Lionel RW and 1053 Do Not Work

[BigAl 956]

Both of those transformers use a flat wiper arm to tap accross the windings for the variable output. Those wiper arms are replaceable, (albeit a diffacult job to get right). :( 

There is also a possibility the circuit breakers are broken.

[ADCX Rob]

I've never seen the secondary wear out before the wiper arm(s) on the Type RW or R. Can you post photos?

[tinplatacis]

So I have my family's old 1053 and RW type transformers, and want to use them. The RW I replaced the cord on. The variable posts on both of them are not functioning, but the fixed ones on the RW are. I opened them up so as to see the coils, and where the throttles make contact with the wire is worn out. When I say worn out, read that as flatter than a Polish pancake. So anyways, is this the cause of the bad variable posts? Is there anything I can do to fix this?