never ran into the FTRA; just don't hop on with strangers.
anyway, to mom-- tons of kids who train hop are calling in a couple months asking for a greyhound ticket back. it's shocking to live this kind of life at first. however, kids also fall in love with the freedom and adrenaline of living with no possessions, traveling freely on steel dragons. just keep in touch, and let him make his own mistakes.
wlel liek, ifit gives you comfort, hes doin soemthing that doesnt involve in hurting or takin from otherpeople. just experiecnceing and seein things many never ever do. i say jus give him as much blessing as you can msuter, his gratitude an thanks an smile may just be enough. this is all from eyars ago an shit so like, idoubt hes stillt here. but either way its neever to late to tellhim you beleive in him
i dig the romance of it but these days when its on damn youtube it defeats the purpose.---turns the old art into a fad------other real bums could kill him --just to get his phone card--- i done it in 60s but yer cant always know where a trains gonna end up... better he just camp out in the woods---the romance has gone out of "bummin'" now that there's lots of homeless about, most of them nut cases.
I too am a train rider, and my mother certainly had her share of worry about my method of travel. I have always sought to ease my parents' minds by phoning them when I get into new towns, so implore that little brat to keep in touch no matter what happens.
I've met some rough types out there, and your son should certainly learn to be a good judge of character. Best advice: Tell him never to get on a train with someone he doesn't know. And that's coming from an experienced rider, not his mom!
As an employee of two railroads I caution your son against doing what he is gonna do. Since he has already made his mind up i'm sure he needs to read a book by Duffy Littlejon called Hopping Freight Trains in America, also tell him to google the Freight Train Riders of America, many of these people would not think twice about killing others. Train hopping is quite an adventure, I hope one day I can do it.
Ahh hippy moms...gotta love em. You remind me alot of my own mother when my younger brother who's now 18 went out to travel cross country. Train hopping is really dangerous and like other s have said it's best to go out with someone who knows the ropes for the first time. Did he end up going out?
look I have been hopping freight trains 4 15 years now I will give you any info needed...look we can't post web sites here so i am gonna try to be creative and you can goto my home page and leave email and i will get back to you, The noid I.F.T.R.
i hopped my first train about a month ago and it is not a toy, i rode it for about 65 miles and it is a cheap way of getting from point A to point B but very dangerous. when i went to ride back on another it slowed to a stop and there was local police men walking the tracks and 2 of my buddies got caught and all they did to them was tell them to get off the tracks. it is no big deal to get caught. all u have to worry about is the safety issues. well i stated my input. good luck with your son.
that is total BS, people go to jail for that shit. Kids got caught in my home town and spent the night in jail, judge said if they were caught again they'd be in their for awhile, up to 30days. It was so serious, they decided to hitchike out of town.
Sometimes its considered a petty crime, sometimes it can be blown out of proportion, a kid got caught and was tried (in court) as a small act of terrorism.
Someone needs to be there to show him the ropes the first time. It might seem like a stupid thing to do, but it is incredibly rewarding. It's less risky than rockclimbing and I would hardly say that all rockclimbers are dumb. The "smart" thing to do is to take the risks seriously, and keep one's wits about one.
I've hopped from South Texas to all over the US, Portland Oregon several times. There is the aspect of danger as far as mounting and riding the train, but do not forget about dangers such as dehydration and exposure. Make sure he knows to carry plenty of water and has the proper clothes for the season. Also, it's good to have some "backup" money just in case. Another thing. If you get caught, more then likely it will be just a slap on the wrist and "don't do it again".
I been on the streets, and met all sorts of people, good and bad. You got to have good judgment of character. If someone makes your ass twitch, don't trust them, don't even take your eye's off of them. If a stranger is being nice to you, chances are there wanting something, and there buttering you up to get you to let your guard down. If you got to do it, go with a good friends that will watch your Back. safety is in numbers, don't go alone. Godspeed bro, and use your whits.
On the road I am known as Snapshot. You can find my story in "Done and Been" by Gypsy Moon and "Hard Pieces" by Dan Carpenter, both published by Indiana University Press. I would consider riding with your son to teach him the ropes.
Just because some one does something you don't agree with doesn't make them "Dumb". I agree hopping trains can be unsafe. But the point is to learn about yourself in a setting that is not controled. Anything can happen so it is a good idea to have someone help you, but if he doesn't feel like thats an option have him read up on the subject,there is plenty of lit. Watch out for crazy homebums.
im only 14 and i hopped so many trains.just watch out for open floor cars.you should start out on somthimg slow or maybe parked and pratice for a while.you shouldent start out on autoracks,tank gallon,or box cars.you should always look out for nasty,greesy people because some of them will try to mess around with you. BE SAFE!!!!!!!!!!!!
i've done lots of frieght hopping and deffinitly you should be worried about him,but if he is a good caracter that is smart and quick there should be no problems.he just has to think about his saftey first.if your not safe you might lose something....
thanks for the note mike...i think he is a good character...smart? i think you have to be dumb to do this sort of thing...but generally, yes, he is a smart kid!
I have friends who've done it. I look at it as more of a survival method. You get caught sneaking on a freight train in a freight yard at night, you get a massive fine for tresspassing. You fall off a train going 50mp/h you die. If he does insist on going, honestly get him to find a hobo online through a train hopping/travellers forum and get him to go with the hobo who has quite a bit of experience in doing so. Might sound fucked, but it's a fucked idea to start with.
I have never tried it, but it interests me because it seems so adventerous and free. I am also a young man, and I'm considering doing it. There's information about how to do it online and on Youtube.
let him train hopping is fun!
epicfatcat 1 year ago
Comment removed
bing278 1 year ago
did he go? how far did he get?
moze304 2 years ago
never ran into the FTRA; just don't hop on with strangers.
anyway, to mom-- tons of kids who train hop are calling in a couple months asking for a greyhound ticket back. it's shocking to live this kind of life at first. however, kids also fall in love with the freedom and adrenaline of living with no possessions, traveling freely on steel dragons. just keep in touch, and let him make his own mistakes.
i'd advise he travel with a friend.
trainhopperman 2 years ago
wlel liek, ifit gives you comfort, hes doin soemthing that doesnt involve in hurting or takin from otherpeople. just experiecnceing and seein things many never ever do. i say jus give him as much blessing as you can msuter, his gratitude an thanks an smile may just be enough. this is all from eyars ago an shit so like, idoubt hes stillt here. but either way its neever to late to tellhim you beleive in him
magichobo77 2 years ago
no, i wouldn't say so...just love the boy.
dearuniverse 3 years ago
You're a big fan of parenting tapes and self help books aren't you?
eamonia 3 years ago
i dig the romance of it but these days when its on damn youtube it defeats the purpose.---turns the old art into a fad------other real bums could kill him --just to get his phone card--- i done it in 60s but yer cant always know where a trains gonna end up... better he just camp out in the woods---the romance has gone out of "bummin'" now that there's lots of homeless about, most of them nut cases.
BEATNIKCASS 3 years ago
let him do it. its his life.
gonzonoid 3 years ago
i'd smash
woopigoldberg 3 years ago
I too am a train rider, and my mother certainly had her share of worry about my method of travel. I have always sought to ease my parents' minds by phoning them when I get into new towns, so implore that little brat to keep in touch no matter what happens.
I've met some rough types out there, and your son should certainly learn to be a good judge of character. Best advice: Tell him never to get on a train with someone he doesn't know. And that's coming from an experienced rider, not his mom!
askalice50 3 years ago
As an employee of two railroads I caution your son against doing what he is gonna do. Since he has already made his mind up i'm sure he needs to read a book by Duffy Littlejon called Hopping Freight Trains in America, also tell him to google the Freight Train Riders of America, many of these people would not think twice about killing others. Train hopping is quite an adventure, I hope one day I can do it.
rrworker2 3 years ago
what companies did you work for? ever have any run ins with train hoppers or even grafftii writers? what was your reaction?
baker3person 3 years ago
Ahh hippy moms...gotta love em. You remind me alot of my own mother when my younger brother who's now 18 went out to travel cross country. Train hopping is really dangerous and like other s have said it's best to go out with someone who knows the ropes for the first time. Did he end up going out?
YoungAndBalding 4 years ago
have him read hopping fr8 trains in america by duffy littlejhon befor he trys anything
apedog999 4 years ago
The people are more dangerous than the trains.
Watch out!
mofoCutThroat 4 years ago
aint that the truth.
RealTalkCabrone 3 years ago
look I have been hopping freight trains 4 15 years now I will give you any info needed...look we can't post web sites here so i am gonna try to be creative and you can goto my home page and leave email and i will get back to you, The noid I.F.T.R.
1229noid 4 years ago
i hopped my first train about a month ago and it is not a toy, i rode it for about 65 miles and it is a cheap way of getting from point A to point B but very dangerous. when i went to ride back on another it slowed to a stop and there was local police men walking the tracks and 2 of my buddies got caught and all they did to them was tell them to get off the tracks. it is no big deal to get caught. all u have to worry about is the safety issues. well i stated my input. good luck with your son.
dwall199 4 years ago
thanks for the insight!
dearuniverse 4 years ago
that is total BS, people go to jail for that shit. Kids got caught in my home town and spent the night in jail, judge said if they were caught again they'd be in their for awhile, up to 30days. It was so serious, they decided to hitchike out of town.
Sometimes its considered a petty crime, sometimes it can be blown out of proportion, a kid got caught and was tried (in court) as a small act of terrorism.
Dwall your an idiot.
And dont think i havent rode my share.
niseel 3 years ago
thanks for the comment!
dearuniverse 4 years ago
Someone needs to be there to show him the ropes the first time. It might seem like a stupid thing to do, but it is incredibly rewarding. It's less risky than rockclimbing and I would hardly say that all rockclimbers are dumb. The "smart" thing to do is to take the risks seriously, and keep one's wits about one.
brazzbatch 4 years ago
I've hopped from South Texas to all over the US, Portland Oregon several times. There is the aspect of danger as far as mounting and riding the train, but do not forget about dangers such as dehydration and exposure. Make sure he knows to carry plenty of water and has the proper clothes for the season. Also, it's good to have some "backup" money just in case. Another thing. If you get caught, more then likely it will be just a slap on the wrist and "don't do it again".
Link3388 4 years ago
I been on the streets, and met all sorts of people, good and bad. You got to have good judgment of character. If someone makes your ass twitch, don't trust them, don't even take your eye's off of them. If a stranger is being nice to you, chances are there wanting something, and there buttering you up to get you to let your guard down. If you got to do it, go with a good friends that will watch your Back. safety is in numbers, don't go alone. Godspeed bro, and use your whits.
outcastwo 4 years ago
thanks for this insight!
dearuniverse 4 years ago
On the road I am known as Snapshot. You can find my story in "Done and Been" by Gypsy Moon and "Hard Pieces" by Dan Carpenter, both published by Indiana University Press. I would consider riding with your son to teach him the ropes.
trampart 4 years ago
Just because some one does something you don't agree with doesn't make them "Dumb". I agree hopping trains can be unsafe. But the point is to learn about yourself in a setting that is not controled. Anything can happen so it is a good idea to have someone help you, but if he doesn't feel like thats an option have him read up on the subject,there is plenty of lit. Watch out for crazy homebums.
YGTPuNk 4 years ago
thanks for pointing that out...
dumb is perhaps not the best word.
it is just my ignorance speaking and my fear for his safety.
dearuniverse 4 years ago
im only 14 and i hopped so many trains.just watch out for open floor cars.you should start out on somthimg slow or maybe parked and pratice for a while.you shouldent start out on autoracks,tank gallon,or box cars.you should always look out for nasty,greesy people because some of them will try to mess around with you. BE SAFE!!!!!!!!!!!!
sooline546 4 years ago
thanks!
dearuniverse 4 years ago
i've done lots of frieght hopping and deffinitly you should be worried about him,but if he is a good caracter that is smart and quick there should be no problems.he just has to think about his saftey first.if your not safe you might lose something....
treehousemike 4 years ago
thanks for the note mike...i think he is a good character...smart? i think you have to be dumb to do this sort of thing...but generally, yes, he is a smart kid!
dearuniverse 4 years ago
I have friends who've done it. I look at it as more of a survival method. You get caught sneaking on a freight train in a freight yard at night, you get a massive fine for tresspassing. You fall off a train going 50mp/h you die. If he does insist on going, honestly get him to find a hobo online through a train hopping/travellers forum and get him to go with the hobo who has quite a bit of experience in doing so. Might sound fucked, but it's a fucked idea to start with.
L1VV 4 years ago
I have never tried it, but it interests me because it seems so adventerous and free. I am also a young man, and I'm considering doing it. There's information about how to do it online and on Youtube.
bisek 4 years ago
thanks for the note!
dearuniverse 4 years ago