Boxcar night ride to Houston, Texas

[@renegadebt1374]

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

[@ibbylancaster8981]

Well said!

[@latishajaubert5600]

Im so happy that i came across this, it gives me a little peace of what my younger brother was doing back in the 90's. He past away almost 2 years now, i miss him so much. Shoestring looks alot like him. Thanks shoestring ,RIP. To both of them.

[@reg8mm]

Your photographic memory blows me away. Seems like no matter where you are you speak as if your a tour guide and you do that in every yard you visit!! Thanks for the great entertainment Mark

[@garyakirsch]

source of food¿ anyone see him on a train yet? who pays cell bill¿

[@benthere8051]

@@garyakirsch He does

[@jasong6706]

A new Hobo Shoestring video is like finding a $20 bill you forgot about in your pants pocket.

[@QUIX4U]

Except that this one was a really wet $20 bill found after you'd put them pants through the washing machine - as it took over half a video before we actually "get" to ride. Sadly by then I'm outa here - too much time wasted listening to him jabber jawing - trying to infill wasted time until the ride.

[@binxthekitty54]

For sure!

[@livefreeordie9519]

@@QUIX4U Very clear by your comment that 95% of your brain space in unoccupied. You could get your $20 back by renting it out....

[@OthO67]

@@QUIX4U I suggest you go somewhere else if your not happy here, we’re loving it. Peace.

[@cleekmaker00]

@@QUIX4U Sorry you feel that way. I could listen to String's stories all day as opposed to the others out there hopping trains, spending their time jabbering all about themselves and dropping F-bombs every other word.

[@suzymiss9632]

I will miss you, Shoestring.. Your videos still make me smile, and sometimes cry... I look forward to seeing you when I "catch out" my Westbound..♡

[@kens.3729]

NO need to Apologize about filming at Night. We Enjoy Every Video you Post for us. Thx Mark! 👍

[@frankrongione6778]

Really miss your videos. Very knowledgeable about all railroad particulars. Enjoyed watching. R.I.P. my friend.

[@kevinchachere907]

Changed my whole way of seeing true freedom..thanks shoestring rip

[@superfuzzymomma]

Always in our prayers and forever grateful to Shoestring

[@6Diego1Diego9]

you are not in my prayers there is no heaven live as a good person because you should

[@allinkizer2063]

@@6Diego1Diego9 you would think living as a good person would include not crapping on someone's beliefs just because you feel differently. But hey, I guess in retrospect, you didn't actually say you were an example of a good person.

[@lorettashepherd.]

Yes!! A new video. Got a lot on my mind and this certainly took my mind off things and put a big smile on my face. Your videos always make my day. Thank you Shoestring for bringing happiness to us all. Stay safe out there my friend.

[@TheHoboShoestring]

You're welcome. You deserve to have a good day

[@andrewnicholas9079]

Likewise took my mind off all the bad going on in my life. Ty shoestring.. very much

[@afktomorrow6901]

The amount of knowledge you got about the traffic of trains and everything about training in general. Really enjoy your video’s!!

[@RuggedIndividual1990]

Welcome to Houston! I cracked up when you looked out that box car at all that traffic. Yep, drive it everyday.

[@thehairymanwalsh8729]

I was in Houston a few years back, I worked on a ship, one day I saw two guys jump out the side of a boxcar in the yard, and run off up the hill. That looked like freedom to me. I wish we had trains like you have here in Ireland. Stay well.

[@kenward3058]

G'day Bloke you are a true adventure seeking railway spirit.I worked for the VICTORIAN RAILWAYS in AUSTRALIA for 15 years from the age of 14.l enjoy your knowledge & passion of what you do .They say you can take the boy out of the railways but you can't take the railways out of the man.All my life I have been a railway enthusiast ,you take it to special level . Stay safe please keep living your dream the way you share it with us all is priceless.May the rail ahead give happiness,health & prosperity . BEST WISHES FROM AUSTRALIA

[@cliffcorbitt9494]

Thanks again brother for taking us on the ride with you. It was much fun and be safe as we always have to tell you.

[@straituptarot3421]

I was born in Houston...now I live in Bristol Tn/Va..hope everything goes good for you..safe travels!

[@mrenfilade7178]

23:13 You have a great singing voice, Shoe! That was hauntingly beautiful -- one of my late father's favorite songs! Teared up a little :.)

[@junktube4000]

I agree. Wow!

[@mrenfilade7178]

@@junktube4000 I guess they said he was singing in front of everyone at the Jungle at HoboCon the night before I arrived...Sorry I missed it!

[@misterexponential]

Great narration and video quality HoBo. Always entertaining hearing about your adventures. We all envy your freedom to roam.

[@sirloinofbeef3862]

I'd be scared to do this. But how I envy this man. Just doing what he loves.

[@nevertoopoortotour.3033]

Indeed

[@johnscherf1228]

It's risky and dangerous! I limited my time to do so ! Once you do it, you get hooked!

[@clarkh4130]

Fascinating life of pure FREEDOM.. that I couldn't do.. I wish I could..

[@superfuzzymomma]

Without a doubt!

[@the_minimalistic_adventure]

Dude. There’s nothing more freeing. I’ve gotten rid of so much of my shit to have a more free life. As much as a lot wouldn’t admit it, or see it that way, Shoestring is living a great life:

[@GrimReaper12696]

WOW! I remember driving going south bound and remembering seeing the trains and a box car open where you were at!! WOW what a small world! Keep it up!

[@steveholt7497]

I didn't know you could sing so well! I rewound the video a few times to listen to that again. You are a man of many many talents! Stay save Shoestring. Great video.

[@TheHoboShoestring]

Thank you

[@chadakoin1]

A true roving ambassador of the rails. Carry on, good sir.

[@EH-nw6bu]

Brother, I am so glad you are out on the rails again. It has to be so much better for you without the need to drink all of the time. Your knowledge is amazing. I would recommend that you are given a job as the top rail historian seeing that you most likely know more than the so called experts. Be safe and enjoy the ride.

[@brettgibbon8095]

Shoestring, you are one crazy SOB and I admire you 100 %. You get yourself in pickles, but always escape. How in the world did you cross that highway with pack and bucket is beyond me. I’d need a minute at least.

[@jimhammond1019]

Ok it

[@skyebird3933]

Thanks for taking us along on your journeys, Shoestring. Stay safe!

[@Lonesomedoveloves]

I remember the first time watching this. So good. Better than tv! We miss you Mark. Roll on ! Rolling through Houston in this video near my area of town.

[@Slam_Tazmanian]

My grandfather worked for the forestry service of our state. I remember when he would get assigned a job out of town he would always bring me, my grandmother, and his son, (my Dad) with him whenever he had to travel out of town. Your videos unlocked this very nostalgic feeling i used to feel looking out his jeep Cherokee as we where traveling and what a beautiful feeling it was.

[@drevil4454]

As a person who grew up in the old South Africa where we used to rely on the railways ALL your stories bring back fond memories that I am afraid South African people will never know. You are a very lucky man to be a hobo in the USA. You Sir are a legend

[@Michellbeam]

My dad worked at the inglewood yard. I am so glad you posted so many videos.I just hope they stay up, In memory of you mark nichols... Hobo shoesestring.

[@paramaniacwolverine843]

There's no reason they shouldn't stay up. I posted videos on youtube over 10 years ago and haven't maintained the page, but they're still up.

[@Ifnotfriendwhyfriendshaped]

Glad your out doing what you love, thank you for sharing. Happy rails Mr. Shoestring

[@leonblittle226]

" I don't care if it's going to cape town south africa I'm still getting on it " lol

[@hwoods01]

Well if was going to South Africa, he would regret not being more discerning.

[@nevertoopoortotour.3033]

Never too poor to tour

[@boobtubeakatv1296]

😱🙃🤪🤣🤣🤣 You'll need less cloth & more water if that train is floating across the Atlantic to South Africa Mark... Might need a couple floaties too 🤔 😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@Liveeruptsuj]

Thanks so much for these videos. Your perspective is really valuable and you've got some good humor moments in there.

[@rob4b]

Taking the night train to Houston sounds like a song. Keep rolling brother and stay safe.

[@StevenMichaelFord]

This night video is so peaceful to watch. Thanks for posting.

[@FirstNameLastName-vm3ft]

Keep posting sir. We miss stobe and it’s nice to know you met him. You being similar vibes as well as your own. Love your channel. You’re very knowledgeable.

[@tribeof2035]

This guy is the best. Stay strong 💪🏼 and enjoy the freedom and the sunshine.

[@danbelzile4203]

I am happy that u riding the rails again, and have a good trip on your adventure. 🍩☕

[@mt-1457]

Mr.String!!! That night ride was great, had another rough day and watching U did my mental health good. Thank you Happy Rails

[@CeeJai_K]

I was born and raised in Alexandria, La in the Sonya Quarters. We lived right next to the train tracks and use to always ride the trains. I never got caught 😉 but my brothers and cousins always got their butt whips for doing it. Some of the best sleep when the trains roared through. Great channel. Love the videos.

[@darren8103]

Just what we needed Shoestring!!! Love you brother!

[@duffysullivan2794]

No only does Shoestring look like Haggard, he can sing like him too😁

[@jlboone9073]

Thought that was mark chestnut

[@Whoflungpouu]

Shoestring is going to go and get himself a record deal

[@hermitbob7304]

Always entertaining with stories, railroad information/history, and general fun times. Keep the videos coming Shoestring!

[@jameslockard6956]

Shroom says: The store is elevated up off the ground because that area around Tidwell road floods every time it rains. I enjoyed this post so much. Can't thank you enough Shoestring!😃🤠👻😺👍

[@debralavorata546]

You never cease to amaze me with the things you do!! Please be careful hope ur train awaits you,cool video,godspeed!

[@truckerk]

The night rides are good. I use your ride segments to get sleepy. I like the sound of the train. Relaxing.

[@frederickmuhlbauer9477]

Ive been doing thesame thing lately Insomniac that Ive become

[@SaberToothGary]

Ride to live, live to ride! Thanks for the tag along vid, Mr. Shoestring!

[@1954shadow]

DA-YAM, you have a nice range in your singing voice!

[@zxzhao5]

Glad to see you safe again. I am at Texas. This's the best time of the year.

[@miagunt5623]

What a super video.. a pleasure to watch . Thanks shoestring

[@ronmohr9985]

Have been waiting for this one got PTSD this is something I really click with .keep doing what you do shoestring cause you do it well...

[@TheHoboShoestring]

Thanks.... keep your chin up

[@scottmckaygreatamericanpat5269]

@@TheHoboShoestring the reason why all new buildings are raised up is because all that flooding from the hurricane a few years, Houston is really strick now days before you can even build a survey must be done on the property to establish the flood level and you must build so many feet above.

[@davidbaker4187]

Awesome seeing you in my area. I drive through there all the time. I enjoy your videos brother!

[@kens.3729]

Had NO idea you had such a strong singing voice. You may need to treat us to a few more songs.

[@stormraven4183]

I was just listening to King of the Road this morning and thinking if Shoestring

[@mikejones-vd3fg]

sleep lil hobo everything will be allright, you're trains is going to bring you a shotgun barrel ride, and if that shotgun barrel is all wet, there's gonna be a dpu up a bit i bet, and if that dpu is all locked, trainys going to bring you a nice big box, and if that boxcar lock you in, dont you worry someone will come around free you again, sleep lil hobo everyhing will be all right, your trains going to bring you a boxcar ride :)

[@davidbarnett9312]

Of all places! Hearne! Born and bred there in 1943. Back in the day, we had the 13 track SP yard. North of town the MoP crossed the interlock system. Switching was done at Valley Junction, where trains could wye on the then MoP system. Running south from Valley Junction, the SP and MoP ran parallel, which is one of the reasons Mumford was selected for the Brazos Yard. As for the Brazos Yard near Mumford, last I read UP stopped in order to pursue PSR and use the money to extend current sidings and construct new ones. Englewood? Yep, worked there as a newbie brakeman, i.e., Houston & Texas Central [SP] Hearne sub. Had to work off time in the yard per an agreement between the union and SP. You went through Bryan, which of course is the Hearne sub. The MoP shared our line from Bryan to Navasota, and then they went their way on their own line to Houston. Evidently you took the old MoP line at Navasota because you're showing video from I-45. Yeah, Tidwell Road and Little York Road. Remember them well.

[@AbelG8781]

Do you have any memories of the line that ran through the Heights west to Katy along I-10??

[@norrisdabney4298]

Glad you're riding again

[@Rocknranchman]

Glad you made it to my home town Hobo! That was the Hardy Toll rd. You crossed and the reason why that store is elevated is that area is known to flood! Hope you made it thru Houston safely and enjoy your stay! 👍

[@chrismurphy5187]

Yeay #1 I hope everyone including you Shoestring are having a great day... love yall

[@C.G.M.C.]

Thanks again brother for taking us on the ride with you. It was much fun and be safe as we always have to tell you. Clive from London UK

[@ChrisFloydMusic]

Thats some great singing Hobo Shoestring, I'm the guy who co-wrote that song about you that I filmed. Best wishes brother and glad you're out doing what you love!

[@alexdesica4533]

Quite the adventure SIR!... Awesome as always, thanks for letting us tag alongside...🚂...

[@bobabooey4537]

Ive watched a bunch of your videos and they are great. I like seeing the PROCOR cars out there. I worked for that company in Oakville, Ontario, Canada. I remember they were also located in Chicago and somewhere in Texas. I used to blast the interiors and exteriors of tankers and also the big grainers, we called them hopper cars. I also spent time applying decals on many cars over the years.

[@lornperkins4270]

I love all the railroad crossing lights and little bells sounding off

[@ocxkrunch]

Shoestring stay safe out there and I just wanted to thank you for your videos they remind me that the world is still a wonderful place despite todays events.

[@1AloneX2]

sure wish I was out there escaping the world with you shoestring! THX for the video and stay safe brother!

[@SargesCustoms]

Looks like you were napping while going past me here in Magnolia, Texas. Live a couple of miles from the tracks and watch the train passing all the time. Safe travels, Shoestring! Howdy from the Lone Star State!

[@plmintexas509]

Shoestring: a walking encyclopedia of trains, tracks, and where they go. Stay safe my friend. About 38:00 into the vid, you were on the Hardy Toll Road in north Houston, not I-45. It runs parallel to I-45 a few miles to the east.

[@jasons4715]

He close to my house

[@mrl3guy]

Makes more sense now. Thanks

[@dylanlevy2107]

Alot of times hobos don't give their actual spot on purpose not only so we an the cops don't know, but their is a code of ethics with hobos an burning out catch out spots or camps can u get killed

[@TheHoboShoestring]

@@dylanlevy2107 Yep..... That's why when I'm waiting at a spot I'll say a false location but I always make sure I let everyone know what town; that being true

[@almostanengineer]

@@TheHoboShoestring that wouldn’t make much difference these days, have you seen a game called GeoGuesser, people can workout the exact location based on a photo alone.

[@frombryant6678]

The night ride was a nice change. Nice when there were lighted places to see & somewhat mystical. As mentioned the ringing of bells at the crossings were cool approaching and passing. Great video, stay safe my friend.

[@nervouswreck392]

The lil tune u beltud out was kewl beans bruh‼️ ya belt more ‼️ yo

[@msnpassjan2004]

30:40 The ride through town was very cool. Thanks for sharing your interesting days with us !

[@williamallen3715]

Nice voice Shoe. True echo. Thanks bud. Always love the places you take us. Peace.

[@keithpeoples1025]

Wow shoestring, you're a living railway GPS unit!!....you should patent yourself!!! Love your videos, and keep 'em coming!!

[@runningwindadventures]

You are a encyclopedia of information! Cool video my man

[@ETX_Ian]

It's so cool seeing these videos from my neck of the woods. Lived in the Longview area my whole life.

[@ttgandydancer]

That's an appropriate shirt for that yard. In August, I caught the Big Boy rolling through the curve right below the bridge. Marshall is an excellent place to railfan. I enjoyed the video as always, Safe Travels...

[@shanemcdaniel1509]

I so enjoyed this , some amazing people out there.

[@jec9126]

All I could think of when you said you had to cross the road, was the video game Frogger. Glad you made it. Enjoy your videos

[@chuckhiggins15]

Hi: Agreat time to see the country, from a different perspective of a retired lifestyle. Thank you for the little known travel and see what we don't, aleast I didn't think of it. Great hoboing and safe to you.

[@charlesmiller000]

Great video Shoestring Mark! Ypu made my day, one vet to another (though I'm a squid combat vet). Thanks! Stay rolling; stay healthy!

[@hymnodyhands]

Your singing is as delightful everything else ... thanks for sharing!

[@musclecarmitch908]

Great video Shoestring! I was in Marshall TX. For a week last June, went there on a business trip with my brother. I did some railfanning on the UP while I was there. I ate at that Whataburger! Was the first time I saw one! Great video! Stay safe out there!

[@rfs1373]

Found your tag at the Amtrak station in Texarkana today. Hard to tell if its on the Texas side or the Arkansas side.

[@karlynnelangerak4549]

So cool!

[@scottchristensen2711]

I was hoping you would have a new video out today! Needed a little break from my day! Stay safe Shoestring!!

[@markwilliams8994]

Yeah I enjoy the night videos. Brings a different perspective to the travels. Keep them coming! Be blessed.

[@bubtomlin2082]

Thanks for the adventure shoestring it was a. Very entertaining ride Can’t wait to see the next video. Be safe

[@thewestpointrouteguy8611]

Thanks for the ride, Shoestring. I lived in Lake Charles , LA. for a few years....would sometimes take I-10 over to the Golden Triangle (Beaumont area) and then on west to Houston. In VA. nowadays.....miss the Gulf Coast.

[@tommystone8585]

It's great seeing you out on the high rail,stay safe out there hobo Shoestring...

[@leorocha3843]

You're a great singer, sir.

[@lynne6417]

I truly look forward to your videos.

[@LS-uv9gg]

Fascinating! I didn't even realize this was a thing one could still do! I had thought it was something only possible decades out of the past, what with all the new fangled security/technology/cameras/sheer number of people who would easily detect a stranger being somewhere they weren't allowed, etc. Not to mention I thought all boxcars were locked up tight, now lol. Hey, more power to you in your lifestyle and travels, my friend! :)

[@TendoyD]

The knowledge you have is overwhelming. Very impressive sir!

[@rodabel4970]

Thanks Again Shoestring for the great videos and story telling!!!

[@daniellimmer1949]

Love this.I'm from uk 🇬🇧 and find your vids addictive.Keep it up,keep safe and thanks for what you do Mr Hobo Shoestring

[@blondinizer4057]

I like your night ride videos. The sound, the lights, the back of buildings with stuff lurking in the night rushing by - it's all good.

[@RoadDogSteve]

I like that you're never in much of a hurry.... enjoying catching up on your videos. New subscriber.....

[@chuckwashburn7587]

Sure enjoyed your singing solo! Shoestring you should consider maybe recording! Safe Travels always! Enjoy your videos! God Bless! 😎

[@CloudSeedz]

Singing was great! ✌️⁉️ Good idea 👍 maybe record when you’re stuck at home! Great Americana at its truest! Thank you HOBO Shoestring! 🙏📸

[@schizorap]

Great video, your knowledge is mind boggling, great job

[@mikenorwell3892]

I spent 16 years of my Railroad career working a local form Bryan to Houston on the line you just traveled. Of course it wasn't as congested from 1975 to 1991 when i worked it. Since the UPRR consummed the MPRR it has been hurry up and wait. Or as others have said, the UP in UPRR stands for Unlimited Parking

[@scottwilson279]

My Dad and uncle are both retired MoP/UP. Dad was Conductor on the old Waco to Bryan local. Dwain Wilson is my Dad and Bobby Wilson is my uncle. I remember at one time Walter Nittsche was Agent at Bryan.

[@mikenorwell3892]

@@scottwilson279 Worked with your dad and uncle Bobby both.

[@Constitution1789]

After a long day, I come home, eat dinner, and sleep with one of your videos playing in the background.

[@brentdacres1191]

Lifted up foundation for hurricane floods guessing. Always entertaining to watch your videos Shoestring.

[@Buck1954]

If you are going down the middle of a freeway in Houston, you're on Hardy Toll Road. I've never seen a rail road track going down the middle of I-45. It feeds Settegast for sure. It would have to do some back and forwards to go into Englewood. Glad you figured out you were on Hardy. Houston is a giant flood plain now. All the buildings have to be built up high, 2 feet above flood level.

[@joeblack5879]

He was on the toll road. Its 3 tracks now. 2 main lines and a siding. The toll road will take him directly to either yard, no bck and forth required .

[@rphelan62]

I agree, that is the Hardy Tollway he going down the middle of.

[@Buck1954]

@@joeblack5879 I looked at the tracks and didn't see a direct path to Englewood without having to back up.

[@joeblack5879]

@@Buck1954 not sure if your familiar with the routes can be traveled south on that track. But from there you can travel any direction except north and to any yard in any direction except a yard north.

[@joeblack5879]

@@Buck1954 with one exception, you can not get to Amtrak depot without backing up or around a wye. Englewood and Settigist yard both are accessible from there.

[@enjoylife6311]

Actually a amazing video.....The night ride in the boxcar was really cool!