Venice Railway No. 2 *LINK* *PIC*

With the interest in the recent 15” gauge thread, here’s a tribute to another unique Grand Scale locomotive in Los Gatos, California, a few miles “over the hill” from Glenwood, that I and a few others here have gotten to run.
Designed by SP civil engineer John Coit, the “2-Spot” was one of two 5-ton, 18” gauge Prairies built in 1905 for the Venice Railway of Venice Beach, CA (near Los Angeles). The railroad operated as a novelty transportation system around the seaside town until 1926, when the equipment was sold and scattered among various dealers. By 1939, the 2-Spot had found its way to a shipping warehouse along San Francisco’s Embarcadero where, mere hours before it was to be shipped to Japan as scrap metal, it was purchased by SP (and former South Pacific Coast) engineer Billy Jones. Following his $100 purchase, he had the engine brought to his Los Gatos prune orchard where, with the help of friends, he built and operated the “Wildcat Railroad” for the enjoyment of himself and the community. After his death in 1968, a non-profit organization was formed to purchase and relocate the railroad to Oak Meadow and Vasona parks in Los Gatos where it has been ever since.
The “2-Spot” was a first exposure to steam for many, myself included, and turned a handful in the direction of a career in steam. SP engineer Neil Vodden and hostler Charlie Hoyle were once kids laying track at Billy Jones’ ranch. The “new” railroad at the park produced Phil Reader, Bill Stetler, and others.
No. 2 skipped was withdrawn from service for reboilering in 1995 but was put back into operation in the Spring of 2005. It is currently out of service for winter maintenance but will be running again in March, as well as participating in the Los Gatos Holiday Parade on December 2nd.
More information on the '2-Spot,' Billy Jones, and the Wildcat Railroad can be found in my new book, Railroads of Los Gatos, from Arcadia Publishing. (released today!) See link below.
Photo by Greg Reiter