@Genuinerobbie I'm a little late on your comment, but Shoestrings body was found in the lake behind his apartment on April 5 after he was declared missing over a week before.
@@ArkOmen1 Idk how I really got hooked onto trains. Maybe Thomas when I was a kid. I've ways liked them though. I would like to hop some. Advice? What kind of advice?
@@wgamertvwgtv9068I think risking getting caught by the bull and being put into the system is not in your best interest if you’re trying to become a conductor
Hi Shoestring, so happy to see you out and about and posting again. The first spur you walked up is actually a power company transmission substitution. It’s where high voltage lines, usually 230 thousand volts and up too 500 thousand volts are stepped down to say 155 thousand volts. Then those lower voltage transmission lines go to distribution substations like the one you pointed out along the highway. There the voltage is stepped down to around 12 kv or whatever the local distribution voltage is. Transmission substations are often built along railroads and have spur tracks leading into them. The transformers are so large that they can better be transported by train. I was a lineman for Alabama Power for 33 years, now retired, and worked in substations like those a lot. Take care and I look forward to your next videos.
My initial impression of Shoestring was that he has a very impressive knowledge of railroads in general and the longer I watched the more impressed I have been. But I now understand that your knowledge & understanding encompasses a vast area of our society, science, weather, economic system, machinery, medicine and many other areas. Dang, Shoestring, you are remarkably educated in such a large arena. I learn stuff every time I watch your vids. Good on ya.
You're sounding stronger! Looking stronger too. Enjoy hearing your stories about riding and learning about the mechanics and operation of the trains and railroad. Thanks for sharing
Hello Mark! NO need to apologize about anything. It’s you’re Life and your RUclips Channel and GOD knows we ALL have things more important to deal with. 👍🙏
The white powder you saw in/on siding hopper cars is silica (HiSil WB-10). That particular variety is used to make lead acid battery separators. Also, glad to to see you posting again. I hadn’t seen you post in a while and was scouring google/YT, trying to make sure you were okay. Be safe out there.
Thank you for sharing - He mentioned the company Microporous so I looked them up and from their website: Microporous is a leading international supplier of lead acid battery separators.
Good to hear and see you Shoestring. Keep putting your health ahead of all else. We are here when you post, but don't push yourself too hard. Take it slow and easy and let your body and mind continue to heal. Excelsior. Onward and Upward !
It's always nice to hear your updates and adventures! Only hopped a train once - from the Enola yards to near the New Jersey line by the Skuylkill expressway. Rode in a car carrier in the back of a new pick-up truck. Once was enough!
I rode once back in the early 90s. A buddy and I went from Minneapolis to the N Dakota/Montana boarder. We were mostly in box cars. Not built for comfort.
@@steveqhanson6835 not gonna lie but that’s not I trip I’d want out in .the middle of nowhere, yikes that destination of N Dakota/ Montana is true grit😕
Love your stories, Mark! Been missing your videos and glad to see you’re doing good and looking healthy. Hope you see your folks soon and looking forward to your Alaskan adventure
Made my day to hear the story about the kid who built a towering inferno signal fire at the 4-way. My dad died 3 years ago and that’s the exact kind of sh*t he’d find himself tangled up in when he was younger, and I miss his storytelling. So thanks for sharing yours, Shoestring. Often they’ll mean more to someone in your audience than you’d think they would.
i was drunk one night in nashville and hopped on a moving train in front of my friends to be funny in a boxcar then ended up 150 miles away cause my drunk ass was having the best time.
Me and a friend basically did the same thing in 1983 and ended up going a thousand miles one way and back. We were gone for at least a week. We were about 16 yrs old. I've never rode again since. I'm sure it's a lot different then back then, for one thing back then automotive cars were open and you could just climb in one ride right in a new car which was good because it was cold and even started blizzarding right after we hopped on. We just turned the key on and started it and had heat and a radio to listen too. We didn't trash it at all and kept it very clean but I can imagine some people not which is probably why they're enclosed now. God bless Shoestring and his family.
I doubt I ever become a train hopper, it's too easy to catch a ride nowadays. But, thanks to you I believe I'm well equipped to do so if I ever need to. Appreciate your video's!
It definitely seems the true hobos, or train hoppers, do it for the love, or addiction if you will, to the train ride itself. Something about the lifestyle of being always on the go, riding something they aren’t supposed to be, constant High adrenaline.
@@nofundsgaming251 The literal definition of a hobo is a homeless migrant worker. I've been that for the last 20 years, by choice, thats why I use the tag. Back in the old days hobos train hopped from job to job because it was really the best way to get to and fro. If you train hopped back then, not traveling to a job, you were literally called a tramp or a bum. There's not many literal hobos nowadays hopping trains because we work and can afford a bus or other forms of transportation that isn't illegal.
@Runaround I hear ya brother. I have that rambling spirit too, and it's tough as hell sometimes. I had a good job in Nashville the last year and a half an got tired of the city. I've been in bum fuk Alabama the last three weeks looking for a job everywhere. I start a low wage job tomorrow actually thats a 6 mile walk, but I'm thankful to have it. Maybe I'll stay long enough to save enough money to buy a vehicle, but who knows! 😆
@Runaround Pal, you and me both. It's odd, but I can't seem to keep a job for more than a year. I have good intentions, but when I feel that time coming close, I know I'll be quitting within a week or so. Sometimes abruptly just drop a job. I'm 40 years old and still do this. I live frugally and we drive a 99 camry. I also have 2 kids. One with non verbal autism. It's hard, but I push on. Hope you're doing good and take care.
Shoestring, it is sure good to see you next to the tracks again. Your health is most important, so make sure you take care of that first. Looking forward to seeing you catch out
Knoxville native here, love your videos Shoestring. No need to apologize to us for anything, I think I speak for all of us when I say you take as much time as you need. Safe travels
I'd like to comment about your tutorial at the micro technologies lead. The switch you mentioned is actually a "switch derail" (vs. a flop-over derail) which serves the same function to protect a mainline from cars rolling out. The blue tie bar plates are colored to indicate that they are "insulated Joints" (IJ's for short) that stop the AC electrical that runs through the rails. The AC travels through both rails of mainlines and controlled sidings for many reasons. The current tells the dispatcher the location of trains, controls signal aspects, as well as activating gates at road crossings.You are correct to say the color defines a limit of where a car can, or cannot be. If that car in the video was sitting on the mainline side of the blue joint bars, the dispatcher would be freaking out. He would get an indication that there is a train in that block, and the mainline signals would automaticaly drop to red to avoid a collision.
I come for the education and conversation and in turn I've made a friend. Really good to see ya post and hear from ya. Hope you get to see your dad and mom soon. Every day is precious. Be well be safe! From Akron Ohio.
I'm truly glad to hear from you again friend. I'm from Alabama so I appreciate the special shout-out to friends. I'm surprised to experience it while hopping a ride on trains. I learned so much about the rain. Take one pill it's enough to put you in a feel good sleep. It's a trigger equipped railroad switcher.!!!
All my years on the road and rail, Everyday was a new adventure. Times could be as low as me in the Houston rail yard Christmas eve. No coat, no pack, nothing but the clothes on my back. Broke hungry, coming off a long drunk. Next day Christmas hitchhiking a car driver giving me a coat and $50 bucks. Hitting Orange TX. the next day, stopped at a used clothing store, Told them my story, They geared me up and refused money. Next ride got me into New Orleans. You know how the story goes from there.
Thanks for all the energy and time you've spent showing us and telling us the stuff you know over all these years Mark. You're the man and it's been a pleasure to be able to share in this little corner of your life you have been so dedicated to and hardwired to continue pursuing. Always got good energy and thoughts coming your way for your health and your continual happiness.
Shoestring my wife and I are so glad you are doing well Brother we hope to see you in Tennessee this spring and lunch is on us and if you are ever in Charlotte you always have a place to stay God bless
Saw where you were talking about Moleskin for your feet. My mom is 70 and just came out of retirement to work for Amazon because of the economy. Helped her feet tremendously! Thank you so much for your knowledge and content! Chester, VA
There ain't anything else i wanna watch when hobo shoestring video popped up on my youtube video. Really missed your stuff for so long a while. Best part is always where your old recollections, stories of past incidents begin... and you didn't fail this time either. Lookin forward to a exciting riding video soon. Stay safe bro👍and ♥️from India.
Hello Shoestring. I was where you are ( Johnson City ) on November 8th in 1991 and it got to 104 degrees. I'll never forget that day. I was a pallbearer for my Aunts funeral. High 70' s is still warm but that day was crazy. Safe Travels
I've wanted to travel the country by train for a while now, as I had just turned 18 and moved out of my parents house. You're videos give me so much knowledge and tips that you have locked away in that noggin of yours
Ya can't buy fresh air and sunshine , a healing combination for sure. Hope you get much better and get to visit your Dad. I know even after my Dad has been gone since 1987 I still have questions for him and stories I'd like to tell him ,there's never enough time so take advantage of what you can my friend!!! CATCH ON
It's always relaxing to watch and just admire yer RR Adventures ,, here in sherwood Arkansas it's just 63 degrees ,, but tommorrow it'll be about 80,,yep Mr. SHOESTRING ,I know YA traveled just about track more than once, I applaud ya for being yer own person and what you enjoyed in yer life time ,, Thanks Mr Shoestring ,, I'll fix me another bologna sandwich and keep watching yer videos,,
Glad to see you out and about, you look like you are feeling better, be safe and careful on your travels. It seems like the best cure for you is the rails.
I'm so glad I came across your channel. I find everything interesting about rail cars and train hopping and hobo lifestyle. Just keep being you and keep your head up and remember to always forget about that 1%.
Sir shoestring no need for apologies it's great to see see you back your health and wellness are first and foremost me and my best friend in the whole wide world 🌎 my dog max send are regards and looking forward to following you on your adventures and travels keep the wind in your Beard and God's speed
Hey Shoestring, I just started watching your vids few weeks ago. They are really entertaining. The quality is excellent. Thanks for making them and glad your feeling better. I live in a small town in mid Ontario Canada. Just a tip for your heath and make you feel better too,get some Organic Oregano drops and take 4 drops a day. Take everyday of your life. I guarantee you will feel better and it gets rid of imflamation in your body and joints.Take your vit. D and vit C too. Take the oil with cold water it’s a little warm. Good health to you Shoestring.🇨🇦🤗👍🏻🚂
Sure good to see you back again. Hope your health just keeps on improving and you can keep on sending out new videos. Always look forward and enjoy your new adventures and traveling by rail. Sure would be great if you could visit your parents soon too. Take care and may God less you.
I'm so glad ur back on the rails.I know ur happy,and I love hearing those stories,their great,thanks for sharing,learned a lot about trains from u,enjoy and travel safe,godspeed always!!!💯
I feel blessed to be able to get all of this valuable information for free. I could listen to you talk for hours on end. You really are a good person, always advocating safety. I appreciate the way you treat everyone with respect, and you carry yourself the way a real man should. I've always looked up to you, and I really cherish everything you do for us. Thank you for being such a kind hearted, genuine human being, and thank you for sharing all of your knowledge with us. God tests the strongest constantly, and even though things can get bad at times, just remember you're one in a billion. You have helped so many people, and I can never repay you enough for the huge impact you've had on my life. Keep your head up shoestring. - Tuck's son
Good to hear from you again been real sick last 9 days so far today must be coviv it has really kicked my butt , you always lift my spirits buddy. dan't feel like playin' with my H-O layout.
Awesome video Shoestring! Came at a good time, as I'm recuperating from surgery today, been a rough year on me, but it's great to watch a Hobo Shoestring video and hear some great stories and railroad workings while I'm laid up!👍
Found 440 Rock Lane on Google Maps as you suggested, then fed it into Google Earth 🌎 and then I could see the power station you walked up to at 13:37. Cool. Just like walking up the stacks with ‘ya and seeing that big structure from all angles! Take care, Shoestring. ❤️
Good to see you back. Hope you continue to mend and can get back on the road more. Keep whatever videos you are able coming, I enjoy them all. Regarding your question, Microporous website says "As the leading independent manufacturer of lead-acid battery separators,...". They make the separators between the lead plates of batteries that go in cars, trucks, etc.
Since I’ve been watching Shoestring’s videos, every time I’m waiting on a train I make it a point to look at the grain cars just to see if he’s riding.
man i sure enjoy your videos! been binge watching for two weeks now, found out last week that my brother has been watching too! i love trains! Army vet myself, get to muskogee and look us up! be safe!
A Shoestring talkin shadow! I was wondering about you! Am glad you are out, you sound a lot better, Family is so important i have been gone now over 3 years and hopin this spring of 2023 to get back to Missoula. 🙏🌈🐩
Thanks, Hobo! Great video!!! Dude...that nitrogen tip...wow!!! I looked it up. It's called nitrogen fixation by lightening!!! I had no clue!!! I love this channel...be safe Hobo!!!!
Extremely great to see you again,a blessing to wake up to your video “est”.really appreciate the longer video’s,but if it’s any one from my favorite RUclipsr!!hoping all is going great for you shoestring,I’m pretty sure I’ve seen them all & they NEVER GET BORING AT ALL!Better than ANYTHING on the tv. Yeah you sure do sound so much better,your voice.sending lots of likes & thumbs up to you and hope you continue to produce more videos & as always be extra careful out there on the rails & continue to get better!I’ll be patiently waiting for your next video it could be of just about anything & I’ll certainly be watching it.good luck out there & will be praying for nothing but good health for you shoe be safe & may good luck be with you at ALL TIMES AND GOOD HEALTH
So glad to see you back, yes so wonderful to see you put your health first now knowing about the stories of ur past told by you, we are gonna be able to see you teaching all u know about trains & especially ur riding stories and encounters with people & the cops, some if the stories have me in stitches, thanks for everything you do. 😊
The siding with the covered hoppers is equipped with a split rail derail. You're correct about the blue markings on the siding and if the cut of cars rolled over those joints an indication light on the dispatch board would notify of such an event and set the opposing signals at stop and proceed. We covered this stuff at our annual NORAC rules classes. I've been retired from the railroad for 10 years now but still remember the many rules of operation. Glad to see you up and about. If you can't get to see mom and dad right away how about sending them a video to their face book, if they have such, and tell them what you want them to hear; just a thought. As always, I enjoy your videos. Take care and God bless, please be careful out there.
Hey mate, love your videos. Wished more people saw the world as you do. Just a quick correction. The Skytrain in Vancouver serves what we all call the "Lower Mainland". Surrey, Vancouver, New Westminster, Coquitlam. The island you mentioned, "Victoria Island" is actually "Vancouver Island" and sadly, our railway is currently in mothballs with just a little bit of activity in Nanaimo mid island. The Puget Sound area is near Seattle :)
I'm so glad I came across your videos. If you're ever in the Cleveland, Ohio or Mansfield, you will have a place to stay the night and get your belly full. All I ask in return is to hear some of your stories about your hops.
Well this is good to see, a video from Shoestring! Yes! Sorry your still dealing with "stuff", I've got a lot of "stuff" myself so I sympathize pal. Hang in there , we love ya, and I can't wait for you to get riding again. Thanks for the update, be well, peace.
Godspeed Mr. Nichols, We Thank you for all you gave, and all you have given.. R.I.P Shoestring.. ✌
Sorry to hear this I just started following when did he pass
@Genuinerobbie I'm a little late on your comment, but Shoestrings body was found in the lake behind his apartment on April 5 after he was declared missing over a week before.
I'm 19, from Alabama. Just took the BNSF pre-employment assessment test. Passed it! Hopefully going to get a job there as an conductor.
@@Jesus_paid_it_all Start date is June 19th.
@@Jesus_paid_it_all I appreciate the kindness, and verses. Thank you! God Bless. 🙏
So, how did you get interested in trains? Do you have any advice for someone that might want to get started?
@@ArkOmen1 Idk how I really got hooked onto trains. Maybe Thomas when I was a kid. I've ways liked them though. I would like to hop some. Advice? What kind of advice?
@@wgamertvwgtv9068I think risking getting caught by the bull and being put into the system is not in your best interest if you’re trying to become a conductor
It warms my heart to hear you talk so fondly about visiting your parents! Hope you see them both real soon :)
They make separators for lead batteries.
@@btownbobby thanks Bobby lee
Hi Shoestring, so happy to see you out and about and posting again. The first spur you walked up is actually a power company transmission substitution. It’s where high voltage lines, usually 230 thousand volts and up too 500 thousand volts are stepped down to say 155 thousand volts. Then those lower voltage transmission lines go to distribution substations like the one you pointed out along the highway. There the voltage is stepped down to around 12 kv or whatever the local distribution voltage is. Transmission substations are often built along railroads and have spur tracks leading into them. The transformers are so large that they can better be transported by train. I was a lineman for Alabama Power for 33 years, now retired, and worked in substations like those a lot. Take care and I look forward to your next videos.
Awesome info, thanks!
He probably already knows that. 🤣
@@rogertemple7193 Maybe he did but that’s not what he indicated. Did you know? 🤔😳😂😂🤣
My initial impression of Shoestring was that he has a very impressive knowledge of railroads in general and the longer I watched the more impressed I have been. But I now understand that your knowledge & understanding encompasses a vast area of our society, science, weather, economic system, machinery, medicine and many other areas. Dang, Shoestring, you are remarkably educated in such a large arena. I learn stuff every time I watch your vids. Good on ya.
People who live out in nature learn so much more than us sheltered people who live in houses, work in buildings, drive in cars on highways.
You’re a ignoramus
Get some bitter apricot seeds..alway eat apple seeds or peach pit inner seeds.look up arm wrestling man cures cancer
Well said & myself, agress.
The freemasons were created in 1717 in the banking district of London the Jesuits created modern day freemasonry they also created the union pacific
You're sounding stronger! Looking stronger too. Enjoy hearing your stories about riding and learning about the mechanics and operation of the trains and railroad. Thanks for sharing
I pray 2023 is better for you and all of us.
Hello Mark! NO need to apologize about anything. It’s you’re Life and your RUclips Channel and GOD knows we ALL have things more important to deal with. 👍🙏
The white powder you saw in/on siding hopper cars is silica (HiSil WB-10). That particular variety is used to make lead acid battery separators. Also, glad to to see you posting again. I hadn’t seen you post in a while and was scouring google/YT, trying to make sure you were okay. Be safe out there.
Thank you for sharing - He mentioned the company Microporous so I looked them up and from their website: Microporous is a leading international supplier of lead acid battery separators.
Good to see ya brother. Missed seeing you. Prayers your way. Glad you're OK.
Glad your ok and back on the rails Shoestring! Thank You!
Good to hear and see you Shoestring. Keep putting your health ahead of all else. We are here when you post, but don't push yourself too hard. Take it slow and easy and let your body and mind continue to heal. Excelsior. Onward and Upward !
Mark, you are a great brain trust of so many facts, tips trivia of railroading. I enjoy every bit every time . Be safe and ride well!
It's always nice to hear your updates and adventures! Only hopped a train once - from the Enola yards to near the New Jersey line by the Skuylkill expressway. Rode in a car carrier in the back of a new pick-up truck. Once was enough!
I rode once back in the early 90s. A buddy and I went from Minneapolis to the N Dakota/Montana boarder. We were mostly in box cars. Not built for comfort.
@@steveqhanson6835 not gonna lie but that’s not I trip I’d want out in .the middle of nowhere, yikes that destination of N Dakota/ Montana is true grit😕
Love your stories, Mark! Been missing your videos and glad to see you’re doing good and looking healthy. Hope you see your folks soon and looking forward to your Alaskan adventure
Made my day to hear the story about the kid who built a towering inferno signal fire at the 4-way. My dad died 3 years ago and that’s the exact kind of sh*t he’d find himself tangled up in when he was younger, and I miss his storytelling. So thanks for sharing yours, Shoestring. Often they’ll mean more to someone in your audience than you’d think they would.
This man could tell stories until the end of time & still got get through them all!
i was drunk one night in nashville and hopped on a moving train in front of my friends to be funny in a boxcar then ended up 150 miles away cause my drunk ass was having the best time.
That’s hilarious
Me and a friend basically did the same thing in 1983 and ended up going a thousand miles one way and back.
We were gone for at least a week.
We were about 16 yrs old.
I've never rode again since. I'm sure it's a lot different then back then, for one thing back then automotive cars were open and you could just climb in one ride right in a new car which was good because it was cold and even started blizzarding right after we hopped on.
We just turned the key on and started it and had heat and a radio to listen too.
We didn't trash it at all and kept it very clean but I can imagine some people not which is probably why they're enclosed now.
God bless Shoestring and his family.
I doubt I ever become a train hopper, it's too easy to catch a ride nowadays. But, thanks to you I believe I'm well equipped to do so if I ever need to. Appreciate your video's!
It definitely seems the true hobos, or train hoppers, do it for the love, or addiction if you will, to the train ride itself. Something about the lifestyle of being always on the go, riding something they aren’t supposed to be, constant High adrenaline.
@@nofundsgaming251 The literal definition of a hobo is a homeless migrant worker. I've been that for the last 20 years, by choice, thats why I use the tag. Back in the old days hobos train hopped from job to job because it was really the best way to get to and fro. If you train hopped back then, not traveling to a job, you were literally called a tramp or a bum. There's not many literal hobos nowadays hopping trains because we work and can afford a bus or other forms of transportation that isn't illegal.
@Runaround I hear ya brother. I have that rambling spirit too, and it's tough as hell sometimes. I had a good job in Nashville the last year and a half an got tired of the city. I've been in bum fuk Alabama the last three weeks looking for a job everywhere. I start a low wage job tomorrow actually thats a 6 mile walk, but I'm thankful to have it. Maybe I'll stay long enough to save enough money to buy a vehicle, but who knows! 😆
@Runaround you are not alone my friend.Prayers
@Runaround Pal, you and me both. It's odd, but I can't seem to keep a job for more than a year. I have good intentions, but when I feel that time coming close, I know I'll be quitting within a week or so. Sometimes abruptly just drop a job. I'm 40 years old and still do this. I live frugally and we drive a 99 camry. I also have 2 kids. One with non verbal autism. It's hard, but I push on. Hope you're doing good and take care.
Shoestring, it is sure good to see you next to the tracks again. Your health is most important, so make sure you take care of that first. Looking forward to seeing you catch out
Great to see you out and around! You are the best!
You are such an intelligent man. I wish you better health and more happy days!
I have a kidney issue that is deteriorating. I am with you pal, I send you good vibes from new zealand. you are appreciated man!
Knoxville native here, love your videos Shoestring. No need to apologize to us for anything, I think I speak for all of us when I say you take as much time as you need. Safe travels
I'd like to comment about your tutorial at the micro technologies lead. The switch you mentioned is actually a "switch derail" (vs. a flop-over derail) which serves the same function to protect a mainline from cars rolling out. The blue tie bar plates are colored to indicate that they are "insulated Joints" (IJ's for short) that stop the AC electrical that runs through the rails. The AC travels through both rails of mainlines and controlled sidings for many reasons. The current tells the dispatcher the location of trains, controls signal aspects, as well as activating gates at road crossings.You are correct to say the color defines a limit of where a car can, or cannot be. If that car in the video was sitting on the mainline side of the blue joint bars, the dispatcher would be freaking out. He would get an indication that there is a train in that block, and the mainline signals would automaticaly drop to red to avoid a collision.
I come for the education and conversation and in turn I've made a friend. Really good to see ya post and hear from ya. Hope you get to see your dad and mom soon. Every day is precious. Be well be safe! From Akron Ohio.
Hey shoestring good to see u on the rails again .. union pacific my favorite railroad. .. have a good safe trip out there. 👍☕️🇨🇦
Do you always ride the American rails my friend?
#Railrider meets #Vanlifer 'Doing life in a van as your a Railrider doin life on the american rails. comprenda?
@@davechristian7543 I live in Canada. I am a huge union pacific fan.
I'm truly glad to hear from you again friend. I'm from Alabama so I appreciate the special shout-out to friends. I'm surprised to experience it while hopping a ride on trains. I learned so much about the rain. Take one pill it's enough to put you in a feel good sleep. It's a trigger equipped railroad switcher.!!!
I love listening to your stories. Thanks for another great video.
All my years on the road and rail, Everyday was a new adventure. Times could be as low as me in the Houston rail yard Christmas eve. No coat, no pack, nothing but the clothes on my back. Broke hungry, coming off a long drunk. Next day Christmas hitchhiking a car driver giving me a coat and $50 bucks. Hitting Orange TX. the next day, stopped at a used clothing store, Told them my story, They geared me up and refused money. Next ride got me into New Orleans. You know how the story goes from there.
Thank god for godly people
Glad to hear from you on you tube again! Stay safe and keep us informed!😊
Good to see you back Shoestring. Never apologise if you are ill or got something going on. Sorting out health and issues comes before videos.
SHOESTRING I'm always happy to come across your videos
Thanks for all the energy and time you've spent showing us and telling us the stuff you know over all these years Mark. You're the man and it's been a pleasure to be able to share in this little corner of your life you have been so dedicated to and hardwired to continue pursuing. Always got good energy and thoughts coming your way for your health and your continual happiness.
Why did I have to cry, you talking about your dad. Your videos are so special.
Wow Mark, you're looking SOOOOO much better and sound really good. Thanks for posting the video. Enjoy your travels!
There’s absolutely no need to apologize. Ever!
God bless you shoestring not many people like you around anymore. Keep it going brother
Shoestring my wife and I are so glad you are doing well Brother we hope to see you in Tennessee this spring and lunch is on us and if you are ever in Charlotte you always have a place to stay God bless
Saw where you were talking about Moleskin for your feet. My mom is 70 and just came out of retirement to work for Amazon because of the economy. Helped her feet tremendously! Thank you so much for your knowledge and content!
Chester, VA
Great video, Good to see you back on the rail Be safe out there. 👍👍💯
I miss my dad so much .bless up and thankyou for your videos shoestring .....#respectmyguy
Great Texarkana story! I'd listen to your stories all day long. 👍
Glad you’re back worried that you might be really sick
There ain't anything else i wanna watch when hobo shoestring video popped up on my youtube video. Really missed your stuff for so long a while. Best part is always where your old recollections, stories of past incidents begin... and you didn't fail this time either. Lookin forward to a exciting riding video soon. Stay safe bro👍and ♥️from India.
Hello Shoestring. I was where you are ( Johnson City ) on November 8th in 1991 and it got to 104 degrees. I'll never forget that day. I was a pallbearer for my Aunts funeral. High 70' s is still warm but that day was crazy. Safe Travels
I've wanted to travel the country by train for a while now, as I had just turned 18 and moved out of my parents house. You're videos give me so much knowledge and tips that you have locked away in that noggin of yours
Can’t wait for spring to get here looking forward to riding again
Ya can't buy fresh air and sunshine , a healing combination for sure. Hope you get much better and get to visit your Dad. I know even after my Dad has been gone since 1987 I still have questions for him and stories I'd like to tell him ,there's never enough time so take advantage of what you can my friend!!! CATCH ON
It's always relaxing to watch and just admire yer RR Adventures ,, here in sherwood Arkansas it's just 63 degrees ,, but tommorrow it'll be about 80,,yep Mr. SHOESTRING ,I know YA traveled just about track more than once, I applaud ya for being yer own person and what you enjoyed in yer life time ,, Thanks Mr Shoestring ,, I'll fix me another bologna sandwich and keep watching yer videos,,
NEA Arkansas
Glad to see you out and about, you look like you are feeling better, be safe and careful on your travels. It seems like the best cure for you is the rails.
I always learn something from watching your videos. Be safe out there.
I'm so glad I came across your channel. I find everything interesting about rail cars and train hopping and hobo lifestyle. Just keep being you and keep your head up and remember to always forget about that 1%.
Sir shoestring no need for apologies it's great to see see you back your health and wellness are first and foremost me and my best friend in the whole wide world 🌎 my dog max send are regards and looking forward to following you on your adventures and travels keep the wind in your Beard and God's speed
when you ride by yourself you know there's not gonna be any trouble... exactly... cheers sir
glad to have you back Shoe !
SO GLAD to SEE YOU BACK Brother !! HooAH !
Hey Shoestring, I just started watching your vids few weeks ago. They are really entertaining. The quality is excellent. Thanks for making them and glad your feeling better. I live in a small town in mid Ontario Canada. Just a tip for your heath and make you feel better too,get some Organic Oregano drops and take 4 drops a day. Take everyday of your life. I guarantee you will feel better and it gets rid of imflamation in your body and joints.Take your vit. D and vit C too. Take the oil with cold water it’s a little warm. Good health to you Shoestring.🇨🇦🤗👍🏻🚂
Sure good to see you back again. Hope your health just keeps on improving and you can keep on sending out new videos. Always look forward and enjoy your new adventures and traveling by rail. Sure would be great if you could visit your parents soon too. Take care and may God less you.
I could listen to ya tellin your stories all day, and often times do through your videos. Glad to have stumbled upon your channel
I'm so glad ur back on the rails.I know ur happy,and I love hearing those stories,their great,thanks for sharing,learned a lot about trains from u,enjoy and travel safe,godspeed always!!!💯
Really good to hear from you SS . just make a short video every week so we know you're doing ok . thanks SS
I feel blessed to be able to get all of this valuable information for free. I could listen to you talk for hours on end. You really are a good person, always advocating safety. I appreciate the way you treat everyone with respect, and you carry yourself the way a real man should. I've always looked up to you, and I really cherish everything you do for us. Thank you for being such a kind hearted, genuine human being, and thank you for sharing all of your knowledge with us. God tests the strongest constantly, and even though things can get bad at times, just remember you're one in a billion. You have helped so many people, and I can never repay you enough for the huge impact you've had on my life. Keep your head up shoestring.
- Tuck's son
Good to hear from you again been real sick last 9 days so far today must be coviv it has really kicked my butt , you always lift my spirits buddy. dan't feel like playin' with my H-O layout.
Super glad to see you doing a bit better. We are in Gray and can’t believe how close. Take care!
I tip my hat to the Rail Master- Thanks for sharing your travels with us and Have a Happy Thanksgiving 🦃 Be Safe 👍
Awesome video Shoestring! Came at a good time, as I'm recuperating from surgery today, been a rough year on me, but it's great to watch a Hobo Shoestring video and hear some great stories and railroad workings while I'm laid up!👍
No apologies necessary
You’ve been dealing with a lot
I good to see you out and about
Found 440 Rock Lane on Google Maps as you suggested, then fed it into Google Earth 🌎 and then I could see the power station you walked up to at 13:37. Cool. Just like walking up the stacks with ‘ya and seeing that big structure from all angles! Take care, Shoestring. ❤️
Shoestring, You're still the King......
Stay safe out there my friend 🙏
Good to see you back. Hope you continue to mend and can get back on the road more. Keep whatever videos you are able coming, I enjoy them all. Regarding your question, Microporous website says "As the leading independent manufacturer of lead-acid battery separators,...". They make the separators between the lead plates of batteries that go in cars, trucks, etc.
Since I’ve been watching Shoestring’s videos, every time I’m waiting on a train I make it a point to look at the grain cars just to see if he’s riding.
I do the same thing here in Florida
Reminds me of my man Jacob Morrison who showed me your videos. He passed away year ago before he could go train hopping. Miss him.
Glad to see your channel is up & running again Shoestring. Enjoyed the video.
Welcome back. Glad your resting up.
Miss you man! Glad to see you again!
Been concerned at the lack of videos. Glad to see you back out. Stray strong and thanks for another brilliant video.
man i sure enjoy your videos! been binge watching for two weeks now, found out last week that my brother has been watching too! i love trains! Army vet myself, get to muskogee and look us up! be safe!
When I became a rail riding hobo, Black berry butt will be my tag. Thanks for sharing and the true knowledge of the world
Glad to see you back on Shoestring. Getting a little worried. Keep up the good work, always interesting and very educational your videos.
Never apologize for taking care of yourself. Be well and keep on pushing. We will never abandon you.
A Shoestring talkin shadow! I was wondering about you! Am glad you are out, you sound a lot better, Family is so important i have been gone now over 3 years and hopin this spring of 2023 to get back to Missoula. 🙏🌈🐩
Thanks for adding your location. I often pause your videos and Google map where you are/were. Adds a nice geography visual to your travels.
Thanks, Hobo! Great video!!! Dude...that nitrogen tip...wow!!! I looked it up. It's called nitrogen fixation by lightening!!! I had no clue!!! I love this channel...be safe Hobo!!!!
Extremely great to see you again,a blessing to wake up to your video “est”.really appreciate the longer video’s,but if it’s any one from my favorite RUclipsr!!hoping all is going great for you shoestring,I’m pretty sure I’ve seen them all & they NEVER GET BORING AT ALL!Better than ANYTHING on the tv. Yeah you sure do sound so much better,your voice.sending lots of likes & thumbs up to you and hope you continue to produce more videos & as always be extra careful out there on the rails & continue to get better!I’ll be patiently waiting for your next video it could be of just about anything & I’ll certainly be watching it.good luck out there & will be praying for nothing but good health for you shoe be safe & may good luck be with you at ALL TIMES AND GOOD HEALTH
So glad to see you back, yes so wonderful to see you put your health first now knowing about the stories of ur past told by you, we are gonna be able to see you teaching all u know about trains & especially ur riding stories and encounters with people & the cops, some if the stories have me in stitches, thanks for everything you do. 😊
Hope your health gets better and I sure do enjoy you taking me along with you on your adventures keep up these good videos buddy
Glad to see you out. Be safe and be healthy man.
The siding with the covered hoppers is equipped with a split rail derail. You're correct about the blue markings on the siding and if the cut of cars rolled over those joints an indication light on the dispatch board would notify of such an event and set the opposing signals at stop and proceed. We covered this stuff at our annual NORAC rules classes. I've been retired from the railroad for 10 years now but still remember the many rules of operation. Glad to see you up and about. If you can't get to see mom and dad right away how about sending them a video to their face book, if they have such, and tell them what you want them to hear; just a thought. As always, I enjoy your videos. Take care and God bless, please be careful out there.
Always good to see you on the road buddy.
So pleased to see you posted a video today, I was beginning to think something had happened with you, best wishes and look after yourself.
Hey mate, love your videos. Wished more people saw the world as you do.
Just a quick correction. The Skytrain in Vancouver serves what we all call the "Lower Mainland". Surrey, Vancouver, New Westminster, Coquitlam. The island you mentioned, "Victoria Island" is actually "Vancouver Island" and sadly, our railway is currently in mothballs with just a little bit of activity in Nanaimo mid island. The Puget Sound area is near Seattle :)
Glad your back Shoestring!
Glad you're doing better! Be safe on your travels!
I'm so glad I came across your videos. If you're ever in the Cleveland, Ohio or Mansfield, you will have a place to stay the night and get your belly full. All I ask in return is to hear some of your stories about your hops.
Woohoo. Mr. Shoestring, so glad to hear from you.
Great to see you back. Take care mate
Well this is good to see, a video from Shoestring! Yes! Sorry your still dealing with "stuff", I've got a lot of "stuff" myself so I sympathize pal. Hang in there , we love ya, and I can't wait for you to get riding again. Thanks for the update, be well, peace.
Great to see you dude! You must know where ALL the good old bottle dumps are/were. Happy Rails buddy
I’m new to the channel about a week. Love the videos. Be safe out there with all the trains 🚊 derailing.