The last two articles (here and here) were mostly about fun for grownups, so it seems only fair to have equal time for the kids. (Though it’s okay if you parents want to come along too, since you’re going to have to drive the little so-and-so’s to Los Gatos for this one.)
The tale of Billy Jones and Old Number 2
So gather ‘round and let me tell you a story about “Old Number 2.” Back in ’39, railroad man Billy Jones found a derelict 1/3-scale steam locomotive from 1905 sitting in a San Francisco scrap yard. He bought the train, which was named Old Number 2, and spent the next few years restoring it and laying the track for it. When he was done kids (and larger passengers) spent the next quarter century riding Billy’s Wildcat Railroad around his ranch on Winchester Boulevard.
Taking you for a ride
That locomotive along with two diesel locomotives, passenger cars for them, and a vintage carousel are now at Oak Meadow Park on Blossom Hill Road, just off University Avenue in Los Gatos. For the whopping fare of $2, you can board the train for a lovely ride around the park, across Los Gatos Creek, and back to the station with its scale water tower.
The W.E. “Bill” Mason Carousel
Afterwards (or beforewards) the kids can take a ride on the beautiful carousel next to the train station. Built for the 1915 San Francisco Expo, the carousel features a variety of carved horses, the earliest dating back to 1870. While the kids ride the ponies, be sure to check out the cheerful carnival artwork on the walls, painted by area artists.
Rides from the pre-ADD generation
The best thing about these rides is that because they aren’t part of some overwhelming, hyperactive, corporate theme park (can you say, “Great America?”), the whole place is wonderfully stress-free. Children were remarkably mellow, fitting into the calm, relaxed pace of the park with ease. Perhaps that’s because nothing here drops 20 stories, flies through the air, or speeds through inverted high-g loops as you go one direction while the $5 hot dog you just ate goes the other.
All in all, it’s a perfect treat for the kiddies. And judging from the conversations of the adults riding, it’s pretty fun for them too. Said one twenty-something in the carriage behind me, “I can’t believe I live in Los Gatos and didn’t know about the train. It’s cool!”
As you admire the trains, carousel, horses, and buildings, realize that most of the work of building, restoring, and maintaining the entire place has been done by volunteers.
All aboard!
If you go
Billy Jones Wildcat Railroad
110 Blossom Hill Road, Los Gatos, CA (408) 395-7433
Hours of operation vary, see the website for details
For parking, according to the railroad’s website, “If the lot is full, or to avoid paying the $6.00 non-resident (Los Gatos or Monte Sereno) parking fee, park on University Avenue before Blossom Hill and walk into the park for free.”
Billy Jones Wildcat Railroad website
Map
