Gert-Ove x Farmerrain

An unusual hobby that became something bigger

An unusual hobby that became something bigger

The energetic 77-year-old Gert-Ove Antonsson lives in the woods between Skara and Lundsbrunn with his son David. Here, surrounded by nature, he has built a 500-meter-long railway where technology, outdoor life, and nostalgia come together. Gert-Ove is a former motorsport driver with a lifelong passion for motocross, but his interests have grown into more than just racing. Behind his home, he has created a gathering place for visitors who share his love for machinery and nature.

What does a typical day look like for you, Gert-Ove?
– I don’t really have a typical day, says Gert-Ove with a laugh. It’s different every day. Sometimes I spend the whole morning blowing leaves or ride my quad bike in the woods.

Recently, he lost his beloved dog, Ninja, who had been a loyal companion for many years and was a clear part of Gert-Ove’s daily life.

– She was with me through everything for 14 years. I was never alone. It’s a big loss!

Throughout Gert-Ove’s life, he has had a variety of jobs, including machine service, newspaper delivery, freelance journalism, and even starting a driving school. But behind all these professions, there was one thing he was even more passionate about: motorsport.

– Motorsport has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I competed at a relatively high level and even got sponsors and prize money if I was lucky. Norway became an important place for me, as many of the competitions took place there.

 

But it was when his wife became seriously ill that he decided to stay home more and focus on spending more time with his family.

– My wife got very sick with cancer, and it turned a lot of things upside down. I realized I needed to be home more. Luckily, the process was slow, and we managed to celebrate our golden wedding anniversary—something I’m incredibly grateful for.

It was during this time that the idea of having his own railway began to take shape. Racing and travel slowed down, and time at home increased. But what really got the idea moving was, in the beginning, a tipped wheelbarrow.

– Since we heat the house with firewood here at home, it required many trips with firewood, and the wheelbarrow was tipped over several times, which got tiring. Finding an alternative way to transport the firewood was what sparked the idea for Skogsmarks Putte-Nutte Railway – SPNJ.

Gert-Ove’s project has become a family adventure. Before his wife passed away, she used to organize quiz walks for the visitors, and his son David is also involved in the operation, having built the website that helped spread the word and attracted visitors from 22 different countries.
– Once, a visitor came all the way from South Africa, Gert-Ove says proudly. His brother lived in Sweden, but he traveled from the other side of the world just to see what we’ve created here.

Although there is no charge to visit the railway, many people are willing to donate money.

– If people want to pay, they can. But I don’t charge an entrance fee; it’s open to everyone.

The railway and the machines also hold a deeper meaning for Gert-Ove. Seeing how different visitors come to life through the experience is something incredibly valuable to him. A strong memory is when a daughter brought her elderly father, who had lost the ability to speak. He had worked in the train industry earlier in life. When he experienced SPNJ, he became a completely different person and suddenly began talking about old memories and Swedish industrial history.

– The daughter of the old man was in shock—she couldn’t believe it! Gert-Ove says. To think that the railway and the locomotives could evoke such feelings.

I live in the woods, so durable clothing is a must

Gert-Ove’s love for outdoor life and working outside requires the right gear, and this is where Farmerrain’s rainwear comes into play.

– I live in the woods, so durable clothing is a must, he says.

He has been using Farmerrain’s clothes for several years and notices a clear difference compared to other brands.

– When I used to ride motocross, the other clothes didn’t last at all. They would tear up as soon as I got caught in a branch. But with Farmerrain, I haven’t managed to make a single tear in any of the garments.

His favorites are the adventures overalls, which are perfect for both work and walks, and the insulated rain suit, “Flisan,” which he happily puts on during early, cold mornings. It’s perfect even on cold winter days, as it’s both airy and warm at the same time.

Gert-Ove’s fascination with rainwear started in his childhood.

– I got to experience the first pair of rubber pants that appeared in stores in the 1950s when my mother bought a pair for me, he remembers.

Later in life, during his school years, Gert-Ove and his friends experimented with welding together plastic from greenhouses to make their own rain pants. In fact, they became quite popular among the young boys in the village. However, today, only Farmerrain will do for Gert-Ove.

– I’m incredibly impressed with their new biovinyl, which is so soft and flexible yet almost indestructible. Plus, it’s recyclable and made without chemicals.

For Gert-Ove, Farmerrain’s clothes are essential for his active life. Whether he’s strolling through the woods, maintaining the railway, or sitting on a stump for a break, the clothes are both functional and comfortable.

– What’s great is that you don’t have to think before sitting down for a break; you just sit down on a stump, he says happily.

 

Throughout his life, Gert-Ove has had a fondness for sturdy machines, durable clothing, and a life close to nature. In his home, he has created a space where both technology and history continue to live on.

We sincerely thank Gert-Ove for this lovely conversation.
You can find his website here: https://spnj.info/