Since I was in my early 20’s I always wanted to own a Model Train & Hobby Store. Back then they were all over the place and very few, if any were for sale. The couple times I found them for sale the owners wouldn’t sell to “a girl”, because they didn’t think it would work. So I moved on over the years and bought many other companies that did well because I had a passion for the product I was selling.

In 2008 I moved to Vegas and found Westside Trains. My son was young and had a passion for Thomas so natural we ended up hitting any and all train stores. Back then in Vegas there was many and we supported them all. However, out of them all, Westside Trains and John O’Neill was always the one that stood out each time we went into the store. His passion for the hobby showed and always treated me and my son like family.

Fast-forward to 2020, which just about destroyed the hobby here in Vegas. We were losing stores and owners. In 2020, John got COVID and the store was closed for almost three weeks. I thought we were going to lose one of the last remaining stores and a place I called home. That is when I approached John about buying the store. I wasn’t sure if he wanted sell or if he wanted to sell to a girl.

We worked out a plan to transition me as owner over a two year period and in September of 2023 I became the new owner of Westside Trains, Inc. in Las Vegas. A dream of mine for years had finally became a reality.

At the end of October of this year, 2024, John worked his last day in the store. It was filled with customers celebrating a man who gave back to community. A man who had a passion and still does for trains. A man who looked beyond gender and said, “This girl is going to make great things in this hobby!”

I truly have been blessed to have such a great previous owner, and mentor in my life. Everyone thinks I’m his daughter and although that isn’t the case it is an idea I find that puts a smile on my face. John was at the helm for 19 years and I’m hoping to continue that tradition for 20 plus years myself.

I have been very lucky over the years to have many talented individuals across the country in many hobby shops take me under their wing. I’ve learned a lot and still learn every day. My goal in to give that knowledge back and bring others young and old back into the GREATEST HOBBY IN THE WORLD.

Thank you John for entrusting me with your legacy. It is something I will treasure.

Thank you Paul Mickelson (Center Picture) for a great photo of John and I on his last day in the store. What a day it was! Memories, memories, memories.