I will miss these fascinating videos from our mate shoestring. I’ve never heard so many different railway facts from anyone else about the US railway system. For someone like me in 🇬🇧 I always love to come back to these videos and learn some mew things. RIP Mark I hope to meet you someday on the other side of the tracks wherever that ends up being.

The Hobo Ethical Code 1. Decide your own life; don’t let another person run or rule you. 2. When in town, always respect the local law and officials, and try to be a gentleman at all times. 3. Don’t take advantage of someone who is in a vulnerable situation, locals, or other hobos. 4. Always try to find work, even if temporary, and always seek out jobs nobody wants. By doing so you not only help a business along, but ensure employment should you return to that town again. 5. When no employment is available, make your own work by using your added talents at crafts. 6. Do not allow yourself to become a stupid drunk and set a bad example for locals' treatment of other hobos. 7. When jungling in town, respect handouts, do not wear them out, another hobo will be coming along who will need them as badly, if not worse than you. 8. Always respect nature, do not leave garbage where you are jungling. 9. If in a community jungle, always pitch in and help. 10. Try to stay clean, and boil up wherever possible. 11. When traveling, ride your train respectfully, take no personal chances, cause no problems with the operating crew or host railroad, act like an extra crew member. 12. Do not cause problems in a train yard, another hobo will be coming along who will need passage through that yard. 13. Do not allow other hobos to molest children; expose all molesters to authorities…they are the worst garbage to infest any society. 14. Help all runaway children, and try to induce them to return home. 15. Help your fellow hobos whenever and wherever needed, you may need their help someday.

@rnvinson3

Жыл бұрын

This is why I like to watch Shoestring! He lives by this code 💯% of the time. I especially like #13 and 14 of this code. Glad to see y’all looking out for children. Keep doing the good things.

@buildingglocks5797

Жыл бұрын

Is they’re that many run away kids I feel like kids are too attached to technology these days to try and ride the rails

@NashRailfan

Жыл бұрын

@@buildingglocks5797I would love to ride the rails but I’m afraid I’d get sent to firing squad by my parents

@isatq2133

9 ай бұрын

What’s boil up mean?

@gfriedman99

2 ай бұрын

@@isatq2133 I think it means shower just a guess.

This guy is the most technically advanced hobo ever!

@JDMJACOB1

2 жыл бұрын

2021 Hobo Technology has come a long way

@ronald5629

Жыл бұрын

I listen ) to shoe string talk.. now I know he's a smart man and he could run the railroad , but I bet he wouldn't want to run it if you offered it to him he knows what he loves, . and I was called a troll for saying that while ago but I know he loves what he does and I know he's a really intelligent man... Those other two guys were the trolls trying to tell someone what to do

@jimbo3911

Жыл бұрын

I need an adventure in my life

@Clearanceman2

Жыл бұрын

He knows his stuff about trains. I wonder if he worked for a railroad at some point?

@Clearanceman2

Жыл бұрын

@@jimbo3911 Date questionable women. You'll get an adventure, especially if you have some money. Alternative, buy a motorcycle.

R.l.P Shoestring thanks for the great train 🚉 videos. Riding in heaven now.

Shoestring. I designed that wind charger so it screws onto the magnet. And please don't get a finger between the magnet and any ferrous metal. Use the threaded bolt on the magnet to screw into the long nut on the fan bracket. If it comes off the way you had it mounted don't fret, I'll make you another.

@gypsy6576

2 жыл бұрын

Thats pretty cool how long to charge your phone on a moving train nice design

@toddfraisure1747

2 жыл бұрын

@@gypsy6576Thank you. To charge a phone it really needs a 30 mph wind speed and it takes about an hour to charge my phone and about 4 to charge my aux battery. I'm making him one that is for a aux light and another for a large hand warmer. It's all about the amperage output of the fan to the step down converter that's inline were the charging cord plugs in. I can't take any credit for the ideas though.

@gypsy6576

2 жыл бұрын

@@toddfraisure1747 its still pretty cool. Yeah I see the problem more power and you'll be lucky to turn the blade hey whenever riding trains nothing but time and I promise you it will be cloudy

@ritatharp5238

2 жыл бұрын

Todd very cool fan charger. Very kind of you to make it for Mark. 👍

@TheHoboShoestring

2 жыл бұрын

Haha.... Got pinched a few times already... lol I'll look at it closer and find out how it screws on. So hard to see that close but I'll figure it out. I truly love it and thank you so much!!!

This is fascinating. Your water key is genius!! As a retired plumber I’d recommend a 4 way water key. Can get one at almost any hard ware store pretty cheap.I carried one in my pocket for years. And will open the tamper resistant wall hydrants as well as almost any hydrant stem. Would also suggest as time, circumstances and finances permit a Sawyer water filter. Around $20 give or take. Is easily cleanable, reusable. I’m not judging. Quite the opposite. What you do is just another version of ‘backpacking camping’. Good luck and God bless.

@outdoorvideoswithbrad

2 жыл бұрын

I’m glad someone else see it that way, I don’t jump trains, but do backpacking in random areas, but that’s a good idea to carry something like that, I always carry electrical tape for wounds in my pocket

@robertmurphy5445

2 жыл бұрын

9th 8th I I I

@jcee2259

Жыл бұрын

Yes, I had a 4-way, but it kept sneaking into my tumble dry laundry load making enough noise that I ended all pocket carry.

@aronblock1707

Жыл бұрын

my favorite tool in my urban survival kit.

I have a stable job, a comfortable room, money in the bank, and part of me wants to live like this

@monodimensionalbeing7996

2 жыл бұрын

go

@webstercat

2 ай бұрын

Try it and see if it as romantic as it seems… it ain’t….

@dmytroklopp6973

14 күн бұрын

@@webstercat but with other people it's probably better

Here, we see the wild Shoestring back in his natural habitat. Watch as he explores his surroundings, hunting for the elusive open boxcar to bunk down into for the night.

@jaredcrue7099

2 жыл бұрын

Those boxcars are hard to catch, skittish things they are.

@TheHoboShoestring

2 жыл бұрын

@@jaredcrue7099 Getting off is a little easier but yeah I sure can't hop on the fly now

@stampbj

2 жыл бұрын

Particularly rare for Shoestring to bed down in a car from the tiny Marinette, Tomahawk and Western Railroad! Probably was carrying pulpboard products from Tomahawk, Wisconsin.

That fan charger design is genius. Seriously creative thinking.

@ElectronoobGeekingOut

2 жыл бұрын

@@tr0798 it looked like there was a module of some kind in line between fan and usb connector. wrapped in heatshrink presumably.

@ScarabChris

2 жыл бұрын

@@tr0798 I'm sure there is some kind of voltage regulator built in. With today's electronics the regulator is probably the size of a a dime. Any DC electric motor can be turned into a generator with very little modifications.

@toddfraisure1747

2 жыл бұрын

@@tr0798 Yes it does have a power output controller wired inline

@toddfraisure1747

2 жыл бұрын

@@ElectronoobGeekingOut Yes, there is

@toddfraisure1747

2 жыл бұрын

@@ScarabChris Yes there is, thank you.

Shoestring is happy, and that always cheers me up. Ride safe Sir 👍

@marliesyanke4580

2 жыл бұрын

His enthusiasm and happiness shows in his voice.

August 2021 was the beat time of my life. I wish I saw this video then and I hope Tennessee Perry sees that Shoestring saw his tag. Happy trails old man rest easy.

"boy, I tell you I found a stag beetle last night. I couldn't find my p38 can opener so I just used him!"

@maceface

2 жыл бұрын

that made me laugh too :)

I want to thank you for your Army Service, And all the interesting videos you make🚂🚂🚂🚂🚂🚂

Well, that water key sure brought back memories. Grandpa had one on a ring along with about a dozen barrel keys for various vending machines.

There’s very few channels where I watch the videos all the way through without jumpin’ but I always set aside time to watch yours in their entirety. That’s how thoroughly entertaining they are. There’s something intriguing about Hobo culture.

My, how the hobo's equipment has changed! For the better! But that's a LOT to carry! Godspeed Shoestring!!

Thank you for adding the closed captions. My brother is deaf, but he likes your channel. Watching from Snohomish County Washington.

@derekdowns6275

2 жыл бұрын

I'm in the same county! I watch these vids while my wife is sleeping and the captions are great for that.

Professor Shoestring, last American adventurer & railroad historian rides again!! Happy Trails.🤓✌

@marliesyanke4580

2 жыл бұрын

Were off like a dirty shirt 😆

@marliesyanke4580

2 жыл бұрын

Getting into that boxcar, i see that its a lot of work to plan to get food ready, wait and wait find the right train, hide, swing up into car, carry all the necessary supplies and didn't go anywhere. Takes a special person.

Haha....18 thumbs-up, one view and 3 comments

@wandererofthewasteland400

2 жыл бұрын

I'm watching from start to finish watching you climb and move around like a kid with so much energy. Watching you pick up that flashlight and getting back into that boxcar. You sure got some energy and you're in great shape Shoestring. I can barely walk at the moment and seeing you bend over and jump outta that car has me rolling in laughter. I better get myself in shape my bones and back is busted but you bringing me some light here. Take care brother💪🏽

@stanparker9556

2 жыл бұрын

Brother I work in a train yard. It seems you know how to carry yourself and of course I can't condone what you have to do but I do understand and wish you the best of luck and truly hope you stay safe. Illegals are a big problem but we certainly aren't trying to be dangerous to anyone who isn't a danger to us. Car thieves are our major problem. Travel safe brother. You're fat from a dumb man. I feel you could do just about anything you need to in order to survive.

What an adventure that has all the tranquility a man could ever ask for. God bless you Sir Shoestring. 🛤 🚂💨

5:54 made my day. To hear you literally stubble upon that moniker right there on the spot as you read it. Just glorious! Take care brother🖐🏽

Sir, I have only seen a couple as of yet and am already so jealous. When I was younger, I rode my bike a lot. No real destination no schedule. I hit ocean, , , I turned around. Was the best time of my life. A few tarps, light gear and the road. Watching you brings back so many memories. Thank you for that.

@KnightLifeVlogs

2 жыл бұрын

thats so cool i want to do this

@Nerudah

2 жыл бұрын

Why did you stop?

@H8FULL1

2 жыл бұрын

@@Nerudah Never stopped riding, but not quite as much. Even though the destination may not always be the purpose of the trip, there still is one. Times aren't what they used to be and neither are the people.

i really lol'd when you put the charger in your mouth. unexpected. your reaction was gr8. appreci8 your joy & knowledge shared in this video. thankful for your bravery to be out there. peace

Strange how I feel care free watching and remembering simpler times.

THANK GOD FOR THIS HOBO,SHOESTRING,BECAUSE HE IS ONE OF THOSE RARE WISEMEN WHO TELLS US HIS STORIES AND JOURNEY'S AND I LOVE TO LISTEN TO HIM.WHERE ELSE ON EARTH ARE YOU GOING TO FIND THESE RARE PEOPLE SUCH AS HIM.HE'S A BLESSING AND I'LL BET YOU THE LORD LOVES HIM TOO.

@user-yc9dh2pz5u

3 ай бұрын

Amen, The Lord will bring him back home safe!!!!!

We've gotta find Tennessee Perry and let him know

I love it when you teach things about riding and the cars and their function. Thanks so much for that.

@TheTopGSpotLive

2 жыл бұрын

Oh yeah you like when he mumbles bs that isnt true that he thinks is true about railroad cars lol

@peterbond1081

2 жыл бұрын

I can't believe how knowledgeable you are about railroad operations in rail yards across the country. Have you every worked for a railroad before? I appreciate your information. Thanks

@cleekmaker00

2 жыл бұрын

@@TheTopGSpotLive Why did you even bother to comment, then?

@FirstFamilyCharger

Жыл бұрын

@@TheTopGSpotLive what part of this was mumbling bs exactly?

@PorchHonkey

Жыл бұрын

@@TheTopGSpotLive 🐒💥💩⁉️

We miss you good buddy- RIP HOBO SHOESTRING MAY GOD WELCOME YOU WITH OPEN ARMS!😭PEACE BE WITH YOU!

Who else relaxes by watching these? Good luck becoming the Hobo King Shoestring!

the wind charger is genius level.

All this and all I can see is how nice and tight those tracks are! The railyards I work in we got gaps everywhere. Loose bolts, missing spikes. It's so fun

@joeyshields4987

2 жыл бұрын

Lol I hope u nice to the homeless, they jus trying to get to a place they can survive

@phille8176

2 жыл бұрын

@Zeta Darus Haha yeah

@aniquinstark4347

2 жыл бұрын

@Zeta Darus The US is simply too large and sparsely populated to maintain to European standards. There are large swaths of land the size of some countries that have the population the size of a small city.

@JulioRodriguez-bb9ng

2 жыл бұрын

U should make content outa ur job

@phille8176

2 жыл бұрын

@@aniquinstark4347 Well is almost the same here. I mean our network is from Switzerland to all the way up to north Sweden. There are many miles with rails and also some places with less people in large areas. But still we can maintain them.

it's wonderful you're feeling better to get out on the rails again and you can see the joy you have in this video. God bless you Shoestring and safe travels whenever you ride the rails and whatever you're doing for these awesome videos.. Watching from Erie County Pennsylvania, have a blast at the Hobo Convention latter this month!

@Jack-eh3xt

2 жыл бұрын

Hey Shoe it's soon going to be snowing and cold. You had better watch your health and keep warm.

So happy to see you back out on the rails. I know you are happy too.Have a great trip and be safe. This video really makes my day🙂

Awesome to see you out again! Those chargers are really cool! The wind charger is a genius idea! Thanks for sharing your adventures!

Godspeed Mr. Nichols, We Thank You for all you gave, And for all you have given.. R.I.P. Shoestring, You are greatly missed..✌

Love ya shoestring just found your channel about 2 weeks ago and I absolutely love all your vids brother!!!!

I’ve learn more about trains watching you in these videos than I thought I ever would. Like your adventures.

@monodimensionalbeing7996

2 жыл бұрын

big up

Glad you're better! We're not strangers, just friends that haven't met yet.

Glad to see you back out there and dispensing knowledge. Glad you're feeling better. Another excellent Hobo Shoestring production!

It's great to see you out on the rails again Shoestring , awesome video as always and many prayers for you while your on your journey .

Great to see you back out riding the rails and doing what you love and are so good at. Stay safe and enjoy your adventure. Wish I could be out tagging along with you but watching your videos is as good as it gets. Great to see a new video my friend. Keep them coming when you get chance. Best wishes from the UK 🇬🇧

@lorettashepherd.

2 жыл бұрын

@Junkie Unicorn think you're any better?

@marliesyanke4580

2 жыл бұрын

@Junkie Unicorn That's not nice to say.

Love the videos and the commentary. I could almost go to sleep listening to your stories in a good way. 😁

Good to see ye back at the yard again. I'm glad you feeling better. We are all learning a lot about trains!! Thanks for the video and for taking us along.

What a nice and smart man to send this magnetic fan that he made himself, to you.

I can honestly say I learned several things today, so I subscribed. Just show something new and I’m happy.

@GrizzlyJRofficial

2 жыл бұрын

this guy is great

Woohoo! Shoestring is back out on the rails! Very happy you are doing well enough to be back out doing what you love. And we love watching your videos, here in Chambersburg PA. Take care out there! PS, I dig the Western Maryland love on your bucket, one of my faves!

This is such great content. Cant believe how entertaining it is. Shoestring you r a legend!

So glad to see u "back on track" no pun on words! I missed these videos,and I'm so glad ur feeling up to this,ur going to be the next hobo king,u deserve it! Be well,safe and happy,godspeed!!

Hey there Mr. Shoestring. Good to see you out and about. That Marinette Tomahawk & Western Boxcar was cool to see. Hope you make it to Britt without a hitch. Bsafe.

This has to be my favorite Channel and I honestly just found it 15 minutes ago. I grew up directly across the street from the tracks that ran the Capital Limited to Chicago. You are living my dream. I was on a fast curve in the tracks. Close to Waterloo Indiana. It was hypnotic and magical. I walked those tracks for 2 decades before I settled down. I know, for a fact, that in another life, I rode those rails. God speed my friend, Keep On Truckin

I just love this channel. You have shown me your wonderful world. Thank you Shoestring. Bless you🌹

Had that feel good railway vibe on this one shoe. I just always picture myself hangin out in the car shooting the breeze. You make it look fun.

One of your best videos yet! It makes me happy to see you happy and back to doing what you love. Safe travels. Look forward to your next upload my friend. 🤙

Man am I happy to see you back have missed watchin' your rides Take care

Love the tidbits of information you give! Thanks for a great video!

Nice mark the shoestring hobo, camera reconnaissance, nice , good to see you out again, thanks BigAl California.

This is Michael Shannon’s finest role yet.

@ilyaovsishcher1797

2 жыл бұрын

spot on.

@charlesoppland7778

2 жыл бұрын

Actually.. after watching a couple other videos. Hobo Shoestrings content is pretty chill. He just loves camping on trains.

@ilyaovsishcher1797

2 жыл бұрын

@@charlesoppland7778 Michael S wants to relax sometimes, it is understandable after all this Hollywood LA glitz and bullshit.

@pootietang1158

2 жыл бұрын

Hilarious

Good to see ya out and riding the rails...BEST of health to ya. Love the charger too.CHEERS!

Just found your videos, great content love the freedom lifestyle you have!

28% battery and 41 plus minutes of the only channel I watch to make sure I watch the video that day. Here we go😆

The water key was a flashback! We used to have to use a water key when we lived in the housing projects in Milwaukee back in the 70's. There were sidewalks in the front and back, so people would walk by and turn on your water if there wasn't a key. Really like that little wind generator!

Thanks for the video. I wanted to see these hopper car compartments in better detail like this with good light and steady photography. Great!

It’s a pleasure to see you riding again my friend welcome back. Hopefully many many more to come.

Love your Videos Bro!! GOD SPEED ! I grew up on a railroad and always wanted to ride the rails to where ever they took me.

Hey there, love the video with the tour of the cars and all the info. Enjoy your riding, good luck for future and stay safe 👍!!

Hi from Australia! I stumbled across Stobes videos, then yours last year when I was pretty much confined to a bed. I'm still not well and can't travel much, just as far as my mobility scooter will take me. Its so nice to see you on here again, I'm glad that your health is improved

@garyteague4480

Жыл бұрын

Hey I pray your better

been watching your vids for a year or two, thanks for the Nekteck charger info that seems essential

Good to see ya back on the road again Shoestring! that old MT&W car ya slept in last night hails from my neck of the woods,hope ya have a safe ride to Britt Prayers!

So glad to see ya out & about again Mark. Hope to see some good video from the convention. Stay safe & all my best..

“Boy, that’s one hell of a train there… 8 axles. That cracked me up. 😂😂😂

@hoagieflyer

2 жыл бұрын

Would be one hell of a long detector report!

Fantastic you are now up to riding again. Enjoyed the informative video again. Looking forward to the ride filming.

Glad to see you back to educating your viewers and riding again. You have my vote for Hobo King 🤴.

Glad to see you back shoestring I really enjoy your videos be safe

I hopped freight from Minnesota out to the west coast and up and down the coast in the late 90s over an entire summer. Watching your videos makes me want to do it again. What happened to all the 48s? We always looked for those with short boxes if we could find them but I never see them anymore. Only the longer versions that don't have floors. I live on the edge of the Minneapolis yard and sometimes think of just jumping on and leaving it all behind. Enjoy your travels.

Really nice spending the day with you Brother, thank you for sharing.

I've seen it all now......a Hobo with his own wind and solar powered KZread channel!! Greetings from Great Britain fella and happy travels, stay safe.

Another great video, you got love them Hobo Hotels on wheels...

Glad you are getting stronger!! I got you in my prayers, as always. By now you have to know your my favorite on KZread!!!❤ I am your #1Fan

Hey thanks for what you do keep on keeping on i always enjoy your work

You are definitely looking and sounding year's younger Mark, safe travels mate, 👍👍🚂🚂🚂.

I thought driving a truck was freedom... The knowledge and your skills blow interstate living out of the water! I appreciate everything you're doing! Track it up to da UP eh?

Awesome chargers Shoestring!! Thanks whoever sent them!! Lol i didnt see that either until you read it! As excited as you are to b back on the rails we are as well! Nice to see you back in your elements Shoestring! We waited this long for Britt we can wait a little more!! Great video!! True that Shoestring there is more important things the Bulls need to worry about then a hobo not causing any problems. B Safe.. SHOESTRING NATION #1.....

The computer fan being turned into a miniature wind turbine generator for charging your phone is awesome. I never thought of that before. I have a model steam engine that I made into a steam powered phone charger. Obviously it's not something handy that a person would take on a backpacking trip or some such, but it's a neat little novelty. It takes awhile to fully charge a phone battery, but even if the battery is dead you can still plug in your phone & use it with the engine running.

Only in 2021 can our hobo's be fully equipped to KZread! LOL Cool vid Shoe.

@TheHoboShoestring

2 жыл бұрын

I make all the videos on my phone. Using a free app to merge video pieces.

Those tags are like something out of a movie. "Stuck in a circle" with the tracks going around it. It's only 4 words but you know exactly what they mean.

@MapleJokerRofl

2 жыл бұрын

What they mean

Shoestring, love your vids man. I understand you got sick but im pretty new to your channel so not sure what happened but glad you feeling better. Keep rollin man!! Stay safe, and God Bless!!

Shoestrng it is so good to see you out and happy doing your thing!

So glad to see you back on the rails, I'm sure you're going crazy not riding.

Hey shoestring, I am happy to see u on the rails again stay safe out there. Ps I like your union Pacific logos on your bucket. My favorite rail way.🇨🇦 🚂🚂🚃🚃🚃🚃🚃🚃🚃🚂🚃🚃

August 12th - also my 49th wedding anniversary and still with the same girl, just hope my wife don’t find out! Seriously it’s great to see you back out entertaining us, stay safe boss!

My grandpa used to work for the Rock Island Railroad when it was going beforethe 80s. I've enjoyed watching these videos!

I keep getting recommended this video and keep watching it, proly watched this video 3-4 times by now lol

Glad to have you back. I love watching your videos. It's fun to here the knowledge your passing along.

Even though I do not hop trains, I would like to attend the Hobo's Convention in Britt Iowa. I will stop by while on my cross country bike ride. The main thing on my bucket list.

You the Man...Good Luck on your way to the 'Big Rock Candy Mountain"...wish I was there.

Chronicles of The Long Memory real stories and life happenings following along in the footseps of history with the likes of U Utah Phillips and Cisco Houston and Jimmie Rodgers and AP Carter..Thanks Shoestring and much regards from here in Southern Ontario Canada

Glad to see you back l was worried about you. Thanks Big R.

Tht wS funny right at the end lol 😂 boy thts one hell of a train there lol 😂 stay dry brother

Used to ride under the tag "Zeno" back in the day. Watching this brings back memooooriess.

Great. Your awesome shoestring I just watched again and love your chargers good luck & God Bless on your surgeries bruh - We all love you here in Buda tx"