Trainhopping / stealth camping tips and tricks, PART 2

Some words of warning, safety tips, info about noise discipline, and other topics of use for riding freight trains. Applicable for bug-out scenarios as well.
#trainhopping #freighthopping #hobos #bugoutbag #stealthcamping #tactical #survival

[@YardBuzzards]

We met you in whitefish in '21

[@PitchBlackForge]

Yep. I wound up getting a 48 out of there. Hope y’all are doing well .

[@YardBuzzards]

@@PitchBlackForge hell ya bud! You we're headed Chicago way I think? Ya we ran into mama and baby bears near the old hill by the new condos. Funny shit. Definitely had Todo some back peddling from her.

[@PitchBlackForge]

@@YardBuzzards I hope it was black bears and not griz. I was headed to Minneapolis and points east. The rest of the journey went well. Willard Ohio was a shitshow, which is pretty normal these days, and all the trains I caught east of there were slow as molasses. So it goes.

[@imonearthnow1903]

A level headed, smart, non alcoholic/drug free train jumper? You are providing probably the best instructional video on KZbin. You are also highly underrated. Keep up the excellent work because those who respect the craft will find and appreciate you. I just subscribed and already I'm a fan.

[@PitchBlackForge]

Thanks for the feedback. I’ll try to upload something new soon.

[@SteveD328]

Well, I guess I am rare. I’m a rail fan but would not call in and report riders. I have been fascinated with train hopping for many years, the only thing that has kept me from trying is that to get caught would be devastating to my career. One of my coworkers, who holds the same position as me (captain on a private jet) actually has hopped a train before…when he was 12 years old. I actually envy you guys that do this. Great video series.

[@PitchBlackForge]

Thank you. I’ve recently had to amend my opinion of railfans. I’ve met a few of you guys now (online and real life) who love every aspect of railroad culture.

[@TerraExplorations]

My favorite part ? is where you discuss ethics, well done man ! all these vids of kids hanging and surfing the cars, and disrespecting the DPUs is really going to put an end to riding and will soon be a thing of the past. nice that you put that out there first ! When I go camping to watch trains, I bring extra gear and goodies in my cooler just incase I see a rider, a can or two dog food jus incase too. So im one in a few thats not a rat. Thank you for a really great video !🤘

[@hoboq3tree]

I wish I could put into words how inspiring and helpful you are

[@PitchBlackForge]

Thank you for the vote of confidence. More to come.

[@hyperintelligentfish3873]

I mentioned Stobe in the comments on your first video. Thankyou for pointing out his mistakes in a respectful and educational manner.

[@PitchBlackForge]

The man lived how he wanted. I can’t fault him that. But alcohol was almost certainly involved in Baltimore. It’s a damn shame.

[@matthewluepkes7141]

Im not going too hitch any freight trains , but i really enjoy, your gear kits,and stealth mindsets about security, concealment and simple weapons of self defense 👍

[@darrylwillhite7880]

Much respect and I thank you for making these videos and I’m very grateful that I was able to find them

[@behindthespotlight7983]

Thumbs up before I even watch the video. That’s how badass your hacks are. New sub 👍🏼 Bonus points for the action packers

[@ihopcsx]

Great info for newbies. Also those rubber dipped grip gloves are great for ladders

[@ihopcsx]

I look forward to more insight from you. I can tell you've been around.

[@RackwitzG]

I wanted to do something else right now, but I'm just hanging on the lips of this guy. Advice I'll probably never need, but very interesting to someone who is interested in the lifestyle.👍

[@jasonvermette470]

My Dad rode through the late 70’s early 80’s. The only reason I’m here is him passing through and meeting my Mom. He taught me a lot about riding and you know your shit. Too many idiots out there

[@ho-Bo-555]

Good stuff brother... im new to all this, so any advice is good to know.... respect for your respect for the culture. Be safe out there! Thank you!

[@kennethprice5628]

Your videos and advice are excellent

[@007cheeesepuff5]

little tip for flashlights and headlamps. Put some masking tape over the lense and if you have a flashlight, wrap it in some rubber bands or duct tape so if and when it falls out of your pocket it doesn't bang against the metal. The masking tape over the lense will kill the glare but will still allow you to see. Duct tape helps with grip if you're gloved up.

[@PitchBlackForge]

I'll be shooting a gear video tomorrow. I keep my flashlight in a handmade kydex sheath with pull-the-dot loop. It's got good texture for grip, and a very robust lens. TStreamlight makes good stuff. To mute the light, I will just cup it in my hand. It's got two settings - one is extremely bright. But if you cup the lens you can direct a small beam to not make yourself so obvious. I like the option of it being really bright not just for seeing far, but for self defense.

[@007cheeesepuff5]

Thats good thinking. I try to use distance when at all possible but I knew a guy who used to keep one of those bear flares with him. Waterproof, burns hot and bright, but idk how smart that would be lighting one near the train@@PitchBlackForge

[@PitchBlackForge]

A flare near a train is something workers will use in an emergency. They keep fusees in locomotives for this reason.

[@PitchBlackForge]

@@007cheeesepuff5also - if you want a grippier surface on anything, I suggest hockey tape. Very useful stuff.

[@007cheeesepuff5]

never thought about using that. I'll have to see if I can find some. I like your holster solution though. I've found that the duct tape loses a bit of grip after awhile once oils and whatnot collect on it but for me it was more for noise discipline than anything. good lookin out!@@PitchBlackForge

[@ndroidrage]

Good input

[@adamedwards2261]

Thanks brother 🤙🏻🇺🇸⚔️

[@garybrown585]

Thanks 😊❤

[@kiokayx]

love ur vids man

[@PitchBlackForge]

Thank you. More to come, soon.

[@yeetergriffen]

Thank you

[@V_666.]

cool man I'm a rider as well, fixin a friends property for the winter and started making custom knives, well just the handles, too this year. good shit

[@nomadirish6067]

Where you at

[@V_666.]

@@nomadirish6067 Norcal

[@misanthropic168]

Please make more.

[@misanthropic168]

Of these. I got a sillcock key because of you . I won't be drinking mudpudlles

[@ihopcsx]

Damn I always wondered what those rods were.

[@RougemontForge]

I had no idea creosote was so nasty. Good video!

[@PitchBlackForge]

My reaction might have been uncommonly bad. But I’ll never forget it. Worth avoiding.

[@ihopcsx]

and black paint is a sun magnet for your water bottle. seasonal approach

[@Dewald_surviving_80]

Hey I love your videos bro and your very knowledgeable about what your speaking on id love to ask you a question in private if possible because I'm very interested in making my first jump i need some advice and I'm sure you could help me so hopefully you see this comment and get back to me.Keep the videos coming bro their awesome

[@behindthespotlight7983]

20:46 or at minimum carry a juice can shim (American soda cans are too flimsy in 2024) and a handcuff key. And a word on cop keys: yes you can buy them online but DONT GET CAUGHT with one. They can be extrapolated out to impersonating an officer (felony depending on circumstances) Don’t wander with a tire pressure knocker either. Any bust with one of those away from a vehicle will definitely earn a trip to jail and possibly a “possession of a deadly weapon” charge. Also a felony

[@Sam-lr9oi]

Have you seen Mega Trains on youtube? He's a railfan in NJ with an accent that warms my heart. He's always like 'where's the traaain hahpers?' and tells people to watch Yard Buzzards, seems like maybe that one in a million railfan who'd enthusiastically chat it up

[@PitchBlackForge]

I’ll check him out. I recently met a railfan in Brunswick MD who is into graffiti and thinks train riding is cool. He’s on here as BaltimoreAndOhioRR. I think Stobe and Shoestring have helped changed some people’s attitudes.

[@hobeone1192]

They bridged the gap for sure.. I am friends with a lot of railfans.

[@AFaceintheCrowd01]

The thing that annoys me most is the littering. Why must they throw their garbage all over the place?

[@ihopcsx]

East coast is a spaghetti shitshow of rails. Fair warning. RIP Stobe

[@ihopcsx]

carry bear spray. yea its 40 bucks but youll know where the money went during deployment. Consider wind direction before use. (it sprays 30 feet. watch for friendly fire) .Wrap whole bottle portion with duct tape a few layers. ive had them fall out hit ballast and explode all over me and my gear. fair warning and safe travels ya knuckleheads.

[@ihopcsx]

why bear spray? you can get the whole crowd of tweakers instead of going from one to the next

[@ihopcsx]

show them the can and remind them "you dont want this"

[@ihopcsx]

my body burned for 3 days and 8 showers. warm water makes it worse

[@Ihoprails]

I was grabbed by one. The ballast tank pushed me away from the wheel by my backpack

[@ndroidrage]

We climb over the brake lines when it comes to autoracks

[@Patrickschlehuber]

I’m a paramedic and see life and death all the time. My dream is to so Denver to Omaha.

[@mikewatmough1312]

Stobe the hobo lost his life and was a very skilled train rider! It's dangerous, if you think it's not, then you need to think again

[@zekeigtos7240]

He wasnt really that skilled. He often rode drunk and got in quite a bit of trouble with the law. Seemed like a nice guy but he also had some inner demons and problems that plagued him throughout his short life.

[@kenball8526]

Great video, thanks. Limiting the use of “um” can be very frustrating.

[@carlrestoff4036]

Talk about brake pistons as a safety issue

[@PitchBlackForge]

You mean the pistons and arms on the porch of a grainer or deck of a container car? Yeah those can be a problem.

[@ihopcsx]

Yea they move randomly

[@ihopcsx]

dont carry "burglary" tools. aka screwdrivers,pliers,cutters,saw blades. they automatically assume those are for opening tagged or padlocked cars

[@ihopcsx]

keep that shit in a seperate small bag you can toss if your spotted and going into the yard

[@ihopcsx]

for you intermodal lovers. ya hotshot

[@ihopcsx]

they dont care if that stuff is to fix your bike you are getting a burg attemp charge or "possesion of burglary tools" i can tell you from experience

[@ihopcsx]

i only ride grain or chemical. slower yes but more acceptable

[@ihopcsx]

coal if desperate

[@PitchBlackForge]

I’ve ridden just about every kind of car there is. The railroads are not as agreeable when you get caught on intermodal, or in the locomotive, but if you’re going a few thousand miles it’s not very fun to stop constantly for clearance, or block swapping in every tiny yard out there.

[@ihopcsx]

@@PitchBlackForge very true. danger makes it fun. stay awake though

[@ihopcsx]

dont wake up in a yard

[@ihopcsx]

or being dumped

[@ndroidrage]

Shiey takes risks but is rarely caught.

[@PitchBlackForge]

I like a lot of his content, but he’s definitely one of the people who can’t just sit still. I’d prefer the risk taking to be about getting on the thing, and not so much of the running around on top of trains. I tend to stay put on a car and read a book. Maintenance of way crews are always watching trains for hot brakes or flat spots, so you never know when sticking your head out (or hanging onto a ladder with a selfie stick) is going to get you spotted. It’s not just about getting caught, it’s about the crew being forced to stop the train so you can be found by the cops. Being foolish and making someone’s job harder doesn’t foster good will with the workers. And we need them to not hate us.

[@ndroidrage]

@@PitchBlackForge well spoken.

[@ndroidrage]

Safe travels

[@nomadirish6067]

Where you from bro

[@PitchBlackForge]

North Carolina

[@nomadirish6067]

@@PitchBlackForge nice me and the Mrs is going to head up to Maine in April

[@daladams]

@@PitchBlackForgesorrystate!

[@PitchBlackForge]

@@daladams you mean the record store?

[@daladams]

⁠@@PitchBlackForgeyes, good catch! I’m also from NC and you remind me of a lot of my cool hardcore punk friends. Cheers!

[@kennethprice5628]

Ive seen vids of a gal who rides DPU's and is always stealing the water and throwing empties all over

[@PitchBlackForge]

Yeah there’s always an asshole in the mix. I grab waters if I need them, but I don’t leave a mess anywhere.

[@hobeone1192]

Tips for trainhopping: DO NOT DO IT AT ALL!

[@hobeone1192]

You left out the part where homebum schizophrenics try to be violent to you, how cops harass you, how frat kids try to attack you, wild dogs, coyotes, etc...its all around dangerous, most yards are in a bad neighborhoods...there is a lot of pain with doing this, just don't do it. Also, DO NOT RECORD THE HOPOUT!

[@PitchBlackForge]

Of all those things, loose / homebum dogs are the problem I’ve faced the most. Otherwise I don’t get bothered much. But I don’t fly a sign, I’m clean cut even if my clothes are dirty, and I don’t really hang out in public with my pack unless I’m walking. I’ll throw my bag in the bushes and sit at Barnes and Noble all day with one of their books and not get harrassed at all. Also: straight edge. Never having alcohol or the smell of booze on me has been invaluable. There’s no preventing people from being assholes, but I don’t get as much of that as I’ve heard about from others.

[@gheorghe-viorelstropelnita553]

You are out of your mind. Customize the zippers, is this your solution to safely?

[@PitchBlackForge]

It’s a good way to find your med kit quickly. If you want a safe life, I suggest you have Amazon deliver a bunch of bubble wrap to the basement you live in, line your room with it, and never leave.