Yamato	Musashi

The BIGGEST, the BADDEST, the most ... PONDEROUS BBs ever to roam the earth. Yes, I know that the U.S. Iowa-class had superior radar fire control, and better damage control, and that in terms of actual armor penetration the 16"/50 cal. mounted on the Iowas was almost identical to the much heavier 18"/45 cal. the Yamatos sported. So I suppose the Iowa probably would have triumphed over Yamato in a one-on-one engagement. If you really want to debate the point ad nauseum, I refer you first to my page on this very subject, and then to the sci.military.naval newsgroup. On the other hand (and this is crucial) the Yamato looked cooler. And she was just so damn big. And which is really more important, I ask you: looks and size, or mere functionality?

If you're really into these ships, the book you've got to have is Janusz Skulski's "Battleship Yamato," published by the Naval Institute Press. Fantastic line drawings, very rare and cool photographs, and a ridiculous level of detail on every aspect of these brutes. Buy it. You won't be sorry.

More Yamato Stuff:
Good elevation view of Yamato
Good plan view of Yamato
Yamato running her builder's trials in October 1941