Joe Rios · Irving, TX
lilgrandetrains.com ↗Joe Rios started Li'l Grande Trains in a shopping mall in Irving, Texas. What began as a single mall concession quickly evolved into one of the most diverse trackless train operations in the United States, covering private parties, school events, city festivals, and indoor events including operating on stage during a high school musical. The maneuverability of the Wattman train is what makes that range of venues possible.
Joe now runs three Wattman trains: two Mini Express units from 2010 and 2014, and a Maxi Express added in 2022. All three units, including the oldest from 2010, look and perform like new. At high-volume events the train runs on 10-minute ride cycles, which adds up to 120 passengers per hour across a full 10-hour operating day. Because the train fits in a standard bumper pull trailer, Joe can unload and be operational at a venue in 20 to 30 minutes, making it practical to serve multiple events in a single day.
“If you want to own a commercial piece of equipment and have decided on the trackless train business. The Wattman Train is it.”
- Joe Rios, Li'l Grande Trains
Before launching the business, Joe researched every trackless train available on the U.S. market. His conclusion was direct: the Wattman was the only train with proper safety certification for U.S. commercial operations, conforming to both ASTM F2291 and ASTM F1193. That was the deciding factor, and it remains the reason Li'l Grande Trains operates Wattman exclusively.
Selected Wattman as the only trackless train certified to ASTM F2291 and ASTM F1193 for U.S. commercial operation
Operates at malls, private parties, schools, city festivals, and indoor events including stage performances
Recovered investment within 18 to 24 months, inside standard business metrics
