Rest now in God’s arms Mark. I’ll see you soon. I can’t wait to shake your hand. It must feel good to be whole again and to be young forever. Godspeed, Shoestring.🙏🏼

Godspeed Mr. Nichols, We would like to Thank You for all you gave, and all you have given.. R.I.P. Shoestring, You are be greatly missed.. ✌

Rest easy Shoe string I'm watching all of your videos❤

Awe. We love reading all the loving heartfelt comments. The news has been just trash. Reading these comments makes us feel whole & in a loving 🥰 family. Thank you all.

Yep, Shoestring is forever Hobo King! Thanks Mark! RIP.

Like all your fans I’m so glad you’re well enough to ride again.

Shoestring is the true GODFATHER of hoboing. I ride but nowhere near shoestring. He knows more about yards and catchouts than any other "rider" I know. Shoestring your my #1 influence and I use your videos as reference material. I can always learn about where Im going by just looking up your videos. I love you like family brother... God Bless you

Sucks im just now finding out about this guy one day after his passing. He was a local to me!! I could have helped him being a local to Kingsport myself. I knew right where he was at on that hill by domtar. Crazy that all this time i missed out on knowing him. I really like his channel so far UPDATED. After watching the video more. He literally passes my house right after cuts off the video.

I love listening to interesting people tell stories about their lives, which is why I got hooked on Shoestring’s videos to begin with, and I wish I could be a fly on the wall when he and Rube get together and reminisce.

I give you a lot of credit for braving the elements to make these riding videos. I did 43 years in railroad service conducting and braking in all kinds of weather. Been wet, cold, hot, etc but I enjoyed it never the less. You take care, glad that you're feeling better.

Rube Clayton sure is a good ole friend Shoestring. I got a kick out of him. Being from Kentucky myself, I love to hear country boys talk and their sweet hearts. Awful glad that he came and picked you up, so you could get a good, long time of sleep and rest. It was cool listening to him talk about you two knowing one another so long, and seeing his tattoos. May God watch over the both of you. 🚂🚃🚃🚃✝️😌🙏

Folks this is the real deal, can not get any better than this, HoboShoestring has been active traveling across America for 30 plus years, and with him back doing his trips it makes this man so happy, if you can donate by buying merchandise from his store all helps him on his funds for lots of medical bills, travel, stock, gear and it all helps him out. Thanks all for buying from his store, please note he has such a wide variety you can literally shop for for others for gifts from this store, this man is a living legend.

Rube seems like a good ol' boy. Wishin' both of you the best String!

Ramblin Rube Clayton had some great stories. Seemed real down to earth with some great knowledge. Reminded me of someone I used to know. Great video, Shoestring. Thanks, to you and Ramblin Rube.

This reminds me. Of the friend you give a bump or a hit too and he starts reminiscing and loving on you because they feeling so good 😊. “ Remember that time, I love you brother” . Good times.

Man that brotherhood is strong!! Very cool

Thank you to Shoestring and Rube for this video! What a couple of amazing guys. Makes me think of my Papaw, who retired from driving a truck and was obsessed with trains. He hung out down at "the railroad" every day, just talking with workers and watching the trains come and go. He was one of a kind; the perfect grandfather, and I miss him every day. He was known as "Red Dog", and if you were lucky enough to have met him you'd never forget him. He would have loved this channel.

You guys are the REAL deal. I'm so happy to see Shoestring doing so well and going from strength to strength....he deserves every bit of it ! Wishing you continued good heath and every success. God bless ya !

I miss Shoestring so bad. I know He's in a much better place now, but I stlll open KZfaq with an anticipation of seeing a new Shoestring video.

Stay safe and stay dry Mark.. We don't need you getting sick or nothing like that.. Nice to meet you Rube..🙋‍♂️

Thanks for the trip down memory lane its alot harder riding the freights now days not any empty open boxcars to ride in it brought back fond memories of when me and my late friend pat used to ride em up here in the northwest besafe and god bless

Great to see you back on the rails and sharing your adventures!! Be well Shoestring!!!

So glad you are better and back on the rails ! I think Rube is the kind of friend that would be there for you no matter where you are. Stay safe!

Mr. Shoestring, I didn't even know how much I had missed your riding videos!! It is wonderful to see you so happy! I thought your pal Rube Clayton was super cool! Good travels brother!!! G-d bless you!!

Hey Mark good to see u riding the rails again . Enjoy your ride all the way .🙏☕️

Always brightens my day when I see a new video notification from shoestring!!!

Man let me tell you, if ever I needed someone to plug for me, say in court, or anywhere, it'd be this man Rube!!!! Once he gotta going on Ole Mark being the king of the rails, man, there was no stopping him, them words was coming out so fast and true, my ears got outa breath trying to keep up with him!! Yes sir, and never a disparaging word did I hear pass his lips. Shoestring, take note, Ole Rube is your friend, and a truer friend you'd be hard pressed to find! God bless both you boys!!!!

For those that are looking for southern culture, it does not get any more pure than Rube.

It was nice seeing you riding and Happy. Thanks for introducing us to Rube.

I always enjoy your videos and as a rail fan it is always interesting to learn how things operate on the railroads. We all love Shoestring!

I used to live in Eugene, Oregon and we had a big yard there and I met many great people who rode the rails. As a teenager we got into a boxcar pushing up to the hub just for fun and that was our right of passage. But we never rode the rails but we loved all the men who did ❤️

You know the meaning of being Totally Free. Seeing this life through you is sharing a little of this freedom.

Always great to see another one of your adventures - keep yourself alive - and safe! Steer clear of those angry bulls!

Good to see ya back on the rails shoestring, sorry you got rained out here in good ol WNC, we a bit cold this week. Thank you rube Clayton for being a brother to shoestring you guys are both awesome. I'm also a plumber in this area work all over asheville, Brevard, hendo ruffton etc. If you ever need anything plumbing done just shoot me a message or comment on my thread you'll get the family discount (rube included). Stay safe shoestring see ya next time.

Thank you for all your wonderful movies about the trains and how you work things. Always in my prayers keep it real

I pray the Lord gives you strength Shoestring. Good to see another upload, stay safe and well.

Shoestring it sure was good to see you riding again. Glad you’re feeling so much better. It was good hearing you and Rube tell all those stories. Cool video. 👍❤️

Glad you're out riding. Nothing like getting wet on a cold night! Here's hoping for warmer and drier rides ahead!

"Rube, a cool dude" Love the stories, as yours!

So GOOD to see you out again enjoying what you LOVE doing and bringing it to all of us! You sound so much better too,, Glad you've gotten better.. Now go have some fun and bring us along for the ride! :)

Man.. I missed seeing you on the rails ! You help me relax seeing the beauty of our country.

Yes! So happy to see you out on the rail Shoestring, we’ve been waiting patiently to see you do what you do best! Welcome back❣️

Awesome Shoestring! Thank you for the hard work hopping while filming. If you ever get around Eureka Ill you got a place to stay and good food. Take care and ride safe.

What a great friend you have. Maybe you should write a book on your travels over the years. I hope you become a millionaire! The hell with anyone making fun of you. You're the king, Shoestring!

Shoestring for King. I enjoyed Rube also

Shoestring glad you were able to get Rube to help out and get to dried out. Awesome to see you smiling and riding.

Just in time! I've been jonesing for some shoestring videos!

I think the days of watching shoestring on the rails during the winter are over and I don't blame him. we will still watch .

Awesome Rock Island line tattoo. I live in Rock Island right on the mighty Mississippi 👍🏼👍🏼 Save travels

"Dam this weather....." quote from Das Boot, a great classic movie. I often shout it out when we get rain that bad. Another great video my friend, stay safe. 😉

I love all the footage of the scenic views thanks!

Wow, riding the rails with ShoeString again. Thanks for great vidio!

When you talk about how being by the tracks is your heaven, I get that 100%. There's a sense of peace and contentment to be found while waiting with one's thoughts for a ride down the line.

This ride has been a long time coming, I thought your new video was your first one since surgery, but some how I missed this one . Oh happy day for Shoestring, have a great ride 😀!!!!!!! CATCH OUT

I got my old slouch hat, got my roll on my shoulder, I’m as free as a breeze. Just a bummin along. Harah Haree Harum,,we jolly old gosh darn bums. We have good luck at bumming our chuck God Bless the man that works.

Man, what a cool video! I loved this one! So cool listening to Rube, and Shoestring you truly deserve all the great things he said about you! You are the King!!! God bless you brother!

Yeah nice to see you riding again!

Oh yeah finally some shoestring content 👏 👌

Glad to see you back out on the rails I'm in Philadelphia right now getting a bankroll saved up hopefully running to you sometime this spring shoestring keep trucking and keep sending us some videos

We are vicariously living your life, feeling your energy. Best to you!

Awesome video Shoestring! Glad to see you so happy and out in your element! Rube's tattoos are awesome! Really nice guy! Nice trip! Thanks for sharing it with us!

Nice to see a ride through the mountains Hobo. Rube Clayton seems like a decent guy. Thanks.

What a great feeling I just got by hearing your voice & seeing your face. Know that you are loved Shoestring.

Hello Mr. Awesomeness!!! Never a dull video from #shoestring ❤🚂❤🚂❤🚂❤ 🙏🙏🙏 safe travels stay well.

Amazing to see you riding the train again. Sticking your head watching every way. WOW Our friend his tattoos are awesome is a symbol of railfanning I mean hanging out with our friends brings back good time memories.!!! Family sticks together even when you riding the train.!!!!

Yeah buddy!

Great to meet Rube. Glad you're ok!

Good to see you 🙂! You bring a lot of peace to this old lady! I hope someday I will meet up with you! Sara, Dayton TX.

Shoestring rides again!!! Happy to see you out there I know you are too Hobo! And you got a cadillac grainer!

Shoestring and Rube have greater National importance than anyone sitting in Washington DC. These guys are true national treasures.

Glad you got to hit the rails again brother. You got yourself a good friend in ol' Ramblin Rube Clayton. Looking forward to your next video. Stay safe brother

What a badass interview!!!!!!

Oh my goodness it's absolutely amazing to see you so happy Mark,

Glad to see you so happy and back on the rails. Your armchair train riding buddy Ziptie

Safe travels String, luv ya too brother 🚂🚃🚞🚃🇺🇸

Real friends are forever

"Rail Fans", get to see tons of all kinds of trains all over the country hauling all kind of freight. One thing we rarely get to see is: box, car rack, coal, coil, container, flatbed, gondola, hopper, reefer CARS being Loaded and Unloaded. Nice to see you back where you belong, on the Rails! Rube Clayton, two great hobos telling "Train Stories", life's good.

I'm glad you're out there again, Shoestring. It's nice to meet your friend Rube with his honest endorsement of you. It's nice to see two genuine people on YT. This is the kind of stuff that keeps me interested in your channel. Keep up the good work, Hobo King, and be safe out there on the rails.

Great to see you out on the rails once again Mark. What a great way to start off 2023, all the best to you. Now you be careful with your weenie, you've already lost enough body parts LOL. The interview with your old friend was terrific, would have loved to hear what you two talked about when your weren't video taping. Glad to see you looking so well, and the excitement you project when your on the road is terrific. Thanks for posting another great video, most definitely looking forward to your return trip home. All the best: To your in all of your up coming travels. Will be watching out for your next post.

Great Video, Hobo History. Ya''ll ought to make a documentary of the old riders and share with the people today, what is was like say back in the 1940's, 1950's, 1960's, to 1990's. History is what our nation was founded on. So Hobo Shoestring, we appreciate your history lessons, God bless you my Friend.

It's great to see your videos again

Glad to hear from you and hope you are doing well! - from Alabama

Nice to see you out again on a proper ride - jealous ‘cos I’m recovering from DVT and can’t do as much yet!

Thanks for the stories and intro to Rube.

Love from Canada 🇨🇦🖤 glad your still uploading videos

“Let these **** who make fun of me know”….. good on you, Shoestring. Let em have it. But know that your intellect is what drives hundreds of thousands to love what you do. I haven’t been drawn into any form of entertainment like I have been to your channel in a long long time. So those CS can go F themselves. 😊 You should be a TV show or a binge watch Netflix type show. You would be a millionaire many times over, and those CS could cry harder. Keep it up, Shoestring.

Thank you for taking us all along for another great adventure

Hey shoestring brother, if u ever come thru Kansas I would love to hop a set with you just to put in my memory box man, it would be an honor something to never forget, riding with the legend, got 20k + miles so far been away for a few years life called, no miles with shoestring though! I will bring the smoke :)

Happy New Year String !! see ya around....be safe

Great video as always SHOESTRING! We've certainly missed you buddy and glad to see you're out riding again! Sorry to hear about the night you got wet etc thanks to Mother Nature. I think its awesome that you've gotten to know a bunch of the guys on the train that don't care that you hop aboard! Great interview of your friend Rube and to show his awesome railroad tattoos! He has one that I want of the gate w lights and crossbuck! Thanks again for another great video and keeping you in my prayers for safe travels! Cheers from Delmar, Delaware #LIFEONTHERAILS

Great vid! It was cool hearing from Rube. I’m glad you’re feeling well enough to do what you do best. You are most definitely A#1.

Hey there Mr. Shoestring. Yall lookin good. Ramblin Rube is one of those guys that you could just listen to all day. Smokeyjoe sendin love and peace. Bsafe.

I'd just like to say thank you for taking us along your train adventure. From Pakistan 🇵🇰

Happy to see and hear you looking and sounding much better , Shoestring. How you manage to ride the rails in that kind of cold and wet is a true testament to your fortitude, sir. Happy trails and rails til next time, keep yer powder dry brother. Peace.

Jimmy Nichols loves your videos and so many people does as well your knowledge of the railways impress many keep on riding but when you don't just keep on sharing mkay.

Truck Drivers are usually good folks , love hearin the stories of days gone by & the people !!Take Care Mr ShoeString !! You too Rube Clayton !!

Been a rough week. My moms in the hospital again. Can’t tell you how excited I was to see a new Shoestring video! Love you man.

Your buddy Rube seems like a great guy! I enjoyed hearing his stories.

Love the videos! I especially love when you sit and share stories and memories. Shoestring you are such a down to earth guy.... Stay safe on your travels. 💜

Hey it's the Rube fellow from those older videos, I remember watching them a while back (kzfaq.info/get/bejne/e9VlodiStqeodmQ.html [August 5, 2015]) Glad to see all these years later you guys are still friends and hanging out together.