Forwarded from www.squattheplanet.com
Since November, I have been putting together a possibility where I can conquer the rails of southeast Georgia (USA) using everything I have learned from where each freight train originates. I also went beyond the autoracks and learning how to handle grainers, tall-size gondolas, mid-size gondolas, and the simplicity of boxcars. And, then finally, after learning a lot since Summer of 2015, I went ahead and started a new movie project where I find it possible to conquer the rails of southeast Georgia.
Recent social media frenzies rose against country music star Jason Aldean and despised him for his music and his take on the destruction of old-school/outlaw country music. I know this because I have been following the page "We Hate Pop Country" on FB. But the one song from Aldean that got my attention was "Night Train". He ends every chorus with the phrase "Let's go listen to the night train." When I heard that, I thought to myself - the reason I would not listen to the night train, is because I figured I would go out there and catch one myself. To see how far it would take me, and to see what it would take to get back home using any available means necessary even if I had to squat. So I rewrote as "night\TRAIN" and considered that the name of this event of mine.
Since November, I have been constantly studying the behaviour of the Golden Isles Terminal rail yard in Anguilla, along with both the NS and CSX yards in Brunswick. Most NS strings would come and go during the daytime, while CSX randomly operates during the night. From that point, I kept weighing in on all the options I have. I also kept checking and double-checking to make sure I decently prepared before hand. Then came at least two possible routes I can start off with. Then if I get the nerve, I would throw myself into four more routes.
I like to add that I do get around in an SUV, so I have to find a free-parking spot so that I don't have to worry about narcs, snitchers, or even police officers trying to sniff around my SUV and get me towed - I parked there for a reason, especially if it is free-parking.
Catch-out 1 - Brunswick to GIT yard/Nahunta: This would be a warm up so that I am fully aware of what to expect. Randomly, a CSX string will leave Brunswick during or before the midnight hours while stopping at the GIT yard along the way. If it stops there, I can get off and walk about 8 to 10 miles back to my car. Otherwise, CSX would throw a curve ball and proceed past GIT and not slow down again until it reaches the "diamond 10" sign at the Nahunta diamond. The diamond signs should give the conductors a speed limit to follow. Getting off at Nahunta instead of GIT, I would then have to hitchhike at least 30 miles back to Brunswick.
Catch-out 2 - Brunswick to Waycross: This will be the same as the first catch-out, except that this will be an extended ride past Nahunta and heading further west. After that, it will be about almost 54 miles from Brunswick. Remember what I said about using any available means necessary to get back. In this case, if I cannot find a car rental place in Waycross or if I can't find any volunteers to shuttle me back, I will have to squat long enough until a U-HAUL place opens. From there if they say anything, I can pretend that I'm moving - but in reality, I'm moving myself!!! Hahaha...
IF I GET THE NERVE:
Catch-out 3 - Anguilla to Macon: This will involve finding a free-parking spot for my SUV, and then getting into an empty autorack car at the GIT yard before the sun comes up. From there on, I stay put and make sure I do not make any noises whats-so-ever. If an NS or a foreign-NS locomotive arrives and picks up the string of empty autoracks that I'm in, it will then be at least a 180 mile ride to Macon. I will have to once again find me a car or a U-HAUL to get back, then celebrate again! Most people will say that it is impossible to get into an empty autorack, at least until they come see me with a 3/4" drive ratchet.
Once again, IF I GET THE NERVE:
First and foremost, most people would call it "hotshots" and even "intermodals". I call it "interbrutals"!!! The reason is that it will look brutal if you catch a hotshot going 60 mph or faster. CSX is known for their main drags between Savannah, Waycross, and Jacksonville - and those are their superfast routes. Therefore I would seek to plan what I call a "triple\PLAY" which will consist of three more possible routes. I will start my triple\PLAY campaign from Jesup, while my SUV will be (hopefully) securely parked at a free-parking spot at Jesup's Amtrak station without getting towed.
Catch-out 4 - Jesup to Savannah: At times, an interbrutal would sideline in Jesup. Once it gets the green light, it instantly takes off! I am looking at about roughly 55 miles on that.
Catch-out 5 - Savannah to Jacksonville: This one will be tricky, because I want to make sure I am on an interbrutal that will turn in to their Nahunta sub once it reaches Jesup. Most of them do, but if it goes straight to Waycross, I would then be forced to drive or get shuttled from there to Jacksonville - I might feel naive at that point. Otherwise, it will be another brutal 60+ mph shootout through Nahunta, through Folkston, and on into Jacksonville. I could look at up to a little more than double the distance of catch out 4.
Catch-out 6 - Jacksonville to Macon: NS can dispatch both autoracks and interbrutals out of their yard in Jacksonville, but when they leave, their only legal route goes westward to Valdosta and then turning north to Macon, resulting in almost 283 miles in travel. From there on, I can find a ride to get back to Jesup and then drive my SUV back home.
Note that this entire setup of mine is unofficial due to randomness and the frustration behind it. But if all goes according to plan, I'm looking at up to 6 routes totaling at least 500 miles, along with at least or up to 30 scenes out of this whole thing as I seek to shoot videos and raw footage. The release date is far from my reach, so I can't say. I'm just getting started.
Thanks to all for reading and wish me luck.
Because of this ongoing project and adventure of mine, I will not be active but I will check back every once in a while. Don't worry about taking a GoPro, I can create something makeshift. That's what the Southern people usually do. :)
Since November, I have been putting together a possibility where I can conquer the rails of southeast Georgia (USA) using everything I have learned from where each freight train originates. I also went beyond the autoracks and learning how to handle grainers, tall-size gondolas, mid-size gondolas, and the simplicity of boxcars. And, then finally, after learning a lot since Summer of 2015, I went ahead and started a new movie project where I find it possible to conquer the rails of southeast Georgia.
Recent social media frenzies rose against country music star Jason Aldean and despised him for his music and his take on the destruction of old-school/outlaw country music. I know this because I have been following the page "We Hate Pop Country" on FB. But the one song from Aldean that got my attention was "Night Train". He ends every chorus with the phrase "Let's go listen to the night train." When I heard that, I thought to myself - the reason I would not listen to the night train, is because I figured I would go out there and catch one myself. To see how far it would take me, and to see what it would take to get back home using any available means necessary even if I had to squat. So I rewrote as "night\TRAIN" and considered that the name of this event of mine.
Since November, I have been constantly studying the behaviour of the Golden Isles Terminal rail yard in Anguilla, along with both the NS and CSX yards in Brunswick. Most NS strings would come and go during the daytime, while CSX randomly operates during the night. From that point, I kept weighing in on all the options I have. I also kept checking and double-checking to make sure I decently prepared before hand. Then came at least two possible routes I can start off with. Then if I get the nerve, I would throw myself into four more routes.
I like to add that I do get around in an SUV, so I have to find a free-parking spot so that I don't have to worry about narcs, snitchers, or even police officers trying to sniff around my SUV and get me towed - I parked there for a reason, especially if it is free-parking.
Catch-out 1 - Brunswick to GIT yard/Nahunta: This would be a warm up so that I am fully aware of what to expect. Randomly, a CSX string will leave Brunswick during or before the midnight hours while stopping at the GIT yard along the way. If it stops there, I can get off and walk about 8 to 10 miles back to my car. Otherwise, CSX would throw a curve ball and proceed past GIT and not slow down again until it reaches the "diamond 10" sign at the Nahunta diamond. The diamond signs should give the conductors a speed limit to follow. Getting off at Nahunta instead of GIT, I would then have to hitchhike at least 30 miles back to Brunswick.
Catch-out 2 - Brunswick to Waycross: This will be the same as the first catch-out, except that this will be an extended ride past Nahunta and heading further west. After that, it will be about almost 54 miles from Brunswick. Remember what I said about using any available means necessary to get back. In this case, if I cannot find a car rental place in Waycross or if I can't find any volunteers to shuttle me back, I will have to squat long enough until a U-HAUL place opens. From there if they say anything, I can pretend that I'm moving - but in reality, I'm moving myself!!! Hahaha...
IF I GET THE NERVE:
Catch-out 3 - Anguilla to Macon: This will involve finding a free-parking spot for my SUV, and then getting into an empty autorack car at the GIT yard before the sun comes up. From there on, I stay put and make sure I do not make any noises whats-so-ever. If an NS or a foreign-NS locomotive arrives and picks up the string of empty autoracks that I'm in, it will then be at least a 180 mile ride to Macon. I will have to once again find me a car or a U-HAUL to get back, then celebrate again! Most people will say that it is impossible to get into an empty autorack, at least until they come see me with a 3/4" drive ratchet.
Once again, IF I GET THE NERVE:
First and foremost, most people would call it "hotshots" and even "intermodals". I call it "interbrutals"!!! The reason is that it will look brutal if you catch a hotshot going 60 mph or faster. CSX is known for their main drags between Savannah, Waycross, and Jacksonville - and those are their superfast routes. Therefore I would seek to plan what I call a "triple\PLAY" which will consist of three more possible routes. I will start my triple\PLAY campaign from Jesup, while my SUV will be (hopefully) securely parked at a free-parking spot at Jesup's Amtrak station without getting towed.
Catch-out 4 - Jesup to Savannah: At times, an interbrutal would sideline in Jesup. Once it gets the green light, it instantly takes off! I am looking at about roughly 55 miles on that.
Catch-out 5 - Savannah to Jacksonville: This one will be tricky, because I want to make sure I am on an interbrutal that will turn in to their Nahunta sub once it reaches Jesup. Most of them do, but if it goes straight to Waycross, I would then be forced to drive or get shuttled from there to Jacksonville - I might feel naive at that point. Otherwise, it will be another brutal 60+ mph shootout through Nahunta, through Folkston, and on into Jacksonville. I could look at up to a little more than double the distance of catch out 4.
Catch-out 6 - Jacksonville to Macon: NS can dispatch both autoracks and interbrutals out of their yard in Jacksonville, but when they leave, their only legal route goes westward to Valdosta and then turning north to Macon, resulting in almost 283 miles in travel. From there on, I can find a ride to get back to Jesup and then drive my SUV back home.
Note that this entire setup of mine is unofficial due to randomness and the frustration behind it. But if all goes according to plan, I'm looking at up to 6 routes totaling at least 500 miles, along with at least or up to 30 scenes out of this whole thing as I seek to shoot videos and raw footage. The release date is far from my reach, so I can't say. I'm just getting started.
Thanks to all for reading and wish me luck.
Because of this ongoing project and adventure of mine, I will not be active but I will check back every once in a while. Don't worry about taking a GoPro, I can create something makeshift. That's what the Southern people usually do. :)
Hey Quad, did you see how easy I made it to attach videos to posts? You should post a couple of yours up sometime and get some feedback ;)
Mr. Dave,
There is still a lot of documenting to be done for something this big. If I can at least get a warm-up from Brunswick to GIT or Nahunta, I might release one of my first trailers. You ought to learn by now that documenting the right footage at the right place at the right time will clearly depend on which train leaves certain places, it's not easy here and it won't be easy in Canada.
Speaking of Canada, I have been thinking about some pretty good alternatives to make up a good-budget movie. I have been carrying a 1st-gen Motorola Moto X smartphone and I am seeking to obtain a Flip HD, which I believe both would be good enough to stand up to low light. Since most GoPros are expensive (and even had some flaws in the beginning), sorry Dave, I still can't afford. I do however pray that you'll have enough money raised to get a newer GoPro for yourself.
There are extra things to throw in to go with documenting/recording before we both hit the rails again. There is a gear guide put together for travelers, no matter who does what or what it would take to get to where they need to be. (settings may be login only)
squattheplanet.com/a... ...-guide.22/
There is still a lot of documenting to be done for something this big. If I can at least get a warm-up from Brunswick to GIT or Nahunta, I might release one of my first trailers. You ought to learn by now that documenting the right footage at the right place at the right time will clearly depend on which train leaves certain places, it's not easy here and it won't be easy in Canada.
Speaking of Canada, I have been thinking about some pretty good alternatives to make up a good-budget movie. I have been carrying a 1st-gen Motorola Moto X smartphone and I am seeking to obtain a Flip HD, which I believe both would be good enough to stand up to low light. Since most GoPros are expensive (and even had some flaws in the beginning), sorry Dave, I still can't afford. I do however pray that you'll have enough money raised to get a newer GoPro for yourself.
There are extra things to throw in to go with documenting/recording before we both hit the rails again. There is a gear guide put together for travelers, no matter who does what or what it would take to get to where they need to be. (settings may be login only)
squattheplanet.com/a... ...-guide.22/
So Quad8 have you hopped any freight before? Is this a complete movie script and what you are now about to go and do? Filming with flip phones? You havent left anything out which is amazing, good luck on this trip, something tells me it may not go as smooth as it reads but I wish you luck! Keep us updated.
Since Summer, I have became familiar with freight trains since last year. It started with opening an empty autorack, then I learned about other cars while knowing what is safe and what is dangerous.
I once attempted to catch an empty rock grainer on the fly, in the dark, to later find out that it was not rideable on the inside. I remain on the lookout for the next several weeks.
I once attempted to catch an empty rock grainer on the fly, in the dark, to later find out that it was not rideable on the inside. I remain on the lookout for the next several weeks.
Hey there Quad8, sounds like a well researched endeavor mate. You can only do your best to know the terrain you're entering, which only leaves the unexpected. Should be an adventure for sure. All the best with it and your findings....
Okay, so far, Georgia has been a whole lot worse than I thought. Instead of starting from Brunswick, it pretty much kept aggravating me. So I drove up to Savannah instead to at least test my bravery. An interbrutal pulled a little bit out of CSX Savannah and then it stopped a little before midnight. Then I explored one of their flat cars and one of them did have a floor sure enough! It was not suicidal, so I snuck on board and even hid away from a northbound interbrutal going into their Savannah terminal. When it finally took off after about 30 minutes, I recorded what I could even though 80% of my video was dark. I rolled from Savannah to Midway going as fast as 55 mph. When it sidelined in Midway, I figured I would go back. I didn't realize there was a near-slow northbound heading toward Savannah until I walked far from where I got off. From there on, it was a long hard fight to travel 28 miles back to Savannah without a train.
I was barely lucky enough to find two truck drivers giving me a lift, but I still had to walk roughly 10 miles. It was about 0200 when I left Midway, and I finally reached Savannah at 1100. Along the way, I didn't expect to have taxi cab drivers get tangled up in morning traffic, but they wasted my time when I kept calling them to see if they can give me a lift. I was able to drive back to Brunswick and now I have been recovering from the long walk I had to deal with.
From here on out, the remaining part of my quest should get a little bit easier because I really hate wasting time looking for someone to give me a lift. If my friends can't seem to reach me, I understand. Most places would have rent-a-car facilities around a few towns I seek to reach. If not, there can be U-HAUL's. Ever wanted to move yourself?! :P
All in all, this is part of an amazing gift of adventure that the Lord gave me, for I will continue to treasure it honorably and safely as long as I am still breathing. That first test-hop I did was a distance of 27 miles according to Google Maps.
Out of all the raw footage, I could be about 9 scenes so far, and these are the only two best images I could snapshot.
From this point, I still have NS Brunswick/Macon, CSX Brunswick/Waycross, CSX Savannah/Jacksonville, and NS Jacksonville/Macon to check out if I get the nerve.
I was barely lucky enough to find two truck drivers giving me a lift, but I still had to walk roughly 10 miles. It was about 0200 when I left Midway, and I finally reached Savannah at 1100. Along the way, I didn't expect to have taxi cab drivers get tangled up in morning traffic, but they wasted my time when I kept calling them to see if they can give me a lift. I was able to drive back to Brunswick and now I have been recovering from the long walk I had to deal with.
From here on out, the remaining part of my quest should get a little bit easier because I really hate wasting time looking for someone to give me a lift. If my friends can't seem to reach me, I understand. Most places would have rent-a-car facilities around a few towns I seek to reach. If not, there can be U-HAUL's. Ever wanted to move yourself?! :P
All in all, this is part of an amazing gift of adventure that the Lord gave me, for I will continue to treasure it honorably and safely as long as I am still breathing. That first test-hop I did was a distance of 27 miles according to Google Maps.
Out of all the raw footage, I could be about 9 scenes so far, and these are the only two best images I could snapshot.
From this point, I still have NS Brunswick/Macon, CSX Brunswick/Waycross, CSX Savannah/Jacksonville, and NS Jacksonville/Macon to check out if I get the nerve.
Okay, I been thinking about this for a while. I saw a video a while back which started off as an attack video against one of my eight inspirations (Brave Dave). The original video posted by The Angry Man (no one still knows his name or anything) was already taken down which I already learned, but I did see the one that was remixed where his words were chopped up, and I thought that was pretty funny. It was more than likely a state of punishment by way of humiliation, but the way I am seeing this, I don't think the edited attack video is punishment enough.
I have been keeping up with The Angry Man's group he represented, Agency Films, and there are two facts I clearly discovered: (1) their YouTube channel is pretty much dead and (2) they have not released another train hopping video or documentary for at least 8 years already. And then one of their members had to open his mouth with a senseless and careless attack video against one of my eight inspirations?!!! Again, not cool, and I am not sure if I wanted to include this in my movie or not.
Luckily, I came up with a better punishment against The Angry Man that I believe I can execute with a lot less talking, and mostly writing. Guys, if I ever make it to Jacksonville by a CSX interbrutal, should I find a nearby panel and write "BITE ME GAYGENCY FILMS!" as a readable?! This will require me to hide in the dark and make sure there is no one in my surroundings, so there is no telling any other way to pull it off safely.
In short, if you mess with Brave Dave, Railroad Ron, Shoestring, John Burns (Cooter), Wizehop, Matt Derrick, Stobe, and G.I. Joe - you're messing with me.
I have been keeping up with The Angry Man's group he represented, Agency Films, and there are two facts I clearly discovered: (1) their YouTube channel is pretty much dead and (2) they have not released another train hopping video or documentary for at least 8 years already. And then one of their members had to open his mouth with a senseless and careless attack video against one of my eight inspirations?!!! Again, not cool, and I am not sure if I wanted to include this in my movie or not.
Luckily, I came up with a better punishment against The Angry Man that I believe I can execute with a lot less talking, and mostly writing. Guys, if I ever make it to Jacksonville by a CSX interbrutal, should I find a nearby panel and write "BITE ME GAYGENCY FILMS!" as a readable?! This will require me to hide in the dark and make sure there is no one in my surroundings, so there is no telling any other way to pull it off safely.
In short, if you mess with Brave Dave, Railroad Ron, Shoestring, John Burns (Cooter), Wizehop, Matt Derrick, Stobe, and G.I. Joe - you're messing with me.
Hey Quad, err, I wouldn't worry about it too much. The guy made the video and I made the response video over 8 years ago. I think it's over with now.
I am still waiting for weather conditions to favor while making sure business is out of the way. Then once I finally catch an autorack, I would like to mention "Hotel de Freight Train" during the making of my night\TRAIN movie! I begin to look at each empty autorack as a "Limousine of Doom" from what I call them! The fewer holes you're able to see through on the side walls, the better your cover and the lower your rate of being detected by anyone! Here's a look at the inside for anyone who is interested.
Awesome! In all my years I've never been in an Autorack (or tried) How do you get in?
This:
www.sears.com/crafts... ...904441000P
And this:
www.sears.com/crafts... ...944804000P
The only downside is that it will be an extra 7.5 lbs. (almost 8) that you have to carry. Otherwise, you got yourself a ratchet you can use for self-defense and of course, my favorite part - opening one of those!
www.sears.com/crafts... ...904441000P
And this:
www.sears.com/crafts... ...944804000P
The only downside is that it will be an extra 7.5 lbs. (almost 8) that you have to carry. Otherwise, you got yourself a ratchet you can use for self-defense and of course, my favorite part - opening one of those!
This bump now includes a small taste of my take on the action, and I figured I'll take all of us straight to it. The reason is that the first three scenes feature about 10 minutes of storytelling and plotting. No doubt that the first route I traveled here was totally different from the first one I planned before, but I still have plans to conquer the CSX Brunswick sub along with a few other routes.
When Brave Dave documented his freighthopping trip in Canada, he had many technical difficulties with his GoPro including limited or no audio, that is why he had to hard-caption his movie. Personally, I been having autism since I was young - it's aspergers' syndrome now. This has caused me an ongoing habit to stutter, talk gibberish a little, and even talk too fast. That is the reason I have to listen to my own words and hard-caption my video the best way possible so viewers would try to understand me a little bit more.
Note that I still have to go back out there and conquer more routes before considering this a complete movie on my end - with a little less talk. This means I am still nowhere near ready to announce the release date. The video may expire since it is part of my movie still under multiple revisions.
When Brave Dave documented his freighthopping trip in Canada, he had many technical difficulties with his GoPro including limited or no audio, that is why he had to hard-caption his movie. Personally, I been having autism since I was young - it's aspergers' syndrome now. This has caused me an ongoing habit to stutter, talk gibberish a little, and even talk too fast. That is the reason I have to listen to my own words and hard-caption my video the best way possible so viewers would try to understand me a little bit more.
Note that I still have to go back out there and conquer more routes before considering this a complete movie on my end - with a little less talk. This means I am still nowhere near ready to announce the release date. The video may expire since it is part of my movie still under multiple revisions.
Great to see some fresh footage posted. I like the explanation at the beginning and the audio text. Showing the speed of the train was a nice feature. The scene of the baretables flying out of the darkness like a ghost in the night depicts an appealing spooky quality.
Looking forward to seeing more of this adventure. Hopefully the "limo of doom" makes an appearance.
Looking forward to seeing more of this adventure. Hopefully the "limo of doom" makes an appearance.
Limousines of Doom, there's tons of them here in Brunswick - autoracks actually, but that's what I call them. I'm still on the payroll until I go back out there again, no telling when. Thanks for feed back!
I really like the photo you posted further up the thread, Quad, from inside the autorack! Like SinWolf, I've never been in one. Are their doors on latches? It would suck for the door to close behind you, though I guess better than being locked in a boxcar because at least you can see, and shout for help when you stop somewhere :P
And like Lingcod said, the night footage of the train passing you by looks cool with the spooky blurry effect. Stay safe out there, dude!
And like Lingcod said, the night footage of the train passing you by looks cool with the spooky blurry effect. Stay safe out there, dude!
^ i was wondering the same about the doors on auto racks.
Im going to try and grab a auto rack next time i ride. I wish to string a hammock up inside :D
Haha, good plan!
I knew a guy who used to freight hop in the UK (I've never done that, despite living here, because it has much bigger risks for much smaller rewards) and he used to ride autoracks which were loaded with brand new cars. They don't lock the car doors (obviously) and the keys are in the ignition so he could ride in comfort, sat on leather seats with the heating on. I like to think that he never caused any damage to anything and that the dealerships and new car owners never found any hint that he'd even been there.
I've no idea how he got into the autoracks in the first place though. You'd think they'd triple the locks on those things if they've got all the new cars in there.
I knew a guy who used to freight hop in the UK (I've never done that, despite living here, because it has much bigger risks for much smaller rewards) and he used to ride autoracks which were loaded with brand new cars. They don't lock the car doors (obviously) and the keys are in the ignition so he could ride in comfort, sat on leather seats with the heating on. I like to think that he never caused any damage to anything and that the dealerships and new car owners never found any hint that he'd even been there.
I've no idea how he got into the autoracks in the first place though. You'd think they'd triple the locks on those things if they've got all the new cars in there.
Here in Canada they are locked. Either with a massive Aboly lock or Bolt Seal. (At least the ones I've seen were) Id never enter a loaded AR just as i don't even look at loaded SeaCans. If you got caught in either of those you'd be in a world of shit. I generally stick to Well cars with a floor, Grainers and DPU's. Once i tried an empty gondola and gawd damn, the wind tosses around every tiny bit of debris left behind. Even glasses never stopped it. lol
Yeah, 12 hours on a ride where you can barely even open your eyes doesn't sound like much fun. You'd need to pack goggles and a mask to be able to put up with that!
Okay, first of all, most autoracks built between 98 (1998) and 02 (2002) are the ones that have a latch between the doors and an auxiliary lock hole - which is a 3/4" square inside the groove. In order to find out when each autorack was built, you should look for a black square design on the outside and look for a BLT (built) date. That is what I learned the other day.
Next, you have to disengage the latch between the doors by rotating the latch above the bar and keep the latch upright as you remove the bar. If the latch has a seal, you must avoid the autorack altogether because it has cars inside and it may put you at a risk of being detained for trespassing AND messing around with vehicles. This is why I would always go after empty ones.
After disengaging the latch, look for a 3/4" square groove, and that is where you want to insert the square end of your ratchet into. Turn your ratchet clockwise to open the left door and counter-clockwise to open the right door. Most autoracks may have loose or tightened cables which could render most doors difficult to turn, even with a ratchet. But try another door and don't give up. The links I posted earlier from Sears/Craftsman was exactly the tool I used to practice this whole thing.
Once you have your ratchet fully turned, you can then physically grab the door at the end and pull it toward its side. In this case, pull leftward to open the left door and rightward to open the right door.
Once the door is opened, you should be able to hopefully sneak right in and pray that there was no one nearby to hear you make enough noises to open your autorack. It is highly recommended NOT to perform opening an autorack nor bailing off an autorack on the fly. I would wait until it stops. Trust me on this, you'll thank me later. Last but not least, both of you, I would strongly prefer reviewing your list of train symbols and knowing where each empty autorack plans to go. Some autoracks could be part of a mix-manifest, while some would be added to an interbrutal. Other than that, I believe the both of you are good to go. :)
Next, you have to disengage the latch between the doors by rotating the latch above the bar and keep the latch upright as you remove the bar. If the latch has a seal, you must avoid the autorack altogether because it has cars inside and it may put you at a risk of being detained for trespassing AND messing around with vehicles. This is why I would always go after empty ones.
After disengaging the latch, look for a 3/4" square groove, and that is where you want to insert the square end of your ratchet into. Turn your ratchet clockwise to open the left door and counter-clockwise to open the right door. Most autoracks may have loose or tightened cables which could render most doors difficult to turn, even with a ratchet. But try another door and don't give up. The links I posted earlier from Sears/Craftsman was exactly the tool I used to practice this whole thing.
Once you have your ratchet fully turned, you can then physically grab the door at the end and pull it toward its side. In this case, pull leftward to open the left door and rightward to open the right door.
Once the door is opened, you should be able to hopefully sneak right in and pray that there was no one nearby to hear you make enough noises to open your autorack. It is highly recommended NOT to perform opening an autorack nor bailing off an autorack on the fly. I would wait until it stops. Trust me on this, you'll thank me later. Last but not least, both of you, I would strongly prefer reviewing your list of train symbols and knowing where each empty autorack plans to go. Some autoracks could be part of a mix-manifest, while some would be added to an interbrutal. Other than that, I believe the both of you are good to go. :)
One more thing to add, most autoracks from the inside have a "TO UNLOCK" message written inside the door. But before you pay attention, you will have to reach your hands through the door and disengage the latch+bar. As long as the latch is not disengaged, you will not be able to open your door from the inside. Although it is a risk of getting your fingers crushed, it is best to at least keep the latches on both ends disengaged before your open your door(s) and get right in making it easier.
Then, you can open the door from the inside where it might have one end sticking out that is closest to the center. You can step your foot on that end downward to disengage the auxiliary lock and open the door that way. If you pick the right empty autorack, I don't think you'll be locked inside - unless you're at the top level, then you're screwed - so stick to the bottom level.
Then, you can open the door from the inside where it might have one end sticking out that is closest to the center. You can step your foot on that end downward to disengage the auxiliary lock and open the door that way. If you pick the right empty autorack, I don't think you'll be locked inside - unless you're at the top level, then you're screwed - so stick to the bottom level.
The whole autorack thing is what led me to take the next step to where I am now. Last year, I put this movie up. Go to 1:05:00 on the timeline.
Okay, it has been over a month since I rode the first train. Now I have a plan B. If I can't catch out of Brunswick tonight, I might have to drive to Waycross and try to get a northeast-bound freight to Savannah. From there on, it will be much easier because I can either catch out of Savannah and take a freight back to Waycross, or I might have to take a U-haul instead.
I decided to delete the temporary video from earlier and continue documenting whenever I get back to it. I did however come up with a trailer. I single handedly created some visual effects that changes the background and the letters to make it look like a mass murderer in a horror film. It is not my opinion that the railroad industry in general was given any sound or visual effect to make it look evil regardless. But it is what it would feel like if you get caught up in the wrong spot, so know the signs of any risk of death/injury before you approach.
Very intriguing. The pauses create the space for fearful anxiety I think you are looking for. Certainly has a Charles Manson dead stare feeling. Reminds me of "The Walking Dead" in cinematic impression. Maybe the fact that both take place in Georgia has something to do with it. Looking forward to more.
Also... Great detailed info on "Grand Theft Autorack". I always wondered about the possibility of using a tool. Sometimes they leave them open when empty. That is the only way I have rode them and they are truly a hobo's heaven. When watching the train pass you can see them coming because there will be a wing or fin standing out when the door is fully open. Look for it like you would square bottoms on international containers, ribs on domestics, wide porch walls on grainers and so forth.
Also... Great detailed info on "Grand Theft Autorack". I always wondered about the possibility of using a tool. Sometimes they leave them open when empty. That is the only way I have rode them and they are truly a hobo's heaven. When watching the train pass you can see them coming because there will be a wing or fin standing out when the door is fully open. Look for it like you would square bottoms on international containers, ribs on domestics, wide porch walls on grainers and so forth.
There is only one exception. Some autorack cars do not require a ratchet. They have only trailer rods and latches that keep each door closed. I think most autoracks that contain the reporting mark CTTX are the ones with just the trailer rods. When they open, they can be exposed as wings, fins, etc. There is an EPIC downside: if anyone from the outside closes the doors while you're hiding inside, that means you are pretty much locked in for good!
Sounds like an easy way to get the last word in during the night.
Never noticed CTTX and trailer rods, good to know!
Never noticed CTTX and trailer rods, good to know!
Good evening/morning.
Last night at around 21:45, I wasn't worried too much about downtown Waycross lit up on one side. I had two attempts. First manifest had only one Cadillac grainer, and I was not prepared for that. The second one had a stampede of FURX Cadillac grainers, which I did manage to catch on the fly, so my second mission was underway! I started cruising at 30 to 40 mph since there was a manifest string trailing further ahead. Then I arrived in Jesup shortly after midnight. The official measurement was 37 miles on Google Maps, bringing my total to 64 and conquering the CSX Jesup subdivision.
Around 01:00/02:00 in the morning, I met up with this older guy that just had two drinks. First, he was dropped off at one of his shops in downtown Jesup to get a few things, then I found out that he was gonna cut me a deal. First, I called a taxi just to shuttle me and Brad across town to the Sidetrax Bar to get his truck. For $50 he would take me back to Waycross, but I had to take the wheel since he was more drunk/tired than I was, and that he was under a bigger risk of getting nailed with a DUI (driving under the influence).
We pulled up to a gas station so he can get a few donuts so he can sober up a little quicker. I paid the amount due and I gave him an extra $20 for gas another drink or two, maybe then some.
We talked about adventures along the way, and after my side of everything, we arrived in Waycross shortly after 04:00. I was able to retrieve my ride, head back to Brunswick, arrive safely, and dump all my new footage from an SD card.
I'll have to put the documenting on hold again, but I got more than enough to start production soon. I'm now expanding to 12 scenes while grouping my scenes into chapters. I believe this would make viewing more organized than perplexed. Thanks for reading.
Last night at around 21:45, I wasn't worried too much about downtown Waycross lit up on one side. I had two attempts. First manifest had only one Cadillac grainer, and I was not prepared for that. The second one had a stampede of FURX Cadillac grainers, which I did manage to catch on the fly, so my second mission was underway! I started cruising at 30 to 40 mph since there was a manifest string trailing further ahead. Then I arrived in Jesup shortly after midnight. The official measurement was 37 miles on Google Maps, bringing my total to 64 and conquering the CSX Jesup subdivision.
Around 01:00/02:00 in the morning, I met up with this older guy that just had two drinks. First, he was dropped off at one of his shops in downtown Jesup to get a few things, then I found out that he was gonna cut me a deal. First, I called a taxi just to shuttle me and Brad across town to the Sidetrax Bar to get his truck. For $50 he would take me back to Waycross, but I had to take the wheel since he was more drunk/tired than I was, and that he was under a bigger risk of getting nailed with a DUI (driving under the influence).
We pulled up to a gas station so he can get a few donuts so he can sober up a little quicker. I paid the amount due and I gave him an extra $20 for gas another drink or two, maybe then some.
We talked about adventures along the way, and after my side of everything, we arrived in Waycross shortly after 04:00. I was able to retrieve my ride, head back to Brunswick, arrive safely, and dump all my new footage from an SD card.
I'll have to put the documenting on hold again, but I got more than enough to start production soon. I'm now expanding to 12 scenes while grouping my scenes into chapters. I believe this would make viewing more organized than perplexed. Thanks for reading.
This video is few clips out of the string of FURX cadillac grainers I rode from Waycross to Jesup that night of May 12th. It may be temporary. Here's scene 9 and 10 (above)...
My documenting part will be on hold for a while since I have to start planning further ahead than I thought.
My documenting part will be on hold for a while since I have to start planning further ahead than I thought.
I have this thought, and it's probably gonna be the best thing I can come up with. I still got two more scenes to do, and then after scene 12, I should be about 40 minutes into the whole thing.
Now I am leaning toward doing one more ride and calling that the first "night\TRAIN" so it is not too lengthy. An empty autorack either on the CSX Brunswick sub or the NS Brunswick district whichever I find first. After that, I could be looking at more than an hour.
I could then put the routes between Savannah, Waycross (optional), Jacksonville, and either Macon/Atlanta (in that particular order) into "triple\PLAY", a night\TRAIN sequel. I don't think any of us would want to watch a 3 hour movie, right?! Correct me if I am wrong. :)
Thanks for reading and understanding.
Now I am leaning toward doing one more ride and calling that the first "night\TRAIN" so it is not too lengthy. An empty autorack either on the CSX Brunswick sub or the NS Brunswick district whichever I find first. After that, I could be looking at more than an hour.
I could then put the routes between Savannah, Waycross (optional), Jacksonville, and either Macon/Atlanta (in that particular order) into "triple\PLAY", a night\TRAIN sequel. I don't think any of us would want to watch a 3 hour movie, right?! Correct me if I am wrong. :)
Thanks for reading and understanding.
Sometimes you really got to change your plans when luck runs out.
I am now 52 minutes and 13 scenes into the whole thing. I now have plans to catch one more train and then call it a movie. I can lay low for a while and conquer the rest of Southeast Georgia in my next sequel, "triple///PLAY".
This last train I seek will be an interbrutal out of Savannah, GA like the first time. But this time I seek speeds of up to 75 mph since it is a direct path. I will stay on board until I get to Waycross or Jacksonville, depending on where it is heading. It's 90 miles to Waycross and about 143 miles to Jacksonville! Get this, I will seek to try to catch out right before the sun comes up so I can get me a daytime ride for a change. No matter which destination I reach, I will know exactly where I need to be in order to rent the wheels to get me back to Savannah.
Dave: I am pushing toward September to get your fans hyped before they see you (hopefully) return to Canada and see you off on your journey. And please call me Steve from now on. :)
I am now 52 minutes and 13 scenes into the whole thing. I now have plans to catch one more train and then call it a movie. I can lay low for a while and conquer the rest of Southeast Georgia in my next sequel, "triple///PLAY".
This last train I seek will be an interbrutal out of Savannah, GA like the first time. But this time I seek speeds of up to 75 mph since it is a direct path. I will stay on board until I get to Waycross or Jacksonville, depending on where it is heading. It's 90 miles to Waycross and about 143 miles to Jacksonville! Get this, I will seek to try to catch out right before the sun comes up so I can get me a daytime ride for a change. No matter which destination I reach, I will know exactly where I need to be in order to rent the wheels to get me back to Savannah.
Dave: I am pushing toward September to get your fans hyped before they see you (hopefully) return to Canada and see you off on your journey. And please call me Steve from now on. :)
Sad update. No, this documentation procedure will not be cancelled and it will go on! However...
As of last night, my 2 year old Moto X smartphone slipped out of my hands once again and it landed face-first on the floor pretty hard. This resulted in an epic screen shatter and has wiped out more than 80% of my touch screen. Before I dropped it, I did document a few extra clips of some of my co-workers as part of my 13th scene, "winn dixie\AFTER DARK". Also, my phone was sadly protected by a 4-digit PIN lock screen. I did realize that these first-generation Moto X smartphones does contain OTG support over USB, since I had a history of importing/exporting files between my phone and a few stick drives ranging from 8GB to 32GB.
I am not sure if the phone will be able to connect a wired PC mouse through OTG and get my mouse running, even on a lock screen, but currently there is no other way to get past the lock screen after more than 80% of it is totaled. If for some reason that it somehow does pick up my mouse, I should be able to [blindly] enter my PIN and get past the lock screen that way - then connect it to my laptop and get my raw footage out of there!
On the other hand, I haven't used my Playsport zx5 since my ride to Jesup, but I do want to observe as much of that as possible, battery and all. I will be spending the next day or so getting me a phone that is just as responsive and as HD looking as the Moto X - where it is not too expensive but not too cheap either, just right. The cheap shit gives you 480p video anyways - if not, worst.
As of last night, my 2 year old Moto X smartphone slipped out of my hands once again and it landed face-first on the floor pretty hard. This resulted in an epic screen shatter and has wiped out more than 80% of my touch screen. Before I dropped it, I did document a few extra clips of some of my co-workers as part of my 13th scene, "winn dixie\AFTER DARK". Also, my phone was sadly protected by a 4-digit PIN lock screen. I did realize that these first-generation Moto X smartphones does contain OTG support over USB, since I had a history of importing/exporting files between my phone and a few stick drives ranging from 8GB to 32GB.
I am not sure if the phone will be able to connect a wired PC mouse through OTG and get my mouse running, even on a lock screen, but currently there is no other way to get past the lock screen after more than 80% of it is totaled. If for some reason that it somehow does pick up my mouse, I should be able to [blindly] enter my PIN and get past the lock screen that way - then connect it to my laptop and get my raw footage out of there!
On the other hand, I haven't used my Playsport zx5 since my ride to Jesup, but I do want to observe as much of that as possible, battery and all. I will be spending the next day or so getting me a phone that is just as responsive and as HD looking as the Moto X - where it is not too expensive but not too cheap either, just right. The cheap shit gives you 480p video anyways - if not, worst.
Now things have been compromised yet again. This time, my mother has to have gallbladder surgery next week. I may need to postpone this to July now because of that! Dammit!
It is over a month's hiatus from this movie I continue to work on. I know my most recent ride was back on May 12th. And I figured what good is a movie without an autorack ride? I figured now I decide to revamp the idea and ride one as far as Jesup. Plus, this will allow me to see if weather will permit due to increased temperatures and heat indexes along with chances of precipitation/rain. I still consider a Savannah catch-out to Jacksonville/Waycross my last train for this movie.
This autorack ride I seek to pull, however, allows me to challenge the randomness of the Terminal yard, and hoping someone will bring in a locomotive or two to take out a string of empty autoracks. In this case, I want to make sure I am inside one that has plenty of cover and that I do not make enough noises to stir up attention, so this could be between moderate and difficult. Also if I do somehow manage to get out safely, it will take up to an hour for the entire string to fork off the CSX Brunswick sub and finally make its way to the NS Brunswick district which is the route I plan to take.
So now, I went back and created a custom T-shirt which closely adapts to most CSX autorack cars painted yellow. goo.gl/eDSmrU I still have my other shirt that I created before and that will be featured in my trip from Savannah to Jacksonville/Waycross. There's your update, nothing else new.
Here's another custom T-shirt I created before: goo.gl/vUFqiz
This autorack ride I seek to pull, however, allows me to challenge the randomness of the Terminal yard, and hoping someone will bring in a locomotive or two to take out a string of empty autoracks. In this case, I want to make sure I am inside one that has plenty of cover and that I do not make enough noises to stir up attention, so this could be between moderate and difficult. Also if I do somehow manage to get out safely, it will take up to an hour for the entire string to fork off the CSX Brunswick sub and finally make its way to the NS Brunswick district which is the route I plan to take.
So now, I went back and created a custom T-shirt which closely adapts to most CSX autorack cars painted yellow. goo.gl/eDSmrU I still have my other shirt that I created before and that will be featured in my trip from Savannah to Jacksonville/Waycross. There's your update, nothing else new.
Here's another custom T-shirt I created before: goo.gl/vUFqiz
A little update.
July the 10th (this past Sunday), I parked my ride just footsteps away from the Terminal yard in Brunswick. Before hand I did discover a string of loaded autoracks waiting at the NS shortcut toward Brunswick. Being that the yard I was at was full of mosquitoes and horseflies, I had to put on my mask to repel those insects. However, my mask also placed me under the radar of anonymous snitchers along the highway by the yard. Then the next thing...
I had three county officials (not bulls) approach me and started asking enough questions to fill an exam. It was also a cold day in hell and I was sweating - to the point where I almost fainted. Then after I was questioned, they added that I was parked in a private area (even though I never saw any signs indicating proof). They wanted to search my vehicle, so I consented because of course I know my own mother never raised an illegal drug addict nor a murderer. All I had as far as weapons (self-defense) was a box cutter and a long ratchet and that's not what police usually goes for these days. The searching part was when the string of loaded autoracks finally rolled into the Terminal yard while the county officials keep me detained. Then shortly before 12:00, they never arrested me or gave me a ticket. They let me out with just a verbal warning and a threat not to return to such a "private" area again.
At this rate, I can not really blame the county officials for ruining my plans to try to catch an empty autorack out of Brunswick, that is why I blame the anonymous snitchers instead - for turning me over to the police to begin with! Next person that turns me in will get a taste of a 100 % delicious anal sandwich from McDumpsters! Think I'm playing...
Now I got that part behind me, I am now faced with a new approach - and that is some extra gear. First of all since many anonymous snitchers take immediate offense to those wearing masks, I figured I would wrap a towel around my neck so that only my face is exposed to horseflies - and then put on my mask after I enter the yard. Secondly, I still got a bicycle with a lock that I can ride between a whole different spot (which does provide public parking) and the entrance to the Terminal yard. For that, I can get from a grocery store on US 341 by the interstate, to the Terminal yard in about an hour and a half. Then I can hide and lock up my bicycle afterwards. My backpack should be able to hold a jug of water, a ratchet, and any other minimal gear I need.
Next string of loaded autoracks I find at the NS shortcut, that is where I will exercise everything I said above. After I enter the Terminal yard, I will pre-open no more than four (4) empty autoracks and hide away before 10:00/earlier. Then after NS arrives and gets their next string to take out of the Terminal, it should be a little bit easy to catch out at that rate. I should then start heading through Fancy Bluff creek and then I will really have to duck down as I cross US 341, lots of snitchers there! Finally, the empty autoracks will take their NS shortcut to their main line and from there on it should slow down where I can safely bail off at Jesup.
July the 10th (this past Sunday), I parked my ride just footsteps away from the Terminal yard in Brunswick. Before hand I did discover a string of loaded autoracks waiting at the NS shortcut toward Brunswick. Being that the yard I was at was full of mosquitoes and horseflies, I had to put on my mask to repel those insects. However, my mask also placed me under the radar of anonymous snitchers along the highway by the yard. Then the next thing...
I had three county officials (not bulls) approach me and started asking enough questions to fill an exam. It was also a cold day in hell and I was sweating - to the point where I almost fainted. Then after I was questioned, they added that I was parked in a private area (even though I never saw any signs indicating proof). They wanted to search my vehicle, so I consented because of course I know my own mother never raised an illegal drug addict nor a murderer. All I had as far as weapons (self-defense) was a box cutter and a long ratchet and that's not what police usually goes for these days. The searching part was when the string of loaded autoracks finally rolled into the Terminal yard while the county officials keep me detained. Then shortly before 12:00, they never arrested me or gave me a ticket. They let me out with just a verbal warning and a threat not to return to such a "private" area again.
At this rate, I can not really blame the county officials for ruining my plans to try to catch an empty autorack out of Brunswick, that is why I blame the anonymous snitchers instead - for turning me over to the police to begin with! Next person that turns me in will get a taste of a 100 % delicious anal sandwich from McDumpsters! Think I'm playing...
Now I got that part behind me, I am now faced with a new approach - and that is some extra gear. First of all since many anonymous snitchers take immediate offense to those wearing masks, I figured I would wrap a towel around my neck so that only my face is exposed to horseflies - and then put on my mask after I enter the yard. Secondly, I still got a bicycle with a lock that I can ride between a whole different spot (which does provide public parking) and the entrance to the Terminal yard. For that, I can get from a grocery store on US 341 by the interstate, to the Terminal yard in about an hour and a half. Then I can hide and lock up my bicycle afterwards. My backpack should be able to hold a jug of water, a ratchet, and any other minimal gear I need.
Next string of loaded autoracks I find at the NS shortcut, that is where I will exercise everything I said above. After I enter the Terminal yard, I will pre-open no more than four (4) empty autoracks and hide away before 10:00/earlier. Then after NS arrives and gets their next string to take out of the Terminal, it should be a little bit easy to catch out at that rate. I should then start heading through Fancy Bluff creek and then I will really have to duck down as I cross US 341, lots of snitchers there! Finally, the empty autoracks will take their NS shortcut to their main line and from there on it should slow down where I can safely bail off at Jesup.
As of yesterday, I did catch an empty autorack car out of the Terminal yard for the first time, pretty damn easy! I just had to wait until after the workers started walking further away from me. I sneaked in and opened an autorack, then I had to close the door to reduce the level of suspicion. However...
After NS reached their mainline coming out of the CSX mainline, it stopped for at least three hours. On a hot day, my water supply was running short - I even had a full jug and it was gone as I drunk a lot. I had no choice but to get off since I was at a risk of heat stroke if I stayed. Instead of what would have been a damn 31 mile empty autorack ride to Jesup, I am embarrassed to announce that NS only went 5 miles here and never stepped on the gas hard enough. I would've barely had enough water (even reserve water) to get me to Jesup, but obviously that was not the case.
I did document everything and the ride was quite nice - very roomy! Now at this rate, I am considering two things. (1) a re-attempt to catch out of the Terminal yard and pull a 31 mile autorack ride to Jesup - hopefully WITHOUT STOPPING! Or (2) I will go ahead and plan my final ride out of Savannah to test my bravery and endurance - either going to Waycross or Jacksonville. I did document my first 5 mile autorack ride at this point, but those are my two options.
After NS reached their mainline coming out of the CSX mainline, it stopped for at least three hours. On a hot day, my water supply was running short - I even had a full jug and it was gone as I drunk a lot. I had no choice but to get off since I was at a risk of heat stroke if I stayed. Instead of what would have been a damn 31 mile empty autorack ride to Jesup, I am embarrassed to announce that NS only went 5 miles here and never stepped on the gas hard enough. I would've barely had enough water (even reserve water) to get me to Jesup, but obviously that was not the case.
I did document everything and the ride was quite nice - very roomy! Now at this rate, I am considering two things. (1) a re-attempt to catch out of the Terminal yard and pull a 31 mile autorack ride to Jesup - hopefully WITHOUT STOPPING! Or (2) I will go ahead and plan my final ride out of Savannah to test my bravery and endurance - either going to Waycross or Jacksonville. I did document my first 5 mile autorack ride at this point, but those are my two options.
Okay, strategy and reality will have to come back into play - while aggression may lead to failure. That is why I chose to wait about another month where the weather gets a few degrees cooler (even in the daylight) and make the arrangement to catch out of the Terminal yard again. I did pull one off the first time and it was pretty damn easy! However, it never even left Brunswick so I seek to re-attempt this again within the next month or so. I will go ahead and include the 5 mile "failure" into the movie, being that I already learned one thing (and mark my words): Every road to success often starts with a beaten path - and you better be ready for it.
Okay, new update.
After I came out of my unfortunate 5 mile NS run on an empty autorack, couldn't even leave Brunswick, the back tube on my bicycle gave out just days after I retrieved it from the Terminal yard. About a few hours ago, I simply did some hard labor as I bought a near-$7 replacement tube and re-worked it into my back wheel. My main tire is down to bareness however as it has lost more than half of its traction. But it is good enough to remain my second source of transportation to go with my SUV.
Although there was clearly another string of loaded autoracks sitting at the NS shortcut early this morning, I didn't feel like walking being that I didn't have a working bicycle at the time due to a flat tire and that I really needed some sleep. I observe everything for now but I will be back on the hunt within the next few weeks. As far as my release date is concerned, it is back down to questionable.
After I came out of my unfortunate 5 mile NS run on an empty autorack, couldn't even leave Brunswick, the back tube on my bicycle gave out just days after I retrieved it from the Terminal yard. About a few hours ago, I simply did some hard labor as I bought a near-$7 replacement tube and re-worked it into my back wheel. My main tire is down to bareness however as it has lost more than half of its traction. But it is good enough to remain my second source of transportation to go with my SUV.
Although there was clearly another string of loaded autoracks sitting at the NS shortcut early this morning, I didn't feel like walking being that I didn't have a working bicycle at the time due to a flat tire and that I really needed some sleep. I observe everything for now but I will be back on the hunt within the next few weeks. As far as my release date is concerned, it is back down to questionable.
Once again, I have a working SUV and a bicycle with two new tires! I am able to get back in the hunt again. This time, new plan. I believe I carried enough weight to screw up my back wheel of my bicycle. Hardly anyone shows up at the Terminal yard anyway and no one can't see the freight cars behind the woods. I am using that statement to my advantage.
I will drive into the Terminal yard to put my backpack on a folding chair and leaving it there. I then drive to the gas station two miles east of there and park my ride. I then ride my bicycle back to the Terminal yard, this time with less fucking weight to carry! There is no quit in me.
I will drive into the Terminal yard to put my backpack on a folding chair and leaving it there. I then drive to the gas station two miles east of there and park my ride. I then ride my bicycle back to the Terminal yard, this time with less fucking weight to carry! There is no quit in me.
After chasing auto rack freight cars since my first ride in July, it is finally mission accomplished. However, this costed me because most trains were supposed to slow down to 10mph when it reaches the CSX interchange in Jesup, and this one never did. It went about 20 and I sure as hell did not feel like going to Macon. I bailed off as safely as I could, and I walked out with a near minor concussion and three broken teeth at the front. I did not need any medical attention until I got back to Brunswick, so luckily I survived and barely avoided a trespassing ticket.
I have managed to record a lot of raw footage of the autorack ride I did. And even though my video was recording even after I took a hard hit coming off the autorack and into the rocks below, that may seem too graphic and I won't include that in the upcoming movie.
Now I am back home recovering, but I won't be the same for the next few months. The three broken teeth will change the way I speak now until I get an oral surgeon to make some replacements. If push come to shove, I'll start wearing my mask to cover up most of my facial bruises. It will take a while before I go one more ride. However, about a good 26 to 28 miles of rail going from Brunswick to Jesup is still conquered! Now I just have to pick myself back up, get recovered, and eventually go one more ride. Thank you all for your support! I will work the raw footages of my autorack ride in the video soon.
steve
I have managed to record a lot of raw footage of the autorack ride I did. And even though my video was recording even after I took a hard hit coming off the autorack and into the rocks below, that may seem too graphic and I won't include that in the upcoming movie.
Now I am back home recovering, but I won't be the same for the next few months. The three broken teeth will change the way I speak now until I get an oral surgeon to make some replacements. If push come to shove, I'll start wearing my mask to cover up most of my facial bruises. It will take a while before I go one more ride. However, about a good 26 to 28 miles of rail going from Brunswick to Jesup is still conquered! Now I just have to pick myself back up, get recovered, and eventually go one more ride. Thank you all for your support! I will work the raw footages of my autorack ride in the video soon.
steve
A little preview from my raw footage toward my movie. Again, I took a few shots at measuring the speed of the empty autorack string as I flew by certain places. I need to recover myself and lay low before I start putting everything together. This is a temporary clip on a separate YT account due to privacy reasons, I seek to delete this within the next month or so.
As far as the hop from Savannah to Jacksonville goes, I'll go ahead and include that in a different sequel. Once I am fully recovered, I'll start production. I could be looking at 20 scenes.
Jeeze bud. Thats a rough bail! I have scars on my hip from a bail at 35Km an hour. Be careful out there!
In order to make sure I avoid a trespassing ticket, I'll be pretending that I was riding a bicycle and crashed without a helmet. You'll get the same injury, if not, worst.
Quick update, I am now 15 scenes into the movie, and I will go ahead and consider it a movie at scene 20.
It's been five days since my concussion, and now I got my memory back. Sorry about any miscommunication as far as the posts I wrote earlier, I was still knocked out the other day. For the record, I bailed off a 15 mph empty autorack when it reached Jesup. When I landed, I went feet-forward and never broke my legs. I was fortunate enough to get back up, walk to the Amtrak station nearby, and call a cab to shuttle me back to Brunswick. I barely escaped a trespassing ticket in the process, but of course it could've been worse.
The day after I returned from Jesup, I went bikeriding (off camera) at St. Simons island, I got into a bicycle wreck and that was where I had my concussion, broken teeth, and so forth. My speech is a little distorted due to broken teeth and that is where I clearly seek oral surgery. That is the reason I will have to re-document some of the lost footage I had, so I won't talk like total shit.
It's been five days since my concussion, and now I got my memory back. Sorry about any miscommunication as far as the posts I wrote earlier, I was still knocked out the other day. For the record, I bailed off a 15 mph empty autorack when it reached Jesup. When I landed, I went feet-forward and never broke my legs. I was fortunate enough to get back up, walk to the Amtrak station nearby, and call a cab to shuttle me back to Brunswick. I barely escaped a trespassing ticket in the process, but of course it could've been worse.
The day after I returned from Jesup, I went bikeriding (off camera) at St. Simons island, I got into a bicycle wreck and that was where I had my concussion, broken teeth, and so forth. My speech is a little distorted due to broken teeth and that is where I clearly seek oral surgery. That is the reason I will have to re-document some of the lost footage I had, so I won't talk like total shit.
Quick update - and this time, scratch off the part where I landed feet-first into some rocks - now I definitely have my memory back.
I had to get some attention being the autoracks did not go slow enough in Jesup. I got the attention of a snitcher at a crossing, and the snitcher phoned ahead with a county official. Finally, the train did slow down when it reached Odum, but I had to make sure it was going 6 mph or slower. Then I safely bailed off and this time I immediately ran for cover! In the process, my yellow CSX autorack T-shirt got ripped apart by thorns as I was hiding away. After an hour, I barely had enough reserve water to walk all the way back to downtown Jesup. The NS bulls were nowhere in sight, so it was a Wayne county official instead - trying to be a hero. Unfortunately, I did not have enough battery life on my Playsport zx5 to continue documenting, and I needed to make sure I had enough battery on my phone to at least call a taxi cab.
I had to get some attention being the autoracks did not go slow enough in Jesup. I got the attention of a snitcher at a crossing, and the snitcher phoned ahead with a county official. Finally, the train did slow down when it reached Odum, but I had to make sure it was going 6 mph or slower. Then I safely bailed off and this time I immediately ran for cover! In the process, my yellow CSX autorack T-shirt got ripped apart by thorns as I was hiding away. After an hour, I barely had enough reserve water to walk all the way back to downtown Jesup. The NS bulls were nowhere in sight, so it was a Wayne county official instead - trying to be a hero. Unfortunately, I did not have enough battery life on my Playsport zx5 to continue documenting, and I needed to make sure I had enough battery on my phone to at least call a taxi cab.
Okay, one more thing and then I will be postponing my work on this movie for some time.
I re-did several clips of my autorack ride from Brunswick to Jesup this past August 9th. I compiled them all into one music video where it is just the music. Although no one ever claims copyright toward reversed audio content, I credit Rob Dougan anyway. I also figured I'd go MTV with this music video where I included their old-school font (Kabel Black) used for the subtitles at the beginning and the end. For the song, the key here is to think whether this song is being played forwards, backwards, or both. If you like the song, I have the link for it on SoundCloud. Enjoy.
I re-did several clips of my autorack ride from Brunswick to Jesup this past August 9th. I compiled them all into one music video where it is just the music. Although no one ever claims copyright toward reversed audio content, I credit Rob Dougan anyway. I also figured I'd go MTV with this music video where I included their old-school font (Kabel Black) used for the subtitles at the beginning and the end. For the song, the key here is to think whether this song is being played forwards, backwards, or both. If you like the song, I have the link for it on SoundCloud. Enjoy.
It is now September! Dave, I hope you made some plans this month. If it's mountain climbing, that's fine. If it is freighthopping either in Canada or at least from North Bergen (NJ) to Chicago to Seattle on the north part of the USA, that would be fucking awesome!
I just got out of oral surgery yesterday to address several broken front teeth I had after my bicycle wreck, now recovery is in the works. Once I get fully recovered from this surgery and my teeth are back in place (as far as dentures), I will then have to go back and redocument some of the footage I wasn't able to get to before we proceed any further in this movie.
Now I am getting rumors about teaming up with a co worker to take an IM out of Savannah and head either south to Jacksonville or turn at Waycross and head north to Atlanta. There are options on my movie at this point, but I got to recover first. And I am at about 98 minutes into the movie so far. Guys, should I really go for one more ride when I get fully recovered?!
I just got out of oral surgery yesterday to address several broken front teeth I had after my bicycle wreck, now recovery is in the works. Once I get fully recovered from this surgery and my teeth are back in place (as far as dentures), I will then have to go back and redocument some of the footage I wasn't able to get to before we proceed any further in this movie.
Now I am getting rumors about teaming up with a co worker to take an IM out of Savannah and head either south to Jacksonville or turn at Waycross and head north to Atlanta. There are options on my movie at this point, but I got to recover first. And I am at about 98 minutes into the movie so far. Guys, should I really go for one more ride when I get fully recovered?!
Okay, this is exclusively for Brave Dave subscribers only!
I decided to upload everything I have worked with since my little quest here started. This includes Savannah to Midway, Waycross to Jesup, Golden Isles Terminal to NS Shortcut in Brunswick, and NS Shortcut in Brunswick to Odum (as I ran out of battery). In between my rides, I also included a few skits, preparations, and hangouts with some of my people I work with today and in the past. No music from my soundtrack is included yet, and 99% of my explanations are captioned in the best way possible.
Since the battery ran out, I have to get some dentures for my teeth (from the bicycle wreck), and then go back to Jesup and re-document where I made it back from Odum. I am also seeking one more ride, an interbrutal out of Savannah for the ultimate test of endurance - this depends on what's going down.
Based on everything I covered so far and what is to be expected, I will be uploading this tonight and Youtube should have it ready (copyright free and HD ready) by tomorrow morning (Eastern). It will be up from September 10th - 17th.
Brave Dave himself? I hope he received enough donations by now, because I am kinda saddened on that. :(
I decided to upload everything I have worked with since my little quest here started. This includes Savannah to Midway, Waycross to Jesup, Golden Isles Terminal to NS Shortcut in Brunswick, and NS Shortcut in Brunswick to Odum (as I ran out of battery). In between my rides, I also included a few skits, preparations, and hangouts with some of my people I work with today and in the past. No music from my soundtrack is included yet, and 99% of my explanations are captioned in the best way possible.
Since the battery ran out, I have to get some dentures for my teeth (from the bicycle wreck), and then go back to Jesup and re-document where I made it back from Odum. I am also seeking one more ride, an interbrutal out of Savannah for the ultimate test of endurance - this depends on what's going down.
Based on everything I covered so far and what is to be expected, I will be uploading this tonight and Youtube should have it ready (copyright free and HD ready) by tomorrow morning (Eastern). It will be up from September 10th - 17th.
Brave Dave himself? I hope he received enough donations by now, because I am kinda saddened on that. :(
Okay Brave Dave fanbase, let's see how many views we can get for one week. Hopefully 50 at the least. If this video gets 500 views, I might throw in a ride from Brunswick (Golden Isles Terminal) to Waycross - to go with a possible endurance ride out of Savannah I have pondered.
Shortly after 11:59 PM (Eastern) on September 17th, the video will be taken down and I'll be waiting like the usual. I might have to go back over my Vegas Pro timeline because I noticed a couple of sounds I forgot to remove. But that will also be taken care of toward the final release.
Since most documentaries involve chatting with certain people, members of a family, and so forth, I figured I would join a conversation with some co-workers! Sit back and enjoy it now while it lasts.
Shortly after 11:59 PM (Eastern) on September 17th, the video will be taken down and I'll be waiting like the usual. I might have to go back over my Vegas Pro timeline because I noticed a couple of sounds I forgot to remove. But that will also be taken care of toward the final release.
Since most documentaries involve chatting with certain people, members of a family, and so forth, I figured I would join a conversation with some co-workers! Sit back and enjoy it now while it lasts.
Sad update:
One of the members of the floor crew that I documented toward my movie, Antonio Jenkins as "T-man", was murdered at his home on the 5th of this month. May of 2016 was the first and last time I saw him. Now I have to come up with the R.I.P. part which many video editors are saddened to do.
There is a flip side. The name of my movie "night\TRAIN" is now renamed as "easy_RIDER". You will still get the secondary title "Freighthopping in Southeast Georgia", and I think now I can once again re-do my scenes. My overall budget toward a 5th hop is still very limited due to cutback on my benefits. Which means once again, I have to put the Brunswick to Waycross possibility back down to questionable. I'll work something out.
One of the members of the floor crew that I documented toward my movie, Antonio Jenkins as "T-man", was murdered at his home on the 5th of this month. May of 2016 was the first and last time I saw him. Now I have to come up with the R.I.P. part which many video editors are saddened to do.
There is a flip side. The name of my movie "night\TRAIN" is now renamed as "easy_RIDER". You will still get the secondary title "Freighthopping in Southeast Georgia", and I think now I can once again re-do my scenes. My overall budget toward a 5th hop is still very limited due to cutback on my benefits. Which means once again, I have to put the Brunswick to Waycross possibility back down to questionable. I'll work something out.
After more than seven months without a freight train, I have returned!
It was about 22:00 EDT on a March 29th when CSX in Brunswick (GA) brought an outgoing local heading back to Waycross. Through the bottom of the freight cars, I was able to see the brakeman's foot. Then about 30 seconds later, I sneaked on board without being seen, I did find a beat up AEX grainer with a bigger hole in the center. Then it picked itself up and took me through the outskirts of Brunswick past the Terminal yard where I at times hang out. Finally, I was dialed in.
The train then went over the Satilla river, through Nahunta, through Hoboken, and on into their main hornet's nest in Waycross. Even though it was night time, I still did not really miss a lot. The sceneries were mainly trees and forests. I did however document a few lit-up areas! I ran a speedometer app called DigiHUD and noticed that the train never went faster than 39/40 mph. This was because the track itself was fairly maintained and indicated a little bit of wobbles. Going closer into Waycross, I did notice a Waycross police cruiser that pulled in to run speed-checking. As soon as its headlights went out, I passed him without being seen! About another half of a mile, and it stopped short of its junction merging into the Jesup sub. That is where I safely got off with no problem! I rested a little bit, and then I knew what I needed to do to get back to Brunswick.
Around 01:30 that morning, I walked up to a convenience store on the intersection of US 82 and GA 23. I then called Altamaha taxi and let them know I needed a ride back and I did have cash on hand. It took their taxi service an hour to get ready and another hour to drive to Waycross. Then about almost 04:00, they came and got me. The driver was a little jerky on the wheel but did remain a little more focused after drinking two cans of NOS energy drinks. I arrived at the SunCoast building at 05:15 where I left my SUV parked. The fare was $125, but I gave the driver $160 and then I told the driver "You're a blessing! Get some rest." I then walked around SunCoast a little bit not knowing that Brunswick did receive some precipitation (rain) while I was gone. Then I finally went home and everything was laid out. The entire taxi scheme was expensive as hell, but it sure beats walking more than 50 miles!
If I can get one more ride in the daytime, then I'll definitely call it an actual movie! I did save and back up my raw footage, but I still got a long way to go on that. Thanks for reading.
It was about 22:00 EDT on a March 29th when CSX in Brunswick (GA) brought an outgoing local heading back to Waycross. Through the bottom of the freight cars, I was able to see the brakeman's foot. Then about 30 seconds later, I sneaked on board without being seen, I did find a beat up AEX grainer with a bigger hole in the center. Then it picked itself up and took me through the outskirts of Brunswick past the Terminal yard where I at times hang out. Finally, I was dialed in.
The train then went over the Satilla river, through Nahunta, through Hoboken, and on into their main hornet's nest in Waycross. Even though it was night time, I still did not really miss a lot. The sceneries were mainly trees and forests. I did however document a few lit-up areas! I ran a speedometer app called DigiHUD and noticed that the train never went faster than 39/40 mph. This was because the track itself was fairly maintained and indicated a little bit of wobbles. Going closer into Waycross, I did notice a Waycross police cruiser that pulled in to run speed-checking. As soon as its headlights went out, I passed him without being seen! About another half of a mile, and it stopped short of its junction merging into the Jesup sub. That is where I safely got off with no problem! I rested a little bit, and then I knew what I needed to do to get back to Brunswick.
Around 01:30 that morning, I walked up to a convenience store on the intersection of US 82 and GA 23. I then called Altamaha taxi and let them know I needed a ride back and I did have cash on hand. It took their taxi service an hour to get ready and another hour to drive to Waycross. Then about almost 04:00, they came and got me. The driver was a little jerky on the wheel but did remain a little more focused after drinking two cans of NOS energy drinks. I arrived at the SunCoast building at 05:15 where I left my SUV parked. The fare was $125, but I gave the driver $160 and then I told the driver "You're a blessing! Get some rest." I then walked around SunCoast a little bit not knowing that Brunswick did receive some precipitation (rain) while I was gone. Then I finally went home and everything was laid out. The entire taxi scheme was expensive as hell, but it sure beats walking more than 50 miles!
If I can get one more ride in the daytime, then I'll definitely call it an actual movie! I did save and back up my raw footage, but I still got a long way to go on that. Thanks for reading.
hey Quad awesome work but please be careful you put a lot of detail on your videos and I feel you might get busted. Also buying an xbox one and newest GTA game is probably cheaper than getting a new PC to play it. Cheers!
Sadly, it did not take me too long to learn that shooting videos in the dark at times can take away from the overall quality of the whole project. It is obvious that no one likes to see a bunch of lights moving across the screen like ghosts. That is why I will have to sadly abandon the entire project.
What I can do, however, is that I can still upload all the previous five rides I have taken. I'll have it all on Vimeo within the next couple of weeks, and I will share them all in one topic so that everyone will know where to find them. My status of freighthopping remains unknown due to limited budget. Thanks for understanding and sorry for any inconvenience I may have caused.
Steve
~ quad8
What I can do, however, is that I can still upload all the previous five rides I have taken. I'll have it all on Vimeo within the next couple of weeks, and I will share them all in one topic so that everyone will know where to find them. My status of freighthopping remains unknown due to limited budget. Thanks for understanding and sorry for any inconvenience I may have caused.
Steve
~ quad8
