One of Australia's biggest train enthusiasts was a dog - Bob the driver's dog

[@TrainFactGuy]

Can I just take a moment to say, the Wikipedia article refers to Bobs train-hopping antics as his “career”, and the idea of referring to this stray animal has having professional career in just hopping from train to train fills me with a kind of childish delight I didn’t know it was possible to experience

[@rwsremakes1829]

this was the more agreeable thing i ever read my favorite video on KZbin me and all my homies love bob

[@railwayjade]

There is a Hobo-culture in America - very interesting!

[@benwetzel8449]

I’m happy to have introduced you to Bob. I’ll be sure to let you know of anymore interesting train facts I think of

[@jimmypetrock]

Heh

[@williamadams7865]

As a South Australian enthusiast, the story of Bob is one you hear about fairly early and it is nothing short of delightful. Thank you for covering this, it brought a smile to my face to see Bob’s tale get told to an international audience.

[@grindelston5968]

It's a cool story,I'd never heard it before now ,but then again I'm not from oz. It reminds me of that cat in Japan that became the railways mascot and became a national celebrity, not that long ago either.

[@TheAutisticOwl]

I was not planning on crying this evening Bob was such a good boy

[@FunAngelo2005]

Yes

[@LordPhobos6502]

Bestest boy ❤😭

[@grindelston5968]

I know that feel

[@erikdaniels0n]

That poem at the end honestly made me tear up

[@Arkay315]

Bob is the best dog, we all need a good boy like bob.

[@DomQuartuccio]

As a South Australian, I'm glad to see some very local content, thanks legend!

[@TheLoneRailrider]

Wow. You learn something new every day. Even as an Australian myself I wasn’t aware of this humble tale. But I’m happy to hear that even from the early days of the railways, such a wholesome story with a charming little dog make everyone’s lives back then that bit more cheerful when boarding the trains. Just as a piece of info incase you’re interested, TOT. You should do a video on the Victorian Railways Y class, number Y112. The oldest locomotive in the Southern Hemisphere, that is still in operation. An 0-6-0 steam locomotive that’s currently 132 years of age!

[@thecairnsrailfan]

Isn’t Queensland A10 Neilson Class ‘No6’ the oldest currently working steam locomotive in the southern hemisphere? The train was built in 1865, now 158 years old. Please correct me if I’m wrong, as I always love to learn new things about Australian railways!

[@Honeydew0567]

@@thecairnsrailfan that would be correct but Y112 is the oldest mainline operating steam train in the southern hemisphere

[@soniomagr5498]

Two types of train enthusiasts who have dogs: 1. What the dog doin'? 2. Let him drive it for you. 🥺

[@VT29steamtrain]

I'm a volunteer at the National Railway Museum in Port Adelaide, where we have Bob's collar on display. I am glad you have covered the story of Bob!

[@idavid42]

We really should make this a more prominent display. I've never noticed the collar on visits

[@VT29steamtrain]

@@idavid42 Yeah, well I'm involved with the steam locos (I'm going for my boiler license) so that's not really my area but I'll pass the note on when I can :)

[@richardsweeney197]

In the United States we had Owney, he went from the Post Office in Albany, NY. To traveling all over the country in the Railroad Mail Service. Even to the point that the Post Master General had a coat made for him because postmen kept giving him tags and medals to commemorate his travels, when he died he was taxidermied and is in the United States Postal museum in Washington DC.

[@TheMilitantHorse]

Bob lived a life most train enthusiasts could only dream about. What a hero.

[@nathandeal9703]

Rest in Peace Bob, your a credit to all railroad workers!

[@nathanbradley4768]

I was speechless when I first saw the title! I live in quorn (which I will thank you greatly for pronouncing correctly) and volunteer at the Pichi Richi railway preservation society when possible. I have visited most of the old railway towns just as bob once did and even stood next to his statue. I am so happy to hear this loved story told to the world and would like to thank you for making this great video. I might send you an email if I don’t forget, as if ever you want to share more from our lovely state I may be able to help. I often travel from quorn to Adelaide and could help with obtaining photos or anything for a video. There are so manny interesting stories of the South Australian railways in a book series called “SAR narrow gauge handbook” by railMac publications. And I would love to send you my copy if ever you need it. -Nathan

[@nathanbradley4768]

NVM lol I can’t find your email anywhere.

[@JennyBlaze253]

Damn... that was such a beautiful story... 😢 Here's to Bob, the best damn Railway dog ever known. May you be riding trains to your heart's content up in heaven.

[@Scagguy4014]

Hehe train doggo.

[@WillJamesRailways]

What a great story! Thank you for sharing it!

[@ThatScottishAtlantic57]

Yes, that dog is a good boy.

[@DiamondKrusher]

Can we just take a moment to appreciate some of the skills this dog has developed over the course of his life though?

[@Dallas-Nyberg]

My good lady and I, visited Peterborough, a couple of years ago. We saw his statue and fell in love with the story of Bob the Railway Dog... He was called Bob, because a fellow on Peterborough station, who spotted him in a stock carriage full of stray dogs, which were headed out to a rabbit infested area. He offered the guard two bob for him. (two shillings). The deal was done and Bob stayed. Peterborough has a great rail museum, in a huge railway roundhouse there. It is called Steamtown. Lots to see there. At night, they have a "live action" show there, that plays out while you sit in a passenger car on the turntable and watch out the windows. The visual and sound effects are simply stunning. The track work into the roundhouse is very unique... It is a combination of three gauges.. narrow gauge, standard gauge and broad gauge. In Peterborough's main street (where Bob's statue is located), there is a passenger rail carriage, where you can sit in one of the compartments and watch as a movie is played on the windows of the rail trip from Peterborough to (I think) Peechara to the East. The sights, sounds and carriage movements are very impressive. We loved Peterborough and, as a treat, we got to stay in a BnB, (called "Off the Rails"), which is two beautifully fitted out vintage passenger carriages, located on a farm, just outside of town... A must visit town for any railway buff. www.steamtown.com.au/

[@justinebarker3706]

I really want a dog like Bob the railway dog.

[@AnAppleInABox]

Australian representation. Very nice! I love hearing little stories like these. They're both relaxing a day fun to listen to. I love your videos!

[@mayoroicjre]

Fitting that TLoZ Spirit Tracks overworld theme was used for this. Us Aussies have got many famous dogs, both Bob and Red are among the most famous of any of them

[@peteryoung4957]

A great story about Bob . It'd make a good story for a movie.

[@sambrown6426]

I was genuinely tearing up while watching this, thank you for telling this story so well.

[@grindelston5968]

Yeah I kindof did and I dunno why because it's not really a particularly sad story of anything, it's just nice

[@1_railfan]

Wow, looks like Owny the post train dog wasn't the only train loving canine. Bob's story seemed a lot more adventurous!

[@ljphoenix4341]

Wasn't expecting to get teary eyed from a ToT video, yet here we are. A great video, the way the story of Bob was told was fantastic.

[@vaiyaktikasolarbeam1906]

Spirit tracks! Overworld! Bob our hero!

[@ninjaskeleton6140]

I live in Melbourne and had never heard of this story until I visited the railway museum in Port Adelaide last year.

[@LeyBaron]

This made me cry, both tears of sadness and tears of joy, thank you.

[@greyscarclawcloud863]

I started crying! Why?!

[@lukechristmas3951]

This is the most wholesome and heartwarming Train of Thought installment! I was not aware of this story at all and as a dog owner, I makes me a bit more emotional than what I usually allow myself to be.

[@grindelston5968]

Bobs carefree attitude basically sums up what I imagine when I think of what is the Australian spirit. I'm not Aussie btw

[@Straswa]

Great vid ToT. What a heartwarming story. RIP Bob.

[@joshmalloyracing6669]

He's still remembered too this day, Henley street is just down the road for me...

[@joshmalloyracing6669]

And seen his memorial at cold Peterborough, bloody cold there..

[@cars4dummies235]

I’ve spent my whole life in the area bob was, I love only a hour or so from Peterborough. A lot of people know about Bob around here and his legend still lives on. Feels weird hearing you say the names of the towns I know!

[@thebrainlesstrainfan]

Here is the poem for those who wanna save time Home-keeping dogs have homely wits, Their notions tame and poor; I scorn the dog who humbly sits Before the cottage door, Or those who weary vigils keep, Or follow lowly kine; A dreary life midst stupid sheep Shall ne'er be lot of mine. For free from thrall I travel far, No fixed abode I own; I leap aboard a railway car; By every one I'm known; Today I'm here, tomorrow brings Me miles and miles away; Borne swiftly on steam's rushing wings, I see fresh friends each day. Each driver from the footplate hails My coming with delight; I gain from all upon the rails; A welcome ever bright; I share the perils of the line With mates from end to end, Who would not for a silver mine Have harm befall their friend Let other dogs snarl and fight, And round the city prowl, Or render hideous the night With unmelodious howl. I have a cheery bark for all, No ties my travels clog; I hear the whistle, that's the call For Bob, the driver's dog.

[@croshdeighnproductionswild8002]

I have to be honest, me being a dog and train person, that poem made me tear up. Bob is the goodness boi

[@theextremeanimator4721]

Ugh... ...this is just so heart-rending...

[@randomguyinanglider4090]

I love the spirit tracks background music, brings back so many memmories

[@KlaxontheImpailr]

2:52 I did the EXACT same thing as a kid. My family was stationed in Guam for a while and I kept thinking the boat whistles were trains.

[@ciarangleeson2880]

I think that it’s an understatement to say that Bob The Driver’s Dog was an example to us all.

[@railwayjade]

Here in South Africa we also had two interesting animals - Jack the Baboon who helped a signaller in Uitenhage and Able Seaman Just Nuisance who worked for the Royal Navy but also carried a railway ticket (He has a statue in Simon's Town, Western Cape).

[@roberthuron9160]

The Long Island Railroad had a dog too! Went all over the system,also had a collar,with his permanent pass! There is a monument on the Glen Cove-Glen Street station! So if your anywhere near Long Island's North Shore,be sure to look it up! Also you might want to visit the Oyster Bay Railroad Museum,as there are quite a few artifacts and history to be found 😀! Thank you 😇!

[@craigdickens791]

'Wonderful... that kind of train-based story that grows a soft and peaceful grin with eyes relaxed and partially closed ... Thanks 👍

[@A_person473]

This is a good story to listen to. Especially when you are depressed, like meeee :D

[@jeanbonnefoy1377]

Another famous Downunder Dog, then. Up to now, I only knew that other Aussie descendant, the comics one 'First Dog on the Moon'.👍

[@TankEngineMedia]

Bob is truly the greatest of boys He will be missed

[@TheEerieMaster]

This truly is the goodest boy💕

[@ironphilly2366]

engineer: there's a dog boarding our train engineer: is good

[@advancetotabletop5328]

Don‘t forget the cats in Japan who not only ride the rail, but become station masters! :D

[@thecairnsrailfan]

Wonderful video! I didn’t even know about this amazing dog. Thanks so much for Australian Railway representation on the channel too! I would love to see some more videos about Australian trains.

[@GoingtoHecq]

Bob sounds like a great dog.

[@mortman200]

The Spirit Tracks theme really helps.

[@kullre_gun]

I remember seeing a video where this dog was exited to see a passing train, with the title 'one of us'

[@drmsig.r1000]

What an amazing story

[@wagrtrains]

as a western Australian, i have surprisingly never heard of this story, great video though

[@ThunderboltSirenStudios]

HA, I love how bob is just sitting on top of the locomotive. It's almost as if he's a part of the footplate crew. Love the vid

[@gwrstudios5181]

there was a dog that my great great uncle talked about in a journal that would take rides on N&W freight trains seemingly had a preference it might’ve been a drivers dog or something but it’s name was Charlie

[@T3ki1a_]

Spirit tracks OST? You're a god This episode is awesome.

[@_crankster]

A very cute story

[@grandadmiralthrawn92]

I appreciate the Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks music in the background. Probably my favorite DS Zelda title.

[@martincraw7698]

I have a dog and her name is Tilly. One day, I’m gonna take her on a train ride.

[@terrier_productions]

Right! now I know what to rename my miniature locomotive too - Bob the Driver's Dog

[@thetechnocrat4979]

This should be a movie.

[@rottenroads1982]

Bob the Driver’s Dog. He was a Good Boy.

[@benchurchill1939]

SA's Bob the dog. Heaps Good!

[@trainz123m]

In the US, we have cats and some of them became well known. sadly one of famous cats passed away recently :/

[@abufauzan4003]

I just realized that train of thought's intro sound were taken from the opening of the movie titfield thunderbolt.

[@Dylan_The_Aviation_King1234]

R.I.P bob 😔😔😔

[@Empireofignorance7817]

a true legend

[@Mekaniskidiot]

THERE NEED TO BE A MOVIE OF THIS

[@jeanbonnefoy1377]

Another famous Down Under Dog, then. Up to now, I only knew the other Aussie descendent, the First Dog on The Moon!

[@neonvisiter4074]

there needs to be a movie of bobs adventures

[@SkyFire2112]

What a good boy!

[@zacharyrollick6169]

Awesome.

[@christianbald4075]

Always a great story about the greatest boy of all, good to see some South Australian representation as the eastern states tend to hog the scene

[@harrisonallen651]

A real true blue friend

[@MeneerEnMevrouwTrein]

Without a doubt the dog "Mud" from Thomas and the Magic Railroad is based on Bob. They even look alike!

[@eaglewolffox6275]

Correction: Mutt

[@theoneandonlynumber1253]

And i just watched a video by Victor tanzig that had a dog who loved trains XD

[@brandonzhou2233]

Welcome to Australia

[@thebanananacam]

another title "When a railway adopted a dog"

[@RandomTrinidadian]

The goodest of boys

[@theofficerfactory2625]

May the driver's dogs, shop cats and other furry companions of the high iron ride the trains of their desire in the great space beyond.

[@garryferrington811]

Bob certainly led the life, didn't he?

[@brenlc1412]

If the “Doggy Hell” Homer talked about in that one episode of The Simpsons is real, the dog that killed Bob is definitely going there.

[@simplybtw]

damn what a high quality video 👏 👏👏👏

[@simplybtw]

bob cool as hell 🙏

[@dominik_lenarcic]

Since we're talking about railway dogs, maybe you could do a video on Hachiko? Or is that not railway-related?

[@lazyrrr2411]

🥲 ... 'yer Killing Me !

[@alfaalvis_trainz]

... sad but damn

[@drywallpuncher1882]

He was the best Boi hecken Steam boi.

[@thepolishgenerator5915]

I read a VERY simular book in third grade!

[@jazeroth322]

Goodest boi

[@Anthony684]

Can you do a video on Union Pacific 844?

[@NitroIndigo]

Spirit Tracks music yay!

[@TenkoBerry]

This this is good 👍

[@BMXTRANS1]

yo i found the "inspiration" for Donald's duck

[@betamax6080]

Maybe an episodr about Lampo the italian railway dog?🤌

[@BHuang92]

How about the interesting commuting dogs of Moscow's Metro?

[@Feasco]

good comrades

[@TheSudrianTerrier653]

0:00 hey look, its the devil's single