lionel ZW 275 transformer help

[alank]

I am a long time Lionel Train enthusiast and have done many repairs for both myself and others who have asked my help.   I do not do this for compensation and usually only request the parts be covered.   I have generally had good luck with this and feel there isn't much I can't repairs.

Yesterday I took posession of four items that someone asked my son if I could look at.  Two locomotives and a 1033 transformer, I have already repaired.   The fourth item is a good looking ZW-275R.

Somehow the right handle on this transformer got over extended and broke the tab off inside the handle.   At the same time the short ZW-56 arm got badly bent, and there was no roller as it too got broken.   The right handle, ZW-56 short arm and rollers I can obtain and replace.   I also need to order a power cord, and until I get it back together can't test the unit or the breaker.   That leaves only one other issue that I see. 

When whatever happened to over extend the arm and bend up the short, some of the paper on the primary winding near the top got torn.   I can see the winding on the primary.   I don't think I can tape this because of heat, and if I had to guess this paper is probably special and was expoxy sealed when it was wrapped around the winding.

If this ZW were my own, I would probably proceed and take my chances.   Since it isn't and before I order parts I ask the question.   Has anyone encountered this where there is a slight viewing of the primary winding.   Is this type of paper readily available that I could cover the opening.

My thoughts are that I don't want any safety exposure and maybe should just return the transformer and tell the person to get it refurbished.

Any thoughts?

Thanks,....Alank

 

[lionelsoni]

It's probably just ordinary everyday cellulose paper, possibly with some varnish on it to protect it and keep it in place.  It is considered an excellent insulator at the voltages involved.