Connecting Lionel Hobby Shop (6-32998) to ASC2

You can do this two ways. The diagram you show above from the manual allows you to turn the operating train layouts on and off from the remote (via the SC-2). I would suggest against this, as the hydrant on the right rear (as labeled in the manual) simply uses a switch to connect or disconnect the ground lead for the operating trains. Because the SC-2 uses a common ground on the "COM" ports it is possible you could zap the string of zener diodes connected to the right rear hydrant.

I would suggest wiring it differently, where you turn the entire hobby shop on and off with the SC-2. I whipped up a quick diagram and attached it to this post. This will keep the operating train circuit away from the common ground and prevent you from having to replace this diode pack in the near future. The method I am suggesting will turn the entire hobby shop on and off with the remote. If you are looking to keep the hobby shop illuminated all the time and turn the trains on and off only, then you will need to make some modifications inside the SC-2 to electrically isolate the common lead on the euro block (you do not want any ground touching the right hydrant!)

Thanks,

Mike

ToledoEd posted:

...The hydrant to thighs, is what activates the internal track layouts.  What I'm not sure of is whether the switch completes the power or ground (common). 

It appears the answer is neither.  In such a situation consider a relay.  For example, the SC-2 could activate GRJ's ITSD module which is essentially an AC powered relay.  It has screw terminals so no soldering required.