Last Updated : August 14, 2025

Who We Are

Model Rail Guide is an online resource dedicated to model railroading.

Model Rail Guide (“we,” “us,” or “our”) respects your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and protect your information when you visit our website.

Information We Collect

We only collect the following types of information:

Analytics Data – When you visit our site, we use Google Analytics to collect non-personal information such as your IP address (anonymized where possible), browser type, device type, pages visited, and time spent on the site. Google Analytics may use cookies for this purpose. You can learn more here: https://policies.google.com/technologies/partner-sites.

Newsletter Sign-Ups – If you voluntarily subscribe to our email newsletter, we collect the email address you provide. We use this information only to send you the newsletter and related updates. You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking the “unsubscribe” link in our emails.

We do not collect payment information, sensitive personal data, or any other information unless you explicitly provide it.

How We Use Your Information

We use your information only for:

  • Improving website performance and content through traffic analytics
  • Sending our email newsletter (only if you have signed up)
  • Preventing spam or abuse of the website

We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information.

Cookies

We use cookies for two purposes:

  • Analytics cookies (Google Analytics)
  • Newsletter signup preferences (if applicable)

You can disable cookies in your browser settings, though some site functionality may be affected.

Data Sharing

We do not share personal data with third parties except:

  • Google Analytics, for website traffic analysis
  • Email service providers (e.g., Mailchimp, ConvertKit) for sending newsletters, if applicable

These providers have their own privacy policies and are contractually bound to handle your data securely.

Data Retention

  • Analytics data is retained according to Google’s data retention settings (currently up to 26 months, unless aggregated or anonymized).
  • Newsletter emails are kept until you unsubscribe or request deletion.

Your Privacy Rights

Depending on your location (e.g., EU, UK, California), you may have the right to:

  • Request access to the personal data we hold about you
  • Request correction or deletion of your data
  • Opt out of analytics tracking
  • Withdraw consent for email marketing

To exercise these rights, contact us at: [Insert Contact Email]

“Do Not Sell My Information” (California CCPA/CPRA)

Under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) and California Privacy Rights Act (CPRA), California residents have the right to request that we do not sell or share their personal information.

We do not sell personal information.
If you are a California resident and would like to exercise your privacy rights, please email us at [Insert Contact Email] with “California Privacy Request” in the subject line.

GDPR Compliance for EU Visitors

If you are located in the European Union (EU) or United Kingdom (UK), we will:

  • Obtain your explicit consent before collecting or using your personal information for newsletter marketing
  • Provide a clear opt-in checkbox on our newsletter sign-up form
  • Allow you to withdraw consent at any time by clicking “unsubscribe” in our emails or contacting us directly

Children’s Privacy

Model Rail Guide is not directed to children under 13 years old (or under the minimum legal age in your jurisdiction).
We do not knowingly collect personal information from anyone under this age.
If we learn that we have inadvertently collected information from a child without parental consent, we will delete it promptly.
If you believe we have collected such information, please contact us at [Insert Contact Email].

International Visitors

Our website is operated in the United States. If you access the site from outside the U.S., you consent to the processing and storage of your information in the U.S., which may have different data protection laws than your country.

Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The “Last Updated” date at the top will reflect the latest version. Continued use of our site after changes means you accept the updated policy.

Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please email:
[email protected]

GDPR Consent Notice Example for Newsletter Form

If you’re using a sign-up form, include this under the email field:

By subscribing, you agree to receive emails from Model Rail Guide. You can unsubscribe at any time. Your personal data will be processed and stored in accordance with this privacy policy.