HMAS Townsville (FCPB 205) Patrol Boat Model 80cm

Key Features of the HMAS Townsville model

• A masterfully handcrafted replica of the HMAS Townsville, 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 Townsville

HMAS Townsville (FCPB 205) was a Fremantle-class patrol boat of the Royal Australian Navy, named after the city of Townsville in Queensland. Commissioned into service on 18 July 1981, she was the fifth vessel in her class and played a vital role in maritime surveillance, border protection, and fisheries patrol across northern Australian waters. The Fremantle class was designed to replace the earlier Attack-class patrol boats, offering improved range, seaworthiness, and operational capability.

Throughout her 26 years of active service, HMAS Townsville carried out diverse missions ranging from routine coastal patrols to participating in exercises with allied navies. Her operational duties were especially important in protecting Australia’s vast northern coastline from illegal fishing, smuggling, and unauthorized entry. The vessel’s size and agility allowed her to perform inshore duties with precision, while her twin engines gave her the speed to respond quickly when required.

Like other Fremantle-class patrol boats, Townsville was equipped with a 40mm Bofors gun, machine guns, and advanced navigation systems for her time. While modest in size compared to larger warships, these patrol boats were the workhorses of the fleet, known for their endurance and reliability in demanding tropical conditions. HMAS Townsville developed a strong reputation for professionalism and seamanship, earning respect among both her crew and the communities she served.

Following her decommissioning on 11 May 2007, HMAS Townsville found a second life as a preserved museum ship. She now rests in her namesake city as part of the Maritime Museum of Townsville, where visitors can step aboard and learn about life at sea aboard a Royal Australian Navy patrol boat. Her preservation ensures that her legacy — and that of the sailors who served on her — remains alive for future generations.