Rewatching these videos after the sad news a few days ago that Shoestring has died at the beginning of April 2024. RIP Shoestring. You will always be remembered and be in our hearts.

@dexterdog62

2 ай бұрын

Yeah same here, sad to know he’s gone now. Gone too soon. RIP Mark.

@leecowell8165

2 ай бұрын

Yeah... damn shame we lost this guy. He was fulla interesting info... RIP Shoestring

@danjarrett

2 ай бұрын

So Sad about Mark Nichols Passing. He was so Special to so many of Us. Love You Shoesting...

Man I hate seeing you gone Mr. Shoe String The Legend!! When I heard you passed on and as i a retired soldier kinda weeped a bit. I'm going to keep on watching your videos. I hope you know we are still thinking about u sir.

This guy is an absolute legend in the rail hopping community…and maybe even outside of it too.

@chuckwilliams6294

11 ай бұрын

Love his stuff! How does he escape RR security in this day and age?

@JIMBO_UKNO

11 ай бұрын

We hide in the shadows of the steel like ghost 👻 😉

@TheHoboShoestring

10 ай бұрын

Ninjas

@SamaNuttz

2 ай бұрын

​@@TheHoboShoestringI wish I had come across this channel before you sadly passed. To his family I am so sorry for your loss, I can see how much he loved sharing his knowledge with both his friends and us strangers. His memory will live on with these videos and make us appreciate life a little more ❤

@tedhansen3846

2 ай бұрын

I'd love to see a movie about His life

Those trees looked like black locust. Good to see you back riding.

@tomcatt998

11 ай бұрын

Good for 100 year's as fence posts

@woodslore4672

11 ай бұрын

Might be Thorny Locust

@truckingpatriot5220

11 ай бұрын

Shoestring what train app is that? I have been looking for a train tracker like that for awhile now.

@tommylord

11 ай бұрын

Or a Honey Locust

@thomascoop3252

11 ай бұрын

Hot burning ta boot

I love to hear him say "Rolled Out" King of adventure, This Man.👍

First watch since Shoestrings passing. I just couldn’t bare to watch until now. His videos were like a shot of earthiness straight into my veins. Thanks Mark.

This guy is an iconic character- as American as they make 'em. Godspeed to him and keep making these videos. The people that watch them are in league with him (including myself)

Gonna be really missing this guy! Oh Well RIP Mr Shoestring!

Rest in peace shoestring great human mark you know you left the planet better 🙏 I learned a lot from you brother damn just hope you're channel stays up so I can watch the videos for ever 👍 🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲💯💪you catch one up there and teach them a thing or two 😢😊😊😊😊😊😊

Gdamn you are a badass. I get my self to sleep at night imagining I'm somewhere on a train. I live this stuff through you. Many thanks to you and Jawtooth.

@rubbler3

11 ай бұрын

Mark and Stobe… the rest are unequal.

@mott2945

11 ай бұрын

Hey buddie give (brave Dave’s train adventures) a watch he is a uk mountain runner who came over and rode the hobo rails and wow what an awe adventure he had it was actually stone the hobo who got him over bless him rip Jim x

@josephbeckmann8106

11 ай бұрын

@@mott2945 ?and the was 90

@acmeexplosives

11 ай бұрын

And I thought I was the only one.

I live in Bangor! I'm a big fan of your videos, and I'm glad you made it through my town.

Old worn out suit and shoes, I don't pay no union dues. I smoke, old stogies i have found short, but no too big around. I'm a man of means, by no means. King of the road.

I hope that kid you were talking about in the beginning finds good fortune. He's doing honest work, and he didn't try to rob or take advantage of you. Hopefully, his good deeds yield good fortune.

Your a brave and free man Shoestring. Keep going where you want to go. Thanks for sharing all these years.

Hello there Mr Shoestring. I am just recovering from a heart attack, seven days ago. I opened my laptop to find your latest down load. Yes ….it did my old heart (71) good to see and hear you back on the rails again. I do hope you are keeping well and happy travelling the USA rails. I get to see sights and places all thanks to you. God bless and be safe to you and yours. MrJR/UK

@leaonardland9001

11 ай бұрын

Get well soon, brother. Been there done that I'm fine. God willing we both will, and goodol' Shoe too!.

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

Damn I miss this dude, awaiting his latest video or community posts was something that sure helped keep my sanity 😢

@rdred8693

Ай бұрын

It's depressing. He was such a character

@jonginder5494

22 күн бұрын

I know exactly what you mean

I grew up listening to Roger Miller 8 tracks my dad would play on trips. I appreciate what you do.

Hi Mr. Shoestring, i hope your health is much better since your last update. Really glad to see you back on the rails! Stay safe sir!

i admire you shoe! in the 70,s as a young teen, i lived about 300 yards from the tracks, my brothers and i would jump on the trains as they start to roll, but we awalys jumped off after abot 5 miles, we were poor and nothing else to do! i remember a friend that almost lost his life when he slipped from the ladder on the side! be blessed buddy!

Love this type of video where you talk a lot more than just showing the ride itself. Feels more behind the scenes and that we’re there with you. Keep safe out there and happy adventuring!

Black locust, fast growing and very invasive. The government program WPA hired guys to plant these trees along newly constructed roads to help prevent soil erosion during and after the Great Depression. The blossoms are very fragrant around Mother’s Day and the wood is good for fence posts and making bows. Honey locust trees have the long thorns and reddish heartwood the black locust have cat claw thorns and a greenish yellow heartwood. Sorry, I got carried away.

@iPeeOnBabies

4 ай бұрын

thank you for sharing

@paramaniacwolverine843

2 ай бұрын

I'm In South Africa, they're a declared invasive species and a curse to get under control.

@jonperley7304

17 күн бұрын

Right on but very invasive!!!

Interesting/informative/entertaining. Excellent photography job enabling viewers to better understand what the orator is describing. Remember the movie " Emperor of the North " Lee Marvin (Hobo) Earnest Borgnine (yard boss) 1933 era depression adventure about honors traveling ." Shoe👞 String's favorite movie. Viewing this production from the comfort zone of my computer🖥 room. Along the " Space Coast "🚀 of Florida🐊🐊. Wonder if the " Shoe👞 String spent any time in this region🤔. Wishing viewers/" Shoe👞 String a safe/healthy/prosperous ( 2024 ) 🌈🎉🌞💵😉. Remember Jimmie Rogers? The " Singing Breakman " (1926 thru 1933) A genuine breakman till changing careers to a singing entertainer🎸🎻🎶.

Us truckers love your videos man keep 'em coming

Those orange cars are newly converted sand cars into ballast cars. We are currently working on them in Portsmouth car shop and usually convert 50 per year. The current cars are electric/hydraulic powered using solar panels to charge batteries.

Hobo, We love your videos, My bother in law, who we lost last Friday, introduced us to you. He was a fan of yours. Take Carr, Be Safe, He was a Navy Veteran. ❤️

@dennisfetterman1644

11 ай бұрын

Sorry for your loss I salute him🇺🇸

@TripleXXXLady-im5it

11 ай бұрын

So very sorry to hear of your loss.✝️🙏

@dianegray6545

11 ай бұрын

Thank You! He loved watching Shoestrings videos.

@TripleXXXLady-im5it

11 ай бұрын

@@dianegray6545 I do too Diane. Your comments about your Brother In Law were deeply touching to read. He sounds like he was an honorable man. I'm glad that watching Shoestring was a shared joy between all of you.

Awesome video Shoestring! Awesome seeing your adventures and hearing your stories! And I always learn something new about railroading! Thanks for sharing and stay safe!👍

"Leavin' on that midnight train to Georgia." Gladys Knight and the Pips

@nickdee5764

11 ай бұрын

I was thinking “King of the Road” by Roger Miller? A man of means by no means, king of the rooooad

@deville.c

11 ай бұрын

Box car Neil young and crazy horse

@wakeupamerica1981

11 ай бұрын

Black Locust trees... happy rails to ya!

Black Locust Trees , very hard wood when dry , very hard to put nails in it , very good for fence posts they will last for lots of decades , will burn very hot when dry , will get hot like a coal fire when burned down , but makes a lot of sparks. Have good ride .

Yes. Black Locust. They are so freaky how quick they spread across my property/lawn and how quick they grow. The have roots that run underground and the saplings sprout from that. It's like an alien tree. 👽

Roger Millar would be so proud that you used the name of the song like that! My grandfather was an engineer on the CNR line between Toronto and Montreal. He only had one job all his life and retired from it. I guess that is why I love trains so much.

Must be a good time roosting about from town to town @Hobo Shoestring. Never a dull moment. Happy trails my friend.

Good of You to help that young Man out,locust makes great firewood. Always enjoy Your videos riding or checking out rail yards,I remember the hump yard in Roanoke VA NS closed it years ago, filmed there once,neat to see the cars go over the hump and sets of break retarders installed on each track slow the freight cars down as they classify them and build outgoing trains,be careful on those trestles Brother and enjoy Your ride!🛤🚂😊

Damn it Mark.. If I had known you was gonna be in Bangor I'd have hooked ya up with some crabmeat or lobster sandwiches & a care package for the ride... I'm only an hour or so away.. Ride safe & thanks for the vid..

I've been waiting for another video from you. Perfect night to watch. Way too hot and bad storms moving in here in Chicago. Friday night and shoestring perfect.

This was a cool ride. Right through Bangor, Maine. Cool video Shoestring. 👍❤️

I'm 35-40 minutes north of Bangor right near Brownville Junction and Derby! It's awesome that you are so close. I live a five minute bike ride from the CN tracks going over the Sebec River

@richardsylvanus2717

11 ай бұрын

Hey neighbor! Atkinson here

@StrangeScaryNewEngland

11 ай бұрын

@@richardsylvanus2717 Lol! What's happenin'?!

@StrangeScaryNewEngland

11 ай бұрын

@@richardsylvanus2717 Do you go to Dover or Milo to shop? I'm up at Milo, I grab certain things at Tradewinds and the rest at Wal Mart in Bangor. Also, if you railfan, go down to our train bridge / crossing over by the hardware store if you haven't. Great spot.

That's a clean ride. I got one with plenty of cardboard bedding waiting for me. Gonna take a ride along the James River, out of Richmond VA

My grandfather was an engineer on a GG1 back in the 50's and 60's. Died of a heartattack on the train when my dad was 18 years old. I grew up with my dad listening to these railroad songs - especially Johnny Cash - the rythem to all his music was the beat like a train. Cheers

@tenminutetokyo2643

11 ай бұрын

Too much sitting causes heart disease.

@doctormcboy5009

11 ай бұрын

@@tenminutetokyo2643 word

@jamesweir2943

9 ай бұрын

@@tenminutetokyo2643 too much sex causes a little pecker.

Dude you are right down the road from where I'm at. I'm only 2783 miles from Bangor,Maine.

Thank you for the great video adventure stories about people , places , things. I can't get out and about much anymore so I really enjoy traveling along with your video's.

Buddy!!! You're looking good and sounding good! So happy to see you exploring!

Remarkable how similar the Appalachian Forest looks all the way from E TN to Maine. Trees looked like locust. Guess Maine has more Paper Birch and Larch.

@mk-jf1ux

11 ай бұрын

Eastern white pine, even balsam fir

Thank you so much for telling us what those diamond shaped rails in between the tracks are for! 🙂

Sure enjoyed your video Shoestring!! What a kind heart to help out that man. So sad there's so many homeless. Hope you leave out soon, and have a peaceful and relaxing ride. May God watch over you and keep you safe.✝️🙏🚂🚃🚃🚃🚃🚃🚃🚃🚃🚃🚃🚃🚃🚃🚃🚃

Excellent vid Mr String ... I so enjoy your vids ... Stay safe my friend

King of the road , loved that song. Awesome Shoe ,thanks 👍👌

@railroadingrambler218

11 ай бұрын

Great song kzread.info/dash/bejne/iaaco6VplKnPo5M.html

@leaonardland9001

11 ай бұрын

I loved that song too!

Even though Mark is gone I still come back to visit his videos. Same with Stobe. They were both amazing people in what they did! Gone yes, but new people will find their videos and go along for the many awesome rides and places both of these men took us! I for one will NEVER forget either one of them!! Keep riding Mark and Stobe on those heavenly rails!

The bridge you are on was the former Bangor & Aroostook main line to Northern Maine. I restore old motorcars that were used for MOW work! Safe Travels. Watch out for the man! That is the former BAR roundhouse. Canadian Pacific not CN.

Very educational, good video I like all of your videos.

Bangor Maine, do you see any trailers for sale or rent? I hear they have rooms to let for 50 cents, but no phones, no pools, and no pets. 😉😂😊. It's great to see you again shoestring. Stay safe.

@billynomates920

11 ай бұрын

😄

@dugncat

11 ай бұрын

@@billynomates920 👍

@AZVIDS

11 ай бұрын

Yes, another Boxcar Willy catch😉

@fredjacobs

2 ай бұрын

Shoestring was the real King Of The Road.

Nice cool temperatures up in Bangor Maine wish I was there was 100 degrees here in Mexico

@indowneastmaine

9 ай бұрын

You mean over by Rumford?

Brother, love the video, glad you not going to be subjected to the heat we have down south. Regardless, stay safe and drink water

Hey shoestring, I watch lots and lots of your videos for a long time now. I live in southern Maine so I was excited to see your latest video you were going through Maine.

Thanks for the knowledge Dad...hope you enjoy Maine

Mark, you’re such an inspiration…I’m pretty much right between Harrisburg and Scranton and brother, if you ever need anything on that line I’ve got you…got a nice camp myself that you could rest and recharge any time you want…

Hey Shoestring, Glad to see ya back out on the rails! Thought I'd let you know that in Canada anyways, those two inner rails on the bridge are called "Jordan Rails."

Many folks won't know the origin of the title of this video. It is from a hit song called King of the Road by Roger Miller from 1965.

Good to see you out and about my friend.

Your good guy shoestring for helping out up most respect God bless from eastleigh Hampshire England

Awesome shoestring you made my Friday night thank you so much

I just found your KZread channel. Very interesting! I grew up very close to railroad tracks so I have always had a fascination with trains.

aww shoestring i love to watch your night riding videos i hope you will make more in the future night time or day time they are all great to watch safe travelling .

Bangor, Maine. Home of Stephen King. Ever since I was in junior high I’ve wanted to visit and see that really cool wrought iron gothic style fence around his home. 47 west Broadway, if anyone’s interested. A well-known Bangor landmark.

@leaonardland9001

11 ай бұрын

King is a creep.

@indowneastmaine

9 ай бұрын

@@leaonardland9001 I doubt he’d disagree with you.

@indowneastmaine

9 ай бұрын

Did you ever get there?

For future reference the building near the yard in Bangor is the old Bangor & Aroostook roundhouse. They used to have a couple of classification yards there (actually it’s in Hermon). I thought the track up on the bridge was Canadian Pacific (formerly Bangor & Aroostook).

@jacksonhaskellmaine

11 ай бұрын

It is. The tracks below it are CSX

Hey Shoestring, I love trains and watching your videos are interesting and entertaining. Be blessed and stay safe.

Wow I missed you shoestring Godsmack was playing the other night in Bangor it was a great show love you brother Keep On Keepin On

That was some amazing stuff Hobo Shoestring!!! Wow!!!

IT IS allways nice to see a new video from the great shoestring

Good Video Mark, stay safe.

Thanks for another great trip Shoe be safe man

Been watching your video for several years here in Portland, Maine. Love it when I see you’re in Maine. I was shocked two years ago when I saw your video just outside Rigby Yard, South Portland. Same place this was shot.

Im glad your new videos are like your old ones string. I like them much better when you are yourself. Glad to have you back.

Hey shoestring! Those are black locust trees! Glad to see you riding again! I’m out doing more filming myself, maybe we’ll meet on the line sometime? Take care my friend!

New subscriber , love the videos !! Learning alot from you friend 👍

Could listen HoBo s for hours.. Soothing .. Calming..

Good to see ya shoestring! Me and my daughter have been waiting for the next video to watch together!

So glad you came to maine hope you enjoyed the time up here

Great Train Ride! *_THANKS_* 😊

What a pleasant surprise! New video! Thanks Shoestring!

I love trains and I love your channel. Keep up the good work and stay safe

Great vid! Very educational too. I grew up along those Philly/Levittown/Trenton lines.. Closer to the Woodbourne/Yardley/West Trenton ones, actually. I was wondering if you’d hit the NE again, glad you did.

I'm so thankful for you showing us your travel path. Im study Trainhopping for the Wanderers. You've reorganized my bucket list ❤️ Stay safe.

@DeBaitDawg-og6hq

11 ай бұрын

*studying 😊

@GlebnMcCullough

11 ай бұрын

Locust

Hey Mark.....keep up with the great videos and God bless.

I always liked Roger Miller's "King of the Road"! Great video Shoestring!

You got up to Maine fast. Must of been the hobo express train just for you. Pan Am RR was a mess for years. CSX will be a bi improvement in Maine. Ride safe Mark!

Cool that you are in Maine. I remember when you came through Waterville. I live in Maine!

Great Video Shoestring. Love your videos I live in Huntsville, AL I was real surprised to hear you mention it. Trying to figure out where to hop to WI from AL.

u a good soul shoestring , imiss your long vids

“Let the Midnight Special shine a light on me, Let the Midnight Special shine a ever lovin' light on me.”🚂

@trevorchambers1812

11 ай бұрын

@isaiahfenior1276 Yep and Leadbelly!

Fuck it is good to see you up and about Shoestring, You are an inspiration even all the way down here in New Zealand. You keep on, you hear?

Wow Shoestring this is a good movie your making. Thanks from New York

@hobo shoestring I love watching your videos. I live in Cambridge Ma I’m so glad to see you in my neck of the woods. Stay safe and let me know if you ever need anything in the Boston Area. Stay safe on the rails. Enjoy the ride.

Those trees remind me of a honey locust I have here in Connecticut.

Love your videos Shoestring, safe travels always 👍

You always put out good content Shoestring and your knowledge about all the trains and how they work.

Waving 👋 a hand to you from southeastern New Mexico...

My guy is back thanks for the new video much ❤❤❤

That is black locust we have them all over oklahoma that's what it looks like.😮

Looks like black locust tree. Used to use them for fence posts. You can also make beer from the beans.