hey i just wanted to see how everyone felt on hobos these days. Are they still even around. Are they good bad?. i duhno basicaly i just want to know what people think about them and experiences they have with them if they have.
Hobo's are pretty rare these days with all kinds of federal programs to assist the homeless. There have been serial killers who have rode the rails in the last 10 years or so. I heard about a guy, "Guitar" Whitey, who was a Hobo in the depression and rode trains for enjoyment up until 5 or 10 years ago. When he found out he had met a serial killer on a train he had hopped, he quit. He's one of the more well-known hoboes, been on a handful of PBS documentaries.
Also, I have found more than a few train hopping sites out on the net, so there are a few who still like to be hoboes from time- to- time. If you think you want to try it. DON'T. It's illegal, and far too dangerous. A kid I know decided to ride a coal train across town 2 years ago and got both legs chopped off. One below the hip and the other below the knee. He lived, though. I was an Operation Lifesaver certified presenter at one time (need to get it re-newed ). So take my advice and don't even think about doing it!
Chessie, first of all, welcome to TrainBoard! Second, take Pat's advice very seriously. Hoboing is not recommended. Third, to find out what modern day hobos do, check this site that belongs to my internet friend Fran: Fran's Hobo Page
thanks for the welcome and advice A&A. I just wanted to know on how people stood on the topic because I know I have ran into alot of different feelings from people on my travels. Some workers who hate you and some workers who help you out even though they are probably going to get in trouble.
sorry, i also would like to add that i have not done this in quite some time and do not plan on doing it anymore in the future. I have resorted to rail fanning due do a job i got in baltimore and a place to live that i dont want to leave. And i also took up model railroading. I stopped when i was almost 18y.o. and have been many places and ridden countless numbers of trains. but i dont think anyone wants to hear about it.
Welcome to Trainboard! Between both lawsuit and security issues today, far moreso than in the past, railroads are very intolerant. Very aggressive in stopping train hopping. Let alone any trespassing. Boxcab E50
I recall reading an article a few years ago about how a reporter decided to go under cover and ride the rails for a while. They met all kinds of different people from perfectly innocent folks just looking for adventure to hard core criminals. I suppose there will always be people who "hobo" in spite of the danger and the crack down on security. They thrive on the adventure. Those who slip up or run out of luck don't make the "Darwin" cut. I took a tour of the coal dumper at a power plant near where I live. The operator on duty told of a few incidents where a hobo would be asleep inside a loaded gon in the gap between the pile and the car side. The operator would only see them when the load was sliding down into the conveyors. The guys would be pretty beat up before they could stop every thing and fish them out.
Since 9/11 I have seen a lot less riders in the yard, plus now since I work the rip track, I have little exposure. The Railroad wants us to call in every unauthorized person, due to Homeland Security Issues. When I encounter riders, I try to be nice, helpful, give out water bottles, anything to get them, out of my yard. I have had some pretty hairy meeting late at night, between the tracks, you never know..... One of our carman was shot down in LA last year. Railroad cops are all wound up too, had a weird meeting with a newbie UP cinderdick, reciently. The Forman let me go early, If I would go by the yard and check air in a transfer, on my way home, in my red Toyota MR2. I found a problem, went back to my car to call the forman on my cellphone. Took off my Hardhard, put my P&W Cap (I work for the UP)on and sat in the MR2 to call. Black Ford Explorer comes racing up, rollers on, sildes to a stop. He jumps out, hand on gun, I was on phone to Forman. He would not let me show in my UP id card, or take the cell and talk to the Forman, he was nervious as hell. I thought I was going to have a huge problem, he finally started llistening and asked me 20 questions about local managment. Finally realized I was who I said I was, never did look at my id. I would not want to be a train rider now..... [ 24. December 2004, 01:11: Message edited by: R P Smith ]
'Bos was a special breed of men..They rode the rails and work at odds and ends jobs that would pay cash and they was not above stealing. 'Bos was not filthy ragged bums..You see they had to blend in with the general populace of a town or city least the local Police arrest them for vagrancy.These ner do wells could travel around faster then most "paying"customers could on any given named passenger train. At the jungle one could stay as long as he liked but could not partake of the Mullin without adding something to the pot or perhaps producing some freshly baked pies recently acquired from some house wife's window or in some cases a bakery. A good 'Bo could swing aboard a train just as easily as a brakeman or conductor.After all some of these ner-do-wells was former railroad boomers.. 'Bos would leave messages as they traval about.These was usually in code. Such as RH good for night's work..Local tough,Tough town. No good.Chicago Sly 2 FP.Tex Slim to SFe plus many others. Yes,these 'Bos knew their stuff. I still see a 'Bo now and then.
when i worked the chicago to decatur runs for the ns we frequently had extra riders. mostly illegal immigrants.
