever hooked up for forward motion, and placed a firm hand on the throttle.

toparticleUS /tuː/

used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive

From this reading Made in the United States of America RALPH OF THE ROUNDHOUSE Or, Bound to Become a Railroad Man RALPH ON THE ENGINE Or, The Young Fireman of the Limited Mail RALPH ON THE OVERLAND EXPRESS Or, The Trials and Triumphs of a Young Engineer (Other Volumes in Preparation.)

TOWERnounUS /ˈtaʊər/

a structure taller than its diameter; can stand alone or be attached to a larger building

From this reading AUTHOR OF "RALPH OF THE ROUNDHOUSE," "RALPH IN THE SWITCH TOWER," "RALPH ON THE ENGINE," "DAREWELL CHUMS SERIES," ETC.

TrialsnounUS /ˈtraɪəlz/

plural of “trial” — the act of testing something

From this reading Made in the United States of America RALPH OF THE ROUNDHOUSE Or, Bound to Become a Railroad Man RALPH ON THE ENGINE Or, The Young Fireman of the Limited Mail RALPH ON THE OVERLAND EXPRESS Or, The Trials and Triumphs of a Young Engineer (Other Volumes in Preparation.)

TriumphsnounUS /ˈtraɪəmfs/

plural of “triumph” — a successful ending of a struggle or contest

From this reading Made in the United States of America RALPH OF THE ROUNDHOUSE Or, Bound to Become a Railroad Man RALPH ON THE ENGINE Or, The Young Fireman of the Limited Mail RALPH ON THE OVERLAND EXPRESS Or, The Trials and Triumphs of a Young Engineer (Other Volumes in Preparation.)

UnitedadjectiveUS /juːˈnaɪtɪd/

characterized by unity; being or joined into a single entity

From this reading Made in the United States of America RALPH OF THE ROUNDHOUSE Or, Bound to Become a Railroad Man RALPH ON THE ENGINE Or, The Young Fireman of the Limited Mail RALPH ON THE OVERLAND EXPRESS Or, The Trials and Triumphs of a Young Engineer (Other Volumes in Preparation.)

upadjectiveUS /ʌp/

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading Ralph Fairbanks swung into the cab of No. 999 with the lever hooked up for forward motion, and placed a firm hand on the throttle.

VolumesnounUS /ˈvɑːljuːmz/

plural of “volume” — the amount of 3-dimensional space occupied by an object

From this reading Made in the United States of America RALPH OF THE ROUNDHOUSE Or, Bound to Become a Railroad Man RALPH ON THE ENGINE Or, The Young Fireman of the Limited Mail RALPH ON THE OVERLAND EXPRESS Or, The Trials and Triumphs of a Young Engineer (Other Volumes in Preparation.)

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading Ralph Fairbanks swung into the cab of No. 999 with the lever hooked up for forward motion, and placed a firm hand on the throttle.

workingadjectiveUS /ˈwɜːrkɪŋ/

actively engaged in paid work

From this reading It looked as though half the working force of the railroad, and every juvenile friend he had ever known in Stanley Junction, had come down to the little old depot that beautiful summer afternoon to especially celebrate the greatest event in his active railroad career.

YoungadjectiveUS /jʌŋ/

(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth

From this reading Made in the United States of America RALPH OF THE ROUNDHOUSE Or, Bound to Become a Railroad Man RALPH ON THE ENGINE Or, The Young Fireman of the Limited Mail RALPH ON THE OVERLAND EXPRESS Or, The Trials and Triumphs of a Young Engineer (Other Volumes in Preparation.)

Chapter 1 of Ralph on the Overland Express by Allen Chapman holds 114 sentences, grouped into 23 reading sections of at most 5 sentences. The text is the source edition, unabridged, and the chapter records which sentences cover which part of the work so that nothing is dropped. Every word can be tapped for its pronunciation and dictionary entry.

What does chapter 1 of Ralph on the Overland Express contain?

Chapter 1 holds 114 sentences of Ralph on the Overland Express, unabridged, divided into 23 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 1 of Ralph on the Overland Express by Allen Chapman exactly as it stands in the source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 114 sentences, grouped into 23 sections of at most 5 sentences so that a reader can take the chapter in steady, finishable pieces. The chapter also stores a coverage record mapping every one of its sentences to a part of the work, which is how the edition demonstrates that no line was dropped.

How do I study chapter 1 of Ralph on the Overland Express?

Work through the 23 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 23 sections in this chapter is short enough to read once, hear once, and then re-read with the vocabulary in view. Tapping a word plays it alone and opens its dictionary entry with IPA, part of speech and meaning, so the reader is never forced to guess a pronunciation from spelling. Working section by section keeps a long chapter from becoming an undifferentiated wall of text, which is the usual reason a reader abandons a work of this period.

Can chapter 1 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 1 can be played aloud in United States English.

Audio covers the whole chapter: any sentence can be played, and any single word within it can be played on its own. The voice uses United States English. For a work of this period that matters, because spelling is an unreliable guide to pronunciation for vocabulary that has fallen out of daily use, and a learner who guesses wrong tends to keep the error. Hearing the word in its own sentence, and then alone, settles it.

Questions about reading Ralph on the Overland Express

Common questions about reading Ralph on the Overland Express by Allen Chapman on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of Ralph on the Overland Express?

Yes. All 3822 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #28655 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of Ralph on the Overland Express is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #28655, unabridged. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does Ralph on the Overland Express take to read?

About 318 minutes of reading across 765 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read Ralph on the Overland Express section by section

How to work through Ralph on the Overland Express section by section, using the audio and the tap-to-define vocabulary.

  1. Open a chapter

    Choose one of the 31 chapters of Ralph on the Overland Express to begin.

  2. Read one section

    Each section holds 5 sentences; read it once through.

  3. Listen and tap

    Play the section aloud, then tap any unfamiliar word for its entry.

Vocabulary met early in Ralph on the Overland Express

Words and structures a reader meets early in Ralph on the Overland Express, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Author
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Ralph on the Overland Express; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Ralph
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Ralph on the Overland Express; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Roundhouse
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Ralph on the Overland Express; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Switch
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Ralph on the Overland Express; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.