This web site is for collectors of matchbox labels and associated material. It has no connection with matchbox model cars or any die cast models.
The site has been designed to accommodate the latest browsers and computer systems.   However, it is fully compatible to many earlier
 versions.  Ideally, a screen resolution of 1280 x 1024 or greater should be used but resolutions down to 1024 x 768 can be
 accommodated but, usually with a lesser degree of sharpness and a likelihood of both vertical & horizontal scrolling.
 Click the browser back arrow at top left to go back - Do not click the red/black cross on the right unless you wish to exit the web site completely

Java Script
&
Active ‘X’ Controls

All of my sites (and also the majority of web sites on the internet) operate by using Java Script programmes and Active "X" Controls.   For legal reasons, the majority of modern Windows based computers do not have Java pre-installed.   However, as everything is now fully automated, to check is comparatively simple.  To see if you have Java Script installed on your computer, you will need to do the following:

1. Make sure you have an active internet connection.   If you are accessing this web site, then you should be connected.
    
2. If you have a Windows Firewall or any form of firewall running through a security software suite such as Norton Anti-virus, Trend Micro, Computer Associates or Zone Labs or any other programme, you must either disable it or exit the programme otherwise it can interfere with Sun's "Checking Software".
    
3. After reading the additional notes below, click the "Get Java Software’ logo located in the left master border and you will be whisked off to the Sun Java Web site.
    
4. Once you reach the Java Web site you will see a ‘Free Java Download’ button along with a number of text options.  Follow the instructions given.   If you have Java Script installed, you will be informed as such.  However, as the software is regularly updated, it is possible you are running an earlier version.  If that is the case, you will be asked if you want to upgrade to the new version. I recommend that you continue to install the latest version available. On clicking the upgrade, you will be asked whether you want to save it or install directly. It is easier if you click on "Run from location".
    
5. After the software is installed you will be told you have the latest version and a splash screen will inform you that you need to restart your computer. If you arrived at my web site via a "search engine" or someone else's site, I would suggest you make a note of my web site address which is in the address bar above or you can save it to your "Favourites" or "Bookmarks" (which depends on what browser you are using).
    
6. Once you have stored or written down my web site address, you should then restart your computer. In doing so, the Java Script software will be integrated into the computer operating system plus it will also restart your Firewall and Anti-virus software (if you have it installed). 

Further Information

Navigational Information

Please take time to read through the information and advice pages for each of the web sites so that you have a clear understanding of how they all function.

By it's nature, this site will be quite large as it will display a huge amount of information. In addition, some of the other sites will also display thousands of images of matchbox labels. Therefore, throughout this site, I have endeavoured to keep everything as simple as possible.

One of the biggest obstacles in producing a very large web site is to make it easily navigable, simplistic but professional in design & cross-browser compatible.   Whilst many web sites are bright, bouncy and all seeing all glowing, everything has a price.   Whilst I may have a few animated gifs (spinning world, fireworks, explosive flame and probably a flashing illuminated tree at Christmas), many sites have vast amounts of these and more.   However, the more graphic intensive a web site is, the longer it can take for a visitor to explore it - especially if they only have a dial-up connection.  My sites may look a little more bland, but you shouldn't get a headache from the flashing images or eyestrain trying to read the writing.

I know and accept that reading all this jargon is a pain in the !!!!!!!, but it is here for your benefit and will assist you in the long run - "Trust me, I know. After all, I made the site - didn't I???

Basic Guidelines to the Site Design

A centralised C shaped Master Border is used for all areas of the web site.  Located within the left frame is the ‘Main Navigation Menu’ and singular icons for different pieces of software used on the site.  The first three navigation bars cover the various aspects of the facilities available and how to use them whilst the remaining Navigation Bars are self explanatory.

The Main Navigation Menu is displayed on every page as is the Banner in the top header.  In addition to the banner, the following rows of text are also displayed in the header:

• A line of text informing visitors that the site is for matchbox labels and not die cast matchbox models.
• A further three lines of text giving information about screen resolutions and,
• A line of red text informing visitors about how to return to previous pages with closing the site.

When an area is selected from the Navigation Menu, it is loaded directly into the browser window and the banner title changes to that of the page displayed. 

The Footer encompasses a hyper-linked text version bread crumb trail which is a replica of the navigation buttons located in the Master Page Side Bar.  Clicking on any of the links will load that page into the browser.  In addition, a up arrow graphic is also located in the footer which when clicked will return the page to the top.  Finally, copyright details and the web master contact e-mail address is also listed.

All external links when clicked will open up a new browser window and do not load directly into the sites main page.  Additionally, there are occasions when an internal web page is loaded  into a new browser window.  In all cases, the visitor is informed of this and also advised of the correct procedure to use when leaving the page.

The next stage of the journey will take you onto and through “Web Browsers"

Please select & read - “My Magical World - Web Browsers” - before entering the site proper

Production History:
 Original page prepared 17th October 2002
Updated 2nd November 2005 & 3rd February 2008

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