Hobson's choice: Overcast lighting, extremes of highlight and shadow. Bring out more shadow detail in the locomotive at the expense of detail in snow, steam and smoke.
I would HDR that sucker to get some definition of the shadow on the cow catcher and knuckle.
The shot lacks some contrast, which is why they say it is over exposed.
"LIKE"
In lieu of HDR'n the photo, you might try something similar by way of the "Fill" feature if you have it, or "Shadows and Highlights". The make sure you have your contrast - ie; black blacks and white whites (via Levels, often).
1984, obviously it is not a digital original. Check the (slide) to see if there is detail in the black areas of the front of the engine (coupler, etc.). If there is, rescan to try and bring up that detail without loosing the smoke detail. The original may just have more latitude than you can convert to a digital format.
Is this underexposed?
Linear Mode
