"It is pathetic they can't supply a gromet or at least some protective sheathing over the wires."
Well, not to defend the design error, but it's also pathetic that MTH stopped making sets, so there is no alternative in any case 
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One of the predictable things in our hobby is that when Lionel screws something up, it's a moral catastrophe, but when MTH screws up, it's just one of life's little mistakes.
One approach is for the dealer to let Lionel know that there is a manufacturing defect and that as a matter of good will to the dealer and customers, replacement boards (and grommets) should be made available at no cost. I realize that expressing outrage on the web is much more satisfying and less effort.
