Operator Stories
These are Wattman operators across the United States. The people who have built businesses around the Mini Express and Maxi Express. Their results, in their own words.
Cesar Aguilar · Foster City, CA
kiddoschuchu.com ↗Cesar Aguilar runs Kiddos ChuChu, a mobile children's entertainment business serving private parties, schools, daycare centers, and community events across the San Francisco Bay Area. He operates both a Wattman Mini Express and a Maxi Express and has been running them for three years.
Before switching to Wattman, Cesar operated a different brand. The reason for switching came down to reliability, build quality, and customer service. He recovered his full investment within 14 months, while continuing to grow the business.
"Wattman offered a more professional setup and better long-term value that you won't be able to find in any other trackless train manufacturer."
— Cesar Aguilar, Kiddos ChuChu
What surprised Cesar most was the demand. The train consistently becomes the highlight of events and has proven to be a strong business generator through word-of-mouth referrals.
Switched from a competitor and chose Wattman for reliability and build quality
Operates at schools, daycares, private parties, and community events
Strong repeat and referral business: the train attracts both kids and adults
Joe Rios · Irving, Texas
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.
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.
"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
Selected Wattman because it is the only trackless train certified to ASTM F2291 and ASTM F1193 for U.S. operation
Operates at malls, private parties, schools, city festivals, and unique indoor events including stage performances
Loads and unloads in 20–30 minutes, enabling multiple events per day from a single trailer
ROI within 18–24 months, within standard business metrics of 12–36 months
Bob Oglesby · ICON Park, Orlando, FL
iconparkorlando.com ↗Bob Oglesby founded Pearl Express Trains in Orlando to bring a vintage-style train experience to ICON Park, a dining and entertainment complex that draws families looking for a half-day experience without a full theme park price tag. He operates two Wattman Mini Express trains at the venue, each featuring an engine, two passenger cars, and a caboose.
Oglesby chose Wattman specifically for their safety record, reliability, and more than 30 years of engineering experience. The low entry height was a key factor: the trains are designed so children can board naturally without climbing, making them ideal for the youngest riders.
"Wattman Trains has been in business for over 30 years. They have all the engineering down, with a lot of built-in safety features. When kids see it, they want to ride it."
— Bob Oglesby, Pearl Express Trains
The Pearl Express has become one of ICON Park's most recognizable attractions. Guests stop to take photos in front of the trains even when they are not riding, and children who spot the train immediately want to board it.
Chosen for 30+ years of engineering and built-in safety features including anti-collision system
Low entry height designed for young children, no climbing required required
Signature attraction at one of Orlando's busiest entertainment complexes
A 20-minute call covers which model fits your operation, what configuration makes sense, and what a realistic return looks like for your market and volume.
