Privacy Policy

Who we are

The Model Railway Directory is a free community resource for UK model railway enthusiasts, operated at modelrailway.org.uk. You can contact us at info@modelrailwy.org.uk.

What data we collect

We collect the following personal data in the following circumstances:

• Email address — when you subscribe to our newsletter
• Listing submission details — name, address, phone number and email when you submit a listing via our form
• Review content — your name (optional) and review text when you leave a review for a listing
• Analytics data — anonymous usage data (pages visited, time on site, location by country) collected via Google Analytics, only if you accept cookies

We do not collect payment information, sensitive personal data, or data from children under 13.

How we use your data

We use your data only for the following purposes:

• Newsletter emails — to send you updates about new listings, events and model railway news. You can unsubscribe at any time by emailing us.
• Listing submissions — to review and publish your listing on the directory. Your email is not published publicly.
• Reviews — to display your review alongside the relevant listing. Only your name (if provided) and review text are shown publicly.
• Analytics — to understand how visitors use the site so we can improve it. This data is anonymous and aggregated.

Cookies

We use cookies only with your consent. When you first visit the site, you will be asked to accept or decline cookies.

• Essential cookies — we store your cookie consent preference in your browser. No consent needed for this.
• Analytics cookies — set by Google Analytics to help us understand site usage. Only loaded if you accept cookies.

You can withdraw your cookie consent at any time by clearing your browser cookies. If you decline cookies, Google Analytics is not loaded and no tracking takes place.

Who we share your data with

We share data with the following third parties only where necessary:

• Google Analytics — anonymous analytics data, only if you accept cookies. Google may process this data outside the UK. See Google's privacy policy.
• Google Sheets — newsletter email addresses are stored in a private Google Sheet accessible only to us.

We do not sell, rent or share your personal data with any other third parties for marketing purposes.

How long we keep your data

• Newsletter subscribers — until you unsubscribe or request deletion
• Listing submission details — for as long as the listing is active on the directory
• Analytics data — retained by Google Analytics for 14 months

Your rights

Under UK GDPR you have the right to:

• Access — request a copy of the personal data we hold about you
• Rectification — ask us to correct inaccurate data
• Erasure — ask us to delete your data ("right to be forgotten")
• Restriction — ask us to stop processing your data
• Objection — object to our use of your data
• Portability — request your data in a portable format

To exercise any of these rights, please email info@modelrailwy.org.uk. We will respond within 30 days.

You also have the right to complain to the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) if you believe we have not handled your data correctly.

Changes to this policy

We may update this privacy policy from time to time. Any changes will be posted on this page with an updated date. We encourage you to review this policy periodically.