The train NCX was also known to crews as the "Ox" It was a hot train, containing interchange traffic with the Western Pacific. Account the operating grade beween Prado Dam and Corona, it was not unusal for it to get a help locomoitve eastbound. As I recall it was put on at Atwood.


Yes, Amtrak has made many detours over the years via Mojave. For eastbound, normal operations is to have the train operate in reverse order LA-Mojave. Then change ends with the power or
even have power on both ends. During the period of time that freight cars were operating, train could not be pulled backwards, so freight cars had to be taken off prior to the detour.