With the launch of the New England States, the Twentieth Century Limited ceased carrying sleepers for Boston, which had to be switched in and out at Albany.

The train lost its all-sleeper status in the summer of 1949 with the addition of coaches; the New York Central withdrew its observation car in 1956.

[4] On November 5, 1967, the New York Central consolidated the New England States and Twentieth Century Limited west of Buffalo: a precursor to the latter's discontinuance on December 3, 1967.

In a major restructuring of passenger services the following day, December 3, the New England States lost its name (becoming known just by its numbers, 27/28) and began running with a mixed consist of coaches and sleepers between Chicago and New York/Boston.

[7] The passage of the Rail Passenger Service Act interrupted these proceedings, and the former New England States remained running until the start of Amtrak on May 1, 1971, when it was discontinued.