Catching out and hobo gardening at camp

[@donmanning3875]

The strange dedicated load is a 208 ton generator field (rotor) being shipped to NY for rewind. It was loaded in the Norfolk-Southern Sheffield, AL, rail yard

[@whatyoumakeofit6635]

That is some precise information. How would you come by information like that. Is it public info

[@donmanning3875]

@@whatyoumakeofit6635 A friend of mine on Facebook was task oversight for the transfer and loading of the rotor and also a subscriber to this site

[@wayneburbage8900]

awesome. now i know.

[@chax2004]

Impressive

[@IndianaDundee]

Small world.

[@melindalynn-00]

I wouldve loved to seen the outcome of this garden, that was such a nice idea.🌼

[@Bow-j6c]

You sound like you are very comfortable in this yard Shoestring ❤

[@soupyfly1]

Wish this old Boy was still with us love watching his stuff RIP......

[@imonearthnow1903]

Shoestring, you're a good man. There's a place for you in heaven. Many blessings.

[@justmemrb]

He's there.

[@brianmccandlish3019]

​@justmemrb don't go to heaven when you commit suicide

[@detroitsound9364]

R.I.P HOBO SHOESTRING

[@bluegrassdan9411]

So happy "Ignited Coyote" introduced me to you! Selfishly so very sad you've taken your last ride here on mother earth. Ride on brother Shoestring ride on and thank you♥ RIP 🙏

[@DanHickman-by3sv]

That was a really good poem. Well written. Love to ride like Hobo someday.

[@atreyuprincipalh4043]

Shoestring You will always be our Hobo King … I love you brother,if you knew how many lives you have touched.. you might be gone but will never be forgotten gotten.

[@dubz6820]

The most interesting hobo in the world. RIP Shoestring

[@1911wood]

Shoestring please write a book. The knowledge you have needs to be preserved. I think it would be a best seller. I really appreciate your work and putting it out here for us. My wife has been able to lick the Hallmark Channel because of you.

[@ScottHead]

Love it that you are planting seeds out in the world. As a gardener and a gardening channel, this makes me smile. We call this guerilla planting. If you every get the chance to come upon some cheap fruiting trees, they would be a great asset out and about in your camping areas along the rails. Being perennials, they will provide food and happiness for years, even for others when you and I are long gone.

[@lukeg2091]

I watched your videos last year to learn how to grow tomatoes.

[@ScottHead]

@@lukeg2091 Thanks man!

[@realpillboxer]

There's a YT channel "crime pays but botany doesn't" that has a few vids going into the guerilla gardening he's done in California cities/suburbs. Entertaining as heck. Now that I think about it, he used to be (or is) some sort of rail worker (engineer?) as well.

[@BlackDragonWitheHawk]

As long as one doesn't plant invasive species that destroy the local fauna and flora...

[@johnstudd4245]

I have 2 cherry trees in my front yard in the suburbs. The squirrels and birds get them before I do!

[@ritatharp5238]

"every bad thing that has ever happened to me was because of alcohol", 😆 The truth. Thank you for planting the garden Shoestring. 👍

[@patricknoveski6409]

I hear that. 30 yrs sober now. love life

[@ritatharp5238]

Patrick congratulations 🎉 on 30 year's sober, I'm very proud of you for turning your life around. Keep up the good work! 👍

[@robertcrane6237]

@@ritatharp5238 Did it too AA right in Brooklyn got me sober. Great ppl.

[@myzacky96]

Yeah, but did have fun, sometimes

[@robertprice7246]

I've been 18 years sober and don't miss drinking one bit. Alcohol has messed me up more than once too

[@renegadebt1374]

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

[@Biggie1231]

I hear you about that Alcohol. I used to do whiskey. Every night. Those black outs. Are no joke.! I don’t mess with that stuff anymore. Thank God.

[@TheHoboShoestring]

Good hearing that. I've been sober for six years now

[@MrRichard57000]

Hobo knows everything about the yard ,trains,the way IT all works...great content.....what a dude

[@buddygreeno7723]

He is a train expert .. he makes Sheldon look stupid😂😂😂

[@HughRailey]

Somebody needs to go back and visit to see if his garden grew.

[@claymack1109]

I was just wondering about that

[@drtrick6948]

Every time I got locked up it was because of alcohol! I quit drinking and I haven't been locked up in 35 years! Take Care Shoestring! God bless!

[@davidbird4713]

Mark was so knowledgeable and kind, I could listen to him regal us about his riding the rail, RIP Shoestring Hobo.

[@mplscorrupt6125]

I just want to say Thank you for taking us with you .

[@flashcar60]

That looked like a solid-fuel rocket booster.

[@JJGeneral1]

could've been any number of things. it looked like the steam generator for a nuclear power plant to me (i used to be a nuclear engineer)

[@reubensandwich9249]

There is a launch at Wallops Island on June 14th.

[@CraigOlove]

@@JJGeneral1 I agree looks like the part that spins in the generator. I've worked in coal fired and nuclear power plants. Looks like lots of money whatever it is.

[@sulphurPete]

Rocket booster for sure...

[@wayneburbage8900]

@@sulphurPete SRBs usually are made in Utah at thiokol. not far from the Golden spike museum. SLC. a worthy place for rail buffs. Just saying.

[@dale6349]

You are the soul of America

[@Deebz270]

You're planting seeds! Way to go Mark! So not only are you railroad savvy, but a gardner AND a poet! You got a lot of strings to your bow Mark.

[@javajoebogota]

You may never see this comment, but if you do, I wanted you to know how much we think of you. Your depth of knowledge of so many things, your memory, so enlightening. Wish you well in all you do. Hobo Shoestring we❤you!

[@detroitsound9364]

R.I.P

[@PnwOnTour]

That’s my wifi booster antenna from wish... shipping wasn’t cheap!

[@stuffandjunkanduhh5049]

hahaha

[@brianarnold4819]

Fuckin hilarious..

[@wayneburbage8900]

That's great! I'm still laughing

[@inannashu689]

LOL

[@danielcraig8044]

That’s a good one too funny

[@ja-bv3lq]

Shoestring - you ain't kidding about the 40 year mark! I used to be able to sleep anywhere, on ANYTHING! But about 40, things changed for real! Love yah and ride safe!

[@billliston2335]

Miss you shoe you make the best videos there is a special place for you my friend

[@asknwclips7672]

he honked at you as he went by, lol

[@ewreese]

The golf ball remark is hilarious! I survey, and I swear I find them all the time!!!!

[@dbsnyder4503]

Shoestring, for ticks and chiggers ya gotta get Sawyers Permethrin. You don't put it on your skin, just treat your clothes every 3 to 4 weeks. Won't wash out. I spend a lot of time in the woods and fields. Haven't had a tick in me in over two years now. God bless ya Mr hobo.

[@robbiehernandez1666]

Planting flowers for the bees helps them. Good lesson. Good video.

[@badbanano]

“Golf balls from outer space.” The perfect title to your autobiography!

[@lydiaanderson4247]

@ Christopher Saylock hello how are you doing

[@chrismurphy5187]

OMG!!!! Almost a whole hour of video footage to watch the Legend Hobo Shoestring do his thing!!!!! This is gonna be a awesome start of my day.... Yeaaah Buddy!!! Time to get comfy and enjoy a hour of the Best Knowledge, Let's goooo...

[@TheHoboShoestring]

I also have a 46 minute video I'll upload in a couple of days. (Just waiting for the time to upload). Takes forever for me to upload them.. It's a full 46 minutes of continuous train riding through and over the great Smokey Mountains from Kingsport TN to Spartanburg SC

[@claymack1109]

@@TheHoboShoestring are your boots waterproof or insulated

[@kumd]

@@TheHoboShoestring I was curious why it was only 720p video, this makes sense now. I appreciate everything you do Shoestring!

[@jeffdoran8126]

@@TheHoboShoestring that looked to be a solid body rocket.

[@jameslockard6956]

Shoestring R.I.P. I'm glad that your videos can still be found.😅❤

[@pauliedibbs9028]

One of my top 10 Shoestring videos.. probably top 5! See you again on the Westbound, bud.. 🚂 💫

[@rjcandy]

Great video Shoestring, you are a gentle soul indeed. Like the Bob Ross of the railroad, just roaming around... unknown destination with a angry bird giving you shit. Perfect !!! Loved the poem too.

[@roberthardy2013]

EXACTLY the right sentiment - Shoestring is indeed the Bob Ross of the railways.

[@anthonyalves3993]

Did you ever see the Mocking bird was at? Thats how God use to speak to me as a kid gave me comfort

[@GrandadsLetters]

Enjoyable time. Love your story-telling, and appreciated your thoughts on the garden spots. Keep those tips and stories coming! Be safe!

[@kevinaredmond6177]

You're living a childhood dream of mine. I seen a CSX stopped underneath the bypass in town. Threw my bike in a box car,climb in and was hanging out. When I felt the jerk of the train. I instantly threw my bike off and jumped out! Now that I'm grown,I still want to pack up and head out.

[@rayprime7836]

Mark Nichols, the Hobo Poet - gotta kinda ring to it! Wow, this vid will take some beating. Jungle, rail track and wildlife all rolled into one. A Classic!!! 👍👍👍👍🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧

[@Bow-j6c]

This seems like a favourite place for Shoestring, Johnson city

[@BenWillKing]

That train at 40:07 had the Penn Central and Central of Ga NS heritage units. Great catch! Rail fans like myself always enjoy spotting these.

[@paulredinger5830]

I love your vide videos shoestring. You’ve seen things I’ll never seen. Thank you for your service brother! I joined on 82’ became a ranger seen things I’d love to forget, but never will. I see that as if it occurred an hour ago I can’t wait for what’s next after I become worm food. Love what you do brother. I’m 60 now, and my long bucket list will never be ticked off. I don’t know what happened to the years. 1941 that’s over 40 years now. That’s absolutely incredible.

[@DannyB-cs9vx]

Memorial Day was yesterday. When I think I have it rough, I look at those who were before me. I know that you are also a Veteran, so we both have a lot to be grateful for.

[@richardwells1470]

It's hell getting old I have stash my gear a few times and could not find it and I don't drink so I just call it old times😁 and now I can't camp anymore so I just take a ride with you🚂 watching you so thanks 👍

[@thomasknight3975]

How are you doing today shoestring, I think I met you about 10/ 11 years ago are in Kingsport Tennessee. We helped each other out as best we could shook hands and it's amazing to see you still kicking. God bless and may your Journeys continue to be blessed

[@tammymullins5240]

That's so awesome 👍 plant sunflower 🌻 cool I hope you get to eat some tomatoes

[@wooderdsaunders6801]

Nice poem Good to plant for the future. Stay safe and ride on.

[@fallguy1014]

You are a true American Icon, Shoestring. Stay safe, keep healthy, and as Johnny Cash sings, " I've (You've) been everywhere man. Keep on riding...

[@bobertbobert6442]

17:27 words from Shoe the Philosopher: "Alright Mr. Mocking bird, I ain't goin anywhere. We gotta learn to live with one another."

[@gtp2nv]

Much love to you brother!! ❤️ Safe Travels Mark! Be blessed! -Nick from The Woodlands, TX

[@reedburke7762]

What a beautiful poem! Thank you for sharing.

[@dennisryan6370]

What poem was it, Reed?

[@ericplaysbass]

@@dennisryan6370 18:29

[@robertdipaola3447]

Shoestring--- a true Johnny appelseed!!!!

[@afistfullofmustard3006]

This channel is such a gem. So happy i found it! Thank you for sharing your life with us :)

[@UnionCountyPhotography]

WOW! And Central of Georgia heritage!!! :0

[@coloradostrong]

"Golf Balls from Outer Space" LOL... I was rolling

[@oscarcanelo6262]

Best wishes from Albuquerque,NM USA.

[@trevorwray2892]

Died when you said “call Saul”😂😂😂

[@Mag_Aoidh]

I love the architecture on some of those old railroad buildings.

[@bill37lee]

I love this channel cause its got railroad history, camping, gardening, great people and who knows what else...

[@MrAce2000]

That horn @6:03 and when going away the way it just sounds 🎶❤️and just echoes so beautiful.

[@BaltimoreAndOhioRR]

Thx, these are always interesting to watch!

[@iatif1995]

Did you not notice the Central Of Georgia HU lol

[@BaltimoreAndOhioRR]

@@iatif1995 and Penn central

[@robertgrim1761]

I love how you take me to another place... Thank you

[@leolakimbler4514]

I love it when engineers honk at people.

[@wmarshall7826]

Professional Hobo, I like it. 🇨🇦 🍺🍺

[@ericgriswold1268]

Shoestring, it's a rotor for an electric generator. Worked a Coal - fired power ant in Michigan for nearly 30 years as a Stationary Steam engineer . It's very rare that generators are torn down to the guts of rotor and stator , so seeing this piece is something to take note of. High priority freight for sure.

[@WImob420]

Awesome thinking ahead with a garden, an update on harvest would be cool. you are a wealth of knowledge

[@RetLt116]

Good to see you!! Nice area.

[@railwatchers453]

Shoestring! FYI that train carrying a "rocket" was NS 059, Ran from somewhere in TN to Vardo Yard in Hagerstown, MD. Great as always

[@jasonplant5432]

Yes that was indeed a rocket.

[@houseofsolomon2440]

Thx f/taking us along! 🛤 Planting garden at camp 👌🏼

[@sherrycarruth5872]

Poetic Rails...very nicely read and done!! Thank you for sharing.

[@sjtom57]

Just started watching this guy. What an interesting fellow.

[@aronlounsbery4133]

Another Fantastic video Shoestring! Probably one of my personal favorites. God bless and safe travels! 🚂🚃🚃🚃

[@EricSmith-ve7qi]

What a Masterpiece Shoestring! Had a little bit of everything which equals a great video! What a great idea planting everywhere you go! That one train had 2 NS Heritage units! Penn Central and Central of Georgia! Thanks for the awesome footage! Thanks for update and. B Safe..........

[@erinbear916]

Hi Eric Smith! From Erin Smith. Lol 😂

[@EricSmith-ve7qi]

@@erinbear916 hey! What a name!! Crazy! Nice to meet you

[@WV_Raised1983]

Wow your subs have jump 30,000 in the last month. Their is something about your video's that calms my anxiety down so keep the good content coming.

[@graham2631]

Looks like a turbine shaft. Sort of like a jet engine but driven by steam. Huge money. Probably "over night" delivery no stops.

[@jessicaarverne1181]

I thought that it may have been the shaft and generator of a wind turbine.

[@MoultrieGeek]

That's my guess.

[@chuckbrown5484]

He knows what it is. He can goggle too. This is video 101. Make the watchers feel like part of it lol.

[@JJones-cl4dm]

@@chuckbrown5484 he can goggle but can he google lol

[@chuckbrown5484]

@@JJones-cl4dm crap! 🤷‍♂️

[@AmericanPatriot-m7v]

Shoestring thats a beautiful poem.

[@stephenthomas7723]

Shoestring, looks like a generator field, the end near the locomotive is the drive end, which is likely a steam turbine. the big flange is the coupling half. The tail end is where the exciter is mounted, it generates the DC current for the field. Most folks dont know that in most of these generators the field rotates, and the generated current occurs in the stator, which is stationary. Millwrights will often call the field the "pickle" due to its shape. It being handled like it is, it is insured and the railroad likely has sole posession of it and it will not be left alone for any reason. This is a very high dollar item and probably is part of a generator with capacity of several hundred megawatts.

[@mineallmine5149]

Shoestring I hope you’re doing well riding the rails on the Lord’s R&R, but we shore do miss you down here.

[@captaincodebook3200]

Safe travels! I used to plant grapes along old fence lines in the places I had routes to when delivering up the east coast in the 90s.

[@loadventureslife5090]

Shoestring gaining followers even now.

[@scotteakins7203]

Kinda resemble my 1st wife's special little friend. She always complained about never finding one large enough. 😂 She must of accomplished her task & Amazon is shipping it her way! Exxtra fast Express!

[@Phenom157]

So funny!

[@navigator902]

Hobo Beatification Project.... You are a fine man Shoestring. WOW, I loved your poem... Shoestring man of many talents. Great Spot for your roll out, coma and all... I had a great time.

[@unky-duky7033]

Possibly a generator armature ( notice the commutator on the trailing end ).

[@davidrenwick6718]

Nose cone

[@ojofelixnm3608]

Exactly, Thirty some year in REA coal fired generation.

[@debralavorata546]

Not a day goes by that ur not missed and thought of,u were great 💯

[@trainmann111]

Another fun trip, through Shoestring's eyes. Love the video, thank you. You are always the very interesting man. I could listen to your stories and watch you ride the rails all day long....like my escape from my reality of working from home...which is being cooped up in the house. Keep being the human you are, we support you!

[@bmxmeadows]

I think that was the main shaft of a wind turbine. Good to see you out and happy. Stay safe and warm! 🤙

[@RandyCRR]

Hey Shoestring. Ever thought about wearing a ghillie suit for camouflage in the bush? Sissy mat no, a smart mat! Yes

[@matthewechols3242]

LOVE your voice and videos be safe on trains id love to see you in Virginia sometime

[@tubehunter66]

Ride that Iron Horse Shoestring, stay safe and healthy kind Sir 🚂🚂🚂🚃🚃🚃🚃🚃🚃🚃🚃🚃🚃🚃🚃🚃🚃

[@AubreyStJohn3000]

Thank you again Mr Shoestring. I love your videos.

[@erinbear916]

Love your poem Shoestring! Made me smile :). Hope your tomatoes and flowers blossom well. Safe travels!

[@dennisryan6370]

What poem was it, Erin?

[@frigusoris]

Your poem brought me to tears, in a good way. Been going through a bunch of your videos, I'm out of doors for the first time in 20 years here next month...

[@thebusterdog6358]

I had an old friend who was so strung out on booze that he would blackout also. One time we went into a bar/pool hall and all of a sudden I heard a bunch of commotion over by the bar. He had mistaken the bar for a urinal and had pissed all over it right in front of everyone. Jeez that dude had it bad. Never trust a drunk, not only will he get himself in trouble but he'll get everyone else in trouble around him or worse.

[@markwhitaker6057]

Good to see you back on the rails .Thank you for the view of God's country

[@DannyB-cs9vx]

The poem impressed me. It takes a lot of thought to make it flow just right. Also pretty smart to plant tomorrows food. I wonder if large birds don't pick up golf balls thinking they are another species egg. They may drop them hoping to crack them open. When they don't open, no reason to pick it back up.

[@dennisryan6370]

What poem was it, Danny?

[@DannyB-cs9vx]

@@dennisryan6370 The one he wrote 20 years ago and read at 18:25

[@dennisryan6370]

@@DannyB-cs9vx thanks friend

[@DannyB-cs9vx]

@@dennisryan6370 You are welcome. Shoestrng might do well to publish a book of his thoughts and experiences. Waiting for trains gives a person a lot of time to think. Being wise has nothing to do with an education. Some with degrees don't know how things in life really work. Not that they are dense or stupid, they just never had the time to think about things.

[@dennisryan6370]

@@DannyB-cs9vx I wrote this for him.... I cain't hear nothin, I'm as deaf as a post... Been riding these rails a little longer than most.... Bumps become groans as Day fades to black.... My bones still on loan to Conductor Clickety Clack.....

[@1683clifton]

that was a beautiful poem. I was entertained

[@potsandpansimcold]

the old railway up by my house takes back to 1931 on the rails, i found dates on the plates that hold the ties in place too. they also got a super old abandoned thing that spins trains 360° i’ve forgotten the name

[@davidrenwick6718]

Turn table

[@Hhuhbvhjbhjb]

@@davidrenwick6718 lol had to look it up wanted to say round about

[@roberthardy2013]

Heard them called a Roundhouse.

[@johnstudd4245]

@@roberthardy2013 The roundhouse is the structure around the turntable, with stalls for the locomotives. That might be torn down.

[@wwilliam50]

Love your work Shoestring. So many good lessons for life. 😻😻😎

[@kjgas6945]

I know you miss that. I'm very happy for you!! Stay comfortable and stay safe. Thank you Shoestring, for letting me tag along. Be bleesd!👍👍🤠🤠

[@Thwack19]

Lmao! I thought I recognized that train transporting the heavy load. Saw that same engine, NS 4440, with the same load on another channel a couple days ago, passing through Jonesborough, TN.