Buyer's Guide
There is no single best trackless train. The right choice between a gas vs electric trackless train depends on where your train runs, how far it travels, and the ground beneath it. This guide shows where each one fits best.
Start with your venue
Electric and gas trains are built for different operating days. Electric trains excel indoors, in covered spaces, and on short routes where quiet, zero-emission operation matters. Gas and diesel trains excel outdoors, on longer routes, grass, and grades.
Wattman builds electric attraction trains. For gas and diesel trains, we work with our sister company The Train Company. Not sure which fits your route? The Trackless Train Finder compares all eleven configurations in under a minute.
Electric
Zero emissions, so a Wattman train runs in malls, covered event spaces, and venues with limited ventilation.
Near-silent operation, with optional locomotive sound that can be switched on or off.
The Mini Express runs up to 16 hours with 3 wagons on an overnight charge from a standard 120V outlet.
Built for malls, parks, and venues on private property, not for public roads or heavy rain and snow.
Gas and diesel
Gopo trains are built in the United States on John Deere and Kubota platforms. Routine maintenance is straightforward, and parts are available at dealers nationwide.
Up to 36 passengers (24 adults). Fits event grounds, farms, festival paths, and holiday displays, and runs on paved surfaces and grass. Available as a turnkey package loaded in its own transport trailer, which loads in about 15 minutes. Usually in stock.
View the TJ25 compact train →30 to 60 passengers with four-wheel drive, on a Kubota or John Deere platform. Handles grass and rough terrain with up to three coaches, and grades up to 12% with the optional hydraulic coach brakes. A wheelchair option is available.
View the TDK50 / TDJ50 →Public roads
For downtown loops and routes on public streets, Deltrain tourist trains carry road type approval and move 20 to 84 passengers, in electric and diesel versions. They are also available through The Train Company.
Explore road-legal Deltrain trains →Side by side
No winner, only the best fit for your venue.
| Electric (Wattman) | Gas and diesel (Gopo) | |
|---|---|---|
| Indoors and covered spaces | Yes, zero emissions | No, outdoor use only |
| Sound | Near-silent | Engine sound |
| Energy | Overnight charge, standard 120V outlet | Refuel in minutes |
| Ground | Private grounds and indoor floors | Paved surfaces, grass, and rough terrain (TDK50 / TDJ50) |
| Weather | Not built for heavy rain or snow | Built for outdoor conditions |
| Parts and service | Wattman USA, Cape Coral, Florida | John Deere and Kubota dealer networks |
| Typical venues | Malls, indoor attractions, zoos, covered events | Farms, parks, events, rental operators, longer routes |
FAQ
No. Gas and diesel engines produce exhaust, so indoor and enclosed venues need an electric train such as the Wattman Mini Express or Maxi Express.
A gas or diesel train. The Gopo TJ25 suits events and farms, and the TDK50 / TDJ50 handles longer routes, grass, and grades with up to 60 passengers.
Deltrain trains carry road type approval for public streets. Wattman and Gopo trains are built for private grounds and venues.
Yes. Financing is available for qualified U.S. operators for both Wattman electric trains and Gopo gas and diesel trains.
Start with your venue: indoor or outdoor, route length, terrain, and passengers. A 20-minute call is enough to point you to the right train.
Tell us about your venue and your route. We will point you to the right train, electric or gas.
