Jim Wrote:
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> Interesting. Train 132 was the 5:17 departure
> that ran to Los Gatos rather than San Jose, via
> the Vasona Branch (what's left of it is now the
> Permanente Branch). I didn't think the GS-4 was
> able to run on the Los Gatos Branch due to the
> lighter rail. I thought they always used
> Pacifics. Likewise, I thought they always used
> GP9s rather than Trainmasters on that train in the
> diesel era. I've never seen a photo of the Los
> Gatos train (129 and 132) with a Trainmaster. Can
> anyone confirm if the GS series steam locomotives
> and Trainmasters did the Los Gatos/Vasona commute
> run?


Good point Jim. I got into this with an old friend years ago while transcribing Johnson's
entries. I believe that for awhile, 132 was actually a regular Peninsula train, although
that number was far more well known as the counterpart to 129. Neil Vodden told me that
there were a very few times that the heavier Pacifics were used on the Vasona Branch. 2476
and 2477, both P-7 class were the usual power in later years. Freights were worked by
Consols (2777 and 2781 come to mind) and Mikados, 3251 being the last into September of
1956. If anyone knows of it lasting longer, I'd really appreciate knowing, thanks.
So, were the GS types prohibited from the branch? I believe you are correct.