As an interim measure there is talk of somehow managing the maneuver even before the new switch is put in. I am not sure exactly what the plan is that is being considered.
Without a runaround, that's a tough one.
Unless you wanted to use the Pennsylvania's power to move a cut around, but that's probably expensive.
OK, here is what I learned from someone who was instrumental in getting the idea proposed to Amtrak via NARP.
In the absence of the west end switch here is how it would work....
You place the Trans-Dorm of the Cap at the back of the train.
For the east bound, upon departure from Pittsburgh east, it drops off the New York cars which are attached to its rear on track 1A. After the Cap departs the Pennsy, which is not turned the preivous night, goes out, gets Y-ed and comes back to pick up the NY cars from track 1A and then backs into Track 3 ready to pick up passengers before departing.
For the westbound, after the Cap arrives, the incoming Cap crew goes over to the Pennsy consists parked on track 3, backs it out to the main, drops the NY cars there, ties them down and pulls the remaining Pennsy consist back into Tracks 3 and ties it down there. Meanwhile the outgoing Cap crew preps the train, and then the Cap has loaded, it backs up to pick up the NY cars that were left on the main, and proceeds on towards Chicago. Presumably, the incoming Cap crew helps with the coupling and brake test rear end duties.
The advantage of having the west end switch is that the Trans-Dorm does not need to be moved to the back.