SC-2 or ASC for block control

The amperage rating of the various device contacts could be a problem. You may need to add a minimum of 10 amp relay to actually switch the track power on and off.  I am not very familiar with the different Lionel devices so I don't know the contact ratings. Seems like Lionel has way too many of these devices, makes it confusing to me.

The ASC and SC-2 have 15A relays, no problem with either.  You can only control six blocks with the SC-2, the other options are momentary (i.e. push-button) style outputs.  Sounds like the ASC is the best choice for your application.

John,

Thank you.  ASCs it is.

Ron

Plenty of good stuff to make it confusing, but at least they use good high amperage contacts in them. I was thinking they would be more like the AIU's, obviously not. I need to read up on the Lionel stuff just in case my Legacy system happens to show up one of these days

Ok, I have 20 Blocks set up with 5 BPC's and because they have 2 sides to them, I have one side set up as Eng 3, the other side as Eng 4..This is done by using 2 TPC400's. You would need to read the Directions to the BPC's to completely understand this set up.

I Operate all of the Turnouts with ASC's.....This way, you can walk around Your Layout and turn on and off Your Blocks, and Throw Your turnouts...In 1998 or close, there was a video explaining these Electronic Switches...These electrical devices were introduced by a company named IC CONTROLS, Lionel bought them out....Lou Kovach, Owner...

These work great with TMCC CAB 1 and Legacy Cab 2...

If there is a derailment, it instantly shuts off the TPC...

I used ASC's For blocks with no success...If I had. A derailment, it burnt out that output on the ASC...I may have had a wiring issue to..I am not a professional electrician...

For 100 Per Cent Clarification, call Lionel and talk to a tech...Happy Railroading..

Yes. The BPC (Block Power Controller) has two inputs. My layout, TPC#1, (Track Power Controller TR#1), and TPC#9(Track Power Controller TR#9).  Either TPC can be set to conventional control.
Each output of the BPC can be set to TR#1, TR#9, On, or Off.  With Two TPC, one is always set to conventional mode, the other command. I then establish a route with the BPC's

(1.) Track Power Parallel PH135's, lower left.
(2.) Track Power controllers TPC 400 (2), lower right.
(3.) Block (District) Power Controllers upper left near the large Accessory transformer. (2) BPC's, (8) track districts.
(4.) Track power fuses (7.5 amps).  (8) fuses in wiring to the (8) track blocks  (districts) right side of accessory transformer.
(5.) Accessory Switch Controllers, ASC's.  There are (6) pictured, upper right.

(5) switch (20) Atlas track turnout switches via the Handheld remote Cab1 through Atlas 6924 relay boards.  

(1) ASC is used for accessory on/off control.  Lionel Tree swing, Flashing light on top of an MTH bridge, MTH water tank spout, up and down.

BPC's and fuse blocks. BPC's Lower center left. Fuses upper center left.
 
(1.)  Track circuit wiring is (14 gauge solid), the largest wire that will fit the terminals on a BPC.
(2.)  Brown T-stat wire(s), (18 gauge solid), is daisy chained between devices for device power.
(3.)  Blue/Blue white and Green/Green white twisted pair wire is daisy chained TMCC signal between all devices, originates from the Command base.

(4.) Track common wires are terminated on the buss bars top of first picture.

There is an SC-2, under-used, only controlling the (21st) Atlas turnout. Lower right.

All,

I do not plan to run conventional engines, although my setup will allow it.  I do not need to have more than one transformer connected to any block.  My yard and engine tracks are power by PH180s going through TPC400s then through a TIU then to the ASC.  The ASC is my terminal block for the star wiring going out to the track blocks.  See diagram below.  (NOTE: I know I’ve split the TIU’s signal twice and this may cause problems for these short tracks; if it does I’ll add another TIU and use only one ASC per TIU channel.)

I am using an ASC to control my few Atlas switches and some RCS switches with DZ-1000 machines.  However, the rest of my RCS switches have DZ-2500 machines that will be directly controlled by Legacy.  As far as my setup, a BPC would be very inefficient.

However, I am interested in Larry’s comment that the BPC has some sort of internal circuit to shut off the TPC in a derailment.  Larry commented that an ASC does not have this and may not be able to handle a derailment resulting in a burned out input. 

A couple of questions.  Does anyone know more about the BPC’s protection circuit?  If the ASC has 15 amp capability, won’t the PH180’s 10 amp CB protect it?  Thanks.

Ron