Prewar/Postwar Lionel 91 Breaker?

I can only tell you that the post-war 91 is a very nice breaker. It is a magnetic type which is fast acting. Run the train and dial the adjusting nob out until it breaks, then turn it in about 1/4 turn. 6A rating. That will set it for that train. Quick acting.

I've been trying to locate a postwar 91, but I can't find one. The prewar 91 looks cool, and that's why I was wondering if I could use one of those with my 1053 transformer (powers the accessories) instead...

Desert Center, I've one for sale if you are interested.

The prewar #91 is also electromagnetic. But it is not adjustable.

I think I have seen ones with a single trip point, and ones with two trip points, "low" and "high" that was selectable by using a different terminal, but it has been years since I looked at one.

So long as it is tested and working, I don't see why one could not be used.

I use postwar #91 breakers, one on each "hot" terminal, "A","B","C",and "D" on a postwar ZW.

Thanks CW--

So you use them as an added precaution for your breaker-equipped ZW?

quote:

So you use them as an added precaution for your breaker-equipped ZW?

Absolutely!

There are numerous reasons.

Internal Lionel transformer circuit breakers are all thermal. They all take a while to trip. With larger transformersn, in the time it takes to trip, insulation can melt, circuit boards can be damaged, and metal carrying the current can get hot enough to burn.

On a ZW, it is easy to accidentally create a circuit between two of the power terminals ("A" - "D"). Such a circuit would not be protected by the internal breaker.

Electromagnetic breakers, such as the postwar #91 trip instantly,