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

People make hundreds of thousands of dollars a year to make videos and TV shows that aren't anywhere near as interesting or informative as this production. Best thing I've watched in a long time. Mad respect.

I learned more about the versatility of a 5 gallon bucket than I ever imagined watching this video! Shoestring is definitely a treasure and a University of information and practical experience.

I swear to gosh these videos help me with anxiety and anger, and being sad

good video. reminds me of a hobo story from when I worked for NS in Spartanburg, SC. we were assigned to a remote switching yard with a small locker room that had crew bunks in it. a older hobo came along and started hanging out with us each day. we gave him a few dollars and brought him sandwiches to eat and let him sleep in one of the bunks. one day he showed up with a bottle of wine and got very intoxicated and starting verbally abusing us and even threw some rocks at us. after while he passed out so we pulled a empty boxcar bound for Birmingham Ala. up to the locker room and stuffed him inside it closed the door but did not latch it and sent it out on the next southbound train which arrived shortly. when he sobered up he was well on his way to Alabama. several weeks later he returned and was mad as a hornet and started verbally abusing us again, so I reminded him of what happened the last time he pulled this stunt and told him "don't bite the hand that feeds you " or next time we will send you to Canada. .

I noticed the Kratom in the bucket, its great to see that cause it usually means its that instead of the hard stuff. Probably the best way to get off opiates. I use it for back pain rather than getting into anything that could kill me. It always made sleeping in my car and working so much more tolerable. I pray they never make it illegal because so many who rely on it would turn towards more dangerous stuff.

"I am a bucket man. Always have been." - hobo shoestring

Hell yeah. The most realistic education on KZfaq!

One of the smartest guys online

My grandpa was a German immigrant, he used to ride the rods. Back in the day cars were made light then beefed up underneath with truss rods. They went from up high by the axle to a truss saddle low in the middle, then back up to over the other axle. When the car would age and sag, they could tighten up those rods and pick the middle up and keep the deck flat. Those were the rods they would ride. There were two or four, side by side, that you could lay down on. It was a place the bulls could not reach while the train was moving. (His story to me)

Of course people are going to notice you....yer a big big star now on the u tubes

My grandfather was an inspector for the Southern Pacific Railroad up in Minnesota. This was in the 1920s thru the 1950s. He used to crawl underneath the trains and inspect the parts of the engine to make sure they were okay. During the depression that was a great job during those hard times. He worked seven days a week twelve hours a day, fifty weeks a year and he never complained because jobs paying that kind of money were almost impossible to find.

10:10 is a track skate, not a chock. They are used to stop rolling cars that have been dropped or kicked into a clear track. Wheel chocks are wedge shaped with a long wooden handle and are used mostly in repair facilities for equipment that don't have operable hand brakes or to keep from having to set handbrakes.

I’m at the jump right off excited for him to not miss his train!

The crickets while you are examining the wheels was perfect.

Well Shoestring you're certainly living the dream. As a young girl working for the railroad I was fascinated by Hobo's and I so wanted to do that but women have a tough time out in the wild. I love your video's and I commented on one how you seemingly owned the "yard" but then I watched one of your video's where you were really worried about being seen. So I guess you do have to be very careful. I would love to ride the rails with you and your experience as it's been a lifelong dream for me. You're definitely a pro at this game. Thanks for the video's and just know there are a ton of folks that would love to be in your backpack to share the experience. Best regards, Lisa

I’ll take Professor Shoestring’s PhD outdoor classes that are a THOUSAND TIMES more interesting and engaging than classes I spend hundreds of dollars each on ! He’s so humble and ego free .👑🌎🇺🇸

Anybody ever messes with Shoestring we riot! Barely found his channel and it just amazes me, nothing I can say that hasn’t been said yet in these comments. This guys amazing. So much respect to you brother.

Just love that your now talking to the viewer's info about the train choke before that I'd only heard of them for planes and the airline at the end carriage let's you know that train is going out 👍 just love it..always loved the pirate sounding growl that hobo shoestring does also reminds me of a West country farmer in the UK ..and how his bucket Also doubles as a washing machine 👍🤗just a couple of rocks clothes and the usual and then just roll it around and you've got cleaner clothes...keep up the good work hobo shoestring ....🙏🏴‍☠️🇺🇸

As a veteran I want to say this is so educational.

Ever since I had kids I haven’t hung out with any hobos cause I don’t have the free time like I used too, this is kinda filling that void thanks

Your train and yard knowledge makes me think have worked for a railroad. My dad was a switchmen at inland steel in east Chicago, Indiana and knew the same stuff you are talking about. I really enjoy the work you do.

We're never to old to learn something new! I learn something every time I watch one of your videos! ✌️ 😎

The rods referred to with "riding the rods" were not brake rods, but TRUSS rods, used to brace cars with wooden frames. They did not move relative to the car. There were usually about four of them per car. They were no longer needed when cars began to be made out of steel.

Shoestring is the Professor of boxcar knowledge!

3:46 "I'm getting all them little hitch-hikers on me." Priceless unintentional irony! :)

Riding the rods was a reference to the old rail cars that had truss rods under them, not brake rigging rods

I chuckled when I saw the kratom. I've probably bought a kilo a mouth for the last five years, been trying to get off it the last two years. It can be a lifesaver for people with pain, depression and alcoholism. But the withdrawals can be really unbearable, it's sapped my ability to focus and it's taken a lot of pleasure out of life.

I figured all 5 gallon buckets were created equal...I was wrong. Love the knowledge!! My son loves trains

Keep in mind every second that good, moral, corporate America would put this man in a (corporate owned) jail for destruction of their valuable property given half a chance.

Hobo Shoestring is a very interesting person. I actually thought Hoboing was a thing of past until his videos came across my feed. Informative and funny at times. Much respect and I pray safe travels for you, sir. 🙏🏾

Keep 'em coming, Shoestring !! We love yer stuff, chief !! 😎🇺🇸

I love you bro i love what you done in your life all that adventure across the unbelievable massive country the USA, no wonder Americans say they have the greatest country on earth, no question you have the greatest potential to become better and better when you think of the shear economic power it has is totally awesome. The size of the U.S. plus Alaska wow upon wow !!! But getting back to shoe string i love your voice and accent i could sit and listen to you all day long. i love all your stories both good bad side of riding the trains. I don't think it would be possible in the U.K .but i can dream and enjoy your stories and wisdom , keep well and stay safe bro.

Man of means by no means , "King of the Road"!

Another great lesson from the professor himself!! Thanks for all the info! Shoestring i think you should deffinetly think about writing a book it would b a #1 seller...The last great hobo...thanks for another great video..b safe

The natural reverb effect at :30 is something studio engineers would kill for, and pay $100 for a program that could recreate it. That is some sweet sounding reverb. Someone needs to record their instrument or voice in there. Imagine John Bonham playing drums in it. Forget about When the Levee Breaks, that would sound HUGE

Sir I learn more from u than watching TV you need to be the president of this United States of America

I just started watching your videos a short time ago and I am hooked! It is amazing your knowledge of the railroads, the geography as well as life skills and you are always so willing to share your knowledge! Thank you! Looking forward to watching some of your older videos as well as your new ones!

EXCELLENT INFO... For both Earth Bouncers and fans....

As long as the lunch meat doesn't turn green! A can of chilli, beef stew and Spam is my favorite hobo food! Thanks again Shoestring for another entertaining video!!!

Folks honking at you.... You're getting famous brother 😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎

I'm sold I'm getting me a Yeti bucket... and your culinary lifestyle menu, is right up my rail line cut. I'm going to Amazon Son......

Like they say, " one man's trash is another man's treasure!" Lucky find with the padding!

This is the only channel I don’t skip the ads. Love the content and educational stuff. Keep it real and stay safe out there buddy!

Shoestring, the knowledge you have on the railroad, can't get enough of you. Stay safe Brother.

Shoe..your killin it. These are really interesting videos brother. Thank you. Bill.

I thought KZfaq was suggesting another Jack Dorsey video, but this time it's a Real hobo, cool!!!

Smart person you are! Wishing you all the best! Love learning more about trains! We are all humans! Prayers for all your journeys!

Can't believe mark is gone 😢. Hope God give him a conductors ride .like he gave us

riding the rods...back in the day were 'truss rods' ran under the carbody to prevent it from sagging from a load.

Learn somethung new new from you everyday Shoestring!

Before you know it, Hollywood will be in contact requesting a Documentary on Hobo Shoestring.👍

I wish I could have caught up with you when you were in Ohio. Maybe i could come down to Tennessee and hang out with you and talk about trains one day.

I love the graffiti, it's better than the original paint jobs.

My father-in-law started working for B&O RR in late 40’s. He talked about how the engineer would drop a billy club tied to a rope between the rails as train would pull out of the Garrett IN rail yard. Said anybody that was riding underneath would drop off pretty quick when they heard it banging.

Your posts are very interesting and informative man, you really know alot about rail road work. I hope you have safe travels and good rest. You live an incredibly interesting life, you should look into how that could generate revenue for you if Possible. Good luck!

I learned something new today.

Great knowledge Son, on the ground air.... good info to know your direction on your rides.

Shoestring,on the road again!! I can't get over all the knowledge u have about trains,how they run,types of cars,directions of towns ,ur awesome,if a walking book of trains and life,hope ur felling better,travel safe,God bless!

If you ever make it to AZ, look me up. Thanks for sharing your life with us brother.

I was railfanning with JawTooth on Wednesday about 3 hours from our home area and everyone that was in Marion, Ohio that we ran into knew him. It`s the price of fame my friend.

Hobo only been watching your videos for a short few weeks. You got me hooked. I know this one is older but keep em coming. Much respect to you.

It’s really interesting hearing you talk. You’ve definitely been around railroading for some time. Take care and have a good one. 👍👍👍👍❤️🙏🏻

Hey Shoestring... I hear you mention a itch cream. The best you can find is Gold Bond Ointment. It has an ingredient, called Pramoxine HCL, which helps the medication go thru the skin down into the tissue just about as fast as you can rub it on. (I used to sell pharmaceuticals). Works great! Enjoyed your video. YourConscience

Watched your videos all day awesome be safe God bless

I just found your KZfaq video. I love it! Keep them coming!!!

Amazing channel, and you are an amazing man. Every one of your videos I watch I learn so much. God bless you, happy trails, and stay safe.

This was interesting as always, thanks! ✨

Man you have a crazy comment to sub ratio, truly shows me you have real fans! The other subs will come no problem Great video, I’d hop rails but I got no body to show me the ropes of it properly, enjoy your trip

I absolutely love your videos thank you for taking me along with you

Wow I learn a lot about trains from you! Keep up the great content!

Greetings from Launceston, Tasmania AUS. Love your videos mate :) God Bless

Awesome Video Brother... Those rubber mats are used for giant paper rolls... They put them under the roll to help keep them from sliding... They use them in the Trucking Industry too...

Thank you for EDUCATION Dr..SHOESTRING

Wish I was there with you Shoe.. As always great videos

sober and safe, I'll ride with you anyday Mark

Nicely done. and even at 70 I still learn!

Love it, only in this day and age can we have a hobo youtuber, subscribed, stay safe and good travels Shoestring.

I’ve never been a hobo but I do know that “riding the rods” didn’t mean the brake rigging rods. The old wooden cars had a wooden center sill. Modern cars have steel frame that are I-beams and need no added support. The wooden frame cars used steel “truss rods” under the car to keep it from bowing under the load. Boards could be placed across the two rods and provide a place to ride.

One of my bucket list wishes is to hobo ride on train box car and live like a free bird !! Love your vedios

Godbless you man always have faith in God and he will show u the way

Stay safe shoestring and thanx for becoming a vet also good to hear that you gave up alcohol and stuff. Ride Long and Free

Hey ST, you’re giving some food products some good air time there. Stay safe brother!

Love the stickers man my son has the same ones 👍

They should hire you. You seem to genuinely know all about how everything works.

Great videos, definitely a different lifestyle, very cool getting your perspective

Thanks for sharing another installment Mark.. A fountain of knowledge..😎👍

I'm 35 and seriously considering on turning off and start hopping from Cleveland.

Back when ridin the rods was a thing they had big steel rods with turn buckles that pulled tension on the wooden side and end walls of the box cars. They laid boards across them and there was usually two rods on each side of the car

So glad I subscribed your vids pop right up, starting to get cold here in the blue ridge mountains no. va., have a great time shoestring I hope to cross trails with you one day

Back home in TN hoping you are safe.

ChainsawN&W1218, interesting video, I remember, I know it's a movie but I remember them riding the rods in Emperor Of The North and what Ernest Borgnines character Shack done,I miss the hump yard at Shaffers Crossing in Roanoke.

A lot of companies use that rubber to prevent roll stock paper from sliding when I used to haul it in the tractor trailer they would put those underneath the rolls

Those boxcars are going to need restoration rather than maintenance. Looks like a scrapline. The train turning up when you ain't got your gear? The law of Sod. God bless you and keep you safe fella.

The many uses for the bucket is a great idea!

My pup doesn't like boxcars for some reason..maybe she traincore or somethin..love your videos always spreading knowledge

I almost derailed a car with a piece of railroad tie before. I was utility man and the yard crew kicked a car way too hard into a clear track. If I didn't get to the other end of the yard and stop it, it was going out onto the mainline. All I could find was big pieces of tie. It ran them over and the flange was actually hopping up above the rail, but it kept on going. But slowed down enough that I could hop on and tie on the handbrake. It was a close one.

hey this subscription is working out well.. Got this within 15 minutes. Keep on rocking.

Just discovered you...subscribed...my granddad was a track crew forman for the Santa Fe outa Cleburne Texas. He worked for them for 40 years,20s thru 60s.

Sir Shoestring ....Mate, you are a wealth of knowledge. About Riding the Rods, I can't remember how I found this out, but I do remember that if the conductor thought that someone was riding the rods, they would have a lead weight tied to a chain, and would let out the chain underneath the train so it would bounce around , hopefully knocking of whoever was taking a free ride. Also I suffer from ... CRS.. ( can't remember shit ) . So feel free to correct me. And G' Day from Adelaide, Australia🤑