TinyCore Base uses "max_loop=255" as a default boot command-line parameter. That gives the loop devices /dev/loop0 thru /dev/loop254. Using "max_loop=256" instead would give an additional loop device, namely /dev/loop255. Not a big gain, I admit, but one that comes for free. -- Just for the record: further increasing the "max_loop" number does not give additional loop devices.