TRACKLESS TRAINS FOR ZOOS
HOW True American Classics Has Set the Standard for Building the Best Trackless Trains for the Entertainment Industry.
By Jerry Miles – Industry Insight for Zoo & Attraction Professionals
In the world of zoo attractions, trends come and go—animatronic dinosaurs, interactive feeding stations, even VR experiences. But one classic has proven it can stand the test of time: the trackless train.
And if you ask anyone in the business who’s building the best trackless trains today, one name consistently comes up—True American Classics and their flagship BellaTori® trains.
True American Classics, has become what is likely the most respected Trackless Train Builder on the globe. While there are other trackless train manufacturers, True American has figured out a way to deliver, high-quality trains affordably. This is significant as the amusement and entertainment industries continues the fight of increasing bottom line while still attracting more guests.
One of the markets that True American Classics has focused on other the last couple of decades is Trackless Trains for Zoos. According to the president of True American Classics, Ernest Lee, Zoos and similar entertainment venues is a market they love. "We deliver trains that run virtually uninterrupted throughout open hours. Plus our trains are easy to operate, safe, comfortable for guests and everyone loves our look and style." Lee says that he particularly enjoys working with zoos because, as he says, "the really get it. They understand the entertainment business, inside and out."
True American Classics have been delivering trackless trains to malls, museums, amusement parks, municipalities, and other venues where entertaining children and families is important, since 1998. "We love helping entertainment venues like zoos deliver a quality, memorable experience to their guests. We focus on that 'end result' from design to delivery."
Headquartered in Atlanta, GA, True American Classics proudly distributes its world-renowned BellaTori® trackless trains across the globe. Each train is named after the founder’s daughters, Isabella and Victoria, and designed in tribute to the golden era of American steam locomotives—most notably, the iconic 4-4-0.
Manufactured entirely in the USA and built by skilled American craftsmen, every BellaTori train is a fully functional, rolling work of art. Beyond their elegant design and craftsmanship, these trains are highly practical—especially in settings like zoos, where enhancing the guest experience is key.
Zoos often cover large areas, and for many guests—especially families with young children, seniors, or individuals with limited mobility—navigating that space can become exhausting. A BellaTori trackless train offers a comfortable, scenic, and efficient mode of transportation, making it easier for visitors to explore every corner of the park without fatigue. Trains can run continuously on loops, stopping at major exhibits or attractions, and can even serve as narrated guided tours, offering educational facts about animals and conservation along the way.
Zoos can also benefit from the branding potential. Each True American Classics trackless train is fully customizable, allowing the zoo to reflect its branding, theme, and messaging. From animal-themed designs to zoo logos and custom announcements, the train becomes a mobile extension of the zoo’s mission and personality. Seasonal overlays, like Halloween or holiday-themed décor, can be added to enhance special events and increase visitor engagement.
Additionally, offering train rides creates a new revenue stream for zoos. Whether included with general admission or offered as an add-on ticket, trackless trains can increase per-capita spending while improving overall satisfaction and dwell time. They're also an excellent feature for birthday parties, school groups, and special promotions.
Whether you’re looking to improve guest mobility, create memorable moments, or add a charming and useful attraction, True American Classics offers trackless trains that align perfectly with the mission and spirit of any zoo. For those seeking a timeless, high-quality solution to elevate the visitor experience, this is the place to start.
TRUE AMERICAN CLASSICS LOCOMOTIVES
electric or diesel...
you choose the power
At True American Classics, the team understands that each customer comes with unique needs, challenges, opportunities, and goals. That’s why the company offers a diverse range of locomotive options designed to suit a wide variety of applications. Whether a client is seeking a locomotive ideal for indoor use or smaller venues, or one built with substantial power to tackle more demanding terrains, True American Classics provides customized solutions to meet every requirement.
electric
locomotives
Economical, Clean and Green!
Our ELECTRIC ENGINE LOCOMOTIVE.
Made for flat surfaces and low-incline hills.
Perfect for indoor applications... robust enough for outdoor events.
small diesel
locomotives
Strong & Always Reliable!
Our SMALL DIESEL LOCOMOTIVE.
Cost-effective, Comfortable and Spacious (attention to throughput).
The perfect off-road train is also great for rental!
large diesel
locomotives
Powerful, Durable, Believable!
Our LARGE DIESEL ENGINE LOCOMOTIVE.
Excellent choice for those that demand long, hard hours of operation and challenging terrains.
TRUE AMERICAN CLASSICS WAGONS
customers choose the size, style and color
BellaTori® Style Wagon — Treated Wood & Hardwood Trims or High-Density Polyethylene
American Freedom GO (Great Outdoor) Style Wagon
BellaTori® Deluxe Style Wagon
All wagons from True American Classics are available in a variety of colors, including custom color options. The company also offers wood and fabric seating, multiple trim packages, lighting variations, and countless other customizable features.
NOTICE:
Specifications may vary from wagon to wagon.
CUSTOMERS LOVE THE RIDE!
“We invested in a
True American Classics Train.
We spent less, we got more.
That's as simple as it gets.
After several years we were so happy
that we purchased another locomotive.”
MARK LINTON
PRESIDENT, LINTON'S ENCHANTED GARDENS
trackless trains customized to fit zoos... perfectly!
True American Classics, Inc. sells its world-class BellaTori® train all over the world! A huge part of our success is not only the quality of our trains but also comes from the fact that we Customize to Customers Delight (we customize trains to meet your specific needs, interests, and objectives... as well as trains that compliment your personality.
Whether you are looking for a Mall Train, a Zoo Train, a Personal Train, a Agri Train, a Train for your Amusement Park or Family Entertainment Center, we’ll customize it to fit you and your organization “to a T”! This is just one more way we make (and keep) our Customers Happy!
proudly built in america
Inspired by the past... built for the future.
Since 1998, True American Classics, Inc. and its parent company have brought joy to children of all ages through innovative and nostalgic experiences.
Headquartered in Atlanta, GA, True American Classics, Inc. proudly distributes its world-renowned BellaTori® train to customers across the globe.
Named after the founder’s daughters, Isabella and Victoria, the BellaTori® train is designed in tribute to the golden age of rail — specifically, the iconic American 4-4-0 steam locomotive.
Each train is manufactured entirely in the United States and meticulously crafted by skilled American artisans. True American Classics remains dedicated to producing functional, artistic locomotives that embody heritage, craftsmanship, and pride.
