Noch Cortina Scale Z Layout

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Hi! Tell us about yourself and how you got into model trains

My name is Malou. I am 47 years old and have a 10 year old child. I am from near Paris, and I live near Paris where I I work as a sound engineer and AV producer.

I have always loved models and have visited model shows for years, and I have always had RC models. In the last 3 years, I have been into Z scale rail modeling.

I like operating, but I find track laying and layout building most gratifying. It’s a way to have fun without screens and it can be shared with all generations/genders, just like music (my other hobby).

I have two YouTube channels about model trains MZ Trains Channel and MZ Models Channel.

Please describe your layout

My layout is based on the Noch "Cortina" layout. The theme is mountains and sea view, and it doesn’t focus on a specific epoch or country.

It’s scale Z and the dimensions are 1 x 0,7 meters. I have been working on the layout for a year.

The base layout came with preformed landscape. On top of the landscape, I have built everything myself, and on the way, I got help from online forums.

If I could change something on my layout, it would be the ballast below the tracks.

I somethings show my layout at exhibitions.

How did you plan your layout?

Before I started building my layout, I spent 2 months planning it with Railmodeller Pro. I didn’t have a theme in mind, I just followed inspiration.

I knew it had to be scale Z, as you can build longer tracks when you choose a smaller scale (on the same size layout).

Describe your rolling stock

My rolling stock are Swiss and French + some from DB. Most of it are from the brands Marklin and Azar.

I have modified some of the cars, adding rear EOT devices. I have also digitized the locomotives (I control my trains using DCC).

I feel like I have the rolling stock I need, so I don’t plan to add more.

Advice for other people in the model train world

For other people who are into model trains, I recommend that they go digital. The best money I have spent on model trains is the Marklin Mobile Station 2.

I also recommend that you slow down your trains. Many people drive too fast – and that you hide your freshly bought train from your wife’s eyes 🙂