Hobos

[Anonymous]

How about some interesting stories/observations from the pro railroaders out there regarding modern day hobos.Are their numbers increasing or decreasing? Are "professionals"(Lawyers,stockbrokers etc..) still riding the rails as a hobby?

[Anonymous]

Hey Jack!
I don't know if I count or not in your quest for interesting stories/observations but I am a university student in Canada who loves to jump the odd frieght and ride for a bit! People always comment on how it is a major life indangering thing to do, but I figure that if you know a little bit about how railroads operate and play it safe, riding the rails can be great!

[Anonymous]

I don't think this is a good time to be riding the rails anywhere.

[Anonymous]

Hey Jack Straw,
Yeah riding the rails is great. Thus far the longest trip I've taken is from Jefferson City on into St. Louis, Mo. on the UP. It is the old Missouri Pacific line that follows the Missouri River, with tall limestone bluffs and small river towns along the way. It is an exhilarating sense of freedom riding along watching the scenery go by.
Have fun and be safe!
Paul.

[Anonymous]

They`re not called hobos anymore,they`re called homeless. Yes there are a lot more now. Gerald

[Anonymous]

I know the homeless ride the rails,but so do a lot of adventurers like myself.It's been a while, but I'm in a big Southeastern City with much rail presence.I'll get my googles,cycling helmet,gloves,hipwaders,Peanut butter crackers,water jug and toilet paper ready!

[BRAKIE]

Jack straw,You can't be a 'bo by taking your own food.You see you should take a tin cup, tin plate and a fork or spoon you will need them when you eat in a jungle. But,frist you must add something to the mullican stew if you wi***o dine with the other 'boes.It is the law of the camp.A raid on a local farmer should get you something to throw in the pot.don't forget to dodge the bull for surely if you are caught he will happy arrest you.

[Anonymous]

I know I am not a "bo"-I don't have time to be a "bo." I have seen the jungles, and have encountered the true hoboes-Not the lifestyle for me.

[BRAKIE]

Nor is the life for me.But, We must agree they sure do know how to get there from here.You know I can't help but wonder if being a true "bo" isn't a lost art? a "bo" would know what time a train left,where it was going and when to hope off before the bull got him.He would know the best handouts was to be had and the best camp.And above all how to aviod working at all cost.yes, these freebooters of the rail was a breed by like none other.

[Anonymous]

People chose that lifestyle out of desperation,and currently there is no shortage of despair.By observing yard operations,one can learn schedules,patterns and behaviors of a railroad.But if you want to shorten the learning curve,just ask an operating employee.It is my experience that nine out of ten people are forthcoming with information with respect to schedules,departure and arrival times,destinations and most anything you want to know.I acknowledge that hopping trains is illegal and extremely dangerous,but to satisfy my appetite for railroading,I can either work for a railroad,or be an amateur who takes an occasional ride on a grain hopper;I'll take my chances with the latter.Knowledge and safety are paramount.Many will find this statement ludicrous and contadictory and I certainly understand,but commute to work each day is far more dangerous.