Community Corner
Los Gatos Model Railroad Impresses Walt Disney
In the 1950s Billy Jones and Walt Disney shared their passion for model railroads.
Anyone who has visited Disneyland has probably hopped on board the model railway that surrounds the world-famous tourist destination.
Walt Disney was a dedicated fan of model railroads and when he began developing the format for the Anaheim theme park he knew he wanted to expand on the steam railroad he had built in his own backyard.
In the early 1950s, Disney paid a visit to Los Gatos and the Billy Jones Wildcat Railroad. He was obviously impressed with what he saw and with the man behind the operation, Billy Jones. The two enthusiasts became friends.
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In 1999, Disney's Carolwood Pacific Railroad was relocated from his backyard to the Los Angeles Live Steamers Railroad Museum in Griffith Park.
Source: Hooked on Los Gatos, the Library and Museum History Project
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Billy Jones Family Collection
