Yup, modern tracks don't offer much in the way of surface contact. If the ties were wider on top and they had the engines fitted with wheels that let them use the extra surface that snow wouldn't have been any difficulty.
We have a train plow here in canada that resembles the machine that they used to carve the tunnel from england to france. Its a giant snow thrower. It is absolutely insane to see in action. It throws snow at an unbelivable rate, and really really far.
However, they only bring it out like twice a decade.
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However, they only bring it out like twice a decade.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=frBh5vO_2g0
Rotary snowplow slideshow:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ncnSaRVng8E
More video (good close ups, but poor quality and no snow):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GI6g4B7NfPw
Can't they just back the thing up using one of the read locomotives?
" so they are just gonna bring more engine?"
.... "yup."
that is the American way.