Privacy Policy
Last updated: November 1, 2026
This Privacy Policy explains what information Model Railroad Reference ("this site," "we," "us") collects when you visit, how it's used, and the choices and rights you have. This site is a collection of free calculators, reference pages, and guides; it does not require you to create an account, and none of its calculators send the numbers you type into them anywhere — every calculation runs entirely in your own browser.
Information collected automatically
Like most websites, this site uses Google Analytics to understand how many people visit and which pages are useful. Google Analytics automatically collects information such as your approximate location (derived from IP address), device and browser type, pages viewed, how long you spend on a page, and the site that referred you, typically using cookies or similar technology. This data is aggregated and is not used by us to identify you individually. You can review Google's own practices at policies.google.com/privacy, and opt out of Google Analytics tracking across sites using Google's browser opt-out add-on.
Advertising
This site displays or intends to display advertising through third-party ad networks (for example Google AdSense or a network such as Ezoic). These networks may use cookies, web beacons, or similar technology to serve ads based on your visits to this and other websites, and to measure ad performance. We do not control these networks' own data practices; you can review Google's advertising policy at the link above, and opt out of personalized advertising from participating companies through the Network Advertising Initiative or the Your Online Choices tool (EU visitors).
Affiliate links
Some links on this site are affiliate links (see the Affiliate Disclosure for details). Clicking one may set a cookie placed by the retailer or affiliate network (for example Amazon), not by us, so they can credit this site if you make a purchase. We do not receive or store any payment or order information from these transactions — that data stays with the retailer.
Cookies
"Cookies" here covers the small files or similar storage placed by Google Analytics, advertising networks, and affiliate partners described above. This site does not use cookies of its own to track you, log you in, or store personal data. Most browsers let you block or delete cookies in their settings; doing so may affect how analytics and ads behave on this and other sites but will not break any calculator on this site, since calculators don't depend on cookies to function.
Do Not Track
Some browsers offer a "Do Not Track" signal. There is no common industry standard for how sites should respond to it, and this site does not currently change its behavior based on that signal. You can still use the opt-out tools listed above regardless of your browser's Do Not Track setting.
Your privacy rights
If you are in the European Economic Area or United Kingdom (GDPR): you have the right to request access to, correction of, or deletion of any personal data we hold about you, to object to or restrict its processing, and to data portability. Because this site collects only aggregated analytics data and does not maintain user accounts, we typically hold no data identifiable to you individually; where we do (for example, an email you send us), you can request its deletion at any time using the contact details below.
If you are a California resident (CCPA/CPRA): you have the right to know what personal information is collected about you, to request its deletion, and to opt out of the "sale" or "sharing" of personal information. This site does not sell personal information. Analytics and advertising cookies described above may be considered "sharing" for cross-context behavioral advertising under California law; you can opt out using the tools linked above or by contacting us.
To exercise any of these rights, email modelrailroadreference@gmail.com. We will respond within a reasonable time and may need to verify your request before acting on it.
Children's privacy
This site is not directed at children under 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe a child has provided us with personal information, contact us and we will delete it.
Third-party links
This site links to retailer pages, manufacturer documentation, and standards organizations' websites. Once you leave this site, this Privacy Policy no longer applies — those sites have their own privacy practices, and we encourage you to review them.
Data security
This site is a static website with no user accounts, login system, or stored form submissions. We take reasonable measures to keep it that way, but no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure, and we can't guarantee absolute security of any data handled by the third-party services described above.
Changes to this policy
We may update this Privacy Policy as this site's tools, advertising, or affiliate relationships change. The "Last updated" date at the top of this page reflects the most recent revision; material changes will be reflected here directly, as there is no mailing list or account system to notify separately.
Contact
Questions about this Privacy Policy can be sent to modelrailroadreference@gmail.com.