State Line Auto Auction Celebrates 45th Anniversary with Special Appearance from "Big Boy" Locomotive
- State Line Auto Auction
- Jun 18
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 11
State Line Auto Auction's 45th Anniversary Sale was one to remember. As always, it was a fantastic opportunity to celebrate alongside our dealers, guests, and the dedicated team members who continue to make State Line Auto Auction what it is today. From familiar faces who have been part of our journey for decades to the new relationships we've built along the way, the anniversary sale remains one of our favorite traditions.
With a busy lot, an impressive lineup of inventory, 45 cash giveaway winners, and another successful sale in the books, the event was a fitting celebration of 45 years of serving dealers throughout the Northeast and beyond. While the vehicles and festivities made for another memorable anniversary sale, this year's special guest gave attendees a rare opportunity to experience a remarkable piece of American history up close.
The Historic Big Boy No. 4014 Rolls Into State Line
For our 45th Anniversary Sale, we were honored to host a special appearance by Big Boy No. 4014, the world's only operating Big Boy steam locomotive.
Built by the American Locomotive Company between 1941 and 1944, the Big Boy locomotives were designed to move heavy freight through the demanding mountain terrain of the American West. Weighing approximately 1.2 million pounds and stretching 133 feet in length, they remain among the largest steam locomotives ever built. Of the 25 Big Boys originally produced, only eight survive today, and No. 4014 stands alone as the only one still operating.
As part of Union Pacific's commemorative tour honoring America's upcoming 250th Anniversary, Big Boy's pass through Waverly provided a unique opportunity for our dealers and guests to witness a remarkable piece of living history. The sale was delayed until 10:00 a.m., allowing everyone to gather and watch the legendary locomotive make its way through town before the anniversary festivities continued.
Honoring State Line Auto Auction's 45th Anniversary
As we reflected on 45 years of history at State Line, Big Boy served as a fitting reminder of the innovation and infrastructure that have helped move industries forward for generations.
State Line has spent the last four and a half decades building trusted relationships and earning the confidence of dealers throughout the region. From pioneering Simulcast technology in the auto auction industry to continually investing in services that provide our dealers with the best experience possible, we've always believed in moving forward while respecting the foundations that got us here.
Big Boy also holds special significance for us because rail transportation continues to play an important role in our operations today.
State Line is proud to operate one of the region's premier rail siding facilities, providing efficient vehicle transportation and logistics solutions directly from our Waverly location. With direct access to the Norfolk Southern main line, secure storage for more than 20,000 vehicles, and the ability to load vehicles right at our facility, rail remains an important part of how we serve our customers. In many ways, it continues the same tradition of transportation and connectivity that locomotives like Big Boy helped establish generations ago.
A Tasty Tradition That Never Gets Old
Of course, no State Line anniversary celebration would be complete without our famous chicken pit. Our legendary BBQ chicken remains a favorite tradition among our guests and the team here at State Line. Year after year, it provides an opportunity to reconnect, enjoy good food, and celebrate another successful anniversary sale together.
This year's complimentary lunch featured our signature BBQ chicken alongside salt potatoes, smoked baked beans, coleslaw, fresh watermelon, and fresh-baked cookies, making for a meal that attendees look forward to year after year.
The celebration also included 45 lucky dealers taking home $500 cash giveaways throughout the day, totaling $22,500 in prizes in honor of State Line's 45th anniversary.
Whether attendees came to buy vehicles, celebrate 45 years with us, watch Big Boy pass through Waverly, or simply enjoy the day's festivities, we're grateful to everyone who helped make this year's event another memorable one.
As we celebrate this milestone year, we're grateful for the trust of our dealers, the dedication of our employees, and the support of the communities we serve. We look forward to carrying the State Line legacy forward with the same commitment to innovation, service, and relationships that have defined us for the last 45 years.
