Re: Trainmasters on the Los Gatos Branch?
Author: Gary Hunter
Date: 02-05-2010 - 13:07
Jim, there is a steel deck bridge right behind (south) those apartments you refer to that carries what I presume to be a water pipe. There is very little left of any "right of way", but the bridge remains. The bridge is visible from 280, but you have to be quick. Otherwise you have to venture to the south end of the parking area for the apartments. I personally believe it was really stupid to have abandoned the Mayfield segment of the "big wye". It would make an excellent extension of the Penninsula commute system and provide connectivity to the West Valley. There is also a wooden trestle up the Los Gatos Creek canyon that similarly has a water pipe on it. It is located about a quarter mile north of the junction of Aldercroft Heights Rd. and Alma Bridge Rd. It provides a small glimpse of the former glory of the Santa Cruz Mountains line. I am also very curious as to what kind(s) of diesel power were used on the Suntans into Santa Cruz until discontinuance in 1959. Geeps? FMs? Any wagons make it? I have seen one photo showing an SD-9 being swapped for a GS steamer at Watsonville.