HMAS Bunbury II (FCPB 217) Patrol Boat Model 80cm

Key Features of the HMAS Bunbury model

• A masterfully handcrafted replica of the HMAS Bunbury, capturing its precision and detail.
• Designed from original naval drawings and meticulously built by skilled artisans over 14 weeks, dedicating hundreds of hours to perfection.
• Expertly constructed from individually cut and shaped wooden planks, ensuring unmatched craftsmanship and accuracy.
• Built with on-frame construction and hand-painted to replicate the authentic colors and tones of the real vessel.
• Fully assembled and display-ready, complete with a custom nameplate and an informative history sheet.
• Size specifications: 80cmL x 14cmW x 32cmH, scale 1:52.

The History of HMAS Bunbury

The HMAS Bunbury II was a Fremantle-class patrol boat that served in the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) from 1984 to 2006. Named after the city of Bunbury in Western Australia, it was the second RAN vessel to bear the name. The Fremantle-class patrol boats were introduced to replace the aging Attack-class and were designed for high-speed patrol, surveillance, and border protection duties. With a length of 42 meters and a top speed of 30 knots, these vessels were essential in maintaining Australia’s maritime security, combating illegal fishing, smuggling, and supporting naval operations.

Built by NQEA in Cairns, Queensland, the HMAS Bunbury II was one of fifteen Fremantle-class boats constructed between 1979 and 1984. These vessels were based on a German Lürssen FPB 110 design and were specifically modified for Australian conditions. The Bunbury II, like her sister ships, was made primarily of aluminum to ensure lightweight speed and maneuverability. She was armed with a Bofors 40mm gun and two .50 caliber machine guns, making her well-equipped for a range of defense and enforcement roles. Throughout her 22 years of service, HMAS Bunbury II participated in numerous operations, patrolling Australia’s vast coastline and supporting both military and civilian authorities in maintaining law and order at sea.

By the early 2000s, the Fremantle-class had reached the end of its operational lifespan, and the Armidale-class patrol boats were introduced as their successors. In 2006, the HMAS Bunbury II was decommissioned and later dismantled, marking the end of an era for this trusted and versatile class of patrol boats. Despite its retirement, the vessel remains an important part of Australia’s naval history, remembered for its contribution to national security and maritime operations.