Warm dry ride to Pennsylvania/Maryland

I was given permission to ride the locomotive and stayed dry and warm unlike my last trip from Tennessee to Maryland!
Heading west to Cleveland, Ohio, tonight.
My friend Jon's link to his train videos below:
/ @trainstrains9039
I'm heading to Cleveland to visit my KZbin friend Matt and he also has train videos and can be seen at the link below:
/ rpdobbler

[@rescuegirl]

RIP Shoestring. You were an absolute legend!

[@countmayo5343]

He still is. Legends never die.

[@richardbaker_0086]

Howd he die?

[@colblimp]

@@richardbaker_0086drowned in a lake next to his home.

[@richiebee1984]

DAMN!! RIP

[@cdracing]

LEGEND OF CRIME....LIKE POPCORN SUTTON.

[@tomjohnson8479]

As a BNSF engineer retired...I always let a "stray" ride in the trailing unit if I saw them! Turned the heat to high, gave em water and crew paks....and as always.."Don't touch anything!" Glad to help

[@christopherdibble5872]

I had my dreams, and I had my plans I was gonna BE A RAILROAD ENGINEER!

[@andrezejbudenski2411]

Helping the less fortunate as a Cristian.

[@davidvaughan3771]

How much schooling does it take to be a railroad engineer? I'd think as engineers go it'd be pretty reasonable

[@rolandthethompsongunner64]

@@davidvaughan3771Not sure. But the railroads are always hiring. Wish I had considered that career decades ago myself.

[@ourlifeinwyoming4654]

God love you!

[@carvcom1]

R.I.P. Shoestring. You will be missed. He had more knowledge of trains and railroading than most people.

[@Lost.in.your.HatefulVortex871]

RIP TRAVELER Life is an adventure. Your life is forever documented. Wherever your soul may roam. Your life is always with us.

[@rossginn1171]

RIP Shoestring,,,, you are terribly missed

[@renegadebt1374]

Godspeed Mr. Nichols, We Thank you for all you gave, and all you have given.. R.I.P Shoestring.. ✌

[@dennisa.brinck5988]

Sorry for your demise SHOESTRING....you went missing, in Johnson City on 03/27/2024.....and a fisherman found you in the body of water behind your home...thank you for all of your videos.......rest in peace

[@johningle8439]

Shoestring is a walking encyclopedia of railroad knowledge. He could fill volumes with what he knows. Live long and prosper Shoestring.

[@jamessones4044]

Loads of drivers respect him. I bet they would wear his T-shirt st weekends!

[@formatique_arschloch]

Sadly he just died.

[@go-gogodlike6179]

Hey. I was the cashier that rung you out earlier that day. Real interesting content pal.

[@TheHoboShoestring]

Those hand warmers are a life saver! The SmartWool socks feel great

[@HomeImProveMentHow]

Robert you should have some videos on your Channel look forward to hear from you by 4 now Ken

[@cow212tst]

Someone needs earplugs those engines are loud

[@kansascityshuffle8526]

@@cow212tst not really he has the window and inner door open. But if I had a choice I’d be on the 1127 GM nice and quiet.

[@scenicdepictionsofchicagolife]

@Name Name what a waste of neurons you are. Lolololol

[@tonydavey3741]

In 2005 my wife and i were on holiday in the USA, im a train moderler and we were at an NMRA convention, we went to the Feather River canyon to railfan, we were sat on a bank of grass overlooking Garden Springs when a UP train pulled in and stopped, after a while a man climbed down from the lead loco and walk over to us, asked us where we were from told him the UK he invited us to go over to the loco and have a look around, my wife said she would stay with our things and i jumped at the chance, he sat me in his seat and showed me all the controls explained how everything worked he then took me out the back and showed me the engine and again explained everything, he then took me into the second unit as it was different and showed me all, he gave me loads of paperwork and manuals , super super guy as was the conductor, we chased him right through the canyon he would wave and smile , made our holiday, thank you very much Mr UP engineer a true gentleman

[@MMSMIB81]

Canyon Subdivision is one of the best!

[@odakyuodakyu6650]

you ever tempted to ride the rails?

[@scenicdepictionsofchicagolife]

That's a really sweet memory man. I remember back in 2006 or 2007 when I was but a wee boy my dad had taken me out hunting on the farm which sits right next to the UP Geneva subdivision about 100ish miles west of Chicago. Back then as I am still now, fascinated by trains. Was waving to an engineer piloting an EMD SD70ACe pulling into a siding to wait for a green light. Got to go up inside the cab, notch it up, blow the horn, and even "let me" drive the train forward a few feet (even though it was probably just coupler slack). It was and still is one of the coolest memories I have.

[@petero2693]

You were sooo lucky...

[@msb3175]

I may have been the conductor you met that day. I'm retired now but I have memories of that day.

[@fredferd965]

It's the simple pleasures that we take for granted - a bag of chocolate chip cookies, a ride in a warm and dry place - he makes us appreciate what we have.

[@slowjamcdub]

Well said! 👍🇺🇸

[@morbidmanmusic]

he makes more than you $$$

[@missys199]

@@morbidmanmusic AND he does NOT have to live this way. He's not the ol look poor little thing lets help him. LOL he don't need our help. But he will damn sure take whatever you willing to give him for free!! He's never worked either!! He's literally lived his whole fu@king life off other people's backs!! He has a nice, I mean SUPER NICE apartment in Johnson City TN. He was showing his hospital paperwork in one of his videos when he was having so much trouble getting his "life saving" surgery. The reason he was having so much trouble and the reason he kept getting put off and put off and put off and put off is he was trying to use TN Medicaid for a hospital in I think SC?? I can't remember the state. But whatever state Duke University is in. Well, they kept putting him off because although state Medicaid generally don't cover doctors in other states, it will cover certain things like medicine, ER visits, and if you have to have surgery, and you were admitted through the ER a lot of times the state Medicaid you have will cover it. And sometimes they can find some tricks, yep they do that, to bill it a certain way and get it covered. That's exactly what they were doing when they kept putting his appointment up a month at a time. He was bitching and almost crying because he just couldn't understand WHY they just kept putting off his surgery especially since it was a life threatening surgery he so desperately needed according to them. Well, what they didn't tell him, was they was putting it off because they had tried one code and it had been rejected so now they need another 30 days to try another code to see if they can get it covered that way lol Thats what they were doing. Instead of saying hey you have TN Medicaid, you are going to have to have this in TN, they were leading him on because they wanted that money for it. They didnt want it going to a hospital in TN. But he ended up having to go to a hospital in Nashville to have it. But he was worried and venting and showing a letter he had got where they had postponed his appointment yet again, and even tho he moved the part of the letter that had his address and name really fast. Dont matter. lol He still put it out there. So, I went back and slowed the video down and paused it and played and paused it and done what I needed and got his address. That apartment is SUPERRRRRRRR NICE!!!! Id LOVE to have it!!!! It's nicer than my house I can tell you that!! And I own my own place flat out! But yea, A nice big balcony back porch, upstairs , down stairs, a big lake down behind it. It's nice. So that's good for him. I just don't want people feeling like ohhhh poor thing, when he does this and lives like this because he wants to and he will tell you that.

[@RayoAtra]

@missys199 I really dont see what youre gaining by putting out this much of someone's information and business. Pausing stuff and then scoping out peoples houses etc. He probably couldnt see what was on it lol. If you enjoy the content, watch it. Getting this involved is weird.

[@radiofreeacab]

​@@missys199you've got serious problems, and hobo shoestring is none of them 😂

[@joeMW284]

You'll always be a legend, bud.

[@caddyrack]

Kudos to the crew who let him stay dry and cozy. It's nice to see the good side of humans and to care for each others. Hats off to you. Cheers from Vancouver B.C Canada

[@jonboyer2038]

I thought his ride was over for sure after seeing those cameras so early on...

[@justintime753]

Its cause hes famous now lol

[@ftw4975]

👍✊

[@wonkydonkey4371]

He's either famous or he asked them for permission before starting the video

[@caddyrack]

@@wonkydonkey4371 Probably both. He's well known around the rail yards as a hobo and never does any harm. On top of that he's very conversed with rail jargon and gives tips on rail business, good PR for the rail. Cheers

[@nellAyaR2034]

I mean the camera is right there so you know they see him get on. Glad they understand he’s a respectable person & treat him as such

[@davidstewart5694]

They most certainly do not. No one is allowed to ride dp power, not to mention the trespassing

[@JohnnyPerth]

Exactly right Nell. Hey David, wrong

[@wyattwatterud3099]

The camera isn't live feed, they record to the black box and they look back only if something happens.

[@taintedlove202]

This is so cool. I live in Maryland, South of Hagerstown..I know all the places you mentioned. I wish I’d have known you…..RIP sweet man. ❤

[@gregr1672]

As a retired railroad man with 42 years service ,I know that Hobos were around but most of the time seldom seen. I never bothered the ones I did run in with unless they were doin somethin sinister! Guys like Shoestring don't cause problems ,some of the ones I did have issue with were young ones with Pitt Bulls with them ! Back in the 70 's stopped a train that had couple young kids riding in below zero weather in the snow on open end of Cover Hopper.They were damn near frozen to death . Be safe out there on the rails brother !

[@jjc4577]

I worked in a diesel shop for a few years and we would store units that were waiting for work on a track next to our building and when we went out on cold snowy mornings we'd bang a pipe wrench on the grabirons to make sure we weren't surprising anyone that might be in the cab sleeping. Never bothered us that they were there. no one made a mess.

[@DubmareProductions634]

I HAVE ALOT OF RESPECT FOR THOSE CREW MEMBERS it was a real miracle that they helped you

[@LionWithTheLamb]

They probably looked the other way when he got on so that they didn't "see anyone" get on the DPU.

[@fedupdomer5654]

@@LionWithTheLamb yeah , they could have been in some deep shit if the wrong person found out

[@akimbogaming9334]

WAIT I DIDNT KNOW U SAW THIS HI SMILER_8888!!!!!!

[@tommyhunter1817]

@@LionWithTheLamb kinda like a UFO.

[@jamesa6272]

Lol how could they see him 50-100 cars away? He’s on camera sitting in the cab. I hope he likes jail or railroad cops / Fra

[@TheEarthHistorysConfusing]

To the crew that gave shoestring a warm ride, may the good lord Bless you and return the care one day when you're in need. Thank-You!.

[@supernautacus]

As they have done, so shall they receive! ^_^

[@TheEarthHistorysConfusing]

supernautacus indeed give without expectation and you receive more from the heart for helping those in need.

[@FrankBenlin]

What comes around goes around has a good side too.

[@skiparkcityut]

Very nice of them.

[@davidbass7593]

Amen to that!

[@sidthetech7623]

Hats off to the kind crew who let you ride. Hats off to you, Shoestring, for sharing the journey.

[@lottetimes]

I felt like I was on the train so relaxing I actually fell asleep and dropped my phone 😂

[@isaacwilliams8989]

The crew is so awesome for letting him ride!

[@karlrobinson4887]

The world is tearing itself apart politically, rhetoric is white-hot, there's all this high drama in our lives... then I watch Shoestring living a simple life of travel and adventure completely unencumbered by the cares of the world - enjoying the beauty of our great country. I sit and write this as a man the world would call "successful", yet I am envious of this wizened old hobo.

[@SATX_09]

Wow, that is the best comments for this whole experience. I just stumbled upon this I don't even watch stuff like this on KZbin anymore I am so incredibly happy I found this and I've been up all night and just noticed that today is tomorrow so I'm going to bed.Btw thanks for writing your comment, it really helps put things in perspective. Sometimes I feel a little out of sorts... But it's seems a little bit better when now.. sorry for the rambling..

[@tenminutetokyo2643]

It’s just a game. Son’t get sucked into their web. You are the only thinker in your universe.

[@medbal2989]

That's for damn sure. I agree completely.

[@ogedeh]

It's the life, for sure. I do my best to do the same, just minus the trains and hustling around

[@pauliewalnuts7088]

Exactly what I was thinking

[@AC-ro6ib]

I was a locomotive engineer for UP. Seeing the inside of that cab brings back so many memories.

[@elonmust7470]

Did you tolerate hobos using your locomotives as if they were their own?

[@AC-ro6ib]

@@elonmust7470 it depends. I recall a couple of times where I actually came to face to face with a rider in the cab of a trailing unit. Both incidents were at night while I was doing a consist walkthrough. It scared the hell out of me, because you don't expect anyone to be in the cab. The first time it happened I alerted the dispatcher, who then called the cops to remove the guy. He appeared high and out of his mind. The second time it happened there was a man and a woman. They appeared to be 19-20 years old, and didn't look dangerous or like drug addicts. They were hanging out in the 3rd unit of a 4 unit consist. They had their backpacks on asked if they could stay on board. I told they could stay on as long as they didn't tamper with anything in the cab and if they agreed to stay out of sight. It is safer to ride in the DPU rather than a head-end trailing unit. Except for refueling, DPUs do not get checked often.

[@elonmust7470]

@@AC-ro6ib I know that when I was a kid riding coal trains around for fun, NOBODY wanted us anywhere near trains or their tracks. That was in the late 90s.

[@suffer8318]

@@AC-ro6ib This is why they have locks on doors now that require a key, but theirs lazy engineers or mechanical that don't lock them up after they are done signing the 203's or inspecting stuff but it is in the GCOR I believe that all doors on a locomotive need to be locked.

[@yaboidspdadon5838]

@@AC-ro6ib I know that second one was a rough decision but you a good man for that one if they seemed civilized and passed a couple test then I probably help them out to as long as it’s not out of the way it’s America but I gotta keep my family fed so I don’t be in they position not to judge

[@boblamb8421]

My grandpa Curtis Carl was born in 1897. He was a railroad brakeman based out of Ontario Canada. In fact he built his home just yards from the rail lines that ran north and south just west of Niagara Falls. He fell off a boxcar in the 50's and shattered his left ankle. That retired him from the railroad. He lived to age 93 passing on in the 80's. He lived on a railroad pension. I'm sure he had some interesting interactions with people over the decades that rode the rails. He never lost his job during the 1929 stock market crash. I really enjoy your videos.

[@southwestxnorthwest]

I dont believe you

[@paulbuffano985]

St Thomas?

[@gcr1]

Thanks for sharing!

[@aaroncunningham5381]

Gotta love that engine rythym. Could easily fall asleep to that.

[@greghale5480]

Imagine being a crew member riding an engine at night, trying to stay awake!

[@SD70MAC]

Love it that sound 👍🏼

[@25mfd]

@@greghale5480 pretty scary stuff considering the nasty stuff carried on trains

[@dirkhartman9572]

Same like on a cargoship

[@CrazyCanuck91]

Shoestring got a DPU! Good on you for staying at floor level instead of crashing in the engineers seat like the rest of em do

[@bobwhite7697]

Dude you are awesome! Got a big ole set of them! Roll on brother!

[@sparklesparklesparkle6318]

why is it bad to sit in the engineers seat? I'd expect because 1. its wise to stay out of sight and 2. because you aren't qualified to sit in that chair it's a middle finger to anyone who has done the work to be worthy of sitting in the seat 3. hobo butts are probably grosser than the average booty and they don't want the hoboslime to get on the chair?

[@ParkerUAS]

@@sparklesparklesparkle6318 , you are spot on with 1. 2 and especially 3 are not really a concern.

[@sparklesparklesparkle6318]

@@ParkerUAS that's where your wrong. you clearly have not experienced my hobo booty at ultimate power.

[@lornperkins4270]

@@sparklesparklesparkle6318 haa haa. Hobo booty surprise

[@jimstepan3038]

It's pretty obvious, Mr Shoe, that you have an awesome respect for the train culture !! Bless your life !!

[@realbytes1392]

Respect for crew who let him in for a ride and respect for shoestring for showing respect to rails

[@BlueWaterRedBlood]

Reminds me of watching stobe sit in one having cheese, crackers and wine.

[@hackerism1]

@@bergydermeister5616 RIP? Nah, he's riding the rails in the sky

[@jeffnpatricia]

Miss his vidyas. Hed eat cheese and wine and put his piano playing in the background.

[@Nothing-qq4hd]

Prosciutto and camembert sandwiches with some fine gallo to entertain the senses...r.i.p stobe you shine down on us at the darkest hours of the night.

[@tommypetraglia4688]

And was reading Trump The Art of the Deal, which he found in the cab. The year was 2014. Stone was a real Nostradamus. 😒

[@tommypetraglia4688]

@@jeffnpatricia He was a damn fine piano player. He did a video tour of his crib, had a baby grand. I bugged him in comment forum, sometimes over and again months later to put out a music video on Patreon, I'd buy. Then about 3 months before his death he said he was starting a new channel, mixing riding with cultural musings and more music. Damn Stove you are missed

[@RICARDOGARCIA-wr9hx]

Rip buddy you will be missed high green's all the way.

[@ScammedbyFolrentinaConchas]

Ahhhhhhhhh the sweet sound, makes ya feel strong, warm & secure.

[@Cobes_NGNT]

Rest In Peace Hobo Shoestring

[@emilystefanka4490]

Shoestring next time your in northwest Ohio let me and my husband know he will get you a room for the night and a goodie bag god bless 2.

[@EricSmith-ve7qi]

@Robert Bru these people were never taught when growing up if you dont have anything nice to say dont say anything at all! He needs to go to all these other worthless channels and talk trash to them! This is a good positive channel assholes need not apply!! Ill apologise for his rude comment because he sure won't...

[@cooperhalbrooks6324]

Jay Kay needs a goodie bag. Bad.

[@langer24106]

@Robert Bru what did he say? I don’t see it anymore

[@lory2622]

@Robert Bru t’would appear JK took his comment down.

[@anthony3246]

@@langer24106 go blink!

[@ourlifeinwyoming4654]

RIP - you showed us how to live free. See you in heaven.

[@WastedTalentIndustries]

I only ever hopped a train once when I was 16. From up in Snohomish County south to Golden Gardens area. We were on top of a coal car and by the time our short ride ended our good white shirts and shorts were completely ruined. And we look like we were coal miners all black faced except where we were sweating!! Hahaha.

[@medula]

Thanks for sharing and doing what you do. You are making all of this knowledge and way of life available to future generations. We're all rooting for you.

[@SaltyNationalist]

Camera watcher at NS: 👀Who dat?? Conductor: Oh that's ol Shoestring.. He's a good feller, mmhmm.. ☝️😁Best Carl from Slingblade voice..

[@Josh31287]

Wonder if he likes French fried potaters or mustard biscuits mmhmm

[@gcr1]

Mmmmhhhhmmmm

[@SaltyNationalist]

@@Josh31287 🤣🤣🤣

[@SaltyNationalist]

@@gcr1 🤣🤣🤣

[@GS-uy4xo]

As a young teen I hopped many trains in Pittsburgh, once we got into the caboose and rode for a few minutes, never had this experience though - now I’m almost 60 and this brings back so many memories. I’m learning a lot about what used to be just a fun thing we did - thanks for sharing Shoestring- safe travels!!

[@lemmiwinks21187ify]

Where would you hop your trains im from swissvale

[@brentmiller3951]

I live in white oak use exit 77 swissvale to get home

[@chrisstromberg6527]

We use to get rides from the local SooLine and the Wisconsin Central Switching crew. That would never happen these days.

[@willholly1844]

Used to Ride from Latrobe and Greensburg to Pittsburgh. Then back at the end of the day.

[@GS-uy4xo]

@@lemmiwinks21187ify The best spot for us was down near the steel mill (Carie Furnace sp?) lots of slow easy stuff and good variety. Once in a while I’d ride from Swissvale down into Rankin. I grew up in Rankin back in the 70’s - back when we could just have fun exploring the hillsides and fishing at night in the river.

[@royahold1966]

This is my new favorite video it has the perfect mix of train travel sound, outside scenery and commentary. Man if you could do this same trip in early spring, what a great video that would make.

[@terrydean173]

RIP SHOESTRING. HOPEFULLY YOU ARE IN HEAVEN NOW!!!!

[@warrenknight9276]

Thank you Mark for your truly stunning and fabulous video's, I have been watching all of your video's this year since finding your site, you actually are a fresh breath of air in this world of crazy, thank you again for your truly stunning information and you are definitely a gentleman, many regards from Wassa a railways enthusiastic mad from New Zealand.

[@GrandadsLetters]

It was great to see the inside of the DPU cab. They sure have changed since computerization! Thanks for the glimpse.

[@tarp11z]

This video shows me a view of trainriding I could have only imagined otherwise. I've always wondered what riding the engine would be like. Thank you, Shoestring!

[@teeguy100]

love your videos! Very informative and full of American Spirt! I hope you are getting the health care you require as you were having some problems. Stay safe and healthy!

[@chrismcanally7393]

My man got the luxury ride this time, safe travels Brother 🍻🇺🇲💪🏽

[@benpluta6187]

Nice to have A warm ride. Instead of the frozen iron floor of a grainer

[@rickholmwood2000]

You are amazing shoestring. Love the journeys you take us on. Hope all is well with your latest hurtle

[@felkerforcongress]

This simple life is making me smile!!! thanks for sharing Shoestring!

[@camonh013]

That's so awesome how you earned enough respect to get a ride in style. Much love, stay safe!

[@matty99]

A ride in the cab of a DPU, a track side chat and a walk around a shop looking for hand warmers/gloves - loved it all!!👌 I get what you say about it being harder to get out and about now you have an apartment and also your aches and pains after 30+ years on the rails. Sending you best wishes from the UK. 🚂🇬🇧👍

[@luvthetux]

Awesome video, I love trains, especially CSX and NS. It's great seeing the inside.

[@jmefulk5446]

No getting in and ur getting weathered bro. Safe travels brother. Bringing back crazy memories.lovin it.

[@charlespierce8412]

Riding in style with heat. Luck with you today. These are cool podcasts.

[@burtbrooks7731]

Pretty good of them to let ya ride along in the cab👍 some good people still left in this world❤️ just don’t be tryin to help them get there faster 😂 I loved them locomotives when I was a kid!! 👍👍thanks for the tour my friend 👌

[@earth_ling]

Love your videos…love your attitude towards Hobo-ing. I can’t do the life that you do but, its fascinating what you experience. Stay safe Hobo. Be careful.

[@Gene_o]

Great scenery. Thanks for filming.

[@nv1493]

I just love the knowledge given on rail travel and equipment.

[@jamesblair8436]

Same!

[@mickelkes4448]

Thank you sir, brilliant video! This just made my 5 year old son's week!

[@OGKook]

Good humans do good things! New to your channel show but I’m friggen hooked!! Hope your surgery goes well! Cheers form Detroit!

[@flashcar60]

I remember that Stobe would hide in the toilet room when men came for the daily inspection of DPUs. Never heard of anyone having permission to ride them; they must know Shoestring well. RIP, Stobe.

[@rosesmith6208]

funny I found stobe videos after he died.

[@marcus_rrp_productions2648]

In one such case, this one kid in Milwaukee 20s or something was caught in the bathroom. The guy laughed and said don't touch anything and let him ride.

[@thebear3589]

I hear ya Shoestring...riding in style...lol...stay safe my Brother

[@EasternSunset007]

Nice for them to put the “unoccupied unit” sign up for ya. Lol

[@redbarron9389]

Love watching your videos nice to hear you mention Newfoundland that’s where I’m watching from. Take care be safe!!

[@bluemoon-pm5hv]

I've just subscribed to your channel and hanging on to the adventures 😀I have always had a yearning to riding the trains,use to hop on and off them as a young teenager. But when I seen my foot get to close to wheel that ended it. But I've always loved and everytime I hear that whistle blow I think and ya. Take care Shoestring, happy rails and God bless✌️❤️

[@paddytremblay5788]

You ll like the ugly stick, good fishing rod, got 3 different ones, happy with all 3👍

[@ivegotyoursix4517]

Just subscribed today! Already watched about 8 videos. I’m hooked.

[@Rhino-mt1rf]

Like the "Safety Vision Statement" where someone scratched out the "NO" in the statement. LOL

[@mattjean7509]

Haha i was looking for someone to comment on that.

[@chuckhiggins15]

Been retired military, and occupied most of all the globe. But your video, and lifestyle, to me, never thought of seeing places you have. Thank you again.

[@brians9869]

Only legends get to ride first class👍 great vid

[@adamtheede2575]

That engine just rumbling away reminds me when i was a little guy during the summer months off school then going trucking with my dad I didn't do so well on the overnight runs hit the bunk early but that big cat engine rumbling away through the night is a sound engraved into my mind forever, the humble rumble

[@Michael-eu1mz]

Same hear but I road the csx engines my dad worked on railroad and would sometimes take me to work with him probably couldn't get away with that now this was 1980's early 90's

[@jeffvandenberg8422]

This is a great video. Brings back many fond childhood memories. Thank you.

[@christopherdibble5872]

I had my dreams and I had my plans I was gonna be a engineer man!

[@gilvogt4440]

Shoestring is my hero.....can't begin to imagine the stories he could tell.....God bless you Shoestring 🙏 .....

[@sherry2519]

Riding in style! I love it! Hope Cleveland is good to you. I live about 50 miles east of Cleveland right on the lake. Maybe you will pass through where I live. The more I watch your videos the more fascinating they become. I wish you the best and the safest of travels. I will check out your buddies channel.

[@drywinddotnet]

Epic ride Shoestring. Praying for you brother. Thanks Norfolk Southern for letting Shoestring ride.

[@MrTripcore]

Is it related to Norfolk island

[@santhanaraj5863]

Wish I could travel at least once in a Boxcar like you Shoestring! That's been my dream since childhood!!

[@user-xy1lp8jx2h]

I love that video of your ride inside the cab of the dpu.I have never been inside the cab of the modern GE or EMD locomotive.That AC4400CW has a beautiful cab interior.Back in the 1990s I signed up for an engineer for an hour program at a local railroad museum and operated a EMD GP-9.Enjoyed every minute of it. I never hoped a freight train but in the 1970s and 1980s rode on many passenger trains. Went from coast to coast in the USA and from coast to coast across Canada and various other rail lines.I love rail travel and enjoy all of your videos .Keep riding and stay safe out there.

[@poppa1965]

Man I would like you to know I am a true fan. I just had foot surgery last week and I just love watching you go from train to train. I am addicted looking forward to watching you more and more

[@slowjamcdub]

💪🏻🇺🇸👍

[@gale212]

Oh those West Virginia and Maryland panhandles can be tough to distinguish. Love the views of the hills through those states.

[@wramsey2656]

First Class accomodations! What a view! II am impressed by NS organization in the cab.

[@mikegrey3835]

Wow. I've never even seen a train that long; this is another world to me. You lead a fascinating life, sir!

[@MrTo3cutta]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/jmHMqmqtg9R1kJI

[@TheRoadhammer379]

Out west the trains are 200 cars sometimes, with 2 engines up front, a pusher engine in the middle and 2 in the back. Usually coal trains.

[@gregsmht40]

Most genuine guy 👍🏼🇺🇸🦅 I'm only a couple weeks into finding this channel. Immediately subscribed and 100s of hours into your journey already. You are addictive 😁

[@JohnSmith-wz5ex]

Shawnee?

[@JohnSmith-wz5ex]

Then u know brad Briggs huh sir?

[@gregsmht40]

@@JohnSmith-wz5ex lol. Yeah 👍🏼. I had a feeling this might be the real JS

[@shabbymaverick7975]

My boyfriend's dad worked at the roundhouse in st Paul. He taught me how to respect the equipment and personnel💟💟💟

[@fiidgett]

Nice hat! I have a grey one just like it, they’re very warm. I used mine delivering heating oil when we had a cold-snap here in CT

[@jasonwebster9123]

Man Shoestring the sights you've must of seen traveling on those trains had to be amazing!!

[@dianeclouse2821]

Blessings Shoestring.....May God richly bless you and keep you in his loving care...your friend from Pa xx Diane

[@sharonmcgeeney9414]

There's a Dick's at the Pinnacle in Bristol Tennessee now..

[@basketcase1146]

You are a lucky man Shoestring, getting permission to ride in the DPU. Goes to show what respecting RR equipment can get you.

[@traviszuluaga5672]

I promise you he didn’t get permission. As an engineer for CSX, I can assure you that it would never happen. The crews don’t really care, but the company does.

[@desktorp]

@@traviszuluaga5672 Read the video description.

[@hartsy50]

@@traviszuluaga5672 Insurance reasons and OSHA would like it much.

[@hartsy50]

@@desktorp Doesn't mean it's true. Read THIS -- Insurance would not cover a non employee. The train derails and shoestring gets crippled, who pays?? Now you read 2 things -- which is true?????

[@desktorp]

@@hartsy50 What would be the point in lying about it when he has previously showed himself doing it _without_ permission?? Engineers have also given him crew packs and other freebies on many occasions. Rail workers regularly give him information on which trains to hop to get to his desired destination. That is definitely not company policy, but employees still do it. I have worked in plenty of places under OSHA's thumb and there are always people knowingly ignoring company policies and safety rules + doing things the insurance company wouldn't cover in the event of an accident. Being distantly aware of the existence of OSHA is no substitute for real life experience, working with real people.

[@aaronwhite2683]

I love those Ace's and another great video Shoestring even got a turntable in it - if you ever past through Wichita Falls Texas that's my town

[@JD-ze2wb]

When you mentioned about the advantages of mittens over gloves, it reminded me of a pair of motorcycle gloves I had years ogo. They were leather gloves with extra leather un the knuckles and palms, they had a zipper located on the top of the glove. located in the pouch was an attached nylon mitten that fit over the fingers. I wish I still had them they worked great. Safe travels, great videos !!

[@mj1234321]

Not an endorsement of an activity I'd advise against, but you're old enough to make your own decisions and I do enjoy the footage, so thanks for sharing! Part of me longs for the adventure. Safe travels out there!

[@tcc187620]

When I was a young boy I was given a ride on a switch yard train's locomotive into, and it's caboose out of McLouth Steel, (Gibraltar Michigan Plant) that was a real eye opener. I was shown everything to do with the entire pick-up, switch, reversing to couple, lock-down and pull-out procedures...the works. I was allowed to actually perform each and every step, so in all actuality I Drove That Sucker ! I bet I must have bragged on that all summer break, and it was and is something that I will never forget. Just the thought of the solitude made me want to become an engineer, but my parents had other bright ideas for me instead. I've never forgotten my love for the train and it's lonesome highway throughout our country. I've walked many a mile on the rails, most times just for time to myself, and reflection. Maybe some day I'll find a safe place and take me a ride on something that starts off and ends up standing perfectly still...being amputated makes climbing things tricky enough, but the thought of trying to chase a ladder isn't so appealing to me after hitting the ground so many times just relearning to walk again ! :D Well, I'm headed to the next video, got me a cup of coffee and a hankering to go build another overnight camp near some tracks, so I'm web shopping for a new foldable camp saw for building the struts and joists. Take care, be safe, and if you're ever in Detroit, hit me up. ~ 12 Block Tokie ~ 313

[@christopherdibble5872]

I had my dreams and I had my plans I was gonna beA RAILROAD MAN!

[@christopherdibble5872]

I still get a tear in my eye when I hear an old train in the night!

[@davevid45]

The beautiful sound of that big diesel purring along so smooth. I would be sound asleep.

[@peteschoepp2887]

Amazing 🙏 I absolutely love your videos Shoestring!

[@springof-wf8vy]

Shoestring , you sir remind me of the great Roger Miller song "king of the road" take care sir God speed .

[@general5104]

Much thanks, "Shoestring," When you climbed up those steps & showed the inside of the cab, it almost brought a tear! I climbed up steps into the cabs, underneath the floors, on top of the roofs, inside every power room, generator room, air-compressor area, up in under them and saw so many changes and upgrades and was in on it all for over 35 years. Its a dangerous job! Yiu know more about the trains than I EVER did, of course, I rode on top of a Traction Motor further than I ever just switched at one time. (The fuel-rack foreman let a crew come into my trouble track and pick up my engine and take it with them. It was chipped and blue-flagged, but I hung on, up in the traction motor leads till it stopped. I was trapped with brake rigging on both sides and a fuel tank behind me! no way out. If it hadn't been for a train enthusiast, trespassing I caught his attention to holler at the engineer, I would probably have been killed! You know, the company covered up the whole incident, as if it had never happened! I still think that railroad enthusiast must have been a Guardian Angel !!! I like your little drawing of shoestring, with the long tail on the g. 🍀🍀🍀 GOOD LUCK to ya, young feller !.

[@jimgibson9947]

Shoestring, the ugly stick rods are very tuff. I've had some for over 25 years and still go fishing with them! I consider them a lifetime fishing rod! Have a great day and God Bless! Jim from Kansas!

[@mattereffex]

You do catch some awesome rides my brother

[@chrisackerley1842]

The sound of the locomotives is music to my ears! I'd like to have an audio recording of the sound track when you're inside the cab to play as I sleep at night.

[@MrTripcore]

It's called Gabba n speedcore

[@Metalvox88]

Damn man, since I’ve been watching your channel you’ve came damn close to me and mentioned places within minutes of me numerous times lol harpers ferry/Brunswick is where I go down and root around in the woods looking for bones and just wandering

[@dmorgan28]

Well that was a nice trip on that DP unit. Nice train ride. Hey take care Shoestring. 👍👍👍❤️

[@gernaneering]

God bless you shoe string you made this one of your best videos so far always interesting and never boring bro.