The thrill of the wait

I'll be getting my KZbin 100,000 subscriber award soon, probably within two weeks they said.

[@roberthall3301]

RIP Hobo Shoestring ❤

[@SkarKingg]

Shoestring, your in my prayers. 100k + people wouldn't know what to do without you in our lives.

[@2ChukBuk]

Obeying the 'gut feeling'...the sign of an experienced and wise traveler.

[@davebowles1957]

I came across your videos last weekend and have been hooked since the first one. I've been watching all your videos all week now... I just love what you do. My grandmother told me about train hobo's when I was a child, she had a hobo symbol on the back of her garage, the meaning was that her place was a place to get a good home-cooked meal and to get washed up a bit. She never let them come into the house but she fed them and let them use her garden hose... There was a short line railroad that hooked up with the then Santa Fe railroad in Wichita, Ks... Hoboing has always been a fascination for me. You've been an inspiration and just a plethora of railroad knowledge. I live in Argonia, Kansas now, there is a BNSF two-track high-speed main railway just 4 blocks from me, man they go through here fast...I can hear them coming from miles off, seems I can almost feel them first before their horns go off... A lot on IM's, mixed freight, and grain trains. There is also a huge, I mean big grain elevator about 10-12 miles East of me that is always full of grain hoppers getting filled up there... There's a small grain elevator about 15 miles West of me in Danville, Ks Enough of my rambling, so, Keep on keeping on them rails, Hobo Shoestring. May have safe travels.

[@TheHoboShoestring]

Welcome aboard

[@craigfazekas3923]

You must watch 'String's WIND RIVER CANYON VIDEO !! He says very little in that one; wisely opting to let the scenery speak for itself.... The most georgeous scenery ever captured from the rails ever here on KZbin, IMO ❣❣❣❣❣❣

[@colinyoungblood620]

I've been dealing with insomnia due to chronic pain any pills that made me sleep was never real sleep. It made me so drowsy and still felt like I never slept at all. Now I'm confined to a wheelchair most times due to 2 failed spinal fuisions. Thank you KING Shoestring for showing me the country in a way I will never safe trips my freind.

[@PJL7095]

Hey Colin - thank you for sharing your brief story. I’m sorry you’re dealing with physical constraints but good to know you can find some pleasure by watching various KZbin channels like this one. I recently had trouble sleeping due to catching CoVid & got knocked on my ass. Was prescribed some sleeping shit that just didn’t work. I was gonna tell Hobo to break the damn things in half and maybe that’ll help. Anyways…. God bless to all & live safely.

[@cleekmaker00]

Was prescribed Ambien to help me sleep after Arthroscopic surgery on my knees. 1 pill before bedtime did nothing. Called the Surgeon and he said "take 2". Knowing the strange things people did under the influence of Ambien, I did not, and disposed of the rest. I gutted it out. Don't trust them damn prescription drugs one bit.

[@charlesmiller000]

Shoe, you're like a fine wine: you're getting better and better with age. Stay healthy and happy brother. Thanks for the the great vid.

[@eastcoastHVACtech]

I remember when I was a young kid i wanted to put a dime on the tracks, someone told me that it could derail the train and for some reason I always believed it, I guess Shoestring has set me straight.

[@nikkiwilder660]

Prolly a coin collector told you that 🤣

[@15205golfer]

sad to say, these days....that you can be charged a crime for that. "Sabotaging". They have rules for all the wrong reasons...

[@JT_8283]

@@15205golfer yeah it's not like a coin will derail a train it's sad what you can't do anymore

[@aaronchapman2885]

My grandma lives in a small town in West Virginia and a lot of coal trains pass through. I remember every time we visited she would take us to the old train station and she’d give my brother and I a handful of coins to lay on the tracks

[@alycatpublishing1164]

Ha!!! It takes a quarter to derail a train, Dummy!

[@royahold1966]

Thank you Shoestring this made a great Saturday even better.

[@pmccoy8924]

You’re looking a lot healthier. Keep taking care of yourself, you’re doing well from what you show.

[@bartoszm84]

Im happy youtube suggested me your vids Mr. Shoestring. I like when u are recording on the move from cadillacs but your stories from past and hints about planting or making camps are also welcome. We never know if/when world we know gonna end and that stuff could be really handy.

[@kens.3729]

Hello Mark! Everything about Riding the High Iron is a Thrill for you. Smart to toss the Meds. 👍

[@clarkpj1]

When the hazmat placard has the number 1987, it's ethanol. Really flammable stuff!

[@markuskruger2102]

Take Kerosin.. Diesel or Gasoline. Avoid ammoniak or pure technical O2.... Burns like hellfire.. ammoniak whitous a visible Flame.... your only smell the Taste Note of pee in case of ammoniak... stay away....

[@markuskruger2102]

Desinfektionsmittel here after Gefahrenstoffverzeichnis or to keep it simple Sagrotan....UN1987

[@hokirwinsor8775]

Un1987 = ethanol

[@railnut8453]

Those covered gons actually have steel coils in them. That’s why they’re covered. One of the covers said “commercial metals company” on it.

[@ryanl8172]

Glad you got the automatic switch in operation. That was really cool to see!

[@Denvermorgan2000]

It pays to listen to that funny feeling it has saved me many times.

[@ronnisullivan9794]

I’m subscribed and watch because my Grandpa was a brakeman for SP$S. I was so excited to see you in Wishram in one video. I do enjoy all the explanations of how the trains pick up and drop off cars. I remember the sounds of the engine as they switched cars in Wishram. I appreciate your extensive knowledge of all things train related

[@renegadebt1374]

Goodspeed Mr. Nichols, Thank you for all you gave, And all you have given.. R.I.P. Shoestring You are greatly missed.. ✌

[@josephboley]

Thanks for the AMAZING video. I've watched every video that is available on KZbin of yours. Stay safe out there. Your in my daily prayers bud.🙏🇺🇸🙏🇺🇸

[@barbatloosenutproductions2027]

Mr. Shoestring chosing his ride. 🎶"You gotta to know when to hold up, know when to fold up, know when to walk away, know when to run."🎶 😁🚂 Safe travels luv! 🛤

[@musclecarmitch908]

Great video Shoestring! I love hearing how those trains operate with the switching and all! Awesome to see how that switch moves! Thanks for sharing!

[@rickyatkins422]

I learn so much from watching. I learned that even Shoestring the great Hobo has to “take a break” from his work. Pace yourself brother we need for you to keep us entertained.

[@spiderkidLarry]

#Shoestring Loved the track switch first time seeing in person move. Congratulations on your youtube award. Great job!

[@stevebillo1723]

Mark shoestring has 30 years of total rail road info, once in a lifetime I love to travel around watching the U.S.A. some of the most fascinating awesome places in our country wow thank you Mark Railroad shoestring Ride On Brother 🚆🚊🚆🚉🚆

[@robertrenwick9436]

Pleased your appointments went ok. Congratulations for award. Great to see you back out again, I sense your spirits are lifted and you are happy. Stick with those gut feelings ànd take care. Bob in UK

[@beamerritt6757]

Very good to see you back to videoing...can't wait to see your ride out! Glad your appointments went okay... Now then... I haven't seen your glasses in the last couple of videos , where are they? Have fun be safe glad to see you out...keep on and God bless!.. in about another 2-3 weeks I can go back to driving... Thank God for cataract surgery... It's truly amazing thing when you haven't been able to see good for the last two or three years and then boom.. you can!! Wear your glasses when you can....

[@AS1llyPenguin]

Hope you do an unboxing video for your 100k subscriber award when you get it. It's no small feat for our favorite KZbin hobo! Happy to have this video to watch today and hope you're happy traveling Mark!

[@navigator902]

Love perusing the the gondolas the box cars and the grainer's for a perfect ride, waiting is a good theory. Good experience and knowledge makes the call. Good detective work.

[@rickyroy399]

Another video. You've made my day even better man. I love all the updates and adventures.

[@FrankBenlin]

Pick and choose. With no schedule you can afford to wait for the right ride. Comfort and safety for the experienced rider. Thanks, String.

[@josephseverino674]

All the best to you shoestring, i like the videos and the stories, the railroad tech talk , the tank car with the steel protection plates ,i never saw or notice on them before, as a model railroader i see somthing new and interesting on your channel .Take care keep checking in with your doctors as a fan i want you be happy and healthy.

[@cherylmahaffey6184]

Melatonin is a drug free sleep aid. I take one 5 MG 30 minutes before laying down You can find it in the vitamin section at the grocery store. Hope you can get some rest Buddy. Glad you are back on the rails! God Bless!

[@TheHoboShoestring]

I take it too

[@freedomfan4272]

I use melatonin myself sometimes to help fall asleep.it works for me

[@oregonorganic8548]

I take melatonin and a little reefer before bed.. seems to help more than one or the other.. then I usually throw on a train video and fall asleep pretty fast

[@15205golfer]

Safe travels, my friend. You mentioned heading to PA....my home state! Would be awesome to meet up with you, but I have no idea when or if you'd make a stop, in my town.

[@gearshift7176]

Really nice seeing you out and about. Send video and Stay Safe

[@eezyclsmooth9035]

Many of us who love trains and train yards but don't care for Freezing Winds (N.D), Snowstorms (ILL) Baking Hot (MO.) Mosquitos (AL.) and Rain everywhere AND love our warm beds. Thanks for Shoestring and his videos.

[@Void9961]

Keep doing what you’re doing brother. Stay safe!!

[@SW-jw6il]

😎 That trazadone can put a hitch in your giddyup for sure … travel safe my friend & enjoy this beautiful weather…

[@jeffreygosselin7576]

Pill pushing Dr. Glad you tossed them in the trash!

[@kennyrichard2971]

Hey been watching your videos for about three months now and have subscribed to your channel love all the videos Well shoestring you got some rest at least I think it’s so cool listening to your stories and all the different trains and I think it’s neat watching you waiting for a train

[@stretchlimo7275]

Great video Shoestring. Those covered gondolas probably have coils of steel in them, I’ve seen them placed in gons before or if you see covered gons it could have what they call ‘dirty dirt’, contaminated soil being sent to be treated somewhere. Thanks for posting 👍🏼😎🇺🇸

[@beeble2003]

In this case, the covers were labelled with the name of a metals company so you're probably right about it being steel coil. Contaminated soil would need hazmat placards, too.

[@miask]

Good to see you Shoestring! I look forward following along on your trip. Be safe and be well, sir! You’re in my home state! I do miss Ol’ Virginny’

[@truckerk]

I really enjoy you Shoestring talking about the workings of the railroad, and watching your adventures.

[@alycatpublishing1164]

I've learned a whole lot about trainery just by watching and enjoying Showstring's adventures. A friend explained to me a long time ago that the uglier a locomotive is, the prettier it is. Shoestring bumping into Jaw Tooth from time to time makes me feel like family in some way; and a happy family at that.

[@jasong6706]

Shoestring is Bob Ross of railroad.

[@debralavorata546]

So glad ur up and trying to get on the road again!! Today I saw a good sized freight train in the Bronx,a first I never saw here,sitting on the Amtrak track?! Well stay warm,you'll catch ur train,enjoy and godspeed!

[@johnnytoobad7785]

Congrats on the 100k. I'd love to meet you (and buy you lunch) at "Pigs Eye" (St. Paul) sometime. There are 2000+ year old "Indigenous Peoples" mounds just up the bluff from there. Kind of interesting to walk around there. Spooky place.

[@TheHoboShoestring]

I love the bluffs along the river too

[@mrb6597]

@Johnny Toobad -- I'm local... I've been to the yard a bunch of times. Where are the mounds?

[@joeweiser9258]

On top of the bluff..nxt to light house light.

[@XxMasterSasorixX]

I'm on the same line but I'm going south. Watching this video just couple miles from where you were. 😄

[@wrangler70jkujeep74]

Awesome video ! Glad see on rail travels .

[@doortech8227]

Great video Shoestring. Very interesting info. I'm glad you got that switch change as I had ever seen that happen before. Happy riding and stay safe!! Cheers

[@aletoledo1]

thanks for your videos. They help me relax.

[@chrisandstephanieashley3510]

I find your videos very interesting Shoestring. It's a world that is fascinating to me and I get to see it a bit through you. Thanks. And good advice... always trust your gut.

[@lornperkins4270]

You need a pair of good noise canceling headphones or commercial grade earplugs to stuff in your ears while moving then leave them out at night..I don't blame your ears thoes freight trains are DAMN LOUD

[@keytone5184]

Another new classic,thanks for the switch demo,in the movies somebody gets there foot stuck when a train comes.funny that's the movies

[@kpex7509]

I’m disabled for 15 years. Back injury. Take 2 tramadol 50. Pills Everyday for 2 years . Only for pain not sleeping. No side effects. Thank you for your video.😊

[@alkennedy1124]

You mean there is no whistles on that tail end, nice , I know-they are air horns, but they call them train whistles W on a stick coming up to the crossings at the regulated area , and at that spot is where they blow the whistle , loll right good job, thanks BigAl California.praise Jesus grace Christ amen 🙏

[@kennymillwood4985]

Melatonin makes me dream all kinds of crazy and scary stuff! Why is that' or am I the only one that it does it to man it's scary!!!

[@trackdawg7637]

The train had to clear the signal for the dispatcher to throw the switch.

[@sarabaldeschwieler7763]

I'm glad you dumped the drugs, you don't need that in your system. I hope you caught a great ride out. Fab to see you back ' in the wild'.

[@cadebecker2486]

Awesome videos! Can't stop thinking of them threw the day!

[@robbiehernandez1666]

A pair of Stealth buzzards! As soon as I seen your video I was on it. Glad you give us videos, Thank YOU so much.

[@beeble2003]

Looked like turkey vultures, to me.

[@dmorgan28]

Well ya almost caught a ride Shoestring. Get some good sleep. Take care and have a good one. 👍👍👍❤️🙏

[@cheaplaughkennedy2318]

Always enjoy watching you Shoe , thanks my friend 👍👌

[@Miles-lq7vc]

Safe travels brother.

[@skinnyg190]

Doctor, I have trouble sleeping. Doctor: Here's a horse tranq. And a compound fracture in my leg. Same doctor: Here's a splint made of 2x4's and a couple aspirin.

[@waynek921]

Nice video shoestring.. love your shots on the trains..

[@chuckmvs]

Shoestring, Those plates on the tank cars are called "head shields" They are to keep the coupler from piercing the end of the tank cars during a derailment as you said,🚂

[@rodchallis8031]

Just did some digging around. I think the head shields indicate they are DOTT 117 tankers, which are phasing out the DOTT 111. Not only are the head shields added, but the ends of the tanks are thicker, and a different steel formulation is used. (Normalized Steel) While the deficiencies of the DOTT 111 were known, it wasn't until the horrific "accident" at Lac Megantic that both the U.S. and Canadian governments got serious about requiring safer tankers. DOTT 111's, for flammables, are supposed to be phased out by 2025 in favour of the DOTT 117's. I rewatched the video to see if I could catch "DOTT 111" or 117 on the tankers but if it's there I didn't see it on either type.

[@chrishepp4429]

Time to grow up shoestring

[@mrb6597]

@@chrishepp4429 I think he's tall enough already

[@jambipickel482]

much love, Shoestring. safe travels, from alamosa, Colorado

[@scottmaytham3429]

When I see that Graffiti, and my house needs Painting .The fancier the better Tag My House!

[@tammymullins5240]

I've been watching your videos for 2 week's I have to say I in joy 😊

[@jeremymurphy7320]

4:12 Amen, hobo. You can always put on enough clothing to stay warm but you can get in a lot of trouble if you shed too much to try to stay cool.

[@choochoo640]

Stay warm sir love your videos👍👍

[@rpdobbler]

Love ya buddy!! Glad to see you are out doing your thing!!

[@PorkChopJones]

Congrats on your upcoming 100,000 award! Thanks for your great videos!

[@danbelzile4203]

Good to see u riding the rails and thanks for the tour of the railroad 🚂🚂🚃🚃🚃🚃🚃🚃🚃🚂🚂🚃🚃🚃🚃🚃☕🍩👍

[@stevenpowers2365]

I have been watching your channel for a short time. It's like your a fine friend I'm just starting to get to know. Fantastic views from around our great country. All that you show and do for every experience, should be a value rather than a person willing to write out useless tickets and fines. They really should be giving you monetary for being an advertising spokesperson. I will always continue to watch. Have done so fo r hours at a time. Best wishes and good health. Be safe and rewarded at least from the higher power of life around us. Respectfully true . Stevo.

[@alycatpublishing1164]

Shoestring- your life is what the movie Easy Rider is about only your story is a true-life story that details, step by step, the pursuit of happiness, following your heart and above all freedom and the bravery required to enjoy such freedom. Thank you, Mr. Shoestring! You're a credit to every man, woman or child who calls themselves "free". Take care of yourself, my friend. You have more friends than you'll ever know about. And thank you for being you and for keeping America the home of the free because of the brave. I've been told I have an ancestor that was both a gandy dancer and a hobo and watching your videos "ignites" something in my soul or my DNA (not sure which) but I can't quell this uprising. Nor would I want to. The next time you find yourself near Boston you have a fried clam lunch coming your way.

[@mikemartin9677]

The leaves will be changing soon , warning that cold is on the way. Remember to turn your boots upside-down, I just beat myself up when they fill up with snow while I slept. I loved the no pressure freedom too. I got older and fragile. Getting old isn't for the squeamish is it. Long may you run my friend. In a Cadillac grainer.. comfort and joy, Shoestring. 👍❤✌

[@pennystewart4127]

I work for RCX drive in Georgia for CSX. Love working with these railroad crew's. Worked PTI before RCX took over.

[@EH-nw6bu]

Glad you finally caught out. You can tell that your spirits are up and you are enjoying the ride. Thanks for taking us along. Be safe brother!!

[@thomaselmore1155]

The ride is your sleep therapy.

[@wanderer418]

UN 1090 is ACETONE & IS A CLASS FLAMMABLE

[@navigator902]

WOW, crushed that stone to salt.

[@russellparker5272]

flamable 1075, 1987 liquid gas and alcohol.

[@beeble2003]

@@russellparker5272 I guess you meant to post that somewhere else, but it's correct. There was also 1090 (acetone) immediately behind the grainer that Shoestring rejected for being right next to hazmat.

[@CerebralAilment]

Look forward to seeing the progress of this ride!

[@mrl3guy]

I use to put rocks and pennies on tracks all the time as a kid. I loved growing up next to the tracks.

[@TheHoboShoestring]

I saw a guy stick a railroad spike on the rail and that actually lifted up the wheel off the track about a inch and was loud! I've seen guys at camp throw 2x4s under the train to chop the wood down to smaller lengths to burn in the campfire. Dumb....

[@mrl3guy]

@@TheHoboShoestring man the railroad spikes and 2x4s where just ballsy. I knew the weight would crush the rocks.

[@kenhardesty2575]

Done with the doc and on the move!!!

[@three6ohchris]

I was actually prescribed trazadone once before to help me sleep as well. I know exactly what you're talking about, when you mentioned how you felt in the morning. It's like a brain fog and you just feel like your brain is getting a "fuzzy" reception, where you feel like you're just not able to focus on anything. Wasn't a fan of that either, didn't take it after that first time. It would definitely be a bad idea for you to take it while you're out riding. Could put you in a bad spot.

[@dylanlevy2107]

I take 400 mg of Seroquel a day an 1,000mg depakote u got no clue ahahahahahaha trazadone is like Advil compared to a Seroquel.. Seroquel will knock u out cold for days Im about to drop all my psych meds they just fog me up

[@clarkelliott5389]

Pills like that are best split into pieces and then taken as halves or quarters instead of a whole pill.

[@indisputablefacts8507]

US Doctors are just prescription factories, bought and paid for by the drug cartels and the insurance rackets. Don't take the garbage they prescribe unless you really, really need it and can't figure out any other way.

[@timestax]

I needed 250 MG of trazdone to get to sleep. It worked fast but made me so hungry and then I would almost choke on the food. I couldn't sleep after about an hour then it would dry me out so bad that I couldn't breath through my nose so every 10 or 15 minutes I would wake up and then I would wake to use the bathroom

[@three6ohchris]

@@timestax oh wow... It sounds like you built up quite a tolerance over time. Hopefully you aren't still dealing with the same issues that you were during that point in time

[@lorim3372]

Oh that trazadone is some wicked stuff no way id take that either!. Good to see you there!!!

[@cmeador2371]

AWESOME....keep em comin !!!!!

[@timothyxv171mmmpertinentgamer]

Super WOW that's good to hear you doing well Hobo shoestring love the video always yes of course you located right near by the train stop I'm is just that awesome WOW you have been traveling I know keep some area clean my friend keep jumping that's true waiting for the special hopping train yes you gonna see junky express now is time hear that click on that rail you know Crew Engineer added power

[@davidjaeger7850]

Just tuning in from Flagstaff Arizona

[@johnstamper2965]

I am a new subscriber and I absolutely love this channel. Shoestring you are the man!

[@bobbaker8263]

Trazedone will kick your as”. My VA gave me that. I took one pill & twelve hours later I finally woke up. Safe travels my fellow Veteran.

[@tammymullins5240]

Shoestring your videos are very Education thanks so learning a lot

[@tdiddy2.084]

Another nice video as always shoestring, be safe, have fun, and ride on brother🙏🏻🤘🏻

[@mrenfilade7178]

"...Two feet and yer tongue" xD

[@whatsonyourchannel]

@ 19:11 I was just about too comment the same. 👍😀

[@mrenfilade7178]

@@whatsonyourchannel yes and those armored tankers Id seen before -- u notice since the adminregime in DC outlawed pipelines (safer than tankers, eco friendly incase accident, more efficient/lower prices etc), now you see all the petrol rollin over Buffet-owned railroads...look into his positions! Sometimes u just dont find a ride / i didnt want to ride in the alkalai /

[@Whipple1]

Congratulation on 100K, Shoestring! Cheers! Whipple

[@sgttombailes3380]

HooAh ! Shoestring !! Carry on Bro !! Outstanding Videos ! You're looking pretty healthy !!

[@xladydriver]

Happy Rails to You🚂 Stay Safe, Warm, Dry & Healthy 💜

[@carlaustin7398]

Glad your back out there. Stay safe.

[@paulsnyder744]

Melatonin 10 mg over the counter for sleep it's a supplement, Doctors will give you what ever makes them the most$$$$$,you did the right thing by throwing that garbage away,it will only result in hindering your train catching ability, not a risk I would want to take!✌🚂

[@andrewthacker114]

Thanks for video .Enjoyed

[@3melendr]

Tramadol is bad stuff! It gave me lightheadedness and irregular heartbeat. Enduring pain is the name of my game!