The Cheat Mountain Salamander
during a stopover in Spruce, WV

A View, from the Passenger section,
of the Engineer at Work

Cheat Mountain Salamander is the most unique of these four trains. It is closer in-look to a trolley than a traditional train. Unlike the other three classic trains, the Salamander is a reproduction. Built in 2000, the Salamander is a faithful replica of a 1922 Edwards Railway Motor Car, which were aptly described as a railbus. It is a one unit train, making the engineer's activities readily viewable to the passengers, just as on a bus.

The Cheat Mountain Salamander offers visitors not only a ride on a unique train, but also the opportunity to take a leisurely ride through the Pocahontas back country, providing a glimpse at a wilderness that is usually only accessible to hikers. The train is completely enclosed, so it makes for an especially great activity to pursue if bad weather should impinge on your vacation. However, it is best enjoyed on a clear day. One word of warning, the seats in this train are somewhat stiff and the ride is a bit bouncy, so you may want to take a pillow with you, to sit on, if don't have enough natural padding. Also, don't forget to bring your camera, in addition to breathtaking scenery, you may also see a variety of wildlife ranging from to bears and ground hogs, to deer and hawks.

A View from the train of Shaver's Fork