Basically, back in the age of the slide ruler, engineers "overcompensated" in durability. This is why older planes are much heavier (so more inefficient and costly to run) but also last forever.
My dad did some consulting for the London Underground on the Power side a few years back and he commented that the stuff built in the 30's was more reliable than the 70's era.
Basically, back in the age of the slide ruler, engineers "overcompensated" in durability. This is why older planes are much heavier (so more inefficient and costly to run) but also last forever.
PS: Not to crap on the structural engineering of more modern planes, don't get me wrong! Check out this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ai2HmvAXcU0