People and trains, hey.

Known as either trainspotters, railfans or railway enthusiasts, the activities of such aficionados revolve around the tracks.

Other than watching and recording various train models go past, they also collect railway artefacts such as tickets, timetables, railway paper, number plates, builders’ plates and railway crockery.

While train enthusiasts are hard to come by (especially when our hyper-local train-riding experience makes us cringe from embarrassment), according to local online classifieds site Gumtree, there has been a rise in the popularity of rail-related goods.

And not just for collectors.

Gumtree also noticed and noted that “amidst the increasing pressure of modern living, the nostalgic romance of traditional train travel has found renewed appeal”.

So, whether it’s buying into an experience like the Rovos Rail, or acquiring memorabilia listed above, interior design is “harking back to a time of slower pace and rolling scenic views”.

Sounds dreamy.

Recently, an authentic South African railway station clock dating back to the 1950s recently sold for R5 950 on the site.

Other notable items listed include:

An original railway bench, complete with leather and wood finishes, and a liquor decanter constructed from the parts of a 100-year- old steam train engine and framed in cherry wood. A true relic of South African railway history, the decanter was custom-made and gifted to the Provincial Manager for Spoornet after 40 years of loyal service.

Indeed.

This means that if you recently hit Matjiesfontein and want to recreate that sense of nostalgia in your own home, a quick Gumtree search reveals a wide range of items you can acquire, whether it’s a bench, a liquor decanter or even a vintage SA Railway Company powder case.

Then again, you just might not get it.

It’s okay, I didn’t get the attraction to trains either, but then I watched this masterpiece starring Peter Dinklage and I started to understand:

Still a “no”? It’s Peter Dinklage, man?!

As we well know Gumtree is the market place for everything and anything, so I’m sure you can find something to add to your life – and their app will help make the experience all the more better.