| 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 FORGACS was unsuccessful in their bid for the replacement Patrol Boat Project. Only three companies remain in the
race to build 12 new Patrol Boats for the RAN. The winning yard will be announced in the first half of 2003, for the first Vessel to
be delivered to the RAN by the end of 2004.
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