Privacy Policy

Last Updated: [Insert Date]

At Alas Train Model Shop (“we,” “us,” or “our”), we understand that discerning model railroad collectors value both premium products and the protection of their personal information. Just as we meticulously inspect every scale model before shipment, we apply the same collector-grade care to safeguarding your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and protect your information when you visit alastrainmodel.com or make purchases from our shop.

1. Information We Collect

We collect information necessary to provide our premium model railroad products and services to collectors worldwide:

• Personal Identification Information: Name, email address, shipping/billing address, phone number when you create an account or place an order for items like Märklin digital systems or LGB garden railways.
• Payment Information: Credit card details (Visa, MasterCard, JCB), PayPal information processed through secure payment gateways (we do not store full payment details).
• Transaction Details: Purchase history including Atlas Model Railroad Co. releases or Bachmann starter sets you’ve ordered.
• Technical Data: IP address, browser type, device information, and pages visited to optimize your shopping experience.
• Communications: Records of correspondence when you contact our enthusiast support team at [email protected].

2. How We Use Your Information

We use your information with the same precision we apply to curating our model train collections:

• To process and ship your orders of premium brands like Tangent Scale Models or Broadway Limited Imports
• To provide customer support tailored to serious collectors
• To improve our website and product offerings for international rail enthusiasts
• To send order confirmations, shipping notifications, and service-related communications
• To prevent fraud and enhance security for high-value transactions (e.g., purchases exceeding $1,000)
• With your consent, to inform you about new Athearn locomotives or exclusive Märklin releases

3. Data Sharing and Disclosure

We handle your data with the same discretion expected by model railroad collectors:

• Service Providers: We share necessary information with payment processors (Visa, MasterCard, JCB, PayPal), shipping carriers, and IT service providers under strict confidentiality agreements.
• Legal Compliance: We may disclose information when required by law or to protect our rights and the security of our collectors.
• Business Transfers: In the event of a merger or acquisition, customer information may be transferred as a business asset.
• International Transfers: As we serve collectors globally (excluding certain Asian and remote regions), data may be transferred to and processed in the United States and other countries.

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

4. Data Storage and Security

We protect your information with security measures worthy of safeguarding rare model train collections:

• PCI-DSS compliant payment processing with end-to-end encryption
• Secure servers with restricted access
• Regular security assessments of our systems
• No storage of full payment details on our servers
• 3D Secure authentication for eligible card transactions

While we implement rigorous protections, no electronic transmission or storage is 100% secure. We encourage collectors to use strong passwords and monitor account activity.

5. Your Rights and Choices

As a valued collector, you have control over your information:

• Access & Correction: You may review and update your account information at any time.
• Data Portability: You can request a copy of your personal data in a structured format.
• Deletion: You may request deletion of your account, subject to legal retention requirements.
• Marketing Preferences: Opt-out of promotional emails while still receiving essential service communications.
• Cookie Controls: Manage cookie preferences through your browser settings (see Section 6).

To exercise these rights, contact us at [email protected]. We may verify your identity to protect your data.

6. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

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

• Essential Cookies: Necessary for site functionality, such as maintaining your shopping cart of Atlas Model Railroad Co. products.
• Performance Cookies: Help us improve our website for fellow enthusiasts.
• Functional Cookies: Remember your preferences like currency or login status.
• Advertising Cookies: Used sparingly to showcase relevant products like new Bachmann Trains releases.

You can control cookies through your browser settings, though disabling some may affect site functionality.

7. Children’s Privacy

Our premium model trains are intended for adult collectors. We do not knowingly collect information from children under 16. If we become aware of such collection, we will take steps to delete the information.

8. Changes to This Policy

We may update this policy as our shop evolves, just as model railroad technology advances. Significant changes will be communicated to registered collectors. The “Last Updated” date at the top indicates when revisions were made.

Happy railroading,
The Alas Train Model Shop Team