Sadly Shoestring is no longer with us.
Not sure how many of you have seen his videos on YouTube but Hobo Shoestring/Mark Nichols is missing for over 4 days now. The state police have issued a Silver Alert. If any of you are out railfanning, please keep an eye out .
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Just my opinion but, that guy should be in prison for all the trespassing on railroads and freight trains, he has done throughout the nation! All his YouTube videos just promotes others to attempt the same stupid stunts.
@Hot Water posted:Just my opinion but, that guy should be in prison for all the trespassing on railroads and freight trains, he has done throughout the nation! All his YouTube videos just promotes others to attempt the same stupid stunts.
HW, I knew I could count on you for that reaction . But right now he's a human and Veteran possibly in distress.
As for hobos in general, it's an interesting relationship. Sure its always been illegal, yet I'm certain most of us have hobos on our layouts. And who do you cheer for in "Emperor of the North," it's not the conductor.
@cbojanower posted:But right now he's a human and Veteran possibly in distress.
This is the proper sentiment. I hope they find him. Some reporting on him has said he struggles with mental health issues. Anyone with a family member suffering in the same way would know moving through life takes a lot of courage.
@Mooner posted:This is the proper sentiment. I hope they find him. Some reporting on him has said he struggles with mental health issues. Anyone with a family member suffering in the same way would know moving through life takes a lot of courage.
Watching his videos, you can tell he's been in poor health for the last year. He seems to have been doing more watching and reminiscing lately. I'm in no shape to ride myself, but I do find myself looking for cars that would be a good ride due to what's he's talked about. But I'll just stick to AMTRAK.
Too bad. I really enjoy his videos. Mark seems like a super nice guy, and a good egg.
I will pray that he turns up in good health.
Interesting to hear that he's legally blind and hard of hearing. He entertains us but with this situation this could have gotten very ugly pretty quickly. Prayers go up.
Dave
I didn't know about the hearing. He's talked about the vision, I didn't realize it was so bad. Some sort of macular degeneration.
I rode a freight train once a long time ago. It was terrible. The box car was like a tin can being beaten on with a hammer. Deafening. Then we got threatened by some thugs in a yard. Glad to get out of it alive and take a Greyhound back home. No glory there. And the guys who ride the end of the intermodal cars are even crazier. Hope they find him.
@cbojanower posted:HW, I knew I could count on you for that reaction . But right now he's a human and Veteran possibly in distress.
As for hobos in general, it's an interesting relationship. Sure its always been illegal, yet I'm certain most of us have hobos on our layouts. And who do you cheer for in "Emperor of the North," it's not the conductor.
I cheer for the conductor.
Offering prayers for him.
While I didn't watch him or Stobie I have indulged in a whole lot of ranoutonarail's videos, not for the bravado but for the sheer railroad content that's not available anywhere else.
There's actually quite a few videos and news alerts on him.
Dave
It would be wonderful if there were a good outcome in this. Let's hope so.
Farewell and highball to the promised land and the big rock candy Mountain:
As of 7pm today 4/5/24: Johnson City police have confirmed that the body found in Boone Lake was of Mark ' Shoestring' Nicolas.
R.I.P. Hobo Shoestring. Fascinating guy with a big following.
Sad day...isn't it funny how someone can touch you that you have never met. He was definitely good people. R.I.P. We are fortunate to be able to go look at any of his videos to always remember him.
Dave
Sad, I will really miss his videos. It was fun to sit back and imagine riding the rails
R.I.P Hobo Shoestring.
RIP Shoestring! 
God rest your soul Shoestring.....RIP
RIP Shoestring
Thanks for sharing your hobo life with us. Shoestring, may peace be with you and your family
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