Traplet Publications Ltd was a Worcestershire-based specialist publisher founded in October 1980, with its first magazine, Radio Race Car International, launching in January 1981. Over nearly four decades the company grew into one of the UK's leading hobby publishers, producing magazines, books, model plans, DVDs, and accessories for radio-controlled aircraft, boats, cars, static scale modelling, model railways, and crafts including quilting. TrapletShop.com served as the company's retail arm, bringing its full catalogue of publications and physical hobby supplies to enthusiasts across the UK and worldwide. Traplet Publications entered administration in July 2017 and was formally dissolved in April 2020.
At its peak Traplet's magazine stable covered a wide range of modelling disciplines. Titles included RC Model World (radio-controlled aircraft), Model Boats, Quiet & Electric Flight International, Flightpath, and several craft-focused magazines. Each title combined construction features, product tests, news, and reader projects, catering to both newcomers and experienced builders. Back issues and special editions were sold through TrapletShop.com alongside current subscriptions.
Beyond print, TrapletShop.com stocked an extensive range of model plans and physical build materials. Customers could purchase:
The plans service was one of the most valued parts of the Traplet business, building a library of hundreds of designs across aircraft, boat, and vehicle categories.
Like many print media businesses, Traplet Publications faced sustained pressure from declining advertising revenue and changing reader habits. The company appointed administrators in July 2017. Following administration, Sarik Hobbies Ltd acquired the rights to sell Traplet's plans, woodpacks, and physical accessories (excluding magazine publishing) and continued to make many of those products available from Malvern, Worcestershire. The company was formally dissolved on 9 April 2020. Many of Traplet's magazine titles have since passed to other publishers or ceased entirely.
No. Traplet Publications Ltd entered administration in July 2017 and was formally dissolved on 9 April 2020. The company no longer publishes magazines or operates TrapletShop.com.
When Traplet Publications went into administration in 2017, Sarik Hobbies Ltd purchased the rights to the plans and physical products that were sold through TrapletShop.com. Sarik Hobbies continued to offer many of those plans and woodpacks from their own website, though the TrapletShop.com domain ceased to operate as an active shop.
Sarik Hobbies Ltd, based in Malvern, acquired all of Traplet's model plans, woodpacks, vacuum-formed parts, and fibreglass accessories after the administration. They did not take on Traplet's liabilities or magazine publishing operations.
Traplet's portfolio included RC Model World, Model Boats, Quiet & Electric Flight International, Flightpath, and craft titles covering quilting. In 2010 they also acquired Model Tractor magazine for farm machinery and scale tractor collectors.
Traplet Publications was based in Worcestershire, England. The company operated from addresses in Upton upon Severn and later Droitwich (11 Roman Way, Berry Hill, Droitwich, WR9 9AJ) during its history.
Traplet Publications Ltd was incorporated on 6 October 1980. Its first title, Radio Race Car International, appeared on news-stands in January 1981, and the company published hobby and leisure content for almost 40 years before entering administration in 2017.
This catalogue and newsletter listing is part of the Catalink archive and may no longer be available to order. The information above describes Traplet Publications Ltd and TrapletShop.com. For current details on plans and accessories previously sold by Traplet, visit Sarik Hobbies or the company's official successor resources.
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