Is the Williams 150 Watt transformer powerful enough to run a sound equipped train with lighted/smoking caboose on an 8x12 foot layout (single track)?
The transformer was tested with all major brands of locmotives with sound when it was designed about 4 years ago. The addition of the smoking caboose should be fine. The only sure way to know is to measure the current draw with an amp meter. Watts = amps X volts. If your watt calculation is under 150 then it will be fine. The size of the layout should not matter if you have muliple power feeds to your track to overcome any poor connections at the track joints.