10X8 layout advice

DWP: I am also struggling with trying to find the 8 x 10 layout that is "just right". I also am presently using 31 curves, but with lionel tubular track. My present "working" version has 2 loops ground level (1 just a loop and the other with a double reverse) and 1 elevated track, but, again its really 3 loops. I also have 2 trolley lines. But I'm always looking for something more. It is difficult trying to balance having a track plan to run 3 trains and leave enough room for scenery and some operating accessories, to boot, all in a 8 x 10 space. Any ideas from other forum would be appreciated.

Do either of you have pics of your current layouts.
I'm a visual guy and it helps to "see" what you are working with.

I am in the middle of this year's edition. Mine is 12x6 (036 Fastrack), with it really 2x7 at the one end where I have a yard. I wanted that extra foot for the yard. When I am finished there will be three trains operating. Two on bottom loops that duck into tunnels under the layout and the outer loop connected to the yard. The top loop comes off over part of the lower level with trestles and the city will be on the top level. On the City level is a loop of SuperStreets and will have an elevated trolley. To squeeze everything in there I wanted I could not get a reversing loop or a grade, I think I need to go 16 or 18 next year to accomplish some of those types of features. I'll post some pictures below. If you click the link to flickr it will take you to the album that has more photos and some from my 10x6 layout form last year. The video link at the bottom is a video of last years layout.

If you can get a reversing loop in there, my idea was to hide one side of the reversing loop in the mountain.


2012 Fastrack Layout 39 by tedmackel, on Flickr


2012 Fastrack Layout 35 by tedmackel, on Flickr


2012 Fastrack Layout 36 by tedmackel, on Flickr


2012 Fastrack Layout 31 by tedmackel, on Flickr


2012 Fastrack Layout 21 by tedmackel, on Flickr

Gentlemen,
8X10's definitely limit what you can do, however Ross has just come out with a new set of Tin Plate
switches, which will make your layouts a lot nicer. The new switches make it possible to run a lot more track, closer with 3.5" centers, this expanding your engineering to new levels. Check out the new 072 Tin Plate Switches from RCS, they just came out. You gentlemen are going to love this, I am very excited about it also, even with my bigger FasTrack layouts, I can now engineer in a completely different manner,
and use a lot less power to run my layouts.
PCRR/Dave