Commercial vehicles comprise delivery vans, trucks, articulated tractor-trailers, tankers and service vehicles. Most are emblazoned with the names and logos of their owners, or product advertising - from chocolate bars to soap powders, breakfast cereals to Oxo cubes, soft drinks to whisky, department stores to petrol companies, and morning and evening newspapers to exotic holiday destinations. The types used range from early horse-drawn carts and wagons to motor vehicles and steam-powered and electric vehicles.

Model commercial vehicles are among the most colourful of all models - and die-cast companies have been producing them for close to a hundred years so there are plenty to collect. Many carry the liveries of real companies. Some still exist, others are long gone, with models helping to keep the memory of these vanished firms alive. Some models are commissioned by companies to promote their products or services.

Here is your guide to this colourful world, from classic Dinky Toys to modern adult collectibles.