As an engineer a classic train chemical engineer from Berkeley back in the 1980s I can tell you that the old timer engineers in the 1920s were among the very best there ever were
I knew some aircraft “body and fender” guys from WWII. They could take a piece of sheet tin from the roof of the nearest building and form it with hammers to couture fit as an aircraft replacement wing or cowling part. Made metal vehicle models as a hobby.
Artistry, pure artistry.