NOCH model building: Landscapes and details just like the original

With its own claim of “just like the original,” NOCH has clearly positioned itself in model railway and diorama construction for decades. At the trade fair, it becomes clear that this is not about individual effects or technical gimmicks, but about creating the most harmonious overall picture possible on a scale. The aim is to recreate real situations in such a way that they are immediately recognized as credible on a model layout – visually, haptically, and increasingly also acoustically.

Miniature worlds with recognizable everyday scenes

The NOCH portfolio does not focus on locomotives or vehicles, but on the world around them: landscapes, buildings, vegetation, and above all, figures. These figures are crucial in determining whether a scene on a layout “tells a story” or merely serves as decoration. This is particularly evident in the example of a wedding scene. The arrangement of the figures, their posture, and the direction of their gaze are designed in such a way that it is clear at a glance what is happening. People are coming out of the church, stopping, talking to each other—a snapshot of real life. It is precisely this clarity that is crucial for many model builders.

More than just looks: materials, structure, and sounds

Noch takes a holistic approach to terrain construction. In addition to the visual effect, materials and surfaces play a central role. Grass fibers, rocks, paths, or walls should not only look right, but also feel realistic when processed. There is another aspect that has gained importance in recent years: sound. Individual scenes are complemented by acoustic elements – such as alphorns playing or dogs barking. These sounds are not dominant, but are used specifically to enliven certain points on the layout. This does not create a constant background noise, but rather a targeted acoustic complement to individual scenes.

Full-service provider for landscaping

A key feature of NOCH is the enormous range of products it offers. Model builders do not have to combine different manufacturers to design a landscape, but can obtain almost all elements from a single source. This not only makes planning easier, but also ensures better coordination of the materials with each other. Typical components of a NOCH landscape include:

• Grass fibers, scatter materials, and soil textures
• Trees, bushes, hedges, and forests
• Figures for everyday scenes, celebrations, and work situations
• Terrain construction materials for mountains, rocks, and slopes

Model building as a narrative hobby

The aspirations of many model railroaders have shifted in recent years. Whereas in the past the focus was often on having as many trains and technical refinements as possible, today the emphasis is more on storytelling. Layouts depict daily routines, village scenes, festivals, or everyday situations. NOCH products are designed precisely for this approach. Figures, accessories, and landscape elements are designed so that they do not appear isolated, but can be integrated into scenes. The model builder thus becomes less of a pure constructor and more of a designer—or even the director of their own little world.

Why details are crucial in models

It is only upon closer inspection that it becomes clear whether a layout is convincing. Small differences in proportions, colors, or surfaces can determine whether a scene appears credible or artificial. NOCH deliberately focuses on attention to detail without going overboard. A fence does not have to be perfect, a path may show signs of wear, and figures are not always perfectly aligned. It is these small irregularities that bring a scene to life. For experienced model builders, this is a key point, because this is precisely where the difference between decoration and design lies.

NOCH as a complement to model railways

NOCH does not see itself as a competitor to locomotive or track manufacturers, but as a complement. The railroad remains the centerpiece of many layouts, but it is the surroundings that give it context. Stations appear more realistic with people, landscapes gain depth through vegetation, and entire layouts tell stories through scenes away from the tracks. This makes NOCH an important component for anyone who not only runs their model railroad, but also sees it as a miniature representation of the real world.