Train hopping time period?

Question

im trying to write a short story involving a boy whose father was a railway worker and when the boy grew up he wanted to be a conductor, yet the story is told from him being older and train hopping. i dont know if train hopping is the right word, but when people would get into the cargo on trains illegally like in old westerns. does anybody know what time period this was especially popular in? thanks!

Answer 1

The depression, 1930s

Answer 2

Still happens, but it's not as easy or common.  And it's pretty dangerous.  Pretty easy to slip and loose a leg.