Scratchbuilt 1/3000 Giuseppe Miraglia
Unification of Kingdom of Italy in 1861. created new player in the power game on Mediterranean and a new fleet, Regia Marina that was to face French to the west, British in the south and Habsburg in the east. Inheriting initially naval assets of its constituents, primarily of Kingdoms of Naples and Sardinia, Royal Italian Navy grew to impressive size and variety of vessels t h roughout its history, and was not late in experimenting with application of emerging air force. Begin n ing with protected cruiser Elba in 1907. and its Draken observation balloon later converted into seaplane tender all the advantages of such vessel were quickly noted , as well as all the deficiencies of a vessel not built for said purpose (small number of airplanes, lack of space for workshops and airplane fuel). In 1915. merchant steamer Manila was purchased by Italian Navy and converted into seaplane carrier named Europa that could carry, service, refuel and resupply 8 seaplanes and even submar...