ASC2 and BPC2 manuals live on Lionel's site...

Yep.  They were up a few days ago.  These must be getting close.  Hopefully before or by York.  We intend to have them demo'd at the LUG meeting regardless f their availability.

I wonder if there'll be a new SC-2.

The ASC2 is the new SC-2. Doubt you will see any changes to the SC-2 and who knows if it will continue

Well, the ASC2 isn't really the same capability as the SC2, that's why I wondered.

The biggest difference I see is the wired PDI network connection and it's all switches or all accessories.

What else did you notice John.  I haven't studied the manual yet so just curious.

My question looking at the BPC2 and ASC2 manuals is what is the difference?  The BPC2 functions can be replicated with the ASC2 which has more features for the same price.  I would get an ASC2 and configure it to Accessory mode to replicate the BPC with 8 on/off outputs. The BPC2 will not replace the TMCC BPC because the TMCC BPC can switch between power sources to the tracks and the BPC2 cannot.   The BPC2 is just 8 command controlled single pole switches.

Am I wrong with this assessment?   

The huge difference is the SC2 is good for six switches and the ASC2 is good for four.  If you want to control a lot of switches, the difference really adds up!

Mike, I've never seen a real need for the old BPC, but I think you're right, the new one is more limited.

John,

I would use the TMCC BPC to allow my blocks to switch between power sources for conventional operation. I could then choose if my mains and sidings are conventional or command.  This could be done with toggle switches and relays, but I would prefer not to have a hard wired control panel.

As far as switches, I use fast track.  I was going to look to see if there is a break even point in buying command controlled switches versus remote switches with an ASC2 or SC-2. 

I don't really do much conventional, probably why I never saw a need for the BPC.

I will not buy any more non-command FT switches, I've already made my decision.  Less than $20 MSRP separates the command models from the standard remote switches.  Add to that not having to wire them, and the decision is easy!

The ASC2 is listing for $119 where as the SC2 is $129.

Command switches cost about the same as 1 ASC2.  The savings IMO is the aggravation of wiring.

I'll bet for the foreseeable future, the SC2 will be available at a market price lower than the ASC2.  New stuff tends to take some time to come down in price.

The BPC is one of those things that I never figured a use for either. I still have two of the original versions sitting in a box that I bought when they were shutting down. Just never found anything to do with them. But hey we will have one at the LUG meeting

To bad they can't make an ASC2 that all those cool plug and play devices would plug into without all the wiring.

Hint hint.

They could call it the PPASC2. Plug and Play ASC2.