As a BNSF engineer retired...I always let a "stray" ride in the trailing unit if I saw them! Turned the heat to high, gave em water and crew paks....and as always.."Don't touch anything!" Glad to help
@@onemorething100he did his “job” and worked. His assignment wasn’t your assignment in this life. Maybe one day you’ll learn to live life outside of a lemming’s existence and enjoy it.
@@onemorething100 keep in mind, you could loose your job and all that you have worked for in your life in a blank of an eye. Many have and many more will tomorrow. Be grateful for your blessings.
In 2005 my wife and i were on holiday in the USA, im a train moderler and we were at an NMRA convention, we went to the Feather River canyon to railfan, we were sat on a bank of grass overlooking Garden Springs when a UP train pulled in and stopped, after a while a man climbed down from the lead loco and walk over to us, asked us where we were from told him the UK he invited us to go over to the loco and have a look around, my wife said she would stay with our things and i jumped at the chance, he sat me in his seat and showed me all the controls explained how everything worked he then took me out the back and showed me the engine and again explained everything, he then took me into the second unit as it was different and showed me all, he gave me loads of paperwork and manuals , super super guy as was the conductor, we chased him right through the canyon he would wave and smile , made our holiday, thank you very much Mr UP engineer a true gentleman
That's a really sweet memory man. I remember back in 2006 or 2007 when I was but a wee boy my dad had taken me out hunting on the farm which sits right next to the UP Geneva subdivision about 100ish miles west of Chicago. Back then as I am still now, fascinated by trains. Was waving to an engineer piloting an EMD SD70ACe pulling into a siding to wait for a green light. Got to go up inside the cab, notch it up, blow the horn, and even "let me" drive the train forward a few feet (even though it was probably just coupler slack). It was and still is one of the coolest memories I have.
Sorry for your demise SHOESTRING....you went missing, in Johnson City on 03/27/2024.....and a fisherman found you in the body of water behind your home...thank you for all of your videos.......rest in peace
@@ChrisF-fx5duHe had just gotten home from the hospital. He couldn't sleep. He'd been up for days without sleep. Hallucinating from sleep deprivation, he walked out of his house in the middle of the night and apparently fell into the lake that's located behind it, ..and Drowned. He was reported missing and people were searching for him. A fisherman found him. He'd been dead for two days. No Drugs or alcohol found in his system. That's all the info I could find about it at this time. He had 3 yrs and 8 months to live when he recorded this video. 🦝🌌
It's the simple pleasures that we take for granted - a bag of chocolate chip cookies, a ride in a warm and dry place - he makes us appreciate what we have.
@@morbidmanmusic AND he does NOT have to live this way. He's not the ol look poor little thing lets help him. LOL he don't need our help. But he will damn sure take whatever you willing to give him for free!! He's never worked either!! He's literally lived his whole fu@king life off other people's backs!! He has a nice, I mean SUPER NICE apartment in Johnson City TN. He was showing his hospital paperwork in one of his videos when he was having so much trouble getting his "life saving" surgery. The reason he was having so much trouble and the reason he kept getting put off and put off and put off and put off is he was trying to use TN Medicaid for a hospital in I think SC?? I can't remember the state. But whatever state Duke University is in. Well, they kept putting him off because although state Medicaid generally don't cover doctors in other states, it will cover certain things like medicine, ER visits, and if you have to have surgery, and you were admitted through the ER a lot of times the state Medicaid you have will cover it. And sometimes they can find some tricks, yep they do that, to bill it a certain way and get it covered. That's exactly what they were doing when they kept putting his appointment up a month at a time. He was bitching and almost crying because he just couldn't understand WHY they just kept putting off his surgery especially since it was a life threatening surgery he so desperately needed according to them. Well, what they didn't tell him, was they was putting it off because they had tried one code and it had been rejected so now they need another 30 days to try another code to see if they can get it covered that way lol Thats what they were doing. Instead of saying hey you have TN Medicaid, you are going to have to have this in TN, they were leading him on because they wanted that money for it. They didnt want it going to a hospital in TN. But he ended up having to go to a hospital in Nashville to have it. But he was worried and venting and showing a letter he had got where they had postponed his appointment yet again, and even tho he moved the part of the letter that had his address and name really fast. Dont matter. lol He still put it out there. So, I went back and slowed the video down and paused it and played and paused it and done what I needed and got his address. That apartment is SUPERRRRRRRR NICE!!!! Id LOVE to have it!!!! It's nicer than my house I can tell you that!! And I own my own place flat out! But yea, A nice big balcony back porch, upstairs , down stairs, a big lake down behind it. It's nice. So that's good for him. I just don't want people feeling like ohhhh poor thing, when he does this and lives like this because he wants to and he will tell you that.
@missys199 I really dont see what youre gaining by putting out this much of someone's information and business. Pausing stuff and then scoping out peoples houses etc. He probably couldnt see what was on it lol. If you enjoy the content, watch it. Getting this involved is weird.
Kudos to the crew who let him stay dry and cozy. It's nice to see the good side of humans and to care for each others. Hats off to you. Cheers from Vancouver B.C Canada
@@wonkydonkey4371 Probably both. He's well known around the rail yards as a hobo and never does any harm. On top of that he's very conversed with rail jargon and gives tips on rail business, good PR for the rail. Cheers
I watched so many of Shoestrings videos and enjoyed seeing the country with him. I’m sorry he is gone but he will not be forgotten…or replaced. It’s really hard to rewatch his travels. God Bless his soul.
Now hobo Shoestring and Stobe the hobo can talk rails together forever in eternity. 2 of the best men the rails had to offer. Thanks for the memories-- love you, Mark. 🚂✝️♥️
As a young teen I hopped many trains in Pittsburgh, once we got into the caboose and rode for a few minutes, never had this experience though - now I’m almost 60 and this brings back so many memories. I’m learning a lot about what used to be just a fun thing we did - thanks for sharing Shoestring- safe travels!!
@@lemmiwinks21187ify The best spot for us was down near the steel mill (Carie Furnace sp?) lots of slow easy stuff and good variety. Once in a while I’d ride from Swissvale down into Rankin. I grew up in Rankin back in the 70’s - back when we could just have fun exploring the hillsides and fishing at night in the river.
@@elonmust7470 it depends. I recall a couple of times where I actually came to face to face with a rider in the cab of a trailing unit. Both incidents were at night while I was doing a consist walkthrough. It scared the hell out of me, because you don't expect anyone to be in the cab. The first time it happened I alerted the dispatcher, who then called the cops to remove the guy. He appeared high and out of his mind. The second time it happened there was a man and a woman. They appeared to be 19-20 years old, and didn't look dangerous or like drug addicts. They were hanging out in the 3rd unit of a 4 unit consist. They had their backpacks on asked if they could stay on board. I told they could stay on as long as they didn't tamper with anything in the cab and if they agreed to stay out of sight. It is safer to ride in the DPU rather than a head-end trailing unit. Except for refueling, DPUs do not get checked often.
@@AC-ro6ib I know that when I was a kid riding coal trains around for fun, NOBODY wanted us anywhere near trains or their tracks. That was in the late 90s.
@@AC-ro6ib This is why they have locks on doors now that require a key, but theirs lazy engineers or mechanical that don't lock them up after they are done signing the 203's or inspecting stuff but it is in the GCOR I believe that all doors on a locomotive need to be locked.
@@AC-ro6ib I know that second one was a rough decision but you a good man for that one if they seemed civilized and passed a couple test then I probably help them out to as long as it’s not out of the way it’s America but I gotta keep my family fed so I don’t be in they position not to judge
@@davidstewart5694hope one day your in dire need and in a life and death situation that someone tells you that your trespassing and not allowed to ride… karma it’s real 💯
My grandpa Curtis Carl was born in 1897. He was a railroad brakeman based out of Ontario Canada. In fact he built his home just yards from the rail lines that ran north and south just west of Niagara Falls. He fell off a boxcar in the 50's and shattered his left ankle. That retired him from the railroad. He lived to age 93 passing on in the 80's. He lived on a railroad pension. I'm sure he had some interesting interactions with people over the decades that rode the rails. He never lost his job during the 1929 stock market crash. I really enjoy your videos.
why is it bad to sit in the engineers seat? I'd expect because 1. its wise to stay out of sight and 2. because you aren't qualified to sit in that chair it's a middle finger to anyone who has done the work to be worthy of sitting in the seat 3. hobo butts are probably grosser than the average booty and they don't want the hoboslime to get on the chair?
DPU, DP Unit or Distributed Power Unit: a locomotive set capable of remote-control operation in conjunction with locomotive units at the train's head end. DPUs are placed in the middle or at the rear of heavy trains (such as coal, grain, soda ash and even manifest) to help climb steep grades, particularly in the West.
This video shows me a view of trainriding I could have only imagined otherwise. I've always wondered what riding the engine would be like. Thank you, Shoestring!
Sadened to hear of marks passing. He inner strength revived my strength, in his approach to life, problems and common sense. making life easier to navigate. Thanks mark Nichols for being a Awesome human being in a crazy world. See you on the west bound my brother, 🗽🙌🙏🗽🫡 respect RIP 🙏👑 God bless you and your family. Wish i could have met you.
As a retired railroad man with 42 years service ,I know that Hobos were around but most of the time seldom seen. I never bothered the ones I did run in with unless they were doin somethin sinister! Guys like Shoestring don't cause problems ,some of the ones I did have issue with were young ones with Pitt Bulls with them ! Back in the 70 's stopped a train that had couple young kids riding in below zero weather in the snow on open end of Cover Hopper.They were damn near frozen to death . Be safe out there on the rails brother !
I worked in a diesel shop for a few years and we would store units that were waiting for work on a track next to our building and when we went out on cold snowy mornings we'd bang a pipe wrench on the grabirons to make sure we weren't surprising anyone that might be in the cab sleeping. Never bothered us that they were there. no one made a mess.
Thanks for sharing and doing what you do. You are making all of this knowledge and way of life available to future generations. We're all rooting for you.
All we got left are these old videos left behind. Going to miss this gentle hobo. Love watching these videos. I guess like everybody else we're going to go back and watch them all over again. Rest in peace shoe string
Man I would like you to know I am a true fan. I just had foot surgery last week and I just love watching you go from train to train. I am addicted looking forward to watching you more and more
@@magapickle01 Hi Jeff! I try to tune in once a week...you tubers in general are addictive but hobo shoestring had mentioned he had a drinking prob and would go to the hospital just to get librium to stop a seizure, I've been there years ago so I kept watching. BTW, nice to meet you.
That takes balls. Has to be a wild tho if you get caught, why is it not locked and are can any part of the train be controlled if he wanted to do something?
I promise you he didn’t get permission. As an engineer for CSX, I can assure you that it would never happen. The crews don’t really care, but the company does.
@@desktorp Doesn't mean it's true. Read THIS -- Insurance would not cover a non employee. The train derails and shoestring gets crippled, who pays?? Now you read 2 things -- which is true?????
@@hartsy50 What would be the point in lying about it when he has previously showed himself doing it _without_ permission?? Engineers have also given him crew packs and other freebies on many occasions. Rail workers regularly give him information on which trains to hop to get to his desired destination. That is definitely not company policy, but employees still do it. I have worked in plenty of places under OSHA's thumb and there are always people knowingly ignoring company policies and safety rules + doing things the insurance company wouldn't cover in the event of an accident. Being distantly aware of the existence of OSHA is no substitute for real life experience, working with real people.
I love that video of your ride inside the cab of the dpu.I have never been inside the cab of the modern GE or EMD locomotive.That AC4400CW has a beautiful cab interior.Back in the 1990s I signed up for an engineer for an hour program at a local railroad museum and operated a EMD GP-9.Enjoyed every minute of it. I never hoped a freight train but in the 1970s and 1980s rode on many passenger trains. Went from coast to coast in the USA and from coast to coast across Canada and various other rail lines.I love rail travel and enjoy all of your videos .Keep riding and stay safe out there.
The sound of the locomotives is music to my ears! I'd like to have an audio recording of the sound track when you're inside the cab to play as I sleep at night.
Thank you Mark for your truly stunning and fabulous video's, I have been watching all of your video's this year since finding your site, you actually are a fresh breath of air in this world of crazy, thank you again for your truly stunning information and you are definitely a gentleman, many regards from Wassa a railways enthusiastic mad from New Zealand.
@@jeffnpatricia He was a damn fine piano player. He did a video tour of his crib, had a baby grand. I bugged him in comment forum, sometimes over and again months later to put out a music video on Patreon, I'd buy. Then about 3 months before his death he said he was starting a new channel, mixing riding with cultural musings and more music. Damn Stove you are missed
Most genuine guy 👍🏼🇺🇸🦅 I'm only a couple weeks into finding this channel. Immediately subscribed and 100s of hours into your journey already. You are addictive 😁
I love shoe string you have made me fall in love with America all over again in my retirement years. Once when i was 17 , in 1969 , in fact i was so keen on becoming a U.S. citizen i was prepared to join the U.S. ARMY fighting in Vietnam then but that never quite happened. However, the sheer awesomeness of America in so many ways is still overwhelming. no wonder Americans feel it is the greatest country in the world. Shoe string has opened my eyes all over again and what a awesome guy he is with his knowledge and wisdom i will prayer for to him to recover health, i love his voice i would say he has voice on a par with David Attenborough, calming, relaxing, and intensely interesting and full of character.
When I was a young boy I was given a ride on a switch yard train's locomotive into, and it's caboose out of McLouth Steel, (Gibraltar Michigan Plant) that was a real eye opener. I was shown everything to do with the entire pick-up, switch, reversing to couple, lock-down and pull-out procedures...the works. I was allowed to actually perform each and every step, so in all actuality I Drove That Sucker ! I bet I must have bragged on that all summer break, and it was and is something that I will never forget. Just the thought of the solitude made me want to become an engineer, but my parents had other bright ideas for me instead. I've never forgotten my love for the train and it's lonesome highway throughout our country. I've walked many a mile on the rails, most times just for time to myself, and reflection. Maybe some day I'll find a safe place and take me a ride on something that starts off and ends up standing perfectly still...being amputated makes climbing things tricky enough, but the thought of trying to chase a ladder isn't so appealing to me after hitting the ground so many times just relearning to walk again ! :D Well, I'm headed to the next video, got me a cup of coffee and a hankering to go build another overnight camp near some tracks, so I'm web shopping for a new foldable camp saw for building the struts and joists. Take care, be safe, and if you're ever in Detroit, hit me up. ~ 12 Block Tokie ~ 313
Riding in style! I love it! Hope Cleveland is good to you. I live about 50 miles east of Cleveland right on the lake. Maybe you will pass through where I live. The more I watch your videos the more fascinating they become. I wish you the best and the safest of travels. I will check out your buddies channel.
Been retired military, and occupied most of all the globe. But your video, and lifestyle, to me, never thought of seeing places you have. Thank you again.
Much thanks, "Shoestring," When you climbed up those steps & showed the inside of the cab, it almost brought a tear! I climbed up steps into the cabs, underneath the floors, on top of the roofs, inside every power room, generator room, air-compressor area, up in under them and saw so many changes and upgrades and was in on it all for over 35 years. Its a dangerous job! Yiu know more about the trains than I EVER did, of course, I rode on top of a Traction Motor further than I ever just switched at one time. (The fuel-rack foreman let a crew come into my trouble track and pick up my engine and take it with them. It was chipped and blue-flagged, but I hung on, up in the traction motor leads till it stopped. I was trapped with brake rigging on both sides and a fuel tank behind me! no way out. If it hadn't been for a train enthusiast, trespassing I caught his attention to holler at the engineer, I would probably have been killed! You know, the company covered up the whole incident, as if it had never happened! I still think that railroad enthusiast must have been a Guardian Angel !!! I like your little drawing of shoestring, with the long tail on the g. 🍀🍀🍀 GOOD LUCK to ya, young feller !.
A buddy and I rode the loco from Bruston to Memphis after we almost set a boxcar floor on fire to stay warm. The Bull let us 'cause he felt sorry for us. A Loco TRULY is the best catch out....
Not an endorsement of an activity I'd advise against, but you're old enough to make your own decisions and I do enjoy the footage, so thanks for sharing! Part of me longs for the adventure. Safe travels out there!
Shoestring, the ugly stick rods are very tuff. I've had some for over 25 years and still go fishing with them! I consider them a lifetime fishing rod! Have a great day and God Bless! Jim from Kansas!
Shoestring has definitely set himself up for retirement! Created a following and celebrity in a sense and can now probably make an amazing autobiography telling of his life story... He is very intelligent and full of knowledge and wisdom. Keep on chooglin' Hobo Shoestring
As a grandson of both my Dad and Mom whose fathers worked for the Pennsylvania Railroad back in its glory days, I enjoy watching these videos of Shoestring and will also terribly miss his presence with us as I found out about his tragic death. Godspeed to you sir!! 👍
A ride in the cab of a DPU, a track side chat and a walk around a shop looking for hand warmers/gloves - loved it all!!👌 I get what you say about it being harder to get out and about now you have an apartment and also your aches and pains after 30+ years on the rails. Sending you best wishes from the UK. 🚂🇬🇧👍
@Robert Bru these people were never taught when growing up if you dont have anything nice to say dont say anything at all! He needs to go to all these other worthless channels and talk trash to them! This is a good positive channel assholes need not apply!! Ill apologise for his rude comment because he sure won't...
This is my new favorite video it has the perfect mix of train travel sound, outside scenery and commentary. Man if you could do this same trip in early spring, what a great video that would make.
I remember that Stobe would hide in the toilet room when men came for the daily inspection of DPUs. Never heard of anyone having permission to ride them; they must know Shoestring well. RIP, Stobe.
In one such case, this one kid in Milwaukee 20s or something was caught in the bathroom. The guy laughed and said don't touch anything and let him ride.
Always been amazed at how simplistic the inside of an engine is. Just a coulple of levers and a radio controlling hundreds of thousands of tons of frieght.
I've just subscribed to your channel and hanging on to the adventures 😀I have always had a yearning to riding the trains,use to hop on and off them as a young teenager. But when I seen my foot get to close to wheel that ended it. But I've always loved and everytime I hear that whistle blow I think and ya. Take care Shoestring, happy rails and God bless✌️❤️
That engine just rumbling away reminds me when i was a little guy during the summer months off school then going trucking with my dad I didn't do so well on the overnight runs hit the bunk early but that big cat engine rumbling away through the night is a sound engraved into my mind forever, the humble rumble
Same hear but I road the csx engines my dad worked on railroad and would sometimes take me to work with him probably couldn't get away with that now this was 1980's early 90's
Interesting/informative.Entertaining. Excellent photography job enabling viewers to better understand what the orator is describing. 😉. Viewing this episode from the comfort zone of my computer🖥 room. Along the " Space Coast " of Florida🐊🐊🐬🐬. Wonder if HOBO "Shoe👞 String" spent any time in this region-???🤔. A Hobo's paradise in the winter months. Wishing viewers & Shoe👞 String a safe/healthy/prosperous (2024). 🌈🎉🌞💵😉.
I used to listen to the tower operators on my scanner in the 90"s on the CSX lines. They took the towers down and its all automated now but i think that Miller tower got rebuilt at a museum in Martinsburg WV,
RIP Shoestring. You were an absolute legend!
He still is. Legends never die.
Howd he die?
@@richardbaker_0086drowned in a lake next to his home.
DAMN!! RIP
LEGEND OF CRIME....LIKE POPCORN SUTTON.
As a BNSF engineer retired...I always let a "stray" ride in the trailing unit if I saw them! Turned the heat to high, gave em water and crew paks....and as always.."Don't touch anything!" Glad to help
I had my dreams, and I had my plans I was gonna BE A RAILROAD ENGINEER!
Helping the less fortunate as a Cristian.
How much schooling does it take to be a railroad engineer? I'd think as engineers go it'd be pretty reasonable
@@davidvaughan3771Not sure. But the railroads are always hiring. Wish I had considered that career decades ago myself.
God love you!
Shoestring is a walking encyclopedia of railroad knowledge. He could fill volumes with what he knows.
Live long and prosper Shoestring.
Loads of drivers respect him.
I bet they would wear his T-shirt st weekends!
Sadly he just died.
R.I.P. Shoestring. You will be missed. He had more knowledge of trains and railroading than most people.
Too bad he didn't get a job and work.
@@onemorething100he did his “job” and worked. His assignment wasn’t your assignment in this life. Maybe one day you’ll learn to live life outside of a lemming’s existence and enjoy it.
@@onemorething100 keep in mind, you could loose your job and all that you have worked for in your life in a blank of an eye. Many have and many more will tomorrow. Be grateful for your blessings.
Hey. I was the cashier that rung you out earlier that day. Real interesting content pal.
Those hand warmers are a life saver!
The SmartWool socks feel great
Robert you should have some videos on your Channel look forward to hear from you by 4 now Ken
Someone needs earplugs those engines are loud
@@cow212tst not really he has the window and inner door open. But if I had a choice I’d be on the 1127 GM nice and quiet.
@Name Name what a waste of neurons you are. Lolololol
In 2005 my wife and i were on holiday in the USA, im a train moderler and we were at an NMRA convention, we went to the Feather River canyon to railfan, we were sat on a bank of grass overlooking Garden Springs when a UP train pulled in and stopped, after a while a man climbed down from the lead loco and walk over to us, asked us where we were from told him the UK he invited us to go over to the loco and have a look around, my wife said she would stay with our things and i jumped at the chance, he sat me in his seat and showed me all the controls explained how everything worked he then took me out the back and showed me the engine and again explained everything, he then took me into the second unit as it was different and showed me all, he gave me loads of paperwork and manuals , super super guy as was the conductor, we chased him right through the canyon he would wave and smile , made our holiday, thank you very much Mr UP engineer a true gentleman
Canyon Subdivision is one of the best!
you ever tempted to ride the rails?
That's a really sweet memory man. I remember back in 2006 or 2007 when I was but a wee boy my dad had taken me out hunting on the farm which sits right next to the UP Geneva subdivision about 100ish miles west of Chicago. Back then as I am still now, fascinated by trains. Was waving to an engineer piloting an EMD SD70ACe pulling into a siding to wait for a green light. Got to go up inside the cab, notch it up, blow the horn, and even "let me" drive the train forward a few feet (even though it was probably just coupler slack). It was and still is one of the coolest memories I have.
You were sooo lucky...
I may have been the conductor you met that day. I'm retired now but I have memories of that day.
Sorry for your demise SHOESTRING....you went missing, in Johnson City on 03/27/2024.....and a fisherman found you in the body of water behind your home...thank you for all of your videos.......rest in peace
😭
He died near his house?
@@ChrisF-fx5duyes apparently so
@@Beccamae75 I saw the actual news story and realized its behind his residence near a bridge and lake, sad
@@ChrisF-fx5duHe had just gotten home from the hospital. He couldn't sleep. He'd been up for days without sleep. Hallucinating from sleep deprivation, he walked out of his house in the middle of the night and apparently fell into the lake that's located behind it, ..and Drowned. He was reported missing and people were searching for him. A fisherman found him. He'd been dead for two days. No Drugs or alcohol found in his system. That's all the info I could find about it at this time. He had 3 yrs and 8 months to live when he recorded this video. 🦝🌌
You'll always be a legend, bud.
RIP TRAVELER
Life is an adventure.
Your life is forever documented.
Wherever your soul may roam.
Your life is always with us.
It's the simple pleasures that we take for granted - a bag of chocolate chip cookies, a ride in a warm and dry place - he makes us appreciate what we have.
Well said! 👍🇺🇸
he makes more than you $$$
@@morbidmanmusic AND he does NOT have to live this way. He's not the ol look poor little thing lets help him. LOL he don't need our help. But he will damn sure take whatever you willing to give him for free!! He's never worked either!! He's literally lived his whole fu@king life off other people's backs!! He has a nice, I mean SUPER NICE apartment in Johnson City TN. He was showing his hospital paperwork in one of his videos when he was having so much trouble getting his "life saving" surgery. The reason he was having so much trouble and the reason he kept getting put off and put off and put off and put off is he was trying to use TN Medicaid for a hospital in I think SC?? I can't remember the state. But whatever state Duke University is in. Well, they kept putting him off because although state Medicaid generally don't cover doctors in other states, it will cover certain things like medicine, ER visits, and if you have to have surgery, and you were admitted through the ER a lot of times the state Medicaid you have will cover it. And sometimes they can find some tricks, yep they do that, to bill it a certain way and get it covered. That's exactly what they were doing when they kept putting his appointment up a month at a time. He was bitching and almost crying because he just couldn't understand WHY they just kept putting off his surgery especially since it was a life threatening surgery he so desperately needed according to them. Well, what they didn't tell him, was they was putting it off because they had tried one code and it had been rejected so now they need another 30 days to try another code to see if they can get it covered that way lol Thats what they were doing. Instead of saying hey you have TN Medicaid, you are going to have to have this in TN, they were leading him on because they wanted that money for it. They didnt want it going to a hospital in TN. But he ended up having to go to a hospital in Nashville to have it. But he was worried and venting and showing a letter he had got where they had postponed his appointment yet again, and even tho he moved the part of the letter that had his address and name really fast. Dont matter. lol He still put it out there. So, I went back and slowed the video down and paused it and played and paused it and done what I needed and got his address. That apartment is SUPERRRRRRRR NICE!!!! Id LOVE to have it!!!! It's nicer than my house I can tell you that!! And I own my own place flat out! But yea, A nice big balcony back porch, upstairs , down stairs, a big lake down behind it. It's nice. So that's good for him. I just don't want people feeling like ohhhh poor thing, when he does this and lives like this because he wants to and he will tell you that.
@missys199 I really dont see what youre gaining by putting out this much of someone's information and business. Pausing stuff and then scoping out peoples houses etc. He probably couldnt see what was on it lol. If you enjoy the content, watch it. Getting this involved is weird.
@@missys199you've got serious problems, and hobo shoestring is none of them 😂
Kudos to the crew who let him stay dry and cozy. It's nice to see the good side of humans and to care for each others. Hats off to you. Cheers from Vancouver B.C Canada
I thought his ride was over for sure after seeing those cameras so early on...
Its cause hes famous now lol
👍✊
He's either famous or he asked them for permission before starting the video
@@wonkydonkey4371 Probably both. He's well known around the rail yards as a hobo and never does any harm. On top of that he's very conversed with rail jargon and gives tips on rail business, good PR for the rail. Cheers
Godspeed Mr. Nichols, We Thank you for all you gave, and all you have given.. R.I.P Shoestring.. ✌
I watched so many of Shoestrings videos and enjoyed seeing the country with him. I’m sorry he is gone but he will not be forgotten…or replaced. It’s really hard to rewatch his travels. God Bless his soul.
Hats off to the kind crew who let you ride. Hats off to you, Shoestring, for sharing the journey.
I love you always shoestring! Thank you for sharing. Rest in peace in the great railyard
I HAVE ALOT OF RESPECT FOR THOSE CREW MEMBERS it was a real miracle that they helped you
They probably looked the other way when he got on so that they didn't "see anyone" get on the DPU.
@@TheLionAndTheLamb777 yeah , they could have been in some deep shit if the wrong person found out
WAIT I DIDNT KNOW U SAW THIS HI SMILER_8888!!!!!!
@@TheLionAndTheLamb777 kinda like a UFO.
Lol how could they see him 50-100 cars away? He’s on camera sitting in the cab. I hope he likes jail or railroad cops / Fra
Gotta love that engine rythym.
Could easily fall asleep to that.
Imagine being a crew member riding an engine at night, trying to stay awake!
Love it that sound 👍🏼
@@greghale5480 pretty scary stuff considering the nasty stuff carried on trains
Same like on a cargoship
The crew is so awesome for letting him ride!
Now hobo Shoestring and Stobe the hobo can talk rails together forever in eternity. 2 of the best men the rails had to offer. Thanks for the memories-- love you, Mark. 🚂✝️♥️
As a young teen I hopped many trains in Pittsburgh, once we got into the caboose and rode for a few minutes, never had this experience though - now I’m almost 60 and this brings back so many memories. I’m learning a lot about what used to be just a fun thing we did - thanks for sharing Shoestring- safe travels!!
Where would you hop your trains im from swissvale
I live in white oak use exit 77 swissvale to get home
We use to get rides from the local SooLine and the Wisconsin Central Switching crew. That would never happen these days.
Used to Ride from Latrobe and Greensburg to Pittsburgh. Then back at the end of the day.
@@lemmiwinks21187ify The best spot for us was down near the steel mill (Carie Furnace sp?) lots of slow easy stuff and good variety. Once in a while I’d ride from Swissvale down into Rankin. I grew up in Rankin back in the 70’s - back when we could just have fun exploring the hillsides and fishing at night in the river.
I was a locomotive engineer for UP. Seeing the inside of that cab brings back so many memories.
Did you tolerate hobos using your locomotives as if they were their own?
@@elonmust7470 it depends. I recall a couple of times where I actually came to face to face with a rider in the cab of a trailing unit. Both incidents were at night while I was doing a consist walkthrough. It scared the hell out of me, because you don't expect anyone to be in the cab. The first time it happened I alerted the dispatcher, who then called the cops to remove the guy. He appeared high and out of his mind. The second time it happened there was a man and a woman. They appeared to be 19-20 years old, and didn't look dangerous or like drug addicts. They were hanging out in the 3rd unit of a 4 unit consist. They had their backpacks on asked if they could stay on board. I told they could stay on as long as they didn't tamper with anything in the cab and if they agreed to stay out of sight.
It is safer to ride in the DPU rather than a head-end trailing unit. Except for refueling, DPUs do not get checked often.
@@AC-ro6ib I know that when I was a kid riding coal trains around for fun, NOBODY wanted us anywhere near trains or their tracks. That was in the late 90s.
@@AC-ro6ib This is why they have locks on doors now that require a key, but theirs lazy engineers or mechanical that don't lock them up after they are done signing the 203's or inspecting stuff but it is in the GCOR I believe that all doors on a locomotive need to be locked.
@@AC-ro6ib I know that second one was a rough decision but you a good man for that one if they seemed civilized and passed a couple test then I probably help them out to as long as it’s not out of the way it’s America but I gotta keep my family fed so I don’t be in they position not to judge
I mean the camera is right there so you know they see him get on. Glad they understand he’s a respectable person & treat him as such
They most certainly do not. No one is allowed to ride dp power, not to mention the trespassing
Exactly right Nell. Hey David, wrong
The camera isn't live feed, they record to the black box and they look back only if something happens.
@@davidstewart5694hope one day your in dire need and in a life and death situation that someone tells you that your trespassing and not allowed to ride… karma it’s real 💯
It's pretty obvious, Mr Shoe, that you have an awesome respect for the train culture !! Bless your life !!
It sucks you’re not here to enjoy the 1.2 million views this particular vid has. Ride on old friend. We sure miss you.
My grandpa Curtis Carl was born in 1897. He was a railroad brakeman based out of Ontario Canada. In fact he built his home just yards from the rail lines that ran north and south just west of Niagara Falls. He fell off a boxcar in the 50's and shattered his left ankle. That retired him from the railroad. He lived to age 93 passing on in the 80's. He lived on a railroad pension. I'm sure he had some interesting interactions with people over the decades that rode the rails. He never lost his job during the 1929 stock market crash. I really enjoy your videos.
I dont believe you
St Thomas?
Thanks for sharing!
@southwestxnorthwest he dosent care either
Shoestring got a DPU! Good on you for staying at floor level instead of crashing in the engineers seat like the rest of em do
Dude you are awesome! Got a big ole set of them! Roll on brother!
why is it bad to sit in the engineers seat? I'd expect because 1. its wise to stay out of sight and 2. because you aren't qualified to sit in that chair it's a middle finger to anyone who has done the work to be worthy of sitting in the seat 3. hobo butts are probably grosser than the average booty and they don't want the hoboslime to get on the chair?
@@sparklesparklesparkle6318 , you are spot on with 1. 2 and especially 3 are not really a concern.
@@ParkerUAS that's where your wrong. you clearly have not experienced my hobo booty at ultimate power.
@@sparklesparklesparkle6318 haa haa. Hobo booty surprise
DPU, DP Unit or Distributed Power Unit: a locomotive set capable of remote-control operation in conjunction with locomotive units at the train's head end. DPUs are placed in the middle or at the rear of heavy trains (such as coal, grain, soda ash and even manifest) to help climb steep grades, particularly in the West.
This video shows me a view of trainriding I could have only imagined otherwise. I've always wondered what riding the engine would be like. Thank you, Shoestring!
Sadened to hear of marks passing. He inner strength revived my strength, in his approach to life, problems and common sense. making life easier to navigate. Thanks mark Nichols for being a Awesome human being in a crazy world. See you on the west bound my brother, 🗽🙌🙏🗽🫡 respect RIP 🙏👑 God bless you and your family. Wish i could have met you.
@@Americal-v6r well said we all should take a page from m
Marks life and give it out as freely as he did 💞
As a retired railroad man with 42 years service ,I know that Hobos were around but most of the time seldom seen. I never bothered the ones I did run in with unless they were doin somethin sinister! Guys like Shoestring don't cause problems ,some of the ones I did have issue with were young ones with Pitt Bulls with them ! Back in the 70 's stopped a train that had couple young kids riding in below zero weather in the snow on open end of Cover Hopper.They were damn near frozen to death . Be safe out there on the rails brother !
I worked in a diesel shop for a few years and we would store units that were waiting for work on a track next to our building and when we went out on cold snowy mornings we'd bang a pipe wrench on the grabirons to make sure we weren't surprising anyone that might be in the cab sleeping. Never bothered us that they were there. no one made a mess.
It was great to see the inside of the DPU cab. They sure have changed since computerization! Thanks for the glimpse.
That's so awesome how you earned enough respect to get a ride in style. Much love, stay safe!
To the crew that gave shoestring a warm ride, may the good lord Bless you and return the care one day when you're in need. Thank-You!.
As they have done, so shall they receive! ^_^
supernautacus indeed give without expectation and you receive more from the heart for helping those in need.
What comes around goes around has a good side too.
Very nice of them.
Amen to that!
This is so cool. I live in Maryland, South of Hagerstown..I know all the places you mentioned. I wish I’d have known you…..RIP sweet man. ❤
Thanks for sharing and doing what you do. You are making all of this knowledge and way of life available to future generations. We're all rooting for you.
All we got left are these old videos left behind. Going to miss this gentle hobo. Love watching these videos. I guess like everybody else we're going to go back and watch them all over again. Rest in peace shoe string
Man I would like you to know I am a true fan. I just had foot surgery last week and I just love watching you go from train to train. I am addicted looking forward to watching you more and more
💪🏻🇺🇸👍
Man Shoestring the sights you've must of seen traveling on those trains had to be amazing!!
RIP Shoestring,,,, you are terribly missed
This is my first time watching you and I can't stop watching! Your life is so fascinating! Plus, your a hoot 😀
Deb how many episodes have you watched now ? Last few days it's been about two hours a night and of and on last few months . Addicted
@@magapickle01 Hi Jeff! I try to tune in once a week...you tubers in general are addictive but hobo shoestring had mentioned he had a drinking prob and would go to the hospital just to get librium to stop a seizure, I've been there years ago so I kept watching. BTW, nice to meet you.
Hooty n the bowfish
Just subscribed today! Already watched about 8 videos. I’m hooked.
That's riding in class!! 👍😊
My great grampa helped build the B&O, never got to meet him though
@@GrinninPig neat.
@@BaltimoreAndOhioRR Trespassing on Railroad Property is a serious crime
That takes balls. Has to be a wild tho if you get caught, why is it not locked and are can any part of the train be controlled if he wanted to do something?
@@johnstofko8996 In the description: "I was given permission to ride the locomotive"
You are a lucky man Shoestring, getting permission to ride in the DPU. Goes to show what respecting RR equipment can get you.
I promise you he didn’t get permission. As an engineer for CSX, I can assure you that it would never happen. The crews don’t really care, but the company does.
@@traviszuluaga5672 Read the video description.
@@traviszuluaga5672 Insurance reasons and OSHA would like it much.
@@desktorp Doesn't mean it's true. Read THIS -- Insurance would not cover a non employee. The train derails and shoestring gets crippled, who pays?? Now you read 2 things -- which is true?????
@@hartsy50 What would be the point in lying about it when he has previously showed himself doing it _without_ permission?? Engineers have also given him crew packs and other freebies on many occasions. Rail workers regularly give him information on which trains to hop to get to his desired destination. That is definitely not company policy, but employees still do it.
I have worked in plenty of places under OSHA's thumb and there are always people knowingly ignoring company policies and safety rules + doing things the insurance company wouldn't cover in the event of an accident. Being distantly aware of the existence of OSHA is no substitute for real life experience, working with real people.
I love that video of your ride inside the cab of the dpu.I have never been inside the cab of the modern GE or EMD locomotive.That AC4400CW has a beautiful cab interior.Back in the 1990s I signed up for an engineer for an hour program at a local railroad museum and operated a EMD GP-9.Enjoyed every minute of it. I never hoped a freight train but in the 1970s and 1980s rode on many passenger trains. Went from coast to coast in the USA and from coast to coast across Canada and various other rail lines.I love rail travel and enjoy all of your videos
.Keep riding and stay safe out there.
The sound of the locomotives is music to my ears! I'd like to have an audio recording of the sound track when you're inside the cab to play as I sleep at night.
It's called Gabba n speedcore
Thank you Mark for your truly stunning and fabulous video's, I have been watching all of your video's this year since finding your site, you actually are a fresh breath of air in this world of crazy, thank you again for your truly stunning information and you are definitely a gentleman, many regards from Wassa a railways enthusiastic mad from New Zealand.
Reminds me of watching stobe sit in one having cheese, crackers and wine.
@@bergydermeister5616 RIP? Nah, he's riding the rails in the sky
Miss his vidyas. Hed eat cheese and wine and put his piano playing in the background.
Prosciutto and camembert sandwiches with some fine gallo to entertain the senses...r.i.p stobe you shine down on us at the darkest hours of the night.
And was reading Trump The Art of the Deal, which he found in the cab. The year was 2014. Stone was a real Nostradamus. 😒
@@jeffnpatricia
He was a damn fine piano player. He did a video tour of his crib, had a baby grand. I bugged him in comment forum, sometimes over and again months later to put out a music video on Patreon, I'd buy. Then about 3 months before his death he said he was starting a new channel, mixing riding with cultural musings and more music.
Damn Stove you are missed
I hear ya Shoestring...riding in style...lol...stay safe my Brother
Rip buddy you will be missed high green's all the way.
Respect for crew who let him in for a ride and respect for shoestring for showing respect to rails
Epic ride Shoestring. Praying for you brother. Thanks Norfolk Southern for letting Shoestring ride.
Is it related to Norfolk island
Most genuine guy 👍🏼🇺🇸🦅
I'm only a couple weeks into finding this channel. Immediately subscribed and 100s of hours into your journey already. You are addictive 😁
Shawnee?
Then u know brad Briggs huh sir?
@@JohnSmith-wz5ex lol. Yeah 👍🏼. I had a feeling this might be the real JS
My man got the luxury ride this time, safe travels Brother 🍻🇺🇲💪🏽
I love shoe string you have made me fall in love with America all over again in my retirement years. Once when i was 17 , in 1969 , in fact i was so keen on becoming a U.S. citizen i was prepared to join the U.S. ARMY fighting in Vietnam then but that never quite happened. However, the sheer awesomeness of America in so many ways is still overwhelming. no wonder Americans feel it is the greatest country in the world. Shoe string has opened my eyes all over again and what a awesome guy he is with his knowledge and wisdom i will prayer for to him to recover health, i love his voice i would say he has voice on a par with David Attenborough, calming, relaxing, and intensely interesting and full of character.
When I was a young boy I was given a ride on a switch yard train's locomotive into, and it's caboose out of McLouth Steel, (Gibraltar Michigan Plant) that was a real eye opener. I was shown everything to do with the entire pick-up, switch, reversing to couple, lock-down and pull-out procedures...the works. I was allowed to actually perform each and every step, so in all actuality I Drove That Sucker !
I bet I must have bragged on that all summer break, and it was and is something that I will never forget. Just the thought of the solitude made me want to become an engineer, but my parents had other bright ideas for me instead.
I've never forgotten my love for the train and it's lonesome highway throughout our country. I've walked many a mile on the rails, most times just for time to myself, and reflection.
Maybe some day I'll find a safe place and take me a ride on something that starts off and ends up standing perfectly still...being amputated makes climbing things tricky enough, but the thought of trying to chase a ladder isn't so appealing to me after hitting the ground so many times just relearning to walk again ! :D
Well, I'm headed to the next video, got me a cup of coffee and a hankering to go build another overnight camp near some tracks, so I'm web shopping for a new foldable camp saw for building the struts and joists. Take care, be safe, and if you're ever in Detroit, hit me up.
~ 12 Block Tokie ~
313
I had my dreams and I had my plans I was gonna beA RAILROAD MAN!
I still get a tear in my eye when I hear an old train in the night!
Thank you sir, brilliant video! This just made my 5 year old son's week!
God rest your soul Shoestring. Hope you're now enjoying rides on the best DPU's, Cadillac grainers and hobo hotels Heaven has to offer!
Riding in style! I love it! Hope Cleveland is good to you. I live about 50 miles east of Cleveland right on the lake. Maybe you will pass through where I live. The more I watch your videos the more fascinating they become. I wish you the best and the safest of travels. I will check out your buddies channel.
This has just gotta be 1 of your Best videos Shoestring!! You Rock Bro!! Sincerely Your Bud from E.Setauket Long Island New York Johnny M.
Been retired military, and occupied most of all the globe. But your video, and lifestyle, to me, never thought of seeing places you have. Thank you again.
Nice to have A warm ride. Instead of the frozen iron floor of a grainer
Much thanks, "Shoestring," When you climbed up those steps & showed the inside of the cab, it almost brought a tear! I climbed up steps into the cabs, underneath the floors, on top of the roofs, inside every power room, generator room, air-compressor area, up in under them and saw so many changes and upgrades and was in on it all for over 35 years. Its a dangerous job!
Yiu know more about the trains than I EVER did, of course, I rode on top of a Traction Motor further than I ever just switched at one time. (The fuel-rack foreman let a crew come into my trouble track and pick up my engine and take it with them. It was chipped and blue-flagged, but I hung on, up in the traction motor leads till it stopped. I was trapped with brake rigging on both sides and a fuel tank behind me! no way out. If it hadn't been for a train enthusiast, trespassing I caught his attention to holler at the engineer, I would probably have been killed! You know, the company covered up the whole incident, as if it had never happened! I still think that railroad enthusiast must have been a Guardian Angel !!!
I like your little drawing of shoestring, with the long tail on the g. 🍀🍀🍀
GOOD LUCK to ya, young feller !.
I just love the knowledge given on rail travel and equipment.
Same!
Rest In Peace Hobo Shoestring
Nice videos ! Been on the tracks my whole life I’m out of edgemere-sparrows point Maryland ! I love your scenery Maryland-PA have the best views !
Wow, that locomotive ride was awesome! I would love to do that
You guys need to do a video together
I've watched your channel too.
You are one of a kind.I hope this video didn't get anyone trouble.
@@nardydavis24 they met up about 2 months ago.
A buddy and I rode the loco from Bruston to Memphis after we almost set a boxcar floor on fire to stay warm. The Bull let us 'cause he felt sorry for us. A Loco TRULY is the best catch out....
Not an endorsement of an activity I'd advise against, but you're old enough to make your own decisions and I do enjoy the footage, so thanks for sharing! Part of me longs for the adventure. Safe travels out there!
Riding in style with heat. Luck with you today. These are cool podcasts.
Shoestring, the ugly stick rods are very tuff. I've had some for over 25 years and still go fishing with them! I consider them a lifetime fishing rod! Have a great day and God Bless! Jim from Kansas!
One of a kind thanks for the memories
You ll like the ugly stick, good fishing rod, got 3 different ones, happy with all 3👍
Oh those West Virginia and Maryland panhandles can be tough to distinguish. Love the views of the hills through those states.
Miss you mark!!! Just isn't the same with you gone from us! God speed my friend!
Shoestring has definitely set himself up for retirement! Created a following and celebrity in a sense and can now probably make an amazing autobiography telling of his life story... He is very intelligent and full of knowledge and wisdom.
Keep on chooglin' Hobo Shoestring
Wow. I've never even seen a train that long; this is another world to me. You lead a fascinating life, sir!
ua-cam.com/video/X0iy7wNoBZ0/v-deo.html
Out west the trains are 200 cars sometimes, with 2 engines up front, a pusher engine in the middle and 2 in the back. Usually coal trains.
Only legends get to ride first class👍 great vid
Ahhhhhhhhh the sweet sound, makes ya feel strong, warm & secure.
Shoestring is my hero.....can't begin to imagine the stories he could tell.....God bless you Shoestring 🙏 .....
As a grandson of both my Dad and Mom whose fathers worked for the Pennsylvania Railroad back in its glory days, I enjoy watching these videos of Shoestring and will also terribly miss his presence with us as I found out about his tragic death. Godspeed to you sir!! 👍
Awesome video, I love trains, especially CSX and NS. It's great seeing the inside.
A ride in the cab of a DPU, a track side chat and a walk around a shop looking for hand warmers/gloves - loved it all!!👌 I get what you say about it being harder to get out and about now you have an apartment and also your aches and pains after 30+ years on the rails. Sending you best wishes from the UK. 🚂🇬🇧👍
Shoestring next time your in northwest Ohio let me and my husband know he will get you a room for the night and a goodie bag god bless 2.
@Robert Bru these people were never taught when growing up if you dont have anything nice to say dont say anything at all! He needs to go to all these other worthless channels and talk trash to them! This is a good positive channel assholes need not apply!! Ill apologise for his rude comment because he sure won't...
Jay Kay needs a goodie bag. Bad.
@Robert Bru what did he say? I don’t see it anymore
@Robert Bru t’would appear JK took his comment down.
@@langer24106 go blink!
This is my new favorite video it has the perfect mix of train travel sound, outside scenery and commentary. Man if you could do this same trip in early spring, what a great video that would make.
Thank you Shoestring! Another great Adventure! God Speed my Friend
The beautiful sound of that big diesel purring along so smooth. I would be sound asleep.
Incredible! You know you are loved and respected when you are let onboard. What a ride on #1127!
I have a feeling the crew didn't know-
There's not a crew in either one of these 2 locomotives. They're remote control from the head end
@@stuff_n_thanngs7552wow
I remember that Stobe would hide in the toilet room when men came for the daily inspection of DPUs. Never heard of anyone having permission to ride them; they must know Shoestring well.
RIP, Stobe.
funny I found stobe videos after he died.
In one such case, this one kid in Milwaukee 20s or something was caught in the bathroom. The guy laughed and said don't touch anything and let him ride.
Always been amazed at how simplistic the inside of an engine is. Just a coulple of levers and a radio controlling hundreds of thousands of tons of frieght.
its all those little switches that turn the loco on and off are what matters!
I've just subscribed to your channel and hanging on to the adventures 😀I have always had a yearning to riding the trains,use to hop on and off them as a young teenager. But when I seen my foot get to close to wheel that ended it. But I've always loved and everytime I hear that whistle blow I think and ya. Take care Shoestring, happy rails and God bless✌️❤️
I missed my calling, so I've been told, watching these trains I would have enjoyed guiding them through the landscapes of America
That engine just rumbling away reminds me when i was a little guy during the summer months off school then going trucking with my dad I didn't do so well on the overnight runs hit the bunk early but that big cat engine rumbling away through the night is a sound engraved into my mind forever, the humble rumble
Same hear but I road the csx engines my dad worked on railroad and would sometimes take me to work with him probably couldn't get away with that now this was 1980's early 90's
I felt like I was on the train so relaxing I actually fell asleep and dropped my phone 😂
Blessings Shoestring.....May God richly bless you and keep you in his loving care...your friend from Pa xx Diane
There's a Dick's at the Pinnacle in Bristol Tennessee now..
Interesting/informative.Entertaining. Excellent photography job enabling viewers to better understand what the orator is describing. 😉. Viewing this episode from the comfort zone of my computer🖥 room. Along the " Space Coast " of Florida🐊🐊🐬🐬. Wonder if HOBO "Shoe👞 String" spent any time in this region-???🤔. A Hobo's paradise in the winter months. Wishing viewers & Shoe👞 String a safe/healthy/prosperous (2024). 🌈🎉🌞💵😉.
Real nice of them guys to let you ride in the loco brother Much respect
Shoestring , you sir remind me of the great Roger Miller song "king of the road" take care sir God speed .
Camera watcher at NS:
👀Who dat??
Conductor:
Oh that's ol Shoestring..
He's a good feller, mmhmm..
☝️😁Best Carl from Slingblade voice..
Wonder if he likes French fried potaters or mustard biscuits mmhmm
Mmmmhhhhmmmm
@@Josh31287
🤣🤣🤣
@@gcr1
🤣🤣🤣
I used to listen to the tower operators on my scanner in the 90"s on the CSX lines. They took the towers down and its all automated now but i think that Miller tower got rebuilt at a museum in Martinsburg WV,
Yes its right outside the roundhouse complex, theyve rehabbed it to an event center now
Wish I could travel at least once in a Boxcar like you Shoestring! That's been my dream since childhood!!
the bulls must be freaking out,watching shoestring riding up in the engine like he is the conductor,could not get any better
It's very cool and funny