Fleet Base Canberra (ACT) can be contacted at fbc(Replace this parenthesis with the @ sign)taskforce72.org
First display of the FBC Banner – 16 May 2010
Motto: Permissum nos utor forma navis (Let’s have fun with boats)
Fleet Base Canberra is an enthusiastic group focused on the art of building and operating scale, working model ships and boats. Formed on the 16th of May 2016 we have now amalgamated completely with the former and now retired ACT Model Boat Club.
While remaining committed to models at 1/72 scale, we also accommodate models and their owners in all scales. Most members live in Canberra, but we extend a welcome to model boat lovers in surrounding NSW as well.
FBC models mainly fit in the destroyer and below category, although tugs are very popular here too. We have a particular interest in ships of the RAN but this does not prevent us from building ships from anywhere which means that British, Canadian, and Russian ships or any other nation can be found at our meets.
FBC is currently operating at a pond in suburban Coombs, ACT on Madgwick Steet. Technically this site is a storm water control dam however it has an excellent concrete “wharf” and offers a broad area obstacle free sailing arena. It is a great location, and the locals really like us being there.
We have our runs on Wednesdays between 08:30 and 12:30. We also sail on the 3rd Saturday of the month (08:30-12:30) and encourage members to operate predominantly 1/72 scale models on that day.
Anyone interested in joining us is most welcome. If you are travelling any distance we ask that you let Eris Kennedy, Bob Murdoch or David Peterson know that you are coming. This is to ensure there has not been a short notice change to the program.
Coombs Pond
There are several ponds relatively close to each other in Coombs. Our pond does not have
an official name, so its best to navigate to it using street names. (We call it Coombs Pond)
Below is a map of the Coombs Pond. Our feathered friends politely move out when we arrive, coming back in force when we leave.
It is located on the corner of Madgwick St and Annabelle View in Coombs ACT. Parking is on street in either Madgwick St. or Terry Connolly St.
We sail on the east side of the pond.
There are paved paths to access the sailing location, but a trolley is recommended. If you don’t have one there will be plenty on site for the asking. There is usually someone on site by 09:00 on sailing days, weather permitting.
Sailing Information
The launching zone is served by a concrete edge to the pond. It is a fair reach down to the water surface so a launching device such as the “fan belt” system is recommended.
There are no marine hazards to be concerned about. The pond is deep enough for sailing boats with deep keels. There is a safety ladder adjacent to the sailing area.
Shade is reasonably good however hats and sunscreen are recommended. Captains can sit on the low walls around the trees adjacent to the pond (Not that comfortable) or bring a chair.
Facilities
There are no toilet facilities at the pond. The best option is at the Coombs shops on the corner of Fairhall St. and Fred Daly Avenue. Go in through the main entrance from the carpark and turn left. There is also a coffee shop there.
Other Events
We also participate in local non -TF72 events, the Canberra Model Shipwrights Society static display in September/ October and the annual Scale ACT display in November.
Our Members and our ships:
Peter Cole. Our most prolific member and winner of the Wentworth Shield for 2009
Built: HMAS Torrens DE53, HMAS Quickmatch G92, HMS Leopard F14, Russian KGB Krivak III – Vorovsky, HMAS Murchison K442, HMAS Darwin FFG 04, U124 Type IX U-Boat, Sydney Harbour Ferry Lady Woodward, HMAS Betano L133, HMAS Hawk M1139, Russian Alfa SSN, Russian Nanuchka Missile Corvette, German E-Boat, RCMP St. Roch, Tug Manly Cove, Irish OPV LE Roisin P51.
Building: HMS Zulu F124, HMAS Derwent DE49, HMAS Parramatta (I) D50, Bathurst Corvette (TBC), HMAS Ballarat F155.
HMAS BETANO
HMAS HAWK
HMAS QUICKMATCH
LADY WOODWARD
Alex Goodieson.
Built: HMAS VAMPIRE II D11, Tug SMIT ROTTERDAM
HMAS VAMPIRE
Karl Maurer
Built: HMT ROLL CALL, U 123 Type IX U-boat
Building: Tug WARRAWEE
HMT ROLL CALL
U 124 Type IX U-boat
Cameron Glassford
Building: HMAS ARUNTA D130, HMAS SWAN DE50, USS POGY SSN. USS THACH SSN, IRISH OPV
Bob Murdoch
Built: HMAS HAWKESBURY K363, HMCS CALGARY K231, USSR NANUCHKA DAC RADUGA, GERMAN S100 E-BOAT, U862 Type IXd2 U-boat, USN Wrecking Barge MARY ANNES S, HMAS GULL M1185, HMAS ARUNTA DI30, HMAS WHYALLA 208 FCPB, HMAS LABUABN L128 LCH, USN PT117 PT BPAT, PERKASA CLASS PATROL BOAT, JAPANESE PATROL BOAT.
Building: HMAS YARRA (2) U77, U862, ARMIDALE ACPB
David Peterson
Built: HMAS PARRAMATTA III (Mod) DE46, HMCS SNOWBERRY K166
Building: HMAS NORMAN G49, Russian Corvette STEREGUSCHCY 530, HMAS BALLARAT J184
HMAS PARRAMATTA
HMCS SNOWBERRY