For more than a century the skies have been filled with aircraft, and thousands of these aircraft have been reproduced in model form, allowing collectors to assemble their own miniature air fleets.

Die-cast models come ready-assembled and attractively finished, unlike kits that have to be built and painted before going on display. Many of the toy companies that made die-cast cars, trucks and buses also produced model aircraft - and still do. Beginning with Tootsietoys in the 1920s and Dinky in the 1930s, these toy lines have now been joined by finely detailed scale models aimed at adult collectors, some produced by companies specialising in aircraft. There are models to suit every taste, and every budget, in a range of sizes.

This is your guide to building and caring for a collection of die-cast aircraft, both military and civil, from toys to adult collectibles - including sections on ground support vehicles and even flying cars.