Nelson and Rodney as the pinnacle of the traditional dreadnought

What was the pinnacle of the dreadnought battleship?

Nelson and Rodney are the preferred choice under a definition that prioritizes armor and firepower over speed, although another contributor favors the American line of development.

Nelson and Rodney are the preferred answer when a traditional dreadnought is defined by sacrificing speed for armor and firepower. Another view leans toward American development, while Yamato is placed on the fast-battleship line; the unbuilt Montanas receive a conditional nomination. Steve recalls his father's understanding that Nelson and Rodney were reduced ships whose rear boiler rooms had been cut away, an explanation acknowledged as mistaken in its literal form and associated with the G3 design. The abrupt stern makes that image understandable, without making it an exact account of construction. A suggested use of the unused 1,500-ton margin adds boilers, another turbine, and a third shaft for an estimated 26 to 27 knots. Further emergency speed is discussed in terms of overriding machinery safeguards when engaging an enemy takes priority over engine survival.