by Germà Coenders
1/350 Isla (Scratchbuilt)
In the Spanish 1898 navy, most ships of the size of USS gunboats were classed as third class cruisers. This contributed to the Spanish public opinion being for the war against USA and confedent in the victory. In 1898 Spain had two classes of such ships, both of around 1000 tons displacement. The sister ships DON ANTONIO DE ULLOA, DON JUAN DE AUSTRIA, VELASCO, INFANTA ISABEL, CONDE DE VENADITO, and ISABEL II (the three first were lost in the battle of Manila Bay, the second two served in Cuba and the last in Puerto Rico) and the sister ships ISLA DE CUBA, ISLA DE LUZÓN and MARQUÉS DE LA ENSENADA (the two first were lost in the battle of Manila Bay, the last served in Cuba).
Isla de Cuba was the temporary flag of Admiral Montojo at the Manila Bay Battle,
after the actual flagship Reina Cristina had been disabled. The ship was sunk in
shallow water and later on raised by the victors. All in all, Isla de Cuba served
under three flags: Spain (1886-1998), USA (1900-1912) and Venezuela (1912-1940) and
two names: Isla de Cuba (Spain and USA) and Mariscal Sucre (Venezuela).
Vital statistics
Aguilera, Alfredo & Vicente Elias. (1972): Buques de Guerra Españoles (1885-1971).
2nd Edition.
History. Laid down, 1886 by Armstrong, UK. Launched 1886, Commissioned 1887. Sunk,
1898. Raised by the USS Navy 1899-1900. Sold to Venezuela 1912. Stricken 1940.
Dimensions: length: 56 m. (p.p.); beam: 9.1 m; draught: 3.8 m; displacement: 1030 tons
Armament: 4x120 mm; 2x57; 2 revolving cannons, 1 m.g.
Armor: Deck 37-62 mm.
Engines: Horizontal triple expansion on two shafts. 14-15 knots. 2600 hp. Range:
2000 miles
Complement: 164
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