|
|
|
 |
 |
Billy Jones Wildcat Railroad |
|
|
|
110 Blossom Hill Rd Los Gatos, CA 95032
Get Directions |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
      |
| Billy Jones Wildcat Railroad in Los Gatos |
|
On the docks of San Francisco in 1939, Jones discovered a steam locomotive built in 1905 and designed to run on the Venice Railway in Venice Beach, California. He bought the little engine for $100 and got it running again on a railroad he and his railroad buddies constructed on the ranch, dubbed the "Wildcat Railroad". Sons Robert and Neal were victims of World War II, and Jones operated his "Wildcat Railroad" for the neighborhood children, every Sunday until his death in 1968, in memory of his two lost sons. The railroad attracted people from across the valley and beyond, including Walt Disney, who considered purchasing some of Jones' collection of miniature railway equipment. The two became friends, and Jones was behind the throttle of Disney's narrow-gauge locomotives on opening weekend at Disneyland in 1955.
Jones retired from the Southern Pacific Company in 1949. In January 1959, it is said Jones ceremoniously ran the last train out of Los Gatos before the rails were taken up throughout the town.
Jones died of leukemia in 1968 at the age of 83, and his "Wildcat Railroad" was purchased by local residents who formed a non-profit organization to relocate and operate it at nearby Oak Meadow and Vasona Parks. The railroad, among the most popular[citation needed] attractions in Los Gatos, continues operation today.
FARES AND HOURS OF OPERATION
Fare is $2.00; under 2 is free with a paying adult. The train is wheelchair accessible and the disabled ride free. Group purchases of 50 tickets or more are $1.50 each and can be split up in any way (i.e. 25 on the train, 25 on the carousel). Group ticket sales are non-refundable. All times are weather permitting.
March 15 through June 14
train - open weekends 10:30 am to 4:30 pm
carousel - open weekends 10:30 am to 4:30 pm & Wed - Fri 10:30 am to 3:00 pm
June 15 through Labor Day (approximate dates - school summer vacation)
train and carousel open daily 10:30 am to 4:30 pm
Day after Labor Day through October 31
train - open weekends 10:30 am to 4:30 pm
carousel - open weekends 10:30 am to 4:30 pm & Wed - Fri 10:30 am to 3:00 pm
November 1 through March 14
train - open weekends 11:00 am to 3:00 pm
carousel - open weekends 11:00 am to 3:00 pm |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| • |
110 Blossom Hill Rd Los Gatos, CA 95032 |
|
Phone: 408-395-7433 |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
No specials available at this time for this business listing |
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
