Yep that was probably me that said that Jerry. Ever since those days shooting in Canada(1987 and 1988), I recall those guys saying it was "Cheating". I shot several of the crossing myself, simply because there were no roads into some places. But I think the idea of what they are saying is that it looks far better to shoot some pristine snow covering the rails and get the plowing the same depth for a long scene, not just bucking what the highway plowed higher. Kudos to those who can get into the tougher locations away from the highway. One can see from all the snow on the front of the engine 488 encountered some heavy stuff, probably around Coxo to Cumbres around Windy point where it tends to drift a lot. That would have been some cool drone footage around Windy Point!
Lighting was great though at Cumbres and as others have said 488 made light work of the plowed snow. Thanks for posting. You and Jerry are way too spoiled with steam in your back yard. Seems like you have it covered!!!
Greg