Whilst accepting the harsh realities of the 'hobo's' lot, there is still a romantic association with 'riding the freight trains and all that. br>

I speak as one who left home at sixteen, with my guitar over my shoulder, to lead the life of my heroes. I went to Cornwall and had some very interesting adventures but was not too sorry to return again to some home comforts. And unlike many others I encountered, I was very lucky indeed to have somewhere to return to….

Alas the railways, in the UK do not have the same appeal.

We did have 'The Railway Children' though.