In September 2001, FORGACS Dockyard in Newcastle, NSW approached DMG to build a model of their contender for the “FREMANTLE Class” Patrol Boat Replacement for the Royal Australian Navy. In October a contract was signed for a one off model to be built to the design put forward by FORGACS and FINCANTERI of Italy, who had built a similar design for the Italian Coast Guard. The model was built to a scale of 1:72 using a fibre-glass hull moulded by APS Models.
The model was altered just prior to construction to include cut-a-ways in the hull and superstructure to show Officers’ and Sailors’ accommodation, which was a major feature of the design. It was a major step forward in accommodation standards for the crew.
The model was used as part of FORGACS bid for the contract and was delivered to Navy Office in Canberra, for their appraisal in November 2001.
Unfortunately the FORGACS design was unsuccessful and the contract for the 14 new boats was awarded to AUSTAL Shipbuilding in Western Australia. The new boats are the ARMIDALE Class Patrol Boat and have now been completed and all are fully operational.
