About Us

Traplet Publications Ltd - world leader in hobby and leisure publishing

For over three decades Traplet Publications has been at the forefront of hobby and craft publishing. Now a multinational business with offices on four continents, it certainly has come a long way from its humble beginnings in founder and Managing Director Tony Stephenson’s front room.

Still very much a family business, Traplet Publications continues to expand into new markets and ventures with the launch of a dedicated modelling magazine for the growing South African market, as well as an embroidery service and clothing range.

Our magazines

The company’s first magazine Radio Race Car International hit the shelves in January 1981, since then Traplet Publications’ portfolio has gone from strength to strength to include magazines on RC planes, helicopters and boats, as well as static modelling, and four craft titles about quilting, sewing, jewellery making and craft stamping.

With a loyal readership that stretches across the globe, our core products have a worldwide appeal, reporting as they do on the latest innovations, news and product reviews from the heart of each hobby they cover.

Our portfolio of core products is always expanding, as we strive to bring the hobby market the content and information that they want in an easily accessible and inexpensive format. In 2010 the company acquired Model Tractor magazine, for collectors of scale model tractors and farm machinery.

Our range of books, specials and DVDs

To compliment our magazines and to ensure that modellers and crafters have the best and most comprehensive information available, Traplet Publications also produces a range of books, special issues and DVDs.

With our strong and long running connections to the hobby scene, all of our books and magazine special issues are written by experts in their field, such as our range of titles from Kurt Schreckling – one of the pioneers of home constructed jet turbines for model aircraft.

Our in-house film production unit produces a number of DVDs and high-definition Blu-Rays, working with well-known industry figures from both the craft and hobby worlds. For instance, we work closely with Kate Crane, Kay Carley and Christine Porter, crafters with international reputations in their respective fields.

The Traplet Plans Service

With two state-of-the-art precision laser cutting machines and a digital plans printer, the company provides aircraft and marine plans and wood packs to aid modellers to create stunning scale models. Our plans include a range of award winning plans from internationally renowned scale model designers, such as Brian Taylor and Dennis Bryant.

Combined with these services, Traplet Publications provides an extensive range of plastic moulded, fibreglass and aluminium parts to help aircraft modellers to complete their dream models.

Events and shows around the world

We are a regular feature at many international modelling and craft shows and events, where readers can meet the teams behind our quality publications, discover new product releases and exclusive offers and discounts.

As part of our support for the hobby community, for many years Traplet Publications has sponsored many of the events we attend across the world.

Into the future

Traplet Publications will never rest on its laurels, with new products constantly being developed we are still devoted to bringing the modelling and craft communities the best on offer from around the world.