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Have you ever dreamed of leaving everything behind and hitting the road for an adventure? Have you ever wondered what it would be like to travel across the country by hopping on a freight train? If so, you are not alone. Train hopping, or freighthopping, is a practice that has been around for over a century, and still attracts people who seek freedom, thrill, or escape from their troubles. But what is train hopping really like? Is it a rebel lifestyle or a criminal act? In this blog post, I will explore the history, culture, and dangers of train hopping, and share some stories from people who have done it.

The History of Train Hopping

Train hopping began with the advent of trains in the 19th century, and became a common means of transportation for migrant workers, soldiers, settlers, and adventurers. During the Great Depression, train hopping was especially popular among the unemployed and the homeless, who became known as “hobos”. Train hopping was also a symbol of rebellion and resistance for some groups, such as the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW), who used it to organize and spread their message. Train hopping was immortalized in popular culture by songs, such as “King of the Road” by Roger Miller, and films, such as “Emperor of the North Pole” starring Lee Marvin.

The Culture of Train Hopping

Today, train hopping is less common than it used to be, but it still exists. There are different reasons why people choose to train hop, but they all share a common desire for adventure and freedom. Some train hoppers are homeless or poor, and use train hopping as a way to survive or find work. Some are immigrants or refugees, who use train hopping as a way to cross borders or escape persecution. Some are travelers or thrill-seekers, who use train hopping as a way to explore new places or experience new sensations. Some are artists or writers, who use train hopping as a way to express themselves or find inspiration. Some are anarchists or activists, who use train hopping as a way to challenge the system or spread their ideas.

The Lingo of Train Hopping

Train hoppers have their own language, or lingo, that they use to communicate with each other and to describe their experiences. Some of the common terms are:

• Bull: The railroad security, who can arrest or beat train hoppers.
• Catch out: To board a train, either when it is stopped or when it is moving.
• Crew change: The place where the train crew switches out, usually a good spot to catch out.
• Highball: The signal that the train is ready to depart.
• Hotshot: A high-priority train that goes fast and stops rarely.
• Jungle: A campsite near the train yard, where train hoppers can rest and socialize.
• Oogle: A novice or disrespectful train hopper, who does not follow the etiquette or the rules.
• Ride the rods: To ride under the train, on the metal rods that connect the wheels.
• Siding: A track where the train stops to let another train pass.
• Yard: The place where the trains stop to pick up and unload freight and switch out crew.

The Etiquette of Train Hopping

Train hoppers have their own etiquette, or rules, that they follow to respect each other and to avoid trouble. Some of the common rules are:

• Don’t hop on a train that is already occupied by another train hopper, unless you have their permission or invitation.
• Don’t leave any trash or graffiti on the train car, or anywhere else.
• Don’t steal or harm anything or anyone, including other train hoppers, railroad workers, or local people.
• Don’t draw attention to yourself or the train, by making noise, waving, or flashing lights.
• Don’t snitch or rat on other train hoppers, or the train itself, to the bull or the police.
• Don’t hop on a train that you don’t know where it is going, or that is too dangerous to ride.
• Don’t hop on a train that is carrying hazardous materials, such as chemicals, explosives, or nuclear waste.

The Dangers of Train Hopping

Train hopping is very dangerous, and can result in serious injury or death. There are many hazards and risks involved in train hopping, such as:

• Falling off or under the train, and getting crushed or severed by the wheels
• Getting hit by a train, a pole, a bridge, or a tunnel, and getting killed or maimed
• Getting locked or trapped in a train car, and suffocating or starving
• Getting caught by the railroad security, and getting arrested, fined, or assaulted
• Getting attacked by other train hoppers, and getting robbed, stabbed, or murdered
• Getting exposed to the elements, and getting frostbite, hypothermia, dehydration, or heatstroke
• Getting infected by diseases, and getting sick or dying

Train hopping is not a game or a joke. It is a serious and illegal activity that can have fatal consequences.

Conclusion

Train hopping is a practice that has a long and rich history, and a diverse and vibrant culture. It is a practice that appeals to people who seek freedom, thrill, or escape from their troubles. But it is also a practice that involves a lot of skills, knowledge, and luck. And it is a practice that carries a lot of hazards, risks, and penalties. Train hopping is a rebel lifestyle, but also a criminal act. It is a choice that each individual has to make for themselves, but also a choice that affects others. Train hopping is a fascinating phenomenon, but also a dangerous one. Train hopping is not for everyone, and not for the faint of heart.

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Ghazala Siddique