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Freight hopping and rail travel.

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skiP.E.I.
Posts: 7860 - Karma: 22,353
Has anyone on here traveled by jumping freight trains? Obviously it's extremely risky, but I imagine it would be freeing, a unique way to see the landscape and obviously it's a somewhat fast and free way to get where you're going. I've always been fascinated with the idea. It's strikes me as an essential experience of North America.

**This thread was edited on Aug 21st 2020 at 10:17:53pm
Aug 21 2020 2:03PM
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T.L.
Posts: 4729 - Karma: 3,008
skiP.E.I.Has anyone on here traveled by jumping freight trains? Obviously it's extremely risky, but I imagine it would be freeing, a unique way to see the landscape and obviously it's a somewhat fast and free way to get where you're going. I've always been fascinated with the idea. It's strikes me as a penultimate experience of North America.


One of my favorite long form youtube channels. The dude hops freights all over North America.


https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8XCmWXE2J5dF7wXkzUVHtw
Aug 21 2020 4:14PM
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TRVP_ANGEL
Posts: 12537 - Karma: 116,754
hey whats up guys its brave dave here, im currently hiding in the CN rail yard right now, theres security on both sides. Don't think i'm gonna make it out.
Aug 21 2020 4:18PM
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iFlip
Posts: 4544 - Karma: 19,144
skiP.E.I.a penultimate


This word. It does not mean what you think it means.
Aug 21 2020 4:38PM
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yungona
Posts: 2374 - Karma: -5,805
https://youtu.be/cZ0BsIq1KKI

peep this channel this dude does it all
Aug 21 2020 4:52PM
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skiP.E.I.
Posts: 7860 - Karma: 22,353
iFlipThis word. It does not mean what you think it means.

You're right. Thanks.
Aug 21 2020 10:17PM
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freestyler540
Posts: 13126 - Karma: 19,229
Isnt that illegal today? I remember seeing a cool short documentary on hoboing on the train lines a while back. Looks more fun that is would be.
If your gonna do that, choose the cross mountain lines, way more scenic and security isnt as tight
Aug 22 2020 1:33AM
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270on420out
Posts: 7519 - Karma: 51,244
I live next to a railroad and I’ve always thought about it.
Aug 22 2020 1:43AM
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yungona
Posts: 2374 - Karma: -5,805
freestyler540Isnt that illegal today? I remember seeing a cool short documentary on hoboing on the train lines a while back. Looks more fun that is would be.
If your gonna do that, choose the cross mountain lines, way more scenic and security isnt as tight


its illegal but you would probably get off with a trespassing charge if even that. im guessing the dudes working at the train station would tell you to gtfo and leave it alone
Aug 22 2020 1:45AM
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ronders_
Posts: 568 - Karma: 2,325
TRVP_ANGELhey whats up guys its brave dave here, im currently hiding in the CN rail yard right now, theres security on both sides. Don't think i'm gonna make it out.


Can't he not travel to Canada anymore because of outstanding warrants from the Big Fat Freight Hop
Aug 22 2020 11:03AM
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elcheapo
Posts: 3449 - Karma: 13,976
I read this title and one thing comes to mind
https://open.spotify.com/track/5tTVQLUw5HJJHt58MifwQS?si=1coXR0-JSKO1xWv6n44hgw
Aug 22 2020 1:21PM
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theabortionator
Posts: 51971 - Karma: 166,304
First stop is rubbing so much dirt on yourself that you look like a coal miner. Also need malnourished pitbull to keep you company. ++ If somebody in the group can loosely pluck a guitar with 3 strings to make it more efficient bumming money for smokes and booze.
Aug 22 2020 3:05PM
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PeppermillReno
Posts: 4867 - Karma: -813
I mean certain things are different in 2020 than they were in 1920 I'd expect this is one.

Being in a closed container with no airflow for hours on end isn't gonna go well.

Those trains are also slow AF you will be going 20 mph on the highway.
Aug 23 2020 12:04AM
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Young_patty
Posts: 3297 - Karma: 38,269
Sounds like a good way to get run over by a train.


you might as well make some blood brothers along the way
Aug 23 2020 1:21AM
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skierman
Posts: 8405 - Karma: 7,880
You're going to get robbed and stabbed by a homeless person and its going to be hilarious.
Aug 23 2020 2:10PM
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skiP.E.I.
Posts: 7860 - Karma: 22,353
skiermanYou're going to get robbed and stabbed by a homeless person and its going to be hilarious.


You can get robbed and stabbed without going near a train by a person who might not even be homeless.
Aug 23 2020 2:17PM
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skierman
Posts: 8405 - Karma: 7,880
skiP.E.I.You can get robbed and stabbed without going near a train by a person who might not even be homeless.


"Let me state something obvious to defend my incredibly stupid idea"
Aug 23 2020 2:37PM
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Cahal
Posts: 945 - Karma: 594
I advise you not to attempt. It takes a lot of knowledge of trains and rail safety and its pretty easy to die. If you aren't going to listen, get yourself a uniden rail scanner and start programing it. Spend time at the yard you plan on catching out of and make sure there will be cars you can ride. There is a lot more i can say but really just dont do it. Shit is hot now a days and you dont wanna get caught rolling into a high security yard.
Aug 24 2020 12:48PM
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Cahal
Posts: 945 - Karma: 594
yungonaits illegal but you would probably get off with a trespassing charge if even that. im guessing the dudes working at the train station would tell you to gtfo and leave it alone


good luck finding a bull this chill. They will take you downtown and fuck your whole trip up. Its not like the old days
Aug 24 2020 12:49PM
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skiP.E.I.
Posts: 7860 - Karma: 22,353
CahalI advise you not to attempt. It takes a lot of knowledge of trains and rail safety and its pretty easy to die. If you aren't going to listen, get yourself a uniden rail scanner and start programing it. Spend time at the yard you plan on catching out of and make sure there will be cars you can ride. There is a lot more i can say but really just dont do it. Shit is hot now a days and you dont wanna get caught rolling into a high security yard.


You have the best icon on NS. I really did feel like that stove when I discovered skiing.
Aug 24 2020 2:56PM
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theabortionator
Posts: 51971 - Karma: 166,304
I use the rail jumper app. It's free. People post extra space in cars, and you can also post an ISO with how many people you need to fit. Usually the luxury cars go fast so you need to book well in advance. A lot of people go off of peoples usernames so it's worth it to think of a good one.

Mine was rail_dawg_vibez and people hit me up pretty regularly. The $10 booking fee kind of sucks but it's worth it to find the best cars. I usually browse a mix of the interior quality, the other passengers, and the graffiti. Also I usually offer a handel if the schwilliest whiskey for the journey and that's always helped. Sometimes bringing a couple extta clean needles csn be useful to barter with the homeless along the way.

Worth checking out.
Aug 24 2020 3:21PM
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Cahal
Posts: 945 - Karma: 594
i heard If you pay an extra $5 while booking your ride on the rail jumper app dirty mike and the boys will hand deliver a 6 pack of Milwaukee’s best ice
theabortionatorI use the rail jumper app. It's free. People post extra space in cars, and you can also post an ISO with how many people you need to fit. Usually the luxury cars go fast so you need to book well in advance. A lot of people go off of peoples usernames so it's worth it to think of a good one.

Mine was rail_dawg_vibez and people hit me up pretty regularly. The $10 booking fee kind of sucks but it's worth it to find the best cars. I usually browse a mix of the interior quality, the other passengers, and the graffiti. Also I usually offer a handel if the schwilliest whiskey for the journey and that's always helped. Sometimes bringing a couple extta clean needles csn be useful to barter with the homeless along the way.

Worth checking out.
Aug 24 2020 5:19PM
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theabortionator
Posts: 51971 - Karma: 166,304
Cahali heard If you pay an extra $5 while booking your ride on the rail jumper app dirty mike and the boys will hand deliver a 6 pack of Milwaukee’s best ice


Damn i didn't even know about that offer. Pretty good deal if you ask me!
Aug 24 2020 5:24PM
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