Building your first model railway layout is exciting. But for newcomers, if you lack the tools, time or confidence for complex carpentry and structural scenery it can be a little daunting, too. That’s why we stock the range of Noch model railway baseboards. Each is made-to-order and designed to help newcomers begin their layout journey with ease, and achieve great results from the start.

Noch has long been recognised as a specialist in model landscaping and railway accessories, offering products that bridge the gap between simple track plans and fully realised landscapes. Based in Germany and rooted in over a century of family-run innovation, Noch’s philosophy centres on usability and quality, making modelling more accessible to all levels of hobbyist. 

An example of what can be acheived atop Noch's (N81710) 4mm:1ft scale layout board 'schonmuhlen'. At 160x100x25cm, you can order yours, here.

At the heart of this beginner-friendly range are these pre-formed baseboards — specially engineered foundations that simplify the initial stages of layout construction. These boards provide a robust and ready-to-work-on surface, eliminating the need to cut and assemble plywood or MDF from scratch. Many base boards come with pre-formed features, including basic scenery contours, tunnel entrances and marked areas for track and buildings, helping you visualise your layout before you even place a rail. 

'Baden-Baden' is a particularly attractive large model with a lot of rail operation and thus meets the demands of technically adept railway modellers. Designed with four circuits in mind, its 175 x 100 cm footprint (approx. 31 cm high) has great use of space. Get yours, here.

The major advantage of these baseboards is that they remove the hardest early steps in layout building. Instead of spending hours planning and constructing a solid structural base, you can start with something that’s already shaped for you. You simply add track, ballast, scenery, accessories and your rolling stock — and watch your miniature world come to life. This approach is ideal for beginners who might otherwise feel overwhelmed by complex carpentry tasks or advanced structural modelling techniques.

Baseboards can be later expanded if desired using 'add-on' modules from the Noch range, highlighted in grey... Explore our stock to pre-order yours, here.

Once your baseboard and track is in place, you can enhance your layout using our wide range of landscaping accessories — from ramps and structural details to foliage, ballast and figures.

Whether you’re looking to build a compact shelf layout or a larger display table, starting with a solid baseboard accelerates your progress and removes early frustration. Instead of worrying about the underlying structure, you can focus on what matters most: bringing your model railway vision to life.

Explore our range of Noch baseboards at The Model Centre today — and take the first step toward building your own dream layout with confidence and joy.