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.
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.
Sailing location – Macdermott place (MDP)
FBC is currently operating at Macdermott Bay on Lake Ginninderra, Belconnen, ACT. The Bay is accessed via Macdermott Place. We are located at the south end of the park (Western Foreshore Park), adjacent to the boat ramp. If you put Macdermott place in your navigator it will bring you right to us.
Below is a map of the Macdermott Bay area and closer views of Macdermott place.
Sailing information
Frequency – We have our runs on Monday between 0830 and 1230. We also sail on the 3rd Saturday of the month (0830-1230) and encourage members to operate predominantly 1/72 scale models on that day.
Parking – is quite good and its free! A trolley is not required. Please do not park in front of the red emergency access gate.
Toilets – are on site and nearby
Bike track – Please note there is a bike track running through the park and near our operating area. This track can be quite busy and presents a risk to unwary pedestrians when walking up to the toilets.
Trip hazard – The underfoot area at our launching and operating point is relatively rough due to exposed tree roots. Extra care is advised when moving around and when launching and recovering your models.
Shallow entry – The water is shallow at the launching point and not suitable for deep keel type craft. The use of launching straps is recommended. When the water level is low and in cool weather it gum boots of waders might be desirable..
Shade -There is plenty of shade available at the water’s edge although hats and sunscreen is still advisable.
Boat Ramp – There is full size power boat traffic operating from the ramp and the wake they create can be significant. The best way to manage this is to move out to sea into deeper water and ride out the waves.
Wind – We find that the Bay is well protected from the prevailing NW wind, even when the wind is quite strong, so don’t assume we are not operating just because it is windy – we will probably be there.
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.
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