Privacy Policy

At Model Train Hub, we understand that our community of serious model railroaders values precision, quality, and security in every aspect of their hobby. Just as you trust us to provide exceptional HO scale components—from Athearn detail parts to Kato Unitrack systems—we are committed to protecting your privacy with the same level of care and professionalism.

Information We Collect

To provide you with the seamless shopping experience expected by discerning model railroad enthusiasts, we collect the following types of information:

• Personal Identification Information: Name, email address, shipping address, and contact details when you create an account or place an order
• Payment Information: Credit card details (processed securely through our payment partners) or PayPal account information
• Technical Data: IP address, browser type, device information, and browsing behavior on our site
• Order History: Records of your purchases, including HO scale locomotives, rolling stock, and detail parts
• Communication Records: Correspondence with our team of fellow enthusiasts

How We Use Your Information

Your data helps us enhance your model railroading experience in the following ways:

• Process orders for HO scale components and ensure accurate delivery to your location
• Provide customer support tailored to intermediate and advanced model railroaders
• Improve our product offerings and website functionality
• Send order confirmations, shipping updates, and tracking information
• Detect and prevent fraudulent activity, protecting both you and our business
• Comply with legal obligations and enforce our terms of service

Data Sharing and Disclosure

We treat your information with the same care we apply to selecting our HO scale inventory:

• Service Providers: We share necessary information with trusted partners including payment processors (Visa, MasterCard, JCB, PayPal), shipping carriers (DHL, FedEx, EMS), and IT service providers
• Legal Requirements: We may disclose information when required by law or to protect our rights and safety
• Business Transfers: In the event of a merger or acquisition, customer information may be transferred to the new owners
• International Transfers: As we serve customers globally (excluding some Asian countries and remote areas), your data may be processed outside your home country, always with appropriate safeguards

We never sell your personal information to third parties for marketing purposes.

Data Storage and Security

Just as we carefully package your HO scale treasures for safe shipment from our Portland facility, we implement robust security measures to protect your data:

• Industry-standard encryption for all data transmissions
• Secure storage systems with limited access
• Regular security assessments and updates
• Payment data processed through PCI-compliant systems

We retain your personal information only as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this policy, unless a longer retention period is required by law.

Your Rights and Choices

As a valued member of our model railroading community, you have the following rights regarding your personal information:

• Access: Request a copy of the personal data we hold about you
• Correction: Update or correct inaccurate information in your account
• Deletion: Request deletion of your personal data, subject to legal requirements
• Opt-out: Unsubscribe from marketing communications while maintaining essential service messages
• Data Portability: Request transfer of your data to another service provider
• Restriction: Limit how we use your personal information in certain circumstances

To exercise these rights, please contact us using the information below.

Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Our website uses cookies and similar technologies to enhance your browsing experience:

• Essential Cookies: Required for basic site functionality, including shopping cart and checkout processes
• Performance Cookies: Help us understand how enthusiasts like you interact with our site, allowing us to improve navigation and product discovery
• Functionality Cookies: Remember your preferences and account settings
• Targeting Cookies: Used by advertising partners to show relevant model railroad content

You can control cookie settings through your browser, though disabling essential cookies may impact your shopping experience.

International Data Transfers

As we ship HO scale products globally (excluding some Asian countries and remote areas), your data may be transferred to and processed in countries outside your residence. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place for such transfers, including standard contractual clauses where applicable.

Children’s Privacy

While model railroading appeals to all ages, our website is not directed at children under 16. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children without parental consent.

Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy as our business evolves or legal requirements change. Significant changes will be communicated through our website or directly to registered customers. The “Last Updated” date at the top of this page indicates when revisions were made.

Contact Us

Thank you for trusting Model Train Hub with both your model railroading needs and your personal information. We’re committed to maintaining that trust through transparent and respectful data practices.