The Pacemaker was the premier all-coach train on the New York Central's "Water Level Route" from New York City to Chicago. In early 1949 The Pacemaker was re-equiped with Budd stainless steel lightweight rolling stock, as part of NYC's postwar passenger modernization program. The signature cars of this new Pacemaker were #s 48 and 49, the tavern-lounge-obsercation cars, that carried The Pacemaker's lighted tailsign.

Due to it's high priority, fast schedule, and 13-car length, The Pacemaker was often assigned one of New York Central's most powerful locomotives, the 6000 class "Niagara" 4-8-4 steamers.

The Pacemaker uses the following equipment:

• 1 8970 class baggage/dormatory car (Budd)
• 1 404 class dining car (B)
• 1 478 class kitchen/lounge car (B)
• 1 48 class tavern/lounge/observation car (B)
• 9 2900 class long distance coaches (B)

In late 1949 the Advance Commodore Vanderbilt, an all-pullman train which also ran from New York to Chicago, was combined with The Pacemaker. Both trains were still listed separately on NYC's "Form 1001" public timetable.

Many passengers were understandably confused when boarding the Advance Commodore Vanderbilt in New York or Chicago, when they arrived at the gate only to see the tailsign of The Pacemaker.

The combined Pacemaker / Advance Commodore Vanderbilt uses the following equipment:

• 1 8961 class baggage/dormatory car (Pullman/Standard)
• 1 "Harbor" series 22 roomette sleeping car (Budd, lettered for Pullman Co.)
• 2 "River" series 10-6 sleeping cars (P/S Pullman)
• 1 "Lake" series 6 bedroom / lounge car (P/S Pullman)
• 1 Southern Pacific 4-4-2 sleeping car (transcontinental sleeper, painted and lettered for the "Golsen State Limited")
• 1 404 class dining car (B)
• 1 478 class kitchen/lounge car (B)
• 1 48 class tavern/lounge/observation car (B)
• 5 2900 class long distance coaches (B)