You're probably right, the Yamato probably was an oversized/overweight Battleship. However you've got to remember she was not only heavily armed, she was heavily armoured - she had as much as 25 inches of armour in places. Her 18 inch guns could lob a 29,000lb shell up to 49,000 yds, or 2 km further than any allied warship. With her firepower and armour, its not hard to see why the Yamato (and her sister ship Musashi) has achieved such notoriety (despite not even using they're main guns against another warship).Am I the only one that does not think much of the Yamato? After having read as much on it as I can, unlike the German ships of which I know little beyond common knowledge, I mean on paper she looks great. But from what I found the general opinion of her from US naval contemporaries was that she was an oversized tub. Several US ship commanders were chomping at the bit for a confrontation. Wether that was over zealous chest-puffing is a good question, nonetheless the general consensus of the day she was not highly regarded beyond the respect due to any BB.
Fast forward to today and the ship is nearly worshipped. Anyone else share my confusion at the diconomy?
I've read a website that dedicates itself to comparing battleships and they acknowledge the potential of the Yamato - However they consider the Iowa class of Battleship to be probably the best Battleship because it had speed and firepower. I'll put a link to the site (as soon as I get it) Its an interesting read on comparing Battleships.
Why she is worshipped? Most likely due to her firepower. Perhaps because she was on a suicide mission that she was most remembered. For me personally I would have loved have seen the Yamato - she would have been gigantic!!!!
He bases his conclusions on real numbers. Although correct on paper, it disregards the human element.