My grandpa was a hobo. I would get to see him once a year. He had some good friends up near where we lived and he always came in to help them with the wheat harvest. He would spend a few days with us and then off again for the next year. He's been gone for a number of years now but with good memories. Glad to see there are still a few gentlemen of the rails out there carrying on the tradition.
@eddierice3254
2 жыл бұрын
"gentlemen of the rails" I like that.
@denverhester351
Жыл бұрын
Bill what a lovely story your grandad must've been awesome.
@billwalsh9711
10 ай бұрын
@Harrassing_Cyberbully You are absolutely correct sir.
@knucklehead7456
23 күн бұрын
Thats what they called Hobos back during the Depression @@eddierice3254
@drinkmesilly
3 жыл бұрын
Everytime I pass a train I look to see if I see shoe string.
@bradygerding3235
3 жыл бұрын
I saw a Stobe tag last summer and about cried
@Looter217
3 жыл бұрын
Same, there’s a line that passes through the middle of town out my way
@hillrodfilms5262
2 жыл бұрын
Me 2 bro
@dancer1
2 жыл бұрын
Lol
@corydora_catfish
2 жыл бұрын
Me to
@1949dodgejm
3 жыл бұрын
Those Rail Roaders must get a kind of awe feeling when they come around a bend & witness a hobo doing his thing. God bless America 🇺🇸 & the men and women of the Rail ..
@Gunny1971
2 жыл бұрын
"ten years ago I could catch that" I believe you. An older man who knows his limitations is a smart man, and also a slightly sad man. Unfortunately we all go that route. Great video. Subscribed!
@warrengraham7461
2 жыл бұрын
its not that sad. since its inevitable.
@Gunny1971
2 жыл бұрын
@@warrengraham7461 Agreed, but, things i used to do easy, now i do hard. if not sadness, then nostalgia. Such is life, gotta keep on truckin all the same.
@deadprivacy
2 жыл бұрын
i read this, just seconds before he said it....hes damn sure by his voice he could catch it to this day 9 times outta ten. he didnt sound that sad, more angry that he couldnt... or was wise enough not to try...i expect the sadness kicks in a little later in the evenings when hes knees are moaning.
@OthO67
2 жыл бұрын
I just commented on that statement, it really touched me. Your comment beat mine by eight months. 😄
@frederickmuhlbauer9477
2 жыл бұрын
Youre not lying
@m.r.furianii3920
3 жыл бұрын
Hanging out around trains...you're living one of my childhood dreams. Thanks man! Stay safe. God bless!
@theathjr
3 жыл бұрын
I’ve learned a lifetimes worth of information about trains in just a few months of watching your videos. Thank You. Safe Travels Amigo
@joecentrone7053
3 жыл бұрын
I was a conductor on the Long Island Railroad for 30 years and retired in 1999. I came across your site and became a big fan. You are so knowledgeable about trains and it's surroundings that I totally enjoy watching your videos. Stay Safe and God Bless. I love your stories.
@pi-sx3mb
11 ай бұрын
I grew up on LI. I've ridden lots of trains around the country, and the conductors on the LIRR were always the nicest, most chill, and helpful personable people ever. I went back a few years ago to tour the island and visit some childhood memory spots. Bought a round-trip ticket the day before taking the Port Jeff line Huntington to Woodside to catch a Mets game, and right before I left the hotel I emptied my wallet of receipts and accidentally took out the tickets as well. Conductor comes around to punch the tickets and I'm thinking oh crap, I can't find mine and I know what I did. I explain to the conductor what happened and ask can I buy a ticket from him. He says, "Well ... you could do that ... or ... you could just promise me you'll rip up that ticket when you get back." Man, I miss the good people of NY.
@kens.3729
3 жыл бұрын
Golf has a “Golf Pro” and Railroads have a “Railroad Pro”, aka Hobo Shoestring.😬 Thanks Mark!👍
@maddumass
3 жыл бұрын
Mark is his given name then. Mark Shoestring.
@frankbroker3698
3 жыл бұрын
Great video. You are a piece of Americana that everyone should understand and honor.
@myrealfakename6068
3 жыл бұрын
It's been years since this Midwestern flatlander has been able to visit the Smoky Mountains... I've nearly forgotten just how beautiful it all is. Thanks for the great views in this video Shoestring.
@testosteroneinc.3800
3 жыл бұрын
I predict Mark will have over 200k subs, by the end of the summer. 💪
@danielcraig8044
3 жыл бұрын
Glad to see you back my friend we can’t pay you enough for your railroad knowledge and stories.
@dinaingle9762
3 жыл бұрын
Welp. Found me a new friend here. I love hearing these kind of stories and I love trains. Thank you.
@-NateTheGreat
3 жыл бұрын
I always enjoy story time with Hobo Shoestring.
@thejasonbourne
3 жыл бұрын
Shoe, you're like Johnny Cash because you're everywhere man. That is the apple orchard at Altapass just outside of Spruce Pine, NC in the Blue Ridge Mountains. If you were there a month or two later, you'd be eating some apples. 🍎🍏
@bobpaulino4714
3 жыл бұрын
Stay safe Mark. Enjoy the views. Often when I was travelling for work I didn't take the time to enjoy the blessings of the trips. My wife lived in spruce pine for a spell. Love it down there. Rode the Smoky Mountain Railroad and did some research on the 'dark' Murphy branch and Saluda grade also
@jeans.5252
3 жыл бұрын
Shoestring asked about the smooth concrete at the entrance of a tunnel through mountain rock....it has to do with water drainage on the smooth surface of the entrance and the smooth concrete wall keeps erosion in check....no one wants large rock chunks laying across those rails at the entrance...there is also a air pressure wave that's created at the entrance when the train enters the tunnel, that could dislodge rocks if not for the smooth concrete wall.
@waynecartwright9478
2 жыл бұрын
very cool....principal....
@steverhodesvideos6244
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks. I did not know that...
@clintonandrews1538
3 жыл бұрын
That engineer is packin' for a long trip. He's not carrying luggage; he's carrying *freight*. We've seen Army Rangers carrying less on their way to invade Iraq. ;-)
@Freekniggers
3 жыл бұрын
Probably all food. Did you see how fat they were?
@bigimskiweisenheimer8325
3 жыл бұрын
ya gotta eat
@shoechew
3 жыл бұрын
Beer is heavy.
@SmittySmithsonite
3 жыл бұрын
Great info, Mark! Much appreciated. I've never seen a track oiler or a defect detector before. Great stuff!
@felty56
3 жыл бұрын
Very interesting how the railroad detects a hot box on their roiling stock...Great Information!!! Thanks for posting
@andywood8082
3 жыл бұрын
They also have impact detectors that detect flat spots in wheels.
@felty56
3 жыл бұрын
@@andywood8082 Railways are also moving forward with performance monitoring in a very smart way.... Perhaps Shoestring will show us how that one works?
@jonvancil5547
3 жыл бұрын
I work in a rail yard in Anderson SC...i can always tell when someone has hitched a ride 😁. Got my own tag too.
@harrytruax5195
3 жыл бұрын
Awesome presentation. I like these types actually better than the train rides which are noisy. I like to hear your explanations and such. Stay safe.
@philyroberts72
2 жыл бұрын
Aww when he said 10yrs ago I coulda catch that train I felt it in my heart! But train hoppings in his veins so while his heart keeps beating he'll keepa hopping. You go older man. Love from the UK.
@JawTooth
3 жыл бұрын
Awesome, I had Altapass on my list. I wonder how many trains a day go through there. That is a really cool area
@TheHoboShoestring
3 жыл бұрын
Average 3 coal trains a day one freight and a grain shuttle per day
@JawTooth
3 жыл бұрын
@@TheHoboShoestring Awesome! That is better than I was hoping for. There is a motel near the tracks that I want to stay at and film the trains at the loops
@josephwirtz8352
3 жыл бұрын
@@JawTooth For a motel, that depends on how near is “near”. If you mean miles away, then yes, but nothing very close.
@JawTooth
3 жыл бұрын
@@josephwirtz8352 I was looking at The Spruce Pine Inn. The tracks are just across the road down the hill and the loops are maybe ten miles to the south
@josephwirtz8352
3 жыл бұрын
@@JawTooth That is probably the closest. And from that motel, you can walk over to a pedestrian bridge that goes across the tracks, and perhaps get some good video.😊👍🏼
@1954shadow
3 жыл бұрын
No lie, just a while ago, a thought popped into my noggin’, “about time Ol’ Shoestring puts up a video,” and POOF, up pops this video just now!
@N-e0N
3 жыл бұрын
He's the king of the rails for a reason, you think of him and he shall come to you ;)
@1954shadow
3 жыл бұрын
@@N-e0N and that’s just it. From this video, I learned about the “oilers” and sensors that are on the rails, this is what Shoestring does with his videos, breaks down all the hidden nuances of life on the rails, to me, very informative.
@fjb4932
2 жыл бұрын
1954shadow, We tend to still believe all our thoughts are our own, unprompted. But more and more... well, now those who think different are labled politically incorrect and conspiracy nuts. We perfer to think they can't read our thoughts or worse, subplant them ...
@shanefraser7764
3 жыл бұрын
Hey young fella, mighty good to see ya out on the rails again, will be following along from little ol New Zealand ,stay safe and good journey ✌
@jeremywallace5961
3 жыл бұрын
Never seen a track oiler before, thank you.
@richfranks9161
3 жыл бұрын
The older we get, the better we used to be You stay safe brother.
@marliesyanke4580
3 жыл бұрын
True words but never heard of it put in words.🙂
@jenniferwhitewolf3784
3 жыл бұрын
That gave me a smile.. at nearly 70, I know the truth of what you say.
@bobpaulino4714
3 жыл бұрын
I used to be pretty fast, now I'm just half-fast! Travelled for my real job working on very large boilers, furnaces, chillers, etc., and ran fire, rescue, squad and community emergency response in three counties to 'unwind' after dealing with architects, engineers, and project managers -- Still have picnics with my wife, dogs, and sometimes the grandkids for fun
@kathyflorcruz552
3 жыл бұрын
Boy is THAT the truth!
@debralavorata546
3 жыл бұрын
Shoestring I've learned a lot about trains and railroad info I never knew! And thanks to you I've seen places I'll probably never see,enjoy the ride,ur videos are the best! Godspeed!
@ramonpickard1683
3 жыл бұрын
Shoe string if you ever come trew Savannah, Georgia, and won't to take a break and a good home made meal text me we would be glad to have you as our guest..
@DrGonzo-jl9wq
Жыл бұрын
You’re a fascinating guy Shoestring and I sure do enjoy all the wisdom you pass along for free.
@MrYogibehr
2 жыл бұрын
I drive truck at night, i’ve just found your channel. I can’t get enough listening to you talk. I’m living vicariously through you. safe travels!
@cheerstolife5526
3 жыл бұрын
I used to ride back in the 90's. Crossroads here. Learned from an old guy named 'the flying dutchman'. It was about the time that FED came out looking for that serial killer 'sidetrack'. Remember that time. Dont homeguard, and keep flyin'!
@jstorm7757
3 жыл бұрын
Great video and history lesson. I've been watching your stories for a few months now. And after doing so, now watch the hopper cars to possibly catch a glimpse of a rider. Yesterday, my wife and I visited the Tn Rail Museum and took the 1 hour trip. While waiting for the train to depart again, a freight train passed by and I noticed a few open boxcars. I actually saw someone in one filming and ran to an open spot to get a better view. Sure enough, a man was standing in the door, so I gave him a wave. Thanks to you, my eyes are opened to another world.
@theodoredugranrut8201
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks for showing us around Shoestring safe travels. Central California Watching
@UnionCountyPhotography
3 жыл бұрын
I thought I saw Shoestring on CSX Q032 a month ago but it was probably just some other hobo, it caught me expectedly to see a bag popping up
@deniseluckie9535
3 жыл бұрын
Just was on the train. From Pa to Fl. Horseshoe curve was amazing. Learnin alot Thank u 😄
@johnnessuno6515
3 жыл бұрын
Im from east PA that sounds like a dream trip mate
@fredbrooks1386
3 жыл бұрын
Your a good man Shoestring.
@ronhoover2639
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks for showing the oiler. I cycle out east of town and saw a crew installing one of those on the BNSF siding. I did not know what it was until this video. I rode by it again this afternoon and yelled, "Thanks, Shoestring!!"
@kevinrichards3288
3 жыл бұрын
Those EOTs replaced the cabooses. When trains grew longer, it made it hard for the conductor & brakeman in the caboose to look further down the line of railcars for any load shifting or hot boxes when the train is moving. Another reason is the slack pull between the couplers because the further away from the locomotive you go, the stronger & louder the pull between the couplers on the railcars. The old cabooses that had top cupolas were dangerous on long trains if the crew rode up in the cupola because the strong pull would jerk & make the crew men fall down off the cupola & down onto the floor which was why they switched to cabooses with side cupolas before they retired the cabooses & replaced them with EOTs. Other technology replaced the cabooses too such as those defect detectors.
@trackdawg7637
2 жыл бұрын
Another reason is the railroads did away with the brake man and fireman positions.
@darykinnaman2319
2 жыл бұрын
I often wondered about that; you rarely see a caboose anymore. They were always one of my favorite looking cars.
@ArtStoneUS
2 жыл бұрын
Another purpose for the caboose was it allowed the emergency brakes to be applied from the back of the train, for instance if the crew fell asleep and ran through a signal. The eot has the ability for the crew to release the pressure from the back of the train, which makes for a more orderly stop.
@swvastories3498
2 жыл бұрын
@@darykinnaman2319 I still miss seeing a caboose at the end of the train even after all these years. I grew up always seeing a caboose at the end of a train.
@deadprivacy
2 жыл бұрын
so climb on the front if you can for a smoothe ride, gotcha, sgood advice
@helpingotherbrothersout866
3 жыл бұрын
Strang'em self,yaaaaayyy!!!hoooraaayyy!!!let us know true hobo! I'm addicted to these vids.bless your heart dude.thank you brother.🇺🇸
@peggyscott125
3 жыл бұрын
Wow the way you shot that train going by you! I was leaning over in my seat, lol. That was close! Really good video! Take 'er easy.
@russellm7530
Күн бұрын
Thanks for all the videos Shoestring. God bless all of you and your families.
@northcountybigfoot9240
3 жыл бұрын
You know before I didn't give 2 craps about train's but since I've been watching your channel I have a more appreciation of 🚂🚃🚃🚃🚃🚃 and the way they function I had no idea there was that much that went into a train thank you shoestring I do appreciate you and your lifestyle don't listen to those negative people live the life u love don't change anything we watch u because of u not what u do we will follow you with train or without train 🚂
@navigator902
3 жыл бұрын
Shoestring good to see ya back in the yard. These are my favorite times. What a difference ten years makes ... I agree.
@lonnien.clifton1113
3 жыл бұрын
This is a good one shoestring you don't have to ride all the time this is just as good God bless you shoestring this is Lonnie and Boiling Spring Lakes North Carolina stay cool man
@deanow3631
3 жыл бұрын
Thank ya Shoestring! I always wondered what those defect detectors looked like. Im glad you are taking your time too!
@SKYSCRAPERTELEVISION
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the update . Always remember , "SAFETY FIRST".
@GrandadsLetters
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the equipment info. It’s fascinating to see how things have changed since I was running, many years ago.
@Skynd303
3 жыл бұрын
Mr. Hobo... You are a real hero in my books. You served for us and continue to with these videos!! Stay safe out there!!!
@estherkirby1173
3 жыл бұрын
BEEN WAITING FOR YOUR SHOW. STARTED TO WORRY ABOUT YOU. GOOD TO SEE YOUR BACK. MISSED YA,
@TheHoboShoestring
3 жыл бұрын
Was so sick and moving on top of all that
@nothanks1627
3 жыл бұрын
Loved the info, love the smokys, love the free spirited shoestring...keep on keepin on hobo!🙏🏻👍🏻🙌🏻🌞😎
@bluehawk777
3 жыл бұрын
God Bless You Hobo Shoestring, stay safe out on the Railroad. 🚂❤🙂
@keithosterkamp6207
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the beautiful views and the rail knowledge. It’s good to learn something new every day
@jerrygilles9612
3 жыл бұрын
we did enjoy the video . Learned more about the railroad .Never knew there was so much about it .Thanks Hobo good your taking care of your health . See you soon ,Jerry
@eugenekleis3836
3 жыл бұрын
I love all of your videos and stories on KZitem on trains everyday hobo shoestring
@michellekoonce3191
2 жыл бұрын
Go again sent me your way!! Happy to be following your travels !! Happy Trails Tallahassee Florida
@charlescorey184
3 жыл бұрын
Loved the video. Always love learning more about RR operations and your wisdom. Stay safe and healthy. Those mountains are beautiful.
@markrask9881
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks for explaining all the equipment we see everyday!,can see you have great respect for the Rail Roads , nice to hear they treat you with respect also, worked for many years at a large coal fired power plant where they use a rotary dumper, unfortunately a man was inside a coal car and feel down to the grizly and was killed when the car went over
@joyamongstforeverspark5422
2 жыл бұрын
Mark Thanks again for the Video!! Cool..cant wait for see you go thru them Smoley Mts. Ive never seen them til now Thank You!very much!
@beamerritt6757
3 жыл бұрын
Shoestring , you are scaring me getting so close to that moving train. I'm sure it's not as close as it looks... Glad you're back stay safe God bless! Keep on!!
@michellekoonce3191
2 жыл бұрын
My grandparents lived next to a RR right behind their home..And I grew up not far just one block from Main Street 17North, and heard trains and their whistles ..sounds from my childhood..reminds me of home !! Thanks again
@Matinee.93
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the video. I always enjoy watching your explanations for how different systems work along the tracks.
@andie_pants
3 жыл бұрын
2:08 I can only imagine those guys going "Hey, it's Shoestring!" :-D
@bingusbingus776
3 жыл бұрын
Great show Shoestring I just love trains You look and sound like you're feeling so much better. I'm glad you're move worked out so well for ya.
@Watchdoc65
3 жыл бұрын
Awesome! Livin’ the dream and I would say with no strings attached but in this case it’s Mr. Shoestring that got me all tied up to each new adventure! Be safe out there!
@boaz708
3 жыл бұрын
Very enjoyable and educational. Thank you Shoestring, I look forward to seeing the next video.
@markwhitaker6057
3 жыл бұрын
Good to see you by the rails shoestring .Awesome video thanks for explaining the oiler and detector
@EricSmith-ve7qi
3 жыл бұрын
Great video Shoestring! Glad your feeling better. Alot of great footage and we got our learning lessons in also! Thanks. B Safe.........
@shabbymaverick7975
3 жыл бұрын
Some beautiful country there Shoe ! Thanks for taking the time to share with us 💗💗💗💯
@johnb8637
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the update! Glad to see your back out there, I love the tunnels, I go to "Rails to trails" tunnels all the time in Northern WV on the old line from Parkersburg to Clarksburg, they are so cool. (Some of them quite long too)
@FinalFront
2 жыл бұрын
Haven't been there since I was a kid but used to go there all the time
@hannahkimball.203
3 жыл бұрын
Love your content. Always brightens my day :) ❤
@mechanicmama
3 жыл бұрын
You are such an intelligent man. Keep on keeping on. Keeping you prayed up 🙋♀️🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
@aronlounsbery4133
3 жыл бұрын
Great video Shoestring! You really have a knack of keeping them interesting and informative. Don't push it to hard until you feel 100%. I've recently been going thru some issues myself and you have kept me rolling. You're inspiring to me and keep my spirits up every adventure you take. Keep up the good work. God bless you buddy!
@dalefleming9079
3 жыл бұрын
The video is unreal shoestring! Wow! So realistic. Thank you, for your travels Sir. I enjoy every minute of it!
@roberthardy2013
3 жыл бұрын
Good to see you back, never knew railroads were getting so technical, a great video as ever - you look better now but just easing into it is the correct way , best of luck and a long life!
@curailproductions7636
3 жыл бұрын
Nice 👍, love the tunnels:) I used the same style for my HO layout. I have railfan the Johnson City yard before.
@ChuckisOutside
2 жыл бұрын
I learn something new every time I watch your videos. You’re a smart fella Shoestring.
@neilcates3499
3 жыл бұрын
That was a good video. Some interesting information that I was unaware of, and some nice train footage and beautiful countryside.
@scottyparker2534
3 жыл бұрын
Keep the videos coming shoestring I really enjoy your videos sir, take care of yourself and God bless
@EH-nw6bu
3 жыл бұрын
Shoestring, great video content!’ Your video quality is on point as well!! Glad to see back in your natural environment, you look completely relaxed! Thanks for the video and be safe
@ciaranmcmanus3840
3 жыл бұрын
Another enjoyable and informative video of your journey and the folks you’ve met Along the way , stay safe
@JayDayWise
2 жыл бұрын
O Woww Shoestring.. Great piece of knowledge and awesome video like always 👌👏🏼👍🙏✌️
@dmorgan28
3 жыл бұрын
Cool video Shoestring. Looking forward to your next train ride. Take care and have a good one. 👍👍👍❤️🙏🏻
@brentmcc6048
3 жыл бұрын
Great video and thank you from New South Wales Australia, East Coast.
@danrebich5976
3 жыл бұрын
thats a LB Foster / Portec Rail Gauge Face Greaser. the older greasers had a piston like you said but these are battery powered. there’s usually a magnetic wheel counter that counts the axles and depending on how it’s programmed it will squirt a puddle of grease every 15th wheel to prevent too much grease being distributed. that solar panel charges the battery. solar panels usually point south cause that gets the most sunlight 👍
@waynek921
3 жыл бұрын
Thank you for taking us through the tunnel to see the inside and it was cool to see... great work love your videos... and god bless...
@michellekoonce3191
2 жыл бұрын
Wow, what a video!! Just mesmerized by the train, i know what you mean about the “click clack of the track” heard this all my life,.you are NOW my top 10 to see on KZitem! I can just sit and watch a train ALL day,.. be safe and have Happy Trails!! Tallahassee FLORIDA
@atheistsince1210
2 жыл бұрын
I LOVE the background beauty of the mocking birds so fulfilling!
@schnauzahpowahz
3 жыл бұрын
Good to see you back on the high iron doin what love. Explanations of the defect detector & oiler were a nice touch, seein em close up and all. Plus the xmas story, goes to show theres still decent folk out there. Stay safe out there SS
@ededmonds8792
3 жыл бұрын
That was the BEST I have ever seen.Smokey Mountains.Car Rail Oiler.Just INCREDIBLE Video.You are Looking Good and Healthy.You are a Incredible Man.Thank you.It made my Week.
@designerrr777
3 жыл бұрын
CANT STOP THE SHOESTRING, ALWAYS ON DA FEET 😎🙏 GOD BLESS brotha man I'm new here but man I feel like I've been here for years super hype, feels like I've already rode on a train man I can't wait ahahaha
@JT_8283
3 жыл бұрын
When they seen shoestring along the tracks they probably thought looks like we will be carrying one more passenger on this trip
@tonyradcliff1021
2 жыл бұрын
Well cool, you have my attention sir. I would sure love to sit and listen to your stories. I'll keep a look out.
@davechristian7543
2 жыл бұрын
Good stuff 'just catchin up on all your uploads slowly Mr Shoestring 'its a great thing your doing as the newer generations need to no about this stuff n days gone by even heir in Sydney nsw not to mention its just fun to watch so cheers n peace from dowunder my friend.
@lillookc
3 жыл бұрын
I really enjoyed this video. It was good to see you. I learned a few things as well. Thanks for sharing. Stay safe.
@nickdavis7532
3 жыл бұрын
Keep it up shoestring, definitely admire the content and the life you've lived and continue living. Keep the experience going, and take care bud
@MrTrainGuy1972
3 жыл бұрын
Yeah its always a good idea to stay back away from the train , never know when a banding wire or chain may be lose and then come up on you either knocking your ass out or cutting the heck out of you . Had too many track side detectors find just that banding wire a 2x4 hanging out 4 or 5 feet or a dragging chain hit the detector and have my conductor walking our train so just stay back a ways and enjoy seeing many more trains go by rather then having to make a quick trip to the ER .
@rustyc521
3 жыл бұрын
I was gonna also mention that. Also sends a wrong message to youngsters about its ok to get right close to a movin train. Safety first folks!
@davidpontnak3819
3 жыл бұрын
Great informative video thanks String love the Smokies
@spotts9668
3 жыл бұрын
Great educational video today! Glad to see you're feeling better and out and about! 👨🎓
@bretthousman8317
Жыл бұрын
The stories of rail workers helping you warms my fucking heart.
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