In-between riding the iron horse

[@dslife1]

Man, I hate that he’s not with us anymore 😢 He loved living and that’s exactly what he did. God bless you Shoestring. I truly miss you. So thankful for all the videos you left behind.

[@renegadebt1374]

Godspeed Mr. Nicholes, Thank you for all you gave, and have given.. You will be missed.. R.I.P. Shoestring. ✌

[@billygilliam1496]

You’re missed brother. We love you, man.

[@marcroche9324]

I feel sorry for lil' Ken. He lost a favorite Uncle -R.I.P. It's hard on a family. My Grand Daughters miss their Uncle Doug who died at 34yrs.

[@steverhodesvideos6244]

You're proof that no matter what your station in life, a man can be a gentleman with honor and dignity.

[@9mileproductions]

Shoe is so boss, he walks right in front on an engine talking about ‘there might be somebody in there’, fearless like he owns the yard…which he does!

[@OhioHoon]

I really appreciate your attitude towards life and your health. You are a curious and positive person Shoestring - it’s very calming and uplifting to watch your adventures. Thank you so much for taking the time to post these videos!!

[@stanleyneiljelinek1924]

VERY well said

[@OhioHoon]

@@stanleyneiljelinek1924 sometimes you just need a Shoestring video to catch your breath, forget the noise, and refocus

[@charlie-talbottalbot5472]

There's absolutely nothing boring about your videos Shoestring we love you all the way from the UK

[@kennethbrewer1743]

keep em coming shoe brother, I'm learning stuff at 75 years old.

[@hpshifter7783]

They say when you stop learning, you stop living. Respect to you Kenneth Brewer.

[@theovanstaden5766]

One thing about Mr Shoestring, He know a lot about Railroads, yes a love for trains, some folk dont understand , why we like trains, lol i been living close to Railroad tracks for the last 54 years, its in our blood! Hi again from a south african railfan!

[@Therealjohndooley]

Your knowledge of trains and all things train related just amazes me man. Very impressive. I think the thing I like most about you and your videos is that you seem like a real person, not some polished youtuber putting on an act for the camera. I find comfort in your videos and the sounds of the train helps me to get to sleep sometimes. I appreciate you and all that you do and have the utmost respect for you man. Will definitely keep you in my prayers.

[@jdubs5446]

"Make sure you don't lick the same finger" Mr. Shoestring....... you sir are an awesome individual! I was friends with Iowa Blackie. As a young pup growing up In Boone I would run into him yearly. Id see him all over. One year I got the courage to finally say hello. I bought him a soda and got myself one too. I offered it to him and he smiled and laughed like Santa. He said he had plenty to drink and his cup was full but if I insisted he would accept my gift. At that moment i realized something. Never judge a book by its cover. That man was one of the happiest people id ever met. Typing this has brought back some memories....I got some tears falling as we speak. I should buy his books.... we had talked about writing a poem together and i gave him some ideas he even wrote them down. Maybe lol..... at either rate...... You made it to 100,000 people..... and def going to be many many more. Hope to meet ya some day SHoeString! Take care and be love!

[@jonathanburrowaz]

The smokestack was the old Columbian Paper Mill

[@vickilennon2556]

You are so lovely with Ken. Teaching him in such a thoughtful and kind way.

[@the_minimalistic_adventure]

Your video editing skills are getting really great, dude!!

[@cheaplaughkennedy2318]

Wish the best for ya Shoe 👍 you always have interesting segments and places with something new to learn . Keep on traveling .Thank you again .

[@gradysanders48]

Been looking forward for a new post there Shoe String! Love your trips and good advice of all things.God Bless You

[@musclecarmitch908]

Great video Shoestring! All the sounds in the yard are awesome! Great to learn how those engines are linked together! Thanks for sharing your knowledge! Wishing you the best on all the test results!

[@ninjawarrior636]

I always keep you in my prayers brother stay safe keep them coming

[@americancrusader5748]

I love this man. Youre a wholesome man

[@M4G4M4N]

Congrats on the 100k, you are truly a inspiration to all dreams can come with hard work and persistence

[@realpillboxer]

Don't forget a bit of luck. Dude almost died from esophageal varices (twice!) and damn near got ended when he slipped off a moving train but "only" lost some fingers. And who can tell how YT's algorithm works to promote clips.

[@the_minimalistic_adventure]

@@realpillboxer the algorithms are weird. KZbin definitely picks and chooses what they want to get views!

[@DragonSMP]

Potash is Potassium Hydroxide, it's very caustic, and can cause you a great deal of harm if you are exposed directly to it. It has a pH of 14.

[@doortech8227]

Shoestring, I've had a period of my life recently where bad health and troubles really dominated my life. Appointments and specialist all the time. It was rough and I hate dealing with medical professionals. I really hope you get on top of your issues and back out in the tracks asap. Good luck brother and thanks for the great content 👍

[@tenminutetokyo2643]

Read “The Magic of Believing” by Claude Bristol!

[@marcushume2240]

Nothing wrong with a little down time and catch up on some quality time with your buddy. Nice to see your out and about sharing what you love the most about your life. Thirty years on the rails that's amazing in itself. Your a very good story teller. Thank you for sharing.

[@terrybane6206]

I sure do miss this guy.

[@EricSmith-ve7qi]

As always another great video Shoestring! So glad to hear your feeling better let's pray the results all come back good! You and Ken make a perfect team! He adores you and he is always happy when you guys are together! Your both good for each other! He really listens to you and he learns from one of the best! No where else would you see someone teaching a child how to plant Tomatos! Great idea Shoestring! He will remember that forever!! Thanks for update. B Safe. Shoestring Nation #1.......

[@anonymousdev6771]

Glad you're starting to feel better brother, take care of yourself.

[@planetwisconsin9901]

I really like the little details you point out on the cars and locos. Been a railfan all my life thanks to my dad but I can always learn more! 🤠

[@sting1111]

Best health wishes from Ohio. Look forward to many more videos.

[@lorettashepherd.]

Good to see a new video String. It wasn't boring at all. I always enjoy your videos whether they be of you on the rails,telling stories or teaching us all something new. Keeping you in my prayers 🙏🙏🙏 for a positive outcome on the 28th. God bless you and heal you. Much love and respect always

[@dinodiioia2884]

Shoestring Keep bringing videos love your stories .God Bless from canada.👍

[@catslivesmatter1268]

GOD BLESS YOU MR SHOESTRING AND YOU ARE ALWAYS IN MY SINCEREST PRAYERS !

[@TheHoboShoestring]

Thank you

[@kens.3729]

Congratulations Mark on Reaching 100,000+ KZbin Subscribers on your Channel. Well Deserved!

[@jakebrakebill]

Having your health is everything, sharing your story/journey just reinforces it.

[@OscarRuiz-gj3mp]

NOT boring. Fascinating,in fact! Love you,Shoestring!

[@zerofox7347]

100k Subs congratulations buddy!

[@jesseahner8473]

High Hobo. You are one of the great hoboes. A- # - 1 to you. Stay safe in jumping and travels. 💯%

[@randycagle6647]

Watch all your videos really great. I'm from west Tn. Be careful on your journey. Maybe I'll see you in Tn. Some day.

[@phobosful]

Your a hero shoestring, in many ways. People need to see calmness in ones soul in the times in which we live.

[@Stony121]

Shoestring, there are graffiti decals made for the different scales. I've seen them on eBay. You don't have to have the exact scale. For instance HO would still work on O, N can be used on HO, etc. I once knew the guy at Micro-Trains who designed the graffiti on their produced rolling stock.

[@SaltyNationalist]

I think he's looking for a good artist to do a Shoestring tag on his cars.. Not just rando graffiti..

[@beeble2003]

@@SaltyNationalist Nah, I'm sure he could do his own tag. Just need a good fine-point drafting pen (something like a Picma Micron) and you can just draw it straight on. At the point when he was talking about wanting graffiti on his models, he was showing a throw-up across several square yards of a Potash Corp hopper.

[@mikehemming1331]

Like the bits and pieces production well done Mr Shoestring

[@christopherscott722]

I appreciate the knowledge you have of all areas of railroading. Fine job Senor`

[@dmorgan28]

Sure glad you’re feeling better Shoestring. Good to see you out and about. Still praying for you 👍👍👍❤️

[@Ifnotfriendwhyfriendshaped]

Glad your doing better, been fiending for a new Shoestring video. The best friend I've never met. 🚂=😀

[@brianmerkerson2414]

I second that,I ALWAYS ENJOY a video from shoestring,especially the longer ones but any will do

[@TheHoboShoestring]

Thanks guys

[@CloudSeedz]

Got a old painter buddy Shoestring

[@ramrod2869]

i really looking forward to these videos, really calming to watch, and learn a thing or two about trains,

[@johnroberts7924]

Shoestring that boy will have fond memories of you my friend, you are a great person.

[@williamsteele8891]

A Fairbanks scale! They used to make them here in Beloit Wis.

[@mrchuck644]

Enjoyed the video shoestring you are never boring. You are always entertaining

[@fhbbi]

Watching these videos os like being in a real life size, toy, HO train set! The railroad should hire you with all your railroading knowledge!

[@S_A_D.]

I just love your videos sir, keep em coming my friend. 🥰🚂

[@hinspect]

Fine video! I'm going to try sweet cherry tomatoes in a grow tent this winter. Collected one piece at a time and finally got a decent plant light

[@mwcinci]

Love the videos shoestring. I've been telling my coworkers about your channel and got at least one subscribed. Love learning about the rails from a different perspective

[@stanleyj.mitchell4851]

Your description of the electrical jumper cables between those two engines was spot on. The wire will control a different function. I am really impressed. Also I do hope you get good results from your ultrasound.

[@ryanl8172]

Always learn something watching your videos. Thank you for sharing

[@scottbtraveling1444]

It's Great to see you get back out on the rail. I hope and pray that you are kept safe in all your adventures & Journeys.

[@andrewdawson9753]

You are right, its Potash, like pot on a stove. I live in a part of North America where most of the potash comes from. Its cool seeing those "Potash Corp" cars down south. Glad you are feeling better, too. I am looking forward to your next ride.

[@braintumor943]

I thought potash was cement powder, in fact I’m pretty sure of it

[@andrewdawson9753]

@@braintumor943 Nope. It's a nutrient. A pink rock mineral, that's ground and used to add nutrients to the soil being farmed.

[@lanceharris8420]

@@braintumor943 I think you may be thinking of “fly ash”, which can be used in concrete

[@braintumor943]

@@lanceharris8420 yes, but my mistake comes from soil cement crews using old out of use grainer trucks to spread the cement

[@michaelborgogna1727]

Best part of the video? Tomato planting. You’re a good man Hobo. Praying for healthy doctors results, and looking forward to seeing you out on the rails again soon!!! 👍🏻

[@unclechris3958]

I love this channel it's one of my favorites

[@kens.3729]

Farmer “Ken” is doing a Great job with Planting and Watering the Seeds. Fun helping young people.

[@johnhughes6106]

I am not a relative of Marks but I think this is important !!! I’m sure all the commenters on here, mean we’ll. However, when our comments only keep repeating how we can’t wait for mark to get out and make new videos; that is putting undo pressure on him that is not helping him out in the least. Riding rails is tough on the body and maybe just maybe his body is trying to tell him that riding rails is in his rear view mirror. Mark has a lot running thru his mind and we need to keep that at the forefront of our mind when we send him our comments. He has plenty of videos that have not been watched, view those and keep the comments about today present not about the future. It says in Gods Holy word, that none of us can be certain about tomorrow. Take today and live as though it is our last day!!

[@chrisburgess5216]

Shoestring never kissed butt nor or I am now.i just thought you would like to know that you haved helped one person in life.i know to you your life might not seem the greatest but I'm disabled and suffering from severe depression.i came across your channel a few years back and I use to travel the US but can't anymore.they will be some smart comments after this but I just want to thank you for being you.i know it's ALOT. Of hard work what you do but it's kept me going.your purpose in life is more than you think.just know they are people who truly care.i know I've never met you.but the videos speak for themselves..Good Luck and God speed my friend

[@dennism2512]

We are praying for good results in your Dr. Appointments Shoe! Stay strong because you have alot of people out here that have your back and are pulling for you!!!

[@BirdGardenChannel]

Congrats on 100K 👍I found graffiti decals for model trains on line.

[@cheaplaughkennedy2318]

Like your pic of the Red Headed Woodpecker. I can usually see a few at Huntley Meadows in Virginia, beautiful bird . 👍

[@testosteroneinc.3800]

@@cheaplaughkennedy2318 Red Headed Wood Pecker... Aka, Biden's press secretary. 👌

[@BirdGardenChannel]

@@cheaplaughkennedy2318 Took that pic in Northeast TN - Shoestring territory!

[@cheaplaughkennedy2318]

@@BirdGardenChannel cool, awesome picture 👍👌

[@HappyQuailsLC]

Your camera has amazing telephoto zoom abilities!

[@freedomfan4272]

Samsung smartphone is what he uses to record his videos

[@ritatharp5238]

Hi Mark! Thank you for sharing. I love trains! 💖. Take care of yourself, I want you around alot longer. 😊

[@vrmntthb]

They make graffiti decals for your model trains so no need for anyone to come over and overspray your walls… Plus those MU cables have 27 pins in them with most of them designated for an input/output for each unit ..

[@craigmurphy2046]

Darn good to see you. Getting worried. Love your videos. Stay healthy.

[@WImob420]

none of your videos are boring, have been going thru your older ones.

[@1960gambit]

Congrats on 100,000 subscribers! I hope to be there someday with my channel. Well done!

[@wrangler70jkujeep74]

Hope doing well . I go doctor this Thursday . Nice videos .

[@gearshift7176]

Mr. Shoestring you sure have a kind dispensation have great time feel better. Stay Safe

[@SouthbaySpeaks]

Old abandoned Columbian Paper Mill in Bristol, Va., is what you're looking at.

[@nutmagnet22]

That building is a cross dock warehouse.Back trailers in break the LTL loads down load them in other trailers and ship it back out.

[@geneaustin5151]

Great video, I was just up last weekend at Frisco and Kingsport looking around. Didn't see any through trains but a lot of local power! Love the area.

[@micheldescoteaux7192]

Shoestring, I would love to help you out with those cars in graffiti 👍, only thing I ask in return is to send you a plaque for your autograph signature on it in return for my layout room 👍

[@nnyboy320]

Brother it would be wonderful to see you out in the North West. I've been itchin to get back out ever since I settled down with my family. We live about 30 miles from Eugene OR and there's a sweet yard there for catching out or bailing off. Would be happy to have you over a few nights out with the family and maybe even take on an adventure together. Much love brother stay safe and alert!!

[@scottchilds978]

HEY Shoestring, your videos are always cool....Thanx

[@harrynutsac8185]

Engine consist go by powered axle values, different classes of engines have different powered axle values ( like AC & DC). Otherwise you could pull apart or stingline if you had too much power on the head end, that’s why they have distributive power. Usually the most road engines you see on the head end “on line is 3” the rest are usually dead in tow.

[@kennyspry5189]

See how the Red Hose is plugged into the other side is because the Engine's are running the opposite way if the Engine's were running in the same direction then the Red hose would plug in on the same side. When the Engine's are running the opposite way they have to plug them the opposite way so that the Engine will run the correct way

[@douglaslangella7782]

Glad to see you back! I get worried when you don’t post. Stay healthy my friend.

[@rickylong2570]

Ur such a positive role model for Ken ...i pray for u everyday ur out on the rails. Hope one day ill meet u and take a rail ride down the line. Happy train ride and see ya on the next video.

[@railnut8453]

Those cables between the locos are called MU cables. Stands for “Multiple Unit”. And yes that’s how they make a consist all run in unison.

[@scooter2kool173]

How do the dpu’s work?

[@railnut8453]

@@scooter2kool173 Those are radio controlled from the head end.

[@scooter2kool173]

Railnut biggest RC unit around. Thanks for responding. Take care

[@freedomfan4272]

@ Scooter 2kool "distant signal" posted a video a few months ago about how a DPU works.

[@kennyrichard2971]

Hey shoestring good to see another video it’s good to see your doing OK I hope good results back from your testing enjoyed the video can’t wait for the next one

[@tammybryant8408]

Sending you prayers for your healing and health 🙏

[@frizo50]

On this video the cars that had Dunkly lumber on it. It made in the town i live in lol love your videos

[@vanlifeinthecity9798]

I always love and appreciate your videos. If you're ever in Salt Lake city area of Utah, look us up. I'll buy lunch or something.

[@_Ramen-Vac_]

somehow.. ALL of your videos are beautiful sir.

[@iknklst]

That bulding is an old cross-dock freight terminal, most likelyt an ex-LTL trucking company owned that. Looks like it's being used as a warehouse or storage facility now.

[@nnyboy320]

Haha I have to comment because I just saw your part about being on a car witha storm. I was in a box car somewhere by I 10 heading to El Paso and I was awoke by a deafening and I mean covering my ears deafening sound. We were slowing and I swore we were wrecking so I bailed off and got pretty messed up, ended up chasing down the train into the siding while being pummeled by that storm. I still don't know how I feel about that experience lol. Foolish but I suppose lucky. I couldn't help but laugh alittle some time later. I was pretty convinced I'd just thrown myself out of a train and just left my stuff behind. What a day hahaha

[@jonwatt678]

Great to get the notification Mark.. Was starting to wonder if all was OK.. Get well, Stay safe & see ya on the rail...... All the best from eastern Maine... JW..

[@trackdawg7637]

I love watching your videos. Be carful out there. May be one day I'll get to see ya out there. I work on a tie team. Go all over the place. I'm off right now for personal reasons. Again be careful Mr Shoestring

[@wiseassclips]

Nice seeing you outside filming things. Just do these little videos until you can head out. Just keep in touch with us; and keep the algorithms well oiled like a stream locomotor.

[@debralavorata546]

Thank you for putting ur viewers in ur thoughts to keep us entertained when ur not a 💯 this is why ur fans love u! Please stay well,and safe take care of yourself first,I'm keeping u in my prayers,feel better, godspeed 🙏

[@FrankBenlin]

Thanks to you I look at freights completely different now. Thanks to you.

[@unrealzebra3662]

Would never be boring man, loving the content..👍🏻

[@Nethanel773]

14:55 Wow, a caboose still in existence! Last ones I ever saw in service was in the early 90s on CSX. True, this one is parked. Still I figured any remaining cabooses are in rail museums and the rest scrapped, but not so.

[@beeble2003]

There are still a few. They're quite often used as "shoving platforms" in situations where a train needs to reverse for, say, a couple of miles. The conductor can stand on the caboose, rather than having to hang on to the ladder on the side of the last car for a long time. Those ones often have the doors welded shut.

[@STEVEMcNEIL673]

Congratulations 🎉🎊🎈 on 100K I appreciate you so Shoestring thank you for sharing buddy. Much Respect from Napa California brother. 🛤 🚂🚊🚉🚄🚆

[@BaltimoreAndOhioRR]

Cool caboose on Bristol! 👍

[@hammerandnails7594]

Really glad to see a video from you. Hope you are feeling well. Took the family down to pigeon forge 3 weeks ago. Took a trip on the Great smoky mountain railroad out of Bryson city, what a great experience.

[@althunder4269]

Dunkley Lumber is a BC Canada sawmill. Potash Corp. is in Saskatchewan, Canada.