My uncle was a professional Hobo in the 40s and 50s. He had no wife, no kids, owned nothing. He visited about three times a year, always dressed in a shabby suit, smelling like matches and perspiration. He liked to brag about the money he carried, showing off a wad of cash that he always seemed to have. He'd stayed drunk for almost his entire visit and finally storm out of the house yelling obscenities at his brother (my dad.) He swore he would never return, but always showed up three months later.
House mates and I had a hobo stay with us for a couple of weeks back in the 70's. He was insistent on the difference between a hobo and a bum, stating that a hobo comes to town and will work to earn money and then moves on before anyone gets sick of seeing him around. Whereas a bum stays in town, never works, and people get sick of seeing him day after day. We learned a lot from his stories. To hop a train you needed to have a "greasy bag' (bag of food), gallon of water (some trains didn't stop for a long time), and a railroad spike to jam in a boxcar door so it wouldn't shut and latch when/if the train lurched. People died from getting locked in a car that was put on a sidetrack for a long time. He seemed to have the whole country and related trains mapped out in his head. The "orange juice special" from Florida going North, the "dirty face" was a coal car, and there were others I no longer remember. He also talked about the dangers and cited a man whose leg slipped under the wheels while he was trying to climb on a moving train. He worked with my two housemates and was a hard worker. One day he was just gone, then several months later came through town and stopped by for a short visit.
Wow, that's such a cool story. Thanks for sharing it with us. It's horrifying to think that their lives depended on a railway spike. That is something that I never even considered. I thought those doors had to be manually secured. Wow. I have to wonder if there are many books about the life of hobos out there. I remember a few years ago seeing prints which were copies of hobo fence carvings. Such as. a cat scratched in a fence post meant the owner of the property is nice and would also give work to hobos, whereas there was another mark that meant the homeowner was not friendly. It is interesting that this was touched on in an early episode of Mad Men. The series takes place in the mid 1960's, but the main character remembers his childhood somewhere out west. He meets a hobo who talks about the art on the fence post, and the hobo works for the main character's dad who ends up refusing to pay him. At the end the kid sees a carving on their fencepost that tells other hobos to stay away. It was a bitter memory for the character but it had such veracity.
Hobos travel and work. Tramps travel but do not work. Bums don't travel and don't work And citizens work but don't travel. These definitions date back 100 years or more.
Me and a friend hopped a train in Delaware one morning because we wanted to skip school and do something different. We ended up in DC, and when we tossed our bikes off the train and we got out, there were about 15 other ppl that got off with us. We never had any clue that there were any other people on the train with us. We had to run out of the rail yard and call his mom to come pick us up. She was fucking livid, but we told the story to his dad, and he thought it was awesome.
@Leebo Leigh Kids gotta learn somehow. Better that than living under a helicopter parent never having experienced the real world. Part of being a kid is being able to test your limits while still having a safety net to fall back on. Harder to do that as an adult, haha.
When I was a freight conductor at CSX I never used to report or throw riders off the train as long as they were respectful. I’d give them water if I has it and info on train movements. I never had any bad encounters, but sometimes it scares you out of your wits when you come up on someone hiding out when your all by yourself in the middle of nowhere
Did you ever pick up some kids on Christmas back east?... Polar switch box car to go to and told us when they were so close three times it's time to go because you were going to stop like a mile outside the yard just to be extra cool and then give us each volume and some food and water and said Merry Christmas m************! ... Oh my gosh was that you? Will even if it wasn't I know you have similar stories of your own to tell just like that so in my mind you are that kind of guy that picked us up you were starving in a f****** corn field parking my French in the middle of winter we found some old Frozen feet corn but if I'm glotting this in my stick went into and that's all we had so we tried jumping on the first thing we saw which was stupid but it probably saved her lives so anyways just on behalf like the other one said on behalf of everyone everywhere thank you for being you and just like they say leave things better than you found them I think you did that..… meow🌹🚂
I'm an internet hobo, I watch a RU-vid video, catch a ride on the suggested video list and I'm off again to some strange unknown corner of the internet never to be seen again.... "someday I'll wanna settle down, until then I'll just keep moving on" - the Littlest Hobo
it's hard now because today you need contracts, education, social security numbers and bank accounts, and other bureaucracies to work, so you can't just hop on and off a train and get to work somewhere like before. there's these whole procedures you must follow now a days. too much rules, too much regulations. bad? good? i don't know, but certainly different from past times..
My Grandpa Jack did this out of necessity during the Great Depression. No work, no food, and too many kids on the farm in Minnesota. He hit the rails a week after he graduated high school and rode them off and on for almost 5 years while also working for the Civilian Conservation Corps. He married his sweetheart and joined the Navy after he heard about Pearl Harbor, and fought the entire war in the Pacific as a SeaBee. After the Japanese surrender he came home, rejoined his family (eventually becoming the father of 7), started an incredibly successful contratcting and construction company that he worked at every day (being run by the 3rd and 4th generations of his descendants now), and fished salmon like a master until he passed away. I have to admit that I'd like to take this kind of trip. My Grandfather lived such an amazing life, and was an incredible influence on me. I'd like to be able to better understand what he went through to make him the man he became. I hope that I'd be able to do it in a way that would be respectful both to his memory and to people still living that life today.
My grandpa and his brother also rode trains to find work during the great depression; his brother fell under a train and died :( Much respect for our ancestors, may they live on in us.
It's one thing to take a few weeks to take risks to make a youtube video, get likes and revenue. It's another to have no choice, live homeless and unemployed, and your only hope is maybe a train can take you to someplace better...
@@anax420 lol har har :snort: :gag: /sarcasm You do know that each generation's IQ goes up 3 points, right? The only thing different is the prevalence of digital video recordings of the latest generation. But you know, don't let facts get in the way of your fake agenda to make yourself feel superior.
An old timer hobo told me of his travels and how beautiful the country is on the rails one year before he passed. He never lost his cognitive abilities. His language of the sights he saw was like an artist painting a masterpiece. It's a sin to not let people do this.
"it's a sin to not let people do this" then when a conductor or some bored college kid ends up dead, I bet you'll be the first to say "who allowed this'
Had to do it a couple of times myself. Sure was happy that the rails were there. You can't...and shouldn't strive to build an air tight system. There should always be some wiggle room, like hitchhiking or other types of charity. The idea that a person's situation is always a product of his own ineptitude is an intellectual fraud. In case you haven't noticed, we live in a culture that is permeated with fraud and injustice. How about all the innocent men and women in prison??? Search: RIGHT TO REMAIN INNOCENT. Given the size and scope of systemic fraud in our country, the only safe conclusion I can make is: Everyone in prison is factually innocent, because they were never lawfully deprived of that presumption...get it? It's called judicial fraud.
My cousin Roland used to ride the trains. He would get tired or bored of daily life and take off. He usually blamed his older sister of getting too bossy. I enjoyed the times he was around. My dad would hire him to do yard work and he'd tell me stories from the road. I miss cousin Roland, he was one of a kind and had a heart of gold. He was my number one fan boy when I joined the Army out of high school. He wanted to know about every town i visited or was stationed at.
There's just something about the names they give themselves that I love. It gives a whole new meaning to a name, not just a word used to get their attention but an entire life story condensed into a few words. Seeing "John Smith" on a gravestone makes me think of skeletons and cemeteries, but seeing something like "Frypan Jack" with a frying pan embedded in the stone makes it almost feel like I'm connecting with them on a different level than just knowing their name. That name and that person in the ground under your feet has a story behind it.
@@kevindestefano6066 it goes back thousands of years where everyone had similar names but eventually you did something to earn a nickname. Sure there were lots of Williams but there's only one William the Conqueror. Hobo names are the same thing
In 1970 I was 20 years old and wanted to see some of America. I started in Seattle, took a bus to Eugene Oregon where I jumped into an open boxcar that was moving slowly. It took me across to the coast. Beautiful country. I hitched hiked from the coast to California to Bakersfield when I meet a marine who was going home to say goodby before shipping out to Viet Nam. He seemed to know the ropes and we teamed up and hopped a freight in between two of the freight cars. He showed me how to belt myself to a steel rail. Good thing too as that train must have reached speeds of 90 mph. It stopped in Needles California late at night. We were walking down the street when we were stopped by a policeman who arrested him. I still don't know why, maybe AWOL. Ever since I've thought of that when I hear Credence's Lodi "looks like they took my friend - oh Lord - stuck in old Lodi again." Lodi is in that general area. I hitched to the Grand Canyon, teamed up with two young guys on top - hiked down to the bottom, spend the night. I swapped my air mattrace with one of my new friends for a ride to Stanford. There I got a shower and hitched back up to Seattle. Glad I did it when I was young so I don't feel like I missed it.
I talked to a woman who was the daughter of the Aretz who built the first airport at Purdue University. She grew up in Lafayette, and said when she was small that she and her sister would go down the tracks to the hobo camp, where they were regaled with wonderful stories. She said, "It used to be safe, not like it is now." I found it interesting that she was able to do this as a child, since her parents were the upper crust and there are family pictures of her and Amelia Earhart.
Train rider culture is alive and well. We are often called dirty kids and sometimes are called oogles. Train kids are out here still, living in the streets riding town to town all over the US. Hobo life will never truly die until the train cars are 100% unrideable and we are a long ways away from that still.
Rode heavily between 2007 and 2016. Implying it's dead and dying when I have a huge network of people still on the rails is hilariously uninformed. Seems like they just didn't even try.
We just called it train hopping in the 90's, easier way of getting from town to town. Definitely wouldn't identify as a hobo. This doc looking more for an old fashion identity lost in history over how the rail lifestyle has evolved over the years.
Agreed. Rode trains on and off between 2006 and 2010. Definitely not dead. If they wanted the real culture they would have been told to go to that museum gathering on the west coast. They also didn't show any of the modern tricks. Fortunately they didn't know enough, or were kind enough not to give away anything relevant I'm sure there's other attempts to document the more hacker/train hopper and dirty kid/train hopper crowds. They would be way more revealing
I'm in my mid 60's. My father, born in 1917, in Texas had it hard. Born into a family of sharecroppers and #13 out of 16 children. He left home when he was 15 during the Dust Bowl years. And headed to California. The only way to get there was by...none other by jumping a train. Which took him months to get to the California State line. Often having to leave a train to work in fields to make whatever money he could. Basically, for food and back on another train. By that time, the train line had hired so many not, policemen to 'rid' the trains of 'Hobos' and other riders. But Hard Nosed, Strong-armed men that would beat the hell out of any and all they could get their hands on that were on the trains or could not run fast enough. Then, only to find that the California border was CLOSED. The state was not allowing any more people in....Period. So, my Dad then spent another three months going up thru Nevada until he finally made his way into California with a family he had met in Oregon. And went south with them. Finally settling in the S. F. East Bay.
Rest in peace Whistling Tio. Wherever your train finally stopped. I still think about you from time to time and just remembered I have some stories to tell my kids.
Hoboken is where the hobo/StreetFighter Rio appeared and threw a burning barrel (hobocan) in such an amazing way at the dominating local 1 eyed hobo/StreetFighter know as Bob Sagate.
I grew up in Bozeman Montana and we lived across the street from a hobo jungle. I am almost 70 and remember them well. They would heat water in a can for coffee. Good old days.
The hobo legacy is a golden era . It represents a time of freedom we are Losing little by little. We don't even let our children play outside by themselves anymore. I use to run around the neighborhood at the age of 6. Cross the street. Take buses. Walk to school. Things have changed so drastically the last 20-30 yrs.
I know what you mean but now a days you have to live like that and be safe too much violence, pedos etc. it’s an unsafe world especially for children. Sad but true. When I was a kid after school I used to roam the streets from after school until night time
it was only freedom because of a great and terrible loss mostly so idk we are getting there for sure and it is sad we have to feel that way etc. me at 29 have to feel the way you do too because life is different from me being able to ride a bike through town and be okay etc. or just hangout with friends at the park have a good time nowadays kids will never know that not even mine and it makes me sick to my stomach. freedom is not free though always a price or a big setback when it comes to that it was not golden it was dark depression etc.
@@prestonhebb1380 really???? lol you are from the states or???? cause as i said in my recent comment 29 with kids nah it is different did not have issues we have now in towns even small ones so idk where you are living but i would love to visit. wtf are you about?????? world and people are fucking sick dude
We lived about 50 yards from the Tracks, in the 1950's my Mom actually made Coffee and Sandwiches for Hobos at night, one of the memories I treasure.. RIP Mom
I was just at this years convention. Ran for hobo king ( obviously didnt win ) its actually pretty cool bit was honestly expeccting more people . Theres more to it then vice leads you to believe . Minnesota jim ( who yall saw get crowned king in thia video ) was there this year and it was nice geting.to actually have a conversation with the guy
My grandparents are lifetime residents and farmers in Britt. My Dad and all his siblings grew up in Britt farming. I spent lots of time in Britt just growing up and it's so cool to see our small town getting recognized!
There are still hobos around. I still see some near the Freight Yards in Portland OR. And I ain't talking about the local Portland bums. I am talking about people who are actually Traveling. Y'see... There are Hobos, Tramps, and Bums. Hobos ride the Rails. Tramp might ride the Rails, or they might Hitchhike. Bums don't go anywhere... they just stay in one place for years. My experience riding trains was down around I-10 on AZ, NM, TX (also in Colorado). I rode once or twice when I go stranded Hitchhiking. Then I discovered that on some routes, riding the rails was easier and quicker than hitchhiking. I had many friends who would shuttle from Tuscon AZ to El Paso TX, and on along further East. The freight train went right through the center of Tuscon, right near the Plasma Center. It would go by at Street Level at damn-near Walking Speed. You could just look for good car and jump on at the RR Crossing on the street. Nice level place to run to catch it. This was in the 1990's. In Southern CA along the coast you could catch some local trains that ran along Hwy 101. Get yourself and easy ride from Oxnard to Santa Barbara and up the coast to Monterrey. Later, in early 2000's, I was catching trains on the West Coast between Santa Rosa, CA and Portland OR... Up through Redding, Medford, Grants Pass and Roseburg and such. At that time I learned that you could ride in the Power Units (rear engine). I was riding on a flat car, local train, when one of the engineers was out doing a "walk around" of his train. (This was cold season, snow and such) The engineer told me to just get in the rear power unit, and don't touch nuthin'. There is a Bathroom in there and Heat. (why didn't I know about this before?) Nowadays, since there is a decline in Hobos, many of the older RR guys will tell you which train to catch, when it is leaving, and let you ride in the power unit. Oh, there is a little refrigerator in the Power Unit too. It will usually have a coupla bottles of water. So you have somewhere to keep your beer cold. The cops will still give you a ticket if they catch you on RR property. Especially Santa Fe RR. They are dicks. But many of the workers don't care. So long as you are respectful and polite, they will help you out. Give you coffee and water and such. Mind you... I have not ridden the rails since 2003. But some things really never change. Just assume that what you are doing is illegal, and try to be discreet about it.
Thanks for sharing, i was hoping to hear more stuff like this in the doc, if they actually interveiwed the Hobos it could have been a full 40 mins.....
im a conductor for c.p. rail, you don't see many riders any more . if the locos aren't locked thats where to go. fridge , hotplate and hopefully a.c. just don't touch anything ! good luck
God bless you, sir. There are so few people kind to the less fortunate left in the world. I'd love to ride in an 1800's first class car with my own private cabin; anything old, except men, that's the life for me. :-)
I live in a railroad town and every day when I go to work I pass a bridge with trains just below it and each day I dream of leaping down and just going anywhere...
@@douglaszornow8974 I think he was trying to say that running away from home and riding the rails was something he gave up on. Not really his sense of adventure, per se.
@@diamondstar1200 What in the fuck does what either of you douchebags are talking about have to do with hobos? Why do you idiots have to shoehorn your narrative in to every situation?
Is this not good enough? Can you show me the real deal?? In ardmore oklahoma get paid on fridays.. can easily earn money with my trade.. hmu lets travel, i need new real and a life not of this world!! Hmu less go!
Title and actual content obviously doesn't match. But you can't hate on them for trying to experience something gritty. And no shit they aren't going to suffer like hobos did back then, they want a glimpse of that life not to actually live it.
I didnt get to know him, but my dad told me stories about my grandpa's days as a hobo. One out of 17 brothers and sisters, rode trains out west, played a decent harmonica, and worked in rodeos, as well as building the Grand Coulee dam. He said when they got to the dry river bed and found gold, suddenly the government had armed guards all over the work site.
My wife's grandparents had a small restaurant in Ohio during the depression. They went out of business because they could not turn a hungry person away from the kitchen door. The less you have, the greater the gift and I do believe those with the least are more willing to give because they know what's it's like to have nothing.
So I understand that these people aren't really hobos, but if they want to hop trains due to a sense of adventure, or historical appreciation, etc. why do so many people in the comments seem to take offense? I can get behind the urge of wanting to always be on the move and see new things in the world for a low price. They're not hurting anyone, why bother criticizing? They're just folks doing what they like, right?
Because to real riders it blows our underground hobby to make it seem like something every average Joe. Have you noticed that based off there greenhorner stupidity how many times they got caught? It blows it up for us Hobos that actually know what there doing. Think about it man what we do is technically illegal, so when amateurs get caught it puts us up as targets for us true Hobos. Also by putting our underground activity on something public like RU-vid is unwanted attention
I am from the UK so we don't really have trains that cover such huge distances. But if I was a young person in the U.S. I would give it a go for the experience not sure why people getting angry about it. It's all about learning and discovering the u.s
It's called LEGAL LIABILITY. If the riders fall in between the tracks they get a Leg or Arm cut off or Worse!! So the Railroad gets sued. That's why they do not allow anyone riding anymore.
I wonder why 3 guys shouting about "sneaking" on a train running around like idiots in broad daylight with a camera crew wouldn't work out as easy as they thought it would. This is pretty much a documentary on everything not to do when hopping trains. Hipsters are incredibly irritating..smh
I was working in a D&A detox and spoke with a guy who had been “jumping” trains for years even though he didn’t call himself a Hobo. He told me that jumping trains had become very dangerous due to gangs that steal from the yards and had stopped. He said back when he started in the 60s it was fairly safe, but not anymore.
I enjoyed this, my son told me about it. I walk away with a different perspective than he does, but it was enjoyable. Kids today don't understand the hardship many Americans faced in the 1920s-1940s. Thanks for making this documentary.
unfortunate that this misleading documentary is how so many ppl will be introduced to modern riders. these guys had literally no idea what they are talking about and didnt even attempt to speak with a current rider. for future reference, riding trains is not like this. most of your time is spent trying to survive day to day or on a good day, obtain beer. the train itself is like a decompression, a release from homeless life. it helps keep us sane, and elevates us above the average homebum (non-travling homeless person). it keeps us sharp and gives meaning to an otherwise meaningless homeless life. it gives us time to reflect and think deeply about things. at least on a train we get to experience and see things very few people get to experience and see.
@@coliedeekenzo its a true stereotype. when i was squatting the world it wasnt because i wanted to spend a summer away. it was the best option. sometimes i go back to old spots to help, and seeing a lot of them just being lazy thinking thats what it is to squat. they do sling money recklessly so it helps in a way. its weird being salty about it, but this isnt something kids should want to do.
I've been strung out and on the streets. I did 3yrs on the streets and OMG thank goodness it's been over 8yrs since! Sober & sane! I own a home and I take care of it! I appreciate what I have even if it's not much bc I know how shity and hard it is to live on the streets! I hustled non stop but had nothing. I always keep water, snacks, socks, a sweatshirt & hygiene stuff in my car in case I see someone in need. I live in Philadelphia so the homeless are everywhere. Nothing great about it. At 16 I wanted to travel with just my backpack, find work along the way. I don't wish that for any kid.
One of my homeless buddies said he has a copy of what he called The Hobos Bible.....he said it was a handwritten collection of the train schedules.....he is wild and free......
I always thought hobo was just a derogatory term for a homeless person. I never knew it was specifically people who rode freight trains looking for work all across the country. It's such a fascinating lifestyle. I'm from Canada and I'm not sure if we have hobos up here. Would sure suck for them in the winter. Winter sucks for any homeless person up here, but at least there are shelters and programs in most cities and towns to help them through the season.
Trains were different when I was growing up. You could actually get in the car that would be open . If they really want to experience the hosbos life they should get really drunk on some wine or moon shine pick a fight with five.guys in a bar get the shitzzz kicked out them. Have every thing stole from them then live on pork en beans in a can
I think it is an awesome thing that they decided to highlight and document an important part of American history. I have hopped many a train in my squatter punk youth but I never once thought to chronicle those journeys. The fact that they did hit the yards and take the risk is really commendable. Thank you for showing such care to a vital piece of Americana.
They left out some interesting details in this doc. Like when they interviewed Adman as though he's a full-time hobo. He wasn't. Before he died 2 years ago, he was a advertising executive in Minnesota who lived in a mansion on one of the most expensive lakes in the state. Riding freight was what he did during summer vacations because he enjoyed it. That's what the Hobo Convention is about - bringing together people who share a common love of riding freight trains. If that's "mainstream," then it's only because the writer's prejudices on what hobos are supposed to be (homeless, apparently) didn't jive with what they found in Britt. Guess they were so busy explaining what a map is that they had to leave that stuff out. ;)
On the thumbnail used to advertise this documentary, they have a photo of a guy called Hobo Jack. You might have seen him feature in one or two episodes of "American Pickers". As far as I can see, there's no mention of him anywhere in the documentary, it's just a "come-on" to get you to watch.
Contrary to the kid narrating this story, freight trains are far from "relics." They continue to be a huge part of what moves commerce around our country. One train can potentially remove 100 or more semi trucks from our freeways!
yup I live about 2 hours South of the Canadian border on the west coast and I see large freight trains every single day all day. I can hear them when i lay in bed at night and they move everything from livestock, to cars and trucks, to huge amounts of lumber, back and forth from the US to Canada. The freight train industry is alive and well and is still the best way to move large amounts of freight around our country.
I hopped freights from Emeryville, CA to Britt, Iowa in 1984, 1985 and 1986. Fortunately, my travel partner had years of experience, and taught me a lot of safety features. I remember he said we'd never have to hop a train on the fly, and yet the very first train we caught was already moving. In those 11,000 miles or so I saw many things and experienced so much. We ate in missions, camped in the jungles, got busted by the bulls. Mostly the authorities weren't too concerned about us because they could tell it was recreational and we weren't going to steal or vandalize. But we did have one bull drive us out to the interstate where we had to hitchhike for a while because it was too far to go back to the freight yard. The second year we brought two other females. I always tried to dress like a guy, not to call attention to myself. The few women hobos we met were a rough lot. Like these guys in the video, one of the most pristine moments was waking at sunrise as we crossed the Great Salt Lake, glowing pink in the dawn. I never knew that the tracks went straight across the lake. Most difficult time was on an empty car carrier when it started raining and we were out of food and it wasn't going to stop. Scariest moment was meeting a Vietnam vet who clearly had PTSD. He "joked" about raping me, so I was glad that by the time the train pulled up he was too drunk to hop on. Hobo Days in Britt is a fun, family event. We mostly kept to the hobo jungle. My only regret was I never ran for Hobo Queen, but I plan to this year, even though I've heard that Hobo Lump and Minneapolis Jewel will be there. Competition will be tough, but maybe my dream will come true.
That thought crossed my mind too. Like some of the shots was when the train was rounding a curve…conductor can just look out the window and see him back there.
I'm an officer who often deals with railroads as part of my responsibility. Most of my life I've been fascinated with trains and the rails, always wanted to do what these guys have done but the job and family has gotten in the way of that dream. Maybe one day.... But anyway, just want to note a couple observations - I recently found a forum which went into depth on this topic, with commentary from riders as well as rail workers. Summary of comments: * most rail workers don't mind you getting on the train but if you hide out in a car (like at 7:21 ) and you startle a worker, they won't appreciate that, particularly at night time. * most officers don't really care too much if you do this but of course, we 'have to do our job' so be cooperative and show deferential respect, understanding that as soon as you are on rail property, even without 'No Trespassing' signs, you ARE breaking the law and subject to arrest so start with the humility of understanding that fact * understand that ( 14:38 ) this gentleman is right on the money. trains can lurch, derail, start without warning and if your leg gets cut off in the middle of nowhere, you're very much on your own, with help potentially being hours or days away so BE CAREFUL, travel with trusted companions and try to have some idea of your location. if you can afford a satellite phone, that might not be a bad idea. You will likely face criminal charges though after summoning official assistance.
i use to ride the rails ...lesson #1 you DONT wanna get on/off trains in yards they are patrolled and have pretty tight security and to many more other reasons to list. SO get off of trains BEFORE entering yards. to catch trains you can catch trains when they are leaving yards or other slow points. lesson #2 ONCE on a train stay out of sight at all costs ..if train stops for any reason get off the train and find a place to sit OUT OF SIGHT and when train starts moving then hop back on but always watch your back and dont be seen. not exactly legal transportation so use your head plain and simple.
God this makes me want to experience the hobo life for at least 2 weeks and treat it as a getaway. It looks so demanding yet so peaceful and rewarding.
16:55 “...and swap stories about OUR travels on the rails.” 😂 I’m sure they’ll be impressed. Great video and great adventure...I just found that funny.
What a wonderfully done piece. Thank you for sharing the Hobo's story. This was such a pleasant piece to watch and learn more about what we all know of, but very little about. Bravo!
The train company employee was pretty cool respectful and if he and that cop weren't on film at his workplace he would probably be interested in what you're doing.
Yup..painting yards and freights all night walking inbetween moving trains..hoping on and hopping off a couple miles away to drop more bombs..more pieces, running from cops and hidding from ghetto birds...was an amazing thing..will never regret the choices that were made. Will never forget it.
My daughter and her friends extensively rode the rails all over the country in the 90s. There was quite a large community of freight hoppers. They had their own handles and were quite adept at catching trains. I'll never forget her calling one car suicide 53.
You geniuses spent more time talking to the cops in a week than I did in 10 years riding trains. You shouldn't wear white clothes, try some flourescent, reflective vests with orange helmets.
The hobo festival, what a joke. Its not that hobo are non-existent. its just that they dont go to stupid festivals like that. (sry for the tons of message, I commented while watching so.. yeah )
I remember back sometime in the mid-late '50s, Me and a couple pals would go to the tracks near Belmont and Cicero Avenues in Chicago, climb up the side of a hill onto the tracks and yell at the hobos on the other side at the bottom of a concrete wall. We would bring a wagon full of mudballs with us and throw them. The hobos would pick them up and throw them back and we'd all laugh. After a while, they started asking us "How about some food? Of a blanket?" So being young impressionable boys, we all went home a snuck some food and towels out of the house, and brought them to the tracks for the men at the bottom of the wall. That was a great summer, and thank you for bringing those memories back into view.
It was ok at best. I love the content though but there was a need for more. I was excited to see hobo Jack in the video picture but he wasn't even in the video. I've actually met him because he lives in an old country town called Litchfield that's not too far off from where I am. He is such a smart and genuine guy. He has lived one hell of a life!! If you're interested in him check him out!
Mitch Armstrong There’s quite a good doco about hobos and the people who live at slab city and others. It’s an English guy travelling about in his car meeting them. I’ll see if I can find it and post the link.
Mitch Armstrong 👋🏽 I’m back. I found the documentary I was talking about. It’s about people who hitchhike across the US, not by rail. 🙄 It’s good though. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-hIgOrazYFG0.html
Eddie Sloan I'm assuming that English isn't your first language... ? I would hope not. "..knowing.." ?? Smh. Learn how to speak and/or text the language properly before judging others. And uh, yeah.. actually, I GUARANTEE that there are MANY THINGS, a PLETHORA of information that you won't find online ANYWHERE, Google or elsewhere, that you will only learn from those that have LIVED IT!
Joseph rivas i can't recall the guy's name, but i saw him in an interview years ago & he was old then. He painted the little dude with the sombrero snoozing under the palm tree. Used to be everywhere.
@@herpnderpn2484 The DPs should be locked when they're set up for IDP operation. You can't set them up remotely. They must be paired with the leader from the cab of the DP. Thus, to set them up for IDP, someone must be in the cab of the DP. Lock them on your way out. It really isn't that hard. Some folks are just lazy.
