Twenty years ago in 2005 the Walker Boys, McNeil and Chase Walker, launched The U-Pick Red Barn, a seasonal pumpkin patch and family venue. It was originally designed to teach two 10 and 11 year-old boys the value of hard work and life skills.
Seeking to add an extra element of fun, McNeil’s father, Rollie Walker, purchased a small 12-passenger trackless train that was designed to look like the 1869 Jupitor Train. What began as a modest family project quickly transformed into a powerful story of innovative fun, community, and a legendary movement. That simple idea sparked something far greater than anyone imagined. Lines formed, word spread, and the train quickly became the most talked-about attraction on the property.
In response to the overwhelming demand, their Uncle Otis designed and built from scratch an exact duplicate of the smaller train to a version that would hold 50 passengers. Later, an additional car was added so that a total of 70 passengers could ride the train. That was the moment the The McNeil Trackless train was born.
Since then, the McNeil Trackless train has become a staple attraction for venues that want to elevate the guest experience, boost revenue, and keep visitors coming back. With a hydrostatic, automatic, 4 wheel drive diesel powered 25-horsepower engine, the train is as reliable as it is delightful. Built to accommodate up to 70 passengers, or a mix of adults and children, it is a must have for any outdoor family venue.
The McNeil Trackless is designed with safety and enjoyment at its core. Each train is constructed from the ground up, customized and built to last, and engineered to be the centerpiece of any family-friendly venue. It pays for itself through ticket add-ons, drives longer visitor stays, and generates immediate returns by becoming the top attraction.
The driving force behind the company is Rollie Walker, founder and CEO of The McNeil Trackless Train Company. A lifelong resident of Idaho Falls, Rollie has led several ventures including Walker Land & Cattle LLC for nearly 50 years. He is a community leader, visionary entrepreneur, and inventor, and a man who takes risks with purpose. His ability to think outside the box and create lasting, revenue-generating experiences has made him a trusted partner and innovator in the space.
Rollie listens to those on the ground, believes in finding the one thing that matters most each day, and has a relentless drive to improve. His strategic mind and heart for people have helped shape the company into what it is today.
The McNeil Trackless train was named in honor of Rollie’s son, McNeil Walker, who tragically passed away on April 27, 2016 while McNeil was driving his tractor from the large farms to his small one. His tractor was hit by a semi truck and trailer destroying his tractor and killing McNeil on impact. The driver of the semi was texting and distracted. The U-Pick Red Barn continues in memory of McNeil, an original founder.
McNeil was a bright light in the lives of those who knew him. Known for his heartfelt bear hugs, generous spirit, and infectious positivity, he had a special way of making everyone around him feel deeply valued and loved. He was thoughtful, joyful, and wise beyond his years, and in the months leading up to his passing, many noticed an even more radiant sense of peace and purpose in him. His memory lives on in every train produced, each one created to bring joy, laughter, and connection, just as McNeil did throughout his life.
The spirit of the company is rooted in care, quality, and purpose. What sets the McNeil Trackless train apart is not only the superior craftsmanship, safety, and design but also the heart behind it all. With a focus on helping venues create unforgettable moments and measurable results, the McNeil Trackless Train Company isn’t just about selling rides, it’s also about delivering legacy, one joyful journey at a time. The McNeil Trackless has become a tradition for families who often travel 3 or more hours to visit the U-Pick Red Barn and ride the McNeil Trackless train.
What began as a simple, home-grown attraction turned into an unexpected success story. Now, going into the 20th year, the Walker family has operated The U-Pick RedBarn in Idaho Falls—a beloved pumpkin-patch experience originally created to teach two boys, 10 and 11-years old, the value of hard work. One season, McNeil’s father, Rollie, purchased a modest 12-seat trackless train to add a bit of extra fun and also built a train depot for the full effect. The response was overwhelming: lines stretched across the farm as guests clamored for a ride. The train was built for kids, but they could not keep adults off.
To meet the soaring demand, Uncle Otis engineered and built a 50-passenger version, and The McNeil Trackless train was born. Soon, another car was added so even more people could ride the train. Now, the McNeil Trackless is recognized as the most loved attraction and is the very reason people come to the U-Pick RedBarn along with all the other attractions they offer. Read the "Our Company" section for additional details about the McNeil Trackless company.
Rollie Walker is the founder and CEO of The McNeil Trackless Trains company. He lives in Idaho Falls, Idaho with his family and has been a community leader and contributor in many regards. Rollie is the owner of the wildly popular U-Pick RedBarn pumpkin patch and family fun venue in Idaho Falls. He has also been the CEO of Walker Land & Cattle LLC for almost 50 years as a leader in Idaho farming.
Rollie is an out of the box thinker. He is a strategist, and inventor, and sees the bigger picture. He cares about his his family, community, and those with whom he partners with to create positive and revenue bearing solutions. His ability to be an action taker has led to his success as a business man, investor, and friend.
The McNeil Trackless train was named after Rollie Walker's son, McNeil, who was part of a tragic accident and passed away April 27, 2016. McNeil was the light of the Walker family's life. He had a unique ability to make others feel loved and special. In fact, he never missed a chance to give one of his famous bear hugs and to tell you he loved you.
He led and elevated those with whom he came in contact by personal example. He earned the deep respect and love of all of those who knew him for that special quality. He was gentle and a sensitive and deep thinker. He had a warm and beautiful smile. He was extremely generous in every way and became known for the thoughtful and wonderful gifts he gave others.
He was happy, positive, and sweet by nature, and many observed that during the last few months of his life, he seemed especially joyful, purposeful, confident, and peaceful.
The spirit of McNeil has been an integral part of the McNeil Trackless train project. Each train is created to bring joy, laughter, and love to those who own and ride our trains, just as McNeil expressed the same sentiments during his life. We honor McNeil and his legacy in every train that we design and create.
All are welcome to visit our facility to see the trains as they are being built. We are located in Idaho Falls, Idaho at 1070 Riverwalk Dr. Ste 200. Please click the button below and fill out the form to schedule a day and time to visit.