As the inspector of operations for the Rural Fire Service, Mr Smith’s work can be emotionally and physically taxing so Mr Smith enjoys the chance to immerse himself in the treasures of yesteryear.

Mr Smith has sourced his 120-piece collection from all over the world and many are one-offs which are worth a considerable amount of money.

Despite their value, their uniqueness means that should they be stolen they would be hard to sell.

“Buyers all over the world know what my stuff is and I know what their stuff is,” he said.

Mr Smith’s interest in his hobby began when he was around eight years old after his father built a steam engine.

“Really I’ve always had an interest and a passion for old machinery,” he said.

“I don’t buy them just to look at, I have to make sure they work.”

It was only when Mr Smith got older that he realised how effective collecting the steam engines could be as a stress release.

“If I’ve had a crappy day I can just go and play downstairs,” he said.

“I might have to see dead bodies some days and for me this is a release, everyone needs a stress release.

“The fact that my wife is so supportive [of my hobby] is great.”

Despite his penchant for online buying, Mr Smith believes that the engines will eventually prove to be sound long-term investment.

“The main thing is I enjoy seeing kids’ reactions when they see them ... a lot of them have never seen anything like this before.”

Mr Smith’s 24-year-old son Daniel has also taken an interest in his father’s hobby and will often accompany him when he exhibits the engines at Matthews Park on the second Saturday of the month.

“Now he’s older and stopped thinking about girls and bikes so much he gets a kick out of it too.”

Mr Smith’s wife Ivy has also developed a parallel hobby and collects miniature steam engine tin-platted figurines and accessories.

“It’s good that it was a passion I had and now we can share it.”

According to Mr Smith this interest in the “steam age” really appeals to the “boy in every man”.

“I just get off on the smell of steam.”