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SimCity 4 Devotion Custom Content Showcase => Independent Development Projects => Independent LOT Editor Projects => Topic started by: mrbisonm on December 14, 2011, 06:08:54 PM

Title: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on December 14, 2011, 06:08:54 PM
Well, FrankU has his thread about LOTting and I have my thread about my BATs (NEXIS) and since we both are working together on this Massive Farm growing Project, I decided to open this thread.
This is not only for letting both of us tell our advances with the project , but mostly to get YOUR (the Player) opinion on it.

I am creating all the props, most of them have been done and I am on a rendering "spree" right now, preparing them with custom LOD's for Frank to be able to create some good looking farm lots.
Frank has started to "pre-organize" his lot pack already and is most certainly ready to receive my BATs soon.
Now, there is a question between Frank and me that came up since the beginning, and it is about the size of the dependency list. Since most of us know here (mostly the older Players), personnally I myself am a public enemy of dependencies, I even was once at "War" (if you could call the light disagreement I had) with the CSX about this matter. Nexis Lots do NOT have any dependecies and never had, all 500 or so that can be found on the STEX, LEX or sent privately, and are still worthwhile downloading with only the Maxis props and textures. But........ even Nexis has to evoluate one day, right? So , I am ready and willing to accept a few of the major packs..... &mmm

This subject of course comes to Frank and YOU!.....(glad I got rid of this).....lol. It will up to him to deal with this matter with you. Of course, I will add my mustard also, but it finally is up to him, because it will be HIS LOTs.
Soon you will hear from him and please......let us know what you think, because....all these (60+) will be you who are going to play with them, ok? ;)

Fred
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mike3775 on December 14, 2011, 07:05:00 PM
mrbisonm(fred),

I have always loved that your lots were dependency free, I have many of your nexis lots in my plugin folder, but if you are going to have dependencies, please be ones that probably have already been downloaded the most already.   I really do not mind having them. 

Keep up the great work, can't wait to see these new farms, the more the merrier on them as far as I am concerned. 
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on December 14, 2011, 10:56:06 PM
Thanks Mike3775, it's useful comments like this we need here. Of course there won't be just two or three small dependencies, because this is a farming Mega Pack (so to speak), but it will probably be the most usefull proppacks that the "Sim-farmers" use already.
I cannot remember all of them and besides, it is up to Frank, who will use these on his lots, but I can quickly think of Jes and Gascooker props, the BSC Texture pack and JFM,MJB and Newmann props and textures. For the fields maybe Simgoober's, he has made some nice looking fields once.....etc. I think that Frank also talked about the SAM props and textures.
I let this decision to Frank......I am sure that he will use the mostly used ones.

Because these lots will mainly be used by "advanced" farming Players, they will probably and already have a good amount of these props (if not all)  in their Plugins. That is exactly why I opened this thread.
So, let's hear out the great "Simfarmers" and see what they got in their folders as props and textures!


Fred
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: catty on December 15, 2011, 01:33:57 AM
Quote from: mrbisonm on December 14, 2011, 10:56:06 PM
...but I can quickly think of Jes and Gascooker props, the BSC Texture pack and JFM,MJB and Newmann props and textures. For the fields maybe Simgoober's, he has made some nice looking fields once.....etc. I think that Frank also talked about the SAM props and textures...

You have pretty much covered everything I use for farms, plus I have a few SFBT farms
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on December 15, 2011, 10:24:30 AM
Quote
.... plus I have a few SFBT farms


True, the SFBT has some nice farmprops also, that could surely be interesting. ;)

Fred


Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on December 16, 2011, 01:55:33 AM
OK, people. Now please sit down and take a deep breath.
This is about a set of farms with some size. The dependencies list seconds that.

So where should I start... First make you eager by showing some parts of the set? Or scare the heck out of you by showing the dependencies list first?

I am not a marketeer, so this is probably the wrong choice, but you have to live with it.
You could have seen some info on this in my lot thread already, but I am going to do some short summing up here now.


Chapter 1, The Farm Lots

OK, so this is about a huge farms set.
The set contains farms from stage 1 up to 5 at the moment. You can build your farming community with almost only this set, so I recommend to use the BSC Maxis IR blocker.

Now some overview pictures.

Stage 1
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farm%2520Lots%2520-%2520growables%2FFarmsoverviews-0000a.jpg&hash=5c780ed9f4bb33830aafa3a9eda574a79d1e5bc1)

Stage 2
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farm%2520Lots%2520-%2520growables%2FFarmsoverviews-0001a.jpg&hash=fec92c6ad35e0a67159546226c88514423a89a41)

Stage 3
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farm%2520Lots%2520-%2520growables%2FFarmsoverviews-0002a.jpg&hash=46991fb650d32e022309b07d65da4384bd3cfaeb)

Stage 4
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farm%2520Lots%2520-%2520growables%2FFarmsoverviews-0003a.jpg&hash=be2c2862a7188425678e114ef5566a2523f9e659)

Stage 5
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farm%2520Lots%2520-%2520growables%2FFarmsoverviews-0004a.jpg&hash=27d3d7739c45074c0c0fcb771f8b584a9da65af3)


Chapter 2, The Stage 0 and Farm Field lots

Now I got something unusual. I have made 1x1 small Stage 1 farms that I call Stage 0. These are farms that contain nothing more that what you see in the adjoining farm field. The result is: you see a farm field without a farm, which can grow anywhere.
So these look like the farmfields that I have made. There are 21 of them.

I have some random images of the fields.

Seven tulip fields
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farm%2520Lots%2520-%2520growables%2FFarmsstage4-0003a-1.jpg&hash=b7fba4ea6d599603ef4a1bdf263caa2c484f0640)

And some different like malus, humulus, rubus fruticosus, asparagus, cucurbita, triticum, mays.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farm%2520Lots%2520-%2520growables%2FFarmsstage4-0009a.jpg&hash=8632d51af32cc818785a3c00b85c8d73653f04fe)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farm%2520Lots%2520-%2520growables%2FFarmsstage4-0010a.jpg&hash=993011462f74547e88952f8b3dcda8c246cb2dc4)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farm%2520Lots%2520-%2520growables%2FFarmsstage4-0011a.jpg&hash=975604bc983b2cf8a6409c410f5d96a4f829c6a3)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farm%2520Lots%2520-%2520growables%2FFarmsstage4-0008a.jpg&hash=96ccc1e187a0bf7079771faa5a6b5d3a8317327e)


OK, then. Got your attention?

A short summing up of the set:
About 15 farms in every stage from 1 to 5, meaning a total of about 75 farms.
Also the so called "Stage 0" farms: 21 different ones. This contains 7 flower fields, 1 pasture and 13 crop fields. These fields are not completely new. I derived them mostly from Simgoober and the SPAM, but they have been altered a bit and the seasonal properties are a bit different.

All these farm fields are also available as ploppable fields.


Chapter 3, The Dutch Landscape

The objective of this set was to be able to get a rural area that looks as much as possible as the dutch landscape. So the farm fields are edited in a way that the seasonal behaviour more or less comes close to the behaviour of the Dutch farm fields: growing time and reaping time wise.
Also most of the farms will have the pastures growing most of the time, because the Dutch landscape is dominated by pastures and grassland. Have a Google Maps view on the country if you like. You could type in "Netherlands, Deventer" and have a look around the town. It's the town I live in, by the way.
I have been thinking of includig three or four different pasture lots, but I decided not to, because I could not find enough nicely matching textures. Besides that: I think in most cases I will delete the pasture farm fields and use the terrain texture as pasture, where I (and you) can MMP props onto.
Also it would demand an enormous amount of lots in order to have the right textures next to fence lots (e.g. ChrisAdams) and the like.

So far about the farm fields.

I do not BAT.
That is important, because this is the main reason for the huge dependencies set. I had to scrutinize quite some prop packs and uploads in order to find a good amount of barns, sheds, houses, vehicles and other props that match the Dutch opinion on how a farm should look. A lot of common things were not found at all and that was the moment Fred/mrbisonm came in. He offered to BAT some props for me. Things like manure pits, silage silo's, haystacks, sheds and barns. He is working hard on them at the moment.

Why Fred? Maybe it's because both of us have a family root in the German Aachen area? I am not sure. It is certain that he knows the Dutch landscape in some way, that he likes to BAT and that he was, apparently, triggerde by my first images of the farms set.

In some of the images above you see open spaces that do not look realistic: there I hope to put Fred's props when they are ready. Probably I have to rearrange a lot of my farms when his set is finished and maybe I will be able to kick out one or two megapacks from the list that I will show you further on in this post.

(getting some coffee now)(you might take the opportunity to do that yourself too)

In the Stage 4 and 5 farms images you see some of Fred's first barn models on my lots. The final ones will look more or less alike, so I am already anticipating and lotting with them.


Chapter 4, The Set up of the Farms

In order to get as much variation as possible with as little props/lots/buildings as possible I decided to make a large group of prop families first. I released these already some time ago on the STEX: The FrankU Farm Prop Families Maxis and BSC (http://www.simtropolis.com/forum/files/file/26485-franku-farm-prop-families-maxis-and-bsc/), uploded the last version in july 2011, downloaded 598 times up to today.
For this set of prop families I used the dependencies that are neccessary for the CP Meadowshire Terrain mod. Two reasons: the dependencies are very common and this Terrain Mod is used by me, because I think it gives a good base texture for the lush Dutch farmlands. So I recommend it if you want to use my farms set.
I use these prop families extensively on my farm lots, meaning that the looks of the lots can vary very much from lot to lot.

As an example I show you here: Kuiermans Weide 1
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farm%2520Lots%2520-%2520growables%2FFarmsoverviews-0005a.jpg&hash=fffa264b458b25935bd528f5181809ea7608d757)

This is the same lot! One file in your plugins folder.

So the first dependency is:

1.  FrankU Farm Prop Families V1.1

For this prop families set I needed the following dependencies:

2.  BSC MEGA Props - CP Vol01
3.  BSC MEGA Props - D66 Vol01
4.  BSC MEGA Props - Gascooker Vol01
5.  BSC MEGA Props - MJB Vol01
6.  BSC MEGA Props - RT Vol01
7.  BSC MEGA Props - SG Vol 01
8.  BSC MEGA Props - swi21 Vol01
9.  BSC MEGA Props JRJ Vol04
10. BSC MEGA Props JRJ Vol05

Then I scrutinized for other useful barns, animals and other props.
I also needed some decent base textures that went with the Meadowshire terrain mod. Naturally CP textures go with this.
So I decided to add:

11. BSC_TexturePack_Cycledogg_V 01b
12. BSC Ploppable Cattle
13. BSC Mega Props - JMyersAgriculture01
14. BSC MEGA Props - KWKVol02
15. BSC MEGA Props - Misc Vol01

Of course there are some Maxis buildings as props on the lots, so I guess you need (not 100% sure):

16. bldgprop_vol1
17. bldgprop_vol2

While I was working on my lots Simpeg came up with SPAM. A long time I have been doubting wether I should include this pack. I decided positively when I found out that I could throw out some other prop packs that I had included in the first place (like BSC textures and Newman Inc vol 1).

So there we go:

18. PEG_Spam_Super_Resource

And we have some flower and farm fields by Simgoober.

19. Simgoober Farm Fields Revised

And not the least important ones: a set of single model downloads. You need only certain models from the following files. They are mostly Dutch models, so definitely neccessary for the farms.

20. JS_Tobacco barn
21. vda_Langeraar Geerweg, by Vanderaap
22. Zeeland Cottages1, by Meurdoos
23. Zeeland Village 9 houses, by Meurdoos
24. Dutch Farm Pack, by Haarlemmergold

You also need Tag_One's RNP ploppable greenhouses   and RNP T1 Dutch Farmers Houses. These are only available on a SC4D disk at the moment, which you have to buy, but Tag_One is working on a new prop pack that will contain these files for you and me.

25. Tag One prop pack, name not yet known.

So the list contains 25 downloads at the time. Fred's Modern Farm Prop Packs will be added when they come out.
It might be possible to delete one or two prop packs form the list when Fred's props are available, but I am not sure. I will do my best though, without decreasing the quality of the set of course.


Chapter 5. The Question

So here's the question:
Do you think it is worth wile to download all these files in order to have a totally new rural look?

Please comment.

I must add to my defense the following:
1. Many of the above mega packs are very common, so most of you will have them installed anyway.
2. Once you have installed these packs, you will be able to add my Rewards, Churches and Windmills without downloading too many extra files, besides the neccessary models, of course.
3. After release of the set I will not be finished. It might even be possible that I quit playing the game altogether and concentrate on lotting only. I have plans to add:
- Additional Rewards
- Stage 6, manors and country houses
- Stage 7, castles and abbeys
- Commercial lots like milk factories, grain silo stations, cattle food factories, machinery stores.
- Several ploppable eyecandy stuff for your Dutch rural atmosphere.

It might take some time though.

That will be enough for today,

Greets and have fun!

FrankU
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: catty on December 16, 2011, 02:06:24 AM
Quote from: FrankU on December 16, 2011, 01:55:33 AM
So the first dependency is:

1. FrankU Farm Prop Families V1.1

For this prop families set I needed the following dependencies:

2. BSC MEGA Props - CP Vol01
3. BSC MEGA Props - D66 Vol01
4. BSC MEGA Props - Gascooker Vol01
5. BSC MEGA Props - MJB Vol01
6. BSC MEGA Props - RT Vol01
7. BSC MEGA Props - SG Vol 01
8. BSC MEGA Props - swi21 Vol01
9. BSC MEGA Props JRJ Vol04
10. BSC MEGA Props JRJ Vol05

This makes 9 dependency packs.

Then I scrutinized for other useful barns, animals and other props.
I also needed some decent base textures that went with the MEadowshire terrain mod. Naturally CP textures go with this.
So I decided on:

11. BSC_TexturePack_Cycledogg_V 01b
12. BSC Ploppable Cattle
13. BSC Mega Props - JMyersAgriculture01
14. BSC MEGA Props - KWKVol02
15. BSC MEGA Props - Misc Vol01

I had everything except your "FrankU Farm Prop Families V1.1" and the BSC Ploppable Cattle, couldn't find it, but am guessing its the Mayor Mode Ploppable Livestock on the LEX
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on December 16, 2011, 02:35:53 AM
Hi Catty,

You might revise your reply. I just finished my post. I had made a "Save" in between, because I fearded to loose everything with some kind of disconnect problem or so. Now I'm finished.

And indeed: the Cattle file is the one you think.
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mike3775 on December 16, 2011, 07:46:53 AM
Quote from: FrankU on December 16, 2011, 01:55:33 AM


1.  FrankU Farm Prop Families V1.1

For this prop families set I needed the following dependencies:

2.  BSC MEGA Props - CP Vol01
3.  BSC MEGA Props - D66 Vol01
4.  BSC MEGA Props - Gascooker Vol01
5.  BSC MEGA Props - MJB Vol01
6.  BSC MEGA Props - RT Vol01
7.  BSC MEGA Props - SG Vol 01
8.  BSC MEGA Props - swi21 Vol01
9.  BSC MEGA Props JRJ Vol04
10. BSC MEGA Props JRJ Vol05

Then I scrutinized for other useful barns, animals and other props.
I also needed some decent base textures that went with the Meadowshire terrain mod. Naturally CP textures go with this.
So I decided to add:

11. BSC_TexturePack_Cycledogg_V 01b
12. BSC Ploppable Cattle
13. BSC Mega Props - JMyersAgriculture01
14. BSC MEGA Props - KWKVol02
15. BSC MEGA Props - Misc Vol01

Of course there are some Maxis buildings as props on the lots, so I guess you need (not 100% sure):

16. bldgprop_vol1
17. bldgprop_vol2

While I was working on my lots Simpeg came up with SPAM. A long time I have been doubting wether I should include this pack. I decided positively when I found out that I could throw out some other prop packs that I had included in the first place (like BSC textures and Newman Inc vol 1).

So there we go:

18. PEG_Spam_Super_Resource

And we have some flower and farm fields by Simgoober.

19. Simgoober Farm Fields Revised

And not the least important ones: a set of single model downloads. You need only certain models from the following files. They are mostly Dutch models, so definitely neccessary for the farms.

20. JS_Tobacco barn
21. vda_Langeraar Geerweg, by Vanderaap
22. Zeeland Cottages1, by Meurdoos
23. Zeeland Village 9 houses, by Meurdoos
24. Dutch Farm Pack, by Haarlemmergold

You also need Tag_One's RNP ploppable greenhouses   and RNP T1 Dutch Farmers Houses. These are only available on a SC4D disk at the moment, which you have to buy, but Tag_One is working on a new prop pack that will contain these files for you and me.

25. Tag One prop pack, name not yet known.

So the list contains 25 downloads at the time. Fred's Modern Farm Prop Packs will be added when they come out.
It might be possible to delete one or two prop packs form the list when Fred's props are available, but I am not sure. I will do my best though, without decreasing the quality of the set of course.


Chapter 5. The Question

So here's the question:
Do you think it is worth wile to download all these files in order to have a totally new rural look?

Please comment.

I must add to my defense the following:
1. Many of the above mega packs are very common, so most of you will have them installed anyway.
2. Once you have installed these packs, you will be able to add my Rewards, Churches and Windmills without downloading too many extra files, besides the neccessary models, of course.
3. After release of the set I will not be finished. It might even be possible that I quit playing the game altogether and concentrate on lotting only. I have plans to add:
- Additional Rewards
- Stage 6, manors and country houses
- Stage 7, castles and abbeys
- Commercial lots like milk factories, grain silo stations, cattle food factories, machinery stores.
- Several ploppable eyecandy stuff for your Dutch rural atmosphere.

It might take some time though.

That will be enough for today,

Greets and have fun!

FrankU

Well a quick search of my plugins, I have most of those already, Just need a few of them.  I have Pegs, but because of conflicts with something(NAM IIRC) I simply pulled it from my plugin's

As long as there are links to the files in the readme, I will definitely grab this

And thanks mrbisonm, I was afraid you wouldn't get what I was trying to say(I seriously need to get dragon, a lot of times what I am thinking never comes up right when I type it), and I have a majority of prop packs already, which makes these lots am instant download.  Just like your lots without dependencies were ones I would instantly download.  As long as I do not need to grab 10+ files for one building, I will usually grab things.  I have no issues with downloading 10+ files either, as long as they have current links to the files(as some link but the site is down or gone)


Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: RickD on December 16, 2011, 07:53:11 AM
The farm lots look great already. I am not too concerned about the dependencies. Most of them are common and regular downloaders should have many of them already.
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: catty on December 16, 2011, 10:17:21 AM
Quote from: FrankU on December 16, 2011, 02:35:53 AM
Hi Catty,

You might revise your reply. I just finished my post. I had made a "Save" in between, because I fearded to loose everything with some kind of disconnect problem or so. Now I'm finished.

And indeed: the Cattle file is the one you think.

Hi FrankU

With your additions, I would need to get these as well

18. PEG_Spam_Super_Resource
21. vda_Langeraar Geerweg, by Vanderaap
22. Zeeland Cottages1, by Meurdoos
23. Zeeland Village 9 houses, by Meurdoos

I'd made a decision not to have any of the SPAM when it came out ... so good luck with your project

Catty
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: zzsteven on December 16, 2011, 01:55:01 PM
That's not a bad list of dependancies; already have most of them. I'm sure will have links to them when you release.  :)

The lots look great, which is the pasture field?

zz
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on December 16, 2011, 11:46:24 PM
Quote from: zzsteven on December 16, 2011, 01:55:01 PM
. I'm sure will have links to them when you release.  :)
zz

I'm pretty sure that FrankU will supply the dependency list, once the farmpack is available.


Quote from: catty on December 16, 2011, 10:17:21 AM

I'd made a decision not to have any of the SPAM when it came out ... so good luck with your project

Catty

Well, nothing against Peg's stuff, but usually his works don't "co-operate" with the rest of the mods (etc) that I have, so me too, I don't have the SPAM in my Plugins, but......I somewhat "stole" some models from his SPAM datfiles, only to rebuild some of my own lots they had and which looked quite nice to me.
But I guess not every is able to do that. I suppose that Frank will not use a SPAM model on every lot he will be making, maybe I will have some similar props in my packs by then..... ;)

Fred
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: catty on December 17, 2011, 02:57:42 AM
Quote from: mrbisonm on December 16, 2011, 11:46:24 PM
Well, nothing against Peg's stuff, but usually his works don't "co-operate" with the rest of the mods (etc) that I have, so me too, I don't have the SPAM in my Plugins, but....

A little bit of that unfortunately, and while I could have done something about it, there wasn't anything I was desperate to have, I do have some of his older stuff like the garbage chute and barges, but mainly I stick to what's available on the LEX, and that's not a bias in favour of the LEX against other sites or creators, its just I do RTMT beta testing and it makes testing alot easier when you know your plugins are fairly standard as far as modding is concerned, so any problems that show up in beta testing is easier to spot, especially when you use the UK version of the game which sometimes doesn't work as well as it should.

:)
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mike3775 on December 17, 2011, 08:31:05 AM
Peg makes some great lots(I love his navy lots and some of his port lots and his random forest plops), but like has been mentioned, to many things conflict with others.  He has some wonderful farm lots IMO, but the conflicts unfortunately are to much to work with. 

If these lots have some, no big deal, as long as its not to many
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on December 17, 2011, 08:58:53 AM
I thought about the SPAM stuff being a Peg Production file. I have tried ALL his tuff and most of it does indeed conflict with many other files which I rather keep in my game, so I decided long time ago not to use anything that comes from his files, except extracting the modelfiles and do my own lots and mods.
The the idea came to me last night that the SPAM resource file is only a propdat,nothing more, no mod nor game files (lots). It shouldn't interfere with anything, so I downloaded it, made some quick lots with these and used them in the game without any problems for several gameyears.

So I can say without any worries nor doubt, that the SPAM resource file is totally troublefree and competant with any other files, if only used as a model propfile.

Depending of what this file contains (I will have a closer look at it this weekend), I will see if I cannot produce similar models and include them in my Pack, whih then will eliminate the necessity to download another dependency.

mrb
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mike3775 on December 17, 2011, 10:12:35 AM
Quote from: mrbisonm on December 17, 2011, 08:58:53 AM
I thought about the SPAM stuff being a Peg Production file. I have tried ALL his tuff and most of it does indeed conflict with many other files which I rather keep in my game, so I decided long time ago not to use anything that comes from his files, except extracting the modelfiles and do my own lots and mods.
The the idea came to me last night that the SPAM resource file is only a propdat,nothing more, no mod nor game files (lots). It shouldn't interfere with anything, so I downloaded it, made some quick lots with these and used them in the game without any problems for several gameyears.

So I can say without any worries nor doubt, that the SPAM resource file is totally troublefree and competant with any other files, if only used as a model propfile.

Depending of what this file contains (I will have a closer look at it this weekend), I will see if I cannot produce similar models and include them in my Pack, whih then will eliminate the necessity to download another dependency.

mrb

Thanks for testing them  :)

Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on December 17, 2011, 11:09:10 AM
Hi all,

Thanks for the feedback. You make me feel a bit less awkward about the dependencies.

It's clear that most of you don't have the dedicated Dutch files by Meurdoos, Haarlemmergold and Vanderaap. These will be neccessary in any case.

Fred alreday solved the discussion about PEG's SPAM files that I use. I do indeed only use the resource file, which has no game play interference at all. It is just a set of three files with models (and adjoining props) and textures. I use many of them, so don't be shy, the files are harmless and you can use them without risking your game.

I am a bit astonished about the bad experiences with PEG's stuff. I use (if I play the game, which I haven't for some months) his stuff extensively and never had any problems. Well, I did have Prop Pox, although not having the feared beach umbrella, but nobody knows if this problem is caused by some other PEG file.

And of course I will provide links to all files when the set comes out.

I also have some backup from my BNL team members. Some of them will test my first partial set this vacation in order to see if the farms follow the game rules. Of course you will hear about the results.

Regards,
Frank
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: zzsteven on December 17, 2011, 05:14:57 PM
Thanks Frank.
No, I don't have any of the Dutch files yet. It takes time to start DL'g stuff from a new team, having it posted on the LEX helps greatly. :) The "quality control" aspect of the LEX is a very important componant to my downloads.  ;D

Have used Pegs stuff alot and have never had a problem. YMMV

zz
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mike3775 on December 18, 2011, 06:54:37 AM
Quote from: zzsteven on December 17, 2011, 05:14:57 PM
Thanks Frank.
No, I don't have any of the Dutch files yet. It takes time to start DL'g stuff from a new team, having it posted on the LEX helps greatly. :) The "quality control" aspect of the LEX is a very important componant to my downloads.  ;D

Have used Pegs stuff alot and have never had a problem. YMMV

zz

The stuff from PEG I have issues with are his lots that go along the water(like his navy bases, etc) because for some reason, when those get plopped, they go lower in the water than other shore based lots do(it may just be me), which drives me crazy because using terraformer's seaport option, should work, but when plopping his lots, it actually goes a tad lower then the surrounding land, which then I have to bulldoze and then raise the land higher then the surrounding to plop them, then hope the next lot doesn't go lower again(and a few times even doing that with raising, it goes lower than it should).  Thats the main issue I have.

Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: catty on December 18, 2011, 09:41:28 AM
Quote from: mike3775 on December 18, 2011, 06:54:37 AM
...because for some reason, when those get plopped, they go lower in the water than other shore based lots do(it may just be me)...

No, not just you ... I found them very handy for making canals as they plop below the waterline (plop one by the shore then delete, then plop the next one a bit further inland and so on) also useful if you want a straight bit of coastline with shallow water alongside it.
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on December 18, 2011, 09:46:30 AM
Depending of what you have stored in your Pluginsfolder, some Peg files can or cannot become a problem with interfering of other files. I know because I had a lot of these problems simply because I have almost all the files available on the net in my plugins (some 16Gb's).
But, that is NOT the issue of this thread and that matter should be discussed for solutions on Peg's site.
I know now and I can assure you all that any Peg's resource file (including the SPAM Resource) does NOT interfere in any way with any other files in your Plugins as long as they are used as a dependency. I have tested it myself.

So, it is absolutely save for Frank to use the SPAM resource file as a dependency.

Fred
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: catty on December 18, 2011, 09:52:45 AM
Quote from: mrbisonm on December 18, 2011, 09:46:30 AM
...But, that is NOT the issue of this thread and that matter should be discussed for solutions on Peg's site.

Sorry for the side track

QuoteI know now and I can assure you all that any Peg's resource file (including the SPAM Resource) does NOT interfere in any way with any other files in your Plugins as long as they are used as a dependency. I have tested it myself.

So, it is absolutely safe for Frank to use the SPAM resource file as a dependency.

Fred

:thumbsup:
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mike3775 on December 18, 2011, 10:37:30 AM
Quote from: mrbisonm on December 18, 2011, 09:46:30 AM
Depending of what you have stored in your Pluginsfolder, some Peg files can or cannot become a problem with interfering of other files. I know because I had a lot of these problems simply because I have almost all the files available on the net in my plugins (some 16Gb's).
But, that is NOT the issue of this thread and that matter should be discussed for solutions on Peg's site.
I know now and I can assure you all that any Peg's resource file (including the SPAM Resource) does NOT interfere in any way with any other files in your Plugins as long as they are used as a dependency. I have tested it myself.

So, it is absolutely save for Frank to use the SPAM resource file as a dependency.

Fred

sorry for the sidetrack. 

I will be grabbing this when it becomes available, because I have wanted to make a large agricultural city, just I hated maxis farms and never had enough alternatives to make a decent looking farm area(yes I know there are several great farms available, just with them and no maxis, it tends to be repetitive).  With this having maybe 75 more farms, it will be more than possible to actually do what I want to do and I am and will be thankful when it comes up
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: lak47 on December 21, 2011, 12:16:02 AM
Yeah, I'm all for this. This is truly excellent work for us rural bunch  &apls

Already got most of the deps, if not all.
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: Lowkee33 on December 22, 2011, 11:47:51 AM
This is looking very nice indeed  :thumbsup:  Thanks for all of the work.
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on January 07, 2012, 06:35:54 AM
Hi,

It took me some time to find time, but I have an update.
The Stage 5 farms are being Lotted. I have some images for you; 6 farms. The number 7 is only a blank brown lot and when that one is finished I will make one or maybe two variations of every lot, so that the set will end with 14 or 15 lots.

OK, here they come:

Egberink Eieren
An egg farm with chickens that stay in the shed all the time. Quite common, although maybe not too chicken friendly.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farm%2520Lots%2520-%2520growables%2FFarmsStage5-0000a.jpg&hash=858949d9e36b37e702fad8f5e63366dbbd20257c)

Erve Mastenbroek
A large cow farm with two large barns. Two houses for the owner and the workers.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farm%2520Lots%2520-%2520growables%2FFarmsStage5-0001a.jpg&hash=4714b45b178a35d71bb48b148520cd497996eb3b)

Kraakman Kassen
A glass house complex. Evidently.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farm%2520Lots%2520-%2520growables%2FFarmsStage5-0002a.jpg&hash=62f69aa4dfe32bbb319318ef3679906ae5425ee7)

Meester Bison Biggen
Pigs are being raised by Fred/mrbisonm himself, or was it his nephew with the same name? You could have seen this one before.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farm%2520Lots%2520-%2520growables%2FFarmsStage5-0003a.jpg&hash=d54fe8892185662bd0ad6ae34f78aebabc08c819)

Erve Groot Koerkamp
A bit smaller than Erve Mastenbroek, but also; cows in a barn.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farm%2520Lots%2520-%2520growables%2FFarmsStage5-0004a.jpg&hash=0ae7eac6eb7e772193eecf7b71b5d84eb384f12e)

Borgelink Buitenei
An egg farm where the chickens have a large space outside the barn. At daytime they are outside, when they lay their eggs they are supposed to go inside. Their food is there too.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farm%2520Lots%2520-%2520growables%2FFarmsStage5-0005a.jpg&hash=32a1f654415e5198e0b7d6da6a09430502881f86)

I try to make the farms a bit realistic, according to real world (Dutch) farms. I don't know if any of you knows about Dutch farming? If you have comments please let me know!
And of course every kind of comment, suggestion for improvement or otherwise is appreciated.

Now back to the SC4-Pim screen!

Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: CasperVg on January 08, 2012, 02:00:40 AM
Those farms are looking really nice. The only thing I'm not so sure of is the red brick driveway on Erve Groot Koerkamp, it seems a little too 'posh' for a farm. The big variation in barns and sheds gives the lots a very organic and realistic look, as it gives you the impression the farms really "expanded" over time. I'm looking forward to their release :)
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mike3775 on January 08, 2012, 09:29:20 AM
I agree with the red brick suggestion.  Those farms look sweet Frank.  They look great, and great detail work as well
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: carlfatal on January 11, 2012, 05:34:19 AM
Awesome! This looks really like benelux as i know these countries. It´s pure inspiration and i must say my farm don´t look half as good as Your stuff here.  &apls &apls
But i don´t understand Your problem with the maize. If it´s cause of the fieldlot merged with the farmlot? I can change this and ask my team mates for uploading as a single lot.
Greetz, Carl
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on January 11, 2012, 07:30:48 AM
Hi all,

@ Casper

I agree. The brick is not in place there.
I usually use the brick for the "older" part of a farm lot, because in the old days they used brick for their terrain. But in this farm it becomes a bit of a weird corner in between the concrete. I will change that.
Thanks for the compliment.

@ mike 3775

Thanks!

@ Carlfatal

Thank you too.
My problem with using the maize is that using it would add another Dependency to my enormous list. I am afraid I am giving people heart attacks or breath shortages with it already. On the other hand: adding your maize also gives me some machinery and a shed that might come in handy.
There is one thing that I think is pity about the maize. Although it looks very good and the stubbs are a nice addition too, they are not in rows! And on real farmland the maize grows in perfectly straight rows. But I admit: this is not neccessarily a reason to leave the maize out.
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: gn_leugim on January 11, 2012, 11:35:24 AM
Now here is something I am (we are) in need. farms! they look very good ;)
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mike3775 on January 11, 2012, 02:07:55 PM
Quote from: FrankU on January 11, 2012, 07:30:48 AM
@ Carlfatal

Thank you too.
My problem with using the maize is that using it would add another Dependency to my enormous list. I am afraid I am giving people heart attacks or breath shortages with it already. On the other hand: adding your maize also gives me some machinery and a shed that might come in handy.
There is one thing that I think is pity about the maize. Although it looks very good and the stubbs are a nice addition too, they are not in rows! And on real farmland the maize grows in perfectly straight rows. But I admit: this is not neccessarily a reason to leave the maize out.

Whats 1 more dependency?  :)  Its already been shown that most of the people who have responded in this thread already have a vast majority of the dependencies needed already, so I honestly do not expect many to raise a fuss over 1 more at all.
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on January 11, 2012, 09:08:16 PM
Quote from: FrankU on January 11, 2012, 07:30:48 AM
My problem with using the maize is that using it would add another Dependency to my enormous list. I am afraid I am giving people heart attacks or breath shortages with it already. On the other hand: adding your maize also gives me some machinery and a shed that might come in handy.
There is one thing that I think is pity about the maize. Although it looks very good and the stubbs are a nice addition too, they are not in rows! And on real farmland the maize grows in perfectly straight rows. But I admit: this is not neccessarily a reason to leave the maize out.

Well, I am the "Dependency Hater" ever since the BAT came out, had tough arguments with the fellows many years ago that later formed the BSC Group, but I must say that 1 more fairly "small" dependency wouldn't be that bad. After all, this one is excellent and almost a "musthave" if you grow farmlands, right?


Btw, I will be back to my "gmaxing" and re-rendering next week, still on xmas vacation.....lol

EDIT: Oh Geeeez, almost forgot.....those lots above  are sharp looking, Frank.  :thumbsup:

Fred
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: Pat on January 11, 2012, 09:22:30 PM
Fred and Frank you two have a wonderful Co-op going here!!! I am loving the farms here and good job soo far... I am very pleased with what Ive seen and cant wait to get my hands on them!!
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on January 12, 2012, 12:47:54 AM
Quote from: mike3775 on January 11, 2012, 02:07:55 PM
Whats 1 more dependency?  :)  Its already been shown that most of the people who have responded in this thread already have a vast majority of the dependencies needed already, so I honestly do not expect many to raise a fuss over 1 more at all.

OK, OK! I'll surrender!  :)
I am happy that you think this way about the dependencies.
I wil add the set as a dependency and will once more redo my Maize fields. And the farms, because here and there I could use the machines too. And maybe the barn.

Oh, and thanks for the compliments!
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: noahclem on January 12, 2012, 04:16:15 AM
Wow, this is a really outstanding project and looks excellent so far!  &apls &apls

I'm glad if the new, beautiful maize will be included in the set. Dependencies are what allow projects like this to happen and since these aren't exactly beginners' farm lots most users will have most files anyway (sorry to say it again since it's already been said so many times  :P )

One suggestion (a dependency no less): how about using the new HD seasonal cows (and other props) from recent VIP work? If you liked those better you could eliminate the BSC cow dependency.

Looking forward to playing with these  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: gn_leugim on January 12, 2012, 04:18:06 AM
I used to be a "no dependencies" fan, and I still try to make lots and stuff with less dependencies as possible. But, nowadays most dependencies are packed in large bulks, and most people have them already, so I dont get shocked any more with dependencies, as its usage is much easier now too :)

so I say, bring them on :p
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mike3775 on January 12, 2012, 02:21:09 PM
I said earlier in this thread, I prefer lots with zero dependencies, but I still grab lots with them so I have accumulated a bunch of them.  Its a necessary evil, and I will grab lots I like with or without them
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: evarburg on January 13, 2012, 06:42:38 AM
late to the thread but here goes :

As long as we can still use SPAM (and other agri stuff, carefully vetted) with the new farms, it would be GREAT. The dependency question is moot indeed as most of us non-beginners have them all already (and some !)

Two more things I'd like to see in that project are (1) the vehicle tracks -- minus the water bug if that is possible (JS dirtpaths) and (b) the country paths with trees and/or fences which can be found both in Nexis farm lots addons (no fences) and in DRMK_Trail set_v2 (fenced, TE and not TE, a wonderful set, very flexible, whose only default is that is ends up wayyyyyy down in the park menu)...
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: evarburg on January 14, 2012, 08:24:23 AM
late question from a late comer (my companion & co-mayor) : growable is great but will there be ploppables too ?

Sometimes, one is just impatient.... :)
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mike3775 on January 14, 2012, 12:51:23 PM
Quote from: evarburg on January 13, 2012, 06:42:38 AM
late to the thread but here goes :

As long as we can still use SPAM (and other agri stuff, carefully vetted) with the new farms, it would be GREAT. The dependency question is moot indeed as most of us non-beginners have them all already (and some !)

OT here, but how does the SPAM and NAM react?  I know on Pegs site it states they are not compatible, so I have not tried to use it, but what issues arises from them both being in?
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: rambuckel on January 16, 2012, 12:17:41 PM
Hey you two,

great work so far!  &apls Thanks mrbisonm for the link to this threat. I somehow didn't recognize it! It would be my pleasure to see my models on your farms! So feel free to use them.

I hope they will match with your models in size. If not, please give me a short note so that I can scale them for you.

I'll surely come back to see your progresses! 

- rambuckel
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on January 16, 2012, 05:50:31 PM
Quote from: rambuckel on January 16, 2012, 12:17:41 PM
Hey you two,

great work so far!  &apls Thanks mrbisonm for the link to this threat. I somehow didn't recognize it! It would be my pleasure to see my models on your farms! So feel free to use them.

I hope they will match with your models in size. If not, please give me a short note so that I can scale them for you.

I'll surely come back to see your progresses! 

- rambuckel

Glad to see you here rambuckel, and also glad that FrankU will be able to use your farm models also. These will surely become some spectacular farms. (not putting too much pressure on Frank now.... &mmm ) ;)
I think the scale should be right, because I have worked on mine for quite awhile to fit in with all the other models on the "market", but just to give us both an idea, I will send you one of my model barns by PM this week and you decide if the scale is ok. ;)
Btw, I just love your stuff.


Pk, Folks....I have finally started 2012 regularily, I mean I am back to normal sleeping and working hrs. I was gone on vacation, gone with and to my family and gone just being lost somewhere for the last month and during the holidays. Something I wanted to do for a long time. That means that I am also back on the project and I will show you some "peaks" of the variations and improvements that I have been doing.

evarburg, I don't know what FrankU has in mind including in the farmpack, maybe not ploppables for the moment, but I will surely do some ploppables for my MD/CJ (The Winding River Project), maybe you could just let me know when you see them there and I will send them to you. ;)
About the fences , the paths and the position of the existing farmlots in the menu, we will not go into this since these are not a part of our farmpack. You will have to contact the righful owners (creators) for this. The Nexis farms have been done by CSX, if they still exist and are not my creations, but only my models and ideas.

noahclem, I don't think that it is a good idea to include the VIP cows on our list of dependencies, for the reason that HD models take more space and the other cows are good enough to use and also included in existing packs that we will use. But FrankU will again have the last word on this.

Glad to hear that all of you agree more or less for the need of the dependencies mentioned above. I didn't think that several others have the dependency list that I have.

Keep an eye on this thread later this week, some nice stuff in the preview coming up.

Fred
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on January 17, 2012, 04:31:30 AM
Well, maybe it's time that I do some replies.

Noahclem
I did consider the VIP cows, because they are beatiful and they are black and white, which is the most common colour in the Netherlands. I decided against them, because I have already beautiful cows. The BSC set also includes sheep and pigs and I use these too. So for the sake of a short ( :D ) dependency list I leave them out. And also: the SPAM pack contains black and white cows too, but they are a bit blurred and I decided not to use them. Sorry Simpeg!

Evarburg
I don't know if ploppable farms will work in game? In principle I can make them, but anyhow they will be low on the list. But they are on the list, so don't lose hope!

gn_leugim
Thanks for the feedback!

mike3775
SPAM contains a traffic controller especially for the SPAM idea of farming. This file is not compatible with NAM or CAM, what was it again? If you leave this file out, the SPAM goes with NAM and even with CAM, as far as I know. And for my farms you don't need SPAM, if you have CAM, and you don't need CAM if you have SPAM. You need one of both, because the farms are up to stage 5. And later I will add stages 6 and 7, so I advise: CAM.
From the SPAM files you need only the textures and model files.

rambuckel
Welcome here! Nice to hear form you.

mrbisonm
Good to hear form you. Did you have a good time?
The pressure on me is increasing but surely not unbearable. Noworries!
I didn't have time to do much, but the project is growing step by step.

Frank
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mike3775 on January 17, 2012, 04:40:53 AM
QuoteThe pressure on me is increasing but surely not unbearable. Noworries!
I didn't have time to do much, but the project is growing step by step.

Take your time buddy.  Do not overwhelm yourself.  I would rather wait until and get great lots, then not wait and have ok lots, and I am pretty sure others feel the same way
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on January 19, 2012, 10:59:55 AM
As I mentioned before I have a picture for you all, not much, but at least proving that I am active again at the moment with this project.

A couple of months ago, I have sent the first set of props to FrankU, which he experimented with and tested thoroughly. He told me that there were some strange looking effects when plopping another prop close to them, they looked like they were somehow floating. We call this the "floating effect" which is actually caused by the LOD's from the rendering.
Since everything is rendered into a single box which is roughly squared out by the program, some models have difficiluties to being plopped close to others.

That of course FrankU didn't like, nor did I. So I got into the learning of making Custom LOD's. This is new and quite difficult for me and that is one reason because the whole thing takes so much time. I have many (and I mean many) props to render and I have to create the custom LOD's first, render, test and re-render those models which didn't render properly, which happens quite often with my computer.
And while I am at it, I am remodeling and retexturing some of the models also, now that I am getting better with the BAT with every model... ;)
But it is the LOD's which take most of my time at this moment, and I want this Pack to be as good as I can do it.
Here's a sample of the LODs. As you can see , originally the LOD's are simply square, not allowing anything to be plopped close to it, once rendered.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg716.imageshack.us%2Fimg716%2F507%2F377mv.jpg&hash=fde2a18df2b70fb6ee7fa934db171b0540b20a39)

Here is a picture of what they look like (with the retexturing and some more detailed modeling) in the pre-render.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg189.imageshack.us%2Fimg189%2F2456%2F378uk.jpg&hash=558cc6c3fe54c6fdc0706bc529407ba8f618dc3d)

...and some ingame pictures. I made this lot in 2 minutes, quickly to throw in some props and make it look fairly to show you mostly what the props look like ingame and also see that we can now plop other props very close to the Nexis models.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg708.imageshack.us%2Fimg708%2F5876%2F379l.jpg&hash=6679cd5a38c9acf386b8e2ecbf933c641c358c92)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg32.imageshack.us%2Fimg32%2F3784%2F380ca.jpg&hash=ddbd4f80f52b2cff29e7759dee0866924091bf3c)

So, while FrankU is slowly chewing up his fingernails while waiting for my Nexis propset, I will continue to do my work, which will hopefully be enjoyed by the farmloving Players of SC4.

Thanks

Fred
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: rambuckel on January 19, 2012, 01:36:19 PM
QuoteAnd while I am at it, I am remodeling and retexturing some of the models also, now that I am getting better with the BAT with every model...

Well, that's pretty much the same experience I had recently. And for the same reason I had to "experiment" with LODs. But if it's understood once it's not too much of a problem anymore.

At the moment I try to learn how to work with lights ... I did not succeed yet  :'(, but I guess I will when I go on trying :)

Great work again that you just showed!

And thank you for your commendatory words about my work :)

Theresa
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on January 20, 2012, 12:45:20 AM
Quote from: rambuckel on January 19, 2012, 01:36:19 PM
QuoteAnd while I am at it, I am remodeling and retexturing some of the models also, now that I am getting better with the BAT with every model...

And while you are getting better with every BAT, so am I getting better at lotting every time I work on my set. I am in no way biting my nails. Every moment I can find to work on the lots I can either make a new lot or I am improving the already existing lots.
Also my Dutch team members have been testing an unfinished testset and found some things that I have to improve.
In the meantime there also came some challenges in my direction, like the maize by rambuckel. This week I redid the maize field for the fourth time (first: Simgoober, then SPAM, then another Simgoober prop, then RFR).

So I am doing and redoing ..... having fun :)

Fred, the manurepit looks gorgeous!
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mike3775 on January 20, 2012, 05:13:37 AM
Looking good Fred.  They look exactly like I expected from you, which is great.  :)

Glad to hear you are having fun Frank, I remember reading threads on ST, and elsewhere where people were going to take a break because it "wasn't fun" anymore and sadly they never came back either.
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: gn_leugim on January 20, 2012, 05:32:21 AM
awesome work on those. very well detailed :)
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on January 20, 2012, 10:38:21 AM
Quote from: mike3775 on January 20, 2012, 05:13:37 AM
I remember reading threads on ST, and elsewhere where people were going to take a break because it "wasn't fun" anymore and sadly they never came back either.

Yeah, I remember those too, there was an oil refinery project once on ST that I just loved, but only parts of what was shown was published (forgot the name), but heck, did I ever hate this fellow when he dismissed and left nothing behind.
This won't happen with me (or us). I have been around for too many years to leave. Unless I get struck by a fatal health problem, I will continue to have my own way of fun with SC4 playing and modeling. ;)

Right now I am thinking about buying myself another computer for rendering the models. lol..... Some of the models take 3 or even 4 hours to render, geeez,  why is that so? These 20 or so images shouldn't take more than a minute to save. I hate that program (BAT)!  :thumbsdown:

Anyways, hopefully I will have some more pics available this weekend and maybe the first half of the Pack for FrankU by next week, if the temperatures of -20 to -25C here continue to make me stay indoors ;)

Fred

Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: carlfatal on January 20, 2012, 11:41:04 AM
Quote from: mrbisonm on January 20, 2012, 10:38:21 AM
if the temperatures of -20 to -25C here continue to make me stay indoors ;)

Oh my - years ago i thought about going to Canada, it´s big, empty and has a lot of trees (i love trees and would appreciate if my next neighbor would live three miles away although i really like him), but then i heard how cold it could be in winter. Only reading this makes me freezing.   (https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cosgan.de%2Fimages%2Fsmilie%2Ftraurig%2Fg030.gif&hash=7ebed6a88383d5a39e29c1918b034142f83733fc) (http://www.cosgan.de/smilie.php)
Away from that: these new BATs are looking awesome, the dung seems to be real, could smell it from the pictures...  :thumbsup:
Really, really nice work,
greetz, Carl
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on January 22, 2012, 05:17:52 AM
Quote from: mrbisonm on January 20, 2012, 10:38:21 AM
Right now I am thinking about buying myself another computer for rendering the models. lol..... Some of the models take 3 or even 4 hours to render, geeez,  why is that so? These 20 or so images shouldn't take more than a minute to save. I hate that program (BAT)!  :thumbsdown:

This reminds me of the 90'ies. I think it was 1995 that I participated in the Europan Young Architects contest with a friend. We were doing a project of reusing an old textile factory in Almelo (Netherlands). I had made 3D-wire models of our proposal and wanted to render them into flat perspective images.

Interruption: especially the younger readers will wonder: what was FrankU doing? Well, I try to explain.
The 3D-modelling abilities of normal computers those days went no further than the ability to make wire frame models or very simple 3D volume models. If I wanted to have images with perspective I had to render a wire frame model, in order to get rid of the lines that are hidden behind other planes.

Well, so I decided to make several renderings. I wrote a small batch file, so that my computer would render several images automatically one after the other. Every image would take about two or three hours. And so I started the process in the evening, went to sleep, woke up, had breakfast, went to the office, came back and found out that the computer had stuck after the second image... Next day I tried to do the rest. After half a week I had six or seven images. Nowadays these images would take about three minutes. All together.

And I am getting really curious about the models you are going to provide, Fred. I fear/hope/expect/want that I have to redo quite some of my lots drastically.

In the meantime I have added two pasture fields. Now I can provide my lots with three kinds of pasture farm fields. That means that there will be a variety in pastures that is getting realistically varied like you see on aerials of the Dutch landscape. It is obvious that not all pastures have the same colour, although funny enough most of them have the same species of grass on them.

And working on more lots...

I have a question too.
My BNL-team members have been testing the interim-finished lots and found out that my lots grow less often than the Maxis ones do. And because I want everyone to have the ability to mix thees farms (although I myself will use a Maxis blocker) I would like to edit my lots in such a way that they grow in balance with the Maxis lots.
Now there is the question: what property has influence on the growth frequency of my lots? Is it the number of jobs? Is it that I just need to change the number of jobs on my farms? If I change them, I will do it with SC4-Pim by editing the filling degree. This way all properties are in balance.
Who can help me out on this?

FrankU
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on January 22, 2012, 01:11:21 PM
Quote
And I am getting really curious about the models you are going to provide, Fred. I fear/hope/expect/want that I have to redo quite some of my lots drastically.

Don't expect too much there, FrankU....lol. although............................................anyways. Don't worry about having to change your lots, the mainbuildings you already have some pre-renders will be the same, except with a little more details on texturing maybe. but nothing too drastic. You will be able to use most these props as the ones before.

For your question, well.....with this I cannot help, because I have no idea of tweaking the stats of a lot. Someone surely will though.

Fred
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on January 25, 2012, 07:31:07 PM
Does anyone have a good Tire Texture and is able to tell me how to freaking put it on a tire?
I am about to shoot my model......lol, can't get it good looking.
Thanks, much appreciated.

Fred


........hope I didn't reveil one of my secret models???
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on January 26, 2012, 12:25:36 AM
Hi Fred.....

You know my answer: I haven't the faintest clue.
Maybe this is a question for the BAT help forum?
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on January 26, 2012, 05:47:00 AM
Quote from: FrankU on January 26, 2012, 12:25:36 AM
Hi Fred.....

You know my answer: I haven't the faintest clue.
Maybe this is a question for the BAT help forum?

Thought so too, just in case.......

BTW, have a look at this PPS link to download below, quite something interesting for Farmers, a real "green farm" in the middle of the desert. Unbelievable...... ;). Sorry in dutch and french only, but images are quite amazing, the rest you can guess.

Fred

http://www51.zippyshare.com/v/65706672/file.html
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on January 26, 2012, 06:11:46 AM
Hi Fred,

Thanks, this is very interesting. It is quite a curious PPT though. I see German, Dutch, French and English. Is it real or is it a fake?
If it's real it tells us: farming is possible anywhere as long as there is water, power and people (to do the work, but also to consume it), which makes it an optimistic message in my eyes.

But lotting this would be a stage 15 IHT lot, I'd say. A megalot of 20x20 tiles?  $%Grinno$%

Happy BATting! Does it proceed?

Frank
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on March 16, 2012, 02:23:39 AM
Hi friends,

It has been quiet for some time in this thread. I hope this post will induce some reactions though.

For the upcoming farms set we need farm fields. Don't we? So I have been working on these for some time already. I showed results before, but now that the set is almost finished I thought it might be the right moment to show what it's going to be like when the set is released.
I am considering to release the farms fields as a separate upload, because some of you might want to use these fields for your own farms.

In fact the only thing I need to do now is replace the not yet perfect Maize model by the final one that is being BATted by rambuckel from the RFR team. Then wait for rambuckel to upload her prop pack, finish the readme, and upload.

For the set I scrutinized all prop packs that I needed anyway for my farms set, so there are no extra downloads neccessary. The list is quite long for those who want to use these fields for their own farms. I guess I can do you a favour if I make clear in the Read Me which dependency is exactly needed for which farm field. They will be separate files in the upload, so you can delete what ever you don't want.
And of course there is an additional folder with ploppables available.

I tried to make all fields seasonal as much as I could with the available props I had available. This means that some fields have as much as 10 stages, but others no more than 6. And some aren't seasonal at all: the meadows, forest and tree nursery.

The crops have their Latin names, because I could not choose between my home language (Dutch) and our international language (English) so I chose the historic international language.

The Flower Fields
First I worked on Simgoober's tulip props. I made my own prop exemplars out of the models provided by Simgoober, because I wnated the tulips to grow in a realistic manner, that also looks good in game.
In rela life the tulip fields are not grown because of the flowers, but because of the bulbs. This n\means that the flowers of the tulips are to vbe seen a very short time, just some weeks. After that the flowers get cut off and the green of the tulip grows some more time. In these weeks the bulb grows furter. Then in the end all plants get reaped within a very short time.
So waht you see when the flower fields grow is this:
1 - An empty field.
2 - 1/3 of the green tulip plants show up.
3 - 2/3 of the green shos up.
4 - The field is full of green tulip plants.
5 - 1/3 of the flowers show up.
6 - 2/3 of the flowers.
7 - All flowers.
8 - Flowers are cut off, the green remains.
9 - All is reaped, an empty field remains.
The cycle is one year.
For the fun and beauty of the flowers I made the time that the flowers show much longer than in real life, because otherwise we would be looking at an empty farm field for too long.

Simgoober made seven colours, so I have seven flowers. I tried to find a name of a real existing variety that matches the colour.

Here they are:

Tulipa Golden Apeldoorn
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farm%2520Lots%2520-%2520growables%2FFarmFieldsstagesTulipaGoldenApeldoorn.jpg&hash=94b5bbb327bb957d36664548c6ca7436834467ba)

Tulipa Joffre
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farm%2520Lots%2520-%2520growables%2FFarmFieldsstagesTulipaJoffre.jpg&hash=5015da149352c8de63f815503ee8d8553916eb1f)

Tulipa Maureen
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farm%2520Lots%2520-%2520growables%2FFarmFieldsstagesTulipaMaureen.jpg&hash=138921b530da136e55a9298779f9d816e3fca0a9)

Tulipa Menton
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farm%2520Lots%2520-%2520growables%2FFarmFieldsstagesTulipaMenton.jpg&hash=3677b1f427ef3fdbf909f111ca0906018553e1e8)

Tulipa Ollioules
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farm%2520Lots%2520-%2520growables%2FFarmFieldsstagesTulipaOllioules.jpg&hash=bb5b15112cab99053dbfb7619f9f03624d7519f9)

Tulipa Orange Bouquet
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farm%2520Lots%2520-%2520growables%2FFarmFieldsstagesTulipaOrangeBouquet.jpg&hash=413c62cd118d4ac8cd914a7bcfe60994d8b8def8)

Tulipa Shirley
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farm%2520Lots%2520-%2520growables%2FFarmFieldsstagesTulipaShirley.jpg&hash=93352601a31920b3db2be9ab8fa8d5926d1d1844)

The Seasonal Fields
Many props by Simgoober and SimPeg (from the SPAM) are useful for seasonal props. I also liked some props from several other prop packs. Because I wanted the crops to grow in my own way I made new prop exemplars for the used models. Your plugins list will show a lot of FvU_* props when you add this set!

The following crops have two stages: first the youg crop grows and over it (mostly about 1 meter higher) another prop grows to resemble the full grown crop.

Aspagargus Officinalis (Asparagus
)(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farm%2520Lots%2520-%2520growables%2FFarmFieldsstagesAsparagus.jpg&hash=e459b76714fc30fba466c5fb253523000535d35a)

Beta Vulgaris (Sugarbeet)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farm%2520Lots%2520-%2520growables%2FFarmFieldsstagesBeta.jpg&hash=94e9678728c10b3248e51692e0c83844b4aeae65)

Brassica Oleracea (Brussles sprout)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farm%2520Lots%2520-%2520growables%2FFarmFieldsstagesBrassica.jpg&hash=35458703a32d53f5ed076c0e067ab8b8f3c9d26d)

Cucurbita Ficifolia (Pumpkin)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farm%2520Lots%2520-%2520growables%2FFarmFieldsstagesCucurbita.jpg&hash=398d67b59d551c3801dd13ded84107b8745a05d7)

Rheum Rhabarbarum (Rhubarb)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farm%2520Lots%2520-%2520growables%2FFarmFieldsstagesRheum.jpg&hash=993c27657ce37ee1313f0b6f366dd6859e1d89c9)

Solanum Tuberosum (Potato)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farm%2520Lots%2520-%2520growables%2FFarmFieldsstagesSolanum.jpg&hash=4707edc2f10f94b9372e79ac970d659f1c53af18)

The following two fields have three stages.

Triticum Aestivum (Wheat)
A low young crop, a medium crop and a full grown crop.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farm%2520Lots%2520-%2520growables%2FFarmFieldsstagesTriticum.jpg&hash=d59ef49c1cfb84f5ae8cce6ce88196370d746cb0)

Zea Mays (Maize)
A young crop, a full grown crop and the remaining stubbs after reaping.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farm%2520Lots%2520-%2520growables%2FFarmFieldsstagesZeaMays.jpg&hash=8439532efded5d72e90abff25b918951cfb20219)

The following fields have different crops with less stages. Some of them remain visible the whole year: either green or yellow, existing or not existing, carying fruit or bare... Depending on what I had.

Humulus Lupulus (Hops)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farm%2520Lots%2520-%2520growables%2FFarmFieldsstagesHumulus.jpg&hash=9befe698d799eff894a673d864465af0e452650c)

Malus (Elstar) (Apple (this time no Steve Jobs involved))
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farm%2520Lots%2520-%2520growables%2FFarmFieldsstagesMalus.jpg&hash=70dd4f0d26e08f3b7eed0bd670d7c44da998680a)

Ribes Rubrum (Red currant)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farm%2520Lots%2520-%2520growables%2FFarmFieldsstagesRibesRubrum.jpg&hash=c8d666389f960e338a6534ed5fac7818e114d2de)

Rubus Fruticosus (Blackberry)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farm%2520Lots%2520-%2520growables%2FFarmFieldsstagesRubusfruticosus.jpg&hash=c98f226093e9e8534df91658377382f405668dd1)

Rubus Idaeus (Raspberry)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farm%2520Lots%2520-%2520growables%2FFarmFieldsstagesRubusIdaeus.jpg&hash=e30fa1fd6dcc3c976833645e077759ed0dc12688)

Non Seasonal Fields

Some fields are not seasonal: the meadows look the same all year round. Not very realistic, but what can I do? We need seasonal textures for this, or flat props that cover a whole tile. If someone feels like working on these I will make farm fields out of them! I considered to make the fields seasonal by adding Chirsadam's grass props, but that would be too unrealisitc in the end, I thought.
The forest is not seasonal too. Although there are many seasonal trees in my dependency packs (CP!) I can not use them on these farm field, because the fields are filled with prop families, otherwise the result would be too repetitive.
And the tree nursery has no seasonal effect, because conifers don't loose their needles/leaves in our climate.

Hortum Arboribus (tree nursery)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farm%2520Lots%2520-%2520growables%2FFarmFieldsstagesHortumArboribus.jpg&hash=d5259b79101ee76d8fc314ae0fe860fe61014d4d)

Pratum 1 (Meadow, SPAM texture)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farm%2520Lots%2520-%2520growables%2FFarmFieldsstagesPratum1.jpg&hash=e256739d090b9f253cc7f8840675ef6b4d0f8a78)

Pratum 2 (Meadow, CP texture)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farm%2520Lots%2520-%2520growables%2FFarmFieldsstagesPratum2.jpg&hash=c08a9aff7cf97520ec29db612e379c930799a6c6)

Pratum3 (Meadow, Maxis texture)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farm%2520Lots%2520-%2520growables%2FFarmFieldsstagesPratum3.jpg&hash=323dd0a626234e95d368ca288c239401762a2a86)

Silva (Forest)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farm%2520Lots%2520-%2520growables%2FFarmFieldsstagesSilva.jpg&hash=cd521c535186c373116ba3c89ba8eb29e0b2a2da)

That's all folks. Comments are welcome!
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: Kergelen on March 16, 2012, 03:39:55 AM
Wow!!
Incredible fields and very well designed, with many details.
You are doing a huge and impressive farming lots. &apls &apls
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: gn_leugim on March 16, 2012, 12:27:12 PM
Amazing!! where can I get them?  ;D ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on March 17, 2012, 11:09:22 AM
Wonderful! The non-seasonal fields are just fine too. Don't worry about them not being wonderful.

I am about to finish the Part one of the models, the mainbuildings. Hopefully at the latest on monday, I will post them here and send you the propfiles.
I hope you will have time to look at them seriously, Frank, because I only quickly tested them. Thanks


Fred
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mave94 on March 17, 2012, 01:16:16 PM
Those farm fields looks great! I like the way you've made them seasonal.
It'll be a great addition.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on March 18, 2012, 01:04:01 PM
I decided to release the fields as a separate pack, meaning that the Dutch Farms Set will have another dependency  :( .
But this is more friendly towards people who want to use my fields for their own farms, but don;t want my farms.
I am working on the read me at this moment (well, within 15 minutes anyway). The wait is for Rambucke to finsish her maize props and to upload the prop pack to the STEX or Simkurier, so that all of you can download this file.
This may take a while, though, because rambuckel is buying herself a house....

And Fred: when your props arrive I will not only look at them, but also scrutinize them as good as I can and if something is wrong with them I will..... I will.... send you feedback and hope you can repair whatever it was that was wrong. But I guess that all will be fine and then I'll finish the lots!

And thanks for the compliments!
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on March 19, 2012, 08:00:40 PM
Ok Frank, you mean to tell us that we have a choice to use or not to use your new fields, right? I guess the farmset you'll make will grow with regular fields, maxis or others and we don't need that dependency?

Just to make that clear.

For myself, no problem, you can be sure that these fields above will find a place in my Plugins for sure! ;)

You'll get the first Proppack before next weekend, sorry, I was away for the weekend, on wife's order.......   &mmm

Fred
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on March 20, 2012, 03:10:13 AM
No no! My farms will use only my own fields. So they are a dependency.

Rambuckel sent me the final props today, so the set can be ready within a week. We just need to wait until the props are uploaded!

Publising is at hand....

The farms set will have to wait a bit though.
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: gn_leugim on March 20, 2012, 06:20:40 AM
good news :)  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on March 25, 2012, 09:01:18 PM
I finished the set. Almost.

There was just one thing I had to change and that was the Maize Field.

This is the new image
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farm%2520Lots%2520-%2520growables%2FFarmFieldsstagesZeaMays-1.jpg&hash=6d55473cf0b333a67290fa20a76140296b10a023)

So what did I change? And why?
The Maize Rambuckel made especially on my request is beautiful. On a larger field, though, you could see the repetition a bit too much to my taste, so Rambuckel and I decided that I make small variations of the prop by rotating it in all four directions. For this I made three clones of the s3d files of the original model. These three clones were rotated with Cogeo's Models Tweaker. Then I added everything to the field.
(you can imagine that I am proud of the fact that I can do all this and so want to show off a bit)

Because I now have four props of the full grown Maize I changed the field so that indeed there are four steps of one week each in which a crop grows.
So that's it.
You like the result?

Now I have to wait for Framly to upload the files for you to download them. Then I have to edit the Readme file, check everything and upload the bunch.

So wait just a little bit more!
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: RickD on March 26, 2012, 02:32:25 AM
It sure was a lot of work but the result is great. The plants grow in rows like on a real farm field but not uniform.
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: gn_leugim on March 26, 2012, 03:18:47 AM
That was a good idea. You could also scale it slightly to add more variety, or export the fsh and import new ones, with different hue values I guess :)
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: rambuckel on March 26, 2012, 08:12:26 AM
That's a really presentable result! Thanks for your patience :)

Theresa
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: noahclem on March 26, 2012, 11:17:10 AM
That's really an excellent collaboration  &apls  The result definitely does not look repetitive and I'll look forward to the availability of the download. Great work  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on April 09, 2012, 12:32:56 PM
I hope you will find out it was worth waiting for.

The set of Dutch Farm Fields is finally available on the STEX (http://community.simtropolis.com/files/file/27456-franku-dutch-farm-fields/).

I hope I can get some sleep now!
Let me please hear if something bothers you, is inappropriate or incorrect. I will then rework and re-upload the set as soon as possible.
I did my best and hope all is well, but I am not such a good scrutinizer and it's not hard to overlook some detail in a set like this.

And now onto the Farms Set!

FrankU
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: gn_leugim on April 10, 2012, 01:50:16 AM
Nicely done  &apls &apls &apls
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on April 15, 2012, 08:37:20 AM
Hey FrankU,

I am sorry that I sent you the picturs in zipx file. I have no idea why my freaking zip program makes zipx files all of sudden, even myself I cannot open them.....strange or what?

Anyways, I have decided to show the Staphorsts here. Like I said in the p-message, these are about 10% advanced, nothing is final and everything is still experimental, but I don't know if I will like where I am going with this. Textures and details are not to be considered , I only tried some on to see the model with more colours.
The model itself seems to look ok in the gmax, once rendered it doesn't have the same look. Maybe it is the Maxis view of angle that does it.
Do you want me to continue this project or do I abandon it? Maybe a shorter version will look better? Let me know, and you decided to continue, I will try my best. ;)


Fred

[img=http://www27.zippyshare.com/thumb/31256431/file.html]http://[/img] (http://www27.zippyshare.com/v/31256431/file.html)

[img=http://www27.zippyshare.com/thumb/94888375/file.html][/img] (http://www27.zippyshare.com/v/94888375/file.html)

[img=http://www27.zippyshare.com/thumb/41219463/file.html]http://[/img] (http://www27.zippyshare.com/v/41219463/file.html)

[img=http://www27.zippyshare.com/thumb/66404428/file.html][/img] (http://www27.zippyshare.com/v/66404428/file.html)
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on April 16, 2012, 02:20:59 AM
Hi Fred,

Well.... to be honest. I will never ever say to you: don't continue, give up! It's completely up to you, considering your own personal mix of fun, time and perseverance.
But if you choose to continue, I beg you to do one thing: make the planes of the roof flat! You made them curved, but in principle the roof planes are flat. They might look a bit curved here and there, but that is because of the imperfections in the houses. With these curves you will never get them Dutch, because nowhere there are curved roofs on Dutch farms. So this will make the modelling a lot easier, no?
If you can give your roof this saddle-shape it will look fantastic, but even if you make the roof straight it might become a very beautiful object as long as you can get the facades, the brick and the thatch right.
So, consider your options.

But great effort already. Good!
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on April 16, 2012, 06:29:36 PM
I had a closer look at those pictures i have from you FrankU and......maybe I should have put on my glasses before, but I could have sworn that the roof of the Staphorst was a saddleback shape....but it ain't. Sorry 'bout that. I guess that this will make it easier for me to BAT now......lol.
But..........

On second though, I will keep that building for myself as an older barn that has done its time, use old planks on it and make some holes in the roof covered with wooden shingles.

Fred
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on April 17, 2012, 12:26:27 AM
Yeah, sure! Never throw anything away until you are sure it is worthless. The shape is definitely useful for something else.
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mike3775 on April 17, 2012, 06:20:18 PM
Quote from: FrankU on April 09, 2012, 12:32:56 PM
I hope you will find out it was worth waiting for.

The set of Dutch Farm Fields is finally available on the STEX (http://community.simtropolis.com/files/file/27456-franku-dutch-farm-fields/).

I hope I can get some sleep now!
Let me please hear if something bothers you, is inappropriate or incorrect. I will then rework and re-upload the set as soon as possible.
I did my best and hope all is well, but I am not such a good scrutinizer and it's not hard to overlook some detail in a set like this.

And now onto the Farms Set!

FrankU

I finally got around to downloading this and installing it today Frank.  Awesome job, its nice getting some variety in farms now, thanks to people like you and Goober and mrbisonm. 
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: RickD on April 18, 2012, 03:50:24 AM
What Mike said. I played around with the farm fields last weekend and they are excellent.  &apls
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on April 18, 2012, 04:06:55 AM
Hi Mike and Raphael,

Thanks for the reactions.

Carl/Lowkee33 advised me to put off the shadows of the props in order to make the game less slow on large farm areas. What is your experience? Do my farm fields slow down the game?
I think I will include shadowless props in an update. In this update there will be certain props without shadows and cerrtain props with shadows. But I will add shadowed and shadowless versions of all available props, so that everyone can choose their own preference. As you probably know it's very simple to put off the shadows. It's a small edit in the exemplar file. In fact I edited all available props this morning during one cup of coffe, so the shadowless props are already on my HD. What do you think?

If there is anything else, please let me know. I want to make them as good as possible.
Just don't ask for diagonal versions. I am not going to make them, at least not this year!

Frank
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: RickD on April 18, 2012, 05:10:35 AM
I can not comment on the performance yet. I have not yet built a large farming area with them. My rural town is still dependend on the IR jobs. I will replace the grown farms with your plopabble fields step by step.
With small fields I did not notice a slowdown while scrolling. But my farming tiles already do take ages to load. If the shadows would make this even longer, then I would also support Carl and say "turn the shadows off".

There are only two things I am trying to modify, but this is to my personal preference only: I want to get rid of the flower fields as they do not fit into my region. And I will try if I can manage to move the icons towards the end of the park menu. I do not build farms very often so it is a bit inconvinient to have them at the beginning.
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mike3775 on April 18, 2012, 05:51:39 AM
I have not noticed any slowdown on my system, but I also have 8 gigs of ram and usually the only time SC4 slows down much is when I make a farm field to big(like 1/4 of a large city tile). 

But the lots look great in my game
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on April 18, 2012, 07:21:54 AM
I myself couldn't make a useful comment on the fieldprops yet simply because I haven't had the time to try them out yet, but I know this for sure, if those fieldprops have shadows, it is most likely to slow down somehow the gameplay.

I am glad to know that you're gonna change the shadows that we can't really appreciate anyways. One thing for sure, they look great for as much as I have seen. ;)



And here is proof that I am still working on the project.....

Fred

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg15.imageshack.us%2Fimg15%2F6896%2Fbarnmodel24.jpg&hash=b19b69d5b4a7e0a04efc44906aa8b050f8bbf815)
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on April 18, 2012, 07:56:43 AM
Quote from: RickD on April 18, 2012, 05:10:35 AM
There are only two things I am trying to modify, but this is to my personal preference only: I want to get rid of the flower fields as they do not fit into my region. And I will try if I can manage to move the icons towards the end of the park menu. I do not build farms very often so it is a bit inconvinient to have them at the beginning.
Hi Raphael,
Getting rid of the flower fields is just a matter of deleting teh subfolder "Tulipa".
Changing location ogf hte fields in your menu is a matter of editing the "item order" value in the lot exemplar. You need Reader for that. It's simple.
And thanks for the quick feedback!

Hi mike3775,
Thanks for the feedback

Hi Fred,
WOW! looking good!
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: Jack_wilds on April 18, 2012, 01:43:46 PM
glad to see that you are still plugging away at the farms... it will be a good thing when its all done... concerning the fields, nothing bad to report or complain about as I like them well enough to use... and the crops seems to have a better 'growth' pattern as well... I like the flower fields and the cash crops as well...
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: Modernman74 on April 18, 2012, 03:31:15 PM
Hi Frank U
Thanks for the message.
Don't know how to put the picture on here from the SC4 album.
I have sim parcels appear as the tulips grow. I know all the dependancies are installed in the plug in file.
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: rooker1 on May 01, 2012, 05:22:56 AM
I have moved this thread here as well because it is FrankU's and mrbisonm's joint effort thread.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi901.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fac213%2FBSCLEX%2FFrankU5-12.jpg&hash=f6269170a036424c12b9e148e5a53a2b5c219071)(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi901.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fac213%2FBSCLEX%2FNexisWorks5-12.jpg&hash=9996a185a93e96c0bb89806d9f07146c56815cd5)

Congrats from The SC4D Staff!!
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on May 01, 2012, 07:37:24 PM
Thanks Robin, it is much appreciated. This is where I will show my models etc and, FrankU will show the advancement of his Dutch farmset.

Here is where I am at the moment. I am about to finalize and pre-testing the first Pack (MFP1-Set1, which contain the major buildings) of models that will be in Frank's hand at the latest next weekend. He will test them again, in his way, and then, if everything is ok, I will continue finishing and rendering the second batch (MFP1-Set2, which contain smaller buildings and other farmdetails).
The second part will be shown here in this thread, while they are being created, rendered, tested and send to Frank, who will also show his work on them as he progresses.

Hope you'll like what you see. ;)

Fred
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on May 02, 2012, 03:01:57 AM
Now that we got the attention of all of you I want to start this month with a historic summary and an explanation.

Why do Fred and I make such an effort in making these lots and BATs?
And where do we get our ideas from?

Well in short: we are fascinated by the rural world and we derive our ideas from reality.

OK, here we go! Read this "$Deal"$

A brief history of Dutch Farms

1.   The reason why we do this
Because we all know that people do nothing without a purpose it may be possible that you ask yourself: what is the reason that FrankU and Nexis are making such an effort in producing this farms set?
Well, I cannot speak for Nexis/mrbisonm/Fred, but I can surely speak for myself.
About thirteen years ago I got me a new job and I moved into the town I live in now. This job and this town are closely related to the countryside. Before this things like countryside and nature were just "that green rubbish alongside the highway" and I really could not bother about them.
Since 1999 I got fascinated by the interdependency of geomorphology, climate, history, economy and personal taste that shapes the life of farming and the countryside. There is nothing nationalistic or narrow-minded about my interest in the rural areas around me. I hope  :D . I just know them best and I could surely be as interested in the German, Czech or Italian landscape as I am in the Dutch.
And the fascination for SimCity, should I elaborate about it again? It's the way I can create my own utopia in my own computer, without bothering about bad weather, neighbours making objections, financial restrictions (thanks to the Extra Cheats.dll) and other real life issues. So everything that goes wrong in RL can be countered in SC4.

So the aim is to reconstruct realistic looking farm lots for your game.
Is that possible? I had to work with several restrictions that we all know so well.
First: the orthogonal grid. It is almost impossible to make farm lots with disorderly arranged buildings and props. Apart from some exceptions all models made for SC4 are orthogonal. There is one luck though. In the Netherlands we have the so called "Slagenlandschap". It is a landscape made by men. By digging ditches and canals they made the wet parts dryer. And because digging straight away is the easiest, these landscapes became very orthogonal. Take a look here:

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farms%2520-%2520history%2F01Slagenlandschaplucht.jpg&hash=573cdf72efb056518e694a602929bf94c131c467)

And

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farms%2520-%2520history%2F02Slagenlandschap.jpg&hash=2f814b432f6cacaea3a90e43e8eb85fe051cbd44)

The second reason is: I do not BAT. I had to draw the line somewhere and it is here. So I am dependent of the models that are provided by others. This is the main reason why the final set will have such a long list of dependencies.

2.   The land
To understand farms, you need to understand something about the underground: the soil, the water systems, the fertility, etcetera. I am not going to elaborate on it. I'll give you just some small facts.

The land we are talking about is this.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FPrent0003.jpg&hash=33a4a4b74f6e4ffa0c5e72bb9116258c3fb44eea)

This is the country today. When the first settlers built their dwellings here about 4000 years ago it looked quite different.

More like this, an image of the area around 2750 bC:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farms%2520-%2520history%2F04NLin2750min.jpg&hash=2881b7bb52c273e715e570a5f6ee3bb368ddc55f)
It was (and of course is) an estuary of several rivers, of which the Rhine, the Meuse and the Scheldt are the largest. Most parts of this area were marshy, wet, half wet or downright under water. Large parts were flooded twice a day (by the tide) or on a less regular basis when wind and storm threw the waters over the higher areas of this flat marshy region.
What did they want here, these settlers? Well, nobody will be able to ask them, and as they were not able to write we have no diaries or other reports. But we guess that the attraction was the fertility of the lands. The fertile sediments of the rivers gave good opportunities for agriculture. It was the same as in the Nile, the Indus, the Ganges, the Euphrates, the Tigris and other estuaries around the world. And like in all these areas our ancestors had to deal with the water. The easiest way was: build the dwellings on higher grounds. So there the occupation began and you can still see it in our contemporary occupational patterns. People think the Netherlands are flat. They are, and exactly because of that every inch of difference in height is important.

3.   The history of the Dutch farmhouse
The first dwellings archaeologists have found date back until about 4000 years ago in the Bronze Age. They were built of tree trunks and branches. As roofing grass sods or reed were used, which was available around the corner and cheap. The people put four trunks in the ground, laid four branches over them in a square, then laid branches or thin pine trunks in a triangle over them and then closed the roof with sods, reed or thatch.
A bronze age house must have looked something like this.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farms%2520-%2520history%2F05bronstijdboerderij.jpg&hash=1b7bf1af00f0ca66411447130247d57a3f6ea402)

And the construction looked like this.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farms%2520-%2520history%2F06BoerderijBronstijd01.jpg&hash=6e5bff4a3cba6b13940a223a6d0ddfe98aea062e)

In fact the basic principle of this technique is still in use, although since the 1960's concrete and steel took over the traditional way of wooden construction for most contemporary houses and barns.

A modern version of the traditional wood construction looks like this.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farms%2520-%2520history%2F07gebintenconstructie2.jpg&hash=3e94ae00ebc6feba66c43121c8465276dc95b9dd)

In every region of the country typical variants of the basic scheme developed, like dialects of a common language. But you can recognize the base everywhere.
You can see some typical shapes of traditional Dutch farmhouses on the next image. Later I will show images of real farmhouses. Maybe someone feels like Batting one?

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farms%2520-%2520history%2F08overzichtHallehuis.jpg&hash=4c93b81cdcaa6b297598f0f01f3eb0839f51ba26)

So the first farm houses were tiny shelters for a family. And their cattle. Because from the beginning the people and their cattle lived together. They could keep an eye on each other and keep each other warm in cold winters. I presume there always was some kind of fence between them, though.
So the people lived in the front part and the cattle and storage rooms were in the back. The farm was always built with the materials that were available at the time and were affordable for the owner. Poor farmers used wood and reed from the surroundings. Richer farmers could afford bricks for the walls and sometimes even tiles for the roofs. Often you see that the front is built with more expensive materials than the back. In the front, where the people lived, the wealth was shown to the outer world.

There always is a visible division between the front and the back part of the farm house. This division is important in understanding the building style of the Dutch farm house.

In the layout of the modern farm you still see this same division. The wife rules the front of the house and the yard, the back is for the husband. The wife does the housekeeping and takes care of the children and the personal food supply. She also takes care of the presentable appearance of the farm. She cleans, she keeps the fancy front yard with lawn, flowers and other beauties. She keeps a small vegetable garden, maybe some chicken and a fruit yard.
The back of the farm is a whole different story. Here you find the cattle, the haystack, the machinery shed and everything else that is needed to run the farm. The larger the farm the more sheds and barns you find here. This is the industrial part of the farm.
This division is shown in the next image.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farms%2520-%2520history%2F09Erfvoorachter.jpg&hash=d3fb15317d3c9979265779ae02092ad0d6eb3518)

It is not really a typical layout, but it shows the elements that can be found on the farm and their locations.

I have three examples of real farms where you can see some of this.

The original farmhouse is the lower left building. Here you can see the carefully designed and kept garden.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farms%2520-%2520history%2F09aAarninkswegerfvoorachter.jpg&hash=17b514fd2984113c6927056a47d6c6e58ce04392)

Here you see the horse area, the front yard and the obviously utilitarian setup in the rear parts of the compound.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farms%2520-%2520history%2F09cluchtfoto.jpg&hash=14b5c4841a78521583c83e6298d53a4683a9af06)09C

And here you see another setup from the back. You can see the flowers and shrubs of the front yard and to the right you can see the garden with a table: part of the front area of the compound. The contrast with the concrete and the clean area in the back is clear.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farms%2520-%2520history%2F09bErfvoorachtermooitezien.jpg&hash=553c0aaecc3b31d387ba7d3a198a8da7cf2761e3)

This is it for today. The next update I will show you some of the historical developments of farms and their compound, the increase of size and the way I used this for making the five growth stages in my set.
Todat there were no SC4 images. But these will come next time, I promise!

Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mave94 on May 02, 2012, 03:24:02 AM
Very interesting to read, Frank! :thumbsup: Keep on going.
I hope I can bat some farms sometime.
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: rooker1 on May 02, 2012, 04:23:02 AM
Very interesting read indeed and an awesome start to your month.

Robin &apls
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: noahclem on May 02, 2012, 04:59:29 AM
Great story, history, background, and explanation Frank  &apls &apls   Well-composed and a pleasure to read. Should be a great month  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mike3775 on May 02, 2012, 05:58:58 AM
Thanks for the history lesson Frank.   

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farms%2520-%2520history%2F05bronstijdboerderij.jpg&hash=1b7bf1af00f0ca66411447130247d57a3f6ea402)
A similar style house was initially built in the old west of the United States back in the 1800's as well.  They were called dug outs or even sod houses, and that is the biggest pet peeve many historians have when it comes to TV shows from the period, because 90% of the time, when homes were initially built in the midwest, there was not enough wood around to build the traditional wood homes, so they built into the ground.
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: kelis on May 02, 2012, 06:21:54 AM
Very interesting to read Frank !! I like the first picture with those Dutch farms...I love that landscape, when I'm in Spain I miss it, I miss to be in Assen with the bike walking through the surrounding. Assen is a beautiful part in Holland where you can see some interesting farms and the landscape is pretty  :)

Looking forward to more Frank and I'm waiting for that set :thumbsup:

# Jonathan.
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on May 02, 2012, 10:11:06 AM
Great Intro Frank, interesting, it even gave me some more inspirations, maybe an "add-on pack" for later. Next week I will have a first peak of the Staphorst homes that I have been working on three weeks ago, now finishing the first pack first. We will all see the details this weekend, ........quite a few, I may say. ;)
Meanwhile, Frank and I will gladly answer any questions about the project.

Fred
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: Jack_wilds on May 02, 2012, 01:06:37 PM
thats quit the history report on dutch farms... it also speaks to the dutch sensibility in design, method of working the chores and other rural cultural events as well; like the 'dutch farm progress days fair' which I like  :thumbsup:   as it has everything, good farm eats, the latest and greatest tools and toys, the goofy giant cow, the wayward parking, examples of husbandry etc etc...  :D  this years 'WI-farm progress' is in my county I hope to make it...
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on May 04, 2012, 12:36:47 PM
Ah, I suddenly remembered!

I once already did another history. It was about Dutch dikes. Take a look at this (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=5991.0) thread!
It could be nice for anyone who likes to read a bit more on Dutch history while Fred and I are preparing the next update.

Thanks for the friendly feedback, by the way.

Frank
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on May 05, 2012, 11:30:16 AM
I just finished the 4 models that have the LOD problems and I surely hope that THIS TIME I fixed the darn thing for good, because there will be NO follow up!......lol.... now, later tonight I will see to the other remaining 6 problems that FrankU found while testing, some offset and texturing problems, most of them easier to "fix". I might be a little late on this one, maybe Monday night. Sorry.

Meanwhile I have added another model, well more or less other texture that is. (Couldn't help it when I went through my "texture book") Hope you'll enjoy it, it's the M4-B Model. The M4-A is the original.

Fred

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg835.imageshack.us%2Fimg835%2F556%2Fm4ab.jpg&hash=d3ee0046f559998b4e26d352352c393e2c1545b0)
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: gn_leugim on May 05, 2012, 12:51:31 PM
OMG... I have that door texture :O

Now serious, it looks good, although both wall and roof texture look a bit grainy I think
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on May 05, 2012, 02:52:00 PM
Quote from: gn_leugim on May 05, 2012, 12:51:31 PM
OMG... I have that door texture :O

Now serious, it looks good, although both wall and roof texture look a bit grainy I think

I suppose you picked up that doortexture at the same place as I have. I didn't make it and I seriously cannot remember where I got it from, and I can assure you that I didn't steal it from you. ;)

Sorry for the "grainy" texture look on the last picture, it was done in a low quality, but the model was rendered in High resolution, don't worry, it doesn't look like this ingame.

Here's another one I finished.

Fred

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg155.imageshack.us%2Fimg155%2F9289%2Fm3ba.jpg&hash=4ba25e93f092d45162fc08f55fa5a48e0f29e9a0)

Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on May 05, 2012, 07:40:45 PM
...And before I go to bed, here's another one "repaired" and re-rendered.
This barn has an open-air side, as I have seen in the "Eifel" (near Holland) two years ago when I was checking one of my "Blockhaus" construction site near Monschau. I talked to the farmer for more than 3 hours, fascinated by the barn structure and idea of summer ventilation, since I am a "hobbyfarmer" myself.The idea is quite new and spreading over Europe. In the winter, the wall is covered with a transparent-like Canvas, easy to install and less costing as a whole wall, plus keeping the stable warmer during the colder months because it let's in the sunrays from the south side of the building.

Good Night, be back later tomorrow.......

Fred

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg100.imageshack.us%2Fimg100%2F9168%2Fm7ax.jpg&hash=9109c16a153788c60cb375368eee2750979bf91c)
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on May 06, 2012, 01:14:58 AM
Hi Fred,

The set is getting larger and larger!
I like the M4-B textures a lot.
The open-air side is quite common these days in new barns. It gives the cows fresh air, but keeps them in the shade. When the wind is strong or cold a curtain of semi transparent and semi air-permeable textile is lowered in order to protect the cows. This method is chosen because these days many cows stay in the barn all day. They don't go out on the meadows anymore. And it is a cheap way of constructing barns. I showed a lot of images of these barns in the beginning of our cooperation.
There is even a development that goes a step further. I will tell about that in my next history update, that will be more like an overview of contemporary farms and my SC4 farm lots interpretation of them.
The M3-B is nice, but I have three objections:
1. the roof texture is a bit too repetitive.
2. The glass strips in the roof are not following the rythm of the roof-sheet sizes. In real life this would certainly be the case!
3. The square thingy over the central door is blocking the green construction elements. That does not look nice.

Otherwise..... My hands are aching!
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on May 09, 2012, 06:35:35 PM
I sent the finished datfile of the MFP1 Set1 to Frank earlier today. He will test it again and figure out how they are. If any errors or other problems are found, I will fix them right away.

I will add pictures of ALL the mainbuildings in this set later this week. There are 27 models in all. I didn't include the Models M12, M17, M18 and M19 in this pack for the simple reason that I do not have the time to finish them. So, I will probably make a small ADD-On pack later.

As soon as FrankU tells me that the props are ok, I will start (or continue) rendering the second MFP1 set.

Set1 contains the mainbuildings of barns and stables, while set 2 contains the smaller buildings, manure, silage, machinery, and other stuff that usually can be found on a Modern Farm.

So this is what I have been up to the last days. Now let's enjoy the break and do an update for my MD........... ;)

Fred
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: noahclem on May 10, 2012, 03:27:17 AM
The progress is looking great  &apls  I look forward to seeing it continue shortly  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mike3775 on May 10, 2012, 04:41:52 AM
I'm giddy because I cannot wait for these to appear in my farming towns
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on May 14, 2012, 06:16:36 PM
Thanks for the feedback folks.

Well, believe it or not......the MFP1 Set1 (Mainbuildings) is now ready for LOTting and in FrankU's hands.
He is testing all and then start LOTting or whatever, he will keep you informed here in this thread. I will continue with the MFP1 Set2 (Secondary Buildings and Farm Accessories) and that shouldn't take too long, right after I finish uploading all the pictures of this set. Most of the models are already finished and/or only need to be rendered, others are in the making. I have no exact number of them, but we'll see with time. Be informed though that there will be quite a few, some interesting ones.

From today 'til Friday (sorry but I need that time to make the pictures and present the whole and my time is quite limited at the moment irl with springtime just pushing me with my jobs. I will show detailed preview pictures of all Prop Models in this set. The pictures are in regular quality, so some glitches might be present, which are NOT to be seen on the models in the game.

I worked on this for months, not everyday, but I spent several hundred hours on this project, having re-modeled, re-textured and re-rendered them many times. Frank was a great help to make them look as they do now, while having tested and tested them again all over several times and giving me advice and ideas to improve them. Thanks to him and his patience since he was waiting for them eagerly. I also thank all kinds of modeling/texturing tutorials that I found here on SC4D, ST, also on SimcityKurier, Simpeg and Toutsimcity, which I have been visiting in the last 8 months quite often.

The MFP1 Set1, or Modern Farm Proppack 1, contains 30 models, each with different textures and individual details. These are the Main-Buildings in this set, made of barns, stables and stalls.
This will be a Proppack only, which will become a Dependency for Frank's new growable Dutchfarms soon to come and my Growable North-American Farmset (Nexis) which will be done sometimes later this year. The DAT propfile will only be uploaded after FrankU has finished his farmset, giving him priority on his dutch farms.
Then it can be used as a linked basefile (dependency) for anyone's upload.

The first model is a Bonus model, not modern at all, but one of my own owned barns irl, that my wife Lynn saved from being teared down by me two years ago. Today it is fully restored and retinted with a red teint. It was built sometime in the late eighteen hundreds, something like 1880 or younger if I go by a dated journal page found in the dairyhouse walls dating to 1889.

8 MODELS

M1.3 is an old and worn-out wooden barn with a tinroof, which has now an aluminum roof irl and now looks different as shown.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimageshack.us%2Fa%2Fimg6%2F3392%2Fmfp1m13.jpg&hash=52b56a94e3f843c0dfac9288217890c8a05aa3d3)

M1 is a commonly found Beefcow barn, also sometimes used for Pork production. Painted green tinroof and beige tinwalls with a small office attached to it.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg98.imageshack.us%2Fimg98%2F4849%2Fmfp1m1.jpg&hash=989e04e38eece2e5ec55e26b22442b59ef2f8bdf)

M1A is the same as the above with different coloured textures, also all painted tinwalls and roof.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimageshack.us%2Fa%2Fimg201%2F834%2Fmfp1m1a.jpg&hash=20fe6d0d11ff42b9fd109cdffa3aaaf859fee86f)

M2 is a european style solid brickbarn with an extension, often seen on the mid-euro continent. These barns a commonly used as raising stock for cows, pigs and sheep, but also for birds, such as chicken, turkey and ducks/geese. This one has a worn tinroof and lightbrown/pink bricks including roof natural lighting. The aeration system is by the roof.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimageshack.us%2Fa%2Fimg269%2F6604%2Fmfp1m2.jpg&hash=8d2d7629451d8783eed1f777684d7af47c1d7a59)

M3 is a modern barn, same style and basics as M1, but with different textures and a minimum of different details, also a little shorter or narrower, if I remember right. Walls and roof are tin sheets or painted metal sheets on a wooden frame. This is a multipurpose barn, used for several small animal productions and storage for fruits, veggies and other field harvests. Some are even refrigerated. Mostly seen in Europe, but also in North-America since a few years.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimageshack.us%2Fa%2Fimg526%2F9967%2Fmfp1m3.jpg&hash=b60b7aef4fccebfeae3a4c429c86466c73cd354f)

M3B is very similar to M3 but with a few extra details and different textures. Plaster Walls and sheetmetal roof. Ventilation is on the sides and on the roof.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimageshack.us%2Fa%2Fimg805%2F6190%2Fmfp1m3b.jpg&hash=0a9f674fd59e66c57bac7cd0e4f6cb76c263222b)

M3C is again like the above with little changes in detail and textures. Dark sheetmetal roof and darker plaster on walls. Same ventilation system.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimageshack.us%2Fa%2Fimg546%2F1992%2Fmfp1m3c.jpg&hash=d690966ace72d8499820a18c443b52d2856cfe6e)

M3D is exactly as M3 except for the roof texture that changed.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimageshack.us%2Fa%2Fimg214%2F2816%2Fmfp1m3d.jpg&hash=e09c388f98152b8deb6fed7038b47d9d5c81eab2)


That's it for today, more to come again tomorrow. Hope you like what you see sofar. ;)

Fred
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: Jack_wilds on May 14, 2012, 06:39:20 PM
exciting and wonder-filled and nicely nostalgic, all rolled up  :thumbsup: well done, the hours of dedication will populate many sim cities everywhere when completed and lotted, finally released...  :)
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mike3775 on May 14, 2012, 06:57:57 PM
Absolutely amazing.

Now if I could only find a way to keep a region going for a long time instead of blowing it up and starting over all the time. 
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mave94 on May 14, 2012, 11:19:12 PM
This is good news for sure. Well done!  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: RickD on May 15, 2012, 01:17:17 AM
They are looking great. M1 could also work as a I-M or I-HT building.
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on May 15, 2012, 06:18:48 PM
Hey, Thanks again for the feedback and comments. And yes, maybe some of these props may and can be easily used for IH or IM lots like RickD said.


Today we're back with some more models of the MFP1Set1 Pack. More farm mainbuildings. It may seem to you that some models ressemble. Yes, some are not very different, but they do have at least some different details and/or textures. The reason for this is to give us a chance to build a building family with them and have growing farms with different looking buildings that have the same footprint.

11 Models

The M4A barn is more of a North-Am style than Euro. It can be seen in all kinds of colours, especially with red, medium blue and dark green tinroofs in the southern part of Quebec/Canada. The walls are either out of wood (painted or teinted plywood in most cases) or prepainted tinsheets to keep the costs down. Windows are simply made out of a semi-clear plastic film called here in Canada, Polythene. These barns are mostly used for cattle production or some as dairyfarms.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimageshack.us%2Fa%2Fimg268%2F1042%2Fmfp1m4a.jpg&hash=3f85e32bb3a20949a06f62956b51c1bbd9b2711b)

The M4B is the same as above, except for some detail and texture changes. I wanted this model to be used by FrankU for his Dutchfarm set, so I gave it a more Euro look to it, giving it a tileroof and brickwalls and more earthlike colours.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimageshack.us%2Fa%2Fimg196%2F7712%2Fmfp1m4b.jpg&hash=db76ed2cfb8a9c166630f0ab713e0b305f3a01cd)

The M5 is a different style and size, being a little shorter and narrower than its precessors. These are both Euro and Northams, all depending on the material used. This one is wooden walls and a tinroof. Can be used for Porc productions as well as for goats, sheep and birds.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimageshack.us%2Fa%2Fimg405%2F9573%2Fmfp1m5.jpg&hash=b83bc8d9db8327b36d80cdd09ad5a6e79846e40e)

Same as the above with different textures and details, the M5A is more of a Canadian style barn with it's aluminum roof and woodframe walls filled with painted on Polyurethane for insulation. Used for animal productions of all breeds.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimageshack.us%2Fa%2Fimg515%2F3518%2Fmfp1m5a.jpg&hash=f559ae6fb692d49787762588882f14503e7ac8fb)

The M6 series has a slightly smaller footprint than the M5 models, but is almost the same in general with different details and textures. This one is an all sheetmetal building, mostly found in the east to midwest part of North-America, both US and Canada. Again this model is mostly used for animal production.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimageshack.us%2Fa%2Fimg715%2F5742%2Fmfp1m6.jpg&hash=9da10da09e0c38520626314836e1d1762bebd902)

The 7 series is a whole collection of more euro-style barns.
M7 is mainly a horsebarn, but can be used for anything else, maybe nor for porc production, since wood is the last material used for the production of porc (pigs) because of the intense amoniak that derives from the manure and keeps itself "locked-in" inside the wooden structures.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimageshack.us%2Fa%2Fimg135%2F3544%2Fmfp1m7.jpg&hash=56c5feea22650b82a85888b1516a5248d5ddc095)

The M7A is a cement or cement plastered wall building, which can be used for porc and birds. It has no windows since both birds and porc are sunlight sensitive.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimageshack.us%2Fa%2Fimg193%2F2161%2Fmfp1m7a.jpg&hash=84f46aebb8596641b187da3dbdbc538c66a5f79e)

The M7B and M7C are the same as above, mostly euro style with different claytile roofs. The walls are also a plaster like material, hardly used in the northern part of North-America, but can be found everywhere in Europe and souther States of the US. Both models hav an open side which will help aerate the building during the summer and a closed side with windows. The open side is usually closed with a semitransparent polythene film during the colder and windier months.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimageshack.us%2Fa%2Fimg24%2F790%2Fmfp1m7b.jpg&hash=bf5ee7df1bc21dd02fa5481812c8b248cb7ebc10)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimageshack.us%2Fa%2Fimg441%2F8781%2Fmfp1m7c.jpg&hash=d9426f4bee9189805b6ad6b6b623c4e5be485a32)

The M7D is the same basics as the above, even though that their footprint is narrower and longer. Mainly made out of fir and sprucewood, somehow weathered by rain, sun and wind. It has a wooden shingle roof.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimageshack.us%2Fa%2Fimg42%2F2185%2Fmfp1m7d.jpg&hash=593c70d0e859952d5b089c575860a59381457b93)

The M7E is the same as the M7D, except that it has a regular tin (sheetmetal) roof. Both are used for animal production of any kind, except maybe birds and porc.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimageshack.us%2Fa%2Fimg19%2F8121%2Fmfp1m7e.jpg&hash=71608d6d1c0795ebddae2f6cbed245d834b70388)

That's it for today, I'll be back with more tomorrow.


Fred
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mike3775 on May 15, 2012, 07:28:36 PM
Some of those buildings look like they be bigger than the largest CAM farm imo(which I believe is 10x10).  That kinda worries me
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on May 15, 2012, 10:03:58 PM
Quote from: mike3775 on May 15, 2012, 07:28:36 PM
Some of those buildings look like they be bigger than the largest CAM farm imo(which I believe is 10x10).  That kinda worries me

The largest building of this set is not quite 6 tiles long, most of them are 3 to 4 tiles of length. I don't know exactly what size of lots FrankU is going to build, but I suppose that he will not exceed 10 x 10 lots. Frank will answer this more precisely than me.

Below are pictures to show you the actual ingame size of the buildings plopped near a Maxis farm. I think that I must have resized all of them 6 or 7 times until I found the "ideal size for them. It was quite a challenge to find an *in between*, because there are 4 or 5 different scales of farmbuildings Maxis only has 3 different scales) available and I wanted mine to fit in with all of them. I even opened a helpthread for the scale of my buildings to get some opinions. It was a real pain somewhere. ;)
But , I think I found the best one (scale) for my use.

Fred

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimageshack.us%2Fa%2Fimg811%2F6205%2Fsandboxcitymedium1.jpg&hash=46e35253f813ae87b6ba7945543aab32feceb56c)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimageshack.us%2Fa%2Fimg607%2F6346%2Fsandboxcitymedium2.jpg&hash=dbe5578fa463f2d37aa9c90a0b9f78738d5c2166)

Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on May 16, 2012, 04:45:09 AM
Hi Mike3775,

Yes, 10x10 could easily be filled with these barns. Especially the large Piggeries (model M2) are quite large.
At the moment the largest lot is this one: it's 10 tiles deep and 6 tiles wide. So you see: I limited myself a bit.

Quote from: FrankU on January 07, 2012, 06:35:54 AM
Meester Bison Biggen
Pigs are being raised by Fred/mrbisonm himself, or was it his nephew with the same name? You could have seen this one before.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farm%2520Lots%2520-%2520growables%2FFarmsStage5-0003a.jpg&hash=d54fe8892185662bd0ad6ae34f78aebabc08c819)

Frank
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mike3775 on May 16, 2012, 05:06:14 AM
Thanks guys.  I was worried because of the size, glad that they are not as big as they appeared.

Those buildings look great
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on May 16, 2012, 06:41:50 AM
Well, here is the next series in the MFP1-Set1 Pack.

7 more Models

Starting today with the M8 model, we get back a little to the M4 series, similar in size and style. The M8 has a tinroof and vinylbased walls, becoming more and more common on several continents, including Asia, Australia and Africa. So far it is often seen from the last ten years of constructions, in Europe and North-America.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimageshack.us%2Fa%2Fimg829%2F8907%2Fmfp1m8.jpg&hash=0f4fbfd0c3f849e174c0ee207f2cdf0a4c0f93e2)

M9 is typical European, used for any kind of animal production, but some of these models can also be found in Canada lately, especially in southern Quebec. Cement or plaster walls and clay rooftiles.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimageshack.us%2Fa%2Fimg571%2F8176%2Fmfp1m9.jpg&hash=5b259400857623380a326ebe9283dae1d0d804da)

M9A is for the variation's sake a different textured model of the M9, the little dirtier version.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimageshack.us%2Fa%2Fimg84%2F2951%2Fmfp1m9a.jpg&hash=2c3cbc3c017ea9a3c13b893328ed5e2941029fd0)

The M10 is my own barn, the walls are out of oiled Sprucewood planks and the roof is prepainted galvanized sheetmetal on a H-beam metal frame, built in 1998 to replace my old wooden barn. I keep my Meat producing (cow/calf production) Aberdeen Black Angus herd in this during the long wintermonths here in Quebec/Canada. It has a central "drive-in" where the tractor enters with a load of round haybales twice a day. The barn is 138 x 60 feet and holds at the moment the max it can take, 112 cows and 2 bulls. It has roof windows out of fiberglass to give it a light environmement inside without direct sunlight (filtered by the fiberglass). Window on the side are semi-clear plexiglass.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimageshack.us%2Fa%2Fimg823%2F8610%2Fmfp1m10.jpg&hash=a73681f61f4d4ca2e73e0c90ce14df666cce4386)

The M11 again is a typical european model for bird and/or goat/sheep production. My neighbor here in Canada has the same style, built 4 years ago, with a silo in/on the roof. He keeps and raises rabbits for meat, 4000 he has, I think. The silo is used for feeding-grain and filled once a month with a specially equipped delivery truck. Good for turkeys, chicken, ducks etc too, also goats and sheep. It has a galvanized tinroof and solid cement walls, poured into a styrofoamed metalframe.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimageshack.us%2Fa%2Fimg209%2F5504%2Fmfp1m11.jpg&hash=fe6778ac9404a3aba7597459e53132a08f987dc9)

The M11X, not really classed yet in my files (probably never will), is another piggery style eurobarn, which can be seen often in Central and northern Europe. It has a sheetmetal roof and brickwalls.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimageshack.us%2Fa%2Fimg835%2F8748%2Fmfp1m11x.jpg&hash=4e7f72c3b9ccf8eefba3726c9df51e6f117c8158)

And a last one for today, the M13 which is similar to the M11, but has an extra "office" or "medical" extension to it. Mainly used for Porc production in Europe, it can also be used for bird raising of all kinds.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimageshack.us%2Fa%2Fimg152%2F3392%2Fmfp1m13.jpg&hash=b5c6b6643377fdf3884eba4ce5122b41d59df280)

I will again be back maybe tonight or tommorrow with the rest of these models from the MFP1-Set1 Pack. Hope you'll enjoy these props to the fullest, giving the farm communities another dimension with some reality buildings. Thanks for the feedback, any questions?

Fred
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: RickD on May 16, 2012, 06:54:04 AM
I knew that this was a huge project, but I didn't think there would be that much variety. Great work!  &apls
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on May 16, 2012, 07:17:39 AM
Hey Rick, you haven't seen half of it yet.....lol. There's enough stuff in those packs to change the game's name from Simcity 4 to Simfarming 4. ;)

The MFP1-Set1 will contain only the mainbuildings for animals production farms.

The MFP1-Set2 will have all the smaller props one can think of to go with the MFP1-Set1. (silos, manure piles, machinery, sheds, haystacks etc) (under production and almost finished) I will start showing the pictures next weekend. (see picture below)

The MFP2-Set1 one will cover all the mainbuildings for Vegetable, Fruit, Flower, Fiber (such as cotton, hemp etc) and seafood production farms. (also under construction and some very nice and stunning preview pictures are on the way as teasers.

The MFP2-Set2 has all the smaller props (veggie machinery, flowerharvesters, fiber harvester, fishnets and fishfarm floaters including oysterposts, clam, lobster, crab cages and traps etc, to go with the MFP2 Set1. You name it, it will be there! So, lots of variety you get!

All this should be ready for the tenth anniversary of SC4. I wanted to leave something behind before I retire from SC4 one day. ;)


Just to tease you a little and make you wonder what these farms from the MFP1 set 1 and set 2 could look like, here's a little teaser. ;)

Have Fun with Nexis.

Fred

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimageshack.us%2Fa%2Fimg221%2F2082%2F6456y.jpg&hash=d21cbf1603c3d153c253128a3e052a849735afec)

PS.....hm....I wonder if FrankU will be interested in the MFP2 ? ::)
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mike3775 on May 16, 2012, 08:38:50 AM
Man these sets are so going to make an agricultural large city tile not be as repetitive as it currently is.  Its sure going to be nice.  You guys are doing an awesome job
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on May 16, 2012, 08:59:43 AM
Quote from: mrbisonm on May 16, 2012, 07:17:39 AM
The MFP2-Set1 one will cover all the mainbuildings for Vegetable, Fruit, Flower, Fiber (such as cotton, hemp etc) and seafood production farms. (also under construction and some very nice and stunning preview pictures are on the way as teasers.

The MFP2-Set2 has all the smaller props (veggie machinery, flowerharvesters, fiber harvester, fishnets and fishfarm floaters including oysterposts, clam, lobster, crab cages and traps etc, to go with the MFP2 Set1. You name it, it will be there! So, lots of variety you get!

PS.....hm....I wonder if FrankU will be interested in the MFP2 ? ::)

You bet!
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: vortext on May 16, 2012, 09:38:00 AM
This is turning into something spectacular and glad so. Frankly I never really liked the stage 5/6/7 CAM farms with landmarks and such. This will make it much more rewarding and way more realistic.  ()stsfd()

Quote from: mrbisonm on May 16, 2012, 07:17:39 AM
All this should be ready for the tenth anniversary of SC4.

Guess I'll have to make sure my region is big enough by then to get these lots to actually grow.   ;)
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on May 16, 2012, 09:14:07 PM
Thanks Mike and Vortext, glad you enjoy these so far. Frank, I guess you'll be stuck with me for the MFP2 later this year. ;)


This is the last series of pictures that will be found in the MFP1 Set1 Pack of 32 building props.


7 Models again

M13B is one of the smaller buildings of this set. This one is made of cementbrick walls and a galvanized roof. Can be found all over the world these days.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimageshack.us%2Fa%2Fimg215%2F1856%2Fmfp1m13b.jpg&hash=2c160a48b6a1d70139b5bdd0df3918dce8a358c7)

M14 is a strict brick barn, found mainly in Europe and it has a dark metal roof. Good for any kind of animal production.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimageshack.us%2Fa%2Fimg854%2F5292%2Fmfp1m14.jpg&hash=d587ae9570909a1a70040757232114a5c8d85f59)

Although different, the M15 model has the same utility as the M14 and also the same footprint, good for a propfamily.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimageshack.us%2Fa%2Fimg526%2F2333%2Fmfp1m15.jpg&hash=8f5801c37d1e24d061abf4092b722c0e0f807c57)

M16 is the smallest of the barns in this Pack. Wooden walls and tin roof. I suppose it would be ideal for small animal production such as rabbits, birds and maybe even furbearers.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimageshack.us%2Fa%2Fimg535%2F1530%2Fmfp1m16.jpg&hash=6161603c70084aca4d0d54ace9c79416962c2a5d)

M16A is the same as M16, except for some details and textures.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimageshack.us%2Fa%2Fimg526%2F6121%2Fmfp1m16a.jpg&hash=7d0c240c49cee531ddb7f9c655e628608d0515ec)

M20A is a typical Eastern Canadian Barn. These enormous buildings hold the stables in the bottom and the hay in the immense loft to feed the animals during the 6 months of winter that we have. They are from 80 to 250 feet long and can be seen from far away. Wooden Spruce frame and cedar planks on the ouside. The roof is usually made from tin or galvanized sheetmetal.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimageshack.us%2Fa%2Fimg18%2F2239%2Fmfp1m20a.jpg&hash=92aad38f651a1fdfcf8997157b4b829beb7193ec)

The M20R is the same as M20A, but tin all over.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimageshack.us%2Fa%2Fimg209%2F4961%2Fmfp1m20r.jpg&hash=0f5e8b0db85fd025e1380d41b9267fd15f0571b3)

You probably wonder why there are some numbers missing in between the models. Well, let me explain. I have made over 70 barn and stable models, many are the same models as the ones I showed with different textures and some details and many others are totally different. All of these aren't either finished, not good enough to upload or simply too much to include in one pack.
Example: M20B or M8D are the same as the M20 and M8 models, but with textures that I found not to be worth to include. M15, M17, M18, M19 and so on 'til M38 are not ready. I didn't have time to finish them and it would be too long to wait for until I do, if I ever do them.
I don't want to show pictures, because then some of you might want them and I always have that darn weakness, that I cannot say "No" if one insist. So, we leave it at this.
But.....there is one model that I will give to FrankU as a Thank you gift for being patient with me, once it is finished and he can do whatever he wants to with it, even including the modelfile in the upload.
I can see him now panting like a puppy for it, since it is a true old Dutchfarm with a genuine strawroof, the kinda stuff he probably would love. ;)

The model is far from finished and the textures aren't final. Whenever I have an idea I go right to my gmax and start building it until it is recognizable as such, because otherwise I would forget my idea and probably never think of it again. That is why I have more than 1200 started models in my gmax scene folder.....lol. :shocked2:
Hard to believe, but true. I wonder if I live long enought to build them all?. &Thk/(


Anyways, here's the "REAL" Dutchbarn, the M12D and soon a Laphorst home will be beside it also. (in the making)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimageshack.us%2Fa%2Fimg696%2F4549%2Fmfp1m12d.jpg&hash=00603e55d8dff9fec676c14c6e7f518ac5a77fb7)

I hope that you *Simfarmers* will all love my Nexis BAT farmprops and FrankU's lots. Be back soon with some preview pics of......hm ::).....all kinds of things for the MFP1. ;)

Fred
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: bat on May 17, 2012, 08:13:09 AM
Congrats on the first OSITM there!
And fantastic work on the models. :thumbsup:
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on May 20, 2012, 01:34:32 PM
Dear friends,

This is the second part of my Brief History of Dutch farms.
Here I commence with some background information. I also show you images of real life farm props that were the inspiration to Nexis' Modern Farm Prop Packs. And also show you some farms that were the inspiration to my farm lots.  And of course the lots that I actually made.

4.   The farm gets bigger
Like so many things in the world: the more recent, the larger the farms.
A short history of farms is shown in a compact way on this image.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farms%2520-%2520history%2F10ontwikkelingerfindetijda.jpg&hash=b918fa28b27848aaca56d2193f9beb8e412d2cab)

In the upper image you see that small traditional farm: a farm house (closest to the front), a small baking house, a barn and a hay stack. Oh, I didn't tell about the baking house. The traditional wooden construction and the reed roofs made the house flammable. In order to keep the risk low someday the separate brick baking house was invented. It is a small brick house just next to the farm.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FNederland%2520Boerderijen%2FBakhuisHO2.jpg&hash=61ab19d403c7d38805a9174524d22efbc54f8901)

Due to economic and technical developments it became necessary and at the same time possible (which of the two is first and which follows?) to increase the size of the farms. A hundred years ago a farmer and his family had maybe 10 cows. They kept them in the back part of their farmhouse. Nowadays we see dairy farms, still kept by one farmer with family and maybe one or two additional workers, counting 150 or even 200 cows.

The four sizes of the farms in the above image were more or less my inspiration when I started to lot my five stages of farms.
Stage 1 I used for just a barn or a shed with a farm field and Stages 2 up to 5 are comparable with the four images.

I have aerials of four farms that are more or less comparable with the setup on the drawing and comparable with the stage 2 - 5 CAM farm stages.

Stage 2
This is in fact not a functioning farm anymore. This is a restored old farm house which is now in full use as residential. As farm it would be too small to be financially valid.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farms%2520-%2520history%2FStage2-LuchtfotoBoerderij09.jpg&hash=3a0da52ee96f85c5898c3b465c8b3602ba244ab9)

Stage 3
This is probably not a real farm anymore. I guess you could call it a "hobby farm"; the owner keeps cattle, but the farm is not the main source of income anymore.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farms%2520-%2520history%2FStage3-LuchtfotoBoerderij05.jpg&hash=85d66fb120484e09e1ee66d27a9658c136e85240)

Stage 4
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farms%2520-%2520history%2FStage4-136_luchtfoto.jpg&hash=3c75e6ef8c45708489b5f7fc8c32955cfed50c79)

Stage 5
So you thought my stage 5 farm lots were large? After having seen this one and some similar ones I considered to make my lots even larger!
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farms%2520-%2520history%2FStage5-i_NL_IMRO_0118_BP20118006006-ON03_0003.jpg&hash=356adee1789a31f17cecdb66cfa7645d9d333de3)

The modern farm is an industrial system with a utilitarian setup. People tend to think that it was different in the past. That is not true. Always a farm is set up in the most efficient way people could think of and could make at the time the farm was established. There is always a logic explanation for the set up of the complex, the shape of the buildings and the materials they are made of.
This also goes for the question: why is the farm located where it is? There is always an explanation to this, but I did not dig into this subject because that would take quite some pages. And I don't know if you feel like reading about geomorphology too much.


5.   Dutch Farms and Dutch Farm Lots
Ok. So. Now, what to do?
You know why I do it, you know what is the background. Now on the results!

I have some overviews of the unfinished lots according to the four growth stages of the drawing. I showed these before and at the moment I am working on updated versions, because I have the Nexis  props already here. You have seen them too by now.

Stage 2
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farm%2520Lots%2520-%2520growables%2FFarmsoverviews-0001a.jpg&hash=fec92c6ad35e0a67159546226c88514423a89a41)

Stage 3
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farm%2520Lots%2520-%2520growables%2FFarmsoverviews-0002a.jpg&hash=46991fb650d32e022309b07d65da4384bd3cfaeb)

Stage 4
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farm%2520Lots%2520-%2520growables%2FFarmsoverviews-0003a.jpg&hash=be2c2862a7188425678e114ef5566a2523f9e659)

Stage 5
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farm%2520Lots%2520-%2520growables%2FFarmsStage5-0003a.jpg&hash=d54fe8892185662bd0ad6ae34f78aebabc08c819)


Now I show you some real life farms that were the inspiration to my lots and to the Nexis' props that he showed you in his last set of posts.

Don't we see here the Nexis model M8?
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FNederland%2520Boerderijen%2FLuchtfotoBoerderij04-kopie.jpg&hash=b91a9887926c064d49f7f8612d8277cff0d614e7)

And another M8 like barn.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FNederland%2520Boerderijen%2FLuchtfotoboerderij02-kopie.jpg&hash=15df364faa992a5153d25cb44adc196635376faa)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FNederland%2520Boerderijen%2FLuchtfotoBoerderij06.jpg&hash=3e01122d8a2538bfbd1311d38ae21e59208f4ec8)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FNederland%2520Boerderijen%2FLuchtfotoBoerderij07.jpg&hash=8c0b60a19fe988b3423051e547a6ac81d4920357)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FNederland%2520Boerderijen%2FLuchtfotoBoerderij08.jpg&hash=74101005be7ec11d5fc22e16adcc1517c89c7c0b)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FNederland%2520Boerderijen%2FLuchtfotoBoerderij11.jpg&hash=969e9fdd60ccecc6c5c40f560d9561192ad7fb9c)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FNederland%2520Boerderijen%2Fluchtfoto3.jpg&hash=f5651239915fd040a494b743a9b366d5a506ba7f)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FNederland%2520Boerderijen%2Fscanne10_800x600.jpg&hash=d8c6717ef733bda8401af632323748f882fe8f66)

And now: the end of history
The very newest development in barns as far as I know. These barns appear since about 5 years more and more regularly in the Netherlands.
A diary farm barn, made almost completely out of plastic foil, pulled over a steel substructure. The foil is half transparent. From the inside the light feels like daylight, but is a bit dimmed against too much heat. The walls are usually open. They only close when there is much wind or when it really freezes. The cows stay in the barn all year round. That is the reason why the silage storages are so large: the cows don't eat the grass themselves from the meadow. The farmer has to reap the grass and store it somewhere untill he can feed it to his ladies.
We call it a serrestal: litterally translated as conservatory barn or maybe better: greenery barn.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FNederland%2520Boerderijen%2FSerrestal.jpg&hash=3c03b032083dce404603a862e557fcb194459ea5)

And a teaser
In this last image I show you a typical traditional farmhouse in my area. It is built according to the rules I wrote about in the first history update. I will have some more examples with images taken more close up from the ground last week. The update will also be a comment on the last model Nexis showed in his last post.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FNederland%2520Boerderijen%2FWeijdemanLuchtfoto.jpg&hash=f39f40c5c35c215990bbc331802993bf0d06e98f)

Have fun!
And remember: Nexis and I are not yet finished. May is in no way over already.
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mike3775 on May 20, 2012, 01:52:47 PM
Frank, is it possible to make your farms upgrade on their own when demand is high?  We have buildings that upgrade at specific points, so I figure why not farms?
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: rambuckel on May 20, 2012, 03:42:13 PM
The illustrated history of farm estates is great! And your interpretation for use in SC4 is brilliant! Thank you so much for your efforts!

Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: jmyers2043 on May 20, 2012, 04:10:31 PM
Quote from: mike3775 on May 20, 2012, 01:52:47 PM
Frank, is it possible to make your farms upgrade on their own when demand is high?

Farms do not upgrade. That's the Maxis way (unless someone is working on a top secret project that I'm not aware of) ...

Quote from: FrankU on May 20, 2012, 01:34:32 PM
This is the second part of my Brief History of Dutch farms.
Here I commence with some background information. I also show you images of real life farm props that were the inspiration to Nexis’ Modern Farm Prop Packs.

I'm speachless. What a wonderful post today ... this project is going to be good.


- Jim

Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: lak47 on May 20, 2012, 10:08:58 PM
FrankU and Fred,

Let me just say you guys are doing a stupendous job. Fatastic. Just fantastic!  &apls
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on May 21, 2012, 08:51:43 AM
Quote from: mike3775 on May 20, 2012, 01:52:47 PM
Frank, is it possible to make your farms upgrade on their own when demand is high?  We have buildings that upgrade at specific points, so I figure why not farms?

I don't think that this is possible, the "gamefiles" for growing farms are not cenceived for this and that means we would have to "attack" the basic gamefiles, which is still forbidden by law.....or at least that's what some say.

Hey Frank, nice update and nice pictures of real life farms. ;)
I will be there tonight with a few models (the first batch) of the Set2 of MFP1, to show. Manure! Don't we just love manure? ;)

Fred
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mike3775 on May 21, 2012, 09:05:48 AM
That sucks, because there is so much that could be done with farming, which has already been shown not only here, but also with SPAM.  Its a shame Maxis didn't want people to make farm cities.
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on May 21, 2012, 07:37:04 PM
Quote from: mike3775 on May 21, 2012, 09:05:48 AM
That sucks, because there is so much that could be done with farming, which has already been shown not only here, but also with SPAM.  Its a shame Maxis didn't want people to make farm cities.

You're right Mike, it could have been a fantastic game for farmbuilding, but unfortunetly it was made for City building, otherwise they would have called it "Simfarms". But, let's enjoy what we have and make the best of it. ;)

I didn't find the time to take the "manure" pictures, had some unexpected visit. Tomorrow I have other things to do, so I will be back in two days or so with those first pictures of the MFP1 Set2 Pack.

Fred
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: weixc812 on May 23, 2012, 07:03:02 PM
Very realistic lotting endeavour  &apls
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: noahclem on May 23, 2012, 10:22:02 PM
Another outstanding history/agriculture lesson and some very promising looking lots  &apls &apls

Excellent work here this month and I can't wait to see what the last week holds in store  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: kelis on May 24, 2012, 05:22:56 AM
I want those lots right now  $%Grinno$% Great job once again my friend, your updates are very inspiring, I cannot wait to use those farms on my Dutch region !!

Greetings
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on May 25, 2012, 05:56:36 AM
Here is the first presentation of the MFP1-Set2, the smaller Props that will come with the buildings above.

Let's talk Manure!!

... manure piles, pure, good-smelling manure, mostly from cows, sheep and horses. Some smell "good", others don't. There is usually four models irl "available" for dry manure handling and storage, but I will do only the two most common ones: Conveyors and hydrolique pumps with piled manure.

First the conveyors. I have made 4 different models with two different varietes to begin with.

The first is the M22 model, a simple conveyor alone in the two most common colours, red and green.(Custom LOD's) Usually they are all the same more or less, in size and style, so I will content myself with one model/size only. (too much is too much anyways)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimageshack.us%2Fa%2Fimg826%2F8475%2Fmanurem22ab.jpg&hash=706e986821a3bee44d01ff50cdc2079bdf9a9592)

This M23 next model is with a cement/concrete drive-in base/walls that has become quite of use in the eighties and nineties, both in Europe and North America and also now elsewhere. The manure is stored inside the base without getting it touch with the surrounding grounds. That prevents the ground and groundwater pollution often caused by manure piles placed direclty on groundsoils.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimageshack.us%2Fa%2Fimg690%2F8418%2Fmanurem23ab.jpg&hash=5d7629a6cbde07ad7524185e5bb6cc9f9d4ddb23)

The M23 again with a smaller base, for smaller farms. One is full and one empty for variety.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimageshack.us%2Fa%2Fimg577%2F3976%2Fmanurem23cd.jpg&hash=419a8e581ba9e2314b76c91a5858edfc52ba46f6)

The M27 model is a combination of something like M30, the manure piles and M22, the conveyors in two colours, red and green again. Still a common site in North-America they are, but slowly diminishing with time. Mostly used for dry manure from cattle, sheep and horses.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimageshack.us%2Fa%2Fimg135%2F4158%2Fmanurem27ab.jpg&hash=53cb60ec8c2a0fe229ffb091c12a2ecb6cd6c56b)


And the last one for today, the M30 is just the manure pile itself in three different forms and sizes. These can be used with the M22 or alone by themselves and are LOD-friendly. (custom LOD's)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimageshack.us%2Fa%2Fimg32%2F8719%2Fmanurem30a.jpg&hash=285b67e7c0973ffdb2195cedf56b759c0c0db45c)

There's many more "manure models" to come, such as Pumped manure piles, covered manurepiles, within buildings and a whole different category later, the liquid manure such as from birds, porc etc. Coming the next time.

Hope you'll enjoy these models. These models will be send to Frank for testing later this weekend while I will continue to "play" with more manure and hopefully show the rest of the manure before the next weekend. ;)

Fred

Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mike3775 on May 25, 2012, 06:39:37 AM
I never ever thought I would ever utter these words, but "that is some awesome looking piles of crap"  :)
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on May 25, 2012, 10:43:05 AM
Here's another one, to start the weekend with some action in this thread.

The M28 is the way to storage manure in semi-liquid and dry form. The manure arrives by hydrolic pumps,(slow piston-pumps) most always underground from the barn/stable.
there are hundreds of different shapes and sizes of these square and rectangular models, but I only use this one to save space in my pack for other props. The round "pools" for liquid manure will come later, M35 or 37 I think.
I made a variety of 3, full, half full and empty, while the half full and empty contain a little liquid which is the accumulation from rain on these open-sky manure pools. The liquid usually is very dark green, of quite a special colour and texture, I couldn't find the right one for this on the net, so I did the most possible real life like texture I could. Unless I will have the chance to visit my neighbors before the end of this pack and take a picture of their liquid manure. My manure pile is like the M23 Model and on the old barn it is like the M27 Model.
The size is about the same as Model 23 (M23)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimageshack.us%2Fa%2Fimg28%2F371%2Fmanurem28.jpg&hash=7d3ddeeff71cdb8afcc152ba5d1a84ca3c192a13)

Be back with more soon and keep those comments coming, you're the one that will be playing with this, right? So let's hear it. Ideas and comments (positive and negative) are always welcome to help us to make things better and/or different. Thanks,

Fred

Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: vortext on May 25, 2012, 10:47:08 AM
That's some good looking sh*t! Sorry, couldn't resit  $%Grinno$%

Nice textures for both the manure and concrete, though the sharp diagonal in M28B looks kinda awkward to me and not sure what it is either; water or heavy duty agricultural foil?
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: jmyers2043 on May 25, 2012, 06:12:53 PM
Quote from: vortext on May 25, 2012, 10:47:08 AM
...That's some good looking sh*t! Sorry, couldn't resit  $%Grinno$% ...

That bat looks like crap! I couldn't resit either   $%Grinno$%


- Jim
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: bat on May 26, 2012, 03:09:38 AM
Nice work on the farms and new models!! :thumbsup:
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on May 26, 2012, 04:24:52 AM
Hi Fred,

Wow! I didn't receive the models yet, but after having seen the images I want to say this:
1. The models look great.
2. The greenish and greyish dirt on the concrete looks realistic.
3. The coloring of the manure is very good.
4. The shapes of most manure piles is nicely rounded and "accidental" looking, except in models 28a and 28b; there I see some straight egdes and sharp corners in the manure pile. That could be improved. I also agree with Vortex that the diagonal lines in 28b and 28c, the water's edge, look a bit awkward.
5. Why did you add the conveyors to models 28a, 28b, 28c, 28d and 27a and 27b? Isn't it easier to make manure pits without conveyors and then combine them with the separate props M22a and M22b on the lot if I want a conveyor? Or is making the custom lods so complicated that the models are in each other's way?
Separate props are always more flexible in lotting, because I'd probably like to use some pits without the conveyors. If combining two props of manure pit and conveyor in LE does not work because of complicated custom lodding I kindly request some of the M23 series without conveyors.

But all in all: beautiful!  &apls

Let's face it already, readers. I thought I'd finished my lots more or less. I fear now that I have to do some real extensive relotting once Fred finshed his set.
So if anyone is waiting for my set in order to start a fresh new rural region: please take the chance to build an urban region while waiting. Sorry for letting you wait.
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: noahclem on May 26, 2012, 05:54:36 AM
Yeah, pretty crappy looking  :D

Quote3. The coloring of the manure is very good.
Yes, healthy animals  ;D

But seriously, very nice work. And of course a fun topic!
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: turtle on May 26, 2012, 06:06:24 AM
[delurking]
Hi Frank & Fred,

Wow, awesome work going on between the two of you here. I love those models, and with Franks great lotting skills and knowledge, this sure is going to update the look of farming in SC!  &apls

Though, a little disheartening it is to hear it being postponed, because I am preparing a region for these farms. On the other hand, since I'm planning on rebuilding my plugins folder for the new region, which means it's litterally empty now, I wouldn't mind helping out testing them, should you need it.

A suggestion, if I may; why not make the manure piles as timed props - filling/emptying with the seasons? Maybe to much of a hazzle on account of manure?

-Thomas
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on May 26, 2012, 06:38:20 AM
Hi Thomas,

Seasonal props, that might just be fun to make! I'll think about that.
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on May 26, 2012, 11:12:14 AM
Thanks for all the comments guys, and I like the idea of seasonal props too, although I will leave this to do to someone else. This is definitively something I have no knowledge of and no time for.

Lets answer some questions.
True that the lines for the liquid rain accumulated in those tanks on Model 28 look a bit too "straightlined". I will work on that.

I will also work on those straight manure lines on M28 A and B.

I added the conveyors to have ready to plop models because it will not be easy to combine the two everytime because most of these props do NOT have custom LOD's, to save on the size of my proppacks. If I make custom LOD's for every props, then the pack will raise its weight from 25 to 35 %. That's the idea of my ready to use models. But there will be empty tanks available in the same proppack (not every model is shown here in this thread, gotta keep some secret from the players, don't I ?) ;)

The M23 will be available without the conveyor (not shown) and these are M23C, M23D and M23E. They will be in the Testing pack I will send you, Frank, on monday (sorry, can't do quicker, have a family pic-nic planned on First Connecticut Lake in New Hampshire this weekend.)

Quote from: turtle on May 26, 2012, 06:06:24 AM
[delurking]
On the other hand, since I'm planning on rebuilding my plugins folder for the new region, which means it's litterally empty now, I wouldn't mind helping out testing them, should you need it.
-Thomas

Hey, nice to see you "delurking", Thomas. What took you so long??? ???....lol
Maybe Frank will need a Tester for those LOTs he will be making soon, I'm sure that can be useful. ;)

QuoteLet's face it already, readers. I thought I'd finished my lots more or less. I fear now that I have to do some real extensive relotting once Fred finshed his set.
So if anyone is waiting for my set in order to start a fresh new rural region: please take the chance to build an urban region while waiting. Sorry for letting you wait.


lol....sorry about his, wait 'til you see what's coming with sheds, silos, machinery etc. I only touched about 5 % in my last updates of the Pack...... ??? Hope you're not discouraged. This pack will be ready more quickly that the first one though, most of the models are already in the state of finetuning and rendering and since they are smaller, they will render quicker. I haven't realley counted them, but there are more than fifty useful props.

Who needs other farmsets after that?
&Thk/(

Fred

Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: vortext on May 27, 2012, 09:35:42 AM
Quote from: mrbisonm on May 26, 2012, 11:12:14 AM
I only touched about 5 % in my last updates of the Pack...... 

Really?! Wow! Can we get a sneak peek? 
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: carlfatal on May 27, 2012, 10:52:10 AM
Hi Frank and Fred,
i wasn´t active for a while - so much other things - but what i´ve seen now is spectacular!  &apls
Thanks a lot for this brief history, this information was something completely new to me.
Only thing i can say: keep on Your outstanding teamwork!  :thumbsup:

Quote from: mrbisonm on May 26, 2012, 11:12:14 AM
Who needs other farmsets after that?
Me!  $%Grinno$%
As much as i love Your work, i´m addicted to farming during the times before agricultural industry came up. So Your retrospective is a big help for me to plan my new lots for oldfashioned villages and farming.  :)
Greetz, Carl
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on May 27, 2012, 07:09:10 PM
Quote from: vortext on May 27, 2012, 09:35:42 AM

Really?! Wow! Can we get a sneak peek?


There's already a sneak preview picture on the bottom of page 6 (last pictures) of what's coming up. You will just have to wait and see otherwise. Tomorrow I will have some new pictures. ;)

Quote from: carlfatal on May 27, 2012, 10:52:10 AM
Quote from: mrbisonm on May 26, 2012, 11:12:14 AM
Who needs other farmsets after that?
Me!  $%Grinno$%
As much as i love Your work, i´m addicted to farming during the times before agricultural industry came up. So Your retrospective is a big help for me to plan my new lots for oldfashioned villages and farming.  :)
Greetz, Carl


So am I, addicted to farming with SC4. There's a lot of good farms out there already, I like SPAM alot, and even jmyer's farms have that typical old north-american look.
You're gonne end up with a filled Plugins, if you stay around long enough until we finish this series and then go on with other farming types (vegetable, fishing, crabbing, fiberfarms and many others. ;)

Fred
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mike3775 on May 27, 2012, 08:26:08 PM
Quote from: mrbisonm on May 27, 2012, 07:09:10 PM
So am I, addicted to farming with SC4. There's a lot of good farms out there already, I like SPAM alot, and even jmyer's farms have that typical old north-american look.
You're gonne end up with a filled Plugins, if you stay around long enough until we finish this series and then go on with other farming types (vegetable, fishing, crabbing, fiberfarms and many others. ;)

Fred

Spam, SimGoober, jmyers, and now your stuff, have made me want to continue to have a farming city to go along with the commercial and industrial cities.  I am loving creating farming cities have less than 40K people in them and wide open farm fields.
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on May 28, 2012, 06:25:37 PM
Here we go again. More dry manure disposals. The first ones are the empty series, but there are more included in the DATfile, but they will simply be little surprises here and there. ;)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimageshack.us%2Fa%2Fimg16%2F668%2Fmanurem23efh.jpg&hash=4ed3be972b7eeb84895d6cc0b6b2c9bbab6c8427)

The pictures below are models already shown above, but which I have worked on to make them better looking. Some straight lines still exist but because of the quantity of vortexes I am using in these models, I will have to restrain myself a little here and there, otherwise I will top out the max MB's that I allowed myself for this project. That also goes for the blackish rainwater lines inside the tanks.
With a little variation of the texture I was able to make them better looking without stressing out the vortexes.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimageshack.us%2Fa%2Fimg838%2F6821%2Fmanurem28abameliore.jpg&hash=3838bd2ba408b331fdf92b0ca8c118454dcde847)

Now I will be working on the liquid manure tanks and the roofed and covered ones, not quite as many models as the last set.

Hope you like them because they're off to Frank for the testing. ;)


Fred
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: noahclem on May 29, 2012, 03:45:57 AM
Looks great to me  &apls  Well, as good as manure can look anyway  ::)
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mike3775 on May 29, 2012, 03:54:09 AM
such great detail for sh*t lots.  Whoever thought anyone would ever be saying a sh*tty lot looks great?
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: carlfatal on May 29, 2012, 06:37:21 PM
First: congrats on the OSITM! It is really well deserved.  :thumbsup:
I don´t want to compare Your work with other sc4 farming stuff cause i think it´s some complete new way. I see how much You´re in this and sometimes i think this work is some kind of science. So much research and background knowledge - wow!  &apls
And i have to admit: i´m in no way a specialist in this (not really addicted to farming  $%Grinno$%), only a little bit old fashioned. You´ll never will see real modern stuff in Waldey, i only try to build my dream of a world that´s nearly forgotten now. But i have to look in here cause i love the level of detail You both put into this. And Your thread is a place where i can learn a lot. Would be stupid not to be stunned by this.
Keep it on, i´m always eager for more stuff to read and see!
BTW: these manure disposals are stinking out from the screen. No really, i´m looking at them and smell it! Fantastic work!  :thumbsup:
Greetz, Carl
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on June 07, 2012, 05:22:26 AM
FrankU pointed me to a model that I have missed in the MFP1_Set1. Sorry about that, but there was a time when I was completely screwed up with my files. I guess I had too many copies and half-finished ones.

The model M8A is just another copy of the M8, except for some minor details and a different texture. Strange enough, it was made with Maxis textures. ::)

I will be back with many more pictures this weekend, concerning the second half of the "manure mania", the liquid storages etc. ;)
Poooh, it smells already..........



BTW, anyone has a nice texture for tires???

Fred

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimageshack.us%2Fa%2Fimg805%2F2478%2Fnxsm8a.jpg&hash=6c7abddbbea68bdfdd11752973fd82f5fe1583b7)
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on June 07, 2012, 08:13:03 AM
No OSITM anymore, but nevertheless worth taking a look now and then....

May I? =  &apls  &apls  &apls

Yes, well, after the last edit I guess the MFP1 barns set is complete now.

I can't wait to see your manure productions!
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on June 07, 2012, 11:08:32 AM
OSITM or not, (that was fun), but I badly need that tire (rubber) texture, have gone crazy last night filtering the net for a goodlooking one. I cannot finish the manuresets without it. Anyone has one and is willing to share???

Fred
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on June 13, 2012, 07:21:44 PM
I'm still on the project and so you know that I am, here's a little preview of what's cooking on my BAT.
I am on the liquid manure set right now, there will be quite a few of them also. Here are the first four, also the biggest ones (see last picture).

To start off with a covered model, which are becoming more and more often to  see these days, mostly because of environmental laws. First let me explain quickly how they work.
Inside the stable, animals are on a lattered floor. Below is a concrete canal that leads to a bassin(tank) at the end of the stable. Every ditch has a chain with bars that moves forward automatically or on demand, which will toss and grade the solid part of the manure to the same square or round bassin, where a hydrolique piston pump awaits. Once the tank's liquid rises, the pump automatically starts pumping the liquid and solid manure through an underground pipe to the outside tank. A oneway valve will stop the manure from going back.

The first model is the M74C which has waterpipes attached to make it more liquid when needed, especially for beefcow/horse and sheep etc productions, which often produce more solid than liquid manure.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimageshack.us%2Fa%2Fimg41%2F5417%2Fm74c.jpg&hash=6f2c33a9e809c66176adc41b388ad1d1196837c8)

The M74D is a newer looking model with a polished metal roof (Aluminum). Same size, different texture and some details added.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimageshack.us%2Fa%2Fimg37%2F1808%2Fm74d.jpg&hash=2641c0eb1a92e03a4d11b602db76185bfe2a42e3)

Then there's the M75 series with open sky tanks, same size as the above, starting with M75A, which is made with reinforced cementblocks, mostly seen in Europe and the southern part of North_America, where big frost is not a danger of forcing them appart. This model has semi-liquid manure, usually from any other animals than pigs and chicken.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimageshack.us%2Fa%2Fimg811%2F6786%2Fm75a.jpg&hash=f49080b933905841d99bedc1ccd680ed00162697)

The same model with different textures and some added details is the M75B, shown here with pure liquid manure only, which with time in warmer temperatures has some kind of algae growing on top. This is usually from pigs and chicken and sometimes from Dairycows which have a protein rich diet to produce more milk.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimageshack.us%2Fa%2Fimg849%2F5213%2Fm75b.jpg&hash=f592fa094674283f61224b844bf6f7853a7ffad7)

Sorry for the pictures not being more detailed, but the preview was rendered in low quality because I didn't have the time.

And here's a last one to compare the size of these tanks, which are the biggest in this set. There are 2 more different sizes with many different models and different textures to come.

Please be aware that these tanks in real life are usually build further away from the mainbuildings, probably because of prevention in case of......breaking up, I suppose, which could cause a whole lotta mess with nearstanding buildings.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimageshack.us%2Fa%2Fimg140%2F5601%2Fbarnmanure.jpg&hash=8fe640bfa001175900c15f40586ef3fd26e86f66)

There will be more this weekend, hope you like them. All comments and suggestions (including pics) are welcomed, remember, you're probably the one who will be using this enormous farmset. ;)


Fred
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on June 14, 2012, 01:58:43 AM
Hi Fred,

I am not sure if it is OK that I do the first reply here, because we are supposed to work together and show our results here.

On the other hand: maybe it's good to tell everyone that I have not seen these silo's before, due to the fact hat if Fred and I go through a reply and react PM discussion it would take very long to finish something. So we are doing this in the open. Everyone join in please!

I think the silo's are beautiful. But.... there is always a but and it's up to you Fred to decide if you want to do something with the but...

1. I think the silo's are very large. Maybe a bit too large? Especially in heigth? I don't know about other countries, but I know we have here in the Netherlands sometimes very large manure silo's, but I don't hink they are higher than the barns they belong to. So I think the same diameter, but less high would be better.
2. And the blank aluminium: how long would it be this shiny on a dirty and rainy farm?

But...
Another but, you say? Yes, but this is a but but, meaning after the negative but there is also a positive but.
But I like the textures of the manures and the silo's very much indeed!

Frank
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mike3775 on June 14, 2012, 05:24:21 AM
I agree about the dimensions right now, they do seem a tad larger than they need to be, but other than that, they really look great
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on June 14, 2012, 07:35:48 AM
Well, the size is as a matter of fact quite real. My neighbor raises chickens for eggs and he has some 250,000 of them most of the time. Although a chicken doesn't seem to produce a lot of manure, he still needs a big storage tank for them ,because he uses water to evacuate the manure. Therefore a big tank is needed and his is some 52 feet in diameter (approx 16 meters) and 16 feet high (approx 5 m) That is a big tank, but I even have seen bigger ones, some measuring over 60 feet easily in diameter.
That is why I have decided to create three different dimensions of manuretanks, although there are many more, but let's limit it to 3 for the moment. The ones shown above are the largest and only those 4 models will be in the pack. The most common ones used in Europe and North-America I will make will be around 30 feet in diameter, the medium sized tanks, coming up this weekend. And a smaller group for smaller farms or used as double tanks will follow.

There will also be 1 or 2 square liquid tanks and some "inside-buildings" tanks and manure, before I go on with silos of all kinds.

Fred
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: vortext on June 14, 2012, 08:23:20 AM
First of all let me say the tanks themselves are great, however, I do agree they look a bit oversized compared to the barn indeed. Or the other way around, the barn looks too small in comparison to the tank. Either way, they don't quite fit together though I suspect this could also be due to a lack of context. Perhaps you can show the two again, together with another prop which has a known size, say a tractor or something? That way we would get a better picture of the actual scale involved.
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on June 14, 2012, 10:51:51 AM
The matter of sizing and scaling has come up before and I, and several others, have tested and modified the scale of the farmbuildings about 25 times within a month. So, I don't think that the scaling has anything wrong. It should be a close as possible to what it can be.
I know that these last tanks are a little bit, but they are not too big. And if you go out into the country where big pig and chicken farms are, you probably see these tanks and even bigger ones. Of course, if you live in an area where no such farms exist, then you could hardly imagine the size of these tanks.
So, I included some real life pics of these "manure monsters" that we have here in central Canada, Us and Europe all over the place in modern farmlands.

Some of them are way bigger, but this is just to give you an idea on how big they are irl.

A common Dairyfarm..........

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimageshack.us%2Fa%2Fimg189%2F2330%2F1280704856iem2kc.jpg&hash=b3ce4808bf2e34a91f76b662e01350e3559cee35)

...probably a pig or birdfarm (chicken, ducks, turkey etc).........
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimageshack.us%2Fa%2Fimg823%2F8971%2Fhargraves600.jpg&hash=fefd92491fe6be0fdd03df9518292ccc35545199)

....if you stand beside them, you would feel yourself quite small....

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimageshack.us%2Fa%2Fimg814%2F4644%2Fmanure.jpg&hash=e6ccefb66edbc2968b4d7d9939b9e5202459e0ee)

...a very big pigfarm, these tanks are low but more than 180 feet wide....my model seems to be small compared to this one......lol

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimageshack.us%2Fa%2Fimg805%2F774%2Foctaformtank.jpg&hash=5af63d03dbe5f20023647d82342a85d7d61d55ed)

..and finally a last one, about the same size as the M75 above......

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimageshack.us%2Fa%2Fimg707%2F3517%2Fslurry20tower2020big.jpg&hash=b7768a958e47fc116034d0e8ea73b3bf4ebf0ec8)

I will throw in a model that I was not supposed to include in the pack. It will be a little smaller than the previous one and it is bigger than the medium sized ones. I have made this one for myself, but I will include it in the pack.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimageshack.us%2Fa%2Fimg59%2F2833%2Fsandbox237.jpg&hash=aa4ca3b918db484ea09692f51a2c3267f4c36c51)

Here are a few pictures of the models shown earlier, this time on a lot that I threw some other farmprops on. It will give you a good idea on how these bigger sized tanks will look ingame. ;)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimageshack.us%2Fa%2Fimg832%2F5628%2Fsandboxcity364.jpg&hash=b8f04ce92efb9d89375b95056d1f8b199cb0c681)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimageshack.us%2Fa%2Fimg28%2F5631%2Fsandboxcity365.jpg&hash=1b4004244b48383c4bd05a932817e5be97497f03)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimageshack.us%2Fa%2Fimg217%2F4758%2Fsandboxcity366.jpg&hash=bf65175a3a1224750352645250efdb18001fb9fa)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimageshack.us%2Fa%2Fimg72%2F4200%2Fsandboxcity367.jpg&hash=f76db93a6ed62f7b5247669398f20c188f6e13ec)

Btw, for those who do not know yet, I am a farmer myself, although my main profession is loghome designer and a part-time taxidermist (wildlife artist) for my freetime. I own a 900-some acre beef farm in the middle of Quebec's (Canada) modern farmlands with approx 150 cows or so. I don't occupy myself with it full time since I have someone to do this for me, but once in awhile I help and jump in when I'm needed. I see those farm "things" every day when I drive to town to my office. That's the reason why I love doing them in BAT. ;)

Thanks for the comments, they're appreciated.

Fred
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: vortext on June 14, 2012, 11:18:24 AM
Quote from: mrbisonm on June 14, 2012, 10:51:51 AM
Of course, if you live in an area where no such farms exist, then you could hardly imagine the size of these tanks.

Yep, that would be me. There're hardly any life stock farms around here. Lots of tree nurseries though, maybe interesting for Frank to look into?

Quote from: mrbisonm on June 14, 2012, 10:51:51 AM
Here are a few pictures of the models shown earlier, this time on a lot that I threw some other farmprops on. It will give you a good idea on how these bigger sized tanks will look ingame. ;)

Thanks, much appreciated. It was kinda hard to judge the scale with the models floating around in empty space. And compared to some of their reallife counterparts I agree they're still on the small side  :D
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: noahclem on June 14, 2012, 11:47:01 AM
Nice progress again   &apls

On the subject of scale again: the cows in the second to last picture are the same size as the cars  ::)  Something to keep in mind when choosing cows and cars for the eventual lots anyway  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on June 14, 2012, 12:59:15 PM
Quote from: noahclem on June 14, 2012, 11:47:01 AM
Nice progress again   &apls

On the subject of scale again: the cows in the second to last picture are the same size as the cars  ::)  Something to keep in mind when choosing cows and cars for the eventual lots anyway  :thumbsup:

That is another thing, started by Maxis. There are something like 6 or 7 different scales in this game and I guess, we have no other choice to adapt to it. Sims are taller than cars. Personnally I think these cows are good looking and sized, there's another set out there, which are bigger.
I hope that Frank will make sure not to park a car beside a cow......wait a minute.....why would anyone do this anyways?. ;)

Fred
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mike3775 on June 14, 2012, 03:46:46 PM
mrbisonm, with the RL pics, I take back what I said, and agree with others they may be to small not to large.

I live on the outskirts of my town, where farming is still done, but its field farming, not animals, so seeing those tanks around here is a no go. 
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on June 14, 2012, 07:57:42 PM
Quote from: mike3775 on June 14, 2012, 03:46:46 PM
mrbisonm, with the RL pics, I take back what I said, and agree with others they may be to small not to large.

I live on the outskirts of my town, where farming is still done, but its field farming, not animals, so seeing those tanks around here is a no go.

No, I can understand you, because some regions do not have that kind of farming, as you mentioned , and therefore you simply cannot know if you're not into farming and have seen or heard about it, even if it is in your neighborhood that you don't visit too often.
Example: I was building a loghome in Colorado this spring, been there 4 times and never really saw the farm they had, although it was in their backyard and some 1000 acres big. I didn't pay attention to the aspentrees that were growing there until I saw that they were planted in a certain line, all of them. It was a trembling Aspen plantation....what? Yes, Aspen (the tree) plantation. I was wondering what the heck is this all about, why would anyone plant Aspentrees which have no real quality wood, no real value and is even poorly rated for newspaper paper....Hm, the owner told me that the wood is used within 10 to 14 years of age for palettes and horse stalls. The only wood that horses do not nibble on and destroy with time is Aspenwood, because of its bitter taste. Ha! I didn't know that palettes are made of Aspen, nor that they use it for horse stalls. Another kind of farming.
I travel a lot, worldwide, about every two weeks or so, especially when I supervise the construction of one of th plans that I make. And being somewhat interested and implicated in farming, because of my own farm, I stop here and there to look at other nations art of farming. Maybe it's the curiosity that pulls me there or maybe I want to learn about it to improve my own farm. I have seen some interesting and totally different farms in Japan, New Zealand, Holland, Germany and even in South America. This gave me the idea to make these two Packs, the MFP1, which I am creating now and which FrankU will use to make his farmsets and especially the MFP2, that we both will be going into after the current set and which cover all kinds of farming.
Farming is so versatile that we could make a whole game about this without ever getting boring. The MFP1 will cover only a small part of farming, the animal and grain productions, but there are many more which will be found in the MFP2.

This thread sounds almost like an education about farming.....lol.
Ok, back to gmax if I want to show some more models tomorrow. ;)

Fred
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on June 15, 2012, 01:13:19 AM
Hi Fred and all others who care about this thread,

Yes it is a nice thread about Real Life farming and SC game bats and lots. Isn't that a nice combination? I like it very much. Next weekend probably I will have time to tell some more about the farm houses in my area that were the inspiration to my farms set.

But now to the comments on the manure silos. It was a very good thing that you showed us RL images of farms, Fred. Now we know what we are talking about. In my opinion though they support my remark that the diameter of your models are OK, but not the heigth. What I see is that these enormous silos are quite flat and usually not higher than the barns they belong to. So I'd suggest that you make the silo's less high.
In fact the discussion is not wether the scale is perfect, but more about wether the scale feels perfect.

The scale you used for this silo feels perfect to me:

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimageshack.us%2Fa%2Fimg59%2F2833%2Fsandbox237.jpg&hash=aa4ca3b918db484ea09692f51a2c3267f4c36c51)

So silos with this heigth and maybe a larger diameter will fit perfectly to your barns.
I am happy you are going to include this in the set. It's a real beauty.

And please let's not comment too much about the scales of the props. Fred did a very tedious job on choosing the sizes of his models and I think this is the best he could do. While lotting I am also fighting with this topic like all lotters will know.
I think the only scale problem we need to address here is the scale of props/models in relation to the already published props/models.

Fred, please continue!
I am sorry that I won't have time to work on the lots these days. Also my other thread is low at the moment.

Frank
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on June 19, 2012, 10:27:18 AM
The first liquid manure tanks have been modified as asked to a more acceptable height, although some of those tanks have a height of 16 to 20 feet irl. I made a new model (only one) that still has that height. All others have been cut down by 40 % approx.
I need an opinion on those please.

Now I will continue with those tanks, other models and other sizes (diameter). Should be back by this weekend and hopefully I have finished this series, so I can go on with the rest. (hay, silos, machinery, sheds, etc)

Fred

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimageshack.us%2Fa%2Fimg855%2F9673%2F434m.jpg&hash=58a431557a0ed4cda1c8b3bbc9faf334ab6cfff8)
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: vortext on June 19, 2012, 10:31:54 AM
This height seems more fitting yes. And strangly the tank now looks larger  ??? :D

Looking forward to the rest  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: noahclem on June 19, 2012, 10:41:40 AM
The new tank looks great  &apls  The scale definitely feels right--and I suspect is right. I certainly didn't mean to offend commenting on the scale of things previously--if for some reason I ever had anything negative to say about your guys' great work I'd prefer to just keep my mouth shut. But I don't. The combination of real life farming and SC4 bats is something really great, certainly a fun process to watch, and something I'm excited to utilize down the road.

Always a pleasure to visit here  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: evarburg on June 19, 2012, 11:21:33 AM
Fred tells me I should ask here : I am using his neat Nexis Farm Addons, but there is no TE piece for the paths. Would it be possible to whip one up ?

[.... drat, can't find the link on the STEX ; are they still there ?]
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on June 19, 2012, 01:15:18 PM
Quote from: evarburg on June 19, 2012, 11:21:33 AM
Fred tells me I should ask here : I am using his neat Nexis Farm Addons, but there is no TE piece for the paths. Would it be possible to whip one up ?

[.... drat, can't find the link on the STEX ; are they still there ?]

Now wait-a-minute.........I thought that you wanted one of the new farmsets that we have in discussion here TE'd? That is why I told you to post your request here, so FranK can see it, but now.........wait.....
You're using one of my farm add-ons you said.....strange, I don't remember to have made one. %confuso Could you please find the exact name of that lot, so I know which one you're talking about. I will TE it for you then, no problem. ;)

Fred
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on June 20, 2012, 01:51:07 PM
Hi Fred and Evarburg,

I don't know if I ever did TE a farm lot.... But I think I know how to do it. Please explain your the question.

I like to comment on the new silo though: it does feel better, it does even feel right. It could be that the other one was realistic and correct in scale, but I think it is more important that a prop feels correct. And I am certain the last one does! The textures of the wall and of the manure are very different, but great too!

Please continue, Fred!
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: jmyers2043 on June 20, 2012, 02:23:42 PM
Quote from: FrankU on June 20, 2012, 01:51:07 PM
I don't know if I ever did TE a farm lot.... But I think I know how to do it. Please explain your the question.

SimGoober used to have (or still has) some farms that are TE. The stage 1 bean farm IIRC. I accidentally drew a diagonal road through the TE tile and crashed the game back to my desktop. So I relotted them (about a half dozen). My two cents.

- Jim


Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on June 20, 2012, 02:46:17 PM
Quote from: jmyers2043 on June 20, 2012, 02:23:42 PM
SimGoober used to have (or still has) some farms that are TE. The stage 1 bean farm IIRC. I accidentally drew a diagonal road through the TE tile and crashed the game back to my desktop. So I relotted them (about a half dozen). My two cents.
- Jim

Thanks for your "two cents", much appreciated, Jim, and surely considered.


Quote from: FrankU on June 20, 2012, 01:51:07 PM
I like to comment on the new silo though: it does feel better, it does even feel right. It could be that the other one was realistic and correct in scale, but I think it is more important that a prop feels correct. And I am certain the last one does! The textures of the wall and of the manure are very different, but great too!

Please continue, Fred!

No problem Frank, I made 4 models of this tank (size), but I kept 1 with the original height of 18 feet. You're right, these higher tanks exist, I could even prove it taking a picture of my neighbor's tank, which is 42Ft x 18Ft. But as what is more "usual" in most countries are those 8 to 12 ft in height.
I also created 2 different models of the same diameter and size, but more than 75 % dug in, with a fence surrounding it. (see picture below)

I will have a "good" update this weekend and probably some files for you to test again. ;)

Fred

http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/engineer/facts/10-051f1.jpg


http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/engineer/facts/10-051f3.jpg

Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on June 20, 2012, 11:16:20 PM
Quote from: jmyers2043 on June 20, 2012, 02:23:42 PM
Quote from: FrankU on June 20, 2012, 01:51:07 PM
I don't know if I ever did TE a farm lot.... But I think I know how to do it. Please explain your the question.

SimGoober used to have (or still has) some farms that are TE. The stage 1 bean farm IIRC. I accidentally drew a diagonal road through the TE tile and crashed the game back to my desktop. So I relotted them (about a half dozen). My two cents.

- Jim

Yes, indeed. You are right. TE'ing also seems to have negative effects on trip times and congetions etc.... I don't really know about these things, but I did read here and there.
So TE'ing just for the visual effect I'd better noit do. Maybe I take a look into the BlaM overpass props and use them.
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mike3775 on June 21, 2012, 06:50:05 AM
Man them tanks are looking good.

Both of you are doing a great job
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on June 24, 2012, 05:53:48 AM
Houston...Houston....Come in, come in.... We got a problem.....  ()what()  :-[  :'(

I was remaking all my lots these days. Not relotting, but exchanging the buildings.
Let me explain, because it is important.

When I started to make the farms set I decided to make all the farm lots with blank buildings, because that way it was possible to make every prop in the lot a part of a prop family. I also had maximum versatility in exchanging or altering the looks of a lot afterwards.
When I finished these lots I found out, already quite some time ago, that the farms did not grow like they should.
With CAM in a fresh city the first farms that grew were the stage 3 ones, not the stage 1, like I had in mind.
After some consideration I thought this was maybe due to the fact that I used all blank buildings with all the same occupant sizes.

Now I finally finished the task to remake all my lots into lots with models as buildings.
The exceptions are the Stage 0 (in fact stage one 1x1 lots with 2 jobs) and the Stage 1 lots.
For the Stage 0 I gave the blank model building the occupant size of 8x4x8. For the Stage 1 I gave this model an occupant size of 8x8x8. I thought that the greater heigth of the "model" would make a difference.
Fort the stage 2 and up I used available models of houses and barns as buildings.

Well... I thought this was the answer to the problem. But it wasn't.
I just tested the set.
Without CAM the Stage 1 farms start to grow when the new city develops. Later on I found sSage 2 to grow. Just like I had in mind. The Stage 0 only show up on smaller areas on the edges. I don't know what to do. Maybe just throw them out of the set? Apparently they don't want to grow. I had in mind that they would mix with the Stage 1 lots, so that we would see lots with only farm fields (the Stage 0 look like farm fields) and lots with farms in hte rural areas. This is also part of my problem.

But when I installed CAM the Stage 3 immediately begin to grow in the new city. When demand decreases some Stage 1 and 2 show up.

What could be wrong? Is there anybody who knows about this problem and can help me?

I am a Lotter and am really bad in Game mechanics and such...
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: vortext on June 24, 2012, 06:29:43 AM
No worries Frank, what you've experienced actually is the CAM. From CAM - Stage Limits and Thresholds (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=3578.0)

QuoteAgricultural Stage Limits

The threshold values are in all cases the total regional industrial capacity (not workforce): ID + IM + IHT.
Note that IR (agricultural farms) are not included in the regional industrial capacity!

In Rush Hour stage 3 farms took over as soon as the regional industrial capacity grew.
For CAM, the emphasize was simply to get an even distribution of farms of different stages, with the addition of the special stage 6 and 7.

Note the last sentence. With the CAM the first 3 stages will grow right from the start, in contrast to vanilla gameplay, with the following chance of occurence.

Stage 1 = 50% ; Stage 2 = 30% ; Stage 3 = 20%

So there's nothing wrong with how your farms grow. Quite the opposite as it's actually meant to be this way.
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on June 24, 2012, 01:31:03 PM
Hmmm, well, that sounds like a reassurance indeed. On the other hand: I see really only stage 3 grow. What are the stage "0", 1 and 2 for then?
But probably there should be some more testing before I panic again.
I should read the info on CAM better in the first place.

Thanks Vortex! I can sleep better tonight.
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on June 25, 2012, 06:41:41 PM
Still working on those tanks.......The models of those round tanks mentioned earlier have been changed, the numbers and names aren't correct anymore. Below are the new and right numbers of the models shown in the following pictures. Some models have been left out and new ones appeared. These will be all the large tanks available. I am working on the medium tanks and I haven't decided yet how many I will make. It will be between 3 and 5 models. (2 covered and 3 open maybe) No small tanks. (not in this Proppack)

Here is the newest member of my Proppack, maybe of no use for FrankU, but I personnally will create a growable Mega Porkproduction Farm after I finished this proppack, see real life picture above somewhere.

And here's the liquid manure tank for it.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimageshack.us%2Fa%2Fimg265%2F1539%2Fm77xl.jpg&hash=b1a7942dbe0ea63625c340df1aa9742caa252ffb)

Some others.
The M75F is half underground as shown on a real life picture above. These are the most common ones here in Northern Canada and Northern Europe. They have been put partially into the ground to prevent the total freezing of the liquid manure, because a frozen tank can severly damage it.

M75D is an above with textures, often seen with poultry and other bird productions.

M75A is a typical semi-liquid manure tank we can see near Dairy production farms (Cows for milkproductions) on all continents.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimageshack.us%2Fa%2Fimg546%2F8462%2Fm75adf.jpg&hash=505b4bc6224233bae5bf5a9be9f2f184a71fdaff)

The M75B model is a typical liquid Pork manure tank late summer when a kind of algae has started to grow in them. Probably the most common farm manure tanks around on all continents.

M75C is very similar to the previous model, only some different textures to give variety. Very commonly seen liquid manure tank. Full tank.

The last one of the 75 series is the M75G model. It has a blue metal frame and outside stirring pumps, also commonly used by bird and pig farmers. It is  empty.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimageshack.us%2Fa%2Fimg32%2F6868%2Fm75bcg.jpg&hash=7605f0b672bf9ba6fcf34ba34f40d50c1f53a064)

Hope you like them..... ;) I'll be back with the medium tanks and some (2 or 3 manuresheds)

Fred

Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on June 26, 2012, 06:05:56 AM
Hi Fred,

I don't know what the rest of the world will say, but I like them very much! I guess the diameter of the A up to G models is the same as the one you showed before next to the barn? Being about one Lot tile?

The textures of the manure are really great and the XL texture would be something for a swimmingpool or a pond!
Maybe I'll use it for a swimmingpool on one of my farms.  ;D

Frank
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: noahclem on June 26, 2012, 07:30:49 AM
They look great! I especially like the liquid and empty ones  &apls
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: vortext on June 26, 2012, 07:51:56 AM
Looking good!  &apls The big tank has a very nice surface texture and could act as a pool indeed.


Also a small note on FrankU's issue with CAM farm growth.

Quote from: FrankU on June 24, 2012, 01:31:03 PM
On the other hand: I see really only stage 3 grow. What are the stage "0", 1 and 2 for then?

You've actually already answered this question yourself  ;)

Quote from: FrankU on June 24, 2012, 05:53:48 AM
But when I installed CAM the Stage 3 immediately begin to grow in the new city. When demand decreases some Stage 1 and 2 show up.

Exactly. If demand is high enough, the game will mostly pick lots with the highest number of jobs available. i.e. stage 3 farms. Once demand drops off, lots with less jobs will be selected. And this goes for all rci types for that matter, if demand is sluggish lower stage lots are selected and vice versa.

Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on June 26, 2012, 09:49:16 AM
Quote from: FrankU on June 26, 2012, 06:05:56 AM
Hi Fred,

I don't know what the rest of the world will say, but I like them very much! I guess the diameter of the A up to G models is the same as the one you showed before next to the barn? Being about one Lot tile?

The textures of the manure are really great and the XL texture would be something for a swimmingpool or a pond!
Maybe I'll use it for a swimmingpool on one of my farms.  ;D

Frank

The 75 model series are all the same size and have the same "footprint" which will fit on a 2x2 lot. Remember, these are the large sized tanks. The medium sized ones are in the making and they will fit on a 1X1.
Then, lol,  I wouldn't want to "swim" in the XL tank, which is of a 4x4 size, but these tanks are mostly used for Porkurine, which is quite toxic, Ammoniak.
The surface texture is of brownish tinted with a little green, as they are irl. These tanks are usually stirred automatically with pumps every so often and that is why they look like "dirty" water. Not comparible with a swimming pool.

Thanks for the comments, be back later this week with the rest of the manure sets.

Fred
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on June 26, 2012, 01:05:00 PM
Quote from: vortext on June 26, 2012, 07:51:56 AM
Also a small note on FrankU's issue with CAM farm growth.

Quote from: FrankU on June 24, 2012, 01:31:03 PM
On the other hand: I see really only stage 3 grow. What are the stage "0", 1 and 2 for then?

You've actually already answered this question yourself  ;)

Quote from: FrankU on June 24, 2012, 05:53:48 AM
But when I installed CAM the Stage 3 immediately begin to grow in the new city. When demand decreases some Stage 1 and 2 show up.

Exactly. If demand is high enough, the game will mostly pick lots with the highest number of jobs available. i.e. stage 3 farms. Once demand drops off, lots with less jobs will be selected. And this goes for all rci types for that matter, if demand is sluggish lower stage lots are selected and vice versa.

So you mean that I said myself: they are useless?
In fact I wanted my farms to develop first the small ones then the larger ones....
Maybe a mix of all of them would be OK too. Does your remark mean that in that case I should give all my farms the same amount of jobs? No, that would mean only one certain stage..... I don't know what to do.
Maybe it's because I zoned a large amount of farms and a fair amount of residential that started to grow immediately? Maybe I should zone less at the same time, but add more and more after some time?
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: vortext on June 26, 2012, 02:20:36 PM
Quote from: FrankU on June 26, 2012, 01:05:00 PM
So you mean that I said myself: they are useless?
In fact I wanted my farms to develop first the small ones then the larger ones....

They aren't useless when one is playing vanilla and development goes to the subsequent stages. With the CAM, however, proper sequential development starts at stage 4 and up.

Quote from: FrankU on June 26, 2012, 01:05:00 PM
Maybe a mix of all of them would be OK too. Does your remark mean that in that case I should give all my farms the same amount of jobs? No, that would mean only one certain stage..... I don't know what to do.

If you give them all the same amount of jobs the situation may arise there's too little demand for that specific number and no farms will grows at all. So don't go there. In fact what you've done so far probably is the best since the more the number of jobs varies, the more the lots wil meet the specific demand at that moment and thus there'll be the greatest variety in the end.

Quote from: FrankU on June 26, 2012, 01:05:00 PM
Maybe it's because I zoned a large amount of farms and a fair amount of residential that started to grow immediately? Maybe I should zone less at the same time, but add more and more after some time?

Probably a good idea for any development yes. I haven't come across any info confirming this but it is my experience simcity tends to grow the same lot when developing large areas at once.

Finally, if you really insist on having control over stage growth you could pack the lots for each stage into individual .dat files. This way users could start with stage 1 farms and add a stage when they feel the region is ready for it. This is more or less how I farm myself.
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on June 27, 2012, 12:52:56 AM
Quote from: vortext on June 26, 2012, 02:20:36 PM
Finally, if you really insist on having control over stage growth you could pack the lots for each stage into individual .dat files. This way users could start with stage 1 farms and add a stage when they feel the region is ready for it. This is more or less how I farm myself.

Hi Vortex,

Thanks a lot for your input.
Your last suggestion is being answered already. I had planned to upload the bunch with each stage in a separate subfolder. Anyone can delete the not wanted lots and buildings. Or what is more convenient: zip the unwanted files and leave them in place. Zipped folders are not being used by the game.
Anyway, it's my aim to make the file structure of my uploads in such a way that anyone who wants to throw out anything can do that easily. So no mega-pack upload for farm fields (check out my upload on the STEX) or farm lots. In the read me I try to put down all info that is needed to use the files.
E.g.: in my upload of the farm fields I made a list where you can see what IID every field has, so that you can add them to your own farm lots and also a listing of which dependency is needed for which field. So that you have only those dependencies that you actually need.
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on July 09, 2012, 09:01:21 AM
Beautiful and warm weather, family and work have been kept me away from my gaming computer for awhile. Last weekend though, I took some time to finish the liquid manure series of the medium sized tanks. That's it, no more "stinkers".
I will start the "side" buildings (sheds of all kinds) or the silos now.

I categorized the medium liquid manure tanks into 3 different models, open (M71), closed with temporary covers (M72) and closed with permanent or solid covers (M73).

Each one of them is different, has different textures and details, but also have the same footprint, except for the Open lid model M73G. So they can be used in families.

I hope you will enjoy these also, I spent a lot of time in finding and choosing/combinating the textures.

FrankU, I will test and correct these models later this week or the next weekend and send them to you for the final testing. ;)

Fred

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimageshack.us%2Fa%2Fimg528%2F1803%2Fm71acd.jpg&hash=39d986d47d96ef0e786b8fcdeda174e249a8f5d5)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimageshack.us%2Fa%2Fimg805%2F733%2Fm72abce.jpg&hash=d92938cc402c9bf26096c07b5d43d68369e3e159)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimageshack.us%2Fa%2Fimg41%2F8428%2Fm73a.jpg&hash=28cdbb732b0963dd9c1e39927bb2a2dade2b7b29)

EDIT:  Dohhh!! Sorry, I forgot one model, the M71F, the empty tank.......

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimageshack.us%2Fa%2Fimg705%2F6974%2Fm71f.jpg&hash=8d9a7755f8d66ddb0b1ec57c22060b22b88d4620)
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: noahclem on July 09, 2012, 10:02:36 AM
Poo progress i looking good  &apls
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on July 09, 2012, 12:14:36 PM
Hey! This looks good! Except maybe the greenish ladder in model M71C.
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on July 09, 2012, 06:20:03 PM
Quote from: FrankU on July 09, 2012, 12:14:36 PM
Hey! This looks good! Except maybe the greenish ladder in model M71C.

Yeah, I know, when I saw the ugly green ladder in the preview picture, I changed it to the rusty red colour that the other has, but I was too lazy to make new pics..... ;)

Frank, how many different machinery sheds you want ?...and maybe two different sizes?

Fred
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on July 10, 2012, 03:54:10 AM
Uhh, pfff... well.  I don't.... eehhhh.... let me guess.

How many did you have in mind? Quality versus time calculation wise?

I'll take a look.

&Thk/(

The machinery sheds I thought of are like these:

Steel clad in dark green. The roof is dark grey cladding. This one is very common. If you could make a large and a small one? You see there is one open side. The other side wall is much lower than on the open side. So no symmetrical roof. It would be great if you could make the LODs in such a way that it is possible to place props under it.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FNederland%2520Boerderijen%2Fkapschuren002-kopie.jpg&hash=25503c7741d4972c88411452fc3e1b5a3a1fb607)

A bit similar.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FNederland%2520Boerderijen%2FKapschuur01-kopie.jpg&hash=8ffc1960849182a74104610b270b13167bf5dc53)

A wooden one. Black planks and clay tiles or wave shaped cladding or asbestos or something similar. I don't know how these are called in english.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FNederland%2520Boerderijen%2FKapschuurHO1-kopie.jpg&hash=fba2878c73baf4d00dd65cc043261ecf6f46404e)

But something like this is welcome too.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FNederland%2520Boerderijen%2FSchuur01-kopie.jpg&hash=3e8ed123f3f77b94db1adeea59cf0b65c4713c36)

The dark green, grey or black is important to me. There are already some useful sheds around (Newman and JMyers packs), but they have colours that we don't see very often in the Netherlands.
So for a Dutch set I'd like to have some in these colours.

In your barns you used some very useful textures. Like in:
M5: both the roof and the wood, although this wood texture would be nice to have in a horizontal pattern.
M6: both too
M8: the green is perfect, the roof is good.
M16: both roof and walls, although the walls would be good horizontally. That is more common in NL.

Enough input for now?
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on July 10, 2012, 08:14:55 AM
Ok Frank, thanks for the pics. I will see that I make something like 3 models (dutch as the pictures show) with the textures you mentioned. I will make 3 more models which are common here and in the US. I haven't decided yet how many variations of each model I will make though. I see when the time comes.

It will be very hard to create special LOD's so that we can plop machinery and stuff under the bldgs. I don't even know if this is possible, but I will make the LOD's so tight in the front of the opening that we can at least partially put them under there and maybe with the angle of the view, we might get something quite nice looking.

For the shed there will be:

- 2 manure shedsexample: 
http://equiery.com/archives/2011FarmFixUp/ResizedPhotos/ManureShed.jpg

- 3 to 6 (or more) Dutch machinery sheds...as shown in FrankU's last post....

- 3 to 6 (or more) North-Am machinery sheds

example:
http://canadianmixedfarm.ca/pictures/buildings/shed.jpg
http://www.endurancesheds.com.au/wp-content/gallery/sheds/machinery-shed-1.jpg

- 3 Hay sheds

example:
http://www.shedmakers.com/FS57_Open_Hay_Shed.jpg

- 3 (or more) closed sheds

example:
http://www.allenfabs.co.uk/images/5.jpg

- 2 tool sheds

example:
http://www.buildingshedplans.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/farm-shed.jpg

- 3 silage sheds

example:
http://shop.thefarmsite.com/images/woodenfarmtoys/silageclampcover2.jpg

Then I will go on to the silos.

All comments and ideas are welcome........ ;)

Fred
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: gn_leugim on July 10, 2012, 09:24:12 AM
nothing like some manure before a snack XD good joob people :)
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on July 10, 2012, 11:59:58 AM
Hi Fred,

I am sure it is possible to make the sheds in such a way that you can put things in it. I saw several models that allow this. One of them is in the Newman prop packs, another in the PEG SPAM proppack (Murimk, Paeng?) and I think Jim Myers knows how to do this. Maybe you ask them for info?

The set of sheds you show leave nothing to wish... It's just great!
If you make at least some of them with green walls and grey corrugated roofs I will be able to fit them into my Dutch farms. Wooden models will be great too, especially for the older farms (remember that you promised to replace the KWK sheds? If you don't do it I'll just leave the KWK prop pack as a dependency. No problem). And all other materials will come in handy here and there.

I am sure I need to relot my lots a lot...
But that's all in the game.
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on July 10, 2012, 06:28:12 PM
Quote from: FrankU on July 10, 2012, 11:59:58 AM

Wooden models will be great too, especially for the older farms (remember that you promised to replace the KWK sheds? If you don't do it I'll just leave the KWK prop pack as a dependency. No problem). And all other materials will come in handy here and there.


Please refresh my memory, Frank.....what are the KWK sheds?

Don't worry, there will be wooden sheds for you.  ;)

Fred
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on July 11, 2012, 03:41:13 AM
The KWK sheds
Made by Kwakelaar, available in the BSC Mega props KWK vol02

I used them here:
It's the dark wooden shed with the red roof. This is one.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farm%2520Lots%2520-%2520growables%2FFarmsstage4-0004a.jpg&hash=0b311f9794367cf581378ea9faad1ef4a8856e7a)

Here you see two props: a second dark wooden shed and the thatched large barn. This is also KWK.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farm%2520Lots%2520-%2520growables%2FFarmsstage4-0001a.jpg&hash=f6d16e8d1cd1faca758306d4faef1b91b0db244c)

And here: a small thatched prop, put directly behind the Haarlemmergold house like a barn. It is a separate prop. Also you see the large thatched barn again.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farm%2520Lots%2520-%2520growables%2FStage3farms-0008a.jpg&hash=d08d406d2623bdd3aea406e1077a2aef56cf090a)

Maybe it's better I make an image with all five props from the set before you decide to make new ones or not. OK?
Besides that: if you make new ones, I do have some wishes. Like the thached volumes should please have brick walls, instead of this brownish stuff.
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: jmyers2043 on July 11, 2012, 05:14:07 AM
Quote from: FrankU on July 11, 2012, 03:41:13 AM
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farm%2520Lots%2520-%2520growables%2FFarmsstage4-0004a.jpg&hash=0b311f9794367cf581378ea9faad1ef4a8856e7a)


Nice farm. It gave me some ideas.

- Jim
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mike3775 on July 11, 2012, 08:09:31 AM
wow i cannot wait for farms to be developed from these props. 
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on July 11, 2012, 08:20:22 AM
Quote from: mike3775 on July 11, 2012, 08:09:31 AM
wow i cannot wait for farms to be developed from these props.

I am truly sorry, but you will have to.
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mike3775 on July 11, 2012, 09:02:23 AM
Quote from: FrankU on July 11, 2012, 08:20:22 AM
Quote from: mike3775 on July 11, 2012, 08:09:31 AM
wow i cannot wait for farms to be developed from these props.

I am truly sorry, but you will have to.

I know, figure of speech  :)

I would rather wait for a great lot, then be disappointed with rushed stuff
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on July 11, 2012, 10:20:01 AM
Frank, yes,put these props on one close picture and I'll see what I can do.
Started working on some sheds last night.

Fred
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on July 12, 2012, 07:55:03 AM
Quote from: mike3775 on July 11, 2012, 09:02:23 AM
Quote from: FrankU on July 11, 2012, 08:20:22 AM
Quote from: mike3775 on July 11, 2012, 08:09:31 AM
wow i cannot wait for farms to be developed from these props.

I am truly sorry, but you will have to.

I know, figure of speech  :)

I would rather wait for a great lot, then be disappointed with rushed stuff

I know you knew. No problem.
I rather deliver a great lot than a rushed one. We agree completely.

And Fred,

These are the five Kwakelaar props. They are in the BSC Mega Props - KWKvol02.dat

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farm%2520Lots%2520-%2520growables%2FKWKvol2barns.jpg&hash=c0881355c0d5b94b1c05328e2874fd9894462917)

Maybe you put your time into making new props rather than in remaking old ones. I'd rather have a good thatched barn in Dutch style than the Kwakelaar one redone by you. I will show you images in my last upload of the Dutch farm history lessons. If I have a good Dutch one from you I'll throw out the Kwakelaar out anyhow.
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on July 12, 2012, 12:50:07 PM
After some waiting I now present you the third lesson in regional architecture.

The traditional farm house type Salland

In my first history lesson I told about the basic shape and construction of the traditional Dutch farmhouse.
Every region has its own interpretation of this basic type. I could go into this very deep, but I won't, because this site is about Simcity and not about Dutch farm house history.
On the other hand: I'd like to show you something about a certain kind of farm house, because I hope one of you is getting triggered and is going to BAT one or two models for me, so that I can use them for my farms set.

So here I am going to show you some of the farm houses I drive by when I take a bicycle ride in the weekends. Because the region around my hometown is called Salland, I named this update the Farm house type Salland.
This is my bicycle.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDivers%2FLigfiets.jpg&hash=6b05300157e4b00a7debacd244ede5ea0816006d)

The basic type is shown very good on the aerial I ended my former update with.
Here it is again.
What you see is the main house (the largest building), a barn next to it, another traditional barn in the back yard, a quite large haystack (the barn like thing with the three vertical poles that are used to lift the roof when the hay is brought in), and another relatively new barn or machineryshed.
The three traditional buildings are thatched and have cut off edges in the front and the back of the roof. On the location where the ridge meets the front and back walls the roof has a small steep triangle that is thatched too. We call this a "Wolfeind", in English this is apparently called a hipped roof. This is very typical for traditional thatched roofs. I think the shape was invented in order to preserve the thatch better where the edge of the roof is more vulnerable to weather conditions.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FNederland%2520Boerderijen%2FWeijdemanLuchtfoto.jpg&hash=f39f40c5c35c215990bbc331802993bf0d06e98f)

My daughter, who is 8 years old at the moment describes these farms as: a low house with a high roof. And that is exactly what you see here: the walls are very low, because traditionally bricks were expensive, and the roof is high, in order to make enough room for everything to be put into it. The ground floor in the front was for the people, the back for the cattle and the upper floor was used for hay storage. Haystacks were built later when the upper floor became too small.

I now show some typical facades of these kinds of farms.

I thought it would be easy to make images for this update, so I jumped on my bike last week. But with every farm there was something wrong: it was in the shade, there were too many trees in front, the back was invisible (because of many barns), the dog was too eager... or the building was ruined by untypical extension that I do not want you to see.
So I decided to make a kind of collage for you.

I even didn't find a good visible front facade, so I borrowed one from Staphorst. The fronts of these farm houses are quite similar to the ones in Salland, so that's not a problem to get the idea.
Typical is the non symmetrical position of the front door and the small windows on the sides.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FReal%2520lIfe%2520pictures%2FIMG_0770a.jpg&hash=142bcf4fd9c8866d67d8785f9be1ae32834ed068)

Here you see a double with two similar back walls of a large Salland farm.
Typical is the central large door with the arc. This was used to enter the building with the hay carriage.
The two small windows are for daylight and the two small doors on the sides are for cleaning out the manure of the cattle.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FNederland%2520Boerderijen%2FIMG_1212a.jpg&hash=cc13a1559719e14996d3ac788ee36b6071851f8b)

Here you see a smaller one. You can see the front of the house and one of the many kinds of fronts for the barn. The large white windows are not very typical to these barns. I guess the farmer had an opportunity to buy them somewhere and just put them into his barn. Most things have a very simple practical reason in farms.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FNederland%2520Boerderijen%2FIMG_1199a.jpg&hash=438c0581c59dd18e785b3b4d8253da12ee63e8e9)

Now for the side walls.

Two images. In the rear end, that belongs to the cattle section of the house, you usually see an alternating row of small doors and windows. The front part shows larger windows (kitchen or bedroom) and a door. This door is usually the entrance that is used daily. The front door in the original farm house model is almost only used when someone has died or is getting married. In many farmhouse, like in the second image below, the door is even taken out and replaced by a window.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FNederland%2520Boerderijen%2FIMG_1220a.jpg&hash=51d335359c61f47c5deaa75f5c7edca70f20dabd)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FNederland%2520Boerderijen%2FIMG_1219a.jpg&hash=b398fdccd39f86b67cb58e941cf0cf1a5395399b)

I hope I was able to give you a good impression of the architecture of traditional Dutch farm houses like they developed in Salland.

After the Second World war a lot of new farms were established on locations that were too wet before. Because of better drainage technologies these wet areas became available for farming now.

A typical farm house form the 1950's looks like this one. You can find this kind all over the Netherlands, they are not regional anymore.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FNederland%2520Boerderijen%2FIMG_1222a.jpg&hash=f9663528789972b664555d2362485695d66fc19c)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FNederland%2520Boerderijen%2FIMG_1223a.jpg&hash=462a383fa97e661b21628a6720032e1e5f78e03b)

History never ends, but these lessons do.
At the end of the time that lies behind us is today. And today shows a whole new kind of barn for the cattle. We call it a "Serrestal", you could say a "veranda barn". As you maybe can see it consists out of a very thin steel structure clad by foil. The foil is translucent, so that the interior is very light. The walls are almost completely open, although there is a possibility to close them with a curtain when wind or winter gets real cold. In our climate "real cold" means: below -100C (don't you dare to laugh!).
The barn is hardly more than an umbrella.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FNederland%2520Boerderijen%2FIMG_1229a.jpg&hash=38f9b2b4a4954cb621a819b270562b2a6869ed85)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FNederland%2520Boerderijen%2FIMG_1230a.jpg&hash=79c0a2ae15471fbd512bdc48008d4a9ac39b3280)

The end of history....

Is today!

Have fun

Yours truly,
FrankU
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on July 13, 2012, 09:03:28 AM
Interesting and nice to know. Thanks Frank.
Some pics gave me ideas......hmmm. Good reference pictures.

Fred
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on July 13, 2012, 12:28:15 PM
Quote from: mrbisonm on July 13, 2012, 09:03:28 AM
Interesting and nice to know. Thanks Frank.
Some pics gave me ideas......hmmm. Good reference pictures.

Fred

If you want more? Don't hesitate!
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on July 13, 2012, 08:11:49 PM
Quote from: FrankU on July 13, 2012, 12:28:15 PM
If you want more? Don't hesitate!

More ideas? More Pics?.........ok......why not while I'm BATting.... ;)
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on August 01, 2012, 04:52:26 AM
The weather is beautiful since a few weeks and I am taking full advantage of it for ...."doing all kinds of things". This is the mainreason why I haven't been around so much lately. Who wants to spend time on the computer when the weather is so nice?
Well, just to show you all that I am still on the project, here is a small preview of what I am working on right now.

Sheds, all kinds of sheds. I have started on machinery sheds, haysheds, manuresheds, repair and storage sheds. There will be quite a few I think, some open, some closed, others with metal siding and some with wooden frames......and so on.

I work on them late at night or when it's raining, so don't worry, I am still on it 100%. ;)

Fred

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimageshack.us%2Fa%2Fimg560%2F426%2Fm152.jpg&hash=2386a440e23ec471c12bf1a415d6c30608eded14)
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: gn_leugim on August 01, 2012, 05:07:28 AM
I would de-saturate that roof texture a bit, it's a bit shiny IMO ;) otherwise it looks good :)
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on August 01, 2012, 07:04:26 AM
Quote from: gn_leugim on August 01, 2012, 05:07:28 AM
I would de-saturate that roof texture a bit, it's a bit shiny IMO ;) otherwise it looks good :)
Thanks for pointing that out, but the textures on all the sheds aren't yet final, neither are the models, the picture is quite poor also, sorry. I hope I find some time this week and show you some finished products of sheds. ;)


Edit:

Here's a better picture, but still not the final textures, but just to show you that I am working on them.... ;)

Fred

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimageshack.us%2Fa%2Fimg846%2F1231%2Fm1521.jpg&hash=dbeb72657008381aed1d36cfba1a3f1ac20c2c37)
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: gn_leugim on August 01, 2012, 07:43:21 AM
defenly a good set of props coming ;) and usefull. I have some too, I made a while ago for making Minho type farms. but I just made some buildings, these will be handy too :o
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on August 01, 2012, 11:46:53 AM
Hi Fred,

Nice job! Are the props inside separate models, or are they part of the whole? It would be very nice if you could make the sheds in such a way that we could put or own props inside. If you don't know how to do it with the LODs, I guess it is a LOD thing, you could maybe ask JimMyers? He made sheds that have this ability.
The weather here is nice too. Besides that the vacations have started, so my daughter finished her fourth year of primary school (we start with the age of 4 and have 8 classes, so she's half way now). So I have to entertain her. Not boring, but taking time, so there is less for Lotting.
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on August 01, 2012, 07:50:58 PM
Quote from: FrankU on August 01, 2012, 11:46:53 AM
Hi Fred,

Nice job! Are the props inside separate models, or are they part of the whole?

The props inside are separate models and belong to the M100 series (agricultural machinery). This shed and maybe 2 others will be made so you can place smaller props (machinery, bales, garbage, junk, planks and whatever you have) inside without being cut off in half.
The LODs are custom made for these Props, but......since these models have an increased number of polycounts, I will only make 2 or 3 sheds like this. Others will have the machinery already incorporated like the picture above clearly shows.
I only hope that I will be able to make them like this, 'cause "tight" LOD's are very difficult for me to create.

Here is a picture of the same shed empty, ready to receive whatever you can put inside. ;)


Hope that it will be ok. I made this one as you showed on a picture above with an offset angled roof.

Fred

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimageshack.us%2Fa%2Fimg31%2F8568%2Fm152c.jpg&hash=0cb3120e9446b90f403bc0ab05d8f63a7b077aac)
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: gn_leugim on August 02, 2012, 01:46:45 AM
QuoteThe LODs are custom made for these Props, but......since these models have an increased number of polycounts, I will only make 2 or 3 sheds like this. Others will have the machinery already incorporated like the picture above clearly shows.
I only hope that I will be able to make them like this, 'cause "tight" LOD's are very difficult for me to create.

that is a good idea  :thumbsup:

anyway, creating tight lods is quite easy (usualy) select all the items, or at least those making the outside, copy them (but don't deselect them, assign them a new unique color (if you don't do it already, it is a good idea to assign colors to certain groups, it is good for organization, like all walls grey, windows blue etc etc.), turn them into mesh, hide the rest, select one of them, attach the others, remove the materials and rename and copy twice (and rename) :p
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on August 02, 2012, 07:01:44 AM
Quote from: gn_leugim on August 02, 2012, 01:46:45 AM
QuoteThe LODs are custom made for these Props, but......since these models have an increased number of polycounts, I will only make 2 or 3 sheds like this. Others will have the machinery already incorporated like the picture above clearly shows.
I only hope that I will be able to make them like this, 'cause "tight" LOD's are very difficult for me to create.

that is a good idea  :thumbsup:

anyway, creating tight lods is quite easy (usualy) select all the items, or at least those making the outside, copy them (but don't deselect them, assign them a new unique color (if you don't do it already, it is a good idea to assign colors to certain groups, it is good for organization, like all walls grey, windows blue etc etc.), turn them into mesh, hide the rest, select one of them, attach the others, remove the materials and rename and copy twice (and rename) :p

Whoa There! You mean that there's another way to make custom LODs than handling the Vertexes one by one?
I didn't quite understand what you mentioned above, because I need more details. How about a step by step tutorial that explains this better? Oh, I know, now you wish you shouldn't have mentioned this....well too late...lol.

Here is what I do to make custom LODs: First I figure out how many width, length and height segments I need, then create the box, then make an editable mesh out of it, click on vertexes and then, one by one, move these vertexes until they fit snagly to the model. Then I simply make 2 more copies and name each one of them LOD1, LOD2 and LOD3. Sounds easy, but it is quite difficult and quite a time-consuming job to do.
If you know that there's an easier and /or more pratical way to achieve this....hey....I've got to know....in details, please?

Thanks


Fred
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: gn_leugim on August 02, 2012, 02:05:38 PM
let me see if I can make a quick video tutorial then  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on August 02, 2012, 02:56:39 PM
Quote from: gn_leugim on August 02, 2012, 02:05:38 PM
let me see if I can make a quick video tutorial then  :thumbsup:

Doesn't have to be a video tut, as long as it is detailed with a few images. Hey, thanks, much appreciated. ;)
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: gn_leugim on August 02, 2012, 03:05:01 PM
I like to make videos :D I will do more soon, maybe on texturing or so. I have taken the screen shots, now all I need to do is editing, but I'll do it tomorrow morning already a bit late into the night  :sleeping:
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on August 02, 2012, 06:30:53 PM
Quote from: gn_leugim on August 02, 2012, 03:05:01 PM
I like to make videos :D I will do more soon, maybe on texturing or so. I have taken the screen shots, now all I need to do is editing, but I'll do it tomorrow morning already a bit late into the night  :sleeping:

Ok, if you like doing vids, I'm not going to stop you. ;)

Fred
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: noahclem on August 03, 2012, 02:56:56 AM
Great looking sheds  &apls   Also, I really enjoyed the last history lesson on Dutch farms, as well as your bike FrankU  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: gn_leugim on August 03, 2012, 03:46:43 AM
As I promised :)

http://youtu.be/ChSQ3VFZ1QU

(if possible, can a mod make edit the post and make the video show up, as I can't do it =\)
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on August 03, 2012, 05:53:19 AM
Ouffff!

That looks like it's beyond my capacity of 3d modeling with gmax. You said that it's made easy........lol.....I had the first look at the video and nothing seems easy on that.
But, I will look at the video a few times this weekend before I say it's too difficult for me. ;)  I will try hard, promissed.

I'm a successful loghome designer irl and I still do all my 3d drawings on real paper (you know that kind we only find in museums these days.....lol)and with ink and pencils. No computer implicated. My plans are still simple blueprints since I started in 1971. Although I have 6 computers (maybe more, don't really have counted them lately) in my office, my staff and apprentices use the computers all the time. I only check in once in awhile, not knowing what all this is about, bvut I like what I see....lol. And I fully trust one of them who I made responsable to transfer all my plans onto the computer since more than 10 years now.
So you see, I always rely on other people when it comes to computers. Only simcity made me get interested in computer gaming many years ago, when one of my sons showed me the vanilla of SC before the millenium and I got hooked. ;)

I simply do not (maybe don't want to neither) understand the world of these programs. I always find that there are toooo many options for absolutely no reason, making things more and more complicated.

Yes, I will try and hopefully find out that it is easier than I see it with this tutorial video. Thanks gn_leugim, really appreciated.

Btw, that video is well done and I also love the song that you added.  :thumbsup:

Fred
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: gn_leugim on August 03, 2012, 06:16:20 AM
well, type to make that hook from sc4 make you grow in computers :p

most of the stuff I do in the video is rather simple you will see, anyway, any question, fell free to ask ;)

and glad you like the video/song :D
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on September 17, 2012, 12:38:44 PM
Dear friends,

It has been silent for some weeks here. But do not fear: we are going to finish the farms packs sooner or, probably, later.
Fred is working on his props set, which is going to be great, I promise you.
I am, meanwhile, working on some sideprojects like RL, a BNL housing lots set and my own Rewards project.

The most important development to be mentioned in this thread though is the fact that I am stuck in the production of stage 6 and 7 lots. Of course I thought: this is just a matter of dragging the desired model onto the "buildings - Industrial I-a" property in SC4-Pim, and make an applicable lot. But it's apparently not that easy.
I think Jom Myers might help me out here, if you read me....

I tried the above and got a lot. I gave the building a filling degree of 8, giving me 181 jobs. The lot that popped up gave me the choice of appointing it to stage 4, 5 or 6.
When I raised the filling degree and the amount of jobs above 1000 (thousand!) just for experiment, the choice was still 4, 5 or 6.
So no 7 at all and besides that a totally absurd amount of jobs.

So, how do I make a stage 6 and a stage 7 lot? Please help me?

I have selected a delicate set of models for this series....And I like to finish it. Someday. Somehow.
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on September 17, 2012, 10:00:44 PM
Yuuup! I will be back very soon, just have some RL things to clear up at the moment.....give me a week or two. Thanks


Fred
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: CasperVg on September 17, 2012, 10:33:51 PM
Quote from: FrankU on September 17, 2012, 12:38:44 PM
Dear friends,

It has been silent for some weeks here. But do not fear: we are going to finish the farms packs sooner or, probably, later.
Fred is working on his props set, which is going to be great, I promise you.
I am, meanwhile, working on some sideprojects like RL, a BNL housing lots set and my own Rewards project.

The most important development to be mentioned in this thread though is the fact that I am stuck in the production of stage 6 and 7 lots. Of course I thought: this is just a matter of dragging the desired model onto the "buildings - Industrial I-a" property in SC4-Pim, and make an applicable lot. But it's apparently not that easy.
I think Jom Myers might help me out here, if you read me....

I tried the above and got a lot. I gave the building a filling degree of 8, giving me 181 jobs. The lot that popped up gave me the choice of appointing it to stage 4, 5 or 6.
When I raised the filling degree and the amount of jobs above 1000 (thousand!) just for experiment, the choice was still 4, 5 or 6.
So no 7 at all and besides that a totally absurd amount of jobs.

So, how do I make a stage 6 and a stage 7 lot? Please help me?

I have selected a delicate set of models for this series....And I like to finish it. Someday. Somehow.

I think the CAM Stage 7 for agriculture was meant for historical/heritage sites in the beginning. I checked out the CAM Stage6/7 Agriculture Pack, and it seems most of those have their stage set manually (PIM-X suggests Stage 3-5 for most of them if you recompute it). Let me look into the properties file and see what settings were made.

EDIT: Looked into it, it seems PIM-X wasn't set up to make Stage 7 farms by default. From the new_properties.xml:

<STAGEvsDENSITY purpose="IR" wealth="0" ratio="16,32,60,100" baseTex="0x25db0000" />
Which means you need a density 16 for Stage 1, ..., density 100 for Stage 5. Basically, only values for Stage 1-5 were entered. So the suggested stage will never be higher than 5 (you can choose 6, because it allows a one stage difference). However Stage 7 will never be available by default. Not sure if that's a mistake or intended though. I've personally set mine to
<STAGEvsDENSITY purpose="IR" wealth="0" ratio="16,32,60,100,150" baseTex="0x25db0000" />
to fix that. That should enable PIM-X to go up to Stage 6 as suggested stage (so it makes Stage 7 available). You could add a density for Stage 7 as well, but that would make the next stage available (which would never grow) and therefore the last stage is never added in new_properties (residentials and commercial density only goes to 14, for example). I've attached my edited new_properties.xml below if you want it.
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on September 18, 2012, 01:06:15 AM
Hi Casper,

Thanks for the quick answer. But pityfully I don't understand some parts of your post. So here are the questions:
- What on the dark side of the moon is density?
- In the code line you show I see four ratio values: 16, 32, 60 and 100. So stage 1 ratio is 16, stage 2 = 32, stage 3 is 60 and stage 4 is 100? Where is stage 5?
- And so you added 150 for stage 6? So does that mean that I have to give these lots very high job amounts?
- The fix attachment is meant to replace the original new_properties.xml?

Maybe it's better that I set the stages by hand, like in the original CAM farms set? I'd like my farms to cooperate with these, so the values should be more or less alike, I think. I presumed that SC4-Pim would take care of that, but it apparently does not.
Then please someone should show me where to look and what to edit, because this is over my head at the moment.

Maybe you or someone else from the CAM team could tell me what to do in order to make proper CAM stage 6 and 7 farms?
Of course I could edit and rename the original lots, assigning new IID's by hand etc.... But I don't think that is wise.

Thanks,

Frank
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on September 25, 2012, 11:50:54 AM
Bump....

Maybe, to make clear the question was serious, I should show you the first result of my coming Stage 6 set.
While I am still waiting for Fred's farm props I used the old ones I had already in my earlier farms. Just a new old building that you might recognize.
I present you version 1 of: Huis De Kranenkamp.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farm%2520Lots%2520-%2520growables%2FDutchFarmsStage6-0001a.jpg&hash=4d0c6947ab0e72d214618099618e7515b8b67fee)

And

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farm%2520Lots%2520-%2520growables%2FDutchFarmsStage6-0002a.jpg&hash=97f900f7100397dd4f688bd180666944a7cbd0da)

The lot is 9x10 tiles. It is surroundend by my forest "farm" field, like it will be in the game when all is finished.

Comments please?
And maybe someone can help me with finding out how to modd the stages 6 and 7 in a proper way?
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: gn_leugim on September 25, 2012, 12:24:41 PM
gosh, very well loted, but is that a farm? it looks like a manor house :D

if I get it right, the trees around them are the farm lots right?
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: vortext on September 25, 2012, 12:56:13 PM
Very nice lot Frank!  &apls

Also rather clever to use forest farm fields, the lot blends in just perfect!

Quote from: gn_leugim on September 25, 2012, 12:24:41 PM
gosh, very well loted, but is that a farm? it looks like a manor house :D

Well I think that's just what stage 6/7 farms are supposed to be. In fact I wouldn't mind if the farm stuff was ditched in favor of some horse stables and guesthouses, so it would appear more like a proper estate for a landlord / baron / duke or something.

Unfortuantly I don't have time to look into the nitty-gritty of those stages (and I can't test if they'll actually grow anyway) but I'll say it would be unwise to tinker with the existing lots indeed. And I wouldn't worry too much about the number of jobs because as I understand it, stage 6 & 7 were never meant to be proper farms to begin with. As evidence I would point to the fact stage6 & 7 are not mentioned in the Stage Density Limits and Stage CAPs (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=1987.msg58499#msg58499) thread and instead are reffered to as Woodland Preserves and Historical Landmarks respectivelyover here (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=2103.40). My suggestion would be to take a close look at the original lots and see which occupant groups they use, in addition to the number of jobs they have and try to keep your lots in line.

Keep up the good work!  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: jmyers2043 on September 25, 2012, 04:35:23 PM
I like the house near the barn. It is where the landscaper lives?

- Jim


Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on September 26, 2012, 12:41:20 AM
@ gn_leugim
Thanks! And indeed : that was exactly what I had in mind. A manor.
The lot itself contains some trees and shrubberies around the edges. The rest of the forest is made by the surrounding farm fields tiles that are disguised as forest.
Technically it is a farm lot: IR, so we have the opportunity to add farm fields.

@ vortex
The farm on the lot contains two small houses for farmworkers.
This question needs some historical explanation. In the Netherlands we have roughly speaking two kinds of "manors". I don't know the correct term in english. What I mean is: houses for the rich in rural areas.
Type 1 is a house built by someone who earns his money in the rural surroundings. Usually this is technically a farmer's family that has done well during several centuries and got that rich that personnel and allottees (right word?) do the farming while the family does things that give themselves the opportunity to keep their hands clean. The personnel lives partly on the estate, but mostly on tenant/allottee (which is correct?) farms on the surroundings. The house has a direct economic relationship with the countryside. It is in fact part of the countryside.
Type 2 is a house built by someone who got rich somewhere else: in industry, in a colony... wherever. So this house has no direct economic relationships with the surrounding countryside. It just sits there and enjoys the view.

The lot I made tries to look like a manor of the first type.
Do you think I succeeded? Maybe I should hide the farm a bit more from the house by adding trees and a hedge.  :-\

I tried to understand the thread about CAMelot counters and Occupant Groups, but it just raised another question: if I make a lot with SC4-Pim, does it automatically contain the correct occupant group so that it is counted in the CAMelot counters? I'd like my farms to be counted in!
And I could not find anything that helps me making the stage 6 and 7.

@ Jim
You are one of those guys who knows a bit more about this stuff. Could you give me some advice?
Yesterday evening after the uploading I considered to take the original Stage 6 and 7 lots and edit them with my own lotting skills. Exchanging the model's TGI in the building exemplar would give me the correct looks. Only resizing and renaming, and avoiding of overwriting the original lots is something I cannot think how to do that... So probably this is not a good solution too. Opening the lots in LE will definitely spoil the building file...
Maybe just opening the building file of these originals will help me.
Is it maybe so that I can make a stage 5 lot in SC4-Pim (job amount wise) and then edit some properties of this lot in Reader will make it stage 6 or 7?

Thanks
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: jmyers2043 on September 27, 2012, 05:31:48 AM
Let me see if I understand. You wish to change the building and the growth stage and avoid using the lot editor? 

Make your new building into a farm using the XTool. Increase the fill until you have 100 jobs or more. All the pollution, wealth, consumption numbers will be correct.

Open the LOT exemplar using iLives reader. There are a lot of properties beginning with 0x00000001 and 0x00000002. Find the one property starting with 0x00000000. Double click. A window will open. You will see 13 reps. The 13th, and usually last, is the IID number of the building. Replace it with the one you just made. right click to re-index the exemplar just to be safe, then save.

The only thing left is to change the growth stage. That should do it.

To test. Change the growth stage temporarily to 1. Open up a bare bones Maxis only test region. Put GrandPa Al's no Maxis Farms mod in your folder along with your new farm. Zone some RCI and some some farm zones. The new and improved farm should be the only one that can grow. Change the growth stage back to 5 when/if successful.

- Jim

Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: gn_leugim on September 27, 2012, 06:13:43 AM
QuoteThe lot I made tries to look like a manor of the first type.
Do you think I succeeded? Maybe I should hide the farm a bit more from the house by adding trees and a hedge.  :-\

you did! here in portugal we have some similarity on that like this example here (http://maps.google.com.br/?ll=41.40807,-8.490259&spn=0.002048,0.003449&t=h&z=18)

you got it  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on September 27, 2012, 08:09:00 AM
Hi Jim,

Well, in fact I'd like to know how I can make proper Stage 6 and 7 farming lots.
After having read your post I did some thinking and took a look in the building and lot exemplars of one of my farm lots. Growth stage is one of the properties in the lot exemplar.

Now please read this and confirm if I am on the right track.

1. I select a model and make it an Agricultural Industry building. The building exemplar is made. I change the filling degree in such a way that I get the number of jobs I want.
2. I make a growable lot with this building. The SC4-pim decides it is a lot of growth stage, say 4. Then I do the lotting. I save everything. The lot exemplar is in the plugins folder now. It is called something like IR$4_9x10_....etc.

Until now this is what I did when I wanted to make the lots from stage 1 up to 5.

3. Now I open the lot exemplar in Reader, select the Growth Stage entry. The value is 0x04, because it was a Stage 4 lot, remember? Now I change the 0x04 into 0x06 and I have my stage 6 farm lot? Is that it? Is that really all?
And now I also change the occupant group in order to let the Camelot Counter count it as Stage 6. Right?
And I rename the lot file into IR$_9x10...etc

Please tell me what I have overlooked....

And @ gn_leugim
Thanks!
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: jmyers2043 on September 27, 2012, 08:52:46 AM
QuoteIs that it? Is that really all?
And now I also change the occupant group in order to let the Camelot Counter count it as Stage 6. Right?

Yes. That is all.

There are no capacity requirements for stage 6 or 7 farms due to the nature of the lots. I like to think of them as wild cards. They can be anything. Remember, a stage 4 farm needs to be near a water source, a stage 5 near a fire station, and a stage 6 farm has to be near a park.


- Jim

Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on October 02, 2012, 02:24:32 AM
Hi Jim,

So if I make a stage 4 lot in SC4_Pim and edit the growth stage into 6 I have a stage 6 lot? Requiring a park nearby and all?
Vortex said something about Occupant Groups. He said I should check these in the CAM stage 6 farms (yours, mostly?) and use these in my own farms. Because Occupant Groups are a thing I never bothered about I am a bit shy in fooling around with them.
I did, though, add the Occupant Groups in odrer to let them be counted by the CAMelot Counter, like is stated in the "CAMeLot Counter and Occupant Groups" thread.
I wonder, by the way, why I shuld add an occupant group to stage 1, 2 and 3, because they will not appear on the Counter list anyway? Is there some other reason?
But because I am a good boy I added the Occupant Group anyway. I'd like my farms to be in line with the other farms around.

Thanks a lot for all help.
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: jmyers2043 on October 02, 2012, 05:16:29 AM
Quote from: FrankU on October 02, 2012, 02:24:32 AM
Hi Jim,

So if I make a stage 4 lot in SC4_Pim and edit the growth stage into 6 I have a stage 6 lot? Requiring a park nearby and all?

Yes.

Quote from: FrankU on October 02, 2012, 02:24:32 AM
... He said I should check these in the CAM stage 6 farms (yours, mostly?) ...

Here is the list of farm related Occupant groups.

Stages:
B5C00C21 = Stage 1 Farm
B5C00C22 = Stage 2 Farm
B5C00C23 = Stage 3 Farm
B5C00C24 = Stage 4 Farm
B5C00C25 = Stage 5 Farm
B5C00C26 = Stage 6 Farm (Woodland Preserves)
B5C00C27 = Stage 7 Farm (Historical Landmarks)
 
Category:
B5C00C30 = Farm - Meat
B5C00C31 = Farm - Dairy
B5C00C32 = Farm - Poultry
B5C00C33 = Farm - Fish
B5C00C34 = Farm - Timber
B5C00C35 = Farm - Vegetables
B5C00C36 = Farm - Fruit
B5C00C37 = Farm - Wine
B5C00C38 = Farm - Nursery
B5C00C39 = Farm - Herbs and Spices
B5C00C3A = Farm - Grain
B5C00C3B = Farm - Tobacco
B5C00C3C = Farm - Beer Related
B5C00C3D = Farm - Alcoholic Bev Related.
B5C00C3E = Farm - Medicinal
B5C00C3F = Farm - Textiles
B5C00C40 = Farm - Equine
 
Type of Farming :
B5C00C50 = Farm - GM produce ... use to trigger LABS etc.
B5C00C51 = Farm - Organic - to count CLEAN Farms.
B5C00C52 = Farm - Homestead and Cottage - Small scale.
B5C00C53 = Farm - Commercial Orientated.

These are the occpants I would use if I were release a stage 3 wheat farm.

B5C00C23, B5C00C3A, B5C00C52


Good Luck - Jim
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on October 02, 2012, 06:10:59 AM
Oh, I didn't know about the Category and the Types. I did add the Stage Occupant Groups, so if I did it correctly the farms will be counted by the CAMelot Counters

But what are the Category and the Types for? Some kinds of rewards?
I did a search on Occupant Groups but, maybe it's my thickness of head, but I couldn't find useful information on them. So I rely on you again.
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: jmyers2043 on October 02, 2012, 07:32:57 AM
Hey Frank!

Quote from: FrankU on October 02, 2012, 06:10:59 AM
But what are the Category and the Types for? Some kinds of rewards?

Yes. Your farm will count toward current or future rewards if you choose to use the OG's. The SimGoober Farm Bureau counts farms by stage growth. It also counts the category and type OG's too. So, include them if there is a reasonable match to your farms product and while you have iLive's reader open.

You can use the small farm and organic farm together, B5C00C52 and B5C00C51. I hope it makes sense to have only one growth stage OG.

I have many things on my 'to do' list  ::)  but I am going to delve into the OG's one of these days. SimGoober left some room in his query for future categories. My corn farms could be ethanol, feed crops, food/vegetable, or alcohol.   


Good Luck - Jim

Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on October 02, 2012, 10:58:28 AM
Hi Jim,

I expect there is no elaborate explanation on this subject somewhere on the forum? Otherwise I should have found it, or you would have pointed me to it, right?
I see the purpose of some of the OG's, but not all.

The stages are clear.
I can see what the category means: the Simgoober Farm bureau counts these. So if I add these OG's the bureau counts my farms. That would be nice. But I remember I did read something about the amount of farm fields. Are they counted too? Or do I have to add these numbers also to the farm field lots? Or is that something completely different?

But then again: the Types.
These are for triggering rewards? Which rewards exactly?
And what does GM mean?
When is a farm defined as organic?
Homestead, I guess, is a small farm?
And Commercial Oriented is a large farm? I mean: all farms are commercial oriented. The farmer wants to make fprofit otherwise he and his family will starve.

I'd like to know as exact as possible, because I do not want my lots to screw up some kind of CAM-wide system, you know?

Thanks again, Frank
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: jmyers2043 on October 02, 2012, 04:52:21 PM
Quote from: FrankU on October 02, 2012, 10:58:28 AM
...  But I remember I did read something about the amount of farm fields. Are they counted too? Or do I have to add these numbers also to the farm field lots...

Not to the farm lot. Field OG's are used with the 1X1 farm field lots. Here are the field OG's if you feel like creating new fields some day. 


Fields:
B5C00C01 = Field - Grain
B5C00C02 = Field - Fruit
B5C00C03 =
B5C00C04 =
B5C00C05 =
B5C00C06 =
B5C00C07 = Field - Timber
B5C00C08 = Field - Genetic Modified (Trigger Labs)
B5C00C09 = Field - Organic (Clean)
B5C00C0A = Field - Herbs & Spices
B5C00C0B = Field - Textiles
B5C00C0C = Field - Nuts
B5C00C0D = Field - Tobacco
B5C00C0E = Field - Alcoholic Beverage
B5C00C0F = Field - Beer Related.
B5C00C10 = Field - Vegetables
B5C00C11 = Field - Nursery (Flowers, shrubs etc.)
B5C00C12 = Field - Vineyards
B5C00C13 = Field - Nature conservation
B5C00C14 = Field - Medicinal
B5C00C15 = Field - General Use

QuoteThese are for triggering rewards? Which rewards exactly?

I don't know exactly. Go to the LEX -> left margin -> search -> documentation. Look for BSC Reward Chain. 

QuoteAnd what does GM mean?

I have no idea. So I've never used it.

QuoteWhen is a farm defined as organic?

Use best judgement. I used it for my hydroponic stage 5 farms. You could make a farm that has a out building where the farmers wife sells jams and jellies. That could be organic.

QuoteHomestead, I guess, is a small farm?

Yes.

QuoteAnd Commercial Oriented is a large farm?

Yes. A good example are the CSX lots called Nexis Feedlot, Nexis Pigs, Nexis Chickens. 

QuoteI do not want my lots to screw up some kind of CAM-wide system, you know

Good idea but it is unlikely. Right now we're just counting and looking at the SimGoober query for the fun. An occasional reward is offered. Neither will upset the game engine.

Take Care - Jim



Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: whatevermind on October 02, 2012, 06:18:00 PM
Quote from: FrankU on October 02, 2012, 10:58:28 AM
And what does GM mean?
When is a farm defined as organic?
Homestead, I guess, is a small farm?
And Commercial Oriented is a large farm? I mean: all farms are commercial oriented. The farmer wants to make fprofit otherwise he and his family will starve.

GM in regards to crops or farms usually means Genetically Modified. Especially since one of the other categories is Organic, they're probably meant to be opposites, which would reinforce that definition of GM.

When is a farm organic? That is something of a hot topic in the real world of farms as it happens. The usual definition is that organic farms are those that do not use artificial chemical pesticides, but the term has been applied to all sorts of farming practices that fall under the rough umbrella of being earth-friendly and/or safer to people/animals.

For SC4 purposes, those definitions could probably be interpreted a number of different ways, depending on what you were going for with your farm.  For something like a Manor house, I don't think either would apply.

Homestead would be something like your traditional family farm - usually smaller, but not always, and definitely being where at least most of the farmers both live and work.  Commercial Oriented would be a generally large-scale farm, the sort of thing that is run by a company or co-op, farmers live elsewhere and commute, produces mass-market food and plants, etc.

At least that's how I would interpret those categories - obviously there's a lot of room for imagination, and it's all up to the creator to decide anyway.
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on October 03, 2012, 01:32:31 AM
OK guys, thanks. This is quite some information.
I feel that my farms are getting better and better by your help.

1. Jim, I did already create a set of new farm fields, look at the STEX. I think I am going to release an update of them together with my farms set. And I am going to include these OG's.
So thanks for the listing.

2. We'll see what happens to the reward chain when someone uses my farms and farm fields. I'd like them to cooperate with the BSC stuff.

3. GM, I suddenly thought, means Genetically Modified, just like whatevermind tells me. I have none of these.

4. And organic? I know what organic means. I just asked myself for what kinds of farms this OG is used in game. I have none of these, I think. But I know enough to select them myself now.

5. Homestead and Commercial: I guess I make my smaller farms (stage 1,2,3) Homestead, and my larger (4 and 5) Commercial. 6 and 7 none of both.

Thanks again!
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on October 05, 2012, 08:20:36 PM
Sorry folks, still having some private severe RL problems. Be back on the project (full time) before November 10th though....promissed. I'm really sorry about this.

Fred
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on October 06, 2012, 02:53:51 AM
Hi Fred,

I hope all is going the direction you prefer!

Waiting has its advantages. First of all I found out about the occupant groups. Now our farm lots will be counted in the CAMelot Counter and in the BSC Reward Chains. So they will cooperate with the BSC farms, I hope....
I think that is a plus.

I also decided to use the Vanderaap Langeraar Geerweg model as another farm house. I am working on an additional group of stage 1-5 farms based on this farm house. First pictures are going to be shown next week, I think.
So now the Farms set stages 1-5 contains 92 farms! Not to mention the "Stage 0" farms, being another 25.

And also I have had some time to think about the stage 6 and 7 farms and as you surely have seen I already made one.

So see you soon!

Frank
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: noahclem on October 06, 2012, 04:49:25 AM
The lotting progress and BSC integration sounds very promising  &apls  Hope all works out well for you Fred  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: vortext on October 06, 2012, 05:40:27 AM
No need to apologize Fred, RL is more important. Hope everything will be well soon for you and your loved ones.

Also;

Quote from: FrankU on October 06, 2012, 02:53:51 AM
So now the Farms set stages 1-5 contains 92 farms!

That's just ridiculous! In a very good way, don't get me wrong. But still, ridiculous!!  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on October 06, 2012, 07:23:04 AM
Don't worry guys, all goes well, nothing I can't handle, but things just need my attention.

Fred
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on October 07, 2012, 10:44:18 AM
Quote from: vortext on October 06, 2012, 05:40:27 AM
Quote from: FrankU on October 06, 2012, 02:53:51 AM
So now the Farms set stages 1-5 contains 92 farms!

That's just ridiculous! In a very good way, don't get me wrong. But still, ridiculous!!  :thumbsup:

Well, yes. I know. It is. It's just that I can't stop lotting. And the longer Fred takes to finish his props, the more time I have to reconsider the lots and add new ones to them.
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: gn_leugim on October 09, 2012, 01:26:21 AM
nice nice :D finnaly a good set of european farms :D nothign against SG's, or SPAM, but they are too American to my taste, now that will change :)
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on October 15, 2012, 06:33:54 AM
Now that my farm lots are waiting for their last rearrangement once Fred has finished his prop packs (which will take quite a while, I guess, unless the silence means he is making them at this right moment all in one long swoop) I was wondering what add on I could think of.

And well... There it was: a reward!  ;D

Jim Myers helped me with the Occupant Groups considering CAM. So now my lots are being counted by the CAMelot Counter. They also are part of the BSC Reward Chain. But wouldn't it be fun if my farms unlocked their own Dutch Farm Rewards?
Something like a tractor shop when the 20th farm grows, or a Dutch Windmill lot, or a grain silo when you have 100 wheat farm fields....

But I do not have a good clue on how to proceed.

First I guess all my farm lots need their own Occupant Group ID's, so they can be tracked. Then I will have to make reward lots that unlock when the counting reaches a certain number....

So how do I define my own OG IID's? Is there some central appointment office like the Prop Family ID list? And then, is there some tutorial on How To Make My Own Rewards? I could not find one....

Please help?
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on October 15, 2012, 06:41:13 AM
I will be back on the project full-time before November 15th, this year of course. ;) ....and I should be ready with the whole project before christmas.
Yess, I did some work on some models here and then since July, but not really much. I will have a lot of free time in November and december, so, there won't be a problem keeping me from finishing my models before the end of the year.

Fred
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on October 15, 2012, 06:46:50 AM
OK, so we will hope that somewhere around new year's day there will be a huge release of our farm project.

Please ask for help or comments anytime you like!

Until that time I will be able to add some stage 6 and 7 lots and maybe even the rewards I just posted about.
But Farms Stages 1 up to 5 are priority. Stages 6 and 7 follow. Rewards will be added if possible.
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on October 18, 2012, 05:24:46 AM
Well, it will not be a huge release all in one, but you will get all the files before New Years for sure, most probably in different packs at different times.
I just started a little bit yesterday on the silos again, I had some free time between midnight and 1 AM.....lol

Oh geeeeez....what happened to time? It goes by soooo faaaaaassssssst. OMG.


Fred
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: vortext on October 18, 2012, 07:05:42 AM
Quote from: mrbisonm on October 18, 2012, 05:24:46 AM
Well, it will not be a huge release all in one, but you will get all the files before New Years for sure, most probably in different packs at different times.

In any case, I'm looking forward to it.  :thumbsup:

Any chance of a sneak peek?!  ;D

Quote from: FrankU on October 15, 2012, 06:33:54 AM
First I guess all my farm lots need their own Occupant Group ID's, so they can be tracked. Then I will have to make reward lots that unlock when the counting reaches a certain number....

So how do I define my own OG IID's? Is there some central appointment office like the Prop Family ID list? And then, is there some tutorial on How To Make My Own Rewards? I could not find one....

Please help?

This tutorial (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=1010.msg28433#msg28433) from Daeley may be usefull for creating rewards. As for tracking, I remember seeing a document somewhere which contained all the IDs in use and if I recall correctly it also had a number of empty ranges. However I can't find it, not on the forums nor on my HD.  &mmm
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on October 18, 2012, 07:43:10 AM
Fred,

I will just wait until you have something that you want to show us. We will comment, if you want our opinion, and when you decide you are finished with it you will send me the props and I will put them on my lots.
It's just that I have to tell that the lotting is not useful before I have received all your props. Otherwise I have to relot everything several times and that is useless.

So we all have to wait some time until everything is finshed.
This, however, gives me time to make sure all machinery of the lots is OK and ready for the future.

I have some new ideas and maybe a new lot or two to show.

Vortex,

Thanks for the link. I found the tutorial already. it looks doable to me, so I'll go and play with the idea.
And a list of available OG's would be nice.
It also would be nice to have a central place where we can see the IID's for textures and propfamilies. Especially as teh guard, BarbyW, seems offline most of the time (or is that just my perception?).
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on October 19, 2012, 09:03:50 PM
Quote from: vortext on October 18, 2012, 07:05:42 AM
Quote from: mrbisonm on October 18, 2012, 05:24:46 AM
Well, it will not be a huge release all in one, but you will get all the files before New Years for sure, most probably in different packs at different times.

In any case, I'm looking forward to it.  :thumbsup:

Any chance of a sneak peek?!  ;D



Ok now, a sneak peak just for you, but......make sure not to show anyone else, ok?  8-)

Fred

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimageshack.us%2Fa%2Fimg28%2F1084%2F43234.jpg&hash=372436304c9edd71769dacfa40642ef82deeaeee)

Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on October 20, 2012, 01:21:55 AM
Beautiful!

Could you make this shed with a dark grey roof and olive green walls, more or less like the vinyl barn M8?

Frank
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on October 20, 2012, 08:11:03 AM
Quote from: FrankU on October 20, 2012, 01:21:55 AM
Beautiful!

Could you make this shed with a dark grey roof and olive green walls, more or less like the vinyl barn M8?

Frank

Sofar I have three (3) different versions of this machineryshed, varying in colour, size + details (and of course accessoiries). But I will make one more with a darker roof and greenish metal walls.

Fred


Edit: Had 5 minutes, how about this?

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimageshack.us%2Fa%2Fimg703%2F5821%2F43235.jpg&hash=f5d92614e72689ddb267ae858ca279ca3d5cb550)
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on October 20, 2012, 10:47:23 AM
Fred, you made my day.  :)
The green is perfect, the roof will get a nice texture like you had for the barns, I presume, so all will be perfect for me!
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: gn_leugim on October 21, 2012, 01:55:13 AM
I agree, but the black roof would gain if you would de-saturate it a bit. it would look more like it has worn off by time, and wont be so shocky colorfull on game ;)
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: vortext on October 21, 2012, 07:30:20 AM
Looks fine.  ()stsfd()

Nice accessories as well, the little backhoe is really cute. :D Though I'm wondering, are these seperate props or part of the BAT?
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on October 21, 2012, 08:32:39 AM
Quote from: gn_leugim on October 21, 2012, 01:55:13 AM
I agree, but the black roof would gain if you would de-saturate it a bit. it would look more like it has worn off by time, and wont be so shocky colorfull on game ;)

Good idea, will work on that.

Quote from: vortext on October 21, 2012, 07:30:20 AM
Looks fine.  ()stsfd()

Nice accessories as well, the little backhoe is really cute. :D Though I'm wondering, are these seperate props or part of the BAT?


I'm not sure yet if I will make separate small with all the machinery I will add to the farm props. Let's wait and see what I will come up with time. I just about started the "accessory props" not long ago. The ones you see, are the ones I made sofar, except for a small tractor and a closed silage-trailer.
Anyway, if I see that there's a demand, I will probably release a separate farm-accessory proppack with all this too.

Hey, maybe even make a mayorplop set with this........?

Fred
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on October 24, 2012, 07:14:59 AM
You probably know my opinion on that: separate props and a model that allows it to place props under the roof. That's my favourite, because of the versatility.

But we'll wait what you come up with, Fred.

And the days seem to float away without me having time to do some lotting or fiddling around with rewards...
The new farms based on the Vanderaap Langeraar model should have been finished by now but are not.
And the stage 6 and 7 lots.... still waiting.

As long as there is interest in our products Fred and I will continue! Noworries.
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: Runnerguy347 on October 24, 2012, 10:24:32 AM
Of course there's still interest. This pack will take those of us who like farming communities to a whole new level. I know I can't wait for it. :thumbsup:
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on October 24, 2012, 01:08:57 PM
Don't worry Frank, there will be interest in these farms as long as Simciters like growing farms in SC.

Fred
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: vortext on October 24, 2012, 01:16:08 PM
Actually I'm glad it's taking a while because my region is not ready yet for modern farms!  ;)
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on November 03, 2012, 11:48:14 AM
Well, I am happy to hear that there is still interest in playing this game. Although I did not really fear for the competition of SC5.  :D

Anyway, it has been silent, but I have not been idle.
Owing to the fact that in my other thread a certain lot has been selected as preferred version for my Farm Fair Reward I decided to use the other one as farm lot.
This meant also that I decided to use the Vanderaap Aardamseweg model as a model for my farm lots. When I started this rewards and farm lots series I thought to use this model exclusively for the Reward, but as said: I decided against.
This gave me the opportunity to add a whole new group of new farms to my set: two or three farms in each Growth Stage.

I will now present you the versions of staged 1 up to 4 as they are now.

Stage 1 - Bijvanksweide
Three farms for each pasture type I have in my farm fields.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farm%2520Lots%2520-%2520growables%2FNieuweFarms-0000a.jpg&hash=144733b3d49d3496a702a046c9c5687655ee81b5)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farm%2520Lots%2520-%2520growables%2FNieuweFarms-0001a.jpg&hash=2d2a95baa95458a8940c6da4251f7c3ac5cbf54b)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farm%2520Lots%2520-%2520growables%2FNieuweFarms-0002a.jpg&hash=230107ec2287d79df542f251def33e89d07ab37b)

Stage 2 - Olde Bijvank
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farm%2520Lots%2520-%2520growables%2FNieuweFarms-0003a.jpg&hash=5e07bf377bb5543c76fcb2801c5bbc0c806cf939)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farm%2520Lots%2520-%2520growables%2FNieuweFarms-0004a.jpg&hash=604c218dc6fcd637569d53f52b1ec11493346ffd)

Stage 3 - Klein Bijvank
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farm%2520Lots%2520-%2520growables%2FNieuweFarms-0005a.jpg&hash=62f17b6eede53534886b90b5c66f8dd88d22d394)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farm%2520Lots%2520-%2520growables%2FNieuweFarms-0006a.jpg&hash=4887a0a9241a0b7d56da5c2c826ab58f6b9ce47a)

Stage 4 - Erve Bijvank
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farm%2520Lots%2520-%2520growables%2FNieuweFarms-0007a.jpg&hash=8a9f283ab3a8735526530d02eb4c4c76898055cb)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farm%2520Lots%2520-%2520growables%2FNieuweFarms-0008a.jpg&hash=84754eeba4458cce3a959780e93428a0ea069ccc)

In stage 1 and 4 you see the first appearances of Nexis' Manure props. He showed them before, but not yet on a thoroughly designed lot. Now here you are!
And as you can see I used a lot of variation for several props. That's why I show each lot three times. I did this partly with existing prop families, but more and more I decide to edit a certain prop in Reader and add other props as variation on the same spot. The technique is known as the Smoncrie alternative to prop families. There really should exist a better, shorter, name for this.

I hope you like the product. Please comment.
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: Swordmaster on November 03, 2012, 12:02:39 PM
This looks great. Simple as that, great.

Except all that manure. . .  I was going to have dinner.


Cheers
Willy
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on November 06, 2012, 07:06:27 AM
Great, just Great, FrankU.....now...these pics  even give me more stimulation and encourage me to work on the models. ;)

Be there later this coming weekend with a update on my models.

Fred
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on November 21, 2012, 02:20:05 AM
Hi all,

Two weeks ago I opened up a LEX Candidacy thread. Jim Myers talked me into that and he is certainly helping me out.
My first LEX project will be an updated version of those fields. We had some PM conversation about it.

In this thread I already discussed the Occupant Group issue. In order to be compliant with CAM and the BSC/BTE Reward Chain my farm fields and lots need certain OG's. I added these to the fields and farms already. I also designed my own set of OG's that will be useful for counting my own farms in order to have my own lot counters and rewards. So that is an upcoming project: Dutch additional Rewards, not to be confused with the Dutch Maxis Replacement Awards.

If you want to count lots, you need a place to show the results. And that brought me to the issue of Custom Queries.
Jim, again, helped me with an example lot he sent me. It contained a slightly edited query for one of his test farm fields. Yesterday evening I played around with this query and found out that is it not too hard to edit it to my own taste. All in all it took me about two hours.

So have a look at the results for now.

This was Jims test query:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.fileden.com%2Ffiles%2F2007%2F7%2F4%2F1237795%2FDutch%2520Field%2520Query.jpg&hash=c05ebd0a86197964f52569044371669073834108)

He made a very nice Dutch Flag, but I think I am going to use something else.

In the first place I did this:

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FQuery%2520Modding%2FQuery-0001.jpg&hash=8d4e1f24f9580c0a94b977483e0f5165cd05a9d7)

When you look close, you see that the name of the crop is in Latin, the line of text is in English and the "close" button has a Dutch text (because I have a Dutch game installment). Not nice, isn't it?
I considered to make all texts in Latin, but it is too long ago. I forgot too much and Google Translate gives irregular results.

So I thought a bit, decided to do all query texts in English (except the crop names) and came up with this:

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FQuery%2520Modding%2FQuery-0002.jpg&hash=26c5ae97656a74d3fe606f7c1a9dbc3255063719)

The "close" button text is now in English. It will be in English for everyone, because I removed the reference to the language file.
And, of course, I added another text line giving the total numer of Dutch Lots in the city.
Of course this is just a rough first version. The image is bad. I only used it to find out how things work. Maybe I'll use Jim's flag, but probably I'll come up with something different. The spacing needs attention too.
I presume that I will stick to the standard look of the Maxis query, but nothing is certain until it is upladed to the LEX.

Ahm, yes one thing: the difference in the number of field lots and total lots is because the latter also counts the concerned farms. So you see: 9 farms with a total of 561 field lots. Why did Jim say "Estimated"? The count is exact, or isn't it?

Today's news is mainly possible due to Jim Myers' good work and advice.

Thank you Jim!  &apls

Have fun,

Frank
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on November 27, 2012, 12:03:46 PM
OK, so nobody replied.

I guess my performances last week weren't that spectacular. Especially in the light of C.P.'s return and the stunning Antigone project. Not to mention Girafe, Rambuckel and all those others.

Anyway, I wasn't too happy with the query myself, so I played around with it again.

It now looks like this.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FQuery%2520Modding%2FQuery-0004.jpg&hash=d1a8c550714301355dd11bb16a2077146c6767bb)

When you hover over the close button it looks like this.
The cursor is not shown in the screenshot.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FQuery%2520Modding%2FQuery-0005.jpg&hash=d61400f612d527bcda989336a959ffd614d026e0)

And when you click it the button goes down.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FQuery%2520Modding%2FQuery-0006.jpg&hash=eb72b7104b1c13f36e2028f6114186ba0c6be7a5)

I wanted the query to be "family" of the Maxis query, but still my own. It had to show the Dutch connection and it had to show some useful stats.

So I came up with colors that are close to (red and blue) or identical to (the "white" which is actually very light blue) the original query colors. The button is on the same location, the font is identical (I even don't know if there is another choice). The name of the lot is in a similar spot, the edge has some semi transparecy like the original. It shows the amount of lots (grown and plopped) and it shows the kind of lot by the image.
I gave it a bit of depth.

You like it? Would you like to see other info or stats? Please comment.

Frank
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: Simcoug on November 27, 2012, 12:44:10 PM
Nice use of the dutch flag Frank.  And props for creating your own custom query - It will be fun to see how it works in-game.   :thumbsup:
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: antn on November 27, 2012, 01:43:28 PM
I haven't been following this project but I looked through some pages and it's massive and it's looking really good, great job you two. :)
The custom query is looking good but maybe you can use round corners on the query window and button for a more uniform (with the rest of sc4 gui) appearance. There's also a minor colour mismatch between the background in the vegetable pic and the rest of the query window.
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: noahclem on November 27, 2012, 01:57:28 PM
Sorry I missed the last update--something I really would have liked to compliment you on had I noticed  :'(

First, I'm really glad you've opened up a LEX candidacy thread. I feel like too many people think it's something elite and not enough people understand how much it's about sharing and helping. Anyway, I'm very glad to hear you've found help there and the kind of long-term, thorough, excellent work you're putting together certainly belongs there!

Custom queries are, in a way, just a detail but I think they add a lot of character and interest to a set. I like both versions very much and would have difficulty deciding which I prefer--perhaps the latter.

I'm always happy to read about you and Fred's progress here and you're truly on the cutting edge of farming in SC4. A K-point to both of you for persevering though this massive project  :)
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: jmyers2043 on November 27, 2012, 02:25:05 PM
Good queries. The Dutch like vegetables?   ::)  :D

- Jim

Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: Jack_wilds on November 27, 2012, 03:25:41 PM
I may not have much to say of late but I am still watching the progress unfold...

I like both versions of the query... personally, I like the use of the flag versus the framework of the query in flag colors... so what I would say is: keep it simple, clear, readable but keep your notions of the project goals...  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on November 28, 2012, 01:19:39 AM
@Simcough
Thanks for replying.

Quote from: antn on November 27, 2012, 01:43:28 PM
I haven't been following this project but I looked through some pages and it's massive and it's looking really good, great job you two. :)
The custom query is looking good but maybe you can use round corners on the query window and button for a more uniform (with the rest of sc4 gui) appearance. There's also a minor colour mismatch between the background in the vegetable pic and the rest of the query window.
Hi antn,
Thanks for the compliments. It was my first intention to edit the Maxis query with only colors, a small image and my own information. But when i finished it I thought the result was too similar to the Maxis ones. Let's face it: it just wasn't enough of me. I wanted them to have more their own character, but still be family of the Maxis queries. So I kept the semi transparent edge and I kept the light blue background color.
You are right: there is a slight difference in color. I saw it when I put the images into the posting. Somehow the color of the background was changed slightly during my editing work. Or: the background colors of the Maxis queries are not exactly identical. I did not check that, but knowing how many thinngs in the game are inconsistent it would not surprise me. A simple Photoshop action repaired that already.

Quote from: noahclem on November 27, 2012, 01:57:28 PM
First, I'm really glad you've opened up a LEX candidacy thread. I feel like too many people think it's something elite and not enough people understand how much it's about sharing and helping. Anyway, I'm very glad to hear you've found help there and the kind of long-term, thorough, excellent work you're putting together certainly belongs there!

Custom queries are, in a way, just a detail but I think they add a lot of character and interest to a set. I like both versions very much and would have difficulty deciding which I prefer--perhaps the latter.

I'm always happy to read about you and Fred's progress here and you're truly on the cutting edge of farming in SC4. A K-point to both of you for persevering though this massive project  :)
Hi Noah,
First of all: thanks for the karma point! It makes me feel proud.
The LEX candidacy: the most important reason for me to open it was that before uploading to the community I will be certain that the lots work the way they should. I am not too well aware of all ins and outs of moding and lot properties, so it's important that someone checks everything thoroughly. I wouldn't want people to find out that my lots look nice but screw up their game.
And the custom query: first I hesitated, because I feared it would be a lot of work. On the other hand it took my attention, because indeed it is nice to have them. And I was curious wether I was able to make one. Now I have fiddled some days (well, about 15 hours of time, over the last two weeks, I guess) with them I think I know quite well how it works and what I can do with them. Thanks to Jim's private upload to me, I must say.
Yes, the project is getting larger and larger. But it's also getting even more perfect and elaborated. This also thanks to the fact that Fred does not have as much time as he likes for making his props. While I wait for his props, I think of new additions to the set.... So Fred, don't rush your project!

Quote from: jmyers2043 on November 27, 2012, 02:25:05 PM
Good queries. The Dutch like vegetables?   ::)  :D
Hi Jim,
Yes, we do like vegetables! We even like them so much we produce more than we can eat, so we export them all over the world. Or does that mean that we do not like them ourselves, and hence decided to sell them to others?  :D

Quote from: Jack_wilds on November 27, 2012, 03:25:41 PM
I like both versions of the query... personally, I like the use of the flag versus the framework of the query in flag colors... so what I would say is: keep it simple, clear, readable but keep your notions of the project goals...  :thumbsup:
Thanks Jack!

So your message is a bit undecided. I think I'll consider the query a couple of days. Play around with them in game and try to make one for a farm lot, with all the other standard info, testing their looks. 

Have fun!

Oh, and a question... I suddenly saw that my profile info to the left of this text shows a "cl" with image and text: what does it mean, who made it and where does it come from? I myself certainly did not make it.
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: noahclem on November 28, 2012, 02:48:16 AM
QuoteOh, and a question... I suddenly saw that my profile info to the left of this text shows a "cl" with image and text: what does it mean, who made it and where does it come from? I myself certainly did not make it.

:D  That's your Custom Member Label--people that are part of the site doing good things for a long time can earn one
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on November 28, 2012, 04:10:05 AM
Ah, so someone gave it to me?
Who was it?
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mave94 on November 28, 2012, 05:59:57 AM
Frank, you might want to take a look at this thread: custom member label club (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=47.0). Those labels are given by the custom member label club.

You are doing a great job with this great project. The custom queries look really nice. Are you going to use them for all other future BNL uploads, too? It makes the bats more 'personal'. I feel the urge to go back at bat, but unfortunately I don't have the time now. I hope I will have more time soon.
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on November 28, 2012, 06:53:30 AM
Hi Matthijs,

Well, we could arrange something within the BNL team. Surely it will be possible to use this or a similar Query for the BNL uploads. Maybe we need to add our own BNL logo to it, but that is simple.
We also could try to figure out some kind of OG use for a future BNL rewards system. I have ideas of my own concerning the farm project as I told already, but other BNL lots and projects would be possible too.
In that case we might extend the rande of OG's that Jim gave me. But that is of less importance.

Should we discuss this further in our private forum?
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on December 03, 2012, 08:46:17 PM
Nice going FrankU, I was too busy trying to figure out the LOD matter I have (without success), and I haven't been around here too much. I like the querry you made.

Just to give all the amateurs of this project an idea, I am back on the prtoject also, BATting my brains away again. My progress will be seen mostly in my own Nexis Works thread (link below) and only the finished products will be shown here.

http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=7835.260

Just to give you an idea, here's a picture from my thread.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg37.imageshack.us%2Fimg37%2F5861%2Fm103a.jpg&hash=ec17c6b5b565f1f0e55c027b1885bdb2d977077a)



Keep it up Frank, you're gonna be busy soon. I will send you a modelfile to test in a few minutes, mostly concerning the scale, you know that I have problems with this. ;)

Fred
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: vortext on December 04, 2012, 01:39:33 PM
The custom query is a nice little detail Frank! A Dutch reward chain would be pretty neat as well.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on December 06, 2012, 11:38:18 AM
Hi friends,

A question to all of you out there:

You have seen my concept of the custom query for the farm fields. I have finished them in a tiny different way: I added extra info about the lots.
Now I am working on a new query for my farms. This is based on the Maxis query which is meant for farms and industrial lots. Hence it contains a "make historical" button.
Now my question: as far as I know farms do not upgrade. So making a farm lot historical has no use. Do you think I could throw the button out of the query, or do I overlook something important here?

Frank
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on December 06, 2012, 01:34:12 PM
Not sure, but I don't think that getting rid of the "make historical" button would change aything concerning the farms.

Fred
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on December 10, 2012, 06:43:53 AM
So after some reworking of my queries I got this for my farm fields.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FQuery%2520Modding%2Fquerytest0001.jpg&hash=44df219381b0b7880dbc7ef04610d5b35cb6a94a)

Or should I add the BNL team logo to it?
I could do it like this.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FQuery%2520Modding%2Fquerytest0000.jpg&hash=88966c7c7087e827aa081640d03eff442c19859a)

And for the farm lots I have made the next one.
Including info on the amount of Dutch Flower Farms and the BNL logo again.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FQuery%2520Modding%2Fquerytest0002.jpg&hash=3c73c2e98bd33f000afd60bae5d7f6bca2559bb8)

You can see that the text I added is in English while the rest is standard Maxis and is in Dutch. I don't know how I could make the query in such a way that I have different languages available for this line of text. If someone knows how to... please help me then.

My aim is to have separate images for every kind of farm that I have in my farms set.
So there will be some diversity.

You like? Please comment positive or negative, whatever your heart tells you to share.

Frank
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: Runnerguy347 on December 10, 2012, 06:47:02 AM
Looks really good. I like that it gives us something to look at other than a generic query.  ;D
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: vortext on December 10, 2012, 08:37:06 AM
Looks nice Frank.  :thumbsup:

As far as I know the text in the query - and the rest of the menus for that matter - depends on the language which one chooses upon installation. If for example someone has selected Spanish, the query should read in Spanish. And I think you can leave out the 'mark historical' indeed.
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on December 10, 2012, 12:08:39 PM
Runnerguy347 and Vortex,

Thank you both.

Quote from: vortext on December 10, 2012, 08:37:06 AM
As far as I know the text in the query - and the rest of the menus for that matter - depends on the language which one chooses upon installation. If for example someone has selected Spanish, the query should read in Spanish. And I think you can leave out the 'mark historical' indeed.

Yes, I know that. The Maxis queries do not contain text lines, they contain references to IID's. I am quite certain that the language packs contain the text lines for these IID's. So all standard text by Maxis will be in your own installation language. But what can I do with my own added text lines? Like the line "Amount of Dutch flower farms"? Should I make my own text files for all languages ith IID's that I can put in my queries? Sorry... If anyone likes to pay me for that job....  ()what() No no, too much work. I guess it's doable, but I'd like to finish the set before the end of this century....

Frank
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on December 11, 2012, 09:49:02 AM
The querries look just great!


Fred
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: Jack_wilds on December 11, 2012, 01:53:56 PM
I like the general direction of the query  :thumbsup: ... but I wonder if the pink -carnation, and the red seem too bright  ??? ... the notion to have pics depicting the farm type is neat   ;) ... keep it up... I hope this doesn't extend the project too much longer...  :)
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on December 12, 2012, 03:29:27 AM
Hi Jack!

Carnations? You mean the pink tulips? Do you try to tell me that the pink conflicts with the red of the query header? That might be true.... yes. But I was looking for a colorfull icon that made clear what kind of lot we were talking about. So tulips for farm fields full of tulips seemed logical  :D . Surely you are not denying that. But the pink... well it's colorfull and I didn't really see a problem in that. I could change the color of course....

And the red of the header is derived from the red of our national flag. You certainly won't make me change that. I fear I won't be able to persuade the queen and the government to change that.  $%Grinno$%
So I'll stick to it.

And the making of queries is not extending the project, because I am waiting for Fred to finish his farm props and that will still take some time. Although here is a small update.

-----------------------

@ all of you out there on the site....

I played around with Fred's last BAT product. Although it is not yet finished. I did this mainly for testing scale and useability in my farm lots.

Look for yourself.

I had some farm lots that were really waiting for exactly the shed Fred sent me. It is really perfect (although Fred is working on the roof texture). Isn't it?
In contrast to what Fred "promised", he made the shed in such a way that we can put our own props into it. Great! Hurray to mrbisonm/Fred!  &apls

The red tractor in image 1 and 2 is part of the shed BAT. Fred is improving on it.

Image 1
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FNexis%2520Modern%2520Farm%2520Props%2Fnexispropstest0000.jpg&hash=0942f4bf83f21dd2bfa143afb2eca3690b21fb24)

Image 2
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FNexis%2520Modern%2520Farm%2520Props%2Fnexispropstest0001.jpg&hash=4aa2c072e172c37a304b0617a8cb0bdb937267d1)

Image 3
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FNexis%2520Modern%2520Farm%2520Props%2Fnexispropstest0003.jpg&hash=bbc9f4122e6420a1d6258a1f307deeae3a17e390)

Image 4
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FNexis%2520Modern%2520Farm%2520Props%2Fnexispropstest0004.jpg&hash=3a63f2030fd6dc03ba787589d1fb42f671f75eea)

I think this is a great shed. It's simple, its useful, it's generic, it's modern. I'll put it all over the place!

What are the opinions of the jury out there?

Greetings,
Frank
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: vortext on December 12, 2012, 03:55:24 AM
Props for Fred!  :D The shed looks great, as does the lot. Keep it up!
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on December 12, 2012, 07:24:09 AM
Like I said in Private, you have become a master in Dutch Lot making.

I was curious a bit and also wondering why the Dutch build their farmbuildings so close together . So I went "hovering" over Nederlande with Google Earth and found out indeed that there is an enormous difference in the way farming space is organized and used in Europe and North-America.
We here have much space, so buildings are spaced out, but also for the danger of fire spreading (in case) and fields are usually more kind of "roundish" in the corners and almost every field has a little unused space left to the side, while in Holland, it is totally different, the space is more restrained, the more available, the more can be turned into productive fields and every squareyard (meter) seems to be used up to its max.

So, these lots are quite real looking when it comes to Dutch farming. Good work there Frank.

Fred

Edit:

Btw, I changed the roof texture on this shed model, Frank, which one do you want, the top or bottom? This model (M109) will be delivered without props, you will be able to place the implements at your guise. ;)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg189.imageshack.us%2Fimg189%2F3591%2Fm109d.jpg&hash=1132b7c6b459d9d148c5e78fd4282fd9a0d95052)
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: Jack_wilds on December 12, 2012, 03:00:07 PM
Like the tease and the progress   :thumbsup: ... enjoying the props as it will also inspire jmeyers with his farms as well as other rural modellers  :)... thanks for working on the pink to alleviate the apparent conflict  ??? -as I do understand the rationale of  flag colors for the query frame/title bar... as long as the rationale supports the logic, I'm ok  :D  ::)... anyway, liking the progress  :)  Merry Christmas [insert santa smiley here]
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on December 13, 2012, 12:23:39 AM
Thanks Jack!

And Fred: I like the lower texture the most. Although the other is good too, but maybe a bit too fancy for a cheap shed like this.
Indeed our farmland is used up to the last square meter. How often do I see one cow grazing on a small triangle between three streets or a group of maize props ( ()what() ) on a narrow strip of ground between a ditch and a street or fence.
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on January 08, 2013, 12:57:52 PM
OK, here I show you the last version of my Farm Fields Query.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FQuery%2520Modding%2Fquerytest0003_zps9a5e79a8.jpg&hash=2aa7dbd1ea03ef1fd70a076e3cdc42ba82bbe72b)

Do you notice that the query is completely in Dutch?
I first made the queries for fields and for farms in English. This is the default language of my lots. Then I made separate language files that can override the default English and give you the choice of Dutch and German. Those are the languages I speak best, although for German I asked Rambuckel to help me. She did and now the files are complete and accurate.
Now I have observed that there are more languages in this world. But I cannot speak them. Is there anbody with enough knowlegde of another language who can help me with the translations? If yes, so please PM me. I will then send you a set of texts. You do the translation and I make an addon for my upload in this language.
I know there are French, Portuguese, Greek, Polish, Finnish (Noahclem, but RippleJet, are you there?) and certainly some other people that visit this thread.

It would be of great value for you and your country.
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: jmyers2043 on January 08, 2013, 02:42:40 PM
Nice query. It looks very Dutch.  :)

- Jim
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on January 09, 2013, 02:01:51 AM
Quote from: jmyers2043 on January 08, 2013, 02:42:40 PM
Nice query. It looks very Dutch.  :)

- Jim

Yeah, thanks.
Only I see that I had placed the wrong image. It was not with Dutch text. Now I placed the correct image.

Sorry, Jim
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: gn_leugim on January 09, 2013, 02:39:06 AM
I like the detail of the pottery :p nice query :)
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: jmyers2043 on January 09, 2013, 04:41:43 AM
Ah, I see ... a Nursery. It was a nice query before, twice as nice now! Watching this project move along has been fun.

- Jim

Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on January 26, 2013, 07:54:08 AM
And, while Fred is recovering from his diseases I lotted a Stage 6 mansion with horse stables.

It is called Landhuis de Haere, after a mansion in my neighbourhood.

No further ado: here are the images.

1. The front
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farm%2520Lots%2520-%2520growables%2FFarmlots6-70000a_zpsd77a874c.jpg&hash=5fbe14efd4f91f6fe83cb8ef9285ca3949a4a651)

2. Right side
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farm%2520Lots%2520-%2520growables%2FFarmlots6-70001a_zpsef556e59.jpg&hash=d5b1ec7252a91299ce222189db47a590dbb2c2e2)

3. The Back
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farm%2520Lots%2520-%2520growables%2FFarmlots6-70002a_zps1f0ca65c.jpg&hash=ff5c6a20a0c16a5858f26f4b8eb6116f42a40ef6)

4. Left side
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farm%2520Lots%2520-%2520growables%2FFarmlots6-70003a_zpsb3b60e42.jpg&hash=69962b81f606d3ef06b7ccf2acd9dc2091610c4c)

So, you see..... It took me at least ten hours. Especially the fuzz with the CP textures and overlays. It cost me a lot of time to get the parking lot the way I liked it.... If even CP had made certain extra textures.... But he didn't so I had to puzzle and compromise and change the lay out at least four times.

The MJB stables and Swi fence in the front were way too big, so I made reduced models with Model Tweaker. Cogeo gets a kiss! It is a great help when scales go wrong. I use it more and more.... Where will this end?

Enlarging Haarlemmergold's mansion did not turn out good: the resulting model looked blurred like an unsharp image. Pity.  :(

Please comment,

Frank
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: vortext on January 26, 2013, 08:10:09 AM
Very nice lot, I think the lay-out is done well. Sometimes puzzling with overlays can be a royal pain in the a** indeed. Two things though; imho the mansion would be more fitting for an urban enviroment due to the modern glass extension at the backside, though that's personal preference really.

Secondly, Cogeo's modeltweaker is great yes. However, how is that gonna workout with the eventual download? i.e. do you have permissions to include the rescaled models and do they have different group IDs? Otherwise all occurences of swi's fences everywhere will be rescaled. .

Also, I presume the entrance to the stables will be network enabled? That would make the lot look even better!  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: w_swietwoot on January 26, 2013, 08:18:20 AM
The lot looks very convincing  :thumbsup:. But just like Vortex I'm not sure about the mansion. Haven't got an alternative either.
And just maybe the textue of the garden to the left of te mansion could be a different colour the the rest of the driveways (or perhaps the other way around).
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: gn_leugim on January 26, 2013, 09:05:33 AM
very nice  &apls

only thing I couls say is, that mansion could be a bit bigger ^^
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: Swordmaster on January 26, 2013, 03:48:57 PM
I like it Frank, it's got a nice atmosphere going. My idea would be to change the texture under the stables, but it's all personal preference of course. As is the mansion itself.


Cheers
Willy
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: sunv123 on January 26, 2013, 03:57:49 PM
Looks great, Frank! There is one thing to change, the mansion and the horse stables. Maybe a little hay in there? And the mansion should be bigger with a fence and some gardens. All brick doesn't look that nice. Still, it's up to you! :)

Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mave94 on January 27, 2013, 01:33:14 AM
It looks great Frank! I agree about the texture of the garden, but I'm not sure how it'll look with other textures. For the mansion, perhaps Landgoed Frankendael (http://community.simtropolis.com/files/file/22601-dutch-historic-manor/) by Haarlemmergold is a nicer building. I don't know how large that building is, though. Or perhaps this one from Haarlemmergold (http://community.simtropolis.com/files/file/18942-german-luxurious-villa/) would fit, but I think the current one looks too urban.

-Matthijs
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on January 28, 2013, 02:53:44 AM
Hi all,

Thanks for the input you gave me.
I will reconsider the texture of the garden. In fact I would prefer a texture of white gravel. I am not sure it's called like that in English. What I mean is small white stones that is used often for driveways and paths near historical buildings. Google translate tells me: gravel. But I do not have that in my plugins and I refuse to add another texture pack to the already long list. But there are more choices. I'll see what I can do.

The mansion is indeed too small. But enlarging it makes the house looking blurred. Model Tweaker uses the existing images, so enlarging makes the image larger.... resulting in unsharpness.

And indeed, maybe I should put some hay here and there.

@ Vortex,
The glass extension makes it useful as a museum or conference building. I actually wanted the mansion to look like a conference building: hence the large parking lot. Apparently it is not too visible. I should reconsider that. A conference building with stables. Maybe I should change the name too. Something like "Conferentieoord De Haere".
For the models: I made a copy of the S3D exemplars, changed the IID's and saved these into a separate dat-file. Then I made new props with their own name and IID's.
The S3D files only show something when the original prop packs are in the plugins folder, so the copyrights are safe. And my version of the model can be used without fear for other fences or stables.
Network enabled would look cool but I long ago read something about bad influence on trasit or network behaviour? I don't know much about that aspect and better keep on the safe side. It would look better indeed, but all my farm lots are non-transit enabled. It's better I make no exception now.

@ w_swietwoot,
Thanks.

@ gn_leugim,
Thanks for your comment.
Enlarging the model is no option. I tried, but it looks bad. Sad enough.

@Swordmaster,
Thanks for replying. I'll reconsider the textures.

@ sunv123,
Thanks for your interest in my work. I replied already to your comments.

@ mave94,
The landgoed Frankendael is already on my list for another lot. And the German mansion in the other link is a bit too small for these large gardens I thought.
Or do you think I should swap builidngs, put the Frankendael into this lot and use the mansion for another? Who knows.

Well, conclusion: I am not finished yet.
You will see the improved version when it's there. Have patience please. It's not easy.
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on February 04, 2013, 05:02:36 AM
Hello again!

I changed the lot in several ways.

First of all: I changed the building and changed the name of the lot. It's now called "Landhuis De Bannink"

I also changed the pavement of the formal garden. I think this CP texture looks like the white gravel we see often in these kind of gardens. I hope you agree with me, because I know of no better texture for this purpose. I also changed the front yard, the shape of the pavement and the access road to the parking lots. I am not yet completely sure about the rose beds next to the entrances. They are a bit too much, maybe?
It is now more like a manor that is open to the public, hence the parking and the terrace next to the house. There we find a restaurant for the visitors.
The grass texture was changed too. Due to the fact that I had two quarter circles of pavement around the fountain I ended up with another grass texture. So this has become a different meadow. A nice variation, I thought, with these purple floers and all.

The question is: what do you think?

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farm%2520Lots%2520-%2520growables%2FFarmlots6-70006a_zps726a3bd9.jpg&hash=7ac7941b9fffbfe53283ff2e8e9ef037cb6d8b18)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farm%2520Lots%2520-%2520growables%2FFarmlots6-70007a_zps75f3731c.jpg&hash=92cc8fcbc4846a80de7d4ca6a3f7bf380efd0ab4)

If you take a close look at the second image and look in the front right corner you see my standard type of grass. In SC4-Pim the texture is not visible on this tile. After I had seen this image I opened the file in LotEditor, saw that there were two textures on this tile and there I could delete them both and place the correct one.
This is a small flaw in SC4-Pim that I had seen two or three times before. I do not know when it happens and how it is caused. I just see that the lot in game shows another texture than I had placed in SC4-Pim. Then I opened the file in SC4-Pim, but could not see that texcture. When I opened in LotEditor I could see the texture, I was able to delet it and save the lot.
Did anyone observe this too?

Frank
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: vortext on February 04, 2013, 05:26:31 AM
The new mansion definitely is an improvement as far as I'm concerned, as well as is the new pavement in the formal garden. The parking spaces came out great too, especially the diagonal one.  :thumbsup:

Though two may be a bit too much so why not turn the orthogonal parking space into a informal patio, with a gazebo, small gardenhouse, shed, or something? It already has paths to and from the mansion and stables. Besides, imho that part of the lot looks a bit empty.

Also good to know you've got the rescaling issues all figured out. I would've hate to see it rear its ugly head later on.

As for the texture issue in SCPIM, I've had this on more than one occasion too. Bit annoying since it only shows ingame, no idea as to why it happens.  &mmm
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: Diggis on February 04, 2013, 05:45:31 AM
Frank,

Nice looking lot. I just don't like the blend between the carpark dirt track and the brick. :/

On the note of textures, I saw you lamenting not having certain ones you want to use. If you want some custom textures done I can knock a few together, even from someone elses.  I've done a few for myself this way. ;)  If you provide me with the name of the original texture pack and the IID of the one you want it to match, blend etc, plus what you want it to do I can do them up for you. As they'll only be one or 2 you can easily include them in the download, rather than as a dependency.
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on February 05, 2013, 12:45:52 AM
Hi Vortex,

The idea of leaving out the second parking lot is maybe a good one. The two lots are a bit much for such a small mansion, indeed.

Hi Diggis,

Thanks for your offer, but I fear that once you start making dedicated textures you open a can of worms.... I might ask you for a special texture every week. I think it's better to work with what I have got, even if that means a bit of improvisation now and then.

And the blend of dirt and brick is indeed not perfect, but I can't get it better with CP's textures.
In the earlier lot I therefore decided to make the parkings more posh by making them brick. This also fitted better to the congres center idea I had. Now the lot shows a nice old, not too posh, Mansion with a more improvised parking space made of dirt. And now I have to work with the dirt and the brick as CP provided.
I think it's not perfect, but is is bad? I hope not...

And otherwise....

I think I am going to delete the roses directly behind the entrance, despite the fact that I am not able to put some grass between the car entry (large gate) and the foot entry (small gate), because I have no textures there...
I need to think of something less emphasized on this spot.

The building model I used in the former version of this lot is going to be the core building of a congress center.
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: Diggis on February 05, 2013, 12:56:23 AM
A texture a week is pretty simple to do. Especially as I'll be working from someone else's work. Remember, I did the entire SAM textures. Now THAT was a lot of textures.  ;-)
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on February 05, 2013, 01:33:14 AM
Hi Diggis,

Ah, maybe you misunderstood me. It's not that I thought it is a lot of work. I believe you when you say it's simple to do. Maybe I even could do it myself. They say that I can make textures with SC4 tool. I just never tried.
It's more that there is a risk that I decide to ask you for a new texture every time I cannot exactly find what I want. So that would be a kind of open end project, and I fear that is not practical.
If I had a dedicated idea about what textures were useful I'd be happy with your offer. Don't underestimate that.

Thanks,

Frank
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: Diggis on February 05, 2013, 01:41:37 AM
I just hate to see a wonderful lot lime the one you're showing let down by a minor texture that could be easily fixed. I expected it to be a minor open ended job. It's up to you, offer stands. ;-)
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on May 28, 2013, 09:38:46 AM
We are back....

After my being so darn busy last fall and sick for so long last winter, I was back in March working on the MFP1 Project. And I have been doing this since then.
Right now I am closer to finish this "Mega-Super-Gigantic" Pack of Farmprops before the summer really starts.
Completely finished are the greenhouses. FrankU has received half the pack sofar which he will fill with all kinds of "greenhouse stuff"  and make them into ploppables and include them also as growables fields into his Dutch Farmfield Pack. The other half awaits the final touch and classification to be included into the MFP1 as props. These last ones are too big to make into growable fields. The first set will also be included in the MFP1 later.
First of all, let me explain why I am doing the MFP1 into 7 different sets. The mainreason is simple, the file will be simply way too big otherwise. 7 sets, 7 classes or 7 packs which you will be able to choose from. Example: You don't need/want the farm mainbuildings, but you like the silos and manure piles, you will be able to download the silos, which is one set and the manurepiles and purine tanks, which is another set and forget about the Main buildings. So, you can choose from the 7 sets, which category you want/need for your farming needs.
FrankU's lots will mention the exact dependencies needed. If you want to make your own lots, you can mention which set is needed also. After FrankU's upload of his Dutch Farm Lots, everyone is free to use my Nexis props to create your own farms and upload them with links to my props anywhere where they wish. I might do my own lots (North-American style) later this year, maybe during the next winter.

So, let's review the Pack as it is for this exact moment. The Propack will be divided into 7 Sets (as we know by now), and will hold some 150 to 200 (and more since most models have not yet been decided whether or not which are kept for the public upload) different models, plus different textures. In all, I have made sofar 1364 farmprop models....ouch. (believe it or not), but don't worry, most of them will not be uploaded. Too much is like like not enough, right? ;)
Sounds kinda crazy, because at the beginning it was to be like max 25 models only, but while looking for farmstuff on the net and looking at real life farms around , I found so many things that could be included.
And I think I found the complete set to make this game a farming game......lol

Everything that can be found on a farm (from a silo to a manure pile, except animals, which are already available in a big quantity and excellent models) has been covered and BATted. For the moment I will show only the finished products (and only a small quantity and examples) of every set as soon as they are send to FrankU, as I did on the bottom with the greenhouses. Just before the whole Pack will be uploaded, I will show pictures of the whole list that the MFP1 will contain.

[The MFP2 is already started also, containing already some 60 different models of "different" kind of farming, more modern, futuristic and exotic and most of all including the lesser known farming, such as spirulina, algae, fish, crustaceas, skycultivation, stage and floorfarming, underground mushroom farming etc etc...... . Again, so many ideas, so many models. You will be amazed what I have found in the last year of intense reseaching on modern farming.]

Back to the MFP1.

These are the Sets that will be included in the MFP1 (Modern Farm Props 1)
The models are European and North-American, but many models can be found on other continents too.
So let's get at it:

SETs:

Main Farmbuildings containing barns and stables, buildings where we keep our productive animals, such as beef, horses, sheep, pigs, chicken, ducks and others. This set is finished. I have to finalize and classify/rename them and they are way off to FrankU in the next week or so.

Example Picture for the Main Farm buildings Set...

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg14.imageshack.us%2Fimg14%2F6246%2Fmfbk.jpg&hash=b1691d9b74ab69f0a044014d462df7a3537c3ba7)

Sheds, containing machinery sheds, toolshops, storagesheds, other small buildings around the farm and in the fields. This set will be finished by this coming weekend and then it will be finalized and classified/renamed etc , and sent to FrankU in about two weeks or so.

Example picture for the Sheds Set...

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg153.imageshack.us%2Fimg153%2F8726%2Fmfp1ss.jpg&hash=aee0daa9b1c5aeb42fa0f7a322156382da2092b3)

Manure, containing solid and liquid manure, every possible manure subject has been added such as, tanks, piles, manure ladders, pits, covered, open, liquid, pumps, manure pistons, manuresheds, open and closed, u name it...I got it. Props for the farms and for the fields. This is probably the biggest set, besides the "Others" set. 95% of is this set is finished, already classified and renamed.
Believe me this is a sh***y world we live in. lol

Example picture for the Manure Set...

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg163.imageshack.us%2Fimg163%2F51%2Fmfp1ms.jpg&hash=32e0fa6f9209e62c9594f046d03ff33a31219a3a)

Harvests, containing hay and straw piles in all forms and shapes, sheds, covered or open air, pits etc. Finished, files need to be renamed and classified.

Example picture for the Harvests Set...

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg22.imageshack.us%2Fimg22%2F1651%2Fmfp1hs.jpg&hash=8973f59d316c55d7733f7ebf7854e69e05d80c3e)

Silos, containing all kinds of silos, grain, silage, green, corn, cereals, hay in round silos, square, tanks, pits, ground, in sheds, open air, cement, metal, wood, etc etc... This is another big Set. This set could be finished within a month, and then needs some finetuning and classification.

Example picture for the Silo Set...

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg571.imageshack.us%2Fimg571%2F3377%2Fmfp1ss2.jpg&hash=7c2758087268d18c9dc51d0f33aa20426d624674)

Machinery and Implements, containing farming machinery such as tractors of all sizes/ colours, wagons, plows, harrows, seeder, baler, sprinklers, dryers etc. Approximately 40% of this if finished. Note: There is farm machinery set in this category that was sponsered by rambuckel in this set. They are modified and resized to fit my props. Big Thank You to rambuckel (from SimCityKurier) for having offered her magnificent tractor set to meand given me the possibility to modify them to my liking and the permission to upload them. Thank You rambuckel, much appreciated!.

Example picture of the Machinery and implements Set...

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg59.imageshack.us%2Fimg59%2F1543%2Fmfp1mis.jpg&hash=9c65a6885715c206be08cc81a087010ca1a1dce7)

Other, the last of the seven sets contains all kinds of stuff that I couldn't really class in the other categories. This is set is a medium large set, mostly things like smaller props that you can find in the backyards of farms. It also contains the Greenhouses. It is almost finished, I would say, give me another 8 to 10 hrs on it and that's it, off to FrankU. ;) Look at the picture below to give you a better idea of what this set could contain.

Example picture of the "Others" Set...

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg823.imageshack.us%2Fimg823%2F9118%2Fmfp1os.jpg&hash=d4f6ab4eec9d226f3fc0a1adf9b5fbbf077fc25e)



Now, as I mentioned above, the first set of greenhouses was sent to FarnkU to use on his Dutch Farm Field Pack, as ploppables and growable fields. These props are totally transparent and can be filled with all kinds of greenery and flowers. FrankU will show some pics later of his amazing LOTting work.

Two models on the lower lines of the picture below in 3 colours each. This is the first Set that was finished and sent for LOTting. ;)
The first model will be in the "Other" Set and is not meant for fieldgrowing.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg809.imageshack.us%2Fimg809%2F9680%2Fgrhouses1set.jpg&hash=a3c2e81ce8cfcab83cafaa0b7e8f7bc387816302)

So, I hope this will get us back "online" and also we hope that you will enjoy this set to the fullest. Long live Simfarming..... ;) This is my biggest experience with gmax and 3d modeling, you will see other models from me soon in my "Nexis Works" Thread here on SC4D.

Fred


Edit: There is an uploading erro on the second last picture where we can see the upper left corner distored a bit. I will fix this when I have the time. ;)

Fred



Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: catty on May 28, 2013, 12:06:39 PM

That's stunning I really need to catch up on this topic again, thank you both for your hard work and karma coming your way, its well deserved

&apls
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: sim_link on May 28, 2013, 08:57:51 PM
Wow, these are absolutely fantastic! I can't imagine the amount of time that have gone into these. These will be sure to really change the way farms look in the game. Amazing! ;D
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: Swordmaster on June 02, 2013, 02:42:09 PM
Lovely bunch of props and things Fred. It's apparent you put a lot of thought and dedication in these little creations. I'm looking forward to seeing what Frank does with them.


Cheers
Willy
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on June 06, 2013, 11:33:08 AM
So.... I guess it's time for an update.
Fred sent me his greenhouse models two weeks ago. There are basically two models: one with one roof per tile and one with two roofs per tile. Originally I had planned to make two farm fields with the two models. The slight differences in colour should give a random effect. After some experiments I found out that this did not work. The differences were too large and the effect was annoyingly bad.
So I decided to make six farm fields, each using one of the models.
Besides that I did not want to add a dependency to the list that I already had for the Farm Fields that were published already. So there are restrictions.

At the moment I have five lots finished. The sixth is waiting for some inspiration, but that will come soon. I hope.  ;D

Here they are
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farm%2520Lots%2520-%2520growables%2FGreenhouses-5day_zps4353d28a.jpg%7Eoriginal&hash=42d39d257dd34d786b1b3b3fac08905ef14f45e1) (http://s277.photobucket.com/user/FrankU_bucket/media/Dutch%20Farm%20Lots%20-%20growables/Greenhouses-5day_zps4353d28a.jpg.html)

And I have a night shot
Some greenhouses in The Netherlands are lighted at night with a glare you don't believe untill you see it.
I can only use some streetlights. The smallest one fits under the roof. So I used that. You can see that the effect is very small. It is also weird. The light does not really work on the props, mostly only on the floor. The light cones in SimCity do not light anything, they just make everything that is visible through it brighter. So the effect is in fact.... well... in my opinion it is useless, but I still am curious what you think. So please comment on this image.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farm%2520Lots%2520-%2520growables%2FGreenhouses-5night_zpscb5e53c6.jpg%7Eoriginal&hash=82f5d5d1ae7c5cd1d778116c4882feb676a237d7) (http://s277.photobucket.com/user/FrankU_bucket/media/Dutch%20Farm%20Lots%20-%20growables/Greenhouses-5night_zpscb5e53c6.jpg.html)

I did my best to make some interesting lots, but I admit that you hardly see anything of that in game. In zoom six everything gets a bit blurred, but anyway I made these close up shot of the greenhouses.

I made three vegetables

Cucumis Sativus = Cucumber (non seasonal)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farm%2520Lots%2520-%2520growables%2FGreenhouses-CucumisSativus_zps8004505a.jpg&hash=4fe44af651cc79c0bb52dbc6824c6c122a49436f) (http://s277.photobucket.com/user/FrankU_bucket/media/Dutch%20Farm%20Lots%20-%20growables/Greenhouses-CucumisSativus_zps8004505a.jpg.html)

Phaseolus Vulgaris = Butter bean (non seasonal)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farm%2520Lots%2520-%2520growables%2FGreenhouses-PhaseolusVulgaris_zps09e7d556.jpg&hash=1a1b78f9a23a4e25c16fba33acf2a2058d5aafb2) (http://s277.photobucket.com/user/FrankU_bucket/media/Dutch%20Farm%20Lots%20-%20growables/Greenhouses-PhaseolusVulgaris_zps09e7d556.jpg.html)

Solanum Lycopersicum = Tomato (seasonal)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farm%2520Lots%2520-%2520growables%2FGreenhouses-SolanumLycopersicum_zpsb5b6bab5.jpg&hash=4fa96bf727a23157e8860a214b7e35e258e3aeb5) (http://s277.photobucket.com/user/FrankU_bucket/media/Dutch%20Farm%20Lots%20-%20growables/Greenhouses-SolanumLycopersicum_zpsb5b6bab5.jpg.html)

And I have two flowers

Hibiscus (non seasonal)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farm%2520Lots%2520-%2520growables%2FGreenhouses-Hibiscus_zpscd534df5.jpg&hash=bf356c37587a8f3367fe02779aee52a795393ab9) (http://s277.photobucket.com/user/FrankU_bucket/media/Dutch%20Farm%20Lots%20-%20growables/Greenhouses-Hibiscus_zpscd534df5.jpg.html)

Petunia (non seasonal)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farm%2520Lots%2520-%2520growables%2FGreenhouses-Petunia_zps34a4f76b.jpg&hash=accc6c9dfb393c997cfe3f3a4d2080c5ad34da71) (http://s277.photobucket.com/user/FrankU_bucket/media/Dutch%20Farm%20Lots%20-%20growables/Greenhouses-Petunia_zps34a4f76b.jpg.html)

What shall I say more? You like?
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: catty on June 06, 2013, 12:10:02 PM
Quote from: FrankU on June 06, 2013, 11:33:08 AM
...What shall I say more? You like?

I like a lot   &apls
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: Swordmaster on June 06, 2013, 05:56:37 PM
I like it a lot ;D

Love the nightlighting idea. I know what you mean; these lights are easily bright enough to let you read a book in adjacent meadows. There's one particular such business south of Antwerp whose lights you can see all the way up north in the port (meaning you can see them right through the lights of the city itself).

I cannot recall off the top of my head, but there must be some light cone props or effects that generate brighter lights. Don't know if Fred got the transparency stuff in order; I know BATs are picky about light effects with them.

At any rate an interesting possibility.


Cheers
Willy
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on June 06, 2013, 10:24:00 PM
Love 'em all. Nice job, Frank. I also love the details you put into them. I surely couldn't have done better, and I am eager to have them in my region already...... &dance

I have the transparency worked out (more or less) and I know that it will be a lot better done with 3DS Max than with my gmax, but I don't want to start to learn how to do things in 3DS Max now and spend another 4 to 6 months on learning that program. It took me years to learn gmax for what I know sofar...

I was wondering and I have looked around here and there, but couldn't find a clear tutorial on how to make nightlights anywhere. Nothing to be simple enough anyways, but I did some "fooling" around with gmax and got a lightcone actually working one day, only once though, and the thing is I don't remember how.....lol. I guess I have to spend another 1 or 2 hrs on "fooling" around and maybe make a lightcone good looking enough to fit into those greenhouses.

Since all the MFP1 models are props, nightlights are impossible to do with gmax, so maybe I get back to you Frank this weekend to try a lightcone of mine. ;)

I will definitively finish the MFP 1 Set 1 this weekend. Frank will be overloaded with what he is going to get. Oh my, do I wish I could see his face when he gets the 55 or so Farmbuilding set......To be exact, I have 239 models made for Main buildings, but chose only the best looking ones for Set 1.

Btw, for those who do not know yet, The MFP1 (Modern Farm Proppack 1) is made out of 7 Sets. The first one is the Main Farm Buildings (Set 1)
This one will be ready by tomorrow night and shipped for final inspection to Frank. Then I will render Set 2 or 3....and so forth.

Here is a small Sample of Set 1 (Main buildings)......

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg199.imageshack.us%2Fimg199%2F2062%2Fbarns.JPG&hash=9077452e934eae88ffb7f6b63b5afea8f08e7fcb)

This set contains more than 50 Farm buildings (mainly Barns and Stables). Sheds, toolshops, garages, manure sheds and haystacks do not belong to this set. There will be another set called "Sheds" for this and that set is ready for rendering also.

Every "older" model file was reworked, updated and/or worked on with better textures and adding some more details. Some are new models and all of them were re-rendered.

I will be showing ALL the buildings in my Nexis Works Thread (on this site) one day. I have to take the pics first. And I will also work on a downloadable "Picture Reference sheet" with all the main building's Set and all the other sets once they're finished.

Frank, I am also working on those barbwire fences.....wow, quite a challenge to do something goodlooking, but you will get it probably this weekend also. And a new saladgrow table to maybe make another greenhouse set. ;)

Fred

Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: MandelSoft on June 07, 2013, 01:42:40 AM
Quote from: FrankU on June 06, 2013, 11:33:08 AM
And I have a night shot
Some greenhouses in The Netherlands are lighted at night with a glare you don't believe untill you see it.
I can only use some streetlights. The smallest one fits under the roof. So I used that. You can see that the effect is very small. It is also weird. The light does not really work on the props, mostly only on the floor. The light cones in SimCity do not light anything, they just make everything that is visible through it brighter. So the effect is in fact.... well... in my opinion it is useless, but I still am curious what you think. So please comment on this image.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farm%2520Lots%2520-%2520growables%2FGreenhouses-5night_zpscb5e53c6.jpg&hash=df71683965c2cd97725fead158ef84d58f5e2da5) (http://s277.photobucket.com/user/FrankU_bucket/media/Dutch%20Farm%20Lots%20-%20growables/Greenhouses-5night_zpscb5e53c6.jpg.html)
May I warn you that this WILL conflict with the LRM? Not only will the streetlight models probably be too big, the light inside the greenhouses will be as bright as the surface of the sun! I think we need to try to avoid that...
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mave94 on June 07, 2013, 02:04:47 AM
Quote from: FrankU on June 06, 2013, 11:33:08 AM[...]

I did my best to make some interesting lots, but I admit that you hardly see anything of that in game. In zoom six everything gets a bit blurred, but anyway I made these close up shot of the greenhouses.

[...]

What shall I say more? You like?
What's wrong? The greenhouses are just perfect. I can clearly see the paths between the rows of fruits and vegetables. It's nice you put some variation in the greenhouses. I can see that you put a lot of work in it, like you always do.

A greenhouse at night indeed looks like this:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fkzflowers.nl%2Fcms%2Fimages%2Fbelichting.jpg&hash=41b078029eb4cd456ec413de675d120dddfe7c55)
So, it's very bright. Adding streetlights is not the best idea, I think. I do not think it achieves the desired effect. I'm not sure if there are light props available on the exchanges. Perhaps we could make it ourselves and add it to the BNL Essentials. I'm not sure.
:-\

Fred, those models are just great. Well done!

-Matthijs
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on June 07, 2013, 11:24:38 AM
Hi all,

@ Catty,
Thanks of the compliment.

@ Swordmaster,
Yes, there certainly are several light cone props. I am quite sure at least Pegasus and Tag_one made one or two. But I did not want to add another dependency to the already long list, so I did not search for these. I just tried to see what I could get out of what I had already.

@ Fred,
I do have several hours reserved for some apparently unavoidable "ahhh"s aand "ohhh"s and then the relotting of course.
I just say: make my day!

@ Mandelsoft,
What is the LRM? Is it Light Replacement Mod? I don't know about it, but I indeed do not want my lots to conflict with any kind of more or less important mod. The streetlight model I use in these lots is the Maxis "Streetlight1x1x11_MdSuspBridge_Lamp_2C07". Is that influenced by the LRM too? Should I, if I insist on using it, make my own prop exemplar of this one? Or does that not help?

To all:
Making a dedicated light source for these greenhouses would be nice, but....
First: in that case I'd like to have something that gives me a lighting for the whole greenhouse. Maybe a group of lightcones as if there were several lamps attached to the roof.
Second: If you look close you will see that the props are not inside the greenhouse models but behind. You can see that the back wall elements are placed in front of the props that are supposed to be inside the model. Probably it's not visible because I put a group of greenhouse tiles in one image. That is on purpose: this is the way you see the lot in game and I wanted the lots to look good. That is not identical to be good. Fred was not able to make the model in another way.
So cones might show this flaw too strongly. In that case I just might decide to renounce from nightlights.

So if anyone feels like making a dedicated light source or set of cones I would like to use it just maybe. And if you make it: may I add it to the farm lots set? I will certainly give the proper credits in the ReadMe. I don't feel like having an extra dependency just for one prop!
And last: if you make it, make it quick, because I am getting fed up of this set. I'd like to finish it and put it on the LEX, STEX and SimCityKurier.

Frank
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: MandelSoft on June 07, 2013, 12:41:32 PM
Quote from: FrankU on June 07, 2013, 11:24:38 AM
@ Mandelsoft,
What is the LRM? Is it Light Replacement Mod? I don't know about it, but I indeed do not want my lots to conflict with any kind of more or less important mod. The streetlight model I use in these lots is the Maxis "Streetlight1x1x11_MdSuspBridge_Lamp_2C07". Is that influenced by the LRM too? Should I, if I insist on using it, make my own prop exemplar of this one? Or does that not help?
Well, you could use a prop light cone instead. I know there are some prop packs that contain light cones, but I don't know which ones (you could check JMouse's Prop Pack catalog). This will avoid any conflict with the LRM ;)
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on June 07, 2013, 02:05:01 PM
Frank, just give me 2 more days and maybe I will have a more decent lightprop for you. I am learning how to make lighting in gmax tonight and then experiment with them. I have heard about a "fullroomlight" sort of, that fills the whole inside of a model. Ideal for the greenhouses. That one I will hopefully figure out. We'll see.
If I can't make it, well, use those you have and that'll do. ;)

The MFP1 - Set 1 is totally finished and on your way latest tomorrow morning. It contains 56 Barn and Stable models. There will be a full line of pictures of every model as a reference included, such as below and each model from two sides. 56 pics in all.
Frank, you will also receive a day or so later the barbwire fences and the smaller salad prop for the greenhouses (at the latest sunday morning).
I guess you will have a busy weekend.
Small props and pics, I will send by e-mail directly and the bigger files by links. ;)
I'll make Your day.....lol Have a nice weekend.

Here is another example picture of these models for everyone else to see.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg7.imageshack.us%2Fimg7%2F2158%2Fmfp1models.jpg&hash=c3df195c56e46492b70b49d654377b21e2e2ecf9)

Thanks for the compliment, Matthijs

Fred
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: Jack_wilds on June 07, 2013, 06:03:16 PM
all the pieces are coming together its beginning to all fall into place... anticipation groans with expectancy...  :)
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on June 12, 2013, 05:07:33 AM
By the end of last weekend, I finished all the manure stuff, another set of the MFP1. I haven't counted (nor chosen the ones to upload) the  models yet, but there will be some 30 to 35 of them. From liquid manure to solid and all the nuildings and machinery that come with it. Just about everything you need to make your neighborhood a little more smelly. ;)

Here is a short look at these...

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg268.imageshack.us%2Fimg268%2F397%2Fmanure.JPG&hash=1e2966cc1e6c00052a89e8e911c322ac9334141d)

Then, last night , I finished another set, the hay and straw set. All kinds of ways to store your hay and straw. You will find everything from simple balepiles to modern sheds. Not sure, but at leat 15 different models with different textures. Haystacking will soon be fun to lot.

A small sample shown below.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg692.imageshack.us%2Fimg692%2F9671%2Fhaystuff.jpg&hash=2bad71f4b2c8344b661332319f272636a1b431d5)

This is encouraging, 4 out of 7 sets are completely finished, one rendered and already in the hands of FrankU, another set will be rendered and shipped this weekend, and I am about to finish the machinery and implement set, set #5.

Courage folks, it's getting there.......(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fsmileys.sur-la-toile.com%2Frepository%2FContent%2F0057.gif&hash=5feebeae1fac957775b86d4bf1dd36af77e82882)

Fred





Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on June 14, 2013, 02:09:10 AM
The Dutch Farm Fields Set, version 2.0 is finshed!

After a long and troublesome BAT session by Fred I finally received his greenhouse models some weeks ago. While waiting I could not resist to do some other work on the set and now it is finally finshed.
I still have to check everything and then some testing needs to be done by myself and the LEX scrutineers in order to be certain that this set will not screw up. But then the upload will come to you. I am sorry to say that I have no idea how long this last phase is going to take.

But for now: the new and completed set.
It contains 35 Farm Fields that can grow next to your farms.
Many of them are seasonal, but some are not. This last is due to the fact that some props have no seasonal models. In that case I was not able to make changing looks. So funny enough the wheat gets reaped, the tulips are picked, but the trees still look like it's summer and the roses are still blossoming... It's a restriction to what I am able at.

But now for the long awaited images.

First some overviews.

Image 1
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farm%2520Lots%2520-%2520growables%2FFarmfieldsfinished-0011a_zps5a7954cf.jpg%7Eoriginal&hash=dac3f665ce06e4295cdf679b185023851577f0f9) (http://s277.photobucket.com/user/FrankU_bucket/media/Dutch%20Farm%20Lots%20-%20growables/Farmfieldsfinished-0011a_zps5a7954cf.jpg.html)

Image 2
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farm%2520Lots%2520-%2520growables%2FFarmfieldsfinished-0013a_zpse983d028.jpg%7Eoriginal&hash=8f6ba7a9b43e098cf4e0087ca8936c5231769645) (http://s277.photobucket.com/user/FrankU_bucket/media/Dutch%20Farm%20Lots%20-%20growables/Farmfieldsfinished-0013a_zpse983d028.jpg.html)

Image 3
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farm%2520Lots%2520-%2520growables%2FFarmfieldsfinished-0012a_zpsefb93184.jpg%7Eoriginal&hash=273c14ede59cc8976253104bc54b978578c6d8e6) (http://s277.photobucket.com/user/FrankU_bucket/media/Dutch%20Farm%20Lots%20-%20growables/Farmfieldsfinished-0012a_zpsefb93184.jpg.html)

And a bit closer up.

Image 4
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farm%2520Lots%2520-%2520growables%2FFarmfieldsfinished-0006a_zps46221e58.jpg%7Eoriginal&hash=485c918cc5f425a0101cc58e011e5607892cca2b) (http://s277.photobucket.com/user/FrankU_bucket/media/Dutch%20Farm%20Lots%20-%20growables/Farmfieldsfinished-0006a_zps46221e58.jpg.html)

Image 5
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farm%2520Lots%2520-%2520growables%2FFarmfieldsfinished-0010a_zps7c7db69a.jpg%7Eoriginal&hash=37ccfa8edfa1097deaad32aa947c292c38751144) (http://s277.photobucket.com/user/FrankU_bucket/media/Dutch%20Farm%20Lots%20-%20growables/Farmfieldsfinished-0010a_zps7c7db69a.jpg.html)

I have also made custom queries. This one is for the field lots. You see that names of the crops are in Latin. The other texts for the queries are available in English (default), in German and in Dutch. It's just a matter of deleting the language file you do not want. It is described in the ReadMe.
For every type of field I have a dedicated query that counts the number of fields. If you take a good look you can see that it counts the grown and the plopped fields. I have made a ploppable version of every field too.

Image 6
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farm%2520Lots%2520-%2520growables%2FFarmfieldsfinished-0010b_zpse60d7962.jpg%7Eoriginal&hash=d7b3d25a765079bd0d78fc99dc1f4aa98d70a764) (http://s277.photobucket.com/user/FrankU_bucket/media/Dutch%20Farm%20Lots%20-%20growables/Farmfieldsfinished-0010b_zpse60d7962.jpg.html)

Image 7
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farm%2520Lots%2520-%2520growables%2FFarmfieldsfinished-0006b_zps1f808dba.jpg%7Eoriginal&hash=b67116ff228e93514bdfce5a5c0a235e0a75773c) (http://s277.photobucket.com/user/FrankU_bucket/media/Dutch%20Farm%20Lots%20-%20growables/Farmfieldsfinished-0006b_zps1f808dba.jpg.html)

For the farm lots I made larger queries. For every type of farm a dedicated one too.
The farm lots you see here are my so called "Stage 0" farms. These are in fact simple 1x1 Stage 1 lots that do contain exactly the same props as the farm fields. Therefore you see only a square of crops. You have to search for the farm query in order to find the farm lot.

Image 8
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farm%2520Lots%2520-%2520growables%2FFarmfieldsfinished-0009a_zps71510070.jpg%7Eoriginal&hash=1a923de017346388ecd64e14c5729633d4af8879) (http://s277.photobucket.com/user/FrankU_bucket/media/Dutch%20Farm%20Lots%20-%20growables/Farmfieldsfinished-0009a_zps71510070.jpg.html)

Image 9
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farm%2520Lots%2520-%2520growables%2FFarmfieldsfinished-0008a_zps646913fa.jpg%7Eoriginal&hash=f4d5c5cff62ef5865c97372abff6139ec06602a4) (http://s277.photobucket.com/user/FrankU_bucket/media/Dutch%20Farm%20Lots%20-%20growables/Farmfieldsfinished-0008a_zps646913fa.jpg.html)

Image 10
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farm%2520Lots%2520-%2520growables%2FFarmfieldsfinished-0007a_zps63a100a5.jpg%7Eoriginal&hash=687c902319761d547ca20ddfa063a8116079e90a) (http://s277.photobucket.com/user/FrankU_bucket/media/Dutch%20Farm%20Lots%20-%20growables/Farmfieldsfinished-0007a_zps63a100a5.jpg.html)

So the set contains 35 growable farm fields with a ploppable version of each one.

I have

7 colours of Tulips
2 kinds of Roses
3 kinds of Meadows
Wheat
Maize
Hops
Asparagus
Sugar Beet
Brussels Sprout
Pumpkin
Rhubarb
Potato
Apple
Raspberry
Tree nursery
Buxus nursery
Red Currant
Blackberries
Aspen tree farm
A Forest

And in the greenhouses

Cucumber
Hibiscus
Salad
Petunia
Butter Bean
Tomato

Some of them are based on Simgoober's and the SPAM farm fields. Some of them are made by me with props that were not meant for farm fields.

The greenhouse lots are without nightlights. I had some experiments of which I showed some results. I was not very happy with them so in the end I decided to take the lights out.

For usage this is maybe interesting:
I will upload the set is such a way that everyone can pick their own selection from the set. You can delete every single farm field in order to keep the ones you desire in your city.
In the ReadMe I will exactly list which dependencies are neccessary for which lots. I will also make a list of the IID's of the fields, so that you can easily add them to your farm lots.


Of course these fields will be used in my Dutch Farm Lots that I will concentrate on from now on.

Yours truly,
Frank
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: kelis on June 14, 2013, 03:59:11 AM
Fantastic job my friend !! I like all those farm fields lots, I like the moding with those pictures as well !! I can't wait to use all of them.

I was wondering one thing, this V2 set contains all lots from the V1 ? or it is just an expansion of the first version ?


Groeten Frank  :)

PD: http://sc4devotion.com/csxlex/lex_filedesc.php?lotGET=2855 It's the Windmill which I'm using on my region, did you asked about it, right ?
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on June 14, 2013, 08:13:02 AM
Looking darn good! Can't wait to grow them on my farms also. ;)

Fred
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: gn_leugim on June 21, 2013, 03:53:11 AM
drooling!! wil this update the previious farm sets? same IDs and so on?
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: jmelvin on July 08, 2013, 08:31:10 PM
Frank and Fred,

Fantastic work on all of this.

One comment about the fields. I downloaded the set over at the STEX and noticed one thing. All of the building exemplars show a growth stage of 255. I'm not sure of all of the implications of that. I think a growth stage 4 or greater needs to have a water supply. I remember reading some comments in a thread when Diggis was working on his Spirulina fields where a growth stage of 255 for fields could cause problems. I'm not sure if this will keep the fields from growing or lead to no-water zots. I make it a habit when downloading fields to change the growth stage of the building exemplar for the field itself to show growth stage 1.

I'm glad to see that someone is adding other farm implements to the game. We've got several tractors, wagons, and grain haulers from various sources. PEG added a plow (that I think looks more like a disc). JMeyers gave us a grain elevator. Simgoober gave us a couple of nice harvesters (one with the front attachment for corn and another with the attachment for harvesting soybeans and wheat). That's just mentioning a few. But I've really missed not having balers, planters, and some others that I see you will have in your set of props.

As a side note, I've been using Google Maps lately to look at farming areas across the US. The current maps for different parts of the country are for different time periods. I've spotted fields where corn and soybeans were being harvested and you can zoom in enough to make out the different style harvester attachments for the two crops. As an example, there is a corn harvest shown for address 25370 215th st, Dallas Center, IA. The map is showing that part of the country in probably mid- to late-October. The field directly across the road I'm pretty sure is a soybean field that is close to ripe. Diagonally to the southwest a farm on 230th St has a soybean field being harvested. I've managed to find a field in North Dakota where flax had been cut and piled into windrows, a field in Idaho where it's summer (probably around August) and wheat is being harvested. The satellite images for North Dakota a short distance NW of Hazelton show fields to the west sometime around August and the fields to the East sometime in mid- to late-October. The trees in Hazelton itself show a bit of fall color but you can find a farm on 63rd St North and West of town where most of the trees in the farmyard are colored for probably mid-summer while some of the trees in the windbreak east of the buildings show some fall color. I spotted a field being harvested in the summer area near there and that would be the right time for a wheat harvest. I've managed to pick out hay being cut and baled in several states. I've also spotted fields being plowed shortly after a corn harvest and others shortly after a soybean harvest.

I've toyed around with doing a screen capture of a fully zoomed in satellite map on several of the fields and then opened photoshop opened a new file which opens sized for the screen capture. I paste in the captured image. I then draw a rectangle around an interesting part of the field, copy that, open a new image and paste what was just copied. I set so the next time I use the rectangle tool will be 128x128pixels then use the rectangle tool to select a part of the field. I copy the new selection, open a new image and paste, do a little unsharp mask and save the result as a BMP file. SC4Tool can easily turn the BMPs into textures. Following are a few of the resulting images:

ripe soybeans: (https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimageshack.us%2Fa%2Fimg94%2F8509%2F5i8h.png&hash=797878dceed2ab1dba3a4feca05625669fcd952b)

harvested soybeans: (https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimageshack.us%2Fa%2Fimg191%2F5738%2F7fmp.png&hash=c64f6473e1bbb1a7b7ebc1f35351bc3b8bb6b4a3)

ripe corn: (https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimageshack.us%2Fa%2Fimg546%2F3308%2Fyskk.png&hash=7eb570c6ff495e1facdfb37453be404d71c80350)

harvested corn: (https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimageshack.us%2Fa%2Fimg198%2F7069%2F8oc.bmp&hash=3b6639b73698dcd81a5759abdf4dc00f966ed8d4)

ripe sorghum: (https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimageshack.us%2Fa%2Fimg37%2F65%2Fnnco.png&hash=92f9607616c9b63ee3ef7a6879e43af5e0c67217)

harvested sorghum: (https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimageshack.us%2Fa%2Fimg541%2F6946%2Fa9h8.png&hash=46230b8653bb40dc7b502117f8ea41cdf93f0173)

I'm thinking of making some farms for my own use that would be sized somewhere around 8x10 with no buildings that would capture the look of a field in the middle of being harvested that might look something like:

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimageshack.us%2Fa%2Fimg835%2F875%2Fpqux.jpg&hash=20ffcbd0035f589bac396312facdde39a71ad347)

I've managed to get 128x128 BMPs that could be used to make textures that could be used as puzzle pieces for fields of different types (i.e., hay, corn, soybeans, wheat) being harvested. If you guys are interested I could let you have copies of the BMPs or I could provide you a set of textures using my assigned texture IID range.

Jim M

Edited to try to get the images to show.
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on July 09, 2013, 02:53:37 AM
Hi Jim,

Thanks for your elaborate post. A lot of interesting things yuou show. Your project will be interesting to follow.

About the growth stage: are you certain you did not look in the ploppable lots? These always have growth stage = 255 when made by SC4-Pim (or Pim-X if you perfer that name). As far as I have tested the farm fields grow when needed: when the farm lot grows. You know, the fields do not grow by themselves but only when linked to a farm lot. My set does not contain farm lots. These will be in a separate upload somewhere this autumn, I hope.

Furthermore: there will be an heavily edited and updated version of the farm fields available somewhere this month, I guess. This depends on replies by BarbyW or another LEX scrutineer.... Maybe you yourself? I would like the set to be my first official upload to the LEX.

If you are going to make farms that size indeed you should make farm lots of that size. And if there are no buildings on it I'd make them Stage 1 farms.

And another answer:

@ Kelis and gn_leugim
The Version 2 of my farm fields set contains all farm fields from Version 1 plus some new ones, but you cannot use them next to each other: I have edited some values. Mainly I added triggers for rewards and counters. Also I added Custom Queries that give you information about the amount of fields that have grown. But they only count the Version 2 fields.
So, I am sorry to say so, but if you want to use my Version 2 you have to delete all Version 1 farm fields. Or start a whole new city....
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: Buzzit on July 09, 2013, 03:31:34 AM
Fantastic job over here  :thumbsup:!
I will keep an eye on the progress.
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: jmelvin on July 09, 2013, 09:02:30 AM
Frank,
Thank you for the prompt response. I took another look at your fields again. I do see that the building exemplars for the growable fields have a growth stage property set to 0xFF but that seems to match up with everyone else's fields including the MAXIS fields. I'm not sure why that property is included in the building exemplar and doesn't match the growth stage of the corresponding lot exemplar but it doesn't seem to affect anything in game as far as I can tell.

I also noted that the lot exemplars of the ploppable fields do show growth stage of 0xFF as you noted. I went back to reread the comments that I remembered seeing about this. The discussion took place in the thread started by Cogeo: (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=3427.msg105148#msg105148 (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=3427.msg105148#msg105148)
The discussion on this issue starts in RippleJet's reply#26 in that thread. From what I understand of that discussion, the ploppable fields setup this way will dilapidate if not supplied with water. Cogeo did find that his ploppable fields did not have this problem after he set the ploppable lot growth stage to 3 or under. I'm not sure why PIM-X builds the lot exemplars that way when someone creates ploppable farm fields. It's the lot exemplars that I have had to adjust in many of the ploppable field packs that I have downloaded.

I noted your comment:
Quote from: FrankU on July 09, 2013, 02:53:37 AMIf you are going to make farms that size indeed you should make farm lots of that size. And if there are no buildings on it I'd make them Stage 1 farms.

I did a bit of research on the issue of farm sizes/stages/jobs and will probably need to try to keep the size of my farms somewhere around 7x8 or under and then pick the stage and # of jobs within the guidelines posted by jmyers in his reply #5 in the thread titled Sc4-PIM Filling degree question (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=14355.msg413755#msg413755 (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=14355.msg413755#msg413755)
Jim M
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on July 09, 2013, 12:52:22 PM
Jim,

Thanks.

I will read the discussion you mentioned. Dilapidation of the ploppable fields because of water would be appropriate when we have farms that need water and that is indeed from stage 4, so all farm fields should be able to keep working without water in stages 1, 2 and 3. So I guess now that I have to change the growth stage to 1.
I never found something like this, because I cheat when I play the game: I have a water-all-over-the-place cheat mod in my root folder. So I never lay pipes. I just throw in a water source somewhere in my city tile and I am set.

The fact that growable fields have growth stage 255 could be explained by the fact that these fields must not grow by themselves. They are attached to real farm lots. So I guess that growth stage is appropriate.

And yes, Jim Myers is the guy who helped me out with job counts versus lot sizes. You surely have noticed that this was my question in hte first place?

Frank
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on July 09, 2013, 06:48:59 PM
Quote from: jmelvin on July 08, 2013, 08:31:10 PM
I'm glad to see that someone is adding other farm implements to the game. We've got several tractors, wagons, and grain haulers from various sources. PEG added a plow (that I think looks more like a disc). JMeyers gave us a grain elevator. Simgoober gave us a couple of nice harvesters (one with the front attachment for corn and another with the attachment for harvesting soybeans and wheat). That's just mentioning a few. But I've really missed not having balers, planters, and some others that I see you will have in your set of props.

Well, you're gonna love my props. I have Balers, the regular sqaure ones with a shoot/wagon and also for round bigger bales. Then plows and discplows of different width, the ones we use in the east and the oversized ones from the wester plains, but hey, that's not all, there will be special grain and silage wagons, new and different tractors, seeders, fertilizer dispensers, sprayers, haying fans, haybines and mowers, tillers, manure spreaders, for both solid and liquids, rowes, graders, rakes etc.......

There should be something like 30 to 35 props of Farm machinery equipments.

Right now I am very busy irl for a few weeks (until end of July), and not been able to do much on this props, also there has been a real bad train disaster in my neighborhood and several people I personnally know have been effected.  (see the link on the bottom for more details). but I will be back 100 percent in 15 to 20 days on this project, once and for all.

Btw, I hope that you will share these fields with us, right? ;) Nice project!

Fred



http://community.simtropolis.com/topic/58842-massive-train-derailment-in-quebec/
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: jmelvin on July 09, 2013, 08:04:03 PM
Ahh, responses from both Frank and Fred.

Quote from: FrankU on July 09, 2013, 12:52:22 PM
And yes, Jim Myers is the guy who helped me out with job counts versus lot sizes. You surely have noticed that this was my question in hte first place?

Oh yes, I noticed that you started the thread titled Sc4-PIM Filling degree question where Jim Myers made his comments. Your original question led to a very informative discussion.

Fred: Sounds like you have quite the package there. I saw your preview earlier in the thread and can't wait to see some of these in the game. I'm looking forward to combining some of your props with a water wagon to end up with something like this:(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimageshack.com%2Fscaled%2Flarge%2F23%2Fpk0l.jpg&hash=c87ba2c3f19ec8b06dc13e4a83480b6d49c28ef2)
I found this setup being used to do what I am guessing is an Anhydrous Ammonia application to a field.

Quote from: mrbisonm on July 09, 2013, 06:48:59 PM
Btw, I hope that you will share these fields with us, right?

The images you are referring to (I think) are 128x128 pixel BMP files that can easily be turned into textures that could then be used to make fields. Yes, I'm willing to share either the BMPs or a DAT file with finished textures. I'm in the process of using SC4TOOL to turn these BMPs and several others into textures using my assigned textures IID range which shouldn't be a conflict with anything else out there.

Jim M
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on July 09, 2013, 08:55:39 PM
Quote from: jmelvin on July 09, 2013, 08:04:03 PM

Fred: Sounds like you have quite the package there. I saw your preview earlier in the thread and can't wait to see some of these in the game. I'm looking forward to combining some of your props with a water wagon to end up with something like this:(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimageshack.com%2Fscaled%2Flarge%2F23%2Fpk0l.jpg&hash=c87ba2c3f19ec8b06dc13e4a83480b6d49c28ef2)
I found this setup being used to do what I am guessing is an Anhydrous Ammonia application to a field.

Hm, not sure what I see there, but it looks like a corn-rowseeder with a liquid fertilizer applicator. The seeder I have, in three sizes. ;) The tank....not sure...I have bigger ones for pestysites and liquid fertilizers, and also for spreading liquid manures.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg402.imageshack.us%2Fimg402%2F5007%2Fmwwt.jpg&hash=f7b39748df4d75e1a5efe84ed45eb64b12a81726)


QuoteThe images you are referring to (I think) are 128x128 pixel BMP files that can easily be turned into textures that could then be used to make fields. Yes, I'm willing to share either the BMPs or a DAT file with finished textures. I'm in the process of using SC4TOOL to turn these BMPs and several others into textures using my assigned textures IID range which shouldn't be a conflict with anything else out there.

That sounds good! ;)

Fred
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: gn_leugim on July 10, 2013, 06:37:56 AM
Quote@ Kelis and gn_leugim
The Version 2 of my farm fields set contains all farm fields from Version 1 plus some new ones, but you cannot use them next to each other: I have edited some values. Mainly I added triggers for rewards and counters. Also I added Custom Queries that give you information about the amount of fields that have grown. But they only count the Version 2 fields.
So, I am sorry to say so, but if you want to use my Version 2 you have to delete all Version 1 farm fields. Or start a whole new city....

No problem  :thumbsup: thats good news :)
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: jmelvin on July 10, 2013, 12:37:53 PM
Quote from: mrbisonm on July 09, 2013, 08:55:39 PM
Hm, not sure what I see there, but it looks like a corn-rowseeder with a liquid fertilizer applicator. The seeder I have, in three sizes. ;) The tank....not sure...I have bigger ones for pestysites and liquid fertilizers, and also for spreading liquid manures.

Like I mentioned, I think the photo shows a farmer applying ammonia nitrate to a field. The utube video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IiMxJSNLMBo (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IiMxJSNLMBo) shows something very similar. I know some setups use dual side-by-side tanks behind the applicator. I was thinking that one could get close to the same look of this with one of your implements paired with a water wagon prop that is already available. One of your corn-row seeders should work fine for what I have in mind.
Jim M
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on July 16, 2013, 03:46:56 AM
Hi Jim,

I did test my own farm fields. The ploppables did not dilapidate although they had no access to water or a road. They had power though...
So I am not sure if this is really a problem. Did you find dilapidation with my farm fields?
I plopped the lots and let my city go for five game years. I found dilapidation around roads on the grown lots, like they usually do, but I had no problems with my plopped fields.
As far as I understand dilapidated fields look black and have no jobs. My plopped lots do not have any jobs, nor any other financial, desirability or other effect. I did that on purpose, because I wanted them to be useful as eyecandy, not as replacement for any kind of game engine problems. No cheating or disrupting with my farm fields. Maybe therefore there is no dilapidation on my fields?

I mean: setting the growth stage is not a problem, five minutes of work, but if it's not neccessary, why should I do it?
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: jmelvin on July 22, 2013, 05:36:24 PM
Frank,

Sorry for not noticing your question earlier. I haven't had any of your fiels yet in-game. I tend to look at all downloads that I do with SC4PIM before actually loading into my plugins file for a game. I have a folder where I download new stuff, add the listed dependencies, then open up SC4PIM using that folder only. That way I can take a look and see if I spot anything that will be a possible negative effect in-game. I can also easily take a look with ilive Reader and see exactly what files are included in the download. Sometimes I like the concept of the download but don't necessarily like exactly how things are batted. I've had to tweak several of the farming related items for things like number of jobs so no one farm gets a real preference in-game. I've also "corrected" water- and air-pollution for various fields including the MAXIS orchards.

I have seen fields with stage 255 dilapidate, though not specifically yours, and finally figured out it was from lack of water after ruling out excessive road traffic. And yes, the fields did darken just like you see when there is too much nearby traffic. I've also seen some of the older ploppable fields show the no water zot. I used to lay down a grid of water pipes for a whole large tile before zoning for farms and or laying out extra fields using some of the ploppable fields out there. I've found it easier to tweak some of the items I download rather than go to the trouble of putting a grid of water pipes in and making sure to add another water source whenever the usage starts getting too hgh. Besides, my town Sims don't like having to pay for a water system that extends for miles into the country.

Jim M
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: jmelvin on July 22, 2013, 06:42:20 PM
This is a question for Fred.

Do you have a list of the implement props that will be in your package?

I'm asking because I've been collecting BMPs to use for farming related textures that may be useful with your props. Some of the BMPs I have collected so far cover things like: 1) spring planting with seed drills that have the bar out to put in the guide line for the next run through the field (I could taylor this for 6-, 8-, 10, or 12-row drills); 2) spring tilling with a disc/harrow unit; 3) liquid manure applications in spring and fall where the liquid manure tank has blades mounted on the rear; 4) fall tilling with a 12-bottom plow; 5) fall tilling with a disk/harrow unit; 6) manure being spread in the fall with a manure spreader; 7) corn being harvested for silage; 8) mature corn being harvested; 9) tobacco being harvested with a 4-row harvester; 9) soybeans being harvested; 10) soybeans being harvested and then the field being baled; 11) wheat being harvested during the summer and the field then being baled for straw; 12) rice being harvested; 13) flax being harvested after the field was cut with some type of conditioner (I haven't found any flax actually being cut); 14) hay being cut; 15) hay being raked with a double rake where the new windrow is greener than the previous pair of windrows; 16) hayfields being baled; 17) a sugarbeet field being topped with a rototopper then harvested with a sugarbeet harvester; 18) a potato field being topped using haulms then being harvested with a potato harvester; 19) cornfields being fertilized shortly after the corn harvest; 20) anhydrous ammonia application to a field

I'm not sure what kind of harvest the following image depicts but it would be easy to put textures together for this if you have the implement:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimageshack.com%2Fscaled%2Fgrid240%2F17%2Fcefw.jpg&hash=bc9c53e973fe663761661848fcc49e5074ea5daa)

I'm still looking at various parts of the country with Google Maps keeping an eye out for other farming activity. I know you have mentioned some of the implements that will be part of your prop group already but could you provide a list if it's not too much trouble?

Jim M
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on July 22, 2013, 08:18:48 PM
Ok, the list of farm implements that the MFP1 will contain?


Hm....I haven't completed the list yet, but I can tell what I have finished sofar and what I have started....


Seeder..... general, for wheat, rye, barley...etc
Seeder..... for corn, soya, sunflower....etc, two sizes
Planter..... for vegies
Sprayer.... for insecticides
Sprayer.... for liquid fertilizers
Liquid manure spreader (tanks in two sizes)
Solid manure spreader, one model
Manure Dumper
Disc harrow, two sizes, medium for regular farmfields(somewhat half of a city tile large) and a very large one (one full citytile large) for the immense fields out West. Also one that is "closed" for transportation on roads.
Plows, two models
Hayraker, two models
Hay tedder (faneur?)
Haybaler, small square bales
Haybine
Harvester for underground veggies, such as carrots, beet and potatoes.
Harvester (slightly modified model from rambuckel) in 3 different versions. (Corn, Wheat and Silage)
Wagons (several models), open, semiclosed and full height for silage, hay, straw etc
Fertilizers, two different models

....now, this is what I have either almost finished or which are in the workings. I still have some others in mind, such as the rollers to flatten the ground after seeding, Derocheuse in french (google doesn't translate it) it's the implement that will gather the rocks in the field into an easy to pick-up line, after the disc-harrowing,  also a tractor with forks to pick up round bales, a wagon to transport round bales, Bushog and a Round Bale Baler.

There could be more, haven't really looked around yet. If you have ideas,(not too complicated please), let's hear them.

Hope this helps. ;)

Fred

Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: jmelvin on August 15, 2013, 03:30:47 PM
Fred,
This thread has been silent foe a while now so I will give it a little bump. You've got quite a list there of farm implements. I'm still collecting BMPs using the Google Satellite Maps and have managed to find farm fields being worked in various states around the US that match up with most of the items on your list. You asked about other possible implements. I was checking ut the state of Louisiana on the satellite maps today and found a field where sugarcane was being harvested. I know Simgoober has seasonal sugarcane in his group of fields. The following image shows a sugarcane harvester:

http://www.deere.com/common/media/images/product/sugar_harvesting/3520_sugarcane_harvester/3520_SugarcaneHarvester_642x462.png (http://www.deere.com/common/media/images/product/sugar_harvesting/3520_sugarcane_harvester/3520_SugarcaneHarvester_642x462.png)

I know, you asked for something simple, and here some fool comes up with something like this.

One of the other harvesters that no one has done for the game is a rice harvester. I found rice harvests in Californis, Louisiana, and Minnesota where something like the harvester in the following image was being used.

http://www.best-b2b.com/userimg/973/988-2/shifeng-flly-feed-rice-and-wheat-combine-harvester-28.jpg (http://www.best-b2b.com/userimg/973/988-2/shifeng-flly-feed-rice-and-wheat-combine-harvester-28.jpg)

This one my be easier to do because the harvesting head is very similar to some of the ones I've seen used for wheat and you may already have something like that. I saw that both the rice harvester and the sugarcane harvester have treads much like a tank instead of wheels.

All of the above aside, I would be willing to look at your package of props and put together a scrutineering report if you want or need someone to do that. I am one of the LEX scrutineers even though I have never developed anything for public use. I took a look at Frank's Dutch Farm Fields version 2. You can ask him about the type of report I can put together.

I'll also put in a comment here that you probably want to set the orient to slope property to TRUE for most, if not all, of your props. I don't know if you had considered that already.
Jim
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on August 16, 2013, 09:38:04 AM
Quote from: jmelvin on August 15, 2013, 03:30:47 PM
Fred,
This thread has been silent foe a while now so I will give it a little bump. You've got quite a list there of farm implements. I'm still collecting BMPs using the Google Satellite Maps and have managed to find farm fields being worked in various states around the US that match up with most of the items on your list. You asked about other possible implements. I was checking ut the state of Louisiana on the satellite maps today and found a field where sugarcane was being harvested. I know Simgoober has seasonal sugarcane in his group of fields. The following image shows a sugarcane harvester:

http://www.deere.com/common/media/images/product/sugar_harvesting/3520_sugarcane_harvester/3520_SugarcaneHarvester_642x462.png (http://www.deere.com/common/media/images/product/sugar_harvesting/3520_sugarcane_harvester/3520_SugarcaneHarvester_642x462.png)

I know, you asked for something simple, and here some fool comes up with something like this.

One of the other harvesters that no one has done for the game is a rice harvester. I found rice harvests in Californis, Louisiana, and Minnesota where something like the harvester in the following image was being used.

http://www.best-b2b.com/userimg/973/988-2/shifeng-flly-feed-rice-and-wheat-combine-harvester-28.jpg (http://www.best-b2b.com/userimg/973/988-2/shifeng-flly-feed-rice-and-wheat-combine-harvester-28.jpg)

This one my be easier to do because the harvesting head is very similar to some of the ones I've seen used for wheat and you may already have something like that. I saw that both the rice harvester and the sugarcane harvester have treads much like a tank instead of wheels.

All of the above aside, I would be willing to look at your package of props and put together a scrutineering report if you want or need someone to do that. I am one of the LEX scrutineers even though I have never developed anything for public use. I took a look at Frank's Dutch Farm Fields version 2. You can ask him about the type of report I can put together.

I'll also put in a comment here that you probably want to set the orient to slope property to TRUE for most, if not all, of your props. I don't know if you had considered that already.
Jim

Well Jim and everybody out there following the MFP1 Project, this thread has been quiet for a few weeks because of the busy summer that we (Frank and I) are having. Family and real life situations come first. My buissness is having a kind of a never seen "peak" this year and my farms have never produced so much crops as this year neither, because of the perfect weather we are having here in Quebec/Canada. FrankU is probably as busy as I and besides, he has no choice waiting for my props to be able to continue.... ;). So, put all this together and we have a thread that has been "put aside" a little for awhile.

I suppose all that will change within the next month or so. After I have finished helping my Farmmanager with the crops and done my part of the loghome plans and finding all the construction companies for them, I will surely be back on the job of "gmaxing" at 90 %. Just wanted to let you all know......

Then, thanks for the pictures, but I think I have now completed the list of farm machinery and implements for now. One could always use a corn or silage harvester to use on a ricefield, which look similar, and besides, I don't think more that 5% of the Players will know the difference. Everytime I have town or city visitors on the farm, they ask me what this is for or what does that do and how it functions.....some of the cityslickers even ask me why I have eggs lying in my chicken coop, or if brown cows actually give chocolate milk. No kidding.....In my opinion, when it comes to nature, biology and farming, only about 15 % of the general public has an IQ over 100 and a big hole of emptiness of education in these categories. ;) So, the list of those machinery implements that I am doing is more than enough and general for the moment. I do not deny the possiblity of a later add-on though.

About the slope property on these props, that I will leave this to FrankU, he is the specialist of tweaking my models. I am sure that he will do so.

Btw, I haven't stopped tworking on the MFP1 during the last three months, whenever I have a few moments of fre time, I will sit down open my gmax and start, continue or finish one of my ideas and models. ;)

Be back soon.

Fred

Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: Jack_wilds on August 16, 2013, 02:11:35 PM
Hi y'all [back 40 holler...] 

Its a good thing when fields are full and Canada has done very well as the Midwest is in a challenge we are behind on rain 1-2"... but I am not a 'farmer' any more as i left it when I left home and my brother got it and its mostly 'retired' now...

the sheer ignorance of non farm folk that come to the country and see the family and small farms [not so much the corporate] in action is amusing and appalling... I mean it so rational, why aren't they getting it?... dirt under the finger nails does a soul good... it is as what the sand county almanac guy said "when we get too far from the land..."  :D
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on August 16, 2013, 07:37:39 PM
Quote from: Jack_wilds on August 16, 2013, 02:11:35 PM
Hi y'all [back 40 holler...] 

Its a good thing when fields are full and Canada has done very well as the Midwest is in a challenge we are behind on rain 1-2"... but I am not a 'farmer' any more as i left it when I left home and my brother got it and its mostly 'retired' now...

the sheer ignorance of non farm folk that come to the country and see the family and small farms [not so much the corporate] in action is amusing and appalling... I mean it so rational, why aren't they getting it?... dirt under the finger nails does a soul good... it is as what the sand county almanac guy said "when we get too far from the land..."  :D

Well, sorry to say this, but those 1 to 2 inches of rain the midwest didn't get, we have received it and it did well for our crops I must say.

About the ignorance about the "cityslickers" that I talked about above of not knowing the basics of farming was not mentioned to be an insult, I would like to stake this out please. Most of my family is now in the City, including my three sons which all live in a town of 150K or more or in the city itself (Montreal). That is where the easy jobs (non-physical) today are. But at least my sons know the fundamental where the things on the table come from and how they are grown and harvested. (and surely know that chicken lay the eggs we eat, and not a machine in a grocery store or factory as a few have told me. ;)

Back to the MFP1, I have counted 20 different models of farmmachinery and implements (not counting the tractors) and which have several submodels or different colours (textures), which will give us approximately about 45 props in all. I think that it should be enough to please all the simfarmers out there, right? Like I said, an add-on can be easily made afterwards.

Btw, I have decided that the machinery category will not be included in the MFP1 though, but will be a Stand alone which should be ready and uploaded about the same time as the original Modern Farm Prop pack One (MFP1)

Fred

Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on October 01, 2013, 02:15:55 PM
Before anyone thinks that I disappeared or even worse, that I died, I might as well report myself at the moment.

I have been distant from Simcity (and all the other PC Games) for the last months for several reasons, first of all because of the beautiful summer we had here in Quebec/Canada and then a lot of serious problems in real life.
Nothing concerning my health for the moment though, but a matter of buissness and the American Law (a construction job of mine in the US.). And nothing that really concerns anyone here neither.

I still come once in awhile, just to check in and have a look around, more and more since a couple of weeks, but I don't really have an interest of Batting, Playing nor Lotting at the moment. I was going to mention this before, but you know as it often is, we think it might change in a week and/or another week and so on, and all of sudden, we realise that a few months have passed.

I will come back later this fall for sure or maybe early this coming winter, the MFP1 will definitively be finished. I have put too much energy and time into this project to leave it unfinished. It could be that some models will not see the game at first, but maybe an addon can come later next year. I will render what I have and believe me, it is not a few.

I am sorry that it turned out this way, but my RL is really taking most of my physical and phsycological energy right now, which is also affecting my family. So , I hope you will understand and be a little more patient and wait for the MFP1 later this year or at the beginning of the next year. Thank You. I am grateful for your patience.


Fred

Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: Jack_wilds on October 01, 2013, 03:19:10 PM
THX for the popping to update keeping us in the loop of sorts  ;)...

hoping that this project truly does get finished up and delivered...  :) yous guys put too much time and energy into it for it to languish...

what happened to JBSimio's clayhurst EP1 was a shame and a disapointment  :(  anticipating that this farm projects will not suffer the same fate...  :thumbsup:

have fun in the hay fields... canada, from what reports I read, did very well with the hay...  :P
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on October 01, 2013, 08:39:43 PM
Don't worry Jack, unless I suddenly die, this project will see its end with a finish product. ;)

Fred
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on October 02, 2013, 01:22:19 AM
Hi Fred, Jack and all others who care about this project.

While Fred was busy I was too. With completely different things. Like some rearrangements in my house. I was making a wall in the attic, so that my daughter will have a room there. I have to do this between the other businesses of my life, so it does not go quick. I have started painting the wall this week and I hope I will finish it this weekend. Hopefully we can rearrange the rooms then. My daughter goes to the attic, my son into my old daughter's room, the workplace of me and my wife into the son's old room, the toys in the livingroom go to the children's rooms, and some furniture from the attic will be spread throughout the house...When that is finshed I will have a new workplace for me and my computer. Then I will have the opportunity to finish the Farm Fields set. It will be released a.s.a.p.
And then for the farm lots we have to wait until Fred finished his props.

Maybe I'll do some Maxis Replacement Rewards in the meantime.
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: Reform on October 03, 2013, 07:19:58 AM
I haven't commented much (as usual), but I am eager to see this project finished. You can count me among those who "care about this project."  :thumbsup:

Quote from: FrankU on October 02, 2013, 01:22:19 AM
Then I will have the opportunity to finish the Farm Fields set. It will be released a.s.a.p.

That is the best news today. :sunny:

- I
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: Jack_wilds on October 03, 2013, 03:35:41 PM
I am chiming in too to say I am expecting a finish farm communities thriving.... :)  and a THX for not giving up on it...
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on October 05, 2013, 10:25:52 PM
During the summermonths, I played around with some of props I rendered and wanted to test them ingame, so I made a quick farmlot. Here are some pics that I took.
Hope you can see that I can't just leave so many props lying around and not finish the whole set, right? I will indeed to continue and finish the MFP1, all I need is some more patience so I can clear up my RL things first.

This is only ONE farmlot that I tried out for the fun, it isn't even finished yet, (needs more props and better textures and overlays) Enjoy:


Fred

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg35.imageshack.us%2Fimg35%2F3197%2Fbjd6.jpg&hash=fdd17016355f093bd0f16ab46bafbf34d5212cac)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg819.imageshack.us%2Fimg819%2F4031%2F7u1d.jpg&hash=19b617c2b9f15b71a537c7427047edcbbd4785f6)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg580.imageshack.us%2Fimg580%2F6727%2Fimlb.jpg&hash=91e831874c7585cb3ce3844e0de75dc791957e3e)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg819.imageshack.us%2Fimg819%2F4831%2F8wu4.jpg&hash=abb114024ae8298f5134f0e10938ef0061899857)

Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: Terring7 on October 06, 2013, 06:12:37 AM
Awesome :thumbsup:
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on October 07, 2013, 02:00:14 AM
Even for me there is a lot to see that you did not give me sneak previes of!
Great props, Fred!
Is the barn a new model or did you just push two standard barns together?

My computer is up and running again. Yesterday evening I installed it in a new room, I cleaned my desk and I am eager to pick up where I left two months ago.
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on October 07, 2013, 09:27:29 AM
Quote from: FrankU on October 07, 2013, 02:00:14 AM
Is the barn a new model or did you just push two standard barns together?

Well Frank, The barn models (mainbuildings) are finished since earlier this year, and I have no intention to make more at this moment. You have most of them, only three more models have to be re-rendered (remember? you send them back to me after having tested and found out that there were some errors) I will do this as soon as I can.
The barn model you see are, as you said, actually two of the same models placed together. Since the LOD's are custom and tight, this is easily possible without any seams. You will be able to this with any of the mainbuilding models, I think.
This lot (shown above) was made sometime in late June. I wanted to see and just to try how my props look like ingame. I found out that several models have to be made smaller, no problem since re-rendering does not take an eternity. I will do this later too.(referring to the hayshed and the big blue balepile)

Glad you got your computer working again, because I will be sending some models again in a few weeks and then I will keep you busy until I have finished rendering them all. ;) The models that we will find in the MFP1 are finished in gmax at about 98%. All there is left to do is render them. There will be some 35 less models than expected in the beginning though (still need some detailing and texturing), but it doesn't really show in the whole set since there are hundreds of models of all kinds left. But most likely, there will be a sort of an Add-On, which will contain all the left out models sometime later, if the demand is there. (I will show pics of some of them also later, when I be gmaxing again) ;)

Greetings Frank,

Fred
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on October 08, 2013, 03:21:18 AM
Hi Fred,

Well, I did not try to shove two barns into each other, but the result is very good! I feared for a minute that you had not resisted the temptation to make new models...
Anyway add-ons are never a problem here. The whole idea behind the plugins directory is add-ons and add-ons to add-ons.... So we work in the tradition that Maxis has started in 2003.
Anything you send me will be used in my farm lots. And add-ons that are sent later will probably result in additionaly added Farm Lots add-ons. Maybe meanwhile one of my BNL team members makes additional models of more Dutch Farmhouses, so these can be added to the already additional add-ons of the original add-ons to the game... You get the idea, I guess?

No prop will be lost in the proces!
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on October 24, 2013, 11:03:22 AM
Well.... slowly I am getting back to work here!  :-[
Jim Melvin sent me a very thorough report on my Farm Fields Set some time ago already.
This report raised some issues concerning how I should make my lots even better. Some of these issues will maybe pop up in this thread when I find out I cannot solve them myself.

The first question I want your opinion on is not a modding type, but a visual type.

Some of you may remember this image.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farm%2520Lots%2520-%2520growables%2FGreenhouses-5night_zpscb5e53c6.jpg%7Eoriginal&hash=82f5d5d1ae7c5cd1d778116c4882feb676a237d7)

These greenhouses had nightlights. I simply had put some small streetlight props inside the greenhouses. I was not too happy with the effect and as someone told me (was it Maarten?) this could give trouble with the LRM. So I decided to throw the streetlights out..

While searching for something completely different I encountered the prop exemplar property "Self Illuminate". I added this property to the vegetable props that are inside my greenhosues. Now these lots look like this.

As you can see props with this property set to true look like they are in bright daylight.

Zoom 2
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farm%2520Lots%2520-%2520growables%2FGreenhouseokt2013-Zoom2_zps3c2ef05f.jpg%7Eoriginal&hash=da0505af01c85dcf11a547def52503e018f702de)

Zoom 3
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farm%2520Lots%2520-%2520growables%2FGreenhouseokt2013-Zoom3_zpsc31a47d4.jpg%7Eoriginal&hash=202536f39862677788e6c0f9a7799c9d8007f0ae)

Zoom 4
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farm%2520Lots%2520-%2520growables%2FGreenhouseokt2013-Zoom4_zps628de0dc.jpg%7Eoriginal&hash=9d731f8d074a558b8b27715ed6390c65ff34f67f)

Zoom 5
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farm%2520Lots%2520-%2520growables%2FGreenhouseokt2013-Zoom5_zps89ee1651.jpg%7Eoriginal&hash=27bc78712908727d41366e2e25585537d08ea669)

The advantage of this property is that the props look like they are in light. So it resembles some kind of illuminated greenhouse. When you look closely you cans ee that the props are not really lit. Shadows are not there, there is no light on the floor etc.

What, please my friends, do you think. Should I use this property or should I put my vegetables in the dark?
Surely I could give you both, but that would mean that a lot of you will have to go through the installed files and delete unwanted ones.....
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: vortext on October 24, 2013, 11:17:39 AM
That's a nifty property you found there Frank. It'll come in handy sometime.  :thumbsup:

As for the greenhouses, well, first I should say some nightlights is better than no nightlights. However, a proper greenhouse would light up the surrounding area like a candle, as I'm sure you're aware of. In that regard they still fall short to convey something like the Westland at night.  &mmm

Why don't the glasshouse models have nightlights to begin with? Maybe Fred can explain?
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: gn_leugim on October 28, 2013, 06:24:19 AM
I have to agree. the propertie you found is great, but this is not the best case to apply it IMO
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on October 28, 2013, 12:19:06 PM



Hey Frank, great to see you back on this, I should be back right after my last and final "appearance" in court in three weeks. After this I will take a few days to relax and then get myself back online again.

To be honest, I do not actually find this property "good looking", although it is a great find. I liked it better before.



Quote from: vortext on October 24, 2013, 11:17:39 AM

Why don't the glasshouse models have nightlights to begin with? Maybe Fred can explain?

Easy to answer: I do not know how to make nightlights with gmax and the tutorial I found don't seem to work for me. I was going to learn that a little later, buit with all the real life problems I encountered it was postponed (again). I know now, that I need a patch of somekind to have it to get to work in gmax, have no idea which one though. I will figure that out one day. ;)

Fred
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: rambuckel on October 28, 2013, 12:29:49 PM
Frank the greenhouses look brilliant!!! I really love the effects you added!
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on October 28, 2013, 01:41:31 PM
Hi Erik, gn_leugim, Fred and Theresa,

Thanks for the feedback. The three first replies were very consistent and also fitted to my own opinion, but then Theresa: your enthousiasm makes me doubt. Do I delete the property? I think I will in the end. Or sould I make the upload extra complex by adding a version with and one without self-illumination? I think that will give some less experienced users too many headaches....
I'll delete the property.

So there was my first question. I have several more.

Now here is the second question I'd like to hear your opinion about.

It concerns shadows of props.

Here I give you some images of crops in different seasons. Take a very close look.

Rubus Idaeus
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farm%2520Lots%2520-%2520growables%2FFarmFieldsstagesRubusIdaeus.jpg%7Eoriginal&hash=67032dafe1a07b19e9c3d2af86364800eab3afcb)

Humulus Lupulus
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farm%2520Lots%2520-%2520growables%2FFarmFieldsstagesHumulus.jpg%7Eoriginal&hash=e0c2793e555bba48508227bf5961c11db412a512)

In both images you can see that the crops change during the seasons. But what is not changing is the shadows!
Jim Melvin pointed me to this in his scrutineering report. I myself had never noticed it and never read about it anywhere. What we found out is that a RKT4 prop with 2 states always shows the shadow of state 0. The shadow of state 1 are ignored.
So the Rubus prop was made with the full grown rubus as state 0 and the Humulus was made with empty posts and wires as state 0.

Now here is my question and please pick your answer:
1. Can we live with this and do we keep the props as they are now.
2. Should I remove the shadows altogether.
3. Or should I make separate timed props of empty and full grown props that are stacked onto each other, so that we will see the correct shadows? This would mean I have to make a RKT4 prop of an empty Humulus with a visible and an invisible state and one of a full grown Humulus with a visible and an invisible state and put them both on the same spot on the lot. I then must do this also for Rubus and maybe Malus. Ths means: quite some work, but visually the best solution.
Edit: ohh.... I am not even certain this will work. Maybe I should have experimented first.

Thank you for your feedback!
This set is getting better and better....
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: rambuckel on October 28, 2013, 01:51:41 PM
My knowledge is not profound enough to really discuss this seriously, but from my point of view this question is propably a little bit too sophisticated to really matter. With the performance of the game in mind it might even be a good solution to remove the shadows. The areas covered by these props can be pretty large and every single shadow influences the performance especially on larger maps. I wonder if the shadows are really essential.

That's just my two cents I can add to this discussion :) 
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: vortext on October 28, 2013, 01:56:05 PM
Quote from: FrankU on October 28, 2013, 01:41:31 PM
What we found out is that a RKT4 prop with 2 states always shows the shadow of state 0. The shadow of state 1 are ignored.

Seasonal flora too uses RKT4, I'm well aware of the issue.  ;)

Quote from: FrankU on October 28, 2013, 01:41:31 PM
This would mean I have to make a RKT4 prop of an empty Humulus with a visible and an invisible state and one of a full grown Humulus with a visible and an invisible state and put them both on the same spot on the lot.

Yes, this is the way to solve it indeed.
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: APSMS on October 28, 2013, 04:00:59 PM
It sounds like the last option is feasible, since you only have to make sure that the invisible model is the second one. I think this happens already with Girafe's seasonal flora during winter where full shadows are displayed behind empty trees.

Thankfully the problem is visual only, and I would prefer shadows with the crops, since stuff without shadows always appears (to me) to be floating and not attached to the ground. Though my computer runs faster without them, this bothers me to the point that I prefer to build with shadows on all the time, rather than just turn them on for screenshots and evaluations and the like.
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on October 30, 2013, 04:30:14 AM
Hmmm, asking questions always produces replies that were not foreseen.
Certainly it is feasible. I even can work with one permanent prop: the wires and posts. Further I need three (for variation) timed props that appear and disappear on the exact same spot.
But there are disadvantages:
1. The use of my props would be less simple for less experienced lotters
2. We have more props, although with this set up only one per farm field type.
3. I would have to scrutinize all almost 100 of my Farm Lots for these props, because I use several of these props also in the backyards and kitchen gardens of my farms... That is probably even the largest job.  :-[

But I confess: I'd rather have it good than quick. So I guess I am going to improve the props.  :-\
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on November 01, 2013, 01:43:42 AM
While working on the new props I have the third question to you all.

This one concerns hover queries.
In the images below you see several different situations.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farm%2520Lots%2520-%2520growables%2FQueriesTotaal_zps6642a410.jpg%7Eoriginal&hash=e4d74776fe280e9d62a8bd63c25f947180bbfe01)

A: a Stage 1 Farm Lot.
B: a full grown Farm Field, with props where the "query as main building" is set to true.
C: a Farm Field without props. This meadow only contains a texture.
D: a Farm Field section where the seasonal prop is not visible due to the "non grown" season.
E: a Farm Field section where a seasonal prop has appeared.
F: a ploppable Farm Field lot (technically a park lot) without a grown prop.
G: a ploppable Farm Field lot with a non seasonal prop (a grown seasonal prop would give the same query).
H: a Farm Field with props that have the "query as main building" set to false (from dependency pack, so I cannot change that). Here I hover in between the props.
I: the same Farm Field where I hover above a prop.

Now my question is a simple one: how can I edit the lots and/or props in such a way that all grown Farm Field lots show the same hover query? Is it possible?
For the ploppable lots there is a different query. That is OK with me.

But what I do not like is that a Farm Field where the props are not visible gives me only info about the zone. I would like to see the same query as we can see in image B and E.
Non visibility of props appears:
1. when the lot contains no props,
2. when the props have an invisible building,
3. when the props are not visible due to the season,
4. when the props are not visible due to zoom level (many props do not appear in zoom level 1)

And the zone query also appears when I hover on a location on a lot where there is no prop at that specific point or where there is only a prop with "query as main building" set to false.

Last week I came with the idea (someone gave me the idea, actually) that adding an invisible prop that covers the whole lot would give me the correct query, at least on meadows and seasonal fields. But of course that was not true. A seasonal field does contain props all the time, it is just that they are not visible all the time. So adding another invisible one is useless.

Does anyone know what I could do?
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: kelis on November 01, 2013, 04:47:07 AM
Sorry Frank I cannot help you with this !! Anyway I hope you can finish this amazing pack with success  &apls
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: gn_leugim on November 01, 2013, 04:58:02 AM
I cannot help you either, but hope someone can :)
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on November 04, 2013, 02:01:05 AM
Thanks for the support, kelis and gn_leugim,

I asked this question in a separate post in the modding section. I hope someone will help me there.

So in this thread I can go on with my fourth question.
It concerns visibility of props in different zoom levels.

I show you the same set of grown farm fields in the three important zooms.

Zoom 1
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farm%2520Lots%2520-%2520growables%2FFarmFieldsZoomsv2-Zoom1_zps00c84750.jpg%7Eoriginal&hash=788a755545040a903f43a53e742e78c7cc869b38)

Zoom 2
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farm%2520Lots%2520-%2520growables%2FFarmFieldsZoomsv2-Zoom2_zpsc0a404bd.jpg%7Eoriginal&hash=7d069f7b5142715a23a22fb8daccd59f18b260d2)

Zoom 3
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farm%2520Lots%2520-%2520growables%2FFarmFieldsZoomsv2-Zoom3_zps64a68b1f.jpg%7Eoriginal&hash=7e3c1c8fb05fc25a4244af18d4f4990188619acf)

It is obvious that in Zoom 1 a lot of farm fields do not show. The view on the area gets dull, mostly because of the absence of flower fields.
But if all props were always visible the game would lag quite a bit. So therefore Maxis decided to have some props invisible at higher zoom levels. There are props that are not visible in Zoom 1 and even some are not visible in Zoom 2.

For my Farm Fields it boils down to this:

In Zoom 1 are not visible:
all Tulipa
both Rosa
Ribes Rubrum
Hortum Arboribus
Rubus Fruticosus
Triticum Aestivum

In Zoom 2 are not visible:
Buxus
Rubus Fruticosus
Hortum Arboriubus: the small light green props, the lager dark green ones are visible.

So, do you think this setup is OK?
Like I said: all props at all levels gives lagging of the game. Especially the absence of the colorful flower fields gives a loss of city view quality, so I tend to make the Flower Fields visible at zoom 1.

Visibility of props in all the zoom levels can be determines by the property "appearancezoomsflag".
When you take a look in Reader at your props you see a hex number that determines the visibility. For my own comfort and now also yours, I made a list of all possible entries.

Also: if there is no FSH file in the model, there is no visibility. So if the maker of the props (in my case: Maxis, Simgoober, MJB, CP) did not provide a model (FSH files) for Zoom 1 and/or 2, there is nothing I can do. I did not check all availabilities yet....

Appearancezoomsflag   

0x00000000 = zoom -none-
0x00000001 = zoom 1
0x00000002 = zoom 2
0x00000003 = zoom 1,2
0x00000004 = zoom 3
0x00000005 = zoom 1,3
0x00000006 = zoom 2,3
0x00000007 = zoom 1,2,3
0x00000008 = zoom 4
0x00000009 = zoom 1,4
0x0000000a = zoom 2,4
0x0000000b = zoom 1,2,4
0x0000000c = zoom 3,4
0x0000000d = zoom 1,3,4
0x0000000e = zoom 2,3,4
0x0000000f = zoom 1,2,3,4
0x00000010 = zoom 5
0x00000011 = zoom 1,5
0x00000012 = zoom 2,5
0x00000013 = zoom 1,2,5
0x00000014 = zoom 3,5
0x00000015 = zoom 1,3,5
0x00000016 = zoom 2,3,5
0x00000017 = zoom 1,2,3,5
0x00000018 = zoom 4,5
0x00000019 = zoom 1,4,5
0x0000001a = zoom 2,4,5
0x0000001b = zoom 1,2,4,5
0x0000001c = zoom 3,4,5
0x0000001d = zoom 1,3,4,5
0x0000001e = zoom 2,3,4,5
0x0000001f = zoom 1,2,3,4,5

Please give me your opinion.
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on November 04, 2013, 04:59:56 AM
Quote from: FrankU on November 04, 2013, 02:01:05 AM
So, do you think this setup is OK?

In my opinion, they all look great! When I fly at 4 thousand feet and it's a little hazy or humid out, I don't really see the blooming mustard fields here in Quebec, but instead they blend in with most other surrounding fields as corn or clover/alfalfa. So, it is quite logical to loose some clearity, colour intensity and saturation seen from higher elevations.

Great to see you back on the project, I will be here soon also, once the legal "stuff" has been all straightened out.

Fred

Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: kelis on November 04, 2013, 05:05:57 AM
I totally agree with what fred said !! I think this setup is Ok  :)
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on November 04, 2013, 07:58:41 AM
Thanks Fred and Jonathan,

Another issue in between. And a request again....

I have made Custom Queries. For those queries I would like to incorporate some translations. I have made English (default), Dutch and German. Maybe someone can help me with French, Portugese, and whatever is available?

These are the texts that need translation:
Dutch vegetable fields, grown
Dutch vegetable fields, plopped
Dutch fruit fields, grown
Dutch fruit fields, plopped
Dutch meadows, grown
Dutch meadows, plopped
grown tiles of Dutch forest
plopped tiles of Dutch forest
Dutch flower fields, grown
Dutch flower fields, plopped
Dutch cereal fields, grown
Dutch cereal fields, plopped
Dutch tree farming fields, grown
Dutch tree farming fields, plopped
Dutch greenhouse tiles, grown
Dutch greenhouse tiles, plopped

There is not much space for a longer line of text, so keep it short! Inthe German version I had to use "NL" instead of "Niederländisch", because it was too long...

Anyone who likes to help me, please post. I will name you in the readme. And maybe I'll think of some other reward.
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: kelis on November 04, 2013, 08:21:03 AM
If you want I may help you with Spanish :)

P.S: I saw your MP, I think along this week I will send you the ABN AMRO Bank to your email address, okay ?

Groeten
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: Girafe on November 04, 2013, 10:56:06 AM
The french version. We have the same problem with the adjective Néerlandais. Moreover in french even if it's wrong, we prefer to use the adjective hollandais but it's still long. I don't understand the grown / plopped, is it growable / ploppable? If so there is not equivalent in french that sounds good. You can use growable / ploppable, I think it will be ok.

Dutch vegetable fields, grown / champ hollandais de légumes, growable
Dutch vegetable fields, plopped / champ hollandais de légumes, ploppable
Dutch fruit fields, grown / vergers hollandais, growable
Dutch fruit fields, plopped / vergers hollandais, ploppable
Dutch meadows, grown / prairie hollandaise, growable
Dutch meadows, plopped / prairie hollandaise, ploppable
grown tiles of Dutch forest / forêt hollandaise, growable
plopped tiles of Dutch forest / forêt hollandaise, ploppable
Dutch flower fields, grown / champ de fleurs hollandais, growable
Dutch flower fields, plopped / champ de fleurs hollandais, ploppable
Dutch cereal fields, grown / champ de céréales hollandais, growable
Dutch cereal fields, plopped / champ de céréales hollandais, ploppable
Dutch tree farming fields, grown / sylviculture hollandaise, growable
Dutch tree farming fields, plopped / sylviculture hollandaise ploppable
Dutch greenhouse tiles, grown / serres hollandaises, growable
Dutch greenhouse tiles, plopped / serres hollandaises, ploppable

Russian translation is useless I think  :P
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on November 04, 2013, 11:42:06 AM
Hi Jonathan,

Yes please do. I mean: send the lot and help me with Spanish. I can use every language that is supported by SC4 and is supported by my keyboard. I fear Russian, Greek, Chinese and Japanese would give me too much headaches. Although.... If it is written correctly in a reply it might be a matter of Copy and Paste..
It's maybe 10 minutes of work for every language, so go ahead!

Hi Girafe,

Nice to have caught your attention here.
Merci pour la traduction!
There is no good word that is used by the Fench community which I could use for grow or plop?
I thought something like to grow = croître and plop= déposé?

Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: gn_leugim on November 04, 2013, 11:58:48 AM
Quote from: FrankU on November 04, 2013, 07:58:41 AM

Another issue in between. And a request again....
(...)Maybe someone can help me with (...) Portugese (...)

These are the texts that need translation:

Dutch vegetable fields, grown
Dutch vegetable fields, plopped
Dutch fruit fields, grown
Dutch fruit fields, plopped
Dutch meadows, grown
Dutch meadows, plopped
grown tiles of Dutch forest
plopped tiles of Dutch forest
Dutch flower fields, grown
Dutch flower fields, plopped
Dutch cereal fields, grown
Dutch cereal fields, plopped
Dutch tree farming fields, grown
Dutch tree farming fields, plopped
Dutch greenhouse tiles, grown
Dutch greenhouse tiles, plopped


Dutch vegetable fields, grown - Campo de Vegetais Holandês, Crescimento Natural
Dutch vegetable fields, plopped - Campo de Vegetais Holandês, Posto
Dutch fruit fields, grown - Campo de Fruto Holandês, Crescimento Natural
Dutch fruit fields, plopped - Campo de Fruto Holandês, Posto
Dutch meadows, grown - Campos Verdes Holandeses, Crescimento Natural
Dutch meadows, plopped  - Campos Verdes Holandeses, Posto
grown tiles of Dutch forest - Campo de Floresta Holandesa de Crescimento Natural
plopped tiles of Dutch forest - Campo de Floresta Holandesa Posto
Dutch flower fields, grown - Campo de Flores Holandês, Crescimento Natural
Dutch flower fields, plopped - Campo de Flores Holandês, Posto
Dutch cereal fields, grown - Campo de Cereal Holandês, Crescimento Natural
Dutch cereal fields, plopped  - Campo de Cereal Holandês, Posto
Dutch tree farming fields, grown - Campo de Árvores Agrícolas, Crescimento Natural
Dutch tree farming fields, plopped - Campo de Árvores Agrícolas, Posto
Dutch greenhouse tiles, grown - Estufas Holandesas, Crescimento Natural
Dutch greenhouse tiles, plopped - Estufas Holandesas, Postas

Now, why did I put some stuff at italic? because I have never thought how I would say "Growable/Grown" or Ploppable/Plopped" in Portuguese. there is no direct translation as far as I know as well. So, I had to came up with something similar, and "Crescimento Natural" can mean "naturally grown", which applies to the case, of naturally grown stuff with the simulator. On the other hand, "Posto" means "putted in" which is similar to how you work with ploppled stuff. An alternative, is to keep the grown and the plopled and just change the name.

Oh, and what you mean by "Dutch tree farming fields"?

and btw, I'll have to rethink my "farm" plugin folder after these :p
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on November 04, 2013, 12:18:44 PM
Hi gn_leugim,

My Portugese friend. Thanks for your info.
I see that many of your translations are in singular, but my texts are deliberately in plural. Also I see a lot of capitals. Is that necessary? I prefer lowercase, except when your language demands capitals, like German does with nouns.

Although you are Portugese Portugese, not Brazilian, I guess I should put your translation into the "section" that Maxis has reserved for the Brazilian Portugese? I find no European Portugese language files.

Tree farming field is meant for a field where trees and shrubs are grown for selling. I have a Buxus field and a Hortum Arboricum (a tree nursery), where Buxus shrubs and conifers are grown. They are sold to consumers who want to put them in their gardens. I also have a Populus Tremula nursery: a forest where Populus is planted and grown for their wood. We can make clogs out of this wood, or cut it in pieces and put it in the woodstove.
So basically a tree farming field is a field where shrubs and trees are grown in order to sell them to someone who does something with the tree or shrub.

Your language likes long sentences.... That is a problem: it won't fit within the text line space of the Query.
The longest I can fit into the line is about the French sentence champ de céréales hollandais, plop
I think Campo de Vegetais Holandês, Posto will fit. Longer won't go. So at least I cannot use the Crescimento Natural.
But perhaps I do not use Holandês but NL? I did that in the German version. German is also a language of long words. In that respect we have bad luck, because English is really compact, most of the time, so the original Queries are designed with small spaces.

Hi Girafe
I already put your translation into my game and if I make it plop and grow the text lines fit. Thank you!

And @ all
Copy and paste does not work. Many of you might know that already, I just found out. Probably for the third time this year, because I tend to forget this kind of details. Getting old, I guess.


Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: gn_leugim on November 04, 2013, 01:31:39 PM
Maxis did not make any distinction between Br-Portuguese and Pt-Portuguese, like it did with UK and USA English, so you have to insert it with the Brazilian Portuguese (which, with all due respect, I found respectful from maxis, as Portugal is the place of birth of the language, but anyway...)

Ah I see that they are and I see in the ss above now better eheh. then it would be: Silvicultura Holandesa.

A possibility for reducing the length would be to remove the plop/grown thing. the "Holandês" can be also a bit lengthy indeed, and for me, it would be fine if you would reduce it to NL (I think almost Portuguese people knows NL from the driving plates :p ) as we don't have anyway shorter to refer to someone or something from Netherlands.

About the capitals and the singulars/plurals. capitals are not mandatory. it's just I am used to do so when modding in SC4 :). as for the plural, I deliberately put in the singular most of them, because no matter how big a field is, it is always a "campo". It just sounds better to me than in the plural I think, but, just like before, not mandatory.
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: whatevermind on November 04, 2013, 07:45:22 PM
Have you considered making bigger UI's that can hold bigger text boxes? From what I gather, you're making fully new custom UI files for your stuff anyway. You could also use a smaller font for the lot name field in the pop up queries, GenSubHeader instead of the standard GenHeader, for example.

Mind, these are completely theoretical, I haven't played around with this at all myself, so I can't vouch for how well/if those ideas work.  $%Grinno$%
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on November 05, 2013, 11:55:37 AM
Dear gn_leugim,

Portugal is the origin of the Portugese language. That is clear. Maxis/EA, being an American enterprise, probably thought about their own continent in the first place and about the number of Brazilians being higher than the number of Portugese, hence yielding a higher profit, in the second place.

The queries count the number of grown and plopped farm field tiles. So even if a farm field is a large thing, and should be seen as one thing, the query counts the number of tiles.

It looks like this
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FQuery%2520Modding%2Fquerytest0000.jpg%7Eoriginal&hash=3d1540f693ca14d4fa064af49903622021639326)

So therefore I chose the plurals. And I think the Portugese tiles should also be counted that way. So please send me your translations in plural.
Maybe I should have put the image immediately together with my question. Sorry about that.

I made the texts shorter by adding only a plop or a cresc behind the line. Would that be understandable for you and your counterparts on the American continent?
I will try to use Holandês/Holandeses as much as possible, but in the worst situation I could use the NL.
I did it with the German version. Look. Do not bother about the first text line being in Dutch. That will be OK in the final version.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FQuery%2520Modding%2Fquerytest0004_zps79399925.jpg%7Eoriginal&hash=75936766fe24604cd012480e05abb8d85ff1b65e)


And hello again whatevermind,

Yes, resizing the queries came up to me. but I'd like them not to be too large. So they are more or less the width of the original Maxis queries. And now it would be a big job to change them all. I'd rather not do it.
The smaller font became unreadable to me, so I chose not to use it. Maybe better glasses would help too.... But it's cheaper this way.


And @ all visitors....
Would you care to take a look at my former questions too? Feedback is very welcome on all issues. So please don't just lurk, but speak out!

I will be most grateful,
Frank
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: gn_leugim on November 06, 2013, 12:03:43 PM
ohhh now that makes sense. then in that case the plural makes all sense and in portuguese it should be in plural too

regarding the grown and plopled, other option is "natural" and "artificial" (I think no translation here is needed :) ) whose plural are "naturais" and "artificiais"

The one you suggest is understandable too.  As well NL, it looks good, so, if no space is available it is a good option.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: kelis on November 07, 2013, 02:31:16 AM
Hello my friend !!

here you got the Spanish translation:

Dutch vegetable fields, grown / Campos vegetales Holandeses, growable
Dutch vegetable fields, plopped / Campos vegetales Holandeses, ploppable
Dutch fruit fields, grown / Campos frutales Holandeses, growable
Dutch fruit fields, plopped / Campos frutales Holandeses, ploppable
Dutch meadows, grown / Prados Holandeses, growable
Dutch meadows, plopped / Prados Holandeses, ploppable
grown tiles of Dutch forest / Cultivos de bosques Holandeses, growable
plopped tiles of Dutch forest / Cultivos de bosques Holandeses, ploppable
Dutch flower fields, grown / Campo de flores Holandesas, growable
Dutch flower fields, plopped / Campo de flores Holandesas, ploppable
Dutch cereal fields, grown / Campo de cereales Holandeses, growable
Dutch cereal fields, plopped / Campo de cereales Holandeses, ploppable
Dutch tree farming fields, grown / Cultivo de arboles Holandeses, growable
Dutch tree farming fields, plopped / Cultivo de arboles Holandeses ploppable
Dutch greenhouse tiles, grown / Invernaderos Holandeses, growable
Dutch greenhouse tiles, plopped / Invernaderos Holandeses, ploppable

Don't forget that word - Holandesas , that is not a mistake, we have male and female depending on how we have to use it, and in that case, flowers (flores) is female and for that reason we say "Holandesas"

Greetings my friend  :)

P.S: I'll take a little time modding and lot the ABN AMRO bank, I'm a little busy these days, you know the RL... :)
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on November 07, 2013, 05:10:03 AM
Hi Jonathan/kelis,

Thnak you for your contribution, but I think I have some remarks.

First of all: I decided to get rid of the NL/Dutch/Holandesas part. So the title gets shorter. No problem of course.

Then: the "Cultivos de bosques" sounds like a forest that is artificially grown: forestry. But this title was meant for "wild" forest. Besides that the query counts the tiles, so my suggestion would be: "Parcelas de bosques".
I used something alike in Dutch and French: percelen (NL) and parcelles (F).

Then; may I use "grown" and "plopped"?

And of course it should be "Campos de flores", "Campos de cereales" etc. Plural, OK?

And finally: the tree farming field is forestry. Would "Parcelas de silvicultura" be better?

Uhmmm.. why don't I use the word "Forestry" in the English version....? Maybe that is better too....

Please give me your opinion to these remarks.

Frank
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: kelis on November 07, 2013, 07:39:27 AM
Hi Frank:

I think it would be best without the Dutch/Nl/Holandesas part, perhaps you can put a little flag of Holland as always you do and I think this would be enough.

- "Parcelas de bosques" is correct and fits better with what you mean "wild"

- "grown" and "plopped" there is not a exactly traduction for that, could be something like "Crecimiento Natural" (Grown) but I'm not sure what we can use for (plopped).

- Campos is Ok, too.

"Parcelas de silvicultura" is ok, too.

Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on November 07, 2013, 07:54:32 AM
Hi Jonathan,

Grow and plop is really a problem in many translations.
In Dutch I use "gegroeid" for grown, which means something like "grown up" or grown like a shrub does. Google gives me: "crecido". We use this word for people, animals and plants.
For plopped I use "geplaatst", wich means something like "put down", Google gives me "poner".
But are these comprehensible? What do you Spanish speaking people use when you discuss SC4 lots in your own language? The words you use there I want to use in my queries.

The rest is OK, and I shall use them.

Thank you a lot.
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on November 15, 2013, 03:26:51 AM
Yes, it's there!

I uploaded the Farm Fields Set version 2.0 to the STEX and, for the first time, to the LEX.

So now my hands are free for some other projects....
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: gn_leugim on November 15, 2013, 05:37:24 AM
yeye  &hlp

latter at night, when I get home i'll get my hands on them :D
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on November 15, 2013, 05:45:45 AM
Woohooo! It's there!......................."running to the LEX"
Quote from: FrankU on November 15, 2013, 03:26:51 AM
So now my hands are free for some other projects....

Hm.....that didn'T go into a deaf ear. I will finish the models of the barns (the ones that didn't come out nicely from the rendering process) on Monday evening. (my first day "off" for the next 4 months)
At least this will be a start. This also will definitively put aan end to the "Main-Buildings" Part of the MFP1. ;)
From there on we'll see......

Darn nice fields, I will try them in the beginning of the week..

Fred

EDIT:

BTW, the "Plop and Grow" subjects could be international. I mean, just leave it in English. Since I speak several languages, I visit sites like Simcity Brasil, ToutSimcity, SimcityPolska, etc regulary and see that in the forums they almost always mention these two words in english. Even on the Chinese site you can see these expressions. So, why not just leave them like this. Everyone will understand.
Then, the idea of kellis with the dutch flag is great too. I'm for it. ;)

Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: Flatron on November 15, 2013, 06:18:41 AM
Nice :)
Imho, it should have been "geploppt" instead of "gesetzt" in the german version, as you can actually decline the word ploppen in german: ich ploppe, du ploppst, er/sie/es ploppt, wir ploppen, ihr ploppt, sie ploppen :D
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: kelis on November 15, 2013, 06:51:53 AM
Finally we got this great set !! Thank you my friend, you did a great job making all this farm lots to create this set  :)

I'm with mrbisonm about the plop/grow words, as He told you, you can find those words in every simcity page.

Groeten uit Spanje Frank  :)
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: gn_leugim on November 19, 2013, 04:01:42 AM
Hey guys, can I ask, when are the props made by Mrb released?

I ask this not just because... I am planning to do some big changes on my farm plugin repertoire as I am not pleased with what I have so far.

These farms you released now are amazing and will suit just great my needs for farmland (I haven't dl them yet, but I will, just clearing the way ^^) as they are, in most cases, just what I found here in Portugal. The catch is, so far, there is no really good farm (buildings) lots for me. The maxis', SG's and Pegasus' are too American, MB's are too Italian (also big and saturated in colour for my taste) so, I am left with very few choices. really few...

Seeing Mrb's props and buildings was a joy to my eyes, really, as most of them would fit Portuguese context, together with some of Franks prop families (btw, these new props will go into families too?) would be great.

Also, I might use the Stage 0 idea, as most farms fields dont have nothing but the crops. :D
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on November 19, 2013, 06:51:00 AM
Quote from: gn_leugim on November 19, 2013, 04:01:42 AM
Hey guys, can I ask, when are the props made by Mrb released?

Well, hard to say at this moment, but this might give you an idea.

My plans to finish all the props (several hundreds) that will be in the MFP1 set, during the christmas/newyears period of 2013/14. Of course, there will be some missing props in this set as planned before, but there will also be a sort of an Add-On later, which will contain all the rest of the plops, such as machinery small implements.....etc.

I will not release the MFP1 though at the same time. FrankU will have the time necessary to build his farmlots with them first and once he is finished or about to finish, I will release the MFP1 (Modern Farm Proppack 1) . And this I don't know when exactly, maybe FrankU will be better to give you a rough idea of his Farmset release dat.

Me too I will maybe have some time in between to create some farmlots with them, typical North-American types though, and them also will only be released when FrankU's set is ready. If I don't have the occasion and time to do them, then it'll be later.

Sorry that it takes so much time, but life hasn't been so generous with free time for me, neither my health, which is not always in topshape. But I will finish it, that's for sure and that is what counts. There will be enough props in all these sets (MFP1 and MFP2 plus Add-ons) that you can rename the SC4 game to Nexis Simfarms. lol

gn_leugim, I am sure that you will be pleased with the MFP1 set, since my plan was to combine farmbuildings (props) from most parts of the world in the same pack. Besides this pack will be treating more the Modern Buildings of Farming than the typical and older style buildings from a specific area. Today the world has shrunk and building styles are more concentrated on the practical than on the aesthetical and traditional side, therefore making them all similar. ;)

This week or maybe next week, I will certainly and slowly start rendering my models again and continue the ones that are already finished. I will show some pics here when this has started again. So, don't go away too far. ;)

Fred
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: gn_leugim on November 19, 2013, 11:24:40 AM
So glad to ear that Fred (May I call you Fred?)

I have some props ( small in number though) for some more typical portuguese farms, so I can get busy on the stage 1 farms, maybe stage 2, who knows ^^
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on November 19, 2013, 01:13:15 PM
Hi gn_leugim,

Like Fred said: it's hard to tell.
First I have to wait for his props to arrive. Then I have to relot many farm lots. I have about a 100 at the moment. They are all semi or almost completely finished, but without Fred's props. I only use the barns and sheds that he showed in the thread. All others are not yet in my hands, althoug I have experimented with some manure piles and conveyors, but I am not sure if these are final already.
What I am certain about is that many lots wil change drastically with the stuff Fred is preparing. It might even mean that I increase the number of lots.
So please, be patient with me.

Anyway: I fear it will take some time.

Your remark about the Stage 0 lots makes me think: would it be a good idea if I release these already as separate set? In fact They are ready on my HD. The only thing is: I need to finish the multi language Custom Query, but that won't take more than about two weeks: asking for translations, receive them, implement them.

I can start that process tomorrow (now it's too late already).

Frank
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: gn_leugim on November 20, 2013, 02:51:06 AM
Quote from: FrankU on November 19, 2013, 01:13:15 PM
So please, be patient with me.

I am patient, take your time ;) I was just wondering, that's all.

Quote from: FrankU on November 19, 2013, 01:13:15 PM
Your remark about the Stage 0 lots makes me think: would it be a good idea if I release these already as separate set? In fact They are ready on my HD. The only thing is: I need to finish the multi language Custom Query, but that won't take more than about two weeks: asking for translations, receive them, implement them.

that would be a great idea! I also plan to do the maxis equivelents so I can use them too (I said I dnt like maxis, but I what I don't like is the buildings, not the farm lots).

Regarding the Translations, right now I can't provide you with the PT ones, as I am at work, but latter at night I'll take care of it ;)
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on November 20, 2013, 04:48:25 AM
FrankU, I can't imagine or remember that I sent you a finished manure set yet. Please send me a copy of it to my email address so I can verify if you have the final set. Thanks.

I am about to finish rendering the last Mainbuildings, these lots that had some errors. Then I will verify the manure set and finish rendering the shed set. Dilos are also almost ready to test.

I decided last night to include a few of those small props with this pack, instead of including them all in an Add-on. Of course the Add-on will still come, but it will be a bit smaller than planned.

This weekend I will "re-start" the BAT for good and get it going again.

btw, gn_leugim, of course you can call me Fred, everyone does. ;)
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: gn_leugim on November 20, 2013, 12:42:35 PM
dilos? :o what are you saying?  $%Grinno$%

I have take a step ahead of you Fred, I have returned to bating issues already, but slowly  :P
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on November 20, 2013, 07:48:50 PM
Quote from: gn_leugim on November 20, 2013, 12:42:35 PM
dilos? :o what are you saying?  $%Grinno$%

I have take a step ahead of you Fred, I have returned to bating issues already, but slowly  :P

"Dilos".....of course! Don't tell me you don't know what dilos are?

Dilos happen when you have too big fingers for your keyboard. lol.....sorry, I meant "Silos".  The "S" is just beside the "D" on the keyboard and sometimes the finger touches both when it is big and comes with "combinations" of letters.

In other words: It's a typing error.......lol ;) I think that keyboards are sometimes made for either japanese (just like their cars, too small for a full grown man) or kids, but not for Viking descendants. lol

Fred
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: A Nonny Moose on November 25, 2013, 10:02:50 AM
Hi Fred,
    Just following your link from ST.  This seems like a rather massive project and I hope it is going well.  I am more or less committed to PEG's SPAM but I will certainly keep a finger on this as well.  I seem to have most of the dependencies so far.  &apls
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: Reform on November 25, 2013, 10:12:22 AM
Ditto, for other reasons.

I had to remove SPAM for large region CAM play, so I am anxious to see final results of your work. It seems that I finally found practical limits for SPAM/CAM combination.  :D

- Ilja
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on November 25, 2013, 11:39:39 AM
It's a pleasure to see you here, John.
Cam is something I don't actually like, it gave me a lot of problems at their beginning, maybe it has changed, but all the CAM models/lots that I downloaded, I have re-lotted and re-tweaked to grow "normally" the Maxis way. I have no problem this way. SPAM however, I like a lot except the "country traffic" mod, which causes a conflict with my files.

I think, that we will need both, SPAM and our MFP to have a natural grown good and realistic countryside in our Simlands. SPAM has older looking barns and farms, while ours (MFP) will have more modern farms from today. In some countries, like here in Quebec, older wooden, high and medium barns are disappearing slowly, being replaced by much larger and bigger buildings made from vinyl and metal.

Frank will have the first opportinity to make farms, mostly Dutch farms, but they can easily be used for other countries and traditions as well, since I have visited irl Dutch farms several times being a farmer myself and compared them with North-Americans and the difference is hardly noticable in most cases. Besides I am lucky, he is one of the best LOTters around. Then later, I will create some more typical North-American farms that we mostly encounter from Vermont and Quebec to Alberta and California and from New Foundland down to Mexico.

It should be great, I say to myself, whenever I go through my gigantic MFP model folder......lol

Fred
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: Reform on November 25, 2013, 12:14:12 PM
It is funny that I use CAM to control the overal growth of my large (52x44km) region. Standard Maxis setting would already be pumping max-stage lots, even for low density zoning -  while CAM allows me to control growth factors and stages. My region runs slow and smooth, just as I need it to do for CJ purposes.*

Funny thing is, that I have played with CAM/SPAM combination since the SPAM came out and didn't have any problems with my previous 44km2 regions - and there have been many. Maybe I hit some sort of threshold with this one.

Ok. Now I am just sidetracking us.

What I meant to say, is that I am expecting your project to cover a good portion of what I lost by removing SPAM from my planned CJ region and act as a welcomed addon for my other active (CAM/SPAM) region.  :thumbsup:

I had a small honor to take part of this project by doing translating work for Frank. To read what was coming fed my aptite. To actually see what you, Fred, has been up to is also something to expect.

- Ilja

* Sorry to constantly speak about CJs instead MDs. I spend most of my time where my personal pages reside.  ;)
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: gn_leugim on November 26, 2013, 02:15:39 AM
I have the same feeling, as, just as I said a few replies, I want to remove the SPAM (buildings) as well most SG's and MB's out of my plugins folder as they are just toooo american to me. therefore these project is one to look up too :p

From my part, any help you need, please, ask, i'll gladly help within the spare time I have :)
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on November 26, 2013, 11:35:05 AM
Both gn_leugim and Reform,

I thank you both for your help. I finished the translation issues of my queries.

And @ all

In fact I finished the farm lots, except one issue. This issue concerns the rate of growth of the lots. What I want to achieve is that the Stage 0 farm lots grow in a balanced amount together with the Stage 1 lots of my set and also the Maxis farms. If that works as desired I hope that the farms will also grow in a CAM region together with other people's farm lots.
They must grow in a CAM region in a balanced way, because they are meant for CAM! And then I hope they will at least behave more or less polite in SPAM regions.

When I test them now they grow quite rarely in relation to the Maxis stage 1 and 2 lots. So here is the question I try to answer: how can I achieve that my Stage 0 lots grow as often as the Stage 1, or a bit more often, and also more or less often as the Maxis Stage 1 lots?

As far as I know there are several properties that I may alter that have an influence: Jobs amount, building worth and maybe bulldoze cost (?), but maybe also occupant size of the building, size of the lot (number of tiles) and other properties? I will search this forum and do some testing with edited properties.... It will take some time and maybe I need some help.

This gives Fred the time to do some prop production!

I'll keep in touch,

Frank
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: gn_leugim on November 26, 2013, 02:03:08 PM
Now that's a really good question I want to know my self.

When making my diagonal lots, they were intended to grow in corner lots. but, if they had their frequency the same as orthogonal (non corner) lots, the effect is ruined because in the corner lots will grow both of them. I found that having a higher capacity increases the chance of not letting this happening. however, the only issue I found is that the only happens well when the last stage is archived (stage 3 for low houses) where the greatest available where the diagonal and hence the ones to grow more frequently. even then, its not as I would desire. :\
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on November 27, 2013, 12:54:23 PM
So I did some testing.

The good news is: The Stage 0 Farm Lots are finsihed and ready to be uploaded.
The bad news is: they hardly ever grow in your cities.

Let me explain.
First of all: the Stage 0 lots are in fact simple 1 tile large Stage 1 lots. It is my aim that they grow about twice as often as the normal Stage 1 lots. So I did some testing....
I have in an otherwise empty region a city tile with about 100 areas of zoned AG. These zones are about 8x8 tiles. There is some population (1841 pop) and some demand for AG in the city. There is Power and there is Water. Taxes are default, money is cheated about 1x109 When I press Cheetah mode I get these results:

1. When I let my Stage 0 farms be the only ones, using the Maxis farm blocker, My lots grow like weeds wherever you zone.

2. When I take the blocker out and hence mix my Stage 0 with all Maxis farms they grow about 5% of the time, the rest is Maxis. Hardly worth the effort, isn't it?

3. When I add my Stage 1, 2 and 3 lots (no CAM!) the Stage 0 hardly ever show up. Maybe 2%? Hard to say. The Stage 1,2,3 do mix quite good with the Maxis farms though. So there is some light in this darkness.

4. When I then add CAM to the plugins I find that mostly Stage 3 FrankU and Maxis farms grow. Later, whne demad goes down, also Stage 2 and 1 pop up. Stage 0..... Not in sight.

So what can I do about this? I read in a thread somewhere (yesterday I found it, today I forgot where... this site really is too large!) that Lowkee33 said the "Building value", which is soemthing different than "worth" (although I do not understand whatever both mean) is an important factor in the amount that a farm lot is picked by the game to grow. So I raised the building value of some of my Stage 0 lots. No effect visible. Maybe I should raise the value more? But what does this do to other properties of the farm lots? I don't know anything about this.

I hope someone is able to help me?
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: APSMS on November 27, 2013, 01:42:06 PM
From my experience as an amateur using BATs that were not designed for CAM usage (and thus have highly unrealistic Stage 8 stats), typically having higher occupancy(/demand satisfaction?) causes the BAT to be used more by the simulator as being appropriate for the given zone size and type.

Now, of course, I don't know what size and type may have to do with farms, but it seems like if you want stage 0 to grow, you need to effectively make it not Stage 0.

That is, make it more appealing by making it over capacity for less needs. Which, unfortunately, seems to defeat the purpose of having a zero stage.

I'm also not really sure what constitutes a Stage 0 farm. Would it be equivalent to the stage 1 SPAM farms that can exist w/o power and water? or something different?
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: gn_leugim on November 27, 2013, 01:52:07 PM
If I recall SPAM, it uses a technique that is if the field is only 16tiles big, the farm lot can only be 1x1. don't know it is like this or not, but, I do remmeber reading something like this. about the B.value. if it works or not, I don't know, but is rather ease to test I think.
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on December 14, 2013, 01:02:58 PM
All right, guys,

After some experimenting I found out that making the 1x1 lots into 2x1 lots everything worked like I had in mind all these months. So I changed all 35 lots (with Reader, where would we be without it?).
Then I finished the Read Me. Please indeed read it!
I wrapped it up.
And I uploaded it to LEX (http://sc4devotion.com/csxlex/lex_filedesc.php?lotGET=3082#) and STEX (http://community.simtropolis.com/files/file/29112-franku-dutch-farm-lots-stage-0/).

So, I'd say: check it out and have fun with it. Any comments? Please let me know.

Thank you for your patience.

And now for the Stages 1 up to 7! A long way to go  :-[.
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: w_swietwoot on December 14, 2013, 01:12:54 PM
Great work, building up to the grand finale.

I at least am very anxious to get my hands on those stage 1-7 farms...can't wait anymore...but I will have to. ;D
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: Terring7 on December 14, 2013, 01:41:47 PM
You made a great job. I think I'll play with them a bit ;)
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: gn_leugim on December 16, 2013, 01:59:25 PM
nice nice nice I know what I will be doing this xmas vacations :D
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on December 18, 2013, 04:25:32 AM
Thanks!

Now for a question...
Tariel on Simpeg noticed that my farms and fields are not too slope friendly in her opinion, that is.. I must admit that I did not really test that property.
I just copied the values from Simgoober's tulip lots.
Now I am curious: does anyone of you think the lots are too slope unfriendly? If there is an opinion about that I can make some changes. I can make an overwrite file, so that if you place that in your plugins the slopefriendlyness increases. This means that your already grown dutch farm lots can stay in place, but that new growing farms will also grow on steeper terrain. Sounds good or what?

Frank
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: gn_leugim on December 18, 2013, 05:42:03 AM
honestly, I think they should not be too slope friendly for realism sake. farms have being and are most effective in shallow soils, not in high grade hills, for a huge amount of reasons I think I don't have to name here, and, history proves me right in most circumstances. 

I can give you the example of Douro region, known for its vineyards and typical landscape, where the vineyards are planted on step hills (even in clifs) and they are however plane or mostly plane due to platforms carved and built into the slopes.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saojosedoscampos.com.br%2Fdiario%2F11790%2Fimagens%2F009.jpg&hash=73adfa2093f1c84101d21e337032c76833039f98)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F_eJIUeTNHHVQ%2FTKSZLxhZ95I%2FAAAAAAAAGmI%2F0IAeoXFqjSg%2Fs1600%2FAlto-Douro-Vinhateiro%255B1%255D.jpg&hash=4a720686ceb893cebd5076220ba8d97f8acccab1)

So, if the farms are not looking good, it is because they haven't done their job in terraforming the landscape for farms

(exception made for tree farms maybe ofc)

EDIT: I found this artcle I think it explains better than me :p

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terrace_%28agriculture%29
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on December 18, 2013, 06:39:44 AM
True that some specific crops may grows easily on sloper while many of them don't or are not favourable to do so. As a farmowner living in the Appalachians, which is quite hilly and mountainous, I can confirm that most grains such as corn, wheat, oats, hops and barleys grow easily on more or less slopey terrains, while most vegetables and fruits need to be on more of a flat ground. The reason for this is mostly the irrigation and machinery we use to cultivate or harvest. Flowers I have no idea, I never grew them, besides one year I had sunflowers and these were grown on a flat riverside field. Other flowers are grown here only on flattened land and mostly inside giant greenhouses. There will be some of those models in the MFP1 Pack6.

I haven't yet had the chance to grow the stage 0 farms in my game, but I think most of them should be ok. Is there a way to totally make the greenhouses grown on flat land ONLY? I don't know much about tweaking the stats of growable fields.

BTW, why would anyone zone agriculture on other than flat land? IRL, we don't see this too often. Mountainous regions use terraces, which are flattened out. All a matter of irrigation, cultivating and harvesting with machinery.

That's my experience, and I have seen (visited) many farms on most of the continents.

Back to my Job!
Ok now, I have started BATting again, mostly silos, and I will have some nice models to show this weekend. Most of the packages are almost finished, five out of six are close to being send to FrankU. The sixth one will not be that big and can probably be done withing a week or so.
At the time (since a week) I have some problems with my gaming computer which I cannot acces at the moment, the screen does not open with the computer, although the computer seems to function correctly, nothing lightens up on the screen. I will send it to the "repair" store tomorrow, see what they can do. It is not the screen itself, because I have tested the computer with all the screens from other house computers and it is all the same.

Anyways, if anything is "kaputt" and I cannot access my files anymore, don't worry, I make back-ups almost every week. ;) Nothing will be lost.
So for now I installed gmax on the "main" housecomputer to be able to continue the BATting........only thing, I don't have access to my 14 Gb's of textures and smaller batparts (such as ladders, steps, tanks, fences etc)........I have to redo all of them, killing unecessary time.

Fred

Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on December 18, 2013, 07:12:53 AM
Hi Carlos,

You explain exactly why I decided to make the farm lots not so slope friendly. How farmer friendly is a field when the farmer is not able to get there by tractor?
On the other hand: SC4 is just a game and we are supposed to have fun with it. If my lots are so restrictive that the lots hardly grow I did something wrong that should be repaired.
So therefore I am curious what others think of my lots.

And Fred: the greenhouses are slope unfriendly. They only grow when the slope is between 0 and 2. Is it degrees? Is it tangent? I don't know, but in Reader I used 0 and 2 on the minslope and maxslope properties. So no hilly greenhouses.
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: gn_leugim on December 18, 2013, 08:09:50 AM
QuoteBTW, why would anyone zone agriculture on other than flat land? IRL, we don't see this too often. Mountainous regions use terraces, which are flattened out. All a matter of irrigation, cultivating and harvesting with machinery.

because this is a game, and you are the mayor and you can do whatever you want?  :-\ I guess this goes straight into Frank's thoughts, but I still think that it is good as it is, not (very) slope friendly. one thing is realism, other is gaming and other is having a a plant growing perpendicular to the ground although the ground is at 50º and expect the tractor to go there make a normal harvest ???

QuoteAnyways, if anything is "kaputt" and I cannot access my files anymore, don't worry, I make back-ups almost every week. ;) Nothing will be lost.

thats a good policy! I hope you get your pc up running again! :)
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: jaredh on December 18, 2013, 05:24:52 PM
You will find very few crops on a "slopes" almost entirely due to the machinery.  Rolling hills are cultivated, but anything above 25-30 degrees is generally too steep for the equipment to handle, especially on an incline that we would consider anything other than "rolling hill". 

This excludes things that are hand harvested (grapes being the thing people intentionally grow on hills the most), but even then, they tend to terrace them if the slope is anything difficult to walk, as has bee mentioned.  Keep in mind the average human can't climb a 45 degree slope with ease, probably most can't do it at all without climbing aids or rocks to grab onto.  Most tractors can't do 35 degree hills without care, if at all.

I grew up in a highly agricultural area.  Everything flat/mostly flat is cultivated.  Anything with any slope that a car can't climb without shifting down isn't cultivated at all.  I suspect this holds true everywhere except where fruits can be profitable....
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on December 18, 2013, 07:12:07 PM
Quote from: jaredh on December 18, 2013, 05:24:52 PM
Most tractors can't do 35 degree hills without care, if at all.

Hmmm.......a hill cultivating with machinery exceeding 15 degrees is not covered by any insurance here in Canada and it is very unwise to do so also, if you follow the angle in a horizontal way it is even worse. I don't know where you get the 35 degrees from, but as a farmer I can tell you that I yet have to see a tractor climbing 35 degrees angle, not even 25 degrees.
Some roads are not even allowed to be used with a 12 degree slope for heavy truckloads.

Imagine cultivation of crops. Btw, a 25 degree or more is extremely hard on your anckels and leg muscles and therefore not recommended to do so for a long period of time, such as farming and harvesting without machinery.

Back to the slopes, I think only very few of Frank's fields (trees and grains) could/should be used on slopes more than 10 degrees.

;)

Fred
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: APSMS on December 18, 2013, 09:42:54 PM
Realism is always key; I just hope that the in-game lots are more tuned to SC4 realism rather than actual realism, since in a number of cases this would just be excessive headache. Not 100% sure what a 25o slope looks like in game, but my guess is that it appears more "rolling" than it ought to.

Just trying to remind all that as a game there are practical limitations to the amount of realism that we should expect/impose on the players. I also think maybe greenhouses should be more like a 4 or 5 deg limit, rather than 2? That low can be awfully restrictive for those of us not emulating the Netherlands.

That said, these are your creations, so I don't want to impose (I try to play for realism anyways). I definitely appreciate the work you've done here, and what you do with it is entirely up to you. Just some of my $0.02.
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: jaredh on December 18, 2013, 10:41:25 PM
I grew up on a farm  ;)

I've personally driven a (smaller) tractor on 20-25 degree slopes plenty.  I've never tried beyond that, and to be fair, never would as 20 degrees was unstable enough for me.

I've seen farmers on bigger slopes...that's where I had the 35 degree number....which is about what my memory is telling me the specific hill in question is. 

The old WPA river bridge over the White River in Arkansas near my home was at least a 20 degree incline up/down and I dare say thousands of farm tractors drove over that thing over the 70 years it was there.  Granted, that was pavement, but good equipment can handle that type of incline without much trouble if you go at a proper speed.

Based upon your comments, I suspect Canada is far more strict then the US is.  I can think of plenty of 35 degree slopes on some mountains I've been on (yeah, they have runaway truck ramps at the bottom for a reason...). 

I suspect a good percentage of bridges in the US have at least 20 degree inclines...certainly all the ones built by the WPA in the 1930s do....granted those are scary bridges...especially on a tractor.

I tend to agree with you though, most crops are low-slope affairs. 
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on December 19, 2013, 12:47:25 AM
An interesting discussion. Thanks to all of you. I guess my lots are quite accurate then.

An interesting question in this respect is what does the number mean that we give in at the properties "LotConfigMainSlopeAllowed", "LotConfigMaxSlopeAllowed" and "LotConfigMaxSlopeBeforeLotFoundation", because we can give in numbers up to + or - 10.000.000. So many degrees would make my lots spin several thousands times.... So is it degrees, or is it the tangens of the angle, meaning 10.000/000 is almost vertical? On the other hand, 1 would mean 45 degrees.... Does anybody know?
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: gn_leugim on December 19, 2013, 01:27:41 AM
I have always assumed it was in degrees, but, not quite sure. also, I would stay way from the "LotConfigMaxSlopeBeforeLotFoundation" (keep it in a angle where it cannot grow) as seeing farm plots in small square terraces just looks bad as hell IMO  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on January 03, 2014, 09:27:13 AM
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Years.....

...a little late, but here is why I have been away from the Internet for so long.
We, my family and I, have had one of the worst Christmas season ever yet.

It all started on December 21 st with one of the most terrible Icestorms we had here in Quebec/Canada. Powerlines went down to the ground, trees and branches were broken off, roofs of sheds, houses and barns have caved in and electricity, water, communication systems etc went out for more than 10 days.

We only have power back since 2 days. Temperatures of an average of -25 to -35C have caused the water to freeze on top of that. Since I own a farm and a little over 100 cattleheads, the frozen waterlines became a serious problem since one cow needs 5 gallons of water minimum a day to barely stay alive.

All this gave us headaches, backaches and a very busy christmas that we actually spent either in the barn, cutting all the broken trees, clearing the area and access to the buildings, transporting water and connecting every hour the generator/Tractor from one building to another.
We had to go to town to eat a good meal, take a shower and simply use a toilet with running water.
35,000 homes were without electricity for more than a week in this area only and almost 10,000 for 10 days. What a mess it was and still is.

The two pictures are a sample of what it looked like around here. I guess, we will be "logging" for the next two weeks without even entering the forest, which are sadly in the same shape.

That is why I haven't been around for the last two weeks. So, this project will be back by the end of the next week, finishing it before the end of the month.

Meanwhile have a nice New Year.... ;)

Fred

Viewed from my gallery.....front of the house.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg593.imageshack.us%2Fimg593%2F2520%2Fd5u6.jpg&hash=ff44dd0ee1b736c0945be529587e6857a94b68ed)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg196.imageshack.us%2Fimg196%2F6404%2Fqv44.jpg&hash=d9cf1d4d5e9d26099c06890ce46bdcf388623344)

A look through our kitchen window....

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg826.imageshack.us%2Fimg826%2F4893%2Fj9f7.jpg&hash=e5768c4fb4d2014a4766b4a3bfe4220b449bf31c)




Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on January 03, 2014, 12:40:44 PM
Oh man,

That is bad news!
Meanwhile we had 11 degrees plus today! I could go out without a coat, almost.

I hope all will be well soon! Pity I can't help you now.  :thumbsdown:

Gives me some more time to go on with the rewards set....

Frank
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on January 03, 2014, 01:08:52 PM
FrankU, I just talked to my sister in law in Aachen, and they had 14 C today, kinda unusual for this time of year in western Europe. Imagine here, they said that we will have  down to -50C today in some places in Quebec tonight and (believe it or not, +2C on Monday.

Something's wrong somewhere............ &mmm

But all is well, Insurance told me today that we have everything insured, including the two freezers with my beef and pork that I filled this fall and now are spoiled with the defrosting. No lives are taken and that is what most counts. ;)

Don't start something too important or too big, because I was ready to finish the MFP1 just before we got hit with that icestorm, and I will continue as soon as things are tidied up around here.

Fred
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: gn_leugim on January 05, 2014, 05:48:56 AM
14ºC in Aachen, Germany?

These days, here in Portugal we get that or less :\
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on January 05, 2014, 08:14:37 AM
We had a sunny day today. These 140 could have been here too. I had no thermometer at hand, but it felt like that.

And I am ready to fire up the farm lots any moment. The rewards set is something for inbetween. Otherwise I have no projects at hand, except some RL, of course, if you forgive me....

So, my hands are aching.....

Good news that most of your damage is insured. Stilll a lot to do, but no financial disaster, apparently. Good luck!
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on February 27, 2014, 02:41:00 PM
Yes, I am back on the project......



.......and I have a question for BATters. Please help find me a solution with this. This is a farmsilo and I wish that the "dome" on top would look a less like a simple "ball" put on top. I usually create a sphere and then cut it in half. That is the only way I know how to. Is there any other way to make a dome/ halfsphere that might look better?.

A ball is ball and no matter what, it just doesn't look right on top of a silo. (especially on the pre-render pic)
Thanks for helping

Fred

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fs23.postimg.org%2Fuq8ss41zf%2Fsilo1.jpg&hash=746af89cffe7c73b62348729991a6a5f84664dcb)
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: Jack_wilds on February 27, 2014, 03:13:25 PM
glad for the progress...  :thumbsup: wish I could help ya... perhaps someone better will step up and say something of substance...  ;)
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: vester on February 27, 2014, 03:21:22 PM
Maybe you could use a arc, that is centred on the middle of the silo.
The angle in the top point should be 90 degrees and the other could be around 30 degrees.
That way you don't get that smooth transition between the side and the top.

Then use a Lathe modifier that you can find the modifier list.

Some quick and dirty graphic:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fa.pomf.se%2Fqnncgv.jpg&hash=f618fffecd365384cf0e08606fe0a9ce0f06ec2b)
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on February 27, 2014, 04:46:51 PM
Hm...sounds good, hope I can find out how to, I will try it later tonight or tomorrow morning. Thanks, vester.
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on February 27, 2014, 06:14:08 PM
Well, vester, you made my day (evening) and You can visit our thread anytime.....lol.

Woohoo, it worked just like a charm. Thank You. It looks a lot better this way. That is surely something to remember!

Ok, let's continue..........

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fs28.postimg.org%2Fcl6g3u2nh%2Fsilo2.jpg&hash=d0d93780b96b9a43cb7efd97200318a53cd51644)

Fred
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on February 28, 2014, 05:39:45 AM
Looking nice 'n dirty, Fred!
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: vester on February 28, 2014, 06:09:19 AM
Glad I could help.


Maybe make the edge a bit sharper that you done it. Making the "dome" top more flat.
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on February 28, 2014, 06:17:59 AM
Quote from: vester on February 28, 2014, 06:09:19 AM
Maybe make the edge a bit sharper that you done it. Making the "dome" top more flat.

I will certainly consider and try it. Thanks ;)

FrankU, I took my own silo (32 years old) as a sample for the model above. Many years of overflowing corn and alfalfa juices have marked the outside walls. But I also have some (actually many) different textured models of this kind of silo, like the one below, others are smaller and one model taller.
I will show them all soon after I have gone through them with detailing and adjusting textures. I try them each ingame to see what they look like, then re-texture or modeify each model before doing the final render. ;)

Here's a cleaner version, with a not quite finished domeroof texture (maybe I'll find a better texture or another way to photoshop this one).

Fred

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fs4.postimg.org%2Fa754rxgbh%2Fsilonew.jpg&hash=82347d2de48566fa980f00432aed89a08d319280)
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: vester on February 28, 2014, 07:52:37 AM
Maybe combine the two textures.
The last one of structures details and the previous for color.

In Photoshop, if you place this as a layer over the color layer and the layer properties to Multiply:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fa.pomf.se%2Flvjnyv.jpg&hash=c863946a4223f96939245e4cbc684c1ff86cdac4)
[click to enlarge]

That will darken the result. Then adjust the opacity to get a good result.
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on March 01, 2014, 06:52:03 AM
Quote from: vester on February 28, 2014, 07:52:37 AM
Maybe combine the two textures.
The last one of structures details and the previous for color.

In Photoshop, if you place this as a layer over the color layer and the layer properties to Multiply:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fa.pomf.se%2Flvjnyv.jpg&hash=c863946a4223f96939245e4cbc684c1ff86cdac4)
[click to enlarge]

That will darken the result. Then adjust the opacity to get a good result.

Thanks for the tip, I will try to do this in the beginning of next week, now all the modeling is on hold until monday. I'll be busy with an outdoor convention in Victoriaville, a town nearby my place (well only about 100 kms, a small distance for Canadians) ;)

Btw, does anyone have a good looking metal texture for grainsilos? I mean something that is shiny, and looks like polished aluminum like on this picture below? Thanks.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nfcdindia.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2013%2F08%2FNFCD-wheat-silo.jpeg&hash=cb320b0c677c0f0e91bfa4e262fad373321b853c)

.....and here is a rl silo that is dirty as mine.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fs27.postimg.org%2F9b4d7lvxv%2Fsilohome.jpg&hash=9e7cc89ae9bf235b7fe4ffdac31cdbb448a9dabf)
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on March 04, 2014, 04:53:30 PM
Working on a lighthouse for Frank's rewards at this moment, one of 5 lighthouse models that I had for 7 or 8 years already. That gives me a break on the barns for awhile too.....lol

@FrankU, how does this texture on the main frame suit you?  Kind of a grey with some darker spots.


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fs30.postimg.org%2Fr9ychqoqp%2Flighthouse.jpg&hash=9e9254c295282f37b48f87bded482416846a6392)


..........or take your choice....

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fs11.postimg.org%2Fp3brdkg37%2Flighthouses.jpg&hash=4971ee4fa24bd8e1196f8968dbd52bdf96cbdbf8)
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on March 04, 2014, 11:47:53 PM
Oh, that is hard to choose.

In my opinion the shape of the lighthouse feels more like a metal (steel, iron...) one. So I would not choose any of the brick or stone options.
Maybe it is possible to show the sizes of the metal elements? Something the size of the stones in option 3, but only faint lines. And then worn down paint and a bit of rust.
I took the liberty to put some links to lighthouses I like.

Ameland, the Netherlands (http://www.google.nl/imgres?um=1&lr&sa=N&hl=nl&tbm=isch&tbnid=SdUxIZgyuTVY8M%3A&imgrefurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amelandermusea.eu%2Fmusea-molens-en-vuurtoren%2Fvuurtoren%2F&docid=CzV9m5k4SQenkM&imgurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amelandermusea.eu%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2012%2F01%2FP1010017.jpg&w=2048&h=1536&ei=PdMWU8WRA-fwygO0g4CoCg&zoom=1&ved=0CJMBEIQcMA0&iact=rc&dur=2944&page=1&start=0&ndsp=24)
Including the red lines. This one is built of cast iron plates. If you look closely you can see the pins, but hardly the lines.

Egmond aan Zee, the Netherlands (http://www.google.nl/imgres?start=104&um=1&lr&sa=N&hl=nl&tbm=isch&tbnid=aP7fF_87oHrpqM%3A&imgrefurl=http%3A%2F%2Fardaobserveertenfotografeert.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F07%2Flighthouse.html&docid=pmTUset6W37D0M&imgurl=http%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-QXu89sXiRso%2FThI7gka1l1I%2FAAAAAAAABW8%2F0g7Rt-rA5Vc%2Fs1600%2FVuurtoren%252BEgmond%252B1.jpg&w=1280&h=1565&ei=ytMWU7OjOYKNywOK-IHYAw&zoom=1&ved=0CDkQhBwwEDhk&iact=rc&dur=3371&page=4&ndsp=41)
Egmond aan Zee from the other side. (http://www.google.nl/imgres?start=301&um=1&lr&sa=N&hl=nl&tbm=isch&tbnid=1gix2OWSiGcLJM%3A&imgrefurl=http%3A%2F%2Fstraatkaart.nl%2F1931CV-Vuurtorenplein%2Fmedia_fotos%2Fvuurtoren-egmond-zee-P7%2F&docid=e8fZ-Vr8ljhv-M&imgurl=http%3A%2F%2Fstatic.panoramio.com%2Fphotos%2Foriginal%2F24761395.jpg&w=2304&h=3072&ei=w9QWU9CVKKjDyQOWw4CICw&zoom=1&ved=0CF0QhBwwHDisAg&iact=rc&dur=1442&page=9&ndsp=39)
Kept in perfect condition: no rust, no paint getting off.

Kampen on Sylt (http://www.google.nl/imgres?start=145&um=1&lr&sa=N&hl=nl&tbm=isch&tbnid=Kn7Q-_UZRgFInM%3A&imgrefurl=http%3A%2F%2Fnl.dreamstime.com%2Fstock-fotografie-de-vuurtoren-van-kampen-op-het-eiland-sylt-mei-image31475572&docid=92wOBe7IyAbepM&imgurl=http%3A%2F%2Fthumbs.dreamstime.com%2Fz%2Fde-vuurtoren-van-kampen-op-het-eiland-sylt-mei-31475572.jpg&w=1065&h=1300&ei=ytMWU7OjOYKNywOK-IHYAw&zoom=1&ved=0CJkBEIQcMDA4ZA&iact=rc&dur=3906&page=5&ndsp=41)
This one has construction problems: the steel belts are for keeping the construction in one piece, I suppose.

Somewhere Belgium or France (http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LIfn9raMb-E/TiWQFqfTGzI/AAAAAAAAAAQ/5c7mV0ie1Aw/s1600/vuurtoren.jpg)
This one is brock and stucco, I guess.

So, when you have taken a look at all of them: I think the problem with your lighthouse is that it lacks detail in the tower. I don't know what you can do about that.
Shall I just wait a bit? No hurry!
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: Buzzit on March 05, 2014, 02:29:31 AM
Looking good so far!
If you could model one like you can see at Ameland that would be great!
Keep it up !   :thumbsup:
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on March 05, 2014, 07:35:44 AM
Quote from: FrankU on March 04, 2014, 11:47:53 PM
Oh, that is hard to choose.

You think it is hard to choose....I am glad, because now you know how hard it is for me for every texture. ;)

I have no idea how to texture this at all, (my mind is elsewhere on my farming models at this moment) even with pictures and I don't want to spend too much time on this model, since I want to finish my MFP1 project once and for all, and because I have other mopdels to finish after this.

So, please choose one, whether darker, lighter, more or less saturation or any other detail of the texture, explain it to me and I will do it. This model was only to take a day or two to finish.
I have included some more textures for variety below.
I will finish the model tomorrow night.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fs30.postimg.org%2F5bjq8q2c1%2Flighthouses2.jpg&hash=0d2af18d39c27c3dacc8f35fb8b440079904295b)

EDIT:  btw, I like Nr 15 a lot, maybe a little darker. and details will be added later, this is for the tower texture only
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on March 05, 2014, 07:47:19 AM
Hi Fred,

Meanwhile I have tested your tower in the game on my lot (no images, sorry). The texture in itself is quite good. It resembles the good state of the Dutch lighttowers that you can see on the images. Just some details on the tower, like the metal panels, lines of pins, small windows... Such things would make the model perfect. The tower is just too empty in my opinion. But I guess that will take time and I haven't the faintest clue how much it will take and how much you like to spend.

Your models
11 and 12 are a bit too clean, but the black lines are both good.
13 has beautiful red and white lines. The colors are perfect. The brownish dirt is a bit too much.
14 is nice too for a less frequently visited location: an island or something. Yeah. I like it too.
15 is clean like the one you sent me. Good too, but also clean, like 11 and 12.
16 useful, yes! The paint is falling off here and there.

In 15 I see a thin hrizontal line more or less halfways. If you could make such lines, like maybe 5 or 8 over the whole tower, maybe that will be enpoug detailling. Could you experiment?

And the top: the blue, the red and the white are a bit too clean and saturated. I guess you are going to work on them too?
And the entrance: a door please?


Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on March 05, 2014, 09:12:32 AM
Quote from: FrankU on March 05, 2014, 07:47:19 AM

Your models
11 and 12 are a bit too clean, but the black lines are both good.
13 has beautiful red and white lines. The colors are perfect. The brownish dirt is a bit too much.
14 is nice too for a less frequently visited location: an island or something. Yeah. I like it too.
15 is clean like the one you sent me. Good too, but also clean, like 11 and 12.
16 useful, yes! The paint is falling off here and there.

In 15 I see a thin hrizontal line more or less halfways. If you could make such lines, like maybe 5 or 8 over the whole tower, maybe that will be enpoug detailling. Could you experiment?

And the top: the blue, the red and the white are a bit too clean and saturated. I guess you are going to work on them too?
And the entrance: a door please?


I see that you like the red and white stripes and the model 15. So here is what I do, I will make three of the same model with different textures. You may use all three of them, make something like a propfamily. How about this? Everytime you plop, you get another model............, surely become an excellent and unique upload. ;)

Here is model 15 with more horizontal stripes as you asked for. Want it?

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fs30.postimg.org%2F46or0lhzl%2F45235.png&hash=eee6057c7da6737ebad5ced5f48d8ce975685cd3)

I figure one with a clean texture (more or less), another one with red and white stripes (similar to model 13 but more refined on the white texture though) and another one like the one in the above texture would be a good set. Maybe a fourth with the black strip in the middle like Nr 12 with less cleaner texture?

Fred

EDIT.....and hey, stop talking about the details please....this is NOT the point here, as I mentioned, these pics are only for the main tower cylinder texture, all the rest is in production state. ;)
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: Jack_wilds on March 05, 2014, 02:19:05 PM
chiming in my 2 cents worth...  :D I like teh red and white one best... just fine tune, and add some weathered look and it ought to be good...  ;) :)
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on March 05, 2014, 11:49:45 PM
Fred, sorry about the det....  :bomb:

I like your suggestion. A prop family will be great. We'll do that!

Oh, and sorry almost forgot: the stripes are good. They give just that little touch of perfection.
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: Buzzit on March 06, 2014, 04:38:51 AM
The 13th one looks awesome!
But i agree. The dirt/dents could be a bit less!
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on March 06, 2014, 06:58:55 PM
I did some modeling this evening and came up with the first Model of three, maybe four for FrankU's Reward lot.

Details are all done and the texturing is about right too, looks fairly good ingame also. Any comments?

Fred

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fs4.postimg.org%2Fd2cwafhy5%2FNexis_Lighthouse_M4_01.jpg&hash=ca26898078a8bc324d8dffb8ccb4faf3a74ddefb)


EDIT: I made this different shaped texture, seen something like it on some lighthouses while doing a search on Bing Images. What about it?

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fs21.postimg.org%2F9i2iq87xj%2F6453.jpg&hash=bc9608f3db75ca0dfee4e58b801a42d38c8aa750)

Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on March 07, 2014, 07:27:59 AM
Both are simply beautiful!
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on March 07, 2014, 01:39:26 PM
Ok, here they are, just waiting for some comments and I will release these 5 lighthouses of the same model, but with slight differences in details and texture, at the same time as FrankU will release his Lighthouse Reward(s).

The Nexis Lighthouse Model 4  will be uploaded as a Proppack for everyone to use and make their own lots as they wish. Maybe, just maybe, there will be another pack out sometime. I still have 4 other lighthouse Models (Model 1 to 5) out in my gmax folder, which are waiting to be finished. All are completely different models.
But first I will be back on the MFP1.... ;)

I decided to create 5 different textures for an excellent choice of creating a family or use them individually. Hope you like them all. ;)

FrankU If you give me the "green" ligth, I will send the model datfile to you this weekend. All there is left to do is the render.

Fred

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fs13.postimg.org%2Fhr52eq0tz%2FNexis_Lighthouse_Model4.jpg&hash=c0faddc6d6bf31cc071b90dde329ea0b81e23f47)

Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: Jack_wilds on March 07, 2014, 04:00:25 PM
luv the set, the better textures and the new patterns...  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on March 08, 2014, 09:34:18 AM
GREEN LIGHT..........GREEN LIGHT......... Flashing virgourously...

Fred, the set exceeds all my expectations. The textures are fantastic. Send them, send them!

This weekend is full of festvities; my daugther turned 10 on friday. At this moment her friends are in the house, tomorrow we expect grandparents, cousins, uncles and aunts...
No time for lotting. I guess somewhere next week I can finish the lighthouse reward.

Fred, did you read my request about the lighthouses? Could it be done without too much trouble?
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on March 08, 2014, 12:24:45 PM
Well, I'm having a big weekend also, at least for today and tomorrow (sunday) morning. It's the first day since Christmas that we have temperatures over -15C.

Yes' I have read your message about the "footprint" (foundations). Unfortunetly after I have finished the models. So, here is what I will do (or at least try). I will extend those "basments" for 16 or more meters, so you place them on unlevel terrain, if it works fine, if not, you will have to make these props a building and use foundations, or mention that these can be plopped on level terrain only if you make props with them. Honestly, I do not feel like starting all over again from scrap. No time for this and I am still working on that MFP1 Project, remember?.

I hope I will come up with something (I usually do). ;)
Glad you like them, spent several evenings on them to finish, also glad that I already had made the model.....:) (btw, I made the model in 2009 and not in 2006 as I expected) Interested in the other models one day (not soon)? I still have 4 more, completely different ones.

Happy 10th Birthday to your daughter, tell her, they come from Canada.....lol

Fred
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on March 09, 2014, 12:05:55 AM
Hi Fred,

We are experiencing the first days of summer, I can say. Yesterday afternoon temperatures rose to around +15 0C, with sun and hardly wind. Yesterday evening around 19:30 we still could go out without a coat.

Do what you can or like with my request concerning the base. I also thought: maybe you make one prop that extends the cylinder shape underground. Some generic concrete texture. And I put it under the towers.
But if you don't feel like it or indeed want to spend your time on the MFP1, so please leave the thing alone. I certainly will be able to find another solution.

And I am certain that enough people will be interested in the other 4 models. But we can wait. Let's finish this one and then go on with the other projects!

I was thinking to make 5 lighthouse lots: one for each variation. I don't know.
As long as the MFP1 is not finished I have time for the Rewards.
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on March 10, 2014, 08:50:16 PM
I spent several hours yesterday and today to find a way to make a "foundation" attached to the mainmodel, but always came up with some problems, one big one was, where do I put the entrance door.... etc.
Anyways, instead of making my life miserable and too complicated, I decided to make a simple base to support the models. This model will fit all of them and can be placed under the maintower in LE.
Don't worry, it was poured in concrete and is more than solid enough to hold any Lighthouse tower. ;)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fs14.postimg.org%2Fq3uwuw3pt%2FFoundation.jpg&hash=7a9746547dfc1b895f626b575d544c2637e2a47b)

So, this will simply have to do for the moment, maybe later I find a way to make real foundations. Meanwhile make sure to plop the lots on stable and flat land and mention it to downloaders.

The tower has glasswalls on top, so that the light can be seen. Maxis has the light for the lighthouse, use that one and insert it as much as possible into the right place shown on the picture below. I even made a base in there to hold the light....lol.....(don't use woodscrews though)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fs10.postimg.org%2Flet9vw92x%2Ftourlite.jpg&hash=26874d01143c14057d30345c40efefd0663cd6c8)

The five models (shown in an above post) and the foundation have been "finetuned" and are ready to be rendered, which I will do tomorrow afternoon (Tuesday) I will then PM you the zippyshare link for them. Hope to see nice lots in your thread.

This is a Nexis_prop datfile, which I will upload to the STEX and LEX at the same time as you will publish your lots, or a little earlier. Do not include this propfile with your upload. These files will become a part of a Nexis Mega Building Prop pack one day.

I will continue with my sheds for the MFP1 this week. I will soon have a hundred and plus models to render......oh my.......

Fred
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on March 11, 2014, 01:41:42 AM
Hi Fred,

All clear and understood!

The base looks gorgeous and I think it is a simple solution to the problem. Although..... if it took you several hours it can't be called simple.

I hope I will find time to do the lotting. My mother is still in our house. She lives a bit further away (3 hours by train, we call that far away) and visits us several times a year and then she stays for three or four days. As you can understand I do not take too much time behind the computer those days.

Frank
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on March 11, 2014, 09:10:44 AM
No problem. I will render them this evening and you'll have them by tomorrow (Wednesday)

Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on March 29, 2014, 03:36:12 PM
A day of gmaxing and I finished my standing silos. Groundsilos were finished earlier and I have shown these, so need to now.

I made  more than a hundred models and a few of these are shown below, but there will be less than half in the pack though. I have been working on these on/off for the last 50 to 60 days.

Now the following sets of the MFP1 are done:(testing needed)

     Mainbuildings (some of them can be used as industrial sheds)
     Groundsilos
     Standing Silos (as seen below)
     Manure piles and silos/sheds and holes
     Purin bassins and tanks
     Machinery and Implements

   

..... all there's left are the Machinery Sheds and the Hay and straw sheds/bales/piles and barns. Luckily though most of it is almost finished, only about 20 % is still to be done, or may I say, on the way to be done. One more small category is almost done also, which are some fences/gates.

Tomorrow, I have another afternoon/evening off, they say we will have another 25 cm snowstorm (as if we don't have enough of that whit sh*t yet), so I will try to continue my sheds, which isone of the two last categories for the MFP1. It shouldn't be long now to finally see the end.
Included are many surprises. ;)

Fred


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fs10.postimg.org%2Fyrmpztfx5%2Fsilos.png&hash=16fda1ba41ce91225d4134e54d4d909f14720486)

Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on March 30, 2014, 12:04:22 PM
Freed,

They are great!
You know that if you want to have some of them tested you just send them to me, right?

25 cm of snow? Now you surely do not what to know what the weather was here today...... The girls next door took their small boat and dropped it into the pond we have nearby. The rowed half the afternoon with hardly more clothing than a t-shirt and  shorts. My son walked barefoot all day.
I think we had about 23oC and sun. The first day of summer I'd say. Sorry if that makes you jealous!

Edit: typo's
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on March 30, 2014, 12:37:48 PM
Quote from: FrankU on March 30, 2014, 12:04:22 PM
Freed,

They are great!
You know that if you want to have some of them tested you just send them to me, right?

25 cm of snow? Now you surely do not what to know what the weather was here today...... The girls next door took their small boat and dropped it into the pond we have nearby. The rowed half the afternoon with hardly more clothing than a t-shirt and  shorts. My son walked barefoot all day.
I think we had about 23oC and sun. The first day of summer I'd say. Sorry if that makes you jealous!

Edit: typo's


Don't tease me with that beautiful weather you folks have down there, because I will install a big blower and send some of ours your way. Yap, we just received 25 cm of new snow, that's on top of those 4 feet that we already had. Now the farmfences in the fields are hardly seeable anymore because the height of the snow equals the height of the fenceposts. Damn, are we all sick of it, this isn't normal, nor is yours.......Anywyas, I think my wife and I are will be going to NZ in a week or so, there the weather is beautiful too and hunting season is about to start (red stags/Rothirsche)

Anyway, by testing, I mean pretesting, just to see if they rendered correctly. Remember the problem we had with two mainbuildings that were rendered only partially? Well, that I will test. Then, it'll be you turn to test them ingame, concerning their shape, tetxture and scale. (if you don't mind)

BTW, I will send you the first "load" of props next weekend to test. ;) And then others not much later.

Glad you like the silos, some good ones in there.

Fred

Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on March 30, 2014, 01:03:31 PM
OK, I'll keep silent about our indeed also quite unnormal weather.

NZ? Nice! When I'm old and rich I'll go there too some day.

And yes, please send in the props!

Here I have the Lighthouse lots made with your models.
I will show them also in my Lot thread, where the whole history of these lots are to be found. Otherwise people will not find me anymore.
But now that I am here already:

Lighthouse 1 for the rural areas
See the foundation? It's dedicated for this lot.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farm%2520Set%2520-%2520Rewards%2FLighthouseimages0006a_zps082e2490.jpg%7Eoriginal&hash=a8ec2eed0f138fed2c48562224684d7a22da2574)

And

Lighthouse 2 for the seaport areas

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farm%2520Set%2520-%2520Rewards%2FLighthouseimages0007a_zps8b3eb51e.jpg%7Eoriginal&hash=7395af32c1aa1d1f45bb3862c5f2d23212c7d031)

The five lighthouse models show up randomly. So if you desire a certain one you need to use the cheat "you don't deserve it".
Hmmm, hey, funny. No shadow for the lighthouse itself?
No worries, that's only some strage flaw I find in this particular city. In other cities the shadows are all right. Don't ask me what's going on. I hope it's not abundant.
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on March 30, 2014, 06:58:32 PM
Nice! I like your "new" house foundation, looks like a patio. The shadow is strange though, do you know what the cause is?....or could be?
Nice work, Frank.

Quote from: FrankU on March 30, 2014, 01:03:31 PM

NZ? Nice! When I'm old and rich I'll go there too some day.

I dearly recommend it, at least to see this "strange" and "out of this world" place for once. My wife prefers the Northern island, I like the southern island, so raw, savage and beautiful.

Found a few problems with some silos tonight, I will have to re-render them, nothing serious though. Maybe I have too much stuff in the gmax folders...... ;)

Fred
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on March 31, 2014, 03:11:18 AM
The shadow?
Yeah, now that you point at it. I see the house has no shadow on the foundation, but both together have a shadow on the ground. That one looks OK to me.
And at night all props, buildings, houses, objects have shadows too. Maybe it's better to ingore the shadows altogether? How much headaches they cost!

I have been to Iceland. Beautiful in it's rawness.
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on April 03, 2014, 11:54:40 AM
Ok, it is the turn of the Hay/Straw set that is now finished. This set contains, Sheds, Barns, hay and straw Piles and Stacks, loose hay and straw, single bales of both round and boxed of all sorts.
Below is a small sample of what this set contains.

Machinery and Machinery Sheds will be done by the weekend, the last of all 8 MFP1 Sets. Then it will be a short testing of them all, maybe some re-rendering and then off to Frank, probably one by one, not to "kill" him with one shot. ;) Now I'm tired of Gmax for today.

A picture of each complete Set models will be uploaded in my Nexis Thread, once the MFP1 (with all 8 sets)  becomes available.

Fred

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fs29.postimg.org%2F9zrlja60n%2FHaysheds.png&hash=3bc0651d61f8efb2c69a70fa6d5481b9ed03e79d)

Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: c.p. on April 03, 2014, 06:13:47 PM
Excellent. :thumbsup:  I love the detail work you did with the tarps on the haybales, and the details you put into the barns too.
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on April 03, 2014, 08:31:19 PM
Quote from: c.p. on April 03, 2014, 06:13:47 PM
Excellent. :thumbsup:  I love the detail work you did with the tarps on the haybales, and the details you put into the barns too.

Thanks c.p. This is a first for me, after having a few headaches of how I could do such a thing. I textured first (a blank square flat box) and then made the model that I adjusted on top of the haybales, making sure all the plies and bumps are on the right place with the texture.....Geeez, let me tell you , for a beginner like me, that wasn't easy at all. Took me several evenings (and headaches)......lol
Glad you like it though, I like them too. ;)

Fred
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on April 04, 2014, 12:36:58 AM
Wow! The first, no second, of eight sets?
No, please don't send them all at the same time. It would indeed kill me.

I have the manure set.
We have seen the silo's.
We have seen the hay set.
So we are going to have another five sets....  &hlp
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on April 04, 2014, 12:26:59 PM
Quote from: FrankU on April 04, 2014, 12:36:58 AM
Wow! The first, no second, of eight sets?
No, please don't send them all at the same time. It would indeed kill me.

I have the manure set.
We have seen the silo's.
We have seen the hay set.
So we are going to have another five sets....  &hlp

The manure set is the only one that hasn't changed, but I will send you the datfile anyways, just to make sure that we both have the same, because once uploaded it just HAS TO BE the same.

This is posted on all 3 of my favourite SC4 sites.....SC4D, ST and SimPeg.

Ok, here's a serious update on what's happening with the MFP1 (Modern Farm Proppack 1) from Nexis, now that it is finally coming to an end.

Finally, there are 8 sets in this Pack, but don't panic, some are smaller than others, but I had to separate them for those who only want parts of this Gigantic propset.
The pictures below each description of the Sets contain only a few examples.

So, the Final sets are:

MFP1 Set 1  Mainbuildings
Main-Buildings, that includes all the barns, stables etc.....The set is finished and will be in FrankU's mailbox before this coming weekend end. It has changed only a little. I have deleted one type, modded 2 or 3  and added 2 or 3 more models. It is pre-tested and ready to go and now only needs your approval. It is datpacked. Some of these may be interesting to use for Industrial Lots.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fs29.postimg.org%2Fns5tsw0uf%2FSet1.jpg&hash=a75481b12fed6c12fd78982bf612a08af90be6fd)

MFP1 Set 2 Manure
This includes everything to do with manure, whether it is solid or liquid manure, so, we have tanks of different forms (square to rectangular to round and oval) for the liquid and the solid and also bassins for the solid, again of all sizes and shapes. You will surely have something to do your own manure combination. There are also pumps, carriers and "montée de fumier". This set is ready to be used, but I will send the file with the building set this weekend to FarnkU, just to make sure we both have the same set. It is pre-tested and ready to be approved by FrankU.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fs28.postimg.org%2Fg3xvudr4d%2FSet2.jpg&hash=995991830ea1f484313dc9851496f45f73f4b719)
There is something wrong with the roof of the manureshed in this picture, but be sure that it is on the uploaded image only.

MFP1 Set 3 Groundsilos
All you need for your silo creations. These include ONLY the groundlevel silos in different sizes and shapes, from round to rectangular and sunken to groundlevel. Some are inside sheds and other buildings or simply covered or open-air piles to be placed outside. Finished and almost all pre-tested, they will be ready in the beginning of next week and will follow the building and manure set. Some of these may also be interesting to use for Industrial Lots.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fs17.postimg.org%2Fgxcpcjvyn%2FSet3.jpg&hash=6ed6e5536ecfee890112045b71ed04c913d8ea1a)

MFP1 Set 4 Vertical Silos
These are the silos that we see from far away on farms. They come in all sizes and shapes/textures, from grain silos to semi-dried silage. Some of the models can be seen on my last picture in this thread. It has a lot of variety, big and small and tall and short. Finished and pre-tested and will be send together with the ground silos this coming week. Some of these may also be interesting to use for Industrial Lots.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fs15.postimg.org%2Flx6w5krfv%2FSet4.jpg&hash=c8a97c35b7c59973dd642f714ca5c1119d7d5caa)

MFP1 Set 5 Sheds
Mostly machinery sheds, but also contains a lot of different sized sheds and shelters, some are empty and can be filled with anything you would like to. Special LOD's make this possible. Some have open doors, others are closed and even some have no doors nor walls. Finished, partially rendered and pre-tested. This set will be ready and shipped before Easter. Some of these may also be interesting to use for Industrial Lots.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fs13.postimg.org%2Fhzq8lgvzb%2FSet5.jpg&hash=0fde37e8c183aef8e257babb261d33364eabbf15)

MFP1 Set 6 Machinery and Implements
This set will contain tractors, machinery, wagons, implements and all kinds of other "farmthings" such as elevators, tanks, dryers, storagers, Mixers etc. This set is almost rendered and pre-tested and will also be ready and shipped before Easter.
Attention: There will definitively be an Add-on to this set, MFP1 Set 6A, later on, which will contain more implements and machinery/tractors etc. This one should be ready during the summer. I have already started several models, such as disc harrows, plows, rockgatherer, seeders, more wagons, drainage layers, Harvesters, etc...etc. Some of these may be interesting to use for Industrial Lots.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fs27.postimg.org%2Fxcv275un7%2FSet6.jpg&hash=16a229932e36351e381fe24a5c9d995832687d93)

MFP1 Set 7 Hay/Straw/Cereal
Everything that has to do with the hay, straw and cereal production will be found in this set. It contains barns, sheds, piles and stacks of both hay and straw, also grainheaps, bags, barrels, haypiles and bales of all kinds and shapes. Buildings are either filled, partially empty or closed. Quite a divers category and quite big also. This set is finished and only needs the rendering and pre-testing. Should be ready in a week or two at the most and probably is the last set to be send. Some of these may be interesting to use for Industrial Lots.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fs17.postimg.org%2Fvsqkcb15b%2FSet7.jpg&hash=8ef9aed347dc48741e2d8113bc13ec0bdcde8c56)

MFP1 Set 8 Farmstuff
This is the last set of the MFP1, actually a very small set and may have an Add-on coming later this year. It has a few fences and gates, but also some simple posts and "stuff" a farmer has for his fencing needs like wagons, rolls of wire, fencing post piles, stone walls, hedges, trailers, and just "stuff" etc. Some fences are simple wire, others are with double and triple wires, boards of different shapes and colours. This set is not yet finished and yet has to be HD rendered and pre-tested, some models are still in the making, but this shouldn't be long, since it is a small set of props. The set will be ready sometime around Easter or at the latest the week after.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fs11.postimg.org%2Fvroukcj6b%2FSet8.jpg&hash=c9e204cbf960a0a658706769875ba2b87c0cd6b5)



So.....what do you think? It is almost the end of this all, after all these years and very soon the Beginning for FrankU of his immense job to do the LOTting. (Good luck!) lol

All these Sets will be available separately, in 8 different dat files, so you can download and use only the ones you like. There will also be one datfile containing all 8 sets.
The files will be uploaded once FrankU has finished his Dutch Farm sets and can be used to make your own lots for your personal use or for your public uploads. (Permission granted) You can do whatever you want to with them.
I will make my own lots later, mostly North-American type farms, growable and ploppable, which will use all these props and the upcoming Add-ons, and if you're nice with me, I will upload them. :thumbsup:

A detailed list of every model of these sets will also be available with pictures on my Nexis Works thread before uploading. There are several hundreds of propmodels of all sizes.;)

Once this is all done, the support thread for the models and the lots will be
this thread, which will continue to function to serve the MFP1 of both FrankU's and Nexis' behalf.

There will most probably be a MFP2 coming later, I have no idea when,(maybe this year or next) but the developpments have already started more than a year ago. Just to give you an idea, it will contains "other" and/or futuristic farming ideas, such as fish, crab, oyster, seaweed, artifical farming, waterterrace farming,vertical and horizontal, underground and underwater farming, industrial  and many more, you name it, it will have it. So be ready to do some very serious farming soon. ;)

Preview....Understand that these models are still under development and nothing is final.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fs28.postimg.org%2Fk9zkmm0st%2FPreview_MFP2.jpg&hash=5435041829f7ded4df2b43fbe95d3fadf08ff305)

The Main thread and Support thread, where the detailed development of the Nexis Models and FrankU's Dutch Farms are discussed is on SC4Devotion:

http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=14150.msg479302;topicseen#new

Thank you for your comments.....

Fred




Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: Jack_wilds on April 04, 2014, 01:32:58 PM
absolutely luv it!  &hlp  [read emoticon as: hayburner happy]...  &apls

however, a small revisement to set two  :P ... as it is simply entitled 'manure'... I would renamed the set 'manure management',  ???  ...in as much as I had experience with the matter in county programs for such things  :thumbsdown: &mmm [messy business]... as everything in the set from the s!@# itself to the tools to manage it add up to a bigger picture...  :satisfied:

otherwise everything looks great for the farm-n-field work to begin...  :)  i just hope I get to download everything when its time... as the 'log-in' is still giving me fits...
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on April 04, 2014, 01:51:18 PM
Quote from: Jack_wilds on April 04, 2014, 01:32:58 PM
absolutely luv it!  &hlp  [read emoticon as: hayburner happy]...  &apls

however, a small revisement to set two  :P ... as it is simply entitled 'manure'... I would renamed the set 'manure management',  ???  ...in as much as I had experience with the matter in county programs for such things  :thumbsdown: &mmm [messy business]... as everything in the set from the s!@# itself to the tools to manage it add up to a bigger picture...  :satisfied:

otherwise everything looks great for the farm-n-field work to begin...  :)  i just hope I get to download everything when its time... as the 'log-in' is still giving me fits...

I will think about this. ;) Thanks.
The sets will be available on different sites, so don't worry. ;)

Fred
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: vester on April 04, 2014, 03:51:35 PM
Nice work, Fred.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: c.p. on April 04, 2014, 03:57:52 PM
Looks like a big collection of really nice stuff &apls
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: vortext on April 05, 2014, 02:13:15 AM
Excellent work Fred! I like the smaller hay sheds and also the shoddy fences!

Also, Frank, given the machinery and other smaller props it might be a good idea to learn how to make mmps after all.  ;)
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on April 06, 2014, 12:10:06 PM
OK, so now we all know what Fred has been doing during the snowstorms around his house...  :D

So I will start to clean up my last small projects like the Lighthouse Reward, maybe the Farm Fair Reward (remember that one?), and, I don't know, maybe even the Marina Reward, although that is still giving me headaches.

And I cannot wait for the sets to arrive!
This is really going to be a heavy relot session. I will show results during work in htis thread, so keep your eye on it!

Quote from: vortext on April 05, 2014, 02:13:15 AM
Also, Frank, given the machinery and other smaller props it might be a good idea to learn how to make mmps after all.  ;)

No no Erik! I make the lots, and you can do the MMP'ing yourself.
I once even offered to deliver the Farms Set in two versions: the complete lots and cleaned lots without machinery and other implements, so that you can MMP to your own liking. If there is real demand I can do that.
So please let me know if that is a real wish.
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on April 06, 2014, 03:42:29 PM
Sorry, Main buildings and the Manure set aren't ready to be send today, had some problems with some of the models, I will have to re-render them. It's not that it will take a lot of time, it's just that this evening, I won't have the time to do them, so it'll be tomorrow night, on Tuesday morning for Frank. ;)

Fred
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on April 09, 2014, 01:12:47 PM
Hey Frank,


.....look what I found while searching a darn specific barn that I lost in my immense mess of folders and models (I think I have now more than a thousand).......lol. I found three open stables, not quite finished with all the details, like watertrows, feeders etc, but.....
....I was wondering, do you want me to include them into the building sets? Or do I keep them for a later Add-on? I also found a tractor.  ;D

Three models, all the same size, have 3 different separations (only 1, 2 and 3 boxstalls) and different textures (some different details), including the ground.(fences are the same I think) I don't know if I can "Lod" them so you can plop the animals (or cleaning out tractor) you like in the boxstalls, but I am willing to try. (I remember that I was going to make a feederlot with these...years ago)

Interested?, let me know. It will take me  4 or 5 days at the most to complete them (including rendering and testing) ;) I could include them into the Mainbuilding Dat. I will first try to make the custom LOD's.

BTW, I found the error why I couldn't render most of the newer and modified models in the Mainbuilding set, problem solved.....rendering them now, and they are ready in a day or so.

The Manure file is finished and I will include it with the Building file this week.

Fred

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fs8.postimg.org%2F6ykj30a5x%2Fstableopenold.jpg&hash=7d2a082d52707fb71a04a95092aeeec2c996324e)

.....I think I will stop looking for that barn I was seaching, just might find some other "good stuff" while doing so.....lol


Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on April 10, 2014, 08:01:13 AM
Hi Fred,

Let's keep them for addons. Maybe a good search after you have finished the sets you have planned already gives you a complete addon without having to BAT new props!
These stables really cry for new lots, and I don't want to increase the size of my farms set now. I'll do that later.
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on April 10, 2014, 09:12:21 AM
Ok, addon it will be, found a few others (7 more), some manure and silos too......geeez, where did I find the time to do all this before?.lol


Fred


Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on April 27, 2014, 01:25:13 PM
Dear friends,

Fred and I have worked on this project for a long time. You, who read this, are probably anxious to hear some news. So many other projects have been abandoned half ways. Is this one going to be one of those? Well, it isn't.

Fred sent me the final version of the Mainbuildings  set. I also have a preliminary version of the manure set, which does not yet include the circular fluid manure silos.

I have put these props into use in my farm lots.

Once Fred has also sent me the other set I will start to finish my lots for the final versions. And that is going to be the largest relot session I have ever experienced. Several lots will probably change completely, others only in a minor part and some will be left untouched.

In order to give you an idea of the proceedings I show you the farms as they are now.

Here they are.
Warning: these lost are full of prop families, so the images give you no more than a rough idea. The prop families contain a wide range of different props, so the looks of the actually grown farms in your cities can and will have very divergent looks.

The names of the lots will be in Dutch only. I do this on purpose to underline the regional atmosphere. Some names refer to girls that have played important roles in my life (my wife's is definitely one of them), some are from family names that are common around here, and some I have just made up.

Here they are: 92 lots distributed over stages 1 up to 5.
The building exemplars I made have been used in two or three lots. Every lot is shown once.


Stage 1
21 lots with only small rural stuff and smaller sheds.

Bertines Bloemen
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farms%25202014-04-25%2FStage1-2014-04-24-0000_zps2045baf0.jpg%7Eoriginal&hash=46bede1227ff0337b7cebd734cf73167882f9ba4)

Bijvanksweide
Three lots, that each use one of the three meadow textures I use in my farm fields as a base.
A herd of cows, a flock of sheep and the first appearance of a large manure basin.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farms%25202014-04-25%2FStage1-2014-04-24-0001_zpsfba3af73.jpg%7Eoriginal&hash=c7a8b223b9ee8648a3116e73730df4119e719b70)

Boswachterij Okkenbroek
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farms%25202014-04-25%2FStage1-2014-04-24-0002_zpsf1df01bf.jpg%7Eoriginal&hash=b68c7b2333a444d1846035790766e4303ea736c3)

Fakkert Flora
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farms%25202014-04-25%2FStage1-2014-04-24-0003_zps699f27c3.jpg%7Eoriginal&hash=b76bc7a9e682bcfe30fe44c12d4ea32774f7b67c)

Harbrinks Weide
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farms%25202014-04-25%2FStage1-2014-04-24-0004_zps424008b7.jpg%7Eoriginal&hash=35f7eb934c43b48ff3ecef6b34b07ad185a328b0)

Kuiermansweide
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farms%25202014-04-25%2FStage1-2014-04-24-0005_zps42d1218c.jpg%7Eoriginal&hash=7ecf071d1549f4104d4277ddad4800d64e606d47)

Looerweide
Three lots, that each use one of the three meadow textures I use in my farm fields as a base.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farms%25202014-04-25%2FStage1-2014-04-24-0006_zpsa8b90769.jpg%7Eoriginal&hash=d36840036041ea1e3f659be1c8c54ca559485475)

Menops Mennerij
The shed for the horse is a bit small. I hope Fred will provide a better one.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farms%25202014-04-25%2FStage1-2014-04-24-0007_zps22a524e5.jpg%7Eoriginal&hash=4f5f9ccae14350b44516ce3d66249359da64592c)

Ten Have Tarwe
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farms%25202014-04-25%2FStage1-2014-04-24-0008_zpsb2f7e23c.jpg%7Eoriginal&hash=627cb6d0d27fd977939313a52dcd1dabc9d07da5)

Wesseling Mais
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farms%25202014-04-25%2FStage1-2014-04-24-0009_zps2ef0f4cc.jpg%7Eoriginal&hash=65637c14456b8848a0cc1f591344a7ec38e493b3)


Stage 2
20 lots in an old fashioned rural style.

Banninks Bollen
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farms%25202014-04-25%2FStage2-2014-04-24-0000_zps05cbfb59.jpg%7Eoriginal&hash=09593b63c1ad1688a342df77511d8c3332c9452a)

Beerninks Koeienweide
Three lots, that each use one of the three meadow textures I use in my farm fields as a base.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farms%25202014-04-25%2FStage2-2014-04-24-0001_zps5362120d.jpg%7Eoriginal&hash=244d5dfde8f727faa7d634a861ca5924e920d1aa)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farms%25202014-04-25%2FStage2-2014-04-24-0002a_zpsa5b78664.jpg%7Eoriginal&hash=30ccd1a8f1fd700a3649e299e3ba48d394bbdc49)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farms%25202014-04-25%2FStage2-2014-04-24-0002b_zps41501ce7.jpg%7Eoriginal&hash=ada42fd91fe02372009bff147bb75feb7f3e5552)

Borgelo Bloemen
A Tag_one house.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farms%25202014-04-25%2FStage2-2014-04-24-0003_zps1cf7156e.jpg%7Eoriginal&hash=b32eea959fba5a98af6ee1ba33a664f69ee3cc06)

Erve Neppelenbroek
The house is not always the building: the house can differ, as you see here. The building exemplar is hidden in the Maxis shed. The house model is by Meurdoos/Marco Heutink.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farms%25202014-04-25%2FStage2-2014-04-24-0004_zpsd379cdec.jpg%7Eoriginal&hash=4ef6fee131f2a8a711a26b00f6ec504ef2b6ae49)

Erve Oud Rande
A great farmhouse by Haarlemmergold.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farms%25202014-04-25%2FStage2-2014-04-24-0005_zps3839471f.jpg%7Eoriginal&hash=16e9f87f685c609e5629f1a7fc2dff8975d86171)

Gramsbergen Fruit
This house model is also by Meurdoos/Marco Heutink
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farms%25202014-04-25%2FStage2-2014-04-24-0006_zps4ee36f5b.jpg%7Eoriginal&hash=63c09780ff0852159957e81a5c3efe0fad2339df)

Klein Harmelink
Another farm by Haarlemmergold
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farms%25202014-04-25%2FStage2-2014-04-24-0007_zps1b93d59f.jpg%7Eoriginal&hash=94ef040a32d38bd43fc1e440cd11a5938b5d4fd3)

Olde Bijvank
And this model is by Vanderaap who used a different scale, so I shrunk the model with Cogeo's Wonder Shrinker.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farms%25202014-04-25%2FStage2-2014-04-24-0008_zpsa69945a8.jpg%7Eoriginal&hash=a1c09e9f6e4ed2ea0b75a727c2e93cb83703a587)

Van Petersen Paardenwei
On this lot I left room for a barn for the horses. Fred is going to save me here. I hope.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farms%25202014-04-25%2FStage2-2014-04-24-0009_zps66a21967.jpg%7Eoriginal&hash=739d44749507ef5c967769cfa36f453ad9e98abb)


Stage 3
17 lots. Now they are getting a bit more modern and more industrial.
You will see older and more moderns barns together. Farms that have started small have grown over the years and newer buildings have been added.

Erve Boxbergen
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farms%25202014-04-25%2FStage3-2014-04-24-0000_zpse2b41846.jpg%7Eoriginal&hash=c0f5ef2efda96f5104ea16f373566021e2567180)

Erve Schaarshoek
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farms%25202014-04-25%2FStage3-2014-04-24-0001_zpsa1d39c1c.jpg%7Eoriginal&hash=5df92e51e65d7cf8065924af4771d32a99db03c3)

Erve Wolters
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farms%25202014-04-25%2FStage3-2014-04-24-0002_zps0bc74127.jpg%7Eoriginal&hash=1dae18192e0ed094e0620a970c189b36d079d103)

Hegeman Runderen
This model by Vanderaap was out of scale too.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farms%25202014-04-25%2FStage3-2014-04-24-0003_zpsec4d3ec5.jpg%7Eoriginal&hash=2a6c53074b03c9ecf5ec5b1ec8a90ddf390339f5)

Klein Bijvank
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farms%25202014-04-25%2FStage3-2014-04-24-0004_zpsa806f4be.jpg%7Eoriginal&hash=5e4db56b45782e4d779ab26192a8192bc1222d6d)

Marleens Tuinderij
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farms%25202014-04-25%2FStage3-2014-04-24-0005_zps87540dc9.jpg%7Eoriginal&hash=a2b573244d97800750df2e69fd352ca7dcf4fc38)

Severdink Mais
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farms%25202014-04-25%2FStage3-2014-04-24-0006_zpse68b27db.jpg%7Eoriginal&hash=947946b66d2f592daacab34771a3a4ef37311703)

Willemsen Melkvee
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farms%25202014-04-25%2FStage3-2014-04-24-0007_zps5bbfb147.jpg%7Eoriginal&hash=4d224327855848df7223203f001170c9976fbe5b)


Stage 4
17 lots. The complexes grow even larger.

Erve Bijvank
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farms%25202014-04-25%2FStage4-2014-04-24-0000_zpse63ecded.jpg%7Eoriginal&hash=e48ef394adc9aa4f4011588de2d1cf1fd405e6cb)

Glastra Tuinbouw
Large greenhouses by Tag_One will be surrounded by the greenhouses Fred gave me for the farm fields. I hope you like the results.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farms%25202014-04-25%2FStage4-2014-04-24-0001_zps16143226.jpg%7Eoriginal&hash=99f93b059956ace74d3b43c2cb6e61c93fbb72a9)

Harleman Eieren
An Egg farm where the chickens have space to go out the barn and run around, be it within the fences...
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farms%25202014-04-25%2FStage4-2014-04-24-0002_zps83729258.jpg%7Eoriginal&hash=b7bd33305f798568070ff9af619c7da31a7363a2)

Koldenhof Koeien
First appearance of examples from Freds Mainbuidlings set!
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farms%25202014-04-25%2FStage4-2014-04-24-0003_zps7dd94eba.jpg%7Eoriginal&hash=24fcff0ec1635661881c4dfca50d2bac5ec8b261)

Meijerink Melkvee
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farms%25202014-04-25%2FStage4-2014-04-24-0004_zps465c67cf.jpg%7Eoriginal&hash=e517e4172a469807c42935ab86dd043a4bc66967)

Mensink Melkvee
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farms%25202014-04-25%2FStage4-2014-04-24-0005_zpsba381558.jpg%7Eoriginal&hash=5df7ee78214b576057fc84891e1a255b1c1a2750)

Tuinderij Teesselink
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farms%25202014-04-25%2FStage4-2014-04-24-0006_zps7dc2acc9.jpg%7Eoriginal&hash=1a233026fe6bfb0a17991ab0787c7acc177c1bb2)

Vorderman Varkens
The pigs can go out the barn and have space to run around and wallow in the mud.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farms%25202014-04-25%2FStage4-2014-04-24-0007_zpsa025bfd1.jpg%7Eoriginal&hash=9203a435d57af1c57edb9b91c0834d43e5a2aba1)


Stage 5
17 lots. Now it's mostly industry. Can we call this farming yet?

Borgelink Buitenei
Egg Farm whith space outside, for the better life of the chickens.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farms%25202014-04-25%2FStage5-2014-04-24-0000_zpse0dc5866.jpg%7Eoriginal&hash=cfcc5a183192c4455888fe1a08de7f6b58d0f816)

Egberink Eieren
An Egg Farm for the unhappy: chickens stay inside always. They have little space to live. All they do is lay eggs. In a perfect world this kind of farm would not exist.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farms%25202014-04-25%2FStage5-2014-04-24-0001_zpsad307cb3.jpg%7Eoriginal&hash=9531138c2690e453b3ea877c39e1c71fc3493f08)

Erve Mastenbroek
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farms%25202014-04-25%2FStage5-2014-04-24-0002_zps689718b6.jpg%7Eoriginal&hash=b7b1aa030d361eb28a27de4ffd05e284ced46126)

Groot Koerkamp Koeien
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farms%25202014-04-25%2FStage5-2014-04-24-0003_zps23d0c86f.jpg%7Eoriginal&hash=3e0db7f9a90b14499fdd33ef415991f53848cea5)

Hippisch Centrum Harleman
A Riding School, with meadows for the horses around it.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farms%25202014-04-25%2FStage5-2014-04-24-0004a_zps72902d4b.jpg%7Eoriginal&hash=a219ec6dad8d93edcce267e230210ce120efa53d)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farms%25202014-04-25%2FStage5-2014-04-24-0004b_zps87c4860a.jpg%7Eoriginal&hash=98dbb468b3720423db26d93925b5daa60d29eaed)

Kraakman Kassen
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farms%25202014-04-25%2FStage5-2014-04-24-0005_zps5e82d849.jpg%7Eoriginal&hash=631c72d3c7fc4c4c0747af5c66253205e4a4e450)

Meester Bison Biggen
A large industrial pig farm. A meat factory, you could say.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farms%25202014-04-25%2FStage5-2014-04-24-0006a_zpsb2916444.jpg%7Eoriginal&hash=9502041ba066ae0a5e0089a336ec0d01ec83b0a6)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farms%25202014-04-25%2FStage5-2014-04-24-0006b_zpsa4de299a.jpg%7Eoriginal&hash=c19f8c1ce8bcc563967403c10ff5077dffac9453)

Nij Bijvank
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farms%25202014-04-25%2FStage5-2014-04-24-0007_zpsa1c1d74c.jpg%7Eoriginal&hash=b05f3e44a065d5ef59ed6c13f3ce3de1a95ac14a)

That's it for today folks!
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on April 27, 2014, 07:23:39 PM
Going nuts......lol

Can't wait to grow them in my regions. And all this with the little I have sent.

Liquid manure is coming this week and silos right after, also the sheds should be ready by them and then I will only have a few left to "tweak". ;)

I can smell the "finish line"......

Great lots, Frank, just GREAT!


Fred
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: c.p. on April 27, 2014, 09:37:11 PM
Great job, you guys :thumbsup:
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: vortext on April 28, 2014, 03:47:00 AM
Holy cow Frank, 92 magnificent detailed lots!  &apls

And of course Freds buildings are excellent, too. They complement the smaller, older barns really well. I'd dare to say these are the most realistic farms to date. Great job both of you!  :thumbsup:

Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mave94 on April 28, 2014, 08:31:04 AM
Excellent work there, guys! I am pleased to see the result, because it would fit so well in an agricultural region. :thumbsup:
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: vester on April 28, 2014, 03:26:36 PM
Someone has been busy.  :thumbsup:

Looks really good.


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farms%25202014-04-25%2FStage2-2014-04-24-0003_zps1cf7156e.jpg%7Eoriginal&hash=b32eea959fba5a98af6ee1ba33a664f69ee3cc06)
Looks you need to redo the LODs on the green house.
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: Jack_wilds on April 28, 2014, 05:48:10 PM
great lots alive batman!...  :D

$%Grinno$%   ::)

it all looks fun...

Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: thebagleboy on April 29, 2014, 12:00:23 AM
Someone has been busy. Impressive work.   &apls
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on May 07, 2014, 01:07:31 PM
Fred has sent me the liquid manure set.

I will not bother you with a list of images with all the beautiful props he made. He can do that himself. One thing though: 18 dry manure props and 30 liquid manure props.

I will show you the first four farm lots that now use these silos.

Looerweide 2
With all six variations I have put on the lot.
You see that also the trees and shrubs are different every time.
The haybales will probably be replaced by some kind of haybale prop that Fred is making.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi28.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fc208%2FFrankV_Bucket%2FDutch%2520Farms%2520V03%2FManuretest0000_zps1d6f83b2.jpg&hash=1fae4c3924fa73feb575acd7759b4a1144c3760c)

Erve Boxbergen 1
Three of the possible variations.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi28.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fc208%2FFrankV_Bucket%2FDutch%2520Farms%2520V03%2FManuretest0001_zps854d6e62.jpg&hash=6823ed11110a258734520653c4a4c138e44ad043)

Hegeman Runderen 2
Two of the endless variations of the lot. You see other prop differencens? The shed? The food silos in front of the large barn?
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi28.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fc208%2FFrankV_Bucket%2FDutch%2520Farms%2520V03%2FManuretest0002_zps6f9ad1be.jpg&hash=df4c83d2e5017ec7b3032c9084eb22db2ccf1d0f)

Willemsen Melkvee 2
The thingy at the left side of the silos tries to look like a silage silo.
Hopefully Fred will make a good prop that will replace this improvisation.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi28.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fc208%2FFrankV_Bucket%2FDutch%2520Farms%2520V03%2FManuretest0003_zps7174d811.jpg&hash=f0f76c9a07434743d4df6037189b73d7f65c2b55)

I really like the silos. I hope you do too.
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: Jack_wilds on May 07, 2014, 04:32:49 PM
awesome fun stuff... :)   &apls
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on May 19, 2014, 02:38:58 AM
While working on my farm lots set I always had in mind to use the BSC Maxis farms blocker when I actually start building a city. Because, of course, these Maxis farms don't fit into the picture I am constructing.
I never really felt happy with that solution. And last week I came up with an alternative: a Maxis Override farms set. And that is exactly what I am working at while Fred is struggling with the shadow issues of his undergound manure pits.

So at the moment I am relotting all Maxis Farms. Some of them got alternative building models, because several buildings do not fit into the Dutch Farms set. And I willl replace the Maxis farm fields by my own Farm Fields.
But the names will stay the same, the job counts and other properties will stay the same. And, maybe strange, the queries will not be replaced by my Dutch farms queries. That is mainly because I intend this set to have no extra dependencies over the neccessary ones of the Dutch Farm Fields set.

No images yet..... Just wait a few days...  $%#Ninj2
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: CahosRahneVeloza on May 19, 2014, 05:21:21 AM
Maxis overrides!?   :o

What a neat idea  :thumbsup:

I can't wait to see those as well as getting your current farms.

BTW, I hope you can also add BSC Tracking on your Farm lots, making them BSC Tracking Enabled (BTE) for Agriculture, so they can contribute to obtaining rewards on the BSC Rewards Chain :)
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on May 19, 2014, 07:55:55 AM
Hi CahosRahneVeloza,

Thanks for the enthousiasm.
And I already did add the BSC tracking. I also added a FrankU tracking, because I intend to make my own Dutch rewards, although that may take a while.
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: CahosRahneVeloza on May 19, 2014, 08:23:10 AM
@FrankU: FrankU Tracking & your own rewards chain  :thumbsup:

That'd be fantastic, so take your time, we'll wait patiently. As the saying goes, "Patience is a virtue and rewards are meant for the very patient".
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on May 25, 2014, 12:19:31 PM
While I was thinking that Fred fought the shadows of darkness, I was working hard on the following set of Farm Lots.
Like I say in my Profile (since yesterday); never waste a good building exemplar.

So the choice of suppressing the Maxis farm lots by using the BSC Maxis blocker did not feel good. On the other hand: the BSC team was completely right in deciding to release the file, because the Maxis farms hardly fit well in my Dutch Farms Set.

But the better option is: make new lots, that override the Maxis ones. And that is exactly what I did this week.
I made new lots for all 24 Maxis farm lots. They have exactly the same stats, the same sizes and the same TGI's, so they override the Maxis farms.
Don't use this file in a developed region though. I don't know what will happen to the looks of your lots....

Of course I will assign my own farm fields to this set.
And another thing: The dependencies issue. I decided to make this set with only the dependencies that you need already for my Farm Fields set. So no extra dependencies needed. The list is long enough anyway.

But prepare for the list of my final Farms Set! I did warn you already.

And now I am ready to show you my results.

This is the first set of Maxis lots, belonging to building 1Farm3
I disliked the greenhouse, so I replaced it by the MJB one.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi28.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fc208%2FFrankV_Bucket%2FMaxis%2520Override%2520farm%2520lots%2F01MaxisOriginal-Farm3_zps2b02abb0.jpg&hash=0abe0bc8f99b5387f9956a05345229dab515bcbd)

This is my version
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi28.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fc208%2FFrankV_Bucket%2FMaxis%2520Override%2520farm%2520lots%2F02MaxisOverride-Farm3_zps441c0a7d.jpg&hash=d0d2c2787caac32496ec6633fd1e21012aeebecc)

This is the Maxis 1Farm4
The shed model is OK, and can be called Dutch, so I leave this model.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi28.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fc208%2FFrankV_Bucket%2FMaxis%2520Override%2520farm%2520lots%2F03MaxisOriginal-Farm4_zps43ab5dd0.jpg&hash=4d3972aa930b689d84ce472b420e27e93f4d813c)

And mine
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi28.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fc208%2FFrankV_Bucket%2FMaxis%2520Override%2520farm%2520lots%2F04MaxisOverride-Farm4_zps700c2027.jpg&hash=f9dcb5b42bdbc583f768f7b17f826a09acdcfba4)

Maxis 2Farm5, suggesting it is a Stage 2 farm, but it is a Stage 1.
This is not a Dutch building. If you do a good search, you might find one, but it's far from typical. And as the set of dependencies did not contain a good alternative, I decided to make a small stable set with the Maxis model you see repeated. The horse theme stayed.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi28.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fc208%2FFrankV_Bucket%2FMaxis%2520Override%2520farm%2520lots%2F05MaxisOriginal-Farm5_zps37dd0a7f.jpg&hash=bc2a0621a7918a26292510dee5e3f34dc4f2b35c)

And mine, which I renamed to 1Farm5
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi28.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fc208%2FFrankV_Bucket%2FMaxis%2520Override%2520farm%2520lots%2F06MaxisOverride-Farm5_zps7516bb04.jpg&hash=975651a2f511a395764fd9d463c2715ab67d29a0)

Maxis 1Farm7
Not very Dutch either, so I replaced it by a group of cranky sheds and barns. A messy yard.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi28.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fc208%2FFrankV_Bucket%2FMaxis%2520Override%2520farm%2520lots%2F07MaxisOriginal-Farm7_zps607dc053.jpg&hash=bce9ee7d89907d4611dd21afa087518f40ea9129)

And mine
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi28.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fc208%2FFrankV_Bucket%2FMaxis%2520Override%2520farm%2520lots%2F08MaxisOverride-Farm7_zps9dfe4189.jpg&hash=d4999fea068379ba13ff9bd8bd919f71b9307d26)

Stage 2: 1Farm1, hence another naming mistake by Maxis.
Not a Dutch barn either. So a PEG-SPAM one in place.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi28.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fc208%2FFrankV_Bucket%2FMaxis%2520Override%2520farm%2520lots%2F09MaxisOriginal-Farm1_zps8254a4d8.jpg&hash=9b841de1030ae88eae23673b4ee9b8e80de237aa)

My renamed 2Farm1
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi28.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fc208%2FFrankV_Bucket%2FMaxis%2520Override%2520farm%2520lots%2F10MaxisOverride-Farm1_zpse26e7c9c.jpg&hash=ffc608df3183d37017dfaeb9f23f5b9d71d223c2)

2Farm6 by Maxis
Not very Dutch, so...
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi28.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fc208%2FFrankV_Bucket%2FMaxis%2520Override%2520farm%2520lots%2F11MaxisOriginal-Farm6_zpsd14bd0d7.jpg&hash=1095a98c376fed78beadcf92a783ea6e6354dd23)

And by me
A Simgoober Turkey barn, acting as a chicken farm.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi28.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fc208%2FFrankV_Bucket%2FMaxis%2520Override%2520farm%2520lots%2F12MaxisOverride-Farm6_zps9e18b65d.jpg&hash=50b182d2c9d34f669cfea02291c1ef064f2f3301)

3Farm2, by Maxis
This is a beautiful model, so I kept it.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi28.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fc208%2FFrankV_Bucket%2FMaxis%2520Override%2520farm%2520lots%2F13MaxisOriginal-Farm2_zps109d6b3b.jpg&hash=76bd9b99d40b32893b02e21085f62b029d820855)

And my version
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi28.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fc208%2FFrankV_Bucket%2FMaxis%2520Override%2520farm%2520lots%2F14MaxisOverride-Farm2_zps48b68c38.jpg&hash=d3f076e5af04f40e22a3fd5f5661a8503b8d03a8)

Well... what can I say?

Please comment!
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: Jack_wilds on May 25, 2014, 02:12:00 PM
awesome and excellent!...  &apls :thumbsup: 

will need to study 'em out for any comment  $%#Ninj2  ???  ...

but, it all looks like fun!  :)
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: w_swietwoot on May 29, 2014, 02:19:35 AM
looks great frank!
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: vortext on May 29, 2014, 04:16:20 AM
Great work, you make re-lotting seem so easy!  &apls

Though on a personal note I don't like that large grey silo structure at all. . In fact one of my first endeavors into modding was to make a custom blocker for those specific lots but I must say your re-lot is much more pleasing. Besides I don't use Maxis farms anyways so it's a moot point really.   ::)  :D

Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: c.p. on May 29, 2014, 08:44:20 AM
Your re-lotting, especially of the large gray silo, is great :thumbsup:  The problem I've had with the large gray silo, is that it grows too often.  If only one or two were to grow per city, and only on one of these new lots, I think I could really come to like it a lot.
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on June 01, 2014, 11:48:27 AM
@ Jack_wilds
Thank you! Waiting will prove to have been worth wile. I hope.

@ w_swietwoot
Thank you too.

@ Vortex
I do like the silo structure in fact. Althoug it is not a farm of course. It would be better to use it in an IM lot, but well, Maxis decided differently. So it is a farm.
It resembles the food silage silos that we can find all over the Dutch countryside, although most of them are cleaner and much smaller.
In fact I am not sure if I would buy the food for my cattle from a firm that has such dark, ugly and dirty silos. Too much risk of dirty food for my dear cows.

Anyway, we deal with the material that is given to us (or sold, in fact, for a modest sum).
Why not use this override? You can always try to talk me into a dedicated version without the silos... Read on and you will find out what possibilities there are.

@ c.p.
Thank you!
In the original game the silo is the only farm that has growth stage 3. The weedy Pedriana Plant is infamous indeed.
As it is the only farm in that stage, a city that allows stage 3 and still has IR demand will be overgrown with silos.
There is a Pedriana Plant blocker somewhere on the STEX. You could use that to avoid the flooding. That is solution 1.
Solution 2 is use CAM or SPAM and add other stage 3, 4 and 5 farms. Then Pedriana is one of the many stage 3 farms. It will grow, but between others. That is the solution I prefer.
I did no modding to the lots or the building exempalrs, so my Pedriana will grow as weedy as the original.

And a first addon to the set is also in the making.
Because Tariel on Simpeg said she liked the original Maxis greenhouse so much I added one lot to my set, featuring this greenhouse.

Here it is:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi28.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fc208%2FFrankV_Bucket%2FMaxis%2520Override%2520farm%2520lots%2F16MaxisOverride-Farm3Tariel_zpsedf4c574.jpg&hash=c6855a33c9d78ec2e279c0f627667d2c413f3411)

Also, while testing, I made two images of the farms in game.

A close up
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi28.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fc208%2FFrankV_Bucket%2FMaxis%2520Override%2520farm%2520lots%2F15MaxisOverride-Farm3Tariel_zpse3386d1c.jpg&hash=b4b7c2be07aa85c038ba0125351cb0d36b95a525)

And an overview
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi28.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fc208%2FFrankV_Bucket%2FMaxis%2520Override%2520farm%2520lots%2F17MaxisOverride-OverviewStage1_zps6276118c.jpg&hash=418206cb497efe604ebcd704b0d2eb3a91465ecb)

Still testing, but nearing the end....
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on June 06, 2014, 04:33:17 AM
Aaaand ... ... ... the end!  :)

The set is ready and can be found on the LEX (http://sc4devotion.com/csxlex/lex_filedesc.php?lotGET=3119) and on the STEX (http://community.simtropolis.com/files/file/29629-franku-dutch-farms-maxis-override/).

Let me know what you think of it.

Frank
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mave94 on June 06, 2014, 06:09:19 AM
Hurray! Congratulations Frank. I like it very much! &apls
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: noahclem on June 06, 2014, 03:31:52 PM
Great work and congrats on the release  &apls  Already picked up my copy  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: Jack_wilds on June 06, 2014, 03:59:37 PM
got my copy...  :)

with unwrap and play and then report...  :satisfied:

but it all looks good... &apls :thumbsup:
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: belfastsocrates on June 06, 2014, 05:38:19 PM
I've downloaded the override. I'm looking forward to working away on rural Perseus with your fantastic lots and eventually posting pics.
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on June 11, 2014, 06:44:55 AM
So little time and so many ideas to improve models and textures.................. I am at that specific point now, but.....I guess it all has to stop somewhere.
Everyime  I open gmax, I start teaking and playing around with textures and the models to find something better how they look, and everytime the model looks different and indeed a little better....lol...Heck, I could go on like this for eternity.....Whoa!!!

Here are the latest additions to the silo set. I also have one like this that is partially underground, still needing some good textures and then it's off to FrankU.
So, the silo set is big now, it has all kinds of silos, as a matter of fact, maybe too many, but there are so many different models that exist irl that I can't even find the end of it. I will only keep 25 to 30 of them to include in the package, instead of the 108 that I created.....lol. Loosing my good sense and judgement you think? Well..... maybe......But now I have to make serious decisions which ones to keep......................omg............


Anyways, below is the "drive-thru open air ground silo" we find a lot in Europe from Russia to Spain and Finland to Greece. The first is empty, the second contains green freshly cut corn silage and/or chaff, the third is the same but after fermentation and the last is covered with white plastic, still needing some tires to hold the plastic sheet down.....(now where did I store all my tire models??)

I have promissed myself that I will not make anymore models for the MFP1 and will finish what I have started, otherwise the set will never see the end.

I put the deadline for silos to next sunday. then I will end the shed set (ah no, no more new models, no Sir!) I will just have to make some serious decisions of which to keep there also.

Hope u'll likethese. ;)

Fred

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fs17.postimg.org%2Fpl8ijattb%2Fchaff_ground_silo.jpg&hash=07cb1c0e5e575b740a8c6df0ab0e1a50486c5433)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fs17.postimg.org%2Fvbyox11tb%2Fdrive_thru_ground_silo.jpg&hash=10d011239baf5f5bb1015a1dacebe004ee6ade79)



Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: kelis on June 11, 2014, 07:13:19 AM
I've lost some updates here...I can see lot of progress here, I really like this project and I can't wait to see it finished !!

Congratulations guys your work is pretty good  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on June 11, 2014, 07:46:11 AM
Quote from: mrbisonm on June 11, 2014, 06:44:55 AM
So little time and so many ideas to improve models and textures.................. I am at that specific point now, but.....I guess it all has to stop somewhere.
Everyime  I open gmax, I start teaking and playing around with textures and the models to find something better how they look, and everytime the model looks different and indeed a little better....lol...Heck, I could go on like this for eternity.....Whoa!!!

I know that feeling form my lotting experience. Each time I open my Farm Lots I see something that can be changed, added or improved. Just don't do it too much, because indeed : in the end we're all dead....

So please continue.

And I'd like to comment on the model you showed, but I won't, because I like to get on with the lotting!  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: lynncanox on July 06, 2014, 07:26:49 AM
Hi,

My name is Lynn, and I am Fred's wife. I have not been here for more than two years, but Fred asked me to leave a message to all here. Sorry about my english, but I do not speak much of it.

Fred, (mrbison) has some serious health problems last weekend and he is now in the hospital since. He worked too much in the fields doing hay during a hot day, but he will maybe come out next week. He do not have internet connection there, because it is not allowed, but he has his TV to watch his soccer for Fifa.

He is doing much better now after operation and is missing you. He told me that he will be back soon and do whatever he was doing. Thank you for understanding, I know Simcity means a lot to him.

Salutations,

                   Lynn
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on July 06, 2014, 11:47:35 AM
Hi Lynn,

I am certain that you and his own health do mean much more to him than SC4, so I certainly hope that he will be well and up soon!

Send him my greetings and best wishes. I'm sorry I cannot fax, mail or app a pound of Dutch tomatoes to help him get well.

Frank
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: lynncanox on July 06, 2014, 07:40:14 PM
 Thank You Frank, I will do so tomorrow morning. He asked me to bring him something good to eat, the food is bad there, he says. lol

Lynn
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: APSMS on July 07, 2014, 12:19:13 AM
Hi Lynn,

I don't know Fred well, but I do enough to wish him well, and that he is a valuable part of the SC4 community. Thanks for stopping by, and letting us all know how he is doing.

Keep us posted, and we will be keeping you and Fred in our thoughts.

-APSMS
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: Rayden on July 07, 2014, 05:25:17 AM
Best wishes for Fred, get well soon.
Cheers
Silvio
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: vester on July 07, 2014, 06:27:25 AM
Best wishes to Fred. Get well soon.

Arne
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: Jack_wilds on July 07, 2014, 02:21:11 PM
God Bless ya Fred!  Get well and good...  :)

making hay and hot days always seem to go hand-in-hand... as I also suffered heat exhaustion more than once during hay-days...  &mmm   ;)

Get well soon...  :thumbsup:
may the Farm project in teh works see teh light of day...  :P for all concerned
peace and blessings
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: lynncanox on July 07, 2014, 06:00:21 PM
Hi,

Fred cannot wait to get out of the hospital, he says that it is like prison for him. He is doing very well his doctor says. I will tell him tomorrow all about your comments. Thank You. ()flower()

Lynn
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: bap on July 08, 2014, 06:10:02 PM
My best wishes of a fast recovery for Fred.
We all miss him.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mgarcia on July 08, 2014, 07:42:20 PM
Hi Lynn,  Give my regards to Fred - hope he is feeling better.   :thumbsup:
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: metarvo on July 09, 2014, 05:29:22 AM
I wish Fred a speedy recovery.  :thumbsup:  Maybe he can at least take a walk out of his room if he's up to it.  :)
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: romualdillo on July 09, 2014, 12:06:02 PM
I hope he gets well soon!!
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: lynncanox on July 10, 2014, 11:08:30 PM
 Fred start walking today. His Doctor told him, if recovery continues to go well like this, he may hopefully go home on Sunday.
Believe me, when I say he can't wait, especially to get back on the computer and Internet and see the Farm. He has not been away from the Internet for so long since years. lol

So I think that you will hear from him soon.

Lynn




Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: lynncanox on July 14, 2014, 08:13:42 AM
 Some news I have today. I went to see Fred this morning again, like every morning and still he will not be able to come out of the hospital in the next 2 or 3 days because of some minor complications, but hope will help us to see him soon.
His moral is down at this moment, he wants to come home and I think it would be better also for him to come, but not his Doctor. I think home will help him to get faster on his feet. I will let you know when I have better news.

Lynn
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on July 14, 2014, 12:42:02 PM
Lynn,

Please tell him I wish him all the good I can think of. I hope he will be happy and up soon. I hope it for him in the first place, for you in the second and for the community here in the third place.

Greetings, Frank
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: Jack_wilds on July 14, 2014, 02:27:25 PM
God bless and keep Fred... so he can be up and about in wholeness for a quality of life to live well...
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: gn_leugim on July 18, 2014, 11:42:13 AM
Lynn,

my best wishes for Fred and may he recover well. tell him we miss them also, as much or more as he misses us. we'll wait for him :)

Best regards,

Carlos / gn_leugim
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: lynncanox on July 20, 2014, 10:54:44 AM
 Good news. Fred will be released from the hopital tommorrow at 4 o'clock in the afternoon, monday, and he will come home. He is not allowed to work hard for at least 3 months and I will make him respect this.

Maybe you hear from him tommorrow or on tuesday. Thank you for your messages.

                   Lynn
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: kelis on July 20, 2014, 11:01:26 AM
That is a great news !! Get well soon Fred and greetings from Spain  :)
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: gn_leugim on July 20, 2014, 01:20:13 PM
wonderful news :D

thanks for sharing!  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on July 26, 2014, 11:24:07 AM
A bit late wih my reply, but that is certainly good news. I am on vacation in the Czech republic at this time and not always on locations with wifi.
Next week I will be back home and probably I will have time for some serious lotting.
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: lynncanox on July 26, 2014, 06:22:06 PM
 I am sorry, but I am late. I just came back from the hopital and learned that Fred will come out certainly on Wednesday. He did not come on last Thursday because he had bad infection on his right leg, because they took a artery for his heart there. But now it is ok and under control and Wednesday he will be able to leave. He is very impatient and becomes a little aggressif when the things do not move.

That is a good sign that he is doing better. lol I will let you know when I have more news.

      Lynn
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on August 06, 2014, 08:25:28 AM
Hi there,

Well, I guess I am back, at least that what I think.....lol

I just got out from the hospital yesterday evening after a few weeks of being in the worst place one can imagine. I am still quite confused, taking strong painkillers and other medication to keep me alive.

Here's the story and reason why I have been gone for so long (as if it interests someone). A few weeks ago I had a severe heartstrok, my third one and yet the worst. I ended up in Emergency being operated with two "by-passes". Ouch.
The operation went well and the heart is now beating as normal as one could wish for. After 4 days a severe pain in my leg announced a serious infection (streptococcus) which announced on its side a possible amputation. Oh my.........

Well , with very high fever, loaded with pills and injected liquids of all kinds I actually survived this.....lol. Surprise to the Doctor that I didn't loose my leg, since the infection wa under control all of sudden.

Now.....I am tired, I am tired in the physical sense and also in the psychological way....and geeez, I was tired of eating that "fake" food in the hospital.

All this and I am now on new pills, new diet, especially watching my gluccose and colesterol and lol....vacation. Yap, me no do notting for next 3 months...What?..... Nothing!.

Am I glad to see my computer.....lol.....That is better than all the morphine that I received in the hospital. Amazing how one can so easily be independant of a piece of electronic......

Anyways, I am fine.....I think.....and I will be back regularily with the days to come. One thing I missed a lot also, is my bed, which I will abuse a little in the next days. ;)

Thanks for all the all the get-well-wishes, I think they worked and thanks to my beloved wife (Lynn) for having replaced me in so many ways at home. Good to be back on my "own" legs. ;)

Fred
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: vortext on August 06, 2014, 08:51:53 AM
Good the see you back Fred and in relative good health too, i.e. with both legs still attached. Jeez, that must have been a scary prospect.. .

Take it easy over the next few weeks to get back on your feet.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: compdude787 on August 06, 2014, 09:38:02 AM
That must have been quite an ordeal for you, Fred! I'm glad that you're feeling better and out of the hospital! ;D
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on August 06, 2014, 10:19:28 AM
Hi Fred, that was not the easiest time in your life. I am glad you came through and that they did not pull your leg.
Have a good rest and when you feel like it we will see new props coming our way?
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on August 06, 2014, 05:01:40 PM
Quote from: FrankU on August 06, 2014, 10:19:28 AM
feel like it we will see new props coming our way?


u bet!!! I've got all the time now.......lol

Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: HappyDays on August 21, 2014, 10:20:24 PM
You old guys are hard to kill off. :p

I'm glad for it, though, trust me.
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on August 22, 2014, 12:42:43 AM
Quote from: HappyDays on August 21, 2014, 10:20:24 PM
You old guys are hard to kill off. :p

I'm glad for it, though, trust me.

Old?.....lol...who is old here?


Fred
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on October 26, 2014, 07:36:41 PM
Well, before anyone thinks that I died off, I might as well leave some news of what happened lately.

As most of you know I wasn't feeling to well earlier this spring and during summer I had a few serious problems with my heart, which had some operations with severe complications in July and August. Even September was not the best feeling days I had.

By the end of September and beginning of October I started to get better, slowly but surely, often tired and worn out though, but I guess that is the years that followed all the problems. Then a few weeks ago we had the yearly silage harvest. 82 acres of it, which I mostly watched from far away. Oh man, was I feeling like ripping of the steering of one of my hired hands to drive one of these tractors, but health didn't quite allow me, nor was I a little too weak to do this.

Since a week I went back to the computer and my gmax. I didnt do much though, just getting my memories freshed up and find out where I stopped for the MFP1 project and where I put all those models on my computer (Geeeez, why do I have soooo many of them?). It will take me some time to get used to the program too, I seem to have forgotten a few things how they work.....lol.

Today I was busy elsewhere, but this evening I snooped around again and got some things organized for a good start later this week.
Not very much is left to be done on most of the MFP1 models, but there are still little adjustments, some adding and some deleting to do here and there. I also have to adjust and/or change some textures as on the picture below, the cement walls of the drive through silo and also the silage which is still a little too green, then the shed, I will have to shorten the front roof a little, so we can partially have a look inside of it. Things like this, I will be doing in the next weeks.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fs10.postimg.org%2Fm56ug4rmx%2Fimage.jpg&hash=70445f010ee932f77fa4a743921c266a0a10d725)

I will also send some files that are soon ready to FrankU, so he can test and use them, another set, the fourth I think.

Here are some pictures of this weekend's harvesting on my farm and as soon as they were finished yesterday, the snow geese took posession of these acres. The harvest of everything is finished now, nothing left than to bring in the cows when it snows and feed them during the next 4 to 5 months before they can go out again.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fs30.postimg.org%2Fvhnqek5s1%2Fharvest2014.jpg&hash=17822fcfef5d38e5b0fe3d49f682a693d1259fb0)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fs3.postimg.org%2F4r19yf3sj%2Fharvest2014_4.jpg&hash=b110eeeec003134ddb804368825739c486d0d560)

My loghome buissness office is quiet  at the moment (without me) and I gave most of the "power" to one of my followers, I only present myself on mondays and talk to the older customers (which are used to me) when they want to, and of course when the gang needs me (which strangey doesn't happen to often.....lol). The designing of loghomes from my side will not start for the next 4 to 6 months and I am not sure if I will ever go back fulltime. Time to retire, I think, and take a bite out of life more often and have , what I love most, some fun! ;)

So, here I am back onto SC4 modeling, you will hear from me a little more from now on. Let's finish this gigantic farmproject.

Fred

Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: Vizoria on October 27, 2014, 04:29:41 AM
Glad to hear you are better.

And your mega farm project looks amazing!
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: carlfatal on October 27, 2014, 05:19:25 AM
What did I had to read? That sounded horrible! Fred, personal health is most important in life, and so the first thing I wish you is to recover completely. And to see you becoming active in modelling again looks like a big step into a good direction.  :thumbsup:

Away from that: very nice models again, your Coop here is one of the most interesting projects for me, although I wasn´t active some time. Keep it on!  &apls &apls
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: vortext on October 27, 2014, 11:16:57 AM
A relieve to hear you're back in decent health Fred! And great you're getting back into this awesome project of course! Your CML holds true!   :)
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on December 13, 2014, 06:56:32 PM
Ok, to make a story short: 2 years ago I bought some land in NZ, a small strip inland at some mountain foot and after my heart operation, I thought a lot about it and what I could do with it. Well in October I decided to build my own loghome there and make something like a "summer retreat" with it. Since I live in Quebec/Canada, winter arrives here at the same time as summer in NZ, qand besides there's nothing like NZ once you started loving it.
So that is what is keeping me busy since the last two months. Two weeks ago I was really decided to finish the MFP1 before christmas, but then some problems appeared with the foundations of our new NZ summer retreat and I had to fly over again. The problem was quickly solved and corrected and I took a few days more to enjoy the warmth of the weather there, while here in Canada it was cold, wet and snowing.

Ok now. This morning I was going to render the last of the third MFP1 set, the silos and all of sudden a tiny explosion was heard from my living room in my office where I have my game 'puter. What the heck, I thought, I went in and holy smoke, something smelled like burnt wiring.
Well, my powerbox in my computer got overheated and blew up. The reason was probably the dust that accumulated within its fan and which was quite visible too when I looked more for the trouble.......hm, I must have forgotten to  clean it more than once.

Anyways, since I think that nothing happened to my Harddrive, all my files should be ok,(hope) but for the moment I can't finish rendering the silosets.

While waiting for my son to come down from Montreal and repair the computer, I started continuing with the fourth MFP1 set, the sheds on my laptop. Only a few models left to finish and then be rendered by the PC, once fixed.(Laptop is not powerful enough to do the rendering) I will be more regular on this project now, until it is finished and this hopefully before January ends. So I will continue to show some of my models back in this thread again while working on them.

Below is a small cementbrick like structure good for a tractor or two with wooden "flap"doors. Hope you like it. I will make another model tomorrow. ;)

Fred

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fs21.postimg.org%2F6yx4e7a6v%2Fmachineryshed.jpg&hash=90614c7532dc50599334c2afb73b58c206829ebc)

Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: Fasan on December 14, 2014, 01:01:45 AM
Very, very great Work!  &apls
I would like in my Landscapes
block in Krokanien. There are all waiting for Farmers
this MFP-, Silos- and Sheds-Accessory.
I love her Work! Just great!  :thumbsup:

Many greetings Fasan  ;)
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on December 14, 2014, 05:42:36 AM
Oh, Fred!

Please, don't let it happen that you lose all the files that you have been working on the last two years! You keep backups, don't you?

The shed is good. As you know I am kind of picky about the materials: I prefer red or brownish brick, green or dark grey corrugated steel and sheet pilings (not sure this is the right word), maybe some dark brown or black painted wood for older sheds, red rooftiles and that kind of Dutch materials. But I am certain you know that and use these too for several sheds?

Great work!

And I wish you a lot of success with your summer home, or should we call it winter retreat? In New Zealand.
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: Jack_wilds on December 14, 2014, 03:06:01 PM
luv teh progress...   :thumbsup:

here is hoping that all is still okay on the HD and recoverable...
plus hoping  :popcorn: that the plan to finish all the sets before end of Jan comes true,
with a LEX AG-Day...
perhaps a Feb 1st for my B-day...  :bnn:
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on December 14, 2014, 03:51:04 PM
Well, I think that there is no loss whatsoever on my harddrive, besides, I have back-ups on DVD's, maybe not the latest models, but I overwrite my Back-up DVD every two to three weeks. I learned my lesson well a few years back, whwn I lost hundreds of hrs of work.
So, no problem and no worries there.

I made another machinery shed today, with the materials (textures) that Frank likes more ( ;) ). This is a open-type shed and I will have the full model (shown below) and the empty one that can be filled with any other or own props, available in the set.

I will create another one tomorrow, while waiting for the next weekend when my eldest son will come down to the farm and get the gaming computer powerbox changed or repaired.

Fred

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fs8.postimg.org%2Fe1jgcuxfp%2F2322.jpg&hash=868164feaff535d0051ed875ce61cfeb0079bc26)

Sorry for the poor quality of the picture since I accidently rendered the image in low resolution. I will have a better picture up soon.
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: Vizoria on December 14, 2014, 04:10:12 PM
Great work! This is going to make SC4 farming so much more awesome when you release this MFP set!
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on December 14, 2014, 06:57:07 PM
Thanks Vizoria...


Here is the same model as above without anything inside. This way you will be able to fill the shed with farmstuff and machinery props of your choice when making lots.

I would like to mention here that every model shown or not shown will exist in different colours or different textures, at least 2 if not 3. Only small different details (besides textures) are added on each model.
For example like the model above and below will also exist in red and will have two windows on the sides and another one will be dark grey and have no sidewalls...etc.

Another model tomorrow.....

Fred

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fs29.postimg.org%2Fnh3x3ezqv%2F2378.jpg&hash=537f70fb94f502c3ac8aa64169fda0ebd14f6e82)
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on December 14, 2014, 11:32:14 PM
Great work Fred!

Low or high quality resolution of your images: we can see enough to know that is is fantastic work.
This will mean some serious relotting for my farms, and maybe deletion of one or two dependencies. We'll see what comes out.

Good luck!
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: jmyers2043 on December 15, 2014, 05:14:11 AM
Hello from South Carolina, Fred.

Really nice looking shed! textures are good and I like how you did the metal sides. Have a great Christmas.

Jim

Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: Simcoug on December 15, 2014, 08:11:01 AM
Quote from: jmyers2043 on December 15, 2014, 05:14:11 AM
Hello from South Carolina, Fred.

Really nice looking shed! textures are good and I like how you did the metal sides. Have a great Christmas.

Jim

Happy to see you stop by Jim.

And yes, great work Fred.  Can't wait to see the final farm package  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on December 15, 2014, 10:55:44 AM
Thanks guys, I will be back later tonight with a new model, that is if I don't have another visit from a friend like late last night.....lol

Hey Jim, great to see you again, missed ya. ;) Got some snow down there yet?

Fred


Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on December 15, 2014, 05:36:48 PM
Well, today I didn't do much, but I was able to finish this little all purpose agricultural shed filled with machinery. I have another of the same model with different texturs and filled with hay and strawbales and an empty one for the LOTter to fill him/herself.
In all, there will be 4 individuals of this specific model. Again, I hope that it will be an interesting and practical addition to the MFP1.

This afternoon I had a good friend of the family drop in and being an amateur computer fan, he had a quick look at my Gaming PC, took out the hard-drive and tested them with a *little thing* he brought along and could be plugged into my wife's computer, and....Woohoo, it is confirmed that the hard-drive has no damage whatsoever. So, everything and all my MFP1 files are in perfect condition. He also agreed that the powersupply box burnt out. The fan jammed solid.
Glad that this is settled.

Not sure if I will be back tomorrow wityh a new model, I have some work in one of the barns (electrical problem with an automatic Ventilator for humidity control), but I will surely have one more in two days.

Fred

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fs12.postimg.org%2F5wn7t1ubh%2Fshed2279.jpg&hash=1b020d9266a85871cb86b94f47119921fa9b24ae)

Edit: I just realized on the picture that the roof pattern does not quite fit. This will be fixed! ;)

Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on December 17, 2014, 09:03:48 PM
Today I finished another shed package of the MFP1 Shed series. And to give you an idea of what I meant earlier by one model with different types, here's a good example of 3 from 4 of this shed. As you can see, there are some differences of textures and also some details, whether re-arranged or added/deleted. All of these have the same footprint though, so ideal to make propfamilies.
The first one is with a "Deutz" Tractor, the second with a Massey Ferguson, the third with a John Deere and the fourth with a New Holland, which gives a great variety of the machinery and the prop.
All these machineries you will see, will be in another set of the MFP1, the MFP1 Machinery and Implement set.

Hope you like this one too.
Be back soon (later this week)

Fred

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fs29.postimg.org%2Fklmdbxtd3%2F2781green.jpg&hash=2910ea9c439e3d121d89864b12efeb7789631b63)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fs13.postimg.org%2F5u3w67g8n%2F2782tole.jpg&hash=03500cf4dbe91e822b92dc4d82ac8c6991285cf9)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fs15.postimg.org%2F950xkmuvf%2F2783_John_Deere.jpg&hash=cdd50e9ed13e9ad6ff93ba9232338851a559d151)

Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on December 23, 2014, 07:27:16 PM
  %%Order?/ Hey ya all, have a Merry Christmas now   :clap: (https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.freesmileys.org%2Fsmileys%2Fsmiley-greet005.gif&hash=dd890acf142ee606b023baff6de914cdb80aabd0)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.freesmileys.org%2Fsmileys%2Fsmiley-greet004.gif&hash=822725113cac83fab4b08dc862a8d14213ae754e)

be back in a few days.........

Fred
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: c.p. on December 23, 2014, 09:44:12 PM
Merry Christmas Fred. :clap:
I love the sheds (I don't now how I missed so many updates ::)).  The roof textures on the "Small All Purpose Shed" are especially nicely done with the rust streaks.  The variations with the different machinery is a good idea too.
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP - Stage 6; the heritage lots
Post by: FrankU on January 08, 2015, 07:36:26 AM
While mrbisonm, aka Fred, is finishing his silo props I spent some time with my set of Farms Stage 6; the Heritage lots.
If you want to grow these lots you need CAM, because SPAM nor vanilla SC4 support Stage 6 farm lots.
Maybe, just maybe, I will consider to add ploppable versions of these lots to the set....

Anyway, here we go.
Some of them you may have seen before, but I present you the whole set: 5 lots.

Cemetery Wezenveld
A war memorial cemetery with a modern church. The cemetery is dedicated to the soldiers who died for the sake of freedom of SIMcontiment in the last terrible war. Read your history books for details (maybe I'll make some up for the ReadMe when the set is being released, but don't count on it).
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farm%2520Lots%2520-%2520growables%2FMonumentlots-Wezenveld_zpsda98f079.jpg%7Eoriginal&hash=0049ac3effe0038eded380c60cf64401b8fb1936)

The Old lime kilns
The old lime kilns had been standing around in the forest without any activities for thiry years. Some ten years ago a group of enthousiastic heritage lovers from you City decided the remains should be kept for their historic significance. They succeeded in persuading their mayor to invest some funds for restoring the buildings and making a small shop with a watchtower for visitors. A parking lot was made. A farmer  was willing to herd his sheep and keep an eye on the lot. And here we are!
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farm%2520Lots%2520-%2520growables%2FMonumentlots-Oudekalkovens_zps09770b46.jpg%7Eoriginal&hash=12d14577535de543418566f8140bebbb53e1ed8c)

Manor Borgelerhof
The manor derives from the 19th century. About twenty years ago the owner started breeding horses and built a riding school. And here we are!
If you like, you can send your daughter or son to learn riding.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farm%2520Lots%2520-%2520growables%2FMonumentlots-Borgelerhof_zps11028779.jpg%7Eoriginal&hash=da0e2d7475c6ad483a746ec9e73a7c70d8ece094)

Manor Kranenkamp
This manor was built by an enormously rich industrial entrepreneur. He was very important for the industrial development of the area in the second half of the 19th century. And he wanted to show it in his house.
The house is surrondend by lush gardens. The farmlands beyond them are kept by the farmers who live in the small farm houses in the lower right corner of the lot.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farm%2520Lots%2520-%2520growables%2FMonumentlots-Kranenkamp_zps9504240e.jpg%7Eoriginal&hash=8ac284beff6889981eaf002e9fcffc4d3f525558)

Conference center De Horst
The conference center started in the small meeting room in old huntig lodge.
In the 1950 it grew and grew and soon enough the whole lodge was used as conference center. In the 1960ies an external addition was built: the green glass conference room just behind the parking area. In the 1970ies the type of conferences changed: it became customary to organise retreat weekends and conferences that took more than one day. So there was a request for places to stay. And therefore the third building on the lot was erected. A typical 1970ies apartment complex.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farm%2520Lots%2520-%2520growables%2FMonumentlots-DeHorst_zps6f58575c.jpg%7Eoriginal&hash=a415f3ab9e8eb4093cee8332d5e7af40b538f826)

Please comment!
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: vortext on January 08, 2015, 10:21:39 AM
First of I think ploppable versions would be a great addition if it isn't too much work. Stage 6 farms take quite a lot effort to grow and not everyone uses the CAM. In other words, it'd be a shame if only a few people were able to use them. And since these are technically farms, I wonder what kind of fields do you plan to attach to them? Especially since some of the lots have rear entrances it may look weird. Or one could just dezone the field after they've grown of course. At any rate, here my comments per lot.

Cemetery Wezenveld - great lot, don't change a thing!
The Old lime kilns - meh, something is off. Maybe it's the sheep, maybe I'd expected more from the restoration. .
Manor Borgelerhof - excellent as well!
Manor Kranenkamp - hm, no, sorry to say this is my least favorite. The 'small' farmer house takes up way too space imho and the lush garden isn't that lush. Maybe expand on the formal garden in the backside instead, more or less like the cemetery, e.g straight driveway, near symmetrical garden lay-out with fountains, hedges, statues, etc. .
Conference center De Horst - the concept is good but I dunno. . The three main structures just don't go together all that well imho. Especially the apartment complex. . it's too dominant and distracting. Maybe some type of small cottages would be better suited for overnight arrangements.

All things considered it's great lotting though!  :thumbsup:

Final note but since you don't play anymore I wonder who's gonna test these lots to see if they actually grow? Or do you happen to have a large region laying around for that purpose. 
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: Catalyst on January 08, 2015, 12:26:00 PM
It would definitely be great if you made ploppable lots, otherwise these beautiful lots probably will not be used as much as they should.

Cemetery looks great, maybe you could add a few people, or a janitor walking around with a wheelbarrow.
The Old lime kilns does look a bit empty. Some signs with information for tourists and shrubs around the back of the building might be good.
On Manor Borgelerhof I agree with Vortex, it looks great!
I don't like the bright texture of the Manor Kranenkamp back-patio. The area with the farm buildings is very nice though.
The conference center I generally like, and again I agree with vortex: the 3rd building doesn't fit in very well, a little more vegetation would be nice. The glass conference box I like however.

there you have some comments ;-)
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: c.p. on January 09, 2015, 09:04:27 AM
Ploppables would be great, especially for the cemetery.  I like all of the lots, except the Old Kiln, which seems too drab.  I love Manor Kranenkamp, except for the garden with the maxis flowers.  Also, I agree that the apartment complex doesn't fit the conference center lot well.  Other than that, I'd say these are very nice large lots. :thumbsup:
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on January 10, 2015, 07:55:51 AM
All right!

Thanks Vortex, Catalyst and c.p.

When I have a bit more time I'll go into all of your replies, but I'd like to say the following already now:

1. Also on Simpeg I got requests for ploppables lots. So consider them part of the set when it will be released. You know that it will take some time, because this set is meant as an add-on to the Stage 1-5 set of Dutch Farms that can be released not earlier than that Fred has finished his props set.
Anyway a question remains: shall I release the lots as pure eyecandy without any effects, or is it useful to add I-R jobs? I do not want to spoil the mechanics of the game, but on the other hand I'd like my lots to have some kind of effect... Can anyone give me professional advice on this? I'm not very good at game mechanics.....

2. Indeed, the formal garden of Kranenkamp is a bit.... shall I say Maxis? I'll do some changes.

3. People on the lots.... yeah. I totally forgot!

4. Testing... Well I do have an old region lying around on my HD somewhere....
But if any of you likes to test growth of the lots? Stage 7 is coming too, so I can send them to you already. PM me if you feel like it.

Other remarks will be replied to later on, hopefully this weekend.
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on January 10, 2015, 09:59:01 AM
Me too, I like ploppables and do not use CAM neither. Nice lots, Frank.

Right now, we are going to Cuba for 10 days, so working on the MFP1 is not possible. After the heavily occupied days of Christmas and New Years, we need a retreat in the sun. In Canada/Quebec this morning , it was -32C, something like -48C with the windchill factor.

Glad we are leaving.lol

I will be back next week or so.

Fred
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on January 11, 2015, 06:28:22 AM
I promised to reply a bit more. I meant mainly as an answer to the criticism about the Conference Center.

As you probably know I try to reconstruct a bit of the haphazardness of real life in my lots. The game is an utopia where you can make whatever you like and most of us tend to make nice things that fit together well. In real life not everyone is interested in harmony as much as we do. Most people just do what feels good at the moment. Sometimes without a lot of thinking. Sometimes also in real life people think a lot about why they do things in a certain way and they do really care about how things will look together in the end.
But if you look at a project ten, twenty, thirty years later you find yourself thinking: why did we think that looked good in those years? It's ugly!
And all those things and considerations, coincidences, accidents, and even downright stupidities I would like to show in some way in my lots. Therefore you find beautiful historic farm houses with ugly contemporaty sheds (once Fred is going to release his...).

And in the case of Conference Center De Horst you find the results of a certain development.
The house has been buit by a rich person a long time ago. Later it was not a house for living anymore, and became a conference house (probably due to lack of funding). Then space began to come short. An addition was needed. In the sixties we built modernist rectangular glass facades with minimal details and materials. That is the frist extra building. It clearly is a cheap Mies van der Rohe rip off.
In the late seventies it was decided that a hotel accomodation was needed. In those years a certain structuralist architecture was in fashion. Structuralism means that you make a large building not as one large object, but as a series of smaller objects in order to maintain a small human scale. That architecture looked like the BAT I added in the back of the lot.
It is a Tag_one BAT by the way.

It is possible that nowadays we think the combination is ugly or a bad fit... The architects and clients in the late seventies thought not. They liked it. And whose opinion is more correct? Nobody can tell.

And if you think that I made this all up I show you some real conference centers:

First of all the real De Horst.
Address: De Horst 1, 3971 KR Driebergen-Rijsenburg
Here you find an aerial  (http://binged.it/14J4rpn)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farm%2520Lots%2520-%2520growables%2Fconferencecenters-DeHorstlucht_zpsf2408678.jpg%7Eoriginal&hash=045ddfa50cc929267fbb5246c42e61fdf0f0d3c7)

I have no images of the buildings themselves, but in the aerial you can see there are several buildings of very different styles on the premises.
By the way: in the fifties it was a college. My parents studied and met each other there. So it is a very important place for me. And when I visited it somewhere in the eighties I remember there was some kind of not too posh apartment complex for the students. Probably torn down by now.

Hotel Conference Center Landgoed Zonheuvel
Address: Amersfoortseweg 98, 3941 EP, Doorn
An aerial (http://binged.it/14JaXfK)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farm%2520Lots%2520-%2520growables%2Fconferencecenters-Zonheuvellucht_zps19b7a401.jpg%7Eoriginal&hash=258929f9111c21ea8e701f03f6f302f6810c8667)

The house
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farm%2520Lots%2520-%2520growables%2FZonheuvel1_zps9fd00213.jpg%7Eoriginal&hash=f9f028e9745a1b8500e07f3a0d90f2ad9efa251e)

The hotel
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farm%2520Lots%2520-%2520growables%2FZonheuvel2_zps18eb0868.jpg%7Eoriginal&hash=9f6ce361dc06a36e44ec6290283616791b7ecb25)

And Hotel Restaurant Sallandse Heuvelrug
Address: Burgemeester Knottenbeltlaan 77, 7461 PA, Rijssen

An aerial (http://binged.it/14J2HMT)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farm%2520Lots%2520-%2520growables%2Fconferencecenters-SallandeHeuvelruglucht_zpse9bfe763.jpg%7Eoriginal&hash=516c57bad6e823f1e3a600ce1c036f96109df061)

An image of the nice front
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farm%2520Lots%2520-%2520growables%2FSallandseheuvelrugrijssen_zpsb430690a.jpg%7Eoriginal&hash=9463f4e832334f3f2cf721b46f3f874942d49a23)

Somewhere in the back (they say it's the same location, but I cannot find this shape in the aerial...)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farm%2520Lots%2520-%2520growables%2FSallandseheuvelrugrijssen2_zpsd492375c.jpg%7Eoriginal&hash=c928eb63dd91b0143f9f07cc4ac14fabea5769a1)

You see that not all buildings fit too well.
If you study the aerials you can see by the shapes, sizes and roofs that there are very different old an new additions on the premises of the centers.

So please.... I hope I convinced you that the choice of props was not too bad.
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: romualdillo on January 11, 2015, 12:06:24 PM
I like the concept, and I think you've done a good job. It's very difficult to do a succesful lot with so many different parts. Perhaps the problem is the transition beetween zones, for example I find Manor Borgelerhof almost perfect, De Horst Conference center is a step under, Manor Kranenkamp and The Old Lime kilns need more work (Perhaps the distance between buildings, perhaps the transition between zones are too hard). If I lived in Manor Kranenkamp I would have planted some trees to hide the view of the working area. It's only my opinion, I'm from a different country and some things are done in a different way. Anyway, keep the good work!!!  :thumbsup:

P.S.: The Cemetery is perfect!! I like it a lot!!
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: c.p. on January 12, 2015, 07:48:03 AM
For me, the apartment complex on the conference center lot was jarring, not because of the architecture, but because it seems to have different lighting than the other buildings (i.e. it is super-bright compared to the others).  But maybe when placed amidst of a city of varied buildings that wouldn't be so noticeable. :-\
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: vortext on January 12, 2015, 09:50:24 AM
Yes, it's quite bright indeed. And maybe cp is on to something else too. The apartment complex is quite obviously intended for an urban environment. I mean, regardless whichever style was fashionable surely the architect would have had the hotel / resort function in mind as well while making plans for an extension.

Also, compared to the RL pics of conference buildings it may actually be Gascooker's lodge which is out of place as it's quite a distinct UK styled building. In other words maybe another main building would make for a more coherent lot?  &Thk/(

That said, the concept itself is solid, no remarks on that.  :)
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on January 13, 2015, 12:19:22 AM
Uhhh, yeah well. You got me there c.p. and Vortex!

First of all I am indeed trying to use as much Dutch or Dutch looking buildings as I can find.
Second: I have an enormous list of dependencies already for my Stage 1 up to 5 farms and I added quite a lot other models for the Stages 6, and upcoming 7. I do not want to make the list much longer.

Meaning: I liked the Tag_One building although indeed it is quite a bit urban. It's the only model in the whole SC4 community (as far as I have found) that has this kind of architecture. And then.... First the lot had another building, a Haarlemmergold classicist model with a modern expansion, but I used it in already in my Dutch replacement of the courthouse reward. So it seemed a bit stupid to use the same BAT for this purpose. Don't you agree?

So then I thought: even in the Netherlands sometimes people build things that look a bit British and I had this Gascooker lodge and I figured I'd use it.....
And I felt like using this rock of bricks for the hotel accommodation.... and then I had this lay out and so I put it together.

I must confess that I really even did not see the lighting thing that you talk about and frankly I am not such a perfectionist so I'd like to keep neglecting that. And then, with this long list of dependencies, another extra one would not bother much, wouldn't it?

Hmmm, I'll reconsider....  :-\
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on January 13, 2015, 02:07:31 PM
All right. Anyway. Hmmm....

Tonight I had a bit of spare time, about two hours, and I redid the Kranenkamp.

Earlier this weekend I tried to add some kind of formal "French baroque" garden to the house, like in Borgelerhof. But first of all it did not succeed and secondly it would be a remake of the Borgelerhof. Then I decided to keep it an English landscape style park, just what c.p.'s textures are made for, plus the terrace behind the house. In order to let the texture fit to the white path around the house model I decided to use the texture you see. It is a bit white, although less than the Maxis texture I used before, and all in all I think it is a good combination.

I also made the garden more lush by adding shrubs and a lot of flowers.

The terrace behind the house is surrounden by SG's flower props that I had shrunken (with Model Tweaker! Where whould I be without it? Cogeo:  ()flower() ) already for my Magna Rosa farm field. It's much better in proportion this shrunken prop, don't you think?

And then I removed the garden house and placed a folly of "antiquity temple remains". It was fashionable in the time of romanticism at the beginning of the 19th century (before the English garden was invented, if I am correct) to add romantic scenery like an "antique" temple, or even better: "ruins" of an "antique temple". All made anew during the laying down of the garden, so nothing really old. It gives a nice touch doesn't it?

Oh, yeah: I removed the large shed form the farm and surrounded it by a lot of shrubbery.

You like it better?

Kalkovens and Conference Center are next.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farm%2520Lots%2520-%2520growables%2FMonumentlots-Kranenkampv2a_zps3ed98651.jpg%7Eoriginal&hash=5bc8b667ce17895870256d50396262b2045cae05)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi277.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk63%2FFrankU_bucket%2FDutch%2520Farm%2520Lots%2520-%2520growables%2FMonumentlots-Kranenkampv2b_zps684f5431.jpg%7Eoriginal&hash=4c3788f7a0e04cbd2ac54fc4eb17483552ad8572)
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: pxljce on January 14, 2015, 12:52:17 AM
 &apls That looks great! So much detail and beautifully composed. Kinda liked the first version also but now that I see this in comparison...

Busy adding CAM (a week of downloading and installing and counting) for the first time ever in preparation to use them in my cities when this project is complete.  $%Grinno$%
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: c.p. on January 15, 2015, 07:40:32 AM
Much better than the maxis flowers :D

Also, for the conference center, maybe just test it in the context of the overall city, rather than in isolation.  In an environment of diversely-rendered buildings, the differences in brightness of those buildings might not be a problem at all ()what()
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on January 16, 2015, 12:39:52 AM
@ pxljce
Thank you!
Yes, downloading CAM and some lots for it takes a lot of time. But it's worth it.

@ c.p.
Yeah, well. Indeed. The Maxis flowers are a pain in the bottom/backside of my torso. And the Maxis texture was too white. This is much better indeed.
The conference center is meant as a stage 6 farm, remember, not for urban areas, but in between my forest farm field. So I don't know. I'll see if I have other props available for an apartmentcomplex that fits better. No extra dependencies for it. If not, I'll leave as is. It is my lot after al, isn't it?

Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: gn_leugim on January 16, 2015, 08:46:18 AM
Great job so far Frank.  &apls

And I am still waiting on those farm props  :popcorn:  :P
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on March 02, 2015, 02:09:34 PM
I have been on the MFP1 project on and off for the last month, mostly for health reasons, but I have very good news today. The sheds and Silo props are finally finished, and many of them are already rendered. The rest will be done starting tomorrow.
I must mention that these two different sets are the biggest of the whole MFP1 Project. I have lost count to be honest, but I will be very picky when the time comes to ship these two sets to Frank. Not all of them will make it tp the Master LOTter. This will be chosen when testing the models ingame after rendering and just before sending them for lotmaking.

Sheds are divided in several groups,

- Machinerysheds
- Hay and Straw sheds
- Storagesheds
- Open Sheds
- Silagesheds
- Manuresheds, both liquid and solid
- Workshops

...and some others. Silos also will be in different categories, such as,

- Open sky Goundsilos, covered , empty or filled
- Vertical Silos
- Haysilos
- Grainsilos
- Corndrying silos
- Chaff silos
- Shedsilos will be found in the shed set

...and more. These models have more details than the mainbuildings and are of course better built and textured. I have gathered a lot of experience in both modeling and texturing in the last months.

Some sheds and silos might find their way to the Upload section of SC4Devotion and Simtropolis a little later on as an Add-on set, maybe even including some remastered mainbuildings.

I have no time nor any moods at this moment to make pictures of all the models which is bigtime timetaking, like I did with the Mainbuildings, so.....this is what I will do for now. You already have seen some of the models, just figure, all of them were more or less improved.

I will finish rendering the models in the next days/weeks, which will be a lot easier for me than modeling them, which is quite tiring for my health. Then I will concentrate on the machinery and the implement set, which are the ones left to finish.
Meanwhile, Frank will be able to start his farm lots, while I will find the time to make the pictures sets for all the sheds, silos and implements/machinery.

I will of course show some of my work here and there, so you will have at least an idea on what I am working, maybe even asking for some advice on some tractor models and modern machinery of which ones are more desired than others.

So, here is a small shot of a machinery shed for the moment, I might have a hayshed tomorrow and another one after, while I render the models and making good use of lost waiting time.

Hope you enjoy and be a still  a little more patient....it's getting there. Only one more set to finish and one and a half sets to render.

Oh, btw, the first MFP1 North-American Farm will be uploaded as a 100th Million Growable Stage 4 Lot and LM onto Simtropolis, later this week and after my interview as one of the first uploaders to the Stex.
This lot will be fully functional and also be a preview of the North-American farm lots that I will be doing later this fall.

Have Fun with Nexis.......

Fred


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fs21.postimg.org%2Fibbtyi793%2Fmachshednexis.jpg&hash=719e56f4e1a376ae00567d2d6729404cf77cf5b7)
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: Jack_wilds on March 02, 2015, 03:07:29 PM
progress is always a good thing... and when its good; its even better...   :popcorn:  watching the progress
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on March 03, 2015, 06:30:17 PM
While waiting for the render of models, I made some pics and organized my files a little more, so that Frank will not get lost with them....

Btw.....Could anyone please tell me why the freaking process to render is so darn long? Some of my models take hours to render, althouhgh my gaming computer is not that weak.

Here is one of maybe 7 or 8 haysheds that I have made, no, which will be included in the set, used for storage of hay and straw and bales. Most of them are open, but I have two, I think, that have at least one wall.

Fred

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fs10.postimg.org%2F4ksmsgggp%2F132322.jpg&hash=f777d641ff4964cd618656c17edf6c17dc1beafc)
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on March 03, 2015, 11:31:19 PM
Good work Fred!

I'm already slowly bringing my computer to working temperature...
Relotting time is coming!
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on March 10, 2015, 09:15:28 AM
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fthumbs.dreamstime.com%2Fz%2Frolls-plastic-drainage-pipe-26276813.jpg&hash=59151601d3738b32ccfc50f515dcba3ef2d0c4f7)


Going nuts here trying to find out how to create a bunch of drainpipes with gmax like this. Could anyone please help with an idea? Thanks.

Fred
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: gn_leugim on March 12, 2015, 02:26:04 AM
hey Fred, those bats look awesome. I would only tune down a bit the white floor on that green shed, I believe it is a bit too bright and white ;)
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on March 18, 2015, 08:16:54 AM
Quote from: gn_leugim on March 12, 2015, 02:26:04 AM
hey Fred, those bats look awesome. I would only tune down a bit the white floor on that green shed, I believe it is a bit too bright and white ;)

Thanks, I rendered that model and tried it ingame and found that you're right about the lightness of the flooring, so I will take care about this.Thanks for the observation. I also changed the roof texture, didn't like the repetitive look.

At the moment everything is on a stand-still because of some minor, but very annoying health problems. (Cold / Flu) I should be back within a week or so.

Fred
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on March 19, 2015, 01:14:42 AM
Health wishes form the Netherlands!
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: gn_leugim on March 19, 2015, 08:29:19 AM
I hope you get better soon ;)

If you want, I can teach you some photoshop tricks I use to reduce the repeatness like the one you find on the roof. although I don't used them for  long time, as "now" I make my textures from scratch, I think I can still remember them ;)
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on March 19, 2015, 01:03:31 PM
Quote from: FrankU on March 19, 2015, 01:14:42 AM
Health wishes form the Netherlands!

Thanks, it is nothing much though, just annoying.....I should be back on my feet by next week.

Quote from: gn_leugim on March 19, 2015, 08:29:19 AM
I hope you get better soon ;)

If you want, I can teach you some photoshop tricks I use to reduce the repeatness like the one you find on the roof. although I don't used them for  long time, as "now" I make my textures from scratch, I think I can still remember them ;)

Oh, help on this will always be appreciated. I have not yet done much with the present repetivity problems on textures. I usually find a better one. If you got some neat tricks, I will be more than grateful for this. :thumbsup:

Fred
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: gn_leugim on March 22, 2015, 03:06:50 AM
I'll try to prepare a kind of tut where I explain some tricks then.   :thumbsup:
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on March 22, 2015, 09:15:45 AM
Quote from: gn_leugim on March 22, 2015, 03:06:50 AM
I'll try to prepare a kind of tut where I explain some tricks then.   :thumbsup:

Super, much appreciated. I do not use Photoshop, but I use Paint, Gimp and Irfanview most of the time, just if you wanted to know, but I have Photoshop.

Fred
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: cogeo on March 22, 2015, 01:17:54 PM
Hi Fred,

About your drainpipe rolls, sorry if my reply is late, and sorry if what I'm going to propose doesn't finally work, but I'll post it anyway (please take into account that I no longer have SC4+Tools - incl Gmax - installed, so this is just what I can remember).

- In Gmax open the Splines tab; there must be some "spiral" or "helix" spline type there (or it's just the "Arc"?).
- Create such a spline, and play with the parameters (incl Mesh Settings, thickness, repeats, faces and the like) until you get a satisfactory result.
- Add an Edit Mesh (or it's called Mesh Edit?) modifier. This is needed only for making your shape visible in renders; weird, but if you don't put it, it will "magically" disappear.
- Add another Edit Mesh modifier, go to Vertex Editing, select some vertex/-ices, with Soft Selection enabled and given the proper parameters (the central vertex will be "fully selected" the ones around it "progressively less", with the colour progressively changing from red to blue). Then use the move command and drag the selected vertices a little off their original position. This will somehow "deform" your shape (you don't want a "perfect" spiral, do you?).
- Not sure about the material, but you can use a simple colour, with the speculars (shininess) parameters set. This will create a more realistic 3D effect.

Otherwise, just a simple cylinder object, with a different material (texture) around the periphery and the caps. You can deform this object too.

In either case, consider rendering in HD, because the prop is quite small and much of (if not all) the detail will be lost in the render.

Hope this helps
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: gn_leugim on March 22, 2015, 03:39:02 PM
Quote from: mrbisonm on March 22, 2015, 09:15:45 AM
Quote from: gn_leugim on March 22, 2015, 03:06:50 AM
I'll try to prepare a kind of tut where I explain some tricks then.   :thumbsup:

Super, much appreciated. I do not use Photoshop, but I use Paint, Gimp and Irfanview most of the time, just if you wanted to know, but I have Photoshop.

Fred

that is ok, as most things in PS have equivalents in Gimp (as far as I know) ;)
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on March 22, 2015, 07:16:36 PM
cogeo...better late than never. Thanks for the tips, I will surely try this out and maybe even figure it out with your mentions. If not now , then a little later and put the models as an Add-On, which is already planned anyways fro some other things that I have put aside at the moment. I dont think rendering it in HD will be necessay since these rolls are 6 to 8 feet in height, bigger than a tractorwheel. And I will make sure that they will be big enough to show the more important details anyways. Thanks.

Fred
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: gn_leugim on March 25, 2015, 03:58:22 PM
In case of wondering, I haven't forgotten, but not only I'm having less spare time lately, my old PC where I kept my SC4 stuff is having some issues, which are more or less figured out. this weekend most likely I'll input the promised tips :)

just had a slack, and was able to do it :p

So... there are a lot of textures out there in the web for the picking, but to be honest, there are a lot of them that are just not good, or at least, not good at the current form. In my experience, most textures need some additional work to make them worth and (for BAT's case) some more work may be done to further improve the texture's (or model's) quality.

There are a lot of issues that you may find, and each of them have different ways to be dealt with. I have gather a small tutorial about the two I consider the most common and "degrading" problems.

1. Noticeable patterns and seamless textures.

This is one common problem. Lets see this texture I got from the net:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi93.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fl79%2Fgn_leugim%2FImg1_zpsqknnd9wa.png&hash=a595ac4017dfb4105d4e7e05dc5dfa27971fabe8) (http://s93.photobucket.com/user/gn_leugim/media/Img1_zpsqknnd9wa.png.html)

I don't know about you, but I can tell already that this will not look good on a BAT, wanna see for your self? here we go:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi93.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fl79%2Fgn_leugim%2Fimg1_b_zpsl0t3j6rz.png&hash=87a7097a2eef6974af34ebe39d69e96ce6962e8a) (http://s93.photobucket.com/user/gn_leugim/media/img1_b_zpsl0t3j6rz.png.html)

You see, this particular textures has two issues. First, you can see where one ends and the other starts, it has sharp edges and therefore the texture in the overall do not look fluid, continuous, its not seamless, you can see the seams! Not good! Second, the dark patch of tiles repeats itself very regularly, contributing for the seamless-less effect as you can tell by it where one patch of the texture is, one after the other. Oh my eyes hurt! We need to fix this! ASAP!

First, get the texture file in Photoshop (or Gimp or other equivalent, the names of functions may be different there, but I really don't know, so you have to figure out on your own). let's take care of those seams first! Go to filters, others and offset:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi93.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fl79%2Fgn_leugim%2Fstep1_zpso95aomml.png&hash=c44f9d0b20d699a79b29ea689df0f02daf965eb0) (http://s93.photobucket.com/user/gn_leugim/media/step1_zpso95aomml.png.html)

Make sure that the options are set to warping. This makes the image "scroll" on the vertical and/or horizontal axis. As my image is 300x300 I set the offset to 150 on both axis, so now, what was the edge of my texture, is in the middle:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi93.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fl79%2Fgn_leugim%2Fstep2_zps4gmj6b3y.png&hash=d1b165e2fd502a3f15ff66cc4e06a3dadc4f977e) (http://s93.photobucket.com/user/gn_leugim/media/step2_zps4gmj6b3y.png.html)

Now we need to work on that, namely this part highlighted:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi93.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fl79%2Fgn_leugim%2Fstep2.1_zpsbacxb7ve.png&hash=c6bd61cff754e3de9f9e7790fff1fe9a4ed43775) (http://s93.photobucket.com/user/gn_leugim/media/step2.1_zpsbacxb7ve.png.html)

First we have to notice one thing, there is a misfit in the tiles at the centre. there is a half tile colum in the middle, so before all, we are going to select to the left part of it (all the way to the edge) and scale it inwards. repeat to the right side. The trick here is to make sure that both scales are equal and the edge of the tiles line up with each other, removing the seam. Now, search for your "healing brush" and use it on both areas previously highlighted, using as reference a good (or more than one, which is better) of the texture. Try play a bit with brush sizes, references places, etc, to get used to the tool and get the best results. Once finished, you should get something like this:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi93.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fl79%2Fgn_leugim%2Fstep3_zpslouhgryc.png&hash=424ebd3b2188e0057ddc653007e5c9ca99879537) (http://s93.photobucket.com/user/gn_leugim/media/step3_zpslouhgryc.png.html)

And applying it to the bat, this is what we got:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi93.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fl79%2Fgn_leugim%2Fstep3_b_zpsnin5uufl.png&hash=e2a1daed42b0c519a4e685704dd5866de8811ac5) (http://s93.photobucket.com/user/gn_leugim/media/step3_b_zpsnin5uufl.png.html)

The seams are gone, but those dark patches are still killing my eyes and ruining the texture.
Time to grab the healing tool again. Lets see, what can we do? you can use the tool to "replace" the dark areas with light areas, the reverse, or mix a bit of both. While doing this, make sure the edges of the tiles are aligned and using a soft brush will help. Again, be free to play around (the Crtl+Z is such a good friend for this). I end up with this:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi93.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fl79%2Fgn_leugim%2Fstep4_zpsdfbokh8o.png&hash=70885c5d413828d8d724cce066ed31a56dd9eac3) (http://s93.photobucket.com/user/gn_leugim/media/step4_zpsdfbokh8o.png.html)

which looks like this on the BAT:

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi93.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fl79%2Fgn_leugim%2Fstep4_b_zpstdkkmnr7.png&hash=412ad67aeac7a3e2cb71d728612be9d19b065dd6) (http://s93.photobucket.com/user/gn_leugim/media/step4_b_zpstdkkmnr7.png.html)
Doesn't it look much better? And both issues are solved in my opinion ;)

2. Brightness Gradients

This is other often issue found in textures, most of them taken with bad lightning conditions or preparations. Here is a way to address this issue when facing simple textures affected by this problem. By simple I mean textures without much detail except the bumpiness of the surface and so, and with a simple color (like a wall texture or dirt texture)
So, here is an example:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi93.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fl79%2Fgn_leugim%2FImg2_zpssan5lpdu.png&hash=35b13b3873677ee19b28026823ab2c46e0937a92) (http://s93.photobucket.com/user/gn_leugim/media/Img2_zpssan5lpdu.png.html)

You can see that this texture has a corner that is brighter than the rest and other darker. If you apply this texture to the BAT, this is what you get:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi93.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fl79%2Fgn_leugim%2FImg2_b_zpsnezn7kqa.png&hash=fb0524b294b5db7b6b7231606f77d6b9553b563d) (http://s93.photobucket.com/user/gn_leugim/media/Img2_b_zpsnezn7kqa.png.html)

My eyes!!! Just, just, not good! So, how to solve this? For these textures, easy! Open it on PS, and set the offset again (like above). Then go to layers and duplicate the layer.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi93.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fl79%2Fgn_leugim%2Fstep1_2_zpsye7gfo95.png&hash=153c8c6a7efb3adeaa0466c9f55492743d40fba1) (http://s93.photobucket.com/user/gn_leugim/media/step1_2_zpsye7gfo95.png.html)

With the top layer selected, go to filters, other, high pass:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi93.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fl79%2Fgn_leugim%2Fstep2_2_zpsir0ybye2.png&hash=440a26406fede0062000572ebcb94cba03f61962) (http://s93.photobucket.com/user/gn_leugim/media/step2_2_zpsir0ybye2.png.html)
You will then have an option on how the radius. Smaller radius will certainly remove any gradient on brightness for sure, but, will also remove the details of your texture. You will need to find the right balance to remove the gradients and keep the details. Luckily, you have a preview window to help you with that. Press ok. Now, in the same way you did above, use the healing tool to remove the seams and when finished, hide the layer. Select the bottom layer and select the healing brush (if possible set its mode to "replace" instead of "normal"). Using the healing brush, try to make the texture more homogenous (don't worry about details) regarding the color. Try to make it look like the original/good color as much as you can. After, go to filter, blur, average:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi93.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fl79%2Fgn_leugim%2Fstep3_2_zpsumlfrvfo.png&hash=cf5e09307cf26bd7bf26cab2b103fa97501b1502) (http://s93.photobucket.com/user/gn_leugim/media/step3_2_zpsumlfrvfo.png.html)
This will even out the current image. If you did a good work with the healing tool, you can use the Gaussian blur instead (in the same menu), and adjust it to your liking to archive the same effect, without making it whole of the same color. Now, unhide the top layer, set it to "Screen" on blending mode and tcharã!
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi93.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fl79%2Fgn_leugim%2Ffinal2_zps85fi58ss.png&hash=b9634581953491d765527667c2c67c1982bb9dc7) (http://s93.photobucket.com/user/gn_leugim/media/final2_zps85fi58ss.png.html)

And when applied to the BAT:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi93.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fl79%2Fgn_leugim%2Ffinal2_b_zps0gch98r8.png&hash=328a18ea79ed2f4fb2699a3a283e08792f8e4486) (http://s93.photobucket.com/user/gn_leugim/media/final2_b_zps0gch98r8.png.html)

Finnaly, you can use (on the bottom layer, the one with color) some adjustments regarding the color or, apply on the top layer (the one with the details) some contrast, brightness or sharpness adjustments to further improve your texture.

There are more tips I have to show you as well the way to make textures from scratch, which in my opinion, is the best you can do. But that will come in future editions :p

Any questions or doubts, don't hesitate adding me on Skype. If you have none, you can add me anyway ^^ (send me PM for contact info)

-Carlos




Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on March 26, 2015, 09:04:08 AM
OH great, You are the man to remember. This is fantastic work and an excellent tutorial.
I just learned a lot of things and as soon as I am finished studying this and trying it out, I will get onto some serious texture improving.

The only thing is that I might want to redo some older and finished models........oh my.

Thank you so much, I am indeed deep in your dept. This is very much appreciated, much more than I thought it could be.

Your post should be pinpointed somewhere, so it will be available for everyone.

Thank You


Fred
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: gn_leugim on March 26, 2015, 09:47:34 AM
you are welcome  ;)

I hope this improves your (already) good work. Any thing don't be afraid to ask ;)

And like I said, I may add (or edit the original post) more tips I use. But the main thing is, each bat should have its own custom texture made. Not just the seamless texture, but something more, made out from that seamless texture. I will give you more hints on it soon, meanwhile you can search Omnibus in ST or other places for tuts. There is also one (very) unfinished tutorial I started on ST: http://community.simtropolis.com/topic/51698-photoshopgimp-textures-and-your-bat/#entry1290159
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on April 06, 2015, 09:06:43 AM
Thank again gn_leugim, much appreciated. I played around with your tutorial a little and was surrprised of how much one can do with this. This is really amazing to me since I had no idea how to do this and most of the time, I used already ready textures that I found on my models.

I felt like re-doing all the textures on my models but since there are too many, I will only do those that will be new,meaning only about 10 percent of this set will have manipulated textures.

Again, thanks again for this and now I know who to turn to when I have texture questions......lol



-----------------------------------------------------------

Now, the immense silo set was finished rendered last week and the week before and for the next days I will test the props quickly ingame and then, before next weekend, they will be off to FrankU. Meanwhile Frank will be testing them more thouroughly, I will finish rendering the shed and seconday buildings set, which should be reafdy in a very short time, and then again they will be off to FrankU.
Once he will have both of them, while he already has the mainbuilding and manure sets in his posession, he will be ready to start the serious LOTting of all these models. Only one or two smaller, much smaller, sets will then quickly follow to complete the big set.

Once the complete set is in Frank hand's, I will make a list with pictures and description of all the models which will be included in the MFP 1 set and have it shown right here.
So, as I am getting close to the end of all this after all those years, I would like to thank you all for your patience, helps and comments.


Have a Happy Easter.....Frohe Ostern....Joyeuse Paques.

Fred
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: gn_leugim on April 06, 2015, 01:32:33 PM
:D

happy easter to all you too my friends :)

Anyway, yes, sure, you cal always ask. Actualy I was wondering these days, maybe I could to some batting/textures works on video :p
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: Jack_wilds on April 07, 2015, 03:51:15 PM
Happy Easter week... see I ain't late in the sentiment...

liking all the progress    :popcorn:
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on May 23, 2015, 05:30:38 PM
Well, sometimes things don't go too well for a long period of time, and the last 2 years have not been very easy for me at all. There were serious health problems (heart-attack), my new summer home (to void the cold wintermonths here in Canada) in New Zealand, minor family problems (my life with three adult sons), an extremely bad and harsh winter (average of -22C), computer (videocard blew) and gmax problems (rendering problems) and lots of new things and happenings on our farm (new machinery, new watersystems, new manure ladder, new this and that etc).

So, here I am, now on the more or less "retired from architecture", trying to stay alive with these heart, diabetics and asthma problems, and confronting one hell of a storm here in Quebec/Canada this last week on top. We are not used to have toronados (or very strong winds) here and we just had 2 of them nearby and a lot of trees and branches all over our farm. No electricty on the farm this week, my Massey tractor and the generator were running for three days non stop. This is what I have been doing for the last week, cleaning the mess and trying to keep things in order and in one piece. Electricity is back now since thursday night, they said 6 telephone posts were simply broken off at groundlevel, just like matchsticks.

But here's some good news. I just finished rendering the last of the silos, the MFP1 siloset is now ready for a quick test and off to FrankU this coming week (after a quick testing of each model from my part, I wouldn't send him stuff that doesn't show up in the lotmaking program, right?) for the final test and then the placing on his lots.
And......the sheds are about to be ready later this week too. Only the machinery and implements will have to be finalized then. To me, this is Great News........lol. I have been on this for a long time.

Below is the very last silomodel rendered about 30 minutes ago....WOOOHOOOO!!
It is a grainsilo of which I have about 2 dozens of different styles, sizes, details and colours (textures). I will have a complete list of the silos later. Since there are so many, it will take some time to make pics and add a description to upload them. But I will have everything in details with pics before I upload all these sets of the MFP1.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fs28.postimg.org%2Fmvp3v1t0d%2Fgrainsilo112.jpg&hash=174d58947a2de4f9a6610c3a73fdb8889ced2144)

....and this is a preview of what's coming up with the latest of sets. The bales (dozens of different sizes shapes etc) will be in the shed set, ready for next weekend, and the tractor is one of my new machinery models coming after that.

Hope you like..... ;)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fs16.postimg.org%2Frpocc90r9%2Fthings32.jpg&hash=b28921c495d07019edaf73c3cb78bd555c293dc3)

@Frank, you will get this siloset in the next days, as soon as I have tested them quickly, now it is weekend time, with the family and then some more storm clean-up on monday.



Fred
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on May 24, 2015, 11:08:16 AM
Hi Fred,

You certainly had a lot of hard times. There were moments that I feared our project was going to die, but it is still alive and we are going to show all of our friends around here!
But be certain that I support you and as there is nothing I can do, regarding the distance to your home, I just say: good luck with everything and don't get too much stress. It's bad for your health!

Frank

PS: the props look gorgeous, although the wheels under the trailer look a bit odd.
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: TheTeaCat on May 24, 2015, 02:07:30 PM
Hi Fred,

Awesome to hear that things have improved somewhat for you :thumbsup:
Love all that you have done on this project (well the bit we got to see  ;D)
I really like the torn tarp on the hay-bales! that's an awesome little bit of detailing &apls

I don't mind waiting for such quality stuff!

Derry



Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on May 24, 2015, 03:34:07 PM
FrankU, thanks for the good luck wishes. I am an optimist, most of the times and I also know that after a storm there will be some sun. ;)
The wheels on the trailer might look a little weird, but don't worry, you will not be able to see this ingame. The models are too small for such details to show through.

Derry, glad you like my stuff and I can't wait to show it all, there is so much of it......lol. Thanks for commenting, nice to see you again.

Now I have to go and do some BBQ'ing for supper...... :thumbsup:, love that smell already.

Fred
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: Jack_wilds on May 24, 2015, 04:08:53 PM
Fred...

do not know how to adequately respond t the challenges...  &mmm

its harsh yet by His grace U R alive and doing well and for what it is worth have plenty of life to live yet...  I too have endured a harsh time period  ??? ... what I will extend is a simple prayer for His love and goodness in favors to live a fulfilling life; be blessed in His peace and grace... His grace is about the only thing that kept me sane these passed harsh years...

but that move from Canada to teh land of kiwis?  thats a hop...

the tease pics are awesome...  :thumbsup:  can not wait to see what he does with 'em... If U are unable to do american farm lots   &idea I hope there are a few that can step up and do it...

-Jack
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on May 25, 2015, 08:04:59 AM
Quote from: Jack_wilds on May 24, 2015, 04:08:53 PM
Fred...

do not know how to adequately respond t the challenges...  &mmm

its harsh yet by His grace U R alive and doing well and for what it is worth have plenty of life to live yet...  I too have endured a harsh time period  ??? ... what I will extend is a simple prayer for His love and goodness in favors to live a fulfilling life; be blessed in His peace and grace... His grace is about the only thing that kept me sane these passed harsh years...

but that move from Canada to teh land of kiwis?  thats a hop...

the tease pics are awesome...  :thumbsup:  can not wait to see what he does with 'em... If U are unable to do american farm lots   &idea I hope there are a few that can step up and do it...

-Jack


Don't worry Jack, the North-American farmlots will be taken care of for sure, whether only by myself and/or others. I have already started making a few and they will be shown and uploaded by smaller batches and/or packs once the Main MFP1 file and Frank's lots have been finished. There will be so many new "countryprops" that many LOTters won't be able to resist to play in the new sandbox which will open another aspect to the game....Simfarming and Country Life.

I have been playing with a few of these lots already since almost two year, adding a few every month or so......and they work fine and look darn good ingame. And they grow very easily, even with other farmlots in the Plugins Folder. Here are a few sample pics to show what they look like. I am working on a giant lot of Beef cattle raising at the moment, something as big like 4000 cattleheads, giant buildings and manure removal facilities included. The lot isn't ready yet, but I will show as soon as I play it. I am making this as the same model for Farming Simulator.
North-American (Canadian and American) farms will be represented by several categories such as Dairy farms from Ontario and Minnesota, Beef farms from the West-Canadian and the southern US, small family farms, bigger co-op farms and xlarge Farm industries, Beef, Dairy, Porc, Chicken and Geese, Turkeys and poultry, cereals, veggies, orchards and fruits etc, all and more will be there. And then.....there is the MFP2.....lol.... next year.....but that's another story.

There also will be a small Add-on that will add other props (strictly North-American) to these sets. All is planned and will not take as long to finish as this MFP1 set, since most of it is either in ther doing or already done. ;)

Here are some pics to give you an idea of some medium sized farms from around the American Continent (growables) that I have been playing with and will be uploaded as a "North-American Farm" growable lotset. (these lots are not final since many new props are still in the making and will be either replacing others or be added.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fs4.postimg.org%2Ftljhu1pot%2FVN3001_Medium.jpg&hash=b11be156d779fc61d5c2162b33defa5015d06462)
(barn and silos will be tossed over not to be on top of the road texture)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fs28.postimg.org%2Foip7evr0t%2FVN3002.jpg&hash=d8fa8402485e2e5a2335dfb79591d30b526cf979)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fs14.postimg.org%2Fbbpz5nddt%2FVN3003.jpg&hash=60c445651c790283d71cdbcd945b26aa9bbb9a64)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fs27.postimg.org%2F5nplr0g8z%2F4466.jpg&hash=1b5d3e26c4a8be77b6891a695d8c6db4b9d3f110)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fs30.postimg.org%2Fjmcr4644h%2F380.jpg&hash=751853d5c8f8e8aaa291c900c144bf763b428922)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fs29.postimg.org%2Fwdadr942f%2F379_Medium.jpg&hash=1422ca14d7a638f0cbe5fab4a6c33bd029f824b4)

enjoy the preview................


Btw, I am not moving to NZ, but I have built myself a loghome there to spend the cold wintermonths (from end of December to mid-March). After the harsh last two winters, I now hate the cold months here in Quebec where I have my mainresidence and farm.


Fred

Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: dirtguru on May 25, 2015, 08:04:54 PM
Perfect, You guys have nailed it. Well worth the wait! &apls
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: romualdillo on May 27, 2015, 02:51:41 PM
Great work, Fred!!!  &apls  Very detailed work!!
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on July 02, 2015, 11:16:36 AM
While Fred is harvesting and or sewing his crops, I dunno... I did some lotting here and there.
You might remember that I showed the farms stages 1 up to 5 some time ago. They will be finished and probably thoroughly relotted when Fred has sent me his prop stets.

Meanwile I have some time to fool around with the Stage 6 and 7 heritage lots.
The sets are not yet finished, although some lots are.
Just for the fun of it I show you what the state of things is at this very evening, while thunderclaps expel the heat of the day.

Some lots you have seen already:

Landhuis Borgelerhof - stage 6
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi28.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fc208%2FFrankV_Bucket%2FDutch%2520Farms%2520V03%2FDutch%2520Farms%2520Stage%25206%2520en%25207%2520-0001_zpsyybkusup.jpg&hash=b6aaa2e9c718e3dadc3d812b64afb1fb9e374e23)

Huis De Kranenkamp - stage 6
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi28.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fc208%2FFrankV_Bucket%2FDutch%2520Farms%2520V03%2FDutch%2520Farms%2520Stage%25206%2520en%25207%2520-0003_zpsxjsfi2zx.jpg&hash=814d6231fe286d9b85169f05e32f6ba141fe4c08)

Conferentieoord De Horst - stage 6
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi28.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fc208%2FFrankV_Bucket%2FDutch%2520Farms%2520V03%2FDutch%2520Farms%2520Stage%25206%2520en%25207%2520-0009_zpsrzte3usx.jpg&hash=7e7c5f14b235720b989c6f98cb7461b57829c28a)

Begraafplaats Wezenveld - stage 6
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi28.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fc208%2FFrankV_Bucket%2FDutch%2520Farms%2520V03%2FDutch%2520Farms%2520Stage%25206%2520en%25207%2520-0002_zpswti6avzi.jpg&hash=75a5f18399fdeea6eca2013cd4ccb59313248eb4)

Oude Kalkovens - stage 7
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi28.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fc208%2FFrankV_Bucket%2FDutch%2520Farms%2520V03%2FDutch%2520Farms%2520Stage%25206%2520en%25207%2520-0004_zpsrucvmmwj.jpg&hash=b280d04c7f8d29e7ce6d79dd69704396c6054f3d)



This one is finished and new to you

Ruïne Abdij Sion- stage 7
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi28.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fc208%2FFrankV_Bucket%2FDutch%2520Farms%2520V03%2FDutch%2520Farms%2520Stage%25206%2520en%25207%2520-0006_zpsokstl0hm.jpg&hash=732d46394669541f8315cce619b99829f53b8482)



These ones are being worked on

Buurtschap Beerze - stage 7, a kind of open air museum
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi28.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fc208%2FFrankV_Bucket%2FDutch%2520Farms%2520V03%2FDutch%2520Farms%2520Stage%25206%2520en%25207%2520-0007_zpsafntch0w.jpg&hash=b4d4c27a4c75a0032dd21c549c33c0c60ab32c1c)

Klooster Windesheim - stage 7
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi28.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fc208%2FFrankV_Bucket%2FDutch%2520Farms%2520V03%2FDutch%2520Farms%2520Stage%25206%2520en%25207%2520-0005_zpskuov7jji.jpg&hash=da720a1754aaecc3c28104ecf63f812fb79fe2be)



This one is being worked on, but I fear it is not going to make it. Something in the building is not OK.

Kasteel Twickel - stage 7
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi28.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fc208%2FFrankV_Bucket%2FDutch%2520Farms%2520V03%2FDutch%2520Farms%2520Stage%25206%2520en%25207%2520-0008_zpssfkxap7g.jpg&hash=1d0878d0ec1939a8a4e3e3b762234990babc075a)



And these only have a building and a lot size

Kasteel Ooidonk - stage 7
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi28.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fc208%2FFrankV_Bucket%2FDutch%2520Farms%2520V03%2FDutch%2520Farms%2520Stage%25206%2520en%25207%2520-0010_zpskvzclkfc.jpg&hash=c256ac1c8fe1063012ce031b85c0fc958d8a8658)

Huis Waardenburg - stage 6
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi28.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fc208%2FFrankV_Bucket%2FDutch%2520Farms%2520V03%2FDutch%2520Farms%2520Stage%25206%2520en%25207%2520-0011_zpsecsca0nm.jpg&hash=2f935a15fa9316433db2ef372f351d1b6c8a4900)



You like them?

Frank
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: carlfatal on July 03, 2015, 03:18:29 AM
Perfect work on these castles and manor houses!
I know, that in the Netherlands but also in Rheinland and Northern Germany most of them were built outside of villages, and some of youre finished lots reminded me to manor houses I know there around. Really wonderful work. My absolute favorite is de Kranenkamp followed by the cloister farm!  &apls &apls &apls

But also I like the lime kiln, long forgotten industry, and also the lot, that makes problems. Whatever it is, the combination of old walls, towers and later on built houses is stunning!  :thumbsup:

And at least a question: As you commented my region view: I play with the SPAM here, and I know, that your farming project is SPAMMed but looks MUCH MORE better than the original: I am thinking about a new region, (framework houses and so on), and I need only small farms without any building for the start. Would I be able to grow farms by only using your ones without building?

Aah: and before I forget: wonderful new nexis BATs here!  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on July 03, 2015, 06:26:25 AM
Quote from: FrankU on July 02, 2015, 11:16:36 AM
While Fred is harvesting and or sewing his crops, I dunno... I did some lotting here and there.
.

Fred finished sowing his crops and now is enjoying a little vacation (more than little as a matter of fact) in my favourite region of New Zealand. It's almost winter here, but  way out different from Canada. Fresh today, a little rain and sunshine mix and around 15 C, perfect for me and my wife to enjoy the outdoors (nature and climbing), unfortunetly a little too late for hunting....darn

I will be back, having "tanked" a lot of oxygen and all freshly recovered from work and stress in about a week or two and finish the two sets (silos and sheds) once and for all.

Nice Lotting there, Frank!

Fred
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: vortext on July 03, 2015, 06:40:27 AM
Really like the new additions Frank!  :thumbsup:

Buurtschap Beerze in particular looks promising. Maybe transit enable the different exit points? Klooster Windesheim looks very nice as well. I agree Kasteel Twickel looks a bit weird and it's probably because the main buildings are city gates rather than castle buildings. I like how you outlined the moat with textures though. Very creative. And mind telling were you got those nice little bridges? I can definitely use those.  :)
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: noahclem on July 03, 2015, 09:27:30 AM
Wow, that's a lot of neat lots! I particularly like the Tromso cathedral with cemetary, the ruins, and the manors  &apls
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on July 03, 2015, 12:18:00 PM
Thanks guys!
The Twickel castle: in fact the main building with the tower and the wall is indeed a city gate from Zierikzee (Zuidhavenpoort (http://community.simtropolis.com/files/file/22536-zierikzee-the-medieval-city-gate-series-zuidhavenpoort/)) by Meurdoos/marcoheutink. My idea was to make a lot that resembles a restored part of a ruinous castle. So only a part is there. But in order to be convincing I should have some low wall elements around the edges or so. And the tow large green doors are not very castle like. The moat is not enough. And some kind of contemporary looking entrance building, for the ticket office etc. All other props are experiments: trying to combine several props together into one convincing lot: a Simgoober farm house, a Kwakelaar castle tower and a Maxis (!!!) Castle set house.
I fear this lot is not going to survie and will either end up in the abyss or will change looks so that you will not recognize it.

@ carlfatal
About the farms.
Do you mean to grow my Stage 0 Farms Set (http://community.simtropolis.com/files/file/29112-franku-dutch-farm-lots-stage-0/)?
Yes. They grow with SPAM, with CAM and also in SC4 Vanilla. They are in fact Stage 1, but lotted with only crops. Safest is to block all other farmlots and grow my small ones first. I believe that, at least when there is a bit of demand, the farms with more jobs grow the most, and in that case my Stage 0 hardly grow. I do not know how to balance that.

@ mrbisonm
Hmmm. well....and I am sitting here.....and waiting for you props to pop up.....
Have a good time! You see that I am not bored.

@ vortext
Transit enable? You mean only for connecting streets to the lot, right? Not that cars drive over my lot. I could try that too of course (SCTool isn't it?), but somewhere I read that this kind of transit enabling can screw up the traffic thingies.
The bridges are made out of two Simgoober props vol 1: SG_pond_dock9 and SG_pond_Dock45. Nice hey?
The moat. Nice hey? Maybe I use this technique for a Dutch ditches set 2? Nobody ever BATted a set of ditches that look like I want them to. Maybe this set is the best I can get.

@ noahclem
Thank you!

@ all
Do you think there should be a significant difference between Stage 6 and Stage 7 lots? At the moment I think the Stage 6 should be manors and a cemetery and Stage 7 are the others, more rare heritage lots.
For SPAM users I have planned to make all these lots also available as ploppable I-R Landmarks. The Buurtschap Beerze could also be a museum lot, but in that case I have to produce a Museum Query.... I don't know.

And when all the farm lot are finished I would like to add some Rewards that will be triggered by my farms, windmills and other rural lots.... But I have no idea how long that will take.

Frank
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: kelis on July 03, 2015, 12:48:55 PM
Frank you still doing a great job here. I love those loast lots. Landhuis Borgelerhof  and Conferentieoord De Horst are really , really Dutch. I love them !!
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: vortext on July 03, 2015, 03:01:28 PM
For Twickel Castle maybe have a look at the Slovak/Hungarian smalltown (http://community.simtropolis.com/files/file/30117-slovakhungarian-smalltown/) set by Wallibuk, it has (ruined) wall pieces and matching buildings. Not quite Dutch but I think it'd be suitable for your idea.

And yes I mean just TE-ing to connect the street to the lot. It'd look weird to have those streets ending in the middle of the farm field. You could of course make matching park pieces.

Thanks for the bridges. I've been wondering how to go about making proper Dutch ditches for a long time myself, problem is they're typically rather small, i.e. not easy to recreate on a 16m grid.  &mmm
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on July 05, 2015, 10:23:57 AM
Thank you kelis!

And thank you too Vortext.

The Slovak stuff is a good idea. I'll try them out.

And Dutch Ditches.... I thought it would be nice if:
1. The Simgoober irrigation canals had green edges.
2. Or the Diggis streams had green edges with some grasses and reed.
3. Or the SPIC canals had green edges instead of the wooden planks or whatever it is....

But they don't. So I have to do with what I can find.
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on July 15, 2015, 06:30:01 PM
On the way back home this weekend after 3 and a half weeks in the NZ wilderness. Hope it got warmer in Canada by now, although it wasn't too warm down here.
A few days to recover from the time difference and some good sleep in my Favourite bed, and I will be back with some good news. ;)


Fred
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on October 13, 2015, 09:26:11 AM
Being in the last week of finishing the MFP1 once and for all, I came across a problem again (scale is always a problem to me), or let's say, I would like some opinions (several if possible).

The barn is final, the scale is good, but the smaller grainsilos, I am having some problems with their scale. Can't decide.............. :-[
There are three different scales, 1, 2, and 3 and I just cannot figure out which one to offer. Here in Canada, we have a lot of different sizes of these grainsilos. I want to make only one size for the MFP1 Set, because there is already enough models in this package.

So, to your taste and liking as a Player, which scale would you prefer. If you need more reference pics with other models (tractors, big silos, sheds etc) let me know. No problem, I got what you need..........  ;)
Thanks

Fred

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fs27.postimg.org%2F6zielsz03%2FTest_Scale1.png&hash=20dc1afcfd44c6e7d0aa7a0d22cb0ad33ea50713)

Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on October 13, 2015, 09:50:45 AM
Hi Fred,

Because here too we have silo's in different sizes it does not really matter. But if I have to choose only one, I'd say: number 1.
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on October 13, 2015, 02:06:13 PM
Quote from: FrankU on October 13, 2015, 09:50:45 AM
Hi Fred,

Because here too we have silo's in different sizes it does not really matter. But if I have to choose only one, I'd say: number 1.

Good, I would like some more opinions. I have about 15 or so different models of these smaller grainsilos.
BTW....Impossible for me to meet the deeadline date (15th) , but it will be next week for sure, We are having the most beautiful Indian summer here in Quebec since years (see pictures below), the best time to enjoy the warmth and sunshine before the harsh canadian winter arrives, besides, we are having the federal election on the 19th here in Canada and me being the responsable for the organisation of the Public Voting in our municipality, I am busy like nuts since two weeks. I didn't think of this when I decided the Delivering date last spring.

We will all survive this, right? ???

All the other silos are ready, rendered and tested, so are all the sheds.......oufffff, there are way too many I think......lol. Anyways, all that is left to do are the grainsilos and about a dozen of machinery models. We are getting there, closing in like never before..... :-[ This is a Gigantic set of big models!!!!

Fred
During next week though, you will get a very big package though. ;)

Pics are from my village and around the farm...and are NOT modified with any filter or program.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fs27.postimg.org%2F7lf9ycj03%2Foct2015_2.jpg&hash=005a9614b7519ac5147aca1240f52156ac897b21)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fs9.postimg.org%2Frd6s8sbsv%2Foct2015_4.jpg&hash=1b9a539506cd3f5421d2dc0d706882640ef26fe5)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fs13.postimg.org%2Fr2c959eon%2Foct2015_6.jpg&hash=29cd1d913119724e05f6d5e6300aeebdeb69d56a)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fs28.postimg.org%2Fefqro9ckd%2Foct2015_7.jpg&hash=592575d889fb27a0fac6f9c387101a313882aece)

Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on October 14, 2015, 12:04:30 AM
Ok, so I will wait a bit more.
With such beautiful weather it is a shame to stay inside. We just have left the good weather since yesterday.
Until monday we had about two weeks of sunny and cool weather. Now it's getting grey and cold. Nice for lotting behind the screen!

But there will be more than one grain silo model, right?

Frank

Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on October 14, 2015, 08:30:38 AM
Quote from: FrankU on October 14, 2015, 12:04:30 AM
But there will be more than one grain silo model, right?
Frank


Oh my....to be honest, I don't know how many I have done, just haven't counted the different models yet. I am still trying to clean all that mess of models I did in the last three years and find the right (and the best) ones to include into the MFP1/Grain-Silo sets. But I will make sure only 3 to 5 models will be chosen. There is already too many models of everything. Maybe I will add some more later in an Add-on, depending on how the whole MFP1 set will be received by Players.

Fred
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on October 15, 2015, 03:50:53 AM
All right!
3 to 5 will be enough for me.

My hands are aching....
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on February 01, 2016, 01:51:17 AM
To all who cares about this thread: it has been silent for some time, due to health problems at Fred's side of the line.

We all will have to wait until he is back up and running again. It may take some weeks. Sorry for the delay.

Let's send him some good wishes!  ()flower()

Frank
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: Alan_Waters on February 01, 2016, 02:12:36 AM
Him a speedy recovery!
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: Simmer2 on February 01, 2016, 07:29:33 AM
Get well soon, Fred  :)
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: Terring7 on February 01, 2016, 07:54:16 AM
Good health is more important than anything else. My wishes for the best to Fred ()flower()
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FlyHigh on February 01, 2016, 05:54:42 PM
Get well soon Fred  ;D
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mgb204 on February 01, 2016, 10:42:49 PM
Best wishes Fred, hope you are well again soon.
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: Vizoria on February 02, 2016, 01:49:39 AM
Get well soon mrbisonm!
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: catty on February 02, 2016, 10:05:37 AM
Quote from: FrankU on February 01, 2016, 01:51:17 AM
...Let's send him some good wishes!  ()flower()

Fred thinking of you   ()flower()  hope you are better soon
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: romualdillo on February 02, 2016, 10:11:46 AM
Get well soon, Fred!!
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: gn_leugim on February 03, 2016, 01:10:16 PM
best of wishes to Fred!  ;) get up good again!  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: c.p. on February 04, 2016, 07:58:19 PM
Best wishes to you Fred, for a full and speedy recovery. :)
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: lynncanox on February 12, 2016, 09:24:49 AM
Hi

my name is Lynn, Fred's wife.
Maybe some of you remember me form the judging of the journal contest that Fred once organized.
I am French-Canadian, so my English is not perfect.

Fred has been sick for some time. He had several heartattacks and Angines which caused Diabetique, asthma and Fibrillation auriculaire ( do not know that in English)

He went to the hospital almost 3 weeks ago with a heavy case of Fibrilation auriculaire and which had his heartbeat go up sometimes to 300 times a minutes.
His operation to fix this was on last Wednesday, two days ago. It was successful, so much that he wanted to back to his barn and feed the cows the same night. Things go very well, his heartbeat/bloodpressure is back to a normal 120/85 and 63 beats a minute.
I went to see him this morning again and he is eager to come home and have a good supper, while looking at some of his favourite films on TV. He had no access to internet because it was forbidden by docteurs.

The docteurs said that he may come home during the week following.
He told me to let you all know this. Thank you for the wishes, I have print and showed to Fred.

He will be the next to let you know how he is doing. Thank you.

                   Lynn
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: Swordmaster on February 12, 2016, 09:32:05 AM
Thank you Lynn. Best wishes to a full and speedy recovery Fred!


Cheers
Willy
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: vester on February 12, 2016, 10:53:32 AM
Thank you Lynn.


Hope for a speedy recovery, Fred.


Fibrillation atriale is called Atrial fibrillation (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atrial_fibrillation).
Used wiki to look it up in French and from the French side jumped to the English side.
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: lynncanox on February 13, 2016, 09:57:16 AM
Thank you vester for the translation. This morning thee docteur announced that Fred will be out of the hospital on wednesday. Everything is ok.
                                                       
                        Lynn
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: vortext on February 13, 2016, 10:35:23 AM
That great to hear. Best wishes to Fred!  ()flower()
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on February 14, 2016, 02:11:59 AM
That is indeed good news! Sounds like a good recovery.
Best wishes to you and Fred!  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: Terring7 on February 14, 2016, 09:11:37 AM
Glad to hear that &dance
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FlyHigh on February 14, 2016, 10:21:40 AM
Some very good news indeed!
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mgb204 on February 14, 2016, 04:41:35 PM
Best wishes Fred for a speedy recovery  :)
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: Simcoug on February 14, 2016, 05:16:06 PM
Yep, get well Fred  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: gn_leugim on February 16, 2016, 03:02:03 AM
Thank you for the update, and good news I believe.

I wish he has a sound and fast return  :)

Best regards,

Carlos
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: evarburg on February 16, 2016, 10:11:33 AM
I come back to SCd and find good news ! What a relief. Please say hello & good tidings to Fred for me
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: Pat on February 22, 2016, 08:20:06 AM
Oooh my Lynn I feel soo bad I didnt catch that Fred had been in the hospital, no wonder I didn't get a birthday wish from him this year as he has always been right on that.... Tell Fred love him and praying that he is recovering very good!!! Hopefully you are doing good during this times of trials, praying for you as well.... huggggggggggggggggggggggs from patrick!!!!


I do hope this translation works out..



Oooh mon Lynn Je ressens soo mal que je n'ai pas attraper que Fred était à l'hôpital, il n'est pas étonnant que je n'ai pas't obtenir un anniversaire de lui souhaite cette année com /wrrd%& e remet très bon!!! Nous espérons que vous faites une bonne durant cette fois des procès, priant pour vous ainsi huggggggggggggggggggggggs de Patrick !...!!!



Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: lynncanox on February 22, 2016, 11:02:15 AM
 Thank You everbody for the best wishes. Fred came out of the hospital on last Friday. He is still a lot weak and a little bit too tired all the time, but he is feeling good. He ask me to leave a message that he is greatful and will going to be back later this week on the internet.

                                                         Lynn
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: gn_leugim on February 23, 2016, 06:16:35 AM
thank you Lynn for let us know more on Fred's situation, glad to know he is improving. Hope to see him this week then :)  :)
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on February 23, 2016, 08:49:31 AM
Thank you everyone.

Guess what, I am back, still alive, at least I think............

Kidding aside, After a long period of heart and other health problems such as diabetics and asthma problems and a "small" heart operation that left me totally "out of order" (still feel a lot like a zombie), I am slowly and surely recovering, which is actually quite fast, since I feel double as better from one day to another.

If it continues like this' I will probably back "online" within a week or ten days and then back onto the MFP1 project, which actually is about to be finished.

All models were finalized, have been textured and rendered and need to be organized, chosen and categorized and then send to FrankU for final inspection. That shouldn't be very long and will be announced here.

Since my head isn't much clear in these days yet,(most likely the medication) I will not get into the details, but I will reappear here very soon. ;)
Thanks to all for the mental support, especially to my wife Lynn.

Fred
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: Jack_wilds on February 23, 2016, 05:03:08 PM
Just keep getting better and better...

don't stress out... use the hobby as rehab and stress relief...  :satisfied:

glad your on the mend...

:sunny: :sunny:

Be Made Whole in Jesus' Name -may it be so...
:wings: for peace and goodness...
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: gn_leugim on February 24, 2016, 01:14:44 PM
glad to see news from you  :thumbsup: take your time ;)
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: Silur on February 25, 2016, 12:10:38 PM
Hi, Fred! I'm happy see You here now ...
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on March 01, 2016, 07:20:13 PM
Thanks guys, I will take my time now.

But I have started to have a look in my immense gmaxfolder and see those thousand+ models sleeping. Had to wake them up and now it's time to do something and get me into this again. Hope I didn't forget too much about modelmaking and which ones are finished and which ones I want to release.

Frank, I will need to know which Final Sets you have, could it be the Mainbuildings and the Manure sets? Set One and Two?
Did you test the Manure set and did we agree that we consider it Final? Please let me know.

I found a folder of Set 3, the Silos of all kinds. I don't think I finalized it yet, but I will so for the rest of the week. I remember that the modelmaking was finished for all sets and all left to do was choosing the right ones for release.
Set 5 (Machinery and Implements) will be only half when uploading, but there will be an Add-On later to complete the set. There are too many things yet to finally texture and render for this specific set.
Set 4 , Sheds and other Bldgs, is being worked on to choose the right models and verify the scales ingame.

Actually I am doing very well healthwise, except for my "endless tireness" which I experience. I could sleep for 20hrs/day, but I guess that is what my body wants and needs.

Will be back with some pics soon.............

Fred



                                             
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on March 02, 2016, 11:20:33 AM
Hi Fred,

Good to hear you are doing better and better.  :thumbsup:

I have the MFP set 1 Mainbuildings and the MFP Set 2 Manure. We agreed that both are final as I have them here.
If I can help you with testing scale and/or quality of texturing or just plain selecting which ones to use in the final sets just send me a bunch!

Frank
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on March 02, 2016, 06:47:15 PM
Quote from: FrankU on March 02, 2016, 11:20:33 AM
.....or just plain selecting which ones to use in the final sets just send me a bunch!

.....too complicated, I have more than a thousand models "flying" around in my gmaxmodel and Plugins folders, they're not organized at all and not even named yet. Most of them are just essays, examples and/or experiments. I will have to go through them one by one and then re-name them properly. More than 600 or so of them are just numbers..................

I know, it' s a mess, but when I had an idea, I built, gave it a number, rendered it and tried it ingame.

Sofar I have selected about 20 of them (in the siloset)  and I would like to offer about (at least)  30. I think I made about 200 silos, some of them will be added in an addonset later, but a lot of them will go into the recycle bin one day, or will be kept for use to modify to something else one day. ;)
That's the main reason why I haven't yet send you the latest sets.

Fred

EDIT:  For the scaling, I will do this at the same time as choosing and quick-testing, after that it will be up to you whether you find errors or a scaling problem, which then I will fix........ ;)
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on March 02, 2016, 10:53:03 PM
Ok, so then I will go on converting my stage 6 and 7 farms into useful lots like rewards and ploppable landmark.

Good hunting!
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mattb325 on March 03, 2016, 12:09:27 PM
Glad your health is on the mend, Fred... :) Look forward to seeing some of the 'hidden' treasures in your gmax folder  :D
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: evarburg on March 20, 2016, 12:35:18 PM
Just lurking in wait, Fred:-)... Glad you're better.
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on March 20, 2016, 03:12:23 PM
Quote from: evarburg on March 20, 2016, 12:35:18 PM
Just lurking in wait, Fred:-)... Glad you're better.

Getting better every day, it shouldn't be long, maybe a week or so and I will show my first part of the silos.

I have made some 300+ models of silos, but I am right now choosing only 30 or a little more for the Siloset, finalizing and pre-testing them. I found some 65 that I have rendered last fall in my model folder (that actually holds 184 GB's of gmax, 3dMax and sketchup models and some finished props, all sorts) I think it must be between 7000 and 8000 files in all, or maybe more, I did not count them.
This is partially why it takes so long,  %confuso  it is a real mess  :'(  of finished and unfinished stuff, some rendered and some not. Just going through all this awakens a lot of souvenirs and will take some time.

Right now I have chosen about 2 dozen of the silos, they're all rendered, and pre-tested. Another  5 to 10 and then they'll be off to FrankU and I will continue to get the Sheds in order after.
In between I will make sure that a picture will shown here of each model, as I did before with the barns and manure models of the MFP1 set.

Like I said before, 95% of all the models in the MFP1 Set are finished,almost all of them are rendered and only a few left to choose and pre-tested and then packaging. Most of the unfinished stuff is in the last set, the Machinery and implements, which also will only be uploaded partially, the rest will come later in an Add-on set..

I will be back either later this week or at the next weekend.  ;D

Fred
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: gn_leugim on August 25, 2016, 12:55:33 PM
Hey Fred,

Any news from you? hope you are fine and going along nice ;)

cheers,

GnL
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on August 25, 2016, 05:58:59 PM
GnL,


I'm still around, somehow hanging in there, so to speak......lol. I come here almost everyday or so. No, but my health is having a difficult time since the summer heat started here in Quebec and I am also under medical surveillance, concerning my severe heart fibrilations. The testing to find the exact spot to " burn out" on my heart is been active since 3 months now. I wear a machine that records the auriculary fibrilations  sometimes and this should bring them (Specialists) an idea how and mostly where, to "fix" this problem.
It ain't easy for me since I also have astma and 2nd degree diabetics, plus some arthritis here and there. The moral though is still quite solid......lol.

Once in awhile I render a model of the MFP1, then I can't find or remember where the heck I put the others.....lol....then I search for those I can't find and once found, I lost the one that I rendered like yesterday. Geeeeeeeeez!! Imagine my face with that word. ;)

Anyways, I started all over, find the good ones and re-render those I can't find or which I am not sure if it was the right one, test my bats ingame and place them all in a folder that is in a special folder., just making sure that they are all in one place, and the right ones of course.

The problem is that I have made too many bats (almost 1500) and they're not all small. And also some are finished 3 years ago and more, so I get really mixed up here and there, especially having kept all the other unecessary files (test ones, no good ones, experimental ones etc)

Anyways, I am doing more or less ok, especially mentally and hopefully my Dr is right when he tells me everytime I visit him " We'll find the problem and get you back on the feet again, promissed"

So that' s it. Thank you for asking and being concerned. I hope to be back once the temperatures and humidity is gone, so I can do "stuff" again and enjoy life to its fullest.

Fred
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: gn_leugim on August 26, 2016, 03:05:09 AM
Hi Fred,

Good to know from you. I'm sorry to hear that your health is not at the best at the moment, but it will improve I am sure, and the docs will find the spot and fix it. Having a good moral is also very good, so keep it up! ;) looking forward for your full return on "doing stuff"  :thumbsup:

best wishes,

Carlos
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on August 27, 2016, 12:21:17 PM
Hi Fred,

I was getting worried too. Sent you a PM, but you probably missed it. No problem.
Good to hear you are still alive, and I hope you will be better soon too. Quite some health issues for one man!
So we will wait a bit.

I must admit at the moment my fun in lotting has vanished. Probably the appearance of your props in my inbox will fix that!

Good luck and I hope to hear from you soon,

Frank
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on August 27, 2016, 07:41:13 PM
Hey Frank, never received the PM, not on this site nor on ST. I am ok, not very good to be honest ....but ok.

The heat this summer had some bad effects on me, so much that I couldn't even leave my home. I miss my new cottage in New Zea;and so much, but with my health condition, it is impossible to leave Canada. So, I'll wait until it's "fixed".

Don't worry, the fun of lotting you somehow lost will come back when you see all these props.....omg, so many and so good looking and practical too. ;)

Remember that I told you that I saw some nice farms in Skandinavia the last time I went and came back with some new ideas? Well, these Bats are almost finished also and will become a part of the MFP1.

I will render one next week and show a pic here, just to give you some hope and taste.

Fred
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on August 28, 2016, 12:27:09 AM
Hi Fred,

I took al look in my Sent Items box. Nothing indeed. I probably had planned to send you a message, but never actually did.
My memory is getting worse....

Really bas that your new house in New Zealand is out of reach for you at this time!

I am really looking forward to your models. Any picture is welcome.

And the issue of lotting: I was working on a complete set of Dutch housing lots in almost all stages and lot sizes, as a kind of replacement for Maxis housing. In the first place I am really missing contemporary Dutch R$$$ housing, which made me get stuck and in the second place making so many lots did let my imagination come to an end.

But new material will make me come in action again. And I'd really like to publish the farms set, especially now with the updated CAM.

So I wish you good luck. Not just because I want these models, but also because you are a good friend.  ()flower()
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on August 28, 2016, 05:34:14 AM
Quote from: FrankU on August 28, 2016, 12:27:09 AM
Not just because I want these models, but also because you are a good friend.  ()flower()

Thanks Frank, we'll get this set out soon!


Fred
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on October 07, 2016, 01:06:06 PM
Ok....................



November 16th 2016 is the date to remember. That's when I will be back fulltime on this project (3 days after my vacation)....I am healthy enough for my Doctor letting me go out of the country, I'm leaving for NZ this weekend and taking with me SC4 and gmax. ;).



Fred
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: APSMS on October 07, 2016, 04:55:44 PM
Hi Fred,
Glad to know you are doing well enough to take a vacation. Hope it goes well. We'll see you on the other side ;)

Enjoy!

-Absalom
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: kbieniu7 on October 09, 2016, 01:17:47 AM
Hello Fred. Good to know, you're moving to your favorite place ;) when I look outside my window, I'd also like to go to some warm place!

Have a nice vacation and lot of health!

Kamil
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: gn_leugim on October 10, 2016, 03:30:27 AM
That is really good news! I am really happy for you Fred! :D
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: kelis on October 10, 2016, 03:32:42 AM
It's nice to hear that, enjoy your vacation and SC4 too  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on October 13, 2016, 07:42:36 AM
Hi Fred,

That's really good news. I was actually having bad fears.....
Good luck and enjoy your vacation!

Frank
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on November 09, 2016, 07:56:35 AM
I am back to the MFP1, more or less full time, and I would like to finish this gigantic project once and for all.

But.............lol.........There is or are slight problems. I stopped using programs like LotEditor, ilive Reader, PIM and gmax. Instead I used many other programs such as i3d and 3dsmax etc. Since I have been creating farmbldgs, tracors and machineries for FS2013 for the last 3 years, I simply have forgotten how to use all these programs for simcity 4. lol.
I feel kinda stupid, although I knew quite well all these programs. Now I have to re-learn these programs to be able to continue this project.
I was able to LOD and export a model last night and even made a simple prop with it, but now I am stuck. What I need to do now is to be able to plop it into the game and see what it looks like. I think I need the LotEditor.
If I remember right, I need to make a lot first, before entering the game and see it there. That is that I need the LotEditor and please the Maxis one (the one I am used to)
Does anyone have a link to it? I cannot find it on my computer........unless it is under another name than LE.

So, I am asking for some help to get me back into this modeling, lotting etc thing with SC4. It's not like I am starting all over, all I need is to be reminded. Thanks.

Looking for a download link to the Maxis LE. Thanks.

Fred
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: Ernestmaxis on November 09, 2016, 10:02:48 AM
MrBisonm

Frist of all don't feel stupid we all bin there, well atleast am im.
The link to the lot Editor
http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?page=9

Maybe it is easier to use the Pim to create a lot with squares to see the lot ingame:)
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on November 09, 2016, 11:01:40 AM
Hi Fred,

Good to hear you are getting back on track!
Of course you can send all models to me, so yhat I can test them for you. You know how to reach me.

But indeed it is better to first make props out of them, put these on a test lot and see for yourself first, before you send them over the ocean to me.

Good luck! I am sure you will get the hang of lotting soon enough.

Frank
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: gn_leugim on November 09, 2016, 11:28:39 AM
Fred, any question you may have regarding gmax or so, just ask, I can gladly help :)

If you want we can arrange a meeting on a chat or skype or something like that if you will.

Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on November 09, 2016, 11:45:28 AM
Quote from: Ernestmaxis on November 09, 2016, 10:02:48 AM
MrBisonm

Frist of all don't feel stupid we all bin there, well atleast am im.
The link to the lot Editor
http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?page=9

Maybe it is easier to use the Pim to create a lot with squares to see the lot ingame:)

Thanks a lot Ernestmaxis, appreciated the link, couldn't darn find it. ;)
Maybe the Pim is better and easier, but I am from the "old species" of SC4 LOTters (since 2003) and I am used to the Maxis LE. I will though try it out one day, when I am not in a rush.

Quote from: FrankU on November 09, 2016, 11:01:40 AM
Hi Fred,

Good to hear you are getting back on track!
Of course you can send all models to me, so yhat I can test them for you. You know how to reach me.

But indeed it is better to first make props out of them, put these on a test lot and see for yourself first, before you send them over the ocean to me.

Good luck! I am sure you will get the hang of lotting soon enough.

Frank

It will take a few days or maybe even longer to get back into this modding thing and get back the real "hang" of it, but I'll get there. Of course I will send you the models and let you decide which props they become and you may test them for errors and defects. Here I need to see some certain files myself first and decide whether they are good enough to include in the MFP1 set, plus see their scale, texture etc... and the only way to do so is to make a LOT with them and see them ingame, besides I will need some pics to show in this thread of the developpments of my models.

Quote from: FrankU on November 09, 2016, 11:01:40 AMFred, any question you may have regarding gmax or so, just ask, I can gladly help :)

If you want we can arrange a meeting on a chat or skype or something like that if you will.

Thanks gn_leugim, that might become quite possible, I really seem to have some problems remembering little things......  &mmm

Right now I am gathering all the files on my computer for the silo set, I didn't think that they were so freaking many of them......lol. I remember that I started or maybe even advanced the rendering of them and which ones, but I will have to collect all the files first and see where I am at.
Frank, I think you have the complete buildings and manure sets, right? Anything more? Do you have the Sheds? I know that you don't have the complete siloset and machineries.

Fred


EDIT:

lol....problems of memory started, how do you take pics in the game? lol....I must've taken thousands before with all my MD/CJs and I tried ctrl+c, didn't seem to work.  I thought that was it    ()what()
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: MushyMushy on November 09, 2016, 12:39:13 PM
Exciting to see things happening on this thread - lots of interesting models!  :)

The screenshot hotkey combination is Ctrl+Shift+S.
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on November 09, 2016, 12:59:37 PM
Quote from: MushyMushy on November 09, 2016, 12:39:13 PM
Exciting to see things happening on this thread - lots of interesting models!  :)

The screenshot hotkey combination is Ctrl+Shift+S.

Well Thanks, that helped a lot.....lol... how could I forget? %wrd
Now some pics to myself back into the game.
I fondled around with some Bats and Lots, mostly to get feeling how to do this and that, and especially to remind me how to play ingame. (Haven't done this since my MD "The Winding River Project")

Some Nexis Farms.........

(https://s12.postimg.org/lnh8akvl9/Nexis_Farms1.jpg)

A new Nexis Farm available in the MFP1 Set as a sample.......

(https://s15.postimg.org/9mlycl6qj/farm1.jpg)

(https://s18.postimg.org/t63bdpa21/farm2.jpg)

(https://s17.postimg.org/64u9fw4r3/farm3.jpg)

(https://s13.postimg.org/mfqk2jbcn/farm4.jpg)[/url]


Now let's get back to "work" the MFP1..........

Fred
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: gn_leugim on November 09, 2016, 01:19:28 PM
QuoteThanks gn_leugim, that might become quite possible, I really seem to have some problems remembering little things......  &mmm

be my guest ;) :)

Really nice farms, so exciting I want them too, specially the props :D

Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mgb204 on November 09, 2016, 04:20:10 PM
Great to see your progress here Fred.

As others have said, take your time and you'll soon find your rhythm again with the SC4 tools. It's one of those annoying things, when you are full on into modding everything is second nature. But it can be surprising how quickly you can forget everything if you take an extended break. That said, I'm sure it will all come back to you.

PIM-X is obviously a different way of doing things. That said, for my money, it's also easier than using both the PIM and Lot Editor which the application replaces. So if you are starting over, perhaps now is as good a time as any to pick it up. But no pressure, ultimately you should use whatever tools you find best. Either way, it looks like we can look forward to some great new farming content in the future.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on November 09, 2016, 04:58:38 PM
Glad to find out that there still is some interest in this Modset.

I will stick to my Maxis LE for the moment, mgb204, for the simple reason that I know everything about it, it was only a question to wake up those long forgotten programs, and I think I remember all tonight about the LE. I have been busy in the last three years with first of all my health and then also doing some modding for the Farming Simulator 2013, not only creating some tractors and machinery, but also farmbuildings and accessories and gamplay modding. This was somewhat quite helpful to learn and/or understand more of Simcity programming and ingame general gamemodding. I used other programs and this is what kinda makes me error with the SC4 programs. I have become quite familiar with i3d modeling and dds textures during this time.
But I will be back fulltime in November 16th as promissed with new and improved models and textures that I have learned to adapt better my modelings. This will give me a week to "re-learn" gmax, LE and the Reader first. Besides, I thought everything that I did before was organized......lol.....not quite the case, I forgot where I put this n' that, and what this n' that was for etc......have to get that back into my memories also. ;)

I'm back into SC4 things since 8 days now and feel good about it. Glad I'm back to "gmaxing" and SC4. Somehow missed it, and now that my health is more stable.....hang on in there, I will have something every week to show.
:thumbsup:

Fred

Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: noahclem on November 09, 2016, 05:00:13 PM
Great to see you back--and stunning farms :O  I'll echo Robin in suggesting PIM-X, just keep the manual pdf open while you do it--at least for me trying to learn and get comfortable with it without the manual was never even very close to working out. Very excited to see what develops in this thread again :)
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on November 09, 2016, 07:21:59 PM
Ok, now I seem not have any other choices than to try the PIM-X for LOTting then.......with so many recommendations.....lol.
I will download it (if I can find it) and try it out this week. Might as well show you some more lots with it, right? ;)


Fred
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: gn_leugim on November 10, 2016, 01:11:44 AM
In case you need:

http://sc4devotion.com/csxlex/lex_filedesc.php?lotGET=2260

http://sc4devotion.com/csxlex/lex_filedesc.php?lotGET=2265

These are the two things you will need.
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on November 10, 2016, 07:27:45 AM
Quote from: gn_leugim on November 10, 2016, 01:11:44 AM
In case you need:

http://sc4devotion.com/csxlex/lex_filedesc.php?lotGET=2260

http://sc4devotion.com/csxlex/lex_filedesc.php?lotGET=2265

These are the two things you will need.

Hey thanks, especially for the second link, didn't know about this. ;)

Here is another sample picture of what we will be able to create with the new MFP1 props and models. New machinery, new ground and vertical silos and also quite a choice of sheds for machinery, manure, storage and hay/straw.
Last night I found some 100 more props that I will have to verify and see which ones to keep and include in this set.

FrankU, please confirm what finished and complete sets you have, so I can put them aside and consider them as finished. I suppose that you already have the buildings, the manure and the silos.

The sets are:

1. Buildings (main bldgs, barns and stables)
2. Manure (piles, fosses, tanks etc)
3. Silos (vertical, tanks, ground and horizontal)
4. Sheds (machinery, storage of hay/straw and cereals, other)
5. Machinery (tractors, implements, harvesters etc)
6. Other
(all the other things that lie around a farm, such as posts, pipes, bales, gravel, etc)

(https://s21.postimg.org/ee59fd0cn/bigfarm1.jpg)

(https://s16.postimg.org/4bzrrlstx/bigfarm2.jpg)

(https://s16.postimg.org/jicgyoo3p/bigfarm3.jpg)

Fred

Edit: oups, I forgot to include the open shed view, that shows all the machinery and implements inside them. This exact model (with slight variations in details and textures) comes in 6 different examples, while there are more than 15 other shed models available.

I will (with time) show pics of each ones here in our thread (except for 1 or 2 surprises in each set), once they are shipped for LOTting to FrankU.

Fred

(https://s12.postimg.org/at8k404pp/bigfarm4.jpg)
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: vester on November 10, 2016, 07:52:37 AM
Fred: Great to see you are back 'on the horse'.

...and that with some great lotting. :thumbsup:
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on November 11, 2016, 02:23:48 AM
Hi Fred,

That all sounds good! I feel my inspiration is returning.

I just checked my quite well organised archive.

I do have the main buildings and the manure sets. To be exact, I have these files:

MFP1_Set1_Main-Buildings_2014_files.dat
MFP1-Set2A_ManureSolid.dat
MFP1_Set2B_ManureLiquid.dat

So no silo's yet.
I have a beta version of your barbed wires, some test files of machinery sheds and of course I have the Greenhouses, but these are already available as part of my Dutch farm fields set.

Good luck!
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: Simmer2 on November 11, 2016, 07:33:08 AM
Hello Fred and welcome back!

Can't wait to get my hands on those juicy props. I will create a whole new set of farming base textures for every lot I make with them :thumbsup:

Simmer2/Nick
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: metarvo on November 11, 2016, 07:39:02 AM
You've thought of everything, Fred and Frank!  &apls  Who needs the new Microsoft Farming Simulator game when there's a veritable wealth here!
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on November 11, 2016, 09:02:39 AM
Quote from: FrankU on November 11, 2016, 02:23:48 AM
Hi Fred,

That all sounds good! I feel my inspiration is returning.

I just checked my quite well organised archive.

I do have the main buildings and the manure sets. To be exact, I have these files:

MFP1_Set1_Main-Buildings_2014_files.dat
MFP1-Set2A_ManureSolid.dat
MFP1_Set2B_ManureLiquid.dat

So no silo's yet.
I have a beta version of your barbed wires, some test files of machinery sheds and of course I have the Greenhouses, but these are already available as part of my Dutch farm fields set.

Good luck!

Perfect, now I know what I have to finish. The machinery sheds, you may discard of, they have all been changed and come with the Shed set. So are the barbed wire fences, they will be available in the "Other" sets, along with many other fences, walls and gates.
I always thought that I have sent you the siloset also, anyways, they'll come soon. I will verify, test them quickly and pack them next week for you to final test.

Quote from: Simmer2 on November 11, 2016, 07:33:08 AM
Hello Fred and welcome back!
Can't wait to get my hands on those juicy props. I will create a whole new set of farming base textures for every lot I make with them :thumbsup:
Simmer2/Nick
Sounds good! ;)

Quote from: metarvo on November 11, 2016, 07:39:02 AM
You've thought of everything, Fred and Frank!  &apls  Who needs the new Microsoft Farming Simulator game when there's a veritable wealth here!
What? Farming Simulator 2013 is not by Microsoft. It's made by GIANTS software. Therefore a lot better..... ;)

Here is pic of some farm buildings I partially made for FS2013. I will include these in the siloset for SC4, when I find out how to transfer an .i3d file to a .gmax.

(https://s22.postimg.org/ip18sd4pd/Farm_Bldgs2013.jpg)

I will have some more of the models as I organize them for the next set to be sent to Frank for LOTting.


Fred

Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: Vizoria on November 11, 2016, 12:50:39 PM
Great stuff!

When you are at last done you would have released the greatest SC4 farming addon since the SPAM!
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: kbieniu7 on November 11, 2016, 03:45:55 PM
Hello, Fred! Good to see you back there, hope, that you got a nice time in New Zealand. At least, from what we can see, you've bring us a souvenir of cool farm models! :)
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on November 12, 2016, 08:55:37 AM
Thanks Vizoria and kbieniu7.

I have a dumb question again, concerning gmax. I forgot what key to use for cloning things. I can't seem to find it. Wasn't there somewhere a table for using keys for gmax? Thanks

Fred
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: Simmer2 on November 12, 2016, 09:33:34 AM
Hi Fred I believe its Z+left mouse click on the object, a window will popup with the different options to clone.
Or go to edit tab and scroll to the clone line.

Nick
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on November 12, 2016, 01:28:29 PM
Quote from: Simmer2 on November 12, 2016, 09:33:34 AM
Hi Fred I believe its Z+left mouse click on the object, a window will popup with the different options to clone.
Or go to edit tab and scroll to the clone line.

Nick

Thanks, will try this later this weekend. The cloning tab under Edit I knew. I remember having seen a page full of the gmax hotkeys a few years back, anyone remember where to find this?

Fred
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on November 13, 2016, 11:32:29 AM
The machinery you show makes me anxious...
And I ask myself how much I have to relot my farms and how many dependencies I can remove from the list.  :P
No problem... Lotting is my way of playing SC4.
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on November 13, 2016, 11:56:00 PM
Quote from: Jack_wilds on November 13, 2016, 06:07:13 PM
glad to see U R doing well and u r motivated to finish this project as its a promising one... perhaps it will even fire up jmyeyers to make some more dairy farms...

If then, U R so inclined... could U make a Wisconsin inspired family dairy farm and perhaps a Wisconsin cranberry marsh wood county is full of them...  ???

and maybe if still wish a Wisconsin ginseng farm... Washington island has lavender farms... door county has fruit orchards of cherry, apple, plum, pear, grape and goosberry...  %confuso

the farming is never far from Wisconsin hands

take care of your self and avoid those earthquakes

:satisfied:

Wisconsin farms you say?, I know Wisconsin quite well, hunted a few whitetails there in the late seventies/eighties, some big ones. Don't worry, you surely will find something in this Megapack that you could incorporate into a Wisconsin Farm. I have made so many varieties of Euro and North-American (from east to west) stuff that everyone will have a lot of fun creating realistic farmlots and productions for their area/country.
Yea, I heard about the earthquakes in NZ, my place is quite far inland though, so I don't worry about any Tsunamies there. BTw, I am back home, in Quebec/Canada.

Quote from: FrankU on November 13, 2016, 11:32:29 AM
The machinery you show makes me anxious...
And I ask myself how much I have to relot my farms and how many dependencies I can remove from the list.  :P
No problem... Lotting is my way of playing SC4.

The machinery part is the only one that still has to be rendered, and some model still need to be improved or detailed (not much since small details like this do not show), now that I did a lot of machinery for the Farming simulator. You will be spoiled for sure and I know that you're into LOTting and that LOTting is your way of playing, be prepared to play a lot........lol.......Merry Christmas Frank.......lol ;)

Fred


Just a small preview, couldn't find right now all the ones tonight that I would like to show. But this will give you an idea of what' s coming. There are hundreds........

(https://s12.postimg.org/monre3p8t/tractors.jpg)
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on November 14, 2016, 04:51:25 AM
Goodbye to Simgoober's implements!
I see the Deutz look terribly like the Rambuckel stuff. So these become obsolete?
And I used some Jim Myers stuff. Probably obsolete too.
The New Holland won't fit into a Dutch landscape I suppose, although nowadays the machinery here is very large too.

OK, a cleanup of my plugins will follow. Then a heavy relot. Maybe I even do all lots totally anew, but based on existing sizes and building exemplars.
Hmmm.. A Merry Christmas indeed. Let's see what wife and children think of that.

Ahh.... this raises a question to all of you wh read this:

Do you have any suggestions for a mega-pack containing many props that could be useful for European/Dutch farm lots? Like sheds, barns, separate animals (sheep, cattle, horses, pigs...), hay bales, crops, etc?
When I do a relot, I better do it right and so I will try to use the best props available. I am certain Fred will provide a lot, but more variation with other people's work will make the lots even more interesting.

Greetings Frank.....
..... preparing for a huge job........
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on November 14, 2016, 10:54:00 AM
Rambuckel's machinery park was given to me with permission to improve or use parts for my machineries. The Deutz tractor is one of them, only little changes have been made, but there's also another Deutz that I have done somewhere, a smaller model. And there is a New Holland tractor for your Dutch lots included in the sets.I have seen NH tractors in the Netherlands when I was there last time and I even talked to the owner a bit. I also have seen Fendt, Huerlimann, Case and even a Massey, which I was surprised because I always thought that Massey Ferguson only exists in North-America, but then again, we now have Fendt, JCB and Deutz here also.............

Be back in two days (wednesday) with full-time modding....

Fred
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: gn_leugim on November 14, 2016, 01:47:41 PM
Donno if you have figured it our yet, but, Shift+"Left Mouse Click" will clone the object you click in ;)

nice models btw :D
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on November 14, 2016, 08:37:00 PM
Quote from: gn_leugim on November 14, 2016, 01:47:41 PM
Donno if you have figured it our yet, but, Shift+"Left Mouse Click" will clone the object you click in ;)

nice models btw :D

No, I didn't figure it out yet, I have not been on the gmax yet neither, but trying to bring order into my 1500 gmax files. Thanks a lot, this will surely help me speed up my gmax works once I start again later this week.

snip.... removed a question by Jack_Wilds

Going through all the files one by one, I found this below. It is an electric corncobdryer with approx 500 kg capacity and I was wondering if I should include this in the "Other" Set since it is not quite finished (will take only about 30 to 45 minutes to finish) I ask everyone here..........
Thanks

Starting tomorrow I will be away from my gaming computer and therefor no access to all the files, but I will be around at certain times. Will be back home on Wednesday night.

Fred

(https://s13.postimg.org/pwt9hk9tz/Corncob_Dryer.jpg)
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: gn_leugim on November 15, 2016, 09:15:42 AM
Dry corn? I prefer the traditional methods:

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fcdn.olhares.pt%2Fclient%2Ffiles%2Ffoto%2Fbig%2F210%2F2104126.jpg&hash=9555ccadb9efcaf149fa9de2befbefead0ee7e18)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Falfarrabio.di.uminho.pt%2Flindoso%2Fimages%2FEspigueiros%2FP8200013_1.jpg&hash=82ab9d6a0341aec7adadc31368c50d14c9a8f932)

:p

(I've done these as props to sc4 btw  ()stsfd())

Jokes aside, again, nice models, but one thing comes to my eye, the "space high tech metal plating" texture you ahve used on the models :p not a critic, it is ok, but could not help to notice it :p

Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: Jack_wilds on November 15, 2016, 03:05:38 PM
okay...  &mmm

I extend apologies to everyone and anyone offended and upset by my last post... it was my last attempt to find an answer... as I read through teh simgoober posts to find my issue.. did not find it... someone mentioned the SG props in a post an maybe hoped they could know...

i will  delete that... and it appears all my comments are gone... and I am in the out house... andnow I read email that I was also licked out... if I knew asking such a thing would make for such trouble I would have said nothing...  &mmm

again apologies :crytissue:


last post for some time, end of lurking... good luck on the project

LATEST:
JUST got an email from Frank [slow email service]... I guess all is good... it was an error simple as that... and I guess I am back and able to lurk, fish and watch and pretend to farm...  :)
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on November 15, 2016, 04:40:24 PM
Quote from: gn_leugim on November 15, 2016, 09:15:42 AM
Dry corn? I prefer the traditional methods:

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fcdn.olhares.pt%2Fclient%2Ffiles%2Ffoto%2Fbig%2F210%2F2104126.jpg&hash=9555ccadb9efcaf149fa9de2befbefead0ee7e18)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Falfarrabio.di.uminho.pt%2Flindoso%2Fimages%2FEspigueiros%2FP8200013_1.jpg&hash=82ab9d6a0341aec7adadc31368c50d14c9a8f932)

:p

(I've done these as props to sc4 btw  ()stsfd())

Jokes aside, again, nice models, but one thing comes to my eye, the "space high tech metal plating" texture you ahve used on the models :p not a critic, it is ok, but could not help to notice it :p

You're right gn_leugim, the texture is the spacelike one, I thought maybe it would't show ingame like many small detailed textures (haven't tried it yet ingame) and I liked the tone, but later last night I realized that it would show and I changed it to something else, nothing to do with space. I'll show it when I get home. Looks a lot better.

Something like this below.............

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fmathewscompany.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2012%2F11%2FInfinity-color-rendering-2012.png&hash=d953c06057a0a85ec40d414e1554c8f224060eec)

Jack_Wilds No panic please and no need for apologies, you must have missunderstand. Your post was simply not related to this thread. Like I said, there are specific other threads for questions like this and surely get more attention to it there. I know that your problem is somewhat a matter of textures and cannot be repaired. I have had it before and got rid of it. That's all I can help you with.
You're always welcome to "lurk" and add a comment about the MFP1 models from me and the upcoming Lots from FrankU. ;)

Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: gn_leugim on November 18, 2016, 08:54:45 AM
Ok, lets wait to see that it turned out then, but if you would keep it, it would be fine, it was not a critic, as I said, but more just as a remark ;)
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on November 18, 2016, 01:12:48 PM
Quote from: gn_leugim on November 18, 2016, 08:54:45 AM
Ok, lets wait to see that it turned out then, but if you would keep it, it would be fine, it was not a critic, as I said, but more just as a remark ;)

I did take it somewhat as a critic, and that's good, because it was constructive, and that usually is helpful. It is always good to have other opinions.
Just before I uploaded the picture of the corncob dryer, I saw it myself and like I said before, I thought maybe that it would not be seen ingame. I liked the greytone and I was a little lazy to make a new texture or lookk for another one. But since I have changed the texture, found one in my folder that suited the model just fine, something that looks used too.

(https://s12.postimg.org/vr9zk1wl9/Corncob_Dryer2.jpg)

I am still trying to find tall the silo models, geeez, there are so many of them........but I will hopefully have found, chosen and pretested the whole set this weekend. As long as I can remember, I think I finished rendering them all.


Fred

Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: noahclem on November 19, 2016, 11:06:23 AM
Really a pleasure to see you back, Fred, and I'm loving the new models  &apls  This has been a jewel of a project for many years and only a couple months ago it sounded like it might be over after Frank seemed close to finished with creative SC4 stuff. I'll be following eagerly as always (will never forget you guys' OSITM or the time spent making truly proper manure textures) and, again, am glad to see you return :)
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on November 21, 2016, 08:16:09 AM
Unbelievable, I sorted out all my silo models last weekend (I hope) and I came up with 212 gmax and 3dmax files and 74 rendered model files. Doh!
&4 files to include into the 3rd set is way too much. So, I will select only the best (to my liking) between 20 and 25 max of them and that should be enough.
Later this week I will create a list (with pictures) of the "chosen ones" and FrankU should get something to test next weekend.

I also started to gather all the "sidebuildings", Set Nr 4 Sheds.

Now I wonder why I made so many.......lol


Fred

Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on November 21, 2016, 12:33:49 PM
Oh yes, 25 silo's should be enough.
Do you want me to make prop families? I have a range that is not yet used completely, so I could do that easily. It's just a matter of modding the prop exemplars. If you like the idea just send me the models and I make props out of them, including prop families and other features.

:thumbsup:
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: gn_leugim on November 22, 2016, 02:05:12 AM
those should defenetly go into prop families, yes. otherwise we wouldn't get the max potential of them :p
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on November 22, 2016, 09:27:34 AM
Not sure if we should make propfamilies out of them. If I remember right what a propfamily is, then the different sizes of the model might affect the idea. But here is what I will do and it will up to you FrankU, if or if not you make propfamilies with them. I leave this up to you. I will upload the 5 (6) mainsets as planned, meaning as simple props in a datfile, but also I will keep all the files as a single modelfile for those who want to create single prop Lots later. These files will onl;y be incividually uploaded when asked for.

Kinda difficult to decide which ones to keep, I have selected 15 silos already, and I am starting to worry that 25 will not be enough.
There are so many different models, that it becomes almost impossible to include all of them. I will decide this later this week. I might even create another add-on for the silos later.

Silos come in many versions. There are the cement silos, upright and tall, but also smaller and wider ones, then the steel silos, again upright, tall or not. Then the commcerial or industrial silos that we have mostly in those regions where mainly cereals are produced. Australia, Ukraine, Canada, Mid-Western US and even now South America have those gigantic cereal productions and to keep them, dry them and classify and mix them, they need those big metal sheet silos, covered groundsilos and undergroundsilos, whether they are upright, horizontal, ground or in/under a covered building. Then we make a difference between grain (cereals) and Chaff (grass and mais) silos which are fermented to produce silage, which is a feed for animals, mostly cows and cattle. Then we have those smaller feeder silos, which most farms have to store their already mixed (ready to feed) mixed rations, sometimes which are in sheetmetal, plastic and other material. Again another kind of silos are dryer silos, which again come in many forms......and so on. I could spend the afternoon explaining all the possibilities.

When I started to create the silos, I didn't know what I got into. The more I created, the more ideas I came up with and the more I found which became essential to make a complete list. They almost all need to be a part of the MFP1. And I thought the manure set was difficult to handle.....lol

Here is what I will do. I will consider a rough selection of the silos that I have first, only the ones which are rendered already, then I will have a look at them again and only selct the ones which are common and important enough to be kept. This will be difficult because I have something like 4 to 8 different versions of a same model (different textures, sizes and details) Don't worry, I will choose strictly.

For all you that have not seen the models , it will be easy to say, this and that one will go and the others will stay, but if you have seen them all (and there's slightly more than 74) can't imagine to leave one or more behind......lol

So, I will carefully take the time this week and test them all while deciding ingame which will become part of the set. I will not keep more than 30 and that's it!..... but maybe others will come later in another pack. I know some of the players like the diversity of props.

Enough nonsense or not said, back to work. I want to finish this set as soon as possible.  :-[


Fred
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on December 06, 2016, 06:58:16 PM
Keep in mind that I am still full time on this, even if you don't hear from me so often.......................

Just to mention that I am certain now to finish all (ALL) the files for the MFP1 sets, including the silos, sheds (big file), machinery and other, before christmas.

I have now decided all of the silos that I will keep for the set, then all the sheds are ready, some are still need to be rendered/pretested (working on this every evening) the machinery is ready too, they will not be all there, but there's already a lot of other machinery already available and my set will not be the smallest one, I promiss. But there will come a time for the add-on later.
And....the "stuff" in the "Other" set, is about to be ready too. Some need new textures and others to be scaled, a matter of 2 days max.

I have been, in the last weeks, organizing my MFP1 files, finishing the texs and details on models, scaling and selecting the right ones to include in all those sets to come, busy with rendering and pre-testing hundreds of files.

Frank, you will get a lot of little boxes to open before Christmas.....lol. I suppose you will be busy making lots, while I will take pics and list them all here. Maximum of two weeks to go and you'll get it all. Am I glad I stumbled back on this project now. ;)

Fred

PS: There will be a big North-American (Canada/US) style Dairyfarm available to download later as a pregift of the MFP1 sets , included in the SFBT Advent Calendar 2016 Event found here: http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=17636.20

Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: Silur on December 06, 2016, 10:20:30 PM
It is a huge job.  :thumbsup:
I wish You luck. Thank you.
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: gn_leugim on December 07, 2016, 01:00:41 AM
 :popcorn: take your time, we waiting :D  :popcorn:
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on December 07, 2016, 04:00:47 AM
Yeah, big job alright.
I think I have taken enough time, now it's time to get this finished. ;)
I think the worst si tstill to come, the job to take ingame pics of each one of them and then make a complete list of contents.................Thanks.


Fred
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on January 18, 2017, 04:05:37 PM
Does anyone know what the max filesize I can upload to the Sc4D File Exchange is?

Thanks

Fred
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: Andreas on January 18, 2017, 04:58:20 PM
I think I was able to upload a 20-25 MB file just fine. There might be some hard limit, but at least it's a lot more than it used to be (IIRC, it was 8-10 MB some years ago). There's still some possibility to do an FTP upload, but I think only the admins can do that for you.
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on January 19, 2017, 09:15:29 AM
Quote from: Andreas on January 18, 2017, 04:58:20 PM
I think I was able to upload a 20-25 MB file just fine. There might be some hard limit, but at least it's a lot more than it used to be (IIRC, it was 8-10 MB some years ago). There's still some possibility to do an FTP upload, but I think only the admins can do that for you.

Ok Thanks Andreas, I think I will cut my files in several pieces/parts, because only the manure set is over 500 Mb's......lol and this is the smallest I think.
Or I will probably host the MFP1 Files somewhere else. It is though a little too early though to say, because all the sets aren't ready yet. Well ready, they are, but I mean, I still have to organize all these hundreds and hundreds of files first and some are still to choose from which to keep or not.

Today I'm going away for 10 days or so, somewhat to relax. Family problems and events have kept me and my wife (Lynncanox) quite busy and occupied.
I will be back (although I will keep an eye on things here and everywhere else) with a lot of fresh courage to confront the Final of the MFP1, partially choosing the Best and the presentation.

Fred
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on February 02, 2017, 08:25:08 AM
Just to let you know that I am working this week on the VERY Last siloset. Here's a preview of the big Grain Mixing Station, something like on the picture on the bottom from Farming Simulator. It will be a little different, smaller and have better textures.
There will be something like 30 to 50 silos of all kinds in this set, from groundsilos for forage to grainsilos. I don't think that I have missed a type of silo. ;)
I will finish this last model of this series before the beginning of next week. Keep you posted.

(https://s28.postimg.org/7w604kvyl/grainsilos.jpg)

(https://s23.postimg.org/73rtjlnzv/silosset.jpg)
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on February 02, 2017, 08:45:06 AM
Good work Fred,
Although I have no preview on my computer....
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: gn_leugim on February 02, 2017, 09:46:33 AM
always handy! on a side note, is there the possibility to have less silos together, like one or 2? it would make it more versatile to make lots IMO.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on February 02, 2017, 02:03:14 PM
Quote from: gn_leugim on February 02, 2017, 09:46:33 AM
always handy! on a side note, is there the possibility to have less silos together, like one or 2? it would make it more versatile to make lots IMO.  :thumbsup:

Yes, this type of silo exist also as a single independant one. What I am working on here above, is simply the last model I do for the siloset and it is supposed to be a Mixing-station as we find them near every village/town here in North-America. There will be only two Mixing stations, which also will make individual lots, either with a farm or without. All the other models of silos are single props.

Fred

@ FrankU: What do you mean by " not having a preview on your computer" ? Can't see the pictures?
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on February 02, 2017, 11:45:30 PM
Hi Fred,

No I could not when I wrote it, but now that I come back I can see them. Maybe my connection was behaving too slow that day... It happens sometimes.
Nice stuff!
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: fantozzi on May 02, 2017, 02:36:27 AM
MrBisonm, I'm pretty shure there are many other people like me around the world, to shy to post (my english isn't the best), but beeing a huge fan and following your progress, the posts of FrankU and yours and wishing you the best.

Don't know, what's the actual state of the project, hope you're fine.

Maybe I'm late.

If you rendered the models you won't need reader.  Just Pim-X. I would recommend you make smaller folders with 10, 15 models in your plugin folder, so it's easier to work - as long lists in PIM-X are a source for errors and when starting PIM-X you can select the folders one by one.

In Pim-X on the left side you have the content types as a tree. You can close the entry 'buidings' so the entry 'props' below is open and then closing the subcategories of 'props' except of 'ordinary props'. Now by dragging the model files from the upper window over the entry 'ordinary prop' PIM-X will generate automatically a desc-file for your model.

And that's all you need to do. Now the model is ready to be used in SC4. You can open LE and place them on a lot.

I read you were talking about 500 MB of models you made for farming. Imho, without any intend to be negative, at this point one has to think about usabillity.

The bigger a plugin folder is the slower the game will be on loading, and maybe on zooming and scrolling too. 500 MB for farming is much - if I look at some of the most  common universial prop packs like Simgoobers Mega prop packf.e.  - they cover a broad spectrum of themes but stay below 20 MB in size.

So I can't recommend to make packs much bigger. It would be disappointing if people shy away from using them later because of the file size. Also on bundling the props together one could think about making some more 'universial packs' - with props they can be used very commonly on many lots and more specialized props.

I think - that's quite a task to slaughter a 500 MB cow and make some nice steaks of it.  :D

I don't want to get in between your collaboration with FrankU and cause complications but if I can assist you both in any way, please let me know.

I read you've forgot how some tools work, but that's all normal. I didn't find a new job in my old profession and all the knowledge I once had is slowly fading. Sad but normal. Human brain has a merciless cleaning algorithm on rarely requested memories but not on unwanted memories. So sometimes you have memories you wish you hadn't and sometimes you miss some you wish you had.

Also on prop families - on some props it may be clear how the props are used as a family, as alternatives appearing, but on many other families the need for them comes with a certain lotting project. But the first question would be if you have already an ID range to create prop families. Otherwise I would say - just leave this job to others.

Also - imho - there is no need to document every prop on picture. Can't remember someone did this? But again, if you want to and if I can help in some way, please let me know.

I don't know how to thank you in an appropriate way for all what you did so far.

And I agree - it's a big, big job you already did, should be a point to say: the gift-wrapping around it, I leave that to my clerks.

Fantozzi 
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on May 02, 2017, 07:37:43 AM
Hi fantozzi,

First read my signature, it says all about the project and where I am at. Thanks for posting and caring about the project.

There's a health problem that I have to live through first. Just something that will need its time. It should be over by the end of May, latest in the beginning of June and then I will come back for good to finish the MFP1.

Like I said, the most difficult part of the project is done, selecting the best models is almost finished too and I also decided to publish the sets with the minimum models for now to get it out as fast as possible. All the others will be something as an Add-On.
So, I am asking (again) for some patience, while I live through what I have to.

Thanks

Fred
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: Simmer2 on May 02, 2017, 09:42:47 AM
Hi Fred

Vous envoie de bons vœux pour une reprise rapide. Bonne santé pour vous.

Nick
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on May 03, 2017, 02:08:40 AM
Hi Fantozzi,

Thanks again for your offer, but indeed I think it's not a matter of needing help. We just have to wait until Fred has recovered his health. The help he needs I will provide.
Meanwhile I have been working on my lots. The set grew to about 120 lots in all stages from 1 up to 5. Or did I say that already? Getting old too....
I am testing them now in a region. I will have to relot most of them though when I get my hands on Fred's props.... An orgy of lotting is lying in front of me.  ;D

Frank
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: Silur on May 03, 2017, 11:36:20 AM
Hi, FrankU и Nexis CO-OP...
I think we all wait for Your good job. Good luck and Health ...
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: fantozzi on May 05, 2017, 03:03:35 AM
Quote from: FrankU on May 03, 2017, 02:08:40 AM
The set grew to about 120 lots in all stages from 1 up to 5. Or did I say that already? Getting old too....
I am testing them now in a region. I will have to relot most of them though when I get my hands on Fred's props.... An orgy of lotting is lying in front of me.  ;D

I started a similar project in early spring - without the knowledge you were still working on this - trying to cover all CAM stages 1-10 for CAM 2.1 (I started this for my own needs). Made more than 30 new farmfields with many new seasonal crop props and also crop related props for the lots. I already uploaded audio essentials containing  11+ new farm sounds. I don't want to create competition/rivalry as the sc4 community gets smaller. I try to make something to go alongside. So if something I'm doing is of any use for you - just let me know.
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on May 05, 2017, 03:07:26 AM
Hi Fantozzi,
That sounds great! Show us some...
We will never be rivals, only colleagues. Let the community members decide by choosing, downloading and using our products.

Maybe we can use each other's farm fields? Mine are already available at STEX and LEX. You could use them in your farms if you like. Maybe I can use yours in mine?
Maybe we can even cooperate?

So please show us what you have made as a start!
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on May 05, 2017, 06:41:27 AM
Farm fields and crop textures are always welcome. Just like Frank said, show us some pics or start a thread of your work.
And don't worry about being a competitor, I don't believe in competition and it would be impossible that you would make the same models as me. ;)

Fred
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: fantozzi on May 06, 2017, 01:24:58 AM
Thank you for the kind words!

I have a development thread over at Simtropolis ( http://community.simtropolis.com/forums/topic/72569-development-the-day-major-fantozzi-went-farming (http://community.simtropolis.com/forums/topic/72569-development-the-day-major-fantozzi-went-farming)). I don't think I should post pictures here. This is your thread, I like to see your pictures here. I know FrankU's Maxis replacement set with the nice Nexis green houses. When I started my project I had something in mind that works as an adition to it. Therefore I also tried to make additional crops, not covered by pegasus or simgoober or you, like seasonal rapeseed, bamboo, flax, potatoes etc. My hope is, I'm doing complementary stuff, making some nice addition, not different versions of already existing stuff becoming a "this-or-that thing".

Discovering this thread here with this stunning work of yours made me worry about what I'm doing. But I'm so glad you're still active and working on this. Don't get me wrong - I'm excited about what's going on here.   
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on May 06, 2017, 07:39:15 AM
Hi fantozzi,

Not too much time, but now I really have to say many "Wow"s to your thread at Simtrop. It's just too awesome!  &apls &apls &apls
I only missed it because I always loose track on ST and therefore I never take part in ST discussions.  ()what()

But it's great and you did some things I never dared, like cows on fields, chicken on fields, etc.. Your timed props are gorgeous too. And now I do forget a whole lot of interesting things you made. Please continue! You even might inspire me to make even more farms.

Frank
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: fantozzi on May 09, 2017, 11:24:14 PM
Quote from: FrankU on May 06, 2017, 07:39:15 AM
You even might inspire me to make even more farms.

Ha! This would be great. Since CAM 2.1 is released - to my knowledge the new CAM stages 8 - 10 aren't well supported yet. There is even a gap in farming we should close. But overall - with growables you never can't have enough variety. They are the surprising part of the game - you zone and have to wait what will show up. So I'll take this as a promise - more surprises.   
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on May 10, 2017, 08:15:55 AM
Yes.... thiose stages....

I decided, mainly because I did not feel like doing my complete set all over again, to continue according to CAM 1 rules: stages 1 - 5 for normal farms and stages 6 and 7 for manors, monuments and other special growables.
I though it would be weird to have other farm types grow after that...

For a new series of farms I would leave the manors, monuments and special lots out: I would make them rewards connected to farmlots. Like I earn a certain manor when I have 5 stage 5 farms in my city, or a 1000 maize farm fields. As examples.
I would make myself a list of stage farms, beginning with stage 1 being a simple field, stage 2 with a small barn or shed, etc.... up to stage 10 probably being a high-tech indoor urban farm, looking like an industrial building. I could use PEG's utopia farm models for perhaps stage 8 or 9 and I remember some cubic Japanese model (no time to look up the name now..) that is used for I-HT stage 9 or 10, that would be good for farm stage 10 too.
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: evarburg on July 21, 2017, 08:52:53 AM
Just delurking briefly : when, oh when can we expect that stunning new agri stuff from Nexis ? It is sorely needed by those of us of a country bend... :)
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on July 21, 2017, 12:08:30 PM
I had some health problems earlier this year, now they're better/ok and improving. Since it is summer now here in Canada, I will be busy enjoying life and the warmer days of our seasons. That is why I have not posted much of advancement on this project. But I come here almost everyday and sometimes even do something with my models here and there on rainy and lonely evenings. I won't tell when exactly it will be ready, not promissing anything, but it will be one day on the "market", and this is a promiss. As soon as I will have done some important finishings, it will be advertised right here. ;) So, continue to keep an eye on this thread.....Thanks for the patience.

Fred
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: Terring7 on July 22, 2017, 01:19:05 PM
Being free of health issues and enjoying your life is more important. Take your time and have fun. We'll be here, waiting with patience for your gifts :thumbsup:
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mattb325 on July 22, 2017, 03:00:45 PM
Health 1st, friends, family and loved ones 2nd, RL 3rd, many other things 4th, 5th, 6th and so on....SC4 pixels somewhere way, way, way, way down the list after that.
Make sure you look after yourself  ;)
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on July 22, 2017, 09:40:16 PM
thanks Terring7 and Matt.....SC4 is 5th now    ;)

Fred
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: gn_leugim on August 30, 2017, 05:31:25 AM
Best whishes Fred, hope all good with you!  :)
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on September 17, 2017, 01:14:33 PM
Need Help:


under construction


I am finishing the last silo (a smaller Mixing Station), and I have these little white x's on my ladders (on the silo itself) that somewhat bother me a lot when working on the model. I cannot remember what to do to get rid of them (so many things I have forgotten in gmax) Does anyone know? Please......

Thanks....

Fred

(https://s26.postimg.org/8a5n4o5yh/help.png)
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on September 19, 2017, 12:06:47 PM
As yuo know I can't help you on that, but I am happy to see that your health has returned, at least in so far that you are working on the silo's again. Welcome back!  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: Silur on September 19, 2017, 04:10:37 PM
Mrbisonm - is here again  &apls
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on September 19, 2017, 05:20:00 PM
Hey Frank, still aorund? I thought by now you were gone and sept over to something else. Sorry for all this , time isn't my strong, it flies by so fast, especially when one is not so strong and has a lot of health problems. But.....I am feeling a lot better since this spring. Just took the whole summer to relax and enjoy my surroundings and family.
So, here I am again, although I never really left and I also never stopped BATting, just at a lower speed and with a bit less time.

I will give a full report of what I have been doing lately in the following days, maybe a week or so.

Everyone els: I am still looking for a solution for those little x's that appear on my ladders on the last picture please (still haven't found the problem) Not that it stops me from continuing the BAT, but somewhat bothering me a bit.

Silur, I was always here, just behind that curtain on your left. ;)

Fred
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: Jack_wilds on September 19, 2017, 08:01:57 PM
Taking a crack at the issue... but I do not know the software at all... so  %confuso


those cross-hatches, or plus, or cross appear to be construction aids... are those hatches on different level, do they show up in your ladder construction files, or the silo constitutions files... are the construction aids on a different layer...  is there something somewhere that can be checked off that is not...  do they only appear when assembling the parts... if those cross hatches are only on there with the ladders, then its got to do with the ladders... I think its in the ladder construction files... do those cross hatches show up with other parts and assemblies......


just a few thoughts... may or may not be of aid  ???   %confuso

good luck... glad you are back at it and I do hope that this farm project does reach some sort of conclusion after such a long wok period...
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on September 19, 2017, 09:35:22 PM
Thanks Jack_wilds, but I checked all that I remembered and what you mentioned. I remeber though that these little x's can be somehow deleted by hitting a key or a combination of keys........which ones though?
I don't know what they actually are or good or used for, maybe a construction aid. They are on the latter Groups only and because the ladders are copies from the first one, they all have the x's..... &mmm

Fred
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on September 20, 2017, 12:00:56 AM
Hi Fred,

I have not been away, although I have been silent. I haven't played very much and indeed there is some kind of fatigue.
I put my time into my new business, bicycling and genereally educating my children... time consuming really.

But I am eager to start lotting and finishing my Dutch farms Project when your BATs arrive! So go ahead, take your time... I am ready.

Greetings,
Frank
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: Simmer2 on September 20, 2017, 09:51:17 AM
Hi Fred and welcome back.

I use Gmax for all my BATtings but never encountered this issue. They definitively look like construction aid crosshairs.
However I would be willing to look into it if you wish.
Save the ladder as a separate piece and send me a copy. I will play around with it to see if I can resolve it for you.

Nick
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: carlfatal on September 20, 2017, 03:31:53 PM
To be honest, I have no clue about these x´es but I am happy to see you healthy and back!  :)
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: Jack_wilds on September 20, 2017, 03:55:06 PM
a place to look at concerning gmax... might cause you to remember


http://www.fsdeveloper.com/wiki/index.php?title=Introduction_to_modeling_with_GMax
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on September 20, 2017, 05:04:04 PM
Quote from: Simmer2 on September 20, 2017, 09:51:17 AM
I will play around with it to see if I can resolve it for you.

Thanks for the offer Nick, I would really enjoy if you can find the key to close the  little x's. Here is the file:
http://www94.zippyshare.com/v/LT1NclHt/file.html
Click on the big orange " Download now" on the right only. I remember clearly that it is a key or a combination of keys (more probable) that opens and closes this, nothing on the iconsboard.

Quote from: carlfatal on September 20, 2017, 03:31:53 PM
To be honest, I have no clue about these x´es but I am happy to see you healthy and back!  :)

Thanks....;)

Thanks Jack_wilds, but I went thru it before posting here. ;)

Ok, Frank, I can just imagine how you feel......lol. Hang in there, things will soon be coming to your e-mail, one after the other.
I finished the silosets today, no sorry, late last night, have chosen the best to include in the MFP1 today (unbelievable, I had 129 models in all, but there will be only 24 or so for the set at this time) and check it over again in the next days to see if I have chosen the right ones and then will sleep over it before the final decision and pack it into a datfile. Now I have two or three sheds to finish and render and then the same........and so on.    :popcorn:
After......I will need to sit down and get drunk......lol. Oh, I forgot, I don't drink. ;)

Fred
I was wondering, are all the others already ready in a datfile? Do you have them ? (can't remember if I did)
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: Simmer2 on September 20, 2017, 08:05:25 PM
Hi Fred.

I looked over the file and found something odd. I see that you use the loft method of component creation, I prefer starting with a primitive and then add modifiers, but that's me  :)
Anyways, it looks like some of the cylinders were created with holes at the cap ends thus the crosshairs showing at the center of the caps.

This is what I did to fix the issue.
Select the ladder, on the top tool bar click on the Modifiers tab, scroll to Mesh Editing which will open up a side menu, click Cap Holes and voila' problem solved.

I hope it works for you.

Nick
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on September 21, 2017, 08:24:18 AM
Quote from: Simmer2 on September 20, 2017, 08:05:25 PM
Hi Fred.

I looked over the file and found something odd. I see that you use the loft method of component creation

What do you mean by odd?.....lol. I know, I can't remember why (because the ladders I created 10 or more years ago and I reuse them all the time) but I did something that I had no other way to fix. Anyway, I tried the "capholes" and it worked just fine. Thanks a lot, Nick, much appreciated. I am still convinced though that there was a combination of keys to make it appear and dissappear......If I ever remember, I'll let you know. ;)

Fred

(https://s26.postimg.org/e06a5jrft/image.jpg)
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: Simmer2 on September 21, 2017, 08:44:19 AM
I'm glad I was able to resolve it for you  :thumbsup:

Nick
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on September 24, 2017, 03:23:20 PM

Later this week, or maybe next weekend I will show 4 pics each (like the preview below) and explain all the silos in the siloset, which is finished and ready to be packed.

Fred


.......Part of the siloset.

(https://s26.postimg.org/z76zo37hl/Mixing_Station01.png)

Edit: I know that there's a architectural error, but hey, this is Simcity4, you won't see much of it ingame. ;)
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: carlfatal on September 25, 2017, 05:21:48 AM
I really can´t see the error...  $%Grinno$%

But the silos look really nice, rusty and used.  &apls
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: Simmer2 on September 25, 2017, 07:09:45 AM
Nice skin job &apls

Simmer2/Nick
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on September 25, 2017, 01:03:12 PM
Good work, Fred!
Keep it up!
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on October 09, 2017, 02:01:22 PM
Wow, what a summer (fall) Today was the first rainy day since mid-August. We had a few rainshowers in between (very little) but since last night, it rains without interruption. Finally, That will up my lakes and bring back the green lush in the pastures and fields just before the snow will cover it in 3 or 4 weeks.
So, I had the time to some work.
I present you the finished Set number 3 of the MFP1. The Siloset.
It is a lot of work to take the preview pics, organize them, name them, upload the pics to a site and then here. We will do this day by day until the set is all presented, just l;ike the two previous sets, Farmbuildings Set 1 and the Manure set 2.

The Siloset is kinda....well ....huge.....lol. I don't know exactly how many models, but there is an undescribable diversity of them. Grainsilos small and large, Mixingstations, Groundsilo Grainboxes, Dryers of Corn, grain etc, groundsilos for silage, Vertical silos, Horizontal silos, Open and Closed silos, Indoor silos....and so on......... and on. All these in different Styles (textures and details etc) Oh my.....I am glad I finished it before I freaked out and thought of new models......The final count will be during showing the previews, that I will decide which I keep. ;)

Here's the first batch of some Grainsilos and silage silos. All models are numbered for reference, from 01 to 274, some numbers will be missing during the show-off, because some will not be chosen for upload at this moment.

Enjoy.
Fred

(https://s1.postimg.org/8yfz11dajj/silo41to44.jpg)

(https://s1.postimg.org/511mwcajlr/silo15.jpg)

(https://s1.postimg.org/3gonb1gmof/silo12.jpg)

(https://s1.postimg.org/7axeu06adr/Silo09.jpg)

(https://s1.postimg.org/5qkf8pcsvz/Silo08.jpg)





Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: Jack_wilds on October 09, 2017, 03:33:26 PM
astounding astonishing

:thumbsup:

:popcorn:


sweet corn season here in WI... rains making an appearance here to as Sept was weak on that point...
thanks for showing
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on October 09, 2017, 11:56:56 PM
Beautiful Fred!
I am glad the end is near.
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: kelis on October 10, 2017, 03:54:55 AM
Fantastic progress here, Can't wait to use all this stuff  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on October 10, 2017, 09:20:24 PM
Thanks Folks.

So, here is another batch of pictures showing the Third Set's models (Siloset).
There's still a lot silos to come, some amazing ones too. ;) After this I will immediatly start showing the Shed (Set4) series, which also is ready, another big set.
Frank will have to wait a little to receive the siloset, I just wanna make sure that I have chosen the right ones.
All comments and ideas are welcome, good or bad, in both ways I will only learn. ;)
Be patient, all this is a lot of work for me, taking me 2 to 4 hrs everyday creating the previews, identifying them, classing them, uploading the pics to an image site then to SC4D etc.....thanks

Enjoy these now.....

Fred

(https://s1.postimg.org/1m3e4b39cv/silo01.jpg)

(https://s1.postimg.org/2ljhhhaq9r/silo02.jpg)

(https://s1.postimg.org/5gox1fr2en/silo95.jpg)

(https://s1.postimg.org/3zirzot5fj/silo95a.jpg)

(https://s1.postimg.org/3ssbiewsf3/silo96.jpg)

(https://s1.postimg.org/75b1csms9r/silo97.jpg)

(https://s1.postimg.org/69ejxci1an/silo97a.jpg)

(https://s1.postimg.org/88aqnop1mn/silo97b.jpg)

(https://s1.postimg.org/3eyn5pxzun/silo97e.jpg)

(https://s1.postimg.org/910djl1njj/silo97g.jpg)

Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: gn_leugim on October 11, 2017, 09:22:43 AM
Great job Fred!! and welcome btw!  :thumbsup:

I like what I see. but not all, here come some criticism.

on the first double ground silo, you apply a texture of a surface with some tires to the cover of the silo. to be honest, the end result is bad. you managed to do a way better job on the triple set and in the single silo, where you modelled the tires in 3dmesh and apply its own textures and left the cover bellow with its own texture. so much better!!!

Not only does it not look realistic (tires as tall as 1mm, now that's what I call a flat tire  :laugh:) the warping of the map on the mesh in some places looks really bad. I would remodel the whole silo in the same fashion of the other silo aforementioned.

I would also change the concrete texture. that texture, IIRC, is from canals or other watery places, where moss and algae grows on the walls, with a gradient to it, lets put it that way. you apply that same texture (a vertical one) horizontally. Also, is it supposed to grow moss and algae inside the silo? I don't think so ;)

Doind a quick search for better alternatives (in my opinion, ofc) "$Deal"$
https://www.textures.com/download/concretefloors0057/41357
https://www.textures.com/download/concretefloors0053/41114
https://www.textures.com/download/concretefloors0009/31774
https://www.textures.com/download/bunkerleaking0068/49552
https://www.textures.com/download/bunkerleaking0036/8914

in these links you can find some textures you can play arround. don't apply them as it is, tweak them, cut them, shape them for better use ;) some are clearly meant for walls, others for floors, some go both ways ;)

Any issue I can help, just ask ;)
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on October 11, 2017, 12:09:05 PM
gn_leugim, excellent remarks, I really know about that "cheap" tire/plastic texture on drive-in silo model 95, that one is 6 years old....Since I started doing modeling for the Farming Simulator, I have changed a lot of "ways" to texture and also my tex bank is more complete today.
The reason why I still have this model like this, is simply that I want to finish the MFP1 as soon as possible. If I start texturing too many models around again, it will take more time, maybe months or even years....so I will take the chance with most models I did years ago. Bu you will probably see a big difference between the last models (see the Grain mixing station above) and the ones done lately coming up soon.

I have taken note of this model 95 and put it on my list to rework a little and see if I can do it with respecting my upload date. ;) Thanks for this instructive comment and I totally agree with you that it looks kinda "weird" now.
I also had a look at your tex links, I know that site and I am a premium member too, but since I have my own silo on the farm, the textures you have pinned out aren't really like the real ones that I am looking for and the only ones I could find are the "seawall" textures that really had the darker green patches of moss and mushrooms growing on the walls that i wanted. But.....I can maybe use one of your tex's  for an empy dried out silo. Maybe another model that I started earlier this year. I will take picture of my ground silos (once they're empty) next spring, dry and wet and see if I can use these textures for my next models.
Thanks for all your usefull info that will surely be used in my newer versions of BATting.

Meanwhile I want to finish all this MFP1 sets before christmas, and this is coming faster than I can handle for the moment. I know I cannot upload all the models I have done in the last 8 years, but I still have to choose from more than 1500 farmmodels, and this in a short time, meaning not all my uploads will be of my best quality.....It will up to the lotmaker to decide which ones to use and which to leave behind. ;)

I'll be back soon. ;)

Fred
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on October 11, 2017, 09:15:36 PM
Only had about 2 hrs of free time tonight and besides, I am very tired, had a long day.

Here are some more silo models of the Third Set, all groundsilos.
Still to come: Steel Silos, more Groundsilos, Interior silos, Roofed silos, Mixing Stations, small feed and fertilizer silos....etc......Discouraged yet? Don't be, you will when I start showing the Shed, machinery and implement models.....lol ;)

Fred

(https://s1.postimg.org/64687092jj/silo82.jpg)

(https://s1.postimg.org/8vfaf2xywf/silo83.jpg)

(https://s1.postimg.org/48tnee14z3/silo84.jpg)

(https://s1.postimg.org/6tc956rbfz/silo86.jpg)

(https://s1.postimg.org/13qwtm4fz3/silo88.jpg)

Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: gn_leugim on October 12, 2017, 05:37:32 AM
QuoteMaybe another model that I started earlier this year. I will take picture of my ground silos (once they're empty) next spring, dry and wet and see if I can use these textures for my next models.
Thanks for all your usefull info that will surely be used in my newer versions of BATting.

that is a wonderful idea! :)

Regarding this last preview, I would only change 3 things ;)

-the grass is a bit too bright and oversaturated.

- on the third set, the side walls texture seem a bit overstretched on the long side. some tweaking in the UVW maps could solve it ;)

- the silo's cover texture... meh, I don't like that much :\ but at a glance I can't find anything better.

Keep up the good work! ;)
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on October 12, 2017, 07:30:23 AM
Quote from: gn_leugim on October 12, 2017, 05:37:32 AM
-the grass is a bit too bright and oversaturated.

Have ever seen fresh chaff before?..... This is supposed to be fresh corn chaff, and not grass and the colour is like this irl. Grass is a little darker or more of a "greenish" green. (see the pics below) I used it in the FS 2013, si if it is good enough for the FS, it surely must be good for SC4, right? I can imagine you find this a little saturated, but that is how it is. Maybe I should mention, (in case you don't know yet) that I own, work and live on a farm since 1972 and have been farming ever since, although I don't work that much on it and hire people for this, I have a lot of possibility to experience and see what farming is all about and see/feel/smell how it works and looksl.  ;)

For the model 84, you're right on the picture, but believe me, you won't be able to see the tex stretch on the walls in game that much. I did this one for the Farming Simulator and it came out quite well even in closeup. It will stay like this since I don't have the time to go into more detailing now, besides this SC4 and not FS 2017. ;)
The silage cover on model 88 is polythene, again you made a good point, it is used in black as in this model, but also exists in white, green and blue, and it's the best I could do/find at the time.
Thanks

Fred


Fresh cut corn Chaff (silage).....

(https://s1.postimg.org/1kj9pfegtr/cornchaff.jpg)

(https://s1.postimg.org/92bm7whm8f/cornchaff2.jpg)

(https://s1.postimg.org/1e6uk5ab3z/cornchaff3.jpg)

....after several months of aging.....

(https://s1.postimg.org/6fbopvtny7/cornchaff4.jpg)

...and this is fresh grass chaff...

(https://s1.postimg.org/1ejlybww33/grasschaff.png)


EDIT: gn_leugim, Since you mentioned the "vif" chaff texture on model 86, it "bothered" me a bit and I decided to study the texture more by reducing the saturation and playing around with brightness, contrast etc. I came up with this below and applied it to the model 86 and also model 83, but I kept the brightness of the fresh cut cornchaff  as I see it on the model 84. ;)

(https://s1.postimg.org/6etymcyexr/silo86moded.jpg)

Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: gn_leugim on October 12, 2017, 09:42:30 AM
Yes Fred, I have seen Chaff (I had no idea of the name, hence me saying grass). and smelled it too  :-[ :D

I do not own a farm, but I used to work with my dad, who was a door by door seller, and we had a lot of farmer as costumers. And at least at this part of Portugal, most people use the farm fields to plant maize and then shred it into chaff, or "silagem" as we call it, to feed the stocks. never understood why don't they pick the corn first and do this after. maybe you can shed some light on it for me!  ::) ;)

As for the correction you made, just perfect!  :thumbsup: :thumbsup: that's what I meant, now looks gorgeous! :)

lets wait and see more results from your work! keep them coming! ;)
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on October 12, 2017, 10:32:25 AM
Great work Fred!
Show them to us.
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on October 12, 2017, 04:40:33 PM
Quote from: gn_leugim on October 12, 2017, 09:42:30 AM
never understood why don't they pick the corn first and do this after. maybe you can shed some light on it for me!  ::) ;)

gn_leugim.; The Chaff or shredded corn (mais or maize) without the cob (the grainy part) has not as much feeding and nourrishing value. The grain adds a lot of protein and vitamins to the chaff. That is why we wait for the cob to be fully developed before cutting it. Here in Canada it is generally in October. Later, like in November or december, the nutrition value of the chaff is dropped to 5% only, therefor only the cob is harvested for the grain. Hope that clears it up. ;)
Glad the new tex of chaff is to your liking. :thumbsup:

Hey FrankU, I keep them coming. ;)

Only time for one tonight, I am expecting family for the evening.

A steel silo.....I have 4, 5 or 6 of these in different styles, textures and sizes. Actually I have about 25 of them, but I will only keep the principles and best for the MFP1. ;)

Ok, I don't know if I will have time tomorrow, all depends on the decisions we make tonight with my family, but Saturday and sunday are supposed to be rainy days, I'll be here. ;)

Fred

(https://s1.postimg.org/2r726x5vj3/Silo50.jpg)






Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: gn_leugim on October 13, 2017, 01:22:05 AM
it does clear it out now!  &idea

regarding the new model, I would only change the with part to a less saturated/bright color. as it stands a bit too bright. but that is optional ;) otherwise looks good! ;)

Keep up :)
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on October 14, 2017, 05:08:55 PM
Some more models of the Siloset today to show, 2 of them are 3 years or older and they have a few texture problems, it shows on the preview pics, but not ingame. 2 other models are from earlier this year (Spring), which can be easily identified by their better quality. Unfortunatly the small details do not show well ingame.
Then the other models are somewhere from 1 to 2 years old, good enough to be kept as they are and uploaded into the MFP1 Set.

There's still a lot to come. As I said before, the siloset is the biggest (together with the Shedset) and therefor a lot of models. I will keep the set as "small" as possible, but yet have a little of everything I made for this set. There are 176 Silo BATs in my gmax and 3dMax folders from which I am choosing the final futur uploads. I hope that I will not have more than 60 models...... &Thk/(

I saw that there are more than hundred views per day of this thread and it has become the biggest thread in this category, but where the heck are the comments? What's wrong with you, the viewers, not interested in this but curious? And only 8 Likes?
I hope that there's still some of you interested in this set!! ???

More :shocked2: to come tommorrow, enjoy:

Fred

(https://s1.postimg.org/5lwpxpg8mn/Silo18ab.jpg)

(https://s1.postimg.org/4x3gdp1hz3/Silo74b.jpg)

(https://s1.postimg.org/1z57m5zsgv/Silo74d.jpg)

(https://s1.postimg.org/1oidt0ppi7/Silo74g.jpg)

(https://s1.postimg.org/454m7y30vz/Silo78.jpg)

(https://s1.postimg.org/1kyrvbakbz/Silo79a.jpg)

(https://s1.postimg.org/4n7fap8rkv/Silo79b.jpg)

(https://s1.postimg.org/27nh2abr9r/Silo79e.jpg)

Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: Jack_wilds on October 14, 2017, 05:49:54 PM
okay...  ::)  I'll chime in..

its all great!!!   &apls 

happy now  :bnn:  ???  :bnn:

seriously though... I really have nothing to point at technically and cry about...
the blue harvestone silos issue was pointed out so I did not see a need to do it again...
I am liking the quality, volume and variety of your sets... what I will point our specifically is teh ground level silos, teh details and the textures used... and then my favorite vertical silos is teh cement block/ concrete ones...

what I hope can happen when teh sets are sorted is pick a few vertical silos and put ads on 'em like they did for years... my dad's silo had a banner for a special corn seed that worked great for two years then got bought out...  and teh local town cafe and barner shop... implements, tractos.. FarmlandHarvester had one thats burned into my memory.. plus teh hardware store to and then there was one for cigars and lumber and milk/ dairy... the list went on as teh region here had a very good sales man for that.. but it paid dad for awhile...

a number of items bring back memories long forgotten of chores gone by... looking forward for this project.. perhaps its my time to finally lot stuff and use your packs to make it happen...

anything else  %confuso

be blessed   :)
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on October 14, 2017, 09:58:24 PM
Thanks Jack_wilds for coming out of the shadows, I appreciate all comments.

First the harvestone silo texture (roof) looks a lot better ingame than on the picture, that is why I didn't bother commenting on it, as all BATters know that the colours are different in preview and ingame. IRL, they are very white, at least here in Canada, and "glow" from far away. So, I think it should be ok. ;)

For the advertizing Banners, just wait 'till I show the Vertical silos. Yet I've only put a few to change the models a bit. ;) The banners are Harvey's for a beef farm and a Farm Insurance (can't think of the name right now) for others. There's also a few sheds that have commercial advertising, like Shell, Purina and IH Tractors......
Thanks


Great comment.  :thumbsup:


Fred
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: Silur on October 15, 2017, 12:21:59 AM
Hi, Fred. I can't see Your pictures now. Postimage show me "Image not found or was removed"  :'( :'( :'(
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on October 15, 2017, 08:23:42 AM
Quote from: Silur on October 15, 2017, 12:21:59 AM
Hi, Fred. I can't see Your pictures now. Postimage show me "Image not found or was removed"  :'( :'( :'(

Hmm, strange, because I have no problems to see the pics.........

EDIT:

I just went through my list of finished products to continue making the next preview pics of my siloset, category, organize, list and upload them, while I came to this model below, which was not included to be on the MFP1.
I have 9 Grain Mixingstations in all, all more or less different and I was going to upload only the two best.
But when I opened this one, I became regretful and I decided to include this model as the third mix station. Unfortunetly it ain't finished yet, need some BATting (pipes, bases etc) and some texturing. So, I will do this today. Be back later tonight with the results.

Fred

(https://s1.postimg.org/1wb4xc97bz/Mixsilo_Alum.png)


Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on October 15, 2017, 06:06:00 PM
I didn't have time to finish the model, so it is still under construction. Also now that I see the pipes, I probably will redo them. There's still  a label on the silos coming, also some details to the ground, pipes, discharge etc and I also have to see it ingame tomorrow to see the textures during gameplay and maybe improve/change them.
So, I guess I will be stuck on this one for a day or two. 
This model will also be uploaded for Farming Simulator later with more details of course. ;)


Question: Since I already have two Mixing Stations identified as Purina and as CO-OP, the two biggest of Quebec, I would like to know what is the biggest Farm Feed Store or Grain Distribution in your country, whether in the US, Canada or Europe.?
Let me know please, so I can add that one to this Mixing station and use others for the sheds. ;) Thanks


Fred

(https://s1.postimg.org/1v9mb3xrlr/Mix.jpg)

Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: gn_leugim on October 16, 2017, 03:12:12 AM
Hi Fred! great work on the mixing silos! just one advice thouh. again, your steel/white textures are too shinny and bright, and a bit oversaturated. if you could dull them a bit down would make wonders ;)

As for companies, here in Portugal we have Ceres in the north Portugal (Oporto to be more precise):
Google search (https://www.google.pt/search?client=firefox-b&dcr=0&tbm=isch&q=moagens+Ceres&spell=1&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjlqpKm8fTWAhUIIcAKHenXA3UQBQgjKAA&biw=1366&bih=604&dpr=1)
As well Germen (still at Oporto)
Google Search (https://www.google.pt/search?q=moagens+Germen&client=firefox-b&dcr=0&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjygeTQ8fTWAhWsA8AKHfkxDysQ_AUICigB&biw=1366&bih=604)

These last two are more of mills than grain resellers (although they do that too)

Agromais: Google (https://www.google.pt/search?q=Agromais&client=firefox-b&dcr=0&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwj0utmb8_TWAhVqDsAKHUs5DmsQ_AUICigB&biw=1366&bih=604)
this is more the reseller thing :)

hope it is useful :)
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: Simmer2 on October 16, 2017, 06:32:38 AM
Hi Fred.

Here is a list of Canadian companies that deal with grains, https://www.grainscanada.gc.ca/licensee-licence/licensed-agreees-eng.htm

Those silos are indeed a bit too bright, if you are using a custom texture, set the diffuse color to black and tone it down to 75/80% it will do wonders.

Nick
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on October 16, 2017, 09:07:42 AM
gn_leugim, Thanks I tought so too that the brightness was a little too much, also thanks for the names of the Feed companies. I will see if I use them.
Nick, thanks a lot for the Canadian feeder links, they will surely help. You're right about the brightness of the Mixer Station also.

Still need some American Feed and Seeds Company names (well knowm) and some European, preferable from Netherlands, Germany, Danmark, Eastern Europe, France as well as Australian and UK,  etc

Fred
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: Simmer2 on October 16, 2017, 09:52:42 AM
Hi Fred.

Here are a few global grain trader's logos. They are all over US, Europe, China, Australia...etc! They are collectively known as the "ABCD" conglomerate.

1
(https://i.imgur.com/QqnGmCe.jpg)
2
(https://i.imgur.com/bazjyhM.jpg)
3
(https://i.imgur.com/nsiiDYM.png)
4
(https://i.imgur.com/gnyB7rg.jpg)

Nick
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on October 16, 2017, 11:07:17 AM
Thanks Nick, great help!

Fred
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: Jack_wilds on October 16, 2017, 02:48:17 PM
Hi Fred...


only ones I recall are mom and pop and local cooperatives... the national brands bought, sold off then shut down and built larger more centralized...  Amherst Jct has a big mill silos, Marshfield has a few... Greenville has its local coop, and Depere is having a new operation move in and expand, just don't its name...

the more south in teh state the more mills for seed & Feed...   the one I remember best was called Midland CO-OP when it was in central WI... it still functions in Ashland... will look more to see what is found... too much of farmers culture heritage here in the state is gone... :(

:satisfied:
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: siemanthepieman on October 16, 2017, 03:44:43 PM
In Australia, we have (had? Maybe now taken over by ADM) GrainCorp as one of the biggest.

Good logo: https://www.google.com.au/search?client=safari&hl=en-au&biw=320&bih=460&tbm=isch&sa=1&ei=YDXlWfbyBcLO0ASqgbvQBA&q=graincorp&oq=graincorp&gs_l=mobile-gws-img.12..41j0l4.19552.21069.0.21973.10.10.0.0.0.0.504.2714.0j1j6j2j0j1.10.0....0...1.1.64.mobile-gws-img..9.1.504....0._fMrQDXvDH8

And have you considered texturing with 'SiloArt': https://www.google.com.au/search?client=safari&hl=en-au&biw=320&bih=460&tbm=isch&sa=1&ei=dzXlWeWnC8LQ0gTqwIaAAQ&q=graincorp+siloart&oq=graincorp+siloart&gs_l=mobile-gws-img.3..30i10k1.186814.189110.0.191489.8.8.0.0.0.0.589.3259.2-2j2j2j2.8.0....0...1.1.64.mobile-gws-img..0.8.3258...0j41j0i24k1.0.Rsr4jcx_MXc
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on October 16, 2017, 09:33:02 PM
Jack_wilds, I suppose that the US has about the same as us. If you find something really America (except Ralston-Purina), let me know.

siemanthepieman, Thanks, I willingly take the GrainCorp Logo, looks good! ;)

I wasn't able to work on the Mixing machine, Tried to make the texture less shiny, but havn't figured out how, So, I will put it aside again and continue on Wednesday with more and other silosets. I will be busy somewhere else tomorrow.

Fred
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on October 17, 2017, 06:55:42 AM
Quote from: Silur on October 15, 2017, 12:21:59 AM
Hi, Fred. I can't see Your pictures now. Postimage show me "Image not found or was removed"  :'( :'( :'(

I had the same some days ago.... no time to comment then. But now they are all bakc. What did you do Fred?

Your work looks really useful, plentiful and beautiful!
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on October 17, 2017, 08:04:29 AM
Quote from: FrankU on October 17, 2017, 06:55:42 AM
I had the same some days ago.... no time to comment then. But now they are all bakc. What did you do Fred?

Never had a problem and I didn't do anything with it, so I suppose it must have been the site itself that had problems and I was on there in between somehow. ;) Glad that you can all see the pics again.

If I get back early enough tonight, I might make some quick pics of other models that I wll include, if not, it will be thursday before I will have some free time again. ;).
To encourage you, approximately the two thirds of all silos that I will include in the 3rd set of the MFP1 have been shown sofar. But there are still some that I might ex- or include later. ;)

Fred
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: brick_mortimer on October 17, 2017, 01:48:13 PM
Hi Fred,

didn't have time to respond to your request for logos for grain feed silos

In Belgium we have AVEVE, the largest supplier of animal fodder (and sowing seed etc.):
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aveve
https://www.google.be/search?q=aveve&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjO6N_av_jWAhWGh7QKHTxpCQwQ_AUICygC&biw=1600&bih=794

(although the company succesfully rebranded itself in recent years as the go-to place for a modern and eco-friendly lifestyle with shops in town centers etc., it's still the one company I thought about when you talked about feed and seed suppliers)
Glad your huuuuge project is nearing it's end &apls
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mgb204 on October 17, 2017, 03:09:15 PM
Just a quick note to say what an amazing job you are doing with all these props. Looks like we'll be industrialising our agricultural areas in no time, in many ways it's about time.

Thanks to both Fred and Frank for all the hard work on this project, it's going to transform farming in a big way.
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: Jack_wilds on October 17, 2017, 03:39:46 PM
Hi Fred

found a few... looking for more
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: Jack_wilds on October 17, 2017, 03:42:19 PM
and a few more...
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on October 17, 2017, 04:07:45 PM
brick_mortimer, thanks, will be useful, nice logo.
mgb204 Thanks, this will indeed make a new addition....Simcity Farming.... ;)
Jack_wilds Thanks, some nice ones, some I will use on barn commercials, such as Redpower (International Harvester) and Wisconsin Dairy

Fred
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: TheTeaCat on October 18, 2017, 12:46:08 PM
Awesome job you are doing here!

Here's a few Irish/UK logos for you

Click on pics for full size
(https://i.imgur.com/xwX1JtX.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/Pf3J5Ra.png)

(https://i.imgur.com/GyrLeNN.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/z4FeaUd.jpg)

Hope these can be useful

Derry



Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on October 18, 2017, 02:38:50 PM
Thanks Derry, appreciated. They will be useful. ;)

Fred
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on October 24, 2017, 09:19:03 AM
All I can say why I haven't done anything last week,.......it's Indian Summer here, we have temps in the 20s (C) which is amazing. ;) Be back as soon as it's over, probably next week.

.......wooohoooo, going back outside and play in the leaves........

Fred
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: Jack_wilds on October 24, 2017, 04:01:00 PM
we our indian summer too

and I am afraid it is snow changing over now as this heavy double Low front reorganizes and finishes the leaves off...

I look at my gardens with late season fall lament and wishing for the springs to be here again...

oh well, such is life...

be blessed
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on October 24, 2017, 05:54:45 PM
If you still have nice weather out there in Wisconsin, then we will get 3 days later here too......lol. It usually comes from there in the fall. ;) Glad to hear this. We had 72F today.

Tommorow it will rain, but I will have a "rendez-vous" with my doc for some testings, and I don't know what I will feel like after ..............

Fred

Here's a picture of what it looks like here, taken a few days ago.  (morning view from my kitchen window)

(https://s1.postimg.org/160ssppw73/16_438.jpg)
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on October 25, 2017, 02:32:28 AM
Nice view Fred!
Those red trees, we hardly have them in Europe.
We ourselves have one small Japanese maple in our tiny graden (about a 100m2), which is turning into green-yellow-red flamed colours these days.

We had a PV-system installed yesterday, so let the sunshine come.

Talk to you later!
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on October 25, 2017, 07:18:04 PM
Quote from: FrankU on October 25, 2017, 02:32:28 AM
Nice view Fred!
Those red trees, we hardly have them in Europe.
We ourselves have one small Japanese maple in our tiny graden (about a 100m2), which is turning into green-yellow-red flamed colours these days.

We had a PV-system installed yesterday, so let the sunshine come.

Talk to you later!

Solar Power is only slowly coming to North-America, it is not efficient and lowcost as in Europe yet, and we are somehow still following the example of our southern neighbors, who don't really worry much about the environment yet and produce their energies with a lot of pollution. Recycling paper, metals, glass and plastics is not very common over the border, as in Quebec we started total recycling about 25 years ago and only less than 5 % of our homewaste actually goes to the garbage sites.
We are lucky though, we own 2 thirds of the freshwater of the world, meaning Hydropower is and will be our first choice. Up in the northern part of Quebec we have a lot of windmills, not much better 'cause noise and scenic pollution has become a small problem.
I wish you a lot of sun now, FrankU. We have a lot, probably the last day, because we expect a lot of rainy days by the end of the week.

Fred


Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: fantozzi on November 05, 2017, 04:32:51 AM
Very late, various european logos:


Grand Moulins de Paris, France (Grain, french bakery flour)

(https://www.vivescia.com/sites/default/files/logo-gmp-en.png)

Danish Crown, Denmark (worldwide biggest pork producer, I think)
(https://www.agrarheute.com/media/styles/breitformat_770x310/public/thumbnails/image/danish-crown-logo.jpg?itok=iU2o4DHw)


Agravis, Germany (formerly Raiffeisen AG - animal feed, seeds, grain)

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/cb/Agravis_Raiffeisen_logo.svg/500px-Agravis_Raiffeisen_logo.svg.png)

Vion Food, Netherlands (meat and meat products)

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/fb/Vion_Logo_NEU.png)


DMK Group, Germany (Deutscher Milchkontor - milk! milk! milk!)

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/de/3/3a/DMK_GROUP_Logo.png)


Swissgenetics, Swizzerland (well, how to say - their main business is selling livestock sperm)

(https://www.swissarbeitgeberaward.ch/media/home/logos/SWIGEN.png)

Nutrego, Netherlands (animal feed)

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/50/LogoNutreco_trans.gif)

Groupe Lactalis, France (milk, cheese)

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/de/thumb/e/e5/Lactalis-logo.svg/512px-Lactalis-logo.svg.png)

Parmalat, Italy (belongs to Lactalis Group but nice logo anyway - so also all kind of milk products, 6000 dairy farmers in Italy directly dependend on them)

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/de/thumb/1/1e/Parmalat.svg/602px-Parmalat.svg.png)


Yara, Norway (fertilizer, agricultural chemistry)

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/e/e7/Yara_International_%28emblem%29.svg/298px-Yara_International_%28emblem%29.svg.png)







Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on November 05, 2017, 02:21:24 PM
Quote from: fantozzi on November 05, 2017, 04:32:51 AM
Very late, various european logos:


Late? But not too late, always useful, thank You.


I will be back this week, the beautiful weather and warmth is over. Now I'm preparing the house, garden for winter and bring in the firewood. ;) I will finish probably on tuesday, and then we'll finish the silopart of the MFP1.



(https://s1.postimg.org/5ews9jkc33/image.jpg)

Now I can hear people say, why the heck is he using an axe and has an hydraulic splitter in his shed? Let me answer this. I love it and it is good for my health to work out like this. Besides I live on a farm, no more office!

See ya all soon,
Fred
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: gn_leugim on November 07, 2017, 02:14:10 PM
Good demonstration of health! keep the logs coming :D  :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: metarvo on November 07, 2017, 03:42:54 PM
This reminds me of how much I truly savor the outdoors this time of year.  Good to see you're doing better, Fred!  :)
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on November 07, 2017, 04:58:01 PM
metarvo, gn_leugim, I have always enjoyed the outdoors in my life, enjoyed every corner of it and also in any temperature. Even when I was a little kid in Germany, Netherlands and Belgium, I was always outside, having spent my youth in the Eifel, Ardennes and the Flamande. Beautiful memories btw.... ;)

...continuing the "silo showcase"...

Some more silos of the thrird MFP1 set, probably finish this set this weekend, then it will be the shed sets, the Fourth of Five Sets.

(https://s1.postimg.org/3ep1dfro8f/Silo42.jpg)

(https://s1.postimg.org/6gkxenxar3/Silo45.jpg)

(https://s1.postimg.org/3b5ffq7dvj/Silo46.jpg)

(https://s1.postimg.org/8q3xy5pja7/Silo70.jpg)

(https://s1.postimg.org/3wf321aetb/Silo71.jpg)

...some more tomorrow. ;) Remember, any comments are appreciated.

Fred
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: Jack_wilds on November 08, 2017, 02:59:55 PM
love the progress...  :thumbsup:

like the black checker... it is very similar to teh neighbors growing up...

and then wood chopping... God only knows how many cord I did... when growing up I chopped a good rate and yet never relly buled up... my cousin on teh other hand really bulked up over wood chopping...

life just isn't fair at times...   ???

anyway love the work and teh textures on teh details...  :)
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on November 08, 2017, 06:40:26 PM
Thanks Jack_wilds...btw, you're in Appleton,right? But which one? In Wisconsin, New Foundland or?


Here are some more for today, better ones.

I guess I am close to the ending of this set, since I have some problems finding many more silos in my messy 1200 models folder. Some more will follow tomorrow.
Now that it's raining and cold out, I will have the time to finish this set soon enough. Enjoy. ;)

Fred

(https://s1.postimg.org/84cy0he5vz/Silo64.jpg)

(https://s1.postimg.org/9ic8iofv73/Silo64a.jpg)

(https://s1.postimg.org/759m1h4mlr/Silo64b.jpg)



Edit: Having a Bad Day on the Farming Sim......lol

(https://s1.postimg.org/58w106530f/badday.jpg)
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: metarvo on November 09, 2017, 05:01:29 AM
I never imagined I would see that kind of crash in a farming game.  $%Grinno$%  I hope that equipment is insured.  Thankfully, the silo work is going a little better.  Ground silos are an interesting concept, but I must admit I haven't really seen ground silos around here — all I've seen are the tall, round, metal type, sometimes going all the way to the ground and other times lifted off the ground on metal posts.  I could look across the road and see a silo where I'm at now if this fog would lift.  :)

Good work, Fred!  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on November 09, 2017, 08:42:14 AM
Quote from: metarvo on November 09, 2017, 05:01:29 AM
I never imagined I would see that kind of crash in a farming game.  $%Grinno$%  I hope that equipment is insured.  Thankfully, the silo work is going a little better.  Ground silos are an interesting concept, but I must admit I haven't really seen ground silos around here — all I've seen are the tall, round, metal type, sometimes going all the way to the ground and other times lifted off the ground on metal posts.  I could look across the road and see a silo where I'm at now if this fog would lift.  :)

Good work, Fred!  :thumbsup:
Thanks for commenting, always good to see some intersted folks around.

Well, the big red tractor got stuck in the tracks, so I tried to pull it out with the other tractor in the back, but it wasn't strong enough....finally I got the loader, shoved the bucket under the lefy wheels and tried to lift it out of the tracks, but....darn that red tractor was to heavy....lol. Finally got it by trying the back and fourth method with the cultivator unhooked. Took some time but got it out.....oufff.
Those groundsilos are more common in Europe, but they are appearing here more often, especially in french Canada (Quebec), most likely because of the difference of cost compared to vertical ones.
Here's a rule of silos that might help. If you see a vertical steel silo down to the ground, it contains grass or corn silage. if it stands on a rack, it contains grains. ;)

Be back tomorrow, will not have time to do some pics today tonight.

Fred
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: Jack_wilds on November 09, 2017, 04:47:46 PM
Hi Fred...


Dairyland USA, WIS

like the latest versions as they show the other uses for the ground silos...
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on November 10, 2017, 02:25:23 AM
Those ground silos are really good! Yeah!
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on November 10, 2017, 06:43:52 PM
Thanks Frank, glad you like them.

Here are 3 more of this ground silo model, the last ones. I had some problems finding them, they were in a different folder, already rendered. The roof problem we see on one of the sheds is only on the picture rendering, it doesn't show on the model ingame.

I am having more and more problems finding the rest of the silo models, so after showing the pictures of the next 8 or so that I was able to find, this will be the end of the siloset.

Now, I think I have about batted and shown the basics of farmsilos we have in our farming world. The eight models left are 2 Corncob drying silos, another groundsilo with posts instead of the cement walls and one with big stones, an old Cement silo somewhat abandonned, 2 shiny Aluminum grainsilos and a "longhouse" drive-thru silo.
So if anyone has an idea of a excellent and well known silomodel that I have forgotten, please come forward, now is the time and last chance to mention it Big Mill silos will be in the Add-on Siloset later, so are the dugout groundsilos.

I should be back tomorrow, now that we have the first snow and temps below 0 C, windy, moist and cold. ;)

Enjoy
Fred

(https://s17.postimg.org/ayevucaof/Silo65a.jpg)

(https://s17.postimg.org/iee5g7qov/Silo65b.jpg)

(https://s17.postimg.org/721jyh00f/Silo65c.jpg)

A picture towards my backyard taken this morning from eastern living room. ;)

(https://s17.postimg.org/6f78moksf/firstsnow.jpg)
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on November 11, 2017, 06:43:57 PM
Wow, look at this! 150 Views every day this thread has and how many comments?....lol .....Are you kidding me? Maybe I should show them on the brazilian site, I usually get many more comments there.................. ???

Here are 3 more that were not on the list yesterday, Lurkers.  &mmm


(https://s8.postimg.org/foii78ch1/Silo12.jpg)

(https://s8.postimg.org/kaemfldfp/Silo13.jpg)

(https://s8.postimg.org/63yvkdi05/Silo24.jpg)

On silo 12 the white texture of the roof will be tweated down in the rendering, now I only had time for the picture. ;)

Fred

Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: Jack_wilds on November 11, 2017, 06:51:38 PM
all I have is a lurking cheesy 'like' to offer...  ???

as teh models are good to great andhave nothing to sya is wrong with...  %confuso

its all looking good for lot making soon  :thumbsup:


:)
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on November 11, 2017, 08:03:46 PM
Quote from: Jack_wilds on November 11, 2017, 06:51:38 PM
all I have is a lurking cheesy 'like' to offer...  ???

as teh models are good to great andhave nothing to sya is wrong with...  %confuso

its all looking good for lot making soon  :thumbsup:


:)

I am not aiming at you or the others that post once in awhile or give it a Like, but those who never say a word, like or give a sign......;) I was just wondering why this thread has 125K views, over 150 every day, the most of all the threads here and at the same time so few comments.    ?? Kinda curious...... &Thk/(
Anyways, I'll be back tomorrow  with some more.

Fred
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: fantozzi on November 12, 2017, 09:58:44 AM
Quote from: mrbisonm on November 11, 2017, 08:03:46 PM
I was just wondering why this thread has 125K views, over 150 every day, the most of all the threads here and at the same time so few comments.    ?? Kinda curious...... &Thk/(


Could be me ... (now you made me feel guilty) ... like the father sitting in the living room in front of TV and from time to time he gets upstairs and opens the door of the childrens rooms just to spy if they do fine and then he closes the door silently and hurries back to the baseball match. You are right, he (me) at least could ask: "how are you doing?"



Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: Dublin on November 12, 2017, 02:10:42 PM
I'm that guy, just got done peeking in on the grandkids and back to the game. Long time lurker, but I do click the like button like crazy. Can't wait for the releases. The SPAM RFR and VIP have had some great farming recently added to some already great stuff available, but This release will put it over the top. Soon I will be able to better represent my area farms Wisconsin with these great additions, I also like that they will fit many other types of regions as well. Soon  SC4 will look like where I Live.(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi66.tinypic.com%2F2zo9q2g.jpg&hash=eb6186890c765c661856e456e5de70d5a0e6ad87) (https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi65.tinypic.com%2F5lclcg.jpg&hash=f09106c0cda8d152e3bf059b8323e5d585f05098) (https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi66.tinypic.com%2F2823olj.jpg&hash=d9a6f53f50577dbf524e8faa56d25ab8a6560b71) (https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi66.tinypic.com%2F14ifw2w.jpg&hash=34ff5fdb2a5b2b448182e25bf556b44278b27aa5) Thanks Mr B keep'em comming.
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on November 12, 2017, 03:24:43 PM
Quote from: fantozzi on November 12, 2017, 09:58:44 AM
Quote from: mrbisonm on November 11, 2017, 08:03:46 PM
I was just wondering why this thread has 125K views, over 150 every day, the most of all the threads here and at the same time so few comments.    ?? Kinda curious...... &Thk/(


Could be me ... (now you made me feel guilty) ... like the father sitting in the living room in front of TV and from time to time he gets upstairs and opens the door of the childrens rooms just to spy if they do fine and then he closes the door silently and hurries back to the baseball match. You are right, he (me) at least could ask: "how are you doing?"

lol.....that's what I like as a comment too. Thanks for that laugh. ;)

Dublin, I think you will have a lot of to choose from soon and create something in SC similar to your region. Love that red barn btw and a freakin' nice picture of the Grainstation with the sun. Made a wallpaper out of it. ;)

Ok, some more that I found......

(https://s1.postimg.org/842doj3xhr/Silo4.jpg)

(https://s1.postimg.org/3z6scf9c0f/Silo40.jpg)

(https://s1.postimg.org/8ws0kfqm27/Silo45.jpg)

(https://s1.postimg.org/52w0fn5qwf/Silo51.png)

(https://s1.postimg.org/7crsdarmqn/image.jpg)

I couldn't help to add the old abandonned silo in this set, although, this is supposed to be a Modern Farm Set, but when I found this picture above of that old rusty silo, I had to make one like it.

(https://s1.postimg.org/7750lrjhgv/Silo3.jpg)

I think I got all the silo files classed now. There are exactly 7 models of the set left to show. Some of these still need to be finished yet since some details are missing, so this week (monday and Tuesday) I will be doing some BATting.

Fred
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on November 13, 2017, 09:02:32 AM
Traditional Corn Cob Dryer silo.


15 minutes of BATting (only finding and tweaking the right texture for the drying corncobs) and I finished the first of 7, six to go. ;)

Fred

(https://s8.postimg.org/gn9xtxpn9/Silo880a.jpg)


Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on November 14, 2017, 12:00:33 AM
Sorry.... been lurking again.
I'm quite busy these days and have hardly time to take a looko, let be having intelligent replies. Sorry Fred.
But the works look gorgeous!
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: kelis on November 14, 2017, 02:49:50 AM
The traditional Corn Cob Dryer silo looks very realistic  :o
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: fantozzi on November 14, 2017, 07:01:12 AM
You're batting quicker than I can sort my thoughts. On the ground silo set on last page there is straw covered with a blue plane. This looks really fantastic, the folds of the cover, the bricks on top to pin it. Instead the straw covered, at least from the pictures, looks a little blurry.

The top circles on the green grain silos look a little angled - might be the model to smooth it?

Sorry, can't say much as farming where I grew up and where I live now is so different. I grew up in the black forrest and by this time in the hilly mountains there was no corn or wheat but mostly lifestock and lumber industries. Therefore also those big grain silos or grain elevators were absent and I must confess how these grouped silos work I don't even know. Instead I remember those long cattle barn housing fithy to hundred cows making a terrible noise early in the morning and small wooden haybarns on almost every meadow.

We had a lot of trouble with the farmers when we crawled into those barns and played in they hay. We didn't know - cows didn't like the smell of little boys and they would refuse to eat it. So we caused much damage to the farmers without realizing it.

Also I remember on the hills most of the big machines you see on the great plains didn't work. And farmers were killed because their tractors were overturning and rolling down the hillside.

(https://bilder.landwirt.com/ez/ezimagecatalogue/catalogue/phpnuzFPd.jpg)

So I think until today they do the fields this way (notice the wheels).

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.weissteiner-brielmaier.it%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2016%2F04%2Fbrielmaier-maeher-duo6-hang.jpg&hash=dad04adf338613d9c5cd974dd46b3902784827b4)


Where I live today the land is more flat but the region is dense populated and there isn't that much space for farm land. Mostly there are small farms and again those rows of grain silos aren't present. They plant cabbage and tobacco and asparagus here and tomatoes in greenhouses. On the hills there is much winery. There is a big local wintner here and he's the only one having something similar - some big steel tanks and now, as grape gathering is finished you can see 20, maybe more of small tractors with small trailers standing there in a row on his farm. You know, those tiny tractors are made for driving in between the vineyard rows. They are extra slim.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fkapellengarten.com%2Fwp-content%2Fgallery%2Fweinberg%2FWeinberg34.jpg&hash=9936b2560445d4beb24e196ec50072ea4f90b32a)

Also close to my home, there is a goat farm with roundabout 150 animals. Indeed they have a ground silo exactly like you've batted.

But it's difficult to comment on things you don't really know. I even could say, what you do is exaggerated, such silos don't exist - just because I never did see one. So, that's the reason why I can't be of great help here.

Where I live all the farm stuff is tiny compared to yours. But still the abbandoned silo looks absolutely great and the red tractors loaded with the detailed textured green waste are adorable and I like to visit this thread for the richness and variety. Well, after all, I may not be able to judge, but nevertheless I'm impressed.




   





Where I life
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: gn_leugim on November 14, 2017, 09:04:06 AM
Hi Fred! nice corn dryers! I made myself some Portuguese traditional ones, but they are way smaller than those!

(https://www.guiadacidade.pt/assets/capas_poi/capa_14026.jpg)

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/97/Espigueiro_Guardao.jpg/1200px-Espigueiro_Guardao.jpg)

Just a couple of examples! ;)

just one quick note on the old silo, I think the rust on the roof in inverted no? :P

About so much people viewing and not commenting... well it was the same for me, so I totally get the frustration  &mmm &mmm at least people still comment, I had some cases of double posting because no one would comment.  &ops &ops :crytissue:
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on November 14, 2017, 10:24:29 AM
Thank You all, very appreciated to drop in once in awhile. Like I said before every comment is appreciated and useful, or at least encouraging.

Quote from: FrankU on November 14, 2017, 12:00:33 AM
Sorry.... been lurking again.

Don't worry Frank, no mention about you, I know you're around.... ;)

Quote from: kelis on November 14, 2017, 02:49:50 AM
The traditional Corn Cob Dryer silo looks very realistic  :o

Still one or two more and different Corn drying silos coming up...

Quote from: fantozzi on November 14, 2017, 07:01:12 AM
You're batting quicker than I can sort my thoughts.

All of these have been BATted for years now, I am only choosing the good ones taking pictures of those that will be included in the Set 3 Pack of the MFP1. I have been BATting farmmodel ever since the BAT came out. Therefor I have more than 2000 SC4 farmmodels in my folder.
Now I am finishing the sets and they will be uploaded in little time. The only thing that I BAT now is some details to the existing models or simply simply correct some errors.

I know what the "Schwarzwald" region looks like, let's not forget I was born in Germany and lived there (Aachener Gegend) for my first 17 years and go back there quite often. The farms are indeed very small, especially compared to Canada and the Western US where 400 or 500 Ha farms are not rare at all and barns that contain several hundreds of cattle. I have a neighbor that has 800 sheep and another one who is about to enlarge his dairy herd to 250 cows (Holstein). I myself own some 140 Beefcattle that I have hired someone for that takes care of the farm (approx 420 ha). These handdriven mowers I have seen in Europe only. First time was in Austria, couldn't believe what I saw....lol.  We here don't bother to cultivate hilly or steep land because we have a lot of it. Why complicate our life and put it on danger when you have flat plains.....lol
Thanks for your comment, quite interesting and greatly appreciated. Come back once in awhile.

btw, ground silos are filled with chaff ( I think it's called "Mais-Hecksel") that is the corn cut in small pieces during harvesting in the fields, then unloaded  in the groundsilos and fairly packed and compressed by driving over it with heavy machinery and silagerollers. Once that is done, the whole thing is covered with tarp or else, and let to ferment for a few weeks/months, which then is called silage. After it can be fed directly to the farm animals or mixed with other ingredients (hay and straw, grains, minerals etc) to create a great food that will keep the herd in good production and health. It is just another way (less expensive to build and maintain and safer but takes more space) to make your silage. It is the same product as the Vertical Cement and steel silos, ;) Hope that helped to understand the groundsilo functions. :)

The blue tarp covered strawpile is just fine, why the picture is more blurred, I don't know, but this is what happenes a lot with gmax pictures. Ingame it looks fantastic, believe me.

Here'a pic of it ingame.....

(https://s8.postimg.org/5xt1acdn9/farm4.jpg)

The green silo I can't see which one you mean, please mention the model number which is on the bottom of each picture. I will correct the topcircles. ;)

Quote from: gn_leugim on November 14, 2017, 09:04:06 AM
just one quick note on the old silo, I think the rust on the roof in inverted no? :P

lol, is it really, I am not sure how to put it. Looks as weird as the other way. There's a silo down my road at the river that has those streaks, more rusty and used by the rain that the lower part. I will have another look at it though and see some pics on google. If needed it will be corrected. Thanks. I enjoyed the looks of the stone corndryers, never seen them before.

Be back later tonight with some more.

Fred
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: fantozzi on November 14, 2017, 11:36:31 AM
Wasn't clear in my post, sorry - those mixing stations (model 24) - what they exactly do and how they work I don't know.

I was refering on the circles on top of model 13.

Thank you.
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: Alan_Waters on November 14, 2017, 01:27:55 PM
Very cool!!! :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: Simmer2 on November 14, 2017, 01:34:37 PM
Oh boy! That lot is screaming for a custom made texture!!

Great models. &apls

Btw. Among all the models I made, one set is for a gigantic commercial rail served silo set. I will show it once I get around to it.

Nick
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on November 14, 2017, 06:00:29 PM
Quote from: fantozzi on November 14, 2017, 11:36:31 AM
Wasn't clear in my post, sorry - those mixing stations (model 24) - what they exactly do and how they work I don't know.
I was refering on the circles on top of model 13.Thank you.

Mixing stations, like it says, the station is for mixing different feeds, like the mixed feed you give to your cows, pigs or chicken, including different cereals, minerals, proteins etc, ready to be fed or sold as a vrac. Smaller stations are for bigger farms  (small farms do not have the budget to own one, they are quite expensive and a farm needs to feed a lot of mixed feed for this to be profitable), and bigger ones are for Feed Grain selling /buying Commercials and Industrials. As here in Quebec, the farmers usually buy the feed from a commercial company. Only a few farms use them for mixing their grains themselves. Here' an example of what they use here in Quebec more often. Wheat  or Barley mixed with oats, sorghum or rye, then added soya or canola to increase the protein when needed and sometimes some minerals and dried molasses powder for the sugar content. Fed once or twice daily as a regular feed together with grass, silage or hay, or as a supplement for Beef, Dairy or sheep.
The green circles in the Nr 13 model could be easily fixed by adding a few more angles to it, but I don't think that this will show ingame. Let's not forget that most of the models shown here are approximately 15% larger that the ingame render. This is done to see more the details build-in which are not always evident in the game model. But... I will surely have a detailed look at this before I final render it. Thanks for the mention.

Quote from: Simmer2 on November 14, 2017, 01:34:37 PM
Oh boy! That lot is screaming for a custom made texture!!

Great models. &apls

Btw. Among all the models I made, one set is for a gigantic commercial rail served silo set. I will show it once I get around to it.

Nick

Nick......Oh boy, you're right......lol. This is not a lot I will upload but only a test to see the models ingame....luckily. I will not do the lots, Frank will do the first ones, after, the LOTters and Players will make their own. These will be uploaded as Props only.

Can't wait to see your Industrial Rail silos, something I won't do, but will surely make a great addition to the game.


I went through my files again and came upon a folder where I put aside a few models to show later, almost forgot to add them on this list, so here is the first part, some models that already exist, but in different styles with different textures.

(https://s8.postimg.org/mav3u7705/Silo7.jpg)

(https://s8.postimg.org/4yzclx2qd/Silo7a.jpg)

(https://s8.postimg.org/8ilabqslh/Silo48.jpg)

(https://s8.postimg.org/73jpn1u39/Silo48a.jpg)

(https://s8.postimg.org/73jpn1u39/Silo48a.jpg)

(https://s8.postimg.org/kx82c6uf9/Silo94.jpg)

(https://s8.postimg.org/7t2hzgs2t/Silo80.jpg)

Fred



Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: Jack_wilds on November 15, 2017, 04:05:54 PM
here are a few ag logos
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: Jack_wilds on November 15, 2017, 04:08:34 PM
a few more... :satisfied:
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: Jack_wilds on November 15, 2017, 04:47:19 PM
no real luck getting nostalgic ag logos... but jere is a few more that maybe useful
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on November 15, 2017, 09:32:21 PM
Quote from: Jack_wilds on November 15, 2017, 04:05:54 PM
here are a few ag logos


Oh great! Some nice ones in these packs, but wait a minute.....Gulf? Does this still exist? Haven't seen this for many years.....

Thanks, appreciated, they will be useful. 

Fred
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: metarvo on November 16, 2017, 05:06:13 AM
Nice work on the silos, Fred!  You've got three different types represented here.

Quote from: mrbisonm on November 15, 2017, 09:32:21 PM
Gulf? Does this still exist? Haven't seen this for many years.....

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fassets1.csnews.com%2Ffiles%2F594450142e466.jpg&hash=a358b97e121b83742ccc9b9a7a496bf4ffce555c)

Yes, it does.  :)  They've started to reappear in the last few years, though I was originally under the impression that Chevron sort of took it over.  Hmm.
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: Jack_wilds on November 16, 2017, 04:00:19 PM
and if that wasn't enough here are a few more....  :D

something may be worth it...
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: Jack_wilds on November 16, 2017, 04:04:26 PM
and again...
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: gn_leugim on November 17, 2017, 08:20:00 AM
those ground silos look awesome! good work (on the resto too ;) )
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: fantozzi on November 18, 2017, 05:22:32 AM
Thanks for the explanation and your patience, mrbisonm!

Hopefully this isn't regarded as inappropriate but just by a freaky mood this morning I was thinking that logos could also be used to put some humor on things - if you use them, how to say, from a different context instead.

Like this

(https://static1.squarespace.com/static/55dd91b5e4b0b33afc3fdaca/t/564552fee4b0bc988214fd52/1447383807627/Vegan+friendly+dairy+free+logo+copy.png)

Which is an advertising label on the food boxes in supermarkets but would look funny on a silo on a dairy farm, I think.

Or
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bio-corner.com%2Ffileadmin%2F_processed_%2Fcsm_Rapunzel_277b8ba5f2.png&hash=bd1065c92896e51bdab4ee48f325c60fd0863c23)

which again is just another 'all natural food label' made for consumer products.

Or this - which I even don't know what it is made for

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fnaturesbountycafe.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2FOrganic_Stamp.jpg&hash=867ab56cae1519150069fa78ff75a18da400fea6)

And very similar and I think from a belgian chocolate manufacturer but still working:

(https://www.belgianchocolateworkshop.com/natural.png)

Or labels used by some butchers to advertise that those were really happy pigs:

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.fleischerei-tonn.de%2Fmedia%2Fk2%2Fitems%2Fcache%2Fffee2447b152494b43d9816faaea83c8_XL.jpg&hash=f741f219ae16f11f3288373cd935d2ca19fec8df)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.fleischerei-nachtwey.de%2Fimages%2Fstories%2Fdiverse%2FStrohschweinLogo.jpg&hash=4c58b9def6a5f72a746a25d44a51c29a7c98a594)

A label for pets food (dog snacks) which could be easily 'abused':

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raiffeisen-bever-ems.de%2Ffileadmin%2FDateiliste%2FMarken%2Flogo-marken-agripet.png&hash=08bf19c007f79981b345bab0742e9b5d02e48d3b)

Don't know what's this for, maybe cosmetics, but still works farm related, I think:

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raiffeisen-bever-ems.de%2Ffileadmin%2FDateiliste%2FMarken%2Flogo-marken-naturesbest.png&hash=4fcfc0c4b2f93eaf98e40404602ca7f739e62c73)


This is one I found on a web page for kids:

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fanimalland.com.au%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2015%2F09%2FAnimal-Land-LOGO-610px.png&hash=28d0413c7b48e6731db68afa1f3491ef292ca7c8)


This one is advertising for an irish farm - nevertheless 'butchery' is spelled in french maybe to give it something exclusive?

(https://madeinderryfoodtourscom.files.wordpress.com/2016/08/logo.jpg?w=620)

From Sendik's food market, Milwaukee, I found this:

(https://i.pinimg.com/474x/b6/22/1b/b6221b40ac0d08e3f01c00d3ef5e2ec2--farm-signs-vintage-typography.jpg)

This is from a producer of very healthy food (with his own certified farms) but more important is the meaning as Demeter was the greek goddess of fertility, so could be funny to 'abuse' this too:

(https://www.demeter.de/sites/default/files/public/images/logo_demeter_rgb.png)

This is the american version:

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fgreenerchoices.org%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F03%2FDemeter-Green-500x800.png&hash=d0ed09acae9a9c791d13830490bbf8ba99d23cd1)


And believe it or not ... the greek goddess of farming and fertility does also capital management:

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fkpdesigngroup.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2016%2F08%2Fdemeter_1-1.png&hash=0b26a2f544fcb9f74bac8311094bf746666903b3)

But now I'm stretching it to far, running off topic.


Maybe these suggestions aren't best to add realism. But still they might look fun in a game.
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on November 18, 2017, 04:39:26 PM
metarvo, amazing, although I havn't seen them in Canada nor in the States where I usually go.

Jack_wilds, Yesssssir, there are 3 or 4 that I will keep for the Shed section. Thanks. `)

fantozzi,, thanks. There are 3 that could be useful, goodlooking and practical for some farm advertizing.



Question:

Below is the 66 F silomodel , one of those 7 models I mentioned earlier, that still needed a little BATting in detailing and texturing. I just detailed and textured the lower wall on the first picture. The upper wall is the original texture that I did a few years back.
Should I detail and retexture the upper wall also? Remember, this is  an enlarged picture of the model, it will be about 30% smaller in view 5 and therefore some details not visible as much as shown here. Or should I just keep the old texture, which looks fair enough in my opinion. It will only take me about 2 hrs of texturing and modeling to get the upper wall as detailed.

This prop will have the Case IH Loadertractor and Fendt 936 tractor with the Pottinger silage trailer included. This prop can be timepropped, because 3 different ones will be done. 1 - with a full silo, no tractor but empty trailer parked beside it, 2 - like this one shown below and 3 - totally empty with no machinery at all.

Thanks for leaving your opinion.

Fred

(https://s8.postimg.org/pip2h5wr9/Silo66_F.png)



Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: Jack_wilds on November 18, 2017, 06:32:53 PM
my question would be how it is gonna look in game...

I think the better render the better it appears, the less fuzz it is in game...

personally this far along and its good with no fuss, so be it...

however will the additional 2-3 hours show up in game  :-\

it is a horse apiece... in the end, U will need to determine whats more desirable

sorry I am about as clear as muddy creek

:popcorn:
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on November 18, 2017, 07:15:55 PM
Ok, " as clear as a muddy creek" you said, well it was indeed.....lol.  Ingame one can probably see a little difference and 2 or 3 hrs aren't the end of the world, I have all the time that one can have. (at least for the next 5 months)
Fred
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: fantozzi on November 20, 2017, 02:16:07 AM
The lower wall has more color and regarding only the visually aspect may look more vivid/richer in contrast but on the other hand looks like the wood was collected from the river after the flood during the last 100 years, where you can find indeed bleached out trunks, almost white - but when buying wood to build up your things in the wood yard, it's all of the same type and age and color and therefore the palisade would look indeed uniform. So to me, you could also stay with the original texture, just maybe giving it a little more structure by adding little contrast or sharpness. In B.A.T I sometimes only change the 'blur' value of the texture lower than 1.

I was wondering about the gras pattern at the edge that may limit the usability on cement ground textures or arid grounds - to my experience you have more freedom in lotting when bats/props have no extending ground floor.

This one, just for example, for me, was really difficult to lot as the batted floor, minimal elevated still casts a small shadown an therefore causing a seam never will blend with the ground, so i put small plants around to cover:

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.collalti.de%2Funknown%2FMA2017%2FUID_fantozzi%2FSC4%2Ffarming%2FLv2_Rotunda.jpg&hash=fbfcec78185deb9891f6430c4436d15c1a6f16e3)

Imho - the same thing without the socket instead using overlay textures on the lot, would be more versatile on different grounds.
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: David H on December 12, 2017, 10:21:52 PM
Quote from: mrbisonm on October 15, 2017, 06:06:00 PM
I didn't have time to finish the model, so it is still under construction. Also now that I see the pipes, I probably will redo them. There's still  a label on the silos coming, also some details to the ground, pipes, discharge etc and I also have to see it ingame tomorrow to see the textures during gameplay and maybe improve/change them.
So, I guess I will be stuck on this one for a day or two. 
This model will also be uploaded for Farming Simulator later with more details of course. ;)


Question: Since I already have two Mixing Stations identified as Purina and as CO-OP, the two biggest of Quebec, I would like to know what is the biggest Farm Feed Store or Grain Distribution in your country, whether in the US, Canada or Europe.?
Let me know please, so I can add that one to this Mixing station and use others for the sheds. ;) Thanks


Fred

(https://s1.postimg.org/1v9mb3xrlr/Mix.jpg)

Sorry for the late replay Mr B, but it's been a while since I've lurked here. WHere I used to live we had this company called Southern States, I think they were more of a SUpply store then a Grain company but it could still make a good company for SC4 Farms ;)

(https://techfortroopsproject.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/southernstates-logo.jpeg)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.southernstates.com%2Fimages%2Fssc_LogoTest.png&hash=ecc71cac720273e37d496c75b21efa2660603092)
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: Jack_wilds on December 14, 2017, 03:34:39 PM
does con~agra have mills?
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on December 18, 2017, 06:40:16 PM
Quote from: Jack_wilds on December 14, 2017, 03:34:39 PM
does con~agra have mills?

Yes.

(https://s8.postimg.org/migq50ckl/Con_Agra-_Mills.jpg)


Ok, just in case you are wondering why I have not been busy on this lately, I posted this on my Facebook page and more. You can find more info on it: Facebook Name: Frederick Volkhardt
It will explain why I am slow here for awhile .....but I'm ok. ;)

(https://s8.postimg.org/l4p398811/operate1.jpg)

""Well, here I am, still alive (somewhat barely) and back home after my third heart intervention at the University hospital in Sherbrooke. I had two big Infarctus this week, one at home in the beginning and another one during the operation on wednesday. I got out last night with a promise not to move much and doing nothing. I look like I was beaten up by a streetgang from NY, and my heart feels like as if it was used as a punchbag for an hour. The operation went a little difficult, but was a solid success., but I still have two blocked arteries at 70 and 50 % which will be taken care of later next month, January or february 2018. Great adventure, cannot really say that I enjoyed it though. Being home, I don't do anything, probably couldn't neither. I will gain strength though with time and a lot of rest, but you all will have to do with me still for some time. I'll be around, have the time and enjoy being here in my kingdom with my three cats, Goldfish and Internet/TV reading your opinions, jokes and watch your vids. ;) Glad to be.............""

Fred
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on December 19, 2017, 02:16:02 AM
Hi Fred,

Well, this is kind of a shock. I'm happy all seems well, but it would have been better if this hadn't been neccessary in the first place.
I wish you all the good luck and strength!

Frank
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: metarvo on December 19, 2017, 06:41:05 AM
Oh, Fred!  &cry2  Sorry to see you this way, but I'm glad you're at least home and resting.  Here's to a speedy recovery, Fred!  %$payas)(
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: 911Diva on December 19, 2017, 09:05:14 AM
OMG please take care of yourself!!  Best wishes for a speedy recovery!!!!
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: Simmer2 on December 19, 2017, 10:04:50 AM
Hey don't you go MIA on us, we need you around here!.

I hope all is resolved soon so that you can go back to what you enjoy doing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Nick
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: fantozzi on December 20, 2017, 05:56:41 AM
Arg ... this is shocking news. If I understand well they still have to place two stents? If so, this might meliorate things noticeable.

So for now your main business should be to relax. About the work to be done - we'll talk later.

Wish you some merry christmas days.   
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mattb325 on December 21, 2017, 08:57:34 PM
Make sure you rest up Fred, and please make sure you look after yourself....that means no egg-nog or other Christmas treats  :P  :crytissue:
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: tomvsotis on December 22, 2017, 02:53:09 AM
aw Fred I hope you're feeling better soon!
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: Jack_wilds on January 27, 2018, 03:45:12 PM
Fred get well soonist... :crytissue: U're too issed around here... 
be made whole... be made strong in Jesus' name...  :satisfied:
go t o rehab and do what the nurse says... :D ::)
Father God give U hugs to make the recovery more assured

Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on January 27, 2018, 08:03:42 PM
Thanks Jack_wilds, doing better already, but I have a small operation still ahead this coming week and then I should be ok. I will be ready to render the siloset and then send them to FrankU, so he can finish making his lots.

Then I will soon release the three first sets, buildings and Barns, Manure,Silos. The following Sheds, Machinery, Others will be out separately If something happens to me, meanwhile most of my BATs will be releasable.

Fred
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: carlfatal on January 30, 2018, 10:51:50 AM
Wasn´t here for some time but I wish You all the strength and power to fully recover!  :)

Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: Glenni on January 30, 2018, 06:46:36 PM
It's cool to see that you also returned mrbisonm! You were in fact one of the main people to inspire me to take on BATting back when I first started. :D
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: evarburg on January 30, 2018, 09:16:25 PM
We're with you all the way, Fred -- bats or not. Mucho love to you, not in brown boxes.
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on February 08, 2018, 12:02:31 PM
....Starting to pre-test and render the siloset tonight, and saturday FrankU should receive the first batch to game-test.

The Building and Barn set is finished and ready to use on one DAT file....
The Manure set is finished and ready to use on one DAT file....
The Silo set will be ready within a week ( latest 10 days) and will be on two DAT files (too big and too many to only put them into one datfile)

When these are done, FrankU will start his LOTting. I will continue to bat and render the 4th set, The Shed and Warehouse set. This will be an Add-on, as soon as it is finished. Meanwhile, the 5th set, Machinery and Implements will be released within smaller "Add-Ons" files as time makes them ready and available, some will be ready sooner (days), others later (weeks). I just don't want to wait until everything is ready and then make one upload for all the sets, never know what my future will bring me. So, this will give us a chance to use some models (props) earlier than others.
The 6th and final MFP1 set, the "Other" set, will be ready....ehem....when it's ready. ;), it will contain fences, walls, ruins, farm rubbish, hay and straw bales, silage bales, barrils and bale piles, Piquet piles (fence posts), Fuel tanks, abandonned machinery, feeders and water troughs.....and .....name it, it will be there, as long as you can find it on a farm!
But don't worry, there will be enough models (BATs) to keep all the farm (country) BATters busy for awhile..... ;)

Hope that everything turns out as I wish, depending at this moment a lot on my health conditions.

Fred

Have Fun with Nexis (since 2003)
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on March 12, 2018, 10:00:27 AM
Update March 12th, 2018.

After my health started getting better and having rendered a few models of the siloset about a month or so ago, my gaming computer died after 16 years of service. The heart stopped but luckily left my HD's intact.
Then , with my friend that knows computers well, I took a whole day to go to Montreal and buy myself a new computer that should take care of my needs for gaming for the next 10 or more years, spending a almost 1500 $. My friend told me that this is a supermachine, giving me the power I could not have dreamed of 10 years ago.
So, we brought it back home last week, and my friend helped me to transfer all my gaming stuff from the old hd, some 480 Gb's. That took us a whole day too....geeez, I thought, I hope that all this will be worthwhile......
Then I started it up and wow, all my stuff was there.

So, I wanted to start rendering the siloset to get it behind me and.......it does not render.....simcity does not open, and so didn't half of my games...Where's the Fries? (next time we'll wash your mouth out with soap)!

All are present, all should work, but......I called my friend again and he came over yesterday to check this out.....Oh man, the computerworld is really f*cked up if you ask me. Most of my games and programs don't work because in this new computer it is windows 10.....oh my. Of course I thought, they did this so we (the consumers) have to buy new games, new programs etc.....again and again.
My old computer had windows XP and everything just worked fine with all my games and programs.

So....long thinking time......and a decision to make.....
Finally, I decided to delete the freaking windows 10 and install my XP. But this means I will have to re-install all my stuff from the old hd again too.....another day down the drain.:(
So, yesterday we deleted the new windows and finally installed the XP and got it running. Now the transfer of the gaming data will be done when my friend comes back on next saturday or sunday, and we'll see from there on.

I'll let you know what will happen. (so close to finishing the MFP1)

Have a nice week

Fred
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: kbieniu7 on March 12, 2018, 12:06:27 PM
Nice to hear some news from you in this thread, Fred! However, quite sad that with a breakdown in the background.

I imagine that it must have been so annoying, not only to transfer the files, but to get around and make first step in a new "environment", just like moving in into a new home. Regarding the problem with old games, yeah, that's the issue that has been under discussion many times even at this forum, I believe. Especially with simcity4 CD version.

I had a similiar issue when I upgraded my computer last year and transferred to a new version of windows 7. SimCity didn't worked from the CD, so I decided to buy a digital version at Steam (for around 10€, I guess). Now it's working, fortunately.

I don't know how does it look like with windows 10, but I decided to have windows 7 for the same reason - I was afraid that many of older games would not work. Hopefully, all of those that I used to play, do work (i.e. Trainz Railroad Simulator 2004, The Sims 2, Tony Hawks 4), just SC4 was the issue.

By the way, at my friendly computer store, they managed to buy somewhere an used version of windows for me, that was previously used by a different company. Thank's to them I had a chance to get a legal live-long version of windows 7, with at least few years of system and security updates. Maybe your friend would know, if you could fetch one in a similiar way?
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: Jack_wilds on March 12, 2018, 05:35:18 PM
Quote from: kbieniu7 on March 12, 2018, 12:06:27 PM
Nice to hear some news from you in this thread, Fred! However, quite sad that with a breakdown in the background.

I imagine that it must have been so annoying, not only to transfer the files, but to get around and make first step in a new "environment", just like moving in into a new home. Regarding the problem with old games, yeah, that's the issue that has been under discussion many times even at this forum, I believe. Especially with simcity4 CD version.

I had a similiar issue when I upgraded my computer last year and transferred to a new version of windows 7. SimCity didn't worked from the CD, so I decided to buy a digital version at Steam (for around 10€, I guess). Now it's working, fortunately.

I don't know how does it look like with windows 10, but I decided to have windows 7 for the same reason - I was afraid that many of older games would not work. Hopefully, all of those that I used to play, do work (i.e. Trainz Railroad Simulator 2004, The Sims 2, Tony Hawks 4), just SC4 was the issue.

By the way, at my friendly computer store, they managed to buy somewhere an used version of windows for me, that was previously used by a different company. Thank's to them I had a chance to get a legal live-long version of windows 7, with at least few years of system and security updates. Maybe your friend would know, if you could fetch one in a similiar way?



what he said and or this as well....   

I downloaded from amazon the sc4deluxe game in whole... no more disks...

KEEP more than one copy, and copies of all your other stuff on another hard drive for archieve and safe keeping... 

then all programs for sc4deluxe reset compatibility to XP by right click on icon properties/compatibility XP3 and also reset permissions  IF U R still on WIN10...

if U R returning to xp simply reset all to previous as yu had it before... prayers for a game and tools to function right...

trust you are mending well

stay blessed
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on March 13, 2018, 10:20:14 AM
This is quite a hassle alright. At least now the computer is working fine and we will transfer all the files from the two hd's this coming weekend.
With Xp I hope all will be working as before.

I always keep copies of my hd on CD/DVD, but I don't make updates everyday though. So, even if the hd was dead, I would have most of it somewhere on a DVD, most likely less than 2 months old.
You understand it really did not worry me at all, since all my finished models are on a DVD, ready to render.

Fred
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: Jack_wilds on March 13, 2018, 03:10:34 PM
well...
alls good for the most part, concerning that...  :thumbsup:
keep getting better
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on March 14, 2018, 02:37:53 AM
Well, yeah....
We heard this problem more often. That's why I always stick to a certain Windows version as long as possible.
This problem also occurs with hardware. I have done away a perfectly working scanner and an even better working Wacom Tablet, only because the companies did not bother to write a driver for the newer Windows version.

Concerning SC4 discs: I made a virtual CD-drive and an image of my game disc. The disc is in the storage since about 2008 and I play the virtual drive. On Win7. perfect!

So.... I wait for your files, Fred. Another couple of weeks won't hurt anybody.
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: fantozzi on March 15, 2018, 02:58:21 AM
First - I'm so glad you are better and again around with us here.

Second - a thought off topic (sorry for this). During the years I purchased very expensve studio software (I'm working for public radio) with DRM where you have to call a website (call) and you get (in resonse) a key only valid for the computer (key is build from several hardware features of the local machine). The company was destroyed by Apple (they destroyed a bunch of smaller manufactures of music production software), the websites to actvate the software is gone. Thanks to DRM, if my computer breaks I will loose in total ~10.000 EUR. And I won't be able tho invest this sum just to get the same I had before. Security copies won't help - as I had to get the exact same mainboard and harddisk etc. to make it work again.

If I hear of such stories like yours, it really frightens me. DRM based on CD/DVD wasn't the worst thing imho. Much worse is online activation through manufacturers website. It is a perfect way to whip out smaller companies from the market, to control what users use. While everybody trusts in MS online activation to work still tomorow, one gets sceptical to activate with a small company's website - will they still exist next year? Wouldn't need much bad mood to see a conspiration theory here: how to make software of competitors not work anymore and force users to use mainstream software only. Just buy the competitor and shut down his activation site so users can't use the software anymore.

Basically, when windows 7 support ends in 2 years, they can do the same. Just stop online activation and all your copies on cd and product keys are worthless - as you can't licence it for a new pc anymore. And when your old pc breaks ... you have to go back to XP and old DRM or you go ahead with next windows.
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on April 09, 2018, 12:52:33 PM
ok....finally

I am relieved, greatly relieved. This was a fight to survive.
I had to ask my friend to help me out to install everything from the broken computer with winXP on my new one with win 10. Four weekends of trying and trying to make things work.<

Windows 10 is probably only good for something that came out lately, because we tried everything to make my games work and function properly on this that we got sick and tired of all this and installed Windows XP on the new Superputer of mine. Nothing to do.

SC4 doesn't function properly, nor does Civ III, Serfcity, TS2, not even Banished, nor Farmsimulator 2009 and many other games that I usually play. When we had one running, then others didn't anymore. Where's the Fries? (next time we'll wash your mouth out with soap)......This is a serious problem today. We always want something better, easier and newer (not only in computers) but actullay we do the contrary. Everything is more complicated and less good....quality is not important anymore, it must be done as quickly as possible to be able to sell it as low as possible and make as much money as possible......If you asked me, I didn't think the world has become an unreparable mess, no....it is way much more worse!

Anyways, we finished to install all the programs and games on the computer last night and did a lot of testing to see if this and that works and functions properly and ....wow.....it does. Only problem is that my Buddy told me not to call him again to help me out with Win 10......lol

So, I will have my last heart intervention later this week, just little things, and then next weekend I will do some darn serious rendering. Meanwhile I will have to tidy up my model folderS to make sure to render the good ones. ;)

Be back on the coming weekend...

Fred
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: brick_mortimer on April 10, 2018, 01:01:47 PM
Glad you got your new computer up and running.
And good luck with your upcoming heart intervention :thumbsup:

Quote from: mrbisonm on April 09, 2018, 12:52:33 PM
...nor does Civ III...
Ah, another soul who still plays Civ III in 2018  :bye:
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mattb325 on April 10, 2018, 01:26:27 PM
Glad to hear that the PC is up and running and (more importantly) your health is on the mend, too  :thumbsup:

You better let your local electricity company know that your about to chew up a lot of their juice with rendering such a huge backlog of models  :P
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on April 10, 2018, 06:27:37 PM
Quote from: brick_mortimer on April 10, 2018, 01:01:47 PM
Ah, another soul who still plays Civ III in 2018  :bye:

Nothing like Civ III of the Civ series! It's another game that was heavily modded, just like SC4. I play it at least twice a week and with this new computer I will be able to play the max map size!

Quote from: mattb325 on April 10, 2018, 01:26:27 PM
You better let your local electricity company know that your about to chew up a lot of their juice with rendering such a huge backlog of models  :P

lol.... you might be right.

Fred
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: Simmer2 on April 11, 2018, 09:58:53 AM
Hi Fred.

Glad to hear you are on the mend  :)

I may PM you soon regarding the specs on that new rig you have now.
It will be interesting to know what hardware these days still support XP because I may have to upgrade my system soon and I absolutely will not install Win10 on it. Even trying to find a virgin copy of Win7 32 bit is becoming quite hard these days.

2 weeks ago my old vid card (PCI 2.0 interface) died and I had a hard time finding a replacement due to everything now supporting PCI 3.0.

I found one and it has 4 times Vram but I find it slower than the old one. I think because XP is not capable of handling all the features available on the newer card.

Setting up a new rig with XP is like having a 90 year old driving a Ferrari  :D  But there is no choice :(

Cheers

Nick
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on April 11, 2018, 11:21:57 AM
Quote from: Simmer2 on April 11, 2018, 09:58:53 AM
specs on that new rig you have now.

Here is what I know (not really a Pro in computer specs, don't even know where it is mentioned) But this written on its box.....


CPU: Intel Core i7
Graphic Card: NVIDIA Quadro K420 2 GB DVI + DP
RAM: 32GB

Storage: 1TB HDD

It is a Lenovo M900

....hope that helps... ;)

Edit: btw, the price was....ehem...expensive....lol


Fred
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: fantozzi on April 12, 2018, 02:48:47 AM
Consumption of CPU (not the whole pc) depends mainly on the thickness of the conductors, which is on the latest i7 series - I think - 14 nanometers, which means roundabout 90 silicon atoms. Which means you own a true wonder of technology. To make conductors of a diameter of 90 atoms you need really sophisticated tools, you can't do this on a wooden workbench.

Most probably your new cpu being more powerfull doesn't mean necessarily to need more current. If every electric device would be as efficient as your cpu, some energy companies would go bust.

Or - if you compare how much light is created with 200 watts using light bulbs and how much fun is created with 200 watts, playing games on PC - to me PC is the absolute winner regarding efficiency.

[EDIT] Or - even worse - compared with ancient times, where they needed much bigger devices to run their games to have some fun - as there was no 14 nm technology:

(https://media.architecturaldigest.com/photos/55f9e1e89bff6eeb3a241b96/4:3/w_384/dam-images-daily-2015-08-roman-colosseum-roman-colosseum-italy-545.jpg)

So if Nero would come back on earth and you'd show him a pc, he probably would ask: and where do I put the gladiators in? And if you can't run gladiators on it, he would strongly doubt, you can have fun with this PC-thing (Privat Circus?).

It seems incompatibility is the price you have to pay for the progress of civilization.

BTW. Isn't it CIV III, where you have to fight tanks with mediaval knights - if you don't upgrade your technology in time?


Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on April 12, 2018, 06:41:06 AM
Quote from: fantozzi on April 12, 2018, 02:48:47 AM
BTW. Isn't it CIV III, where you have to fight tanks with mediaval knights - if you don't upgrade your technology in time?


Yes it is, one has to carefully upgrade with computer players and others to be on the same ladder of evolution as everyone else. But Knights Can win against tanks sometimes. ;)

Fred
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on May 14, 2018, 08:14:15 AM
Quote from: brick_mortimer on April 10, 2018, 01:01:47 PM
Glad you got your new computer up and running.
And good luck with your upcoming heart intervention :thumbsup:

Quote from: mrbisonm on April 09, 2018, 12:52:33 PM
...nor does Civ III...
Ah, another soul who still plays Civ III in 2018  :bye:

I actually play Civ 2 now and then. And the original Quake that dates form 1996, if I am correct....
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: brick_mortimer on May 14, 2018, 02:47:22 PM
Quote from: FrankU on May 14, 2018, 08:14:15 AM
...And the original Quake that dates form 1996, if I am correct....
Marathon (anno 1994*), I win $%Grinno$%

Sorry to derail this thread, I couldn't resist ::)

(albeit the Aleph One version that runs on a modern pc, I don't own a early 90's Macintosh :P)
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on May 16, 2018, 04:24:49 AM
Quote from: brick_mortimer on May 14, 2018, 02:47:22 PM
Quote from: FrankU on May 14, 2018, 08:14:15 AM
...And the original Quake that dates form 1996, if I am correct....
Marathon (anno 1994*), I win $%Grinno$%

Sorry to derail this thread, I couldn't resist ::)

(albeit the Aleph One version that runs on a modern pc, I don't own a early 90's Macintosh :P)

I would like to play Civ1 again, juts for the fun of it (and the fact that I made a Dutch translation), but I can't get it unpacked from my archive. It was written in four floppy's and should be unpacked from floppy. But I have no disk-station anymore (who does these days?). And then again: how to get it running on WIN whatever past XP? Pity actually...
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: fantozzi on May 16, 2018, 10:31:41 AM
For Ms-Dos based games (Civ1?) there's an emulator called DosBox. This emulator f.e. is used on archive.org https://archive.org/details/softwarelibrary_msdos_games (https://archive.org/details/softwarelibrary_msdos_games)

But now we're running really far of topic.

Time, mrbisonm shows some new renders, I guess?
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: Jack_wilds on May 16, 2018, 02:50:09 PM
Quote from: FrankU on May 14, 2018, 08:14:15 AM
Quote from: brick_mortimer on April 10, 2018, 01:01:47 PM
Glad you got your new computer up and running.
And good luck with your upcoming heart intervention :thumbsup:

Quote from: mrbisonm on April 09, 2018, 12:52:33 PM
...nor does Civ III...
Ah, another soul who still plays Civ III in 2018  :bye:



was it really that long ago?!!  ???   

man, that sucks...

why time has to be so weird   

I have no idea   &mmm

I actually play Civ 2 now and then. And the original Quake that dates form 1996, if I am correct....
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: Kitsune on May 16, 2018, 03:22:13 PM
Quote from: mrbisonm on April 12, 2018, 06:41:06 AM
Quote from: fantozzi on April 12, 2018, 02:48:47 AM
BTW. Isn't it CIV III, where you have to fight tanks with mediaval knights - if you don't upgrade your technology in time?


Yes it is, one has to carefully upgrade with computer players and others to be on the same ladder of evolution as everyone else. But Knights Can win against tanks sometimes. ;)

Fred

I was playing CIV VI today and took out a knight with a nuclear submarine. Some things just never change in CIV  :D
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: jmelvin on November 02, 2018, 09:37:57 PM
Just curious. When MFP1 is released, will it include a prop pack with various implements? I think I remember Fred mentioning at one time that he had done some models for things like tractors, machinery, wagons,  disc harrows, plows, rockgatherer, seeders, more wagons, drainage layers, Harvesters, etc. If help is needed to put together props (including timed items) I am willing to help.

I'm hoping there's something in there that acually looks like a plow (maybe even a multi-bottom plow). manure spreader, balers (for small bales and round bales). I never figured out how to do 3d modeling but I can turn models into props.

Plus, the game could use some items like timed sickle bars for mowing hay. There have been several field types issued where some of the middle timed stages could be made into alfalfa and other hay that show some actual height. I'm still looking for something that could be me made into a multi-stage soybean field that actually leads up to a ripe field that covers the whole 16m x 16m tile without leaving a grid effect.
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on November 03, 2018, 01:07:49 PM
Quote from: jmelvin on November 02, 2018, 09:37:57 PM
Just curious. When MFP1 is released, will it include a prop pack with various implements? I think I remember Fred mentioning at one time that he had done some models for things like tractors, machinery, wagons,  disc harrows, plows, rockgatherer, seeders, more wagons, drainage layers, Harvesters, etc.
Yes, the last set will be the Implements, including tractors, Feeders, Fences, plows, harrows, balers, wagons of different sizes and utilities, mowers, rakes and conditioners, corn dryiers, bales, and many other smaller utility props. more than hundred so far.
Thanks for the offer to help me, but all of the MFP1 sets are already made into props.

While I'm here........All of the props that I will include in the MFP1 Set, have been finished with modeling and rendering (by the beginning of last October). I am a little slow at this time, but I work on it almost everyday, testing and choosing the right and best props and making the packages. All sets will be ready to upload before Christmas. I don't know how many, but there's a lot.....a very lot.
Next weekend I would be able to show a teaser of what's coming up. But be patient, all this is a real mess on my harddrive and DVD's and making pics takes a lot of time that I use at the moment to verify the quality of the renders.......Some pics and updates can already be seen on Facebook under "Simcity 4" and "Simcity Fanatics". I also started to play SC4 again with a new region. mostly with countrysides and farms. a perfect place to test my MFP1 first growable farmlots

Fred
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: Jack_wilds on November 03, 2018, 03:57:51 PM
Hi Fred
:)
its passed harvest... everything ought to go better easyier -right?... 
trowing "dirt" out on teh fileds of dirt now... cycle of fram and life

:satisfied:

be blessed

Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: evarburg on November 11, 2018, 04:53:53 AM
Quote from: mrbisonm on November 03, 2018, 01:07:49 PM

Yes, the last set will be the Implements, including tractors, Feeders, Fences, plows, harrows, balers, wagons of different sizes and utilities, mowers, rakes and conditioners, corn dryiers, bales, and many other smaller utility props. more than hundred so far.  (...) While I'm here........All of the props that I will include in the MFP1 Set, have been finished with modeling and rendering (by the beginning of last October). I am a little slow at this time, but I work on it almost everyday, testing and choosing the right and best props and making the packages. All sets will be ready to upload before Christmas. I don't know how many, but there's a lot.....a very lot.
Next weekend I would be able to show a teaser of what's coming up. But be patient, all this is a real mess on my harddrive and DVD's and making pics takes a lot of time that I use at the moment to verify the quality of the renders.......Some pics and updates can already be seen on Facebook under "Simcity 4" and "Simcity Fanatics". I also started to play SC4 again with a new region. mostly with countrysides and farms. a perfect place to test my MFP1 first growable farmlots

Fred

OH GOODIE !!!!!!  &hlp
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on November 11, 2018, 11:24:47 AM
Well, that sounds promising!
Guess I have to take some days off in the Christmasweek so I can try to figure out how the editor works and what my farm lots look like....
I really haven't touched SC4 stuff in a year or so.
But my memory is still quite weel, so I guess it will be all right.
It might take some tome though before I will have finished relotting all my 100+ lots for you.
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on November 11, 2018, 12:52:50 PM
My SC4 is back on line, I even started playing the game again. And there's not one day that I do not touch any stuff of the MFP1.....(and MFP2.............)
Very difficult to choose the right models for the upload though. Some take days to decide whether or whether not to use them in my Mega Farm package.

FrankU, I will send you the siloset (the biggest yet) sometime next week or the week after, followed shortly with the Buildings/shed set. Is your e-mail address still the same? My e-mail for simcity, farming simulator and other games is now mrbisonm@mail.com, make sure to note this, because the others are dead. ;)

Pics are coming up also, just that this takes a lot of time to do.....

Fred

Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on November 13, 2018, 11:36:20 PM
Hi Fred,

I'm looking forward to it!
My e-mail is still the same. That is the advantage of having your own domain: durability of e-mail addresses.
Otherwise you can send me a zippyshare link by message, of course. I use wetransfer.com, quite convenient too.

Greetings,
Frank
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on November 14, 2018, 01:45:34 PM
Thanks, noted.

:)
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: metarvo on November 15, 2018, 11:41:14 AM
It's good to see you back at it Fred!  I'm looking forward to what you and Frank come up with.

:)
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on November 16, 2018, 05:32:37 AM
Quote from: metarvo on November 15, 2018, 11:41:14 AM
It's good to see you back at it Fred!  I'm looking forward to what you and Frank come up with.

:)

Me too!  ;D
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on November 18, 2018, 07:09:40 AM
Frank, I 'll be late two or three days to send you the proppacks. We have received more than 30 cm of snow in the last two days. Lotsa work outside. ;)
Fred
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on November 20, 2018, 09:28:13 PM
Ok, I think I am finished with all this MFP1 stuff, have chosen hundreds of Bats for the upload from hundreds of Models I made. What a mess.......lol.

Now to get all this into  the works of finalizing I will need some serious help from actual Players.
Here's what I have in mind.

Scale always has been a problem of mine, sometimes I like it and sometimes I don't and the other day I like it again. To get the right scale, I need your opinion.

I need 5 (Five) serious Players that play a lot with farms and have time to check three of my temp lots that I experimentally made. Nothing regular, nice, detailed nor final. These are two lots that you can find in the Parkmenu (for convenience) that represent Modern typical Canadian Dairyfarms. I want you to have a serious look at the size (SCALE) of the different bldgs and appliances used, carefully evaluate them and let me know how their sizes appear through your eyes and come back to me with the results.
Once that is done, it will be easier for me to see if other models are either over or underscaled by comparing the models with the ones you judged. There are a 5x5 and 4x6 lot and another one that I forgot it's size. Three different scales have been used. I included the barns. Be honest and simple, don't start critisizing the very details on the models (like doors and windows too small or too big), just check out the whole prop and rate it as too small or too big or ok. Thank You.

Resizing a model is easy and quickly done, but they have to be as right as possible, especially in this game since there are so many different scales in it .

So, please present yourself here and I will send you these two MFP1 lots ready to use, (in PM) which you will check out for the scaling in the game. If possible do it this or next week though, because I will be ready to send them to the LOTmaker (FrankU). After you can do what you want with these lots, without uploading them though, because they will not be supported and not be part of the MFP1 Proppack with their identifications. These are Experimental LOTS only!

I will choose the five first serious Players that have experience with farmbuildings and stuff. Thank you.

The reason I ask for this is because I have a little doubt about some of my model's scale, and this bothers me a lot to be uploaded for your use.

Fred

Click on link below for pics

https://postimg.cc/gallery/1w61ou0qw/

(https://i.postimg.cc/DyjwmDZJ/112.jpg)

(https://i.postimg.cc/fRVTdKtH/113.jpg)

(https://i.postimg.cc/mZSDWhWS/114.jpg)



Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: Simmer2 on November 20, 2018, 10:49:15 PM
Hi Fred.

Just by looking at the pics I would scale the buildings about 20-30% on the Z axis.

Nick
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on November 21, 2018, 01:04:23 AM
@ Nick
I suppose you suggest to make the barns 20 to 30% higher? Well, I won't fancy that, because that set is finished already, although I understand why you say that.
Fred's concern was about the props: tractors, silo's etc.

@ Fred
As we all know scale is a terrible thing in SC4. We know why...
Considering this fact my opinions are:
- the blue and the green tractor look a bit too large, compared to the cars and the buildings. I know there are enormous tractors out there, and I fear the ones in Canada are even larger than the monsters I see around here in the Netherlands. Nonetheless I think they should be scaled down a bit, because now they are almost as large as the barns.
- the large silo's are a problem: I think they are very large, but that is perhaps only because I do not see them around here. I have seen images of large farms, also in Europe, with skyscraper high silo's, so if you need them for that kind of farms: say Stage 5 and up, I suppose they are allright.
- the small silo's seem OK to me.
- the silage silo's look OK too.
- the smaller sheds and barns look OK too.

So Fred: I think you should size down the tractors a bit and then just go on rendereing these fine props!

Greetings,
Frank
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on November 21, 2018, 06:43:44 AM
No Testers? Where are you guys?

Thanks Simmer2. and yes, I realized that the lower parts of the mainbuildings are a little low, although they are 18 feet in height, which is actually too high IRL. Besides, these props are already Finals, haven't finished them years ago. So are all the manure props.
In this case here it is the silos and the machinery and sheds that were considered as "out of scale" by me.

FrankU, I w9ill seriously condier the sizes of the tractor, I should have added smaller ones, but the details cannot be seen. Some will stay this size, like the Big JD's, Fendts (like the 900 or 1000 series) aand Case, which can be enormous and almost take the whole road. Of course, we have bigger Tractors, because some fields here aren't in the dozen of hectars, but in several hundreds and sometimes thousands. Not comparible with European Standars, especially Holland's. But Canada, the US, Australia and places in Russia and South-America (Brasil) need them and are actually common.
If you look carefully on Farmset 3, the smallest one, there's a regular medium big sized Tractor on the left side of the red IH Case 380 Tractor.
I took the Maxis tractor as an example for size, which is supposed to be a small medium one. I guess I shouldn't have done so.
So I guess the tractors will be resized a little, maybe also the machinery and implements. I'll do it tonight.

I still need those Testers and their opinions, since I do not want to have only one opinion (not that I don't trust) More opinions, better results.


Thanks you two, let more comments appear...


Fred
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mattb325 on November 21, 2018, 12:33:08 PM
I think you will struggle to get testers to be honest. Hopefully someone can prove me wrong....

The simplest thing to do is to line up your props in the Lot Editor with similar in-game props to ascertain whether these are 'off scale' or not. Take screen-shots. Then line up your props with similar props of content creators that you like and see how yours stack up. Take screen shots.

Wait a day or two and then look at both sets of screen shots again. You will easily be able to judge whether your models are suitable or not.
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: Simmer2 on November 21, 2018, 12:46:54 PM
Quote from: mrbisonm on November 20, 2018, 09:28:13 PM
I want you to have a serious look at the size (SCALE) of the different bldgs and appliances used, carefully evaluate them and let me know how their sizes appear through your eyes and come back to me with the results.

@FrankU Oh I was under the impression that Fred was referring to the buildings as well. (in bold?)^^

My bad if not.

Nick
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: paddy0174 on November 21, 2018, 12:51:51 PM
I would be happy to test them, but I have to say upfront, I never, ever have done anything, that has to do with farming in SC4... *oops*

Years ago I was only interested in kyscrapers and such things. In the last year, I developed an old region, but didn't like it. And in my new region I haven't started anything farming.

You choose, I'm happy to test, but I'm not unhappy if not :)

Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on November 21, 2018, 07:42:58 PM
mattb325, I guess you're right, and it is exactly what I am going to do....So Players, forget it!

You just have to take what u get or don't. ;)

Simmer2, sorry I explained myself wrongly, meaning to compare the samll props with the bldgs. I should have mentioned that the mainbuildings are already finished and packed. No harm done.

Thanks paddy0174, I will do without. Nothing personal ;)

Fred

Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on November 21, 2018, 10:33:25 PM
Quote from: Simmer2 on November 21, 2018, 12:46:54 PM
Quote from: mrbisonm on November 20, 2018, 09:28:13 PM
I want you to have a serious look at the size (SCALE) of the different bldgs and appliances used, carefully evaluate them and let me know how their sizes appear through your eyes and come back to me with the results.

@FrankU Oh I was under the impression that Fred was referring to the buildings as well. (in bold?)^^

My bad if not.

Nick

Hi Nick,

No hard feelings of course. Fred was indeed a bit unclear. And to me it was obvious, because I have the buildings in my pluginsfolder already for a long time.

Greetings,
Frank
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on November 22, 2018, 06:05:40 AM
FrankU, what is the best acurate Mainbuilding in the set one of the MFP1. Just name it and I will take this one for the mainexample to compare my props.
As long as I haven't cleared that scale problem of mine, I can't finalize things.

Thanks, I'll get back to you with Set III, the silos, as soon as I have compared their scale to your chosen barnmodel.
Yesterday I have reduced all Tractors, almost that is, a small handful left for tonight. ;)

Fred
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on November 22, 2018, 03:14:17 PM
Just for the size the models are rendered in low (quicker).
Could it be that they are still a little too big?
They are supposed to be medium big tractors in the range of 250 Hp, something like a 7200 MF, a 6900 JD or 360 IHCase, Canadian Standards

Geeez, I hate scaling SC4 stuff.......lol

(https://i.postimg.cc/FKmBNH5y/Cloaker-s-1.jpg)

(https://i.postimg.cc/kMZYDcPX/Cloaker-s-2.jpg)

I don't know why two models are whitish, they are supposed to be John Deere Green......maybe the low rendering.......

Fred


Edit: Another picture with the red Maxis Tractor for reference, but this one in my opinion is way out of scale.

(https://i.postimg.cc/tgcnFDd2/Cloaker-s-3.jpg)


BTW, I am still wondering why the Maxis Tractor seem to have two exaust pipes.....never seen this.  &mmm  :o
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mattb325 on November 22, 2018, 03:44:08 PM
They - and the Maxis tractor - look fine: according to the web, a John Deere 7200 is 114" (2.9m) tall.

So, if that is a medium tractor (I'm just going to take your word for it as I don't know one tractor from the next) then with accepted community scaling of 133% in gmax it should be 2.9m x 1.33 = 3.9m (approx). All X and Y (176"/4.5m and 98"/2.5m) measurements should be accurate to true life.

Sorry about Feet and Inches from the web...I might as well be talking palmus major and pes  ::)
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: fantozzi on November 23, 2018, 02:55:53 AM
Quote from: mrbisonm on November 22, 2018, 03:14:17 PM

BTW, I am still wondering why the Maxis Tractor seem to have two exaust pipes.....never seen this.  &mmm  :o

Hm, maybe by mistake, they were confused with those american WW2 tractors by Chalmers and Case VAI

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.armyfiretrucks.com%2Fusaaf_case_vai_10-23-2010_22a.jpg&hash=ff2594b4dd3cc0fdc58da9033d7a44d03ddb866d)

having those long air compressor tubes close to the exhaust pipe?  ()what()
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on November 23, 2018, 06:17:45 AM
Quote from: mattb325 on November 22, 2018, 03:44:08 PM
They - and the Maxis tractor - look fine: according to the web, a John Deere 7200 is 114" (2.9m) tall.

So, if that is a medium tractor (I'm just going to take your word for it as I don't know one tractor from the next) then with accepted community scaling of 133% in gmax it should be 2.9m x 1.33 = 3.9m (approx). All X and Y (176"/4.5m and 98"/2.5m) measurements should be accurate to true life.

Sorry about Feet and Inches from the web...I might as well be talking palmus major and pes  ::)

Feet and inches and pounds and gallons are better for me to understand, although I was born in Germany, but I live in Quebec/Canada, where feet and gallons are still used by folks older than 35 (not official though) ;) . Thanks for the comment and explanations though. :)

Quote from: fantozzi on November 23, 2018, 02:55:53 AM
Quote from: mrbisonm on November 22, 2018, 03:14:17 PM

BTW, I am still wondering why the Maxis Tractor seem to have two exaust pipes.....never seen this.  &mmm  :o

Hm, maybe by mistake, they were confused with those american WW2 tractors by Chalmers and Case VAI

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.armyfiretrucks.com%2Fusaaf_case_vai_10-23-2010_22a.jpg&hash=ff2594b4dd3cc0fdc58da9033d7a44d03ddb866d)

having those long air compressor tubes close to the exhaust pipe?  ()what()


Darn, that's right, I all forgot about these..... :)

Fred


EDIT:   I have been scaling and scaling and scaling and scaling and scaling the same freaking props for the whole day over and over again. Exausted.

I think it is becoming an obsession somehow.......Need a day off....gonna play Civ III now and then tomorrow The settlers 7, then to bed and see after tomorrow what brings.........

(https://i.postimg.cc/d0GByNDF/Cloaker-s-6.jpg)

Fred

Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on November 24, 2018, 09:44:45 AM
Tractor props:

Here are two example models of my Tractor props. a Massey and a John Deere of medium/ large sizes. I also have many larger and smaller Tractors, all are in 90 and 45 degree positions
I have in this set:
IH Case
Fendt
Deutz
Ford
Massey
Farmall
Kirovets
Lindner
Kubota
New Holland
Claas (Claas)
Zetor
JCB (JCB)
and Valmet tractors and machinery
....in other words, ....I think I have them all.

Fred

(https://i.postimg.cc/gJFdmxcd/Tractors.png)


FrankU,

I think I found the right scales for my models, I have send them for you to test. If they're alright with you, I will send the whole bunch. If not, I will quickly re-adjust the models and you'll get them later this coming week. No problem to me.



Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: fantozzi on November 24, 2018, 09:58:04 AM
Tell you a secret: I don't care about scaling and the 133%-thing on the vertical axis. That's why I can't offer help here. I only care if it looks good. When I notice a prop looses too much details, I don't care about wrong or right - I just scale it up a little bit to keep some details.

At the end it is a game. And as we know - perspective, size, beauty this is all made up by our brains. The most important thing is: it must be looking good. The right scale - that's just the cream on the coffee but not the coffee itself. IMHO.
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: CT14 on November 24, 2018, 11:08:39 AM
Those modern tractors look great! I think you have the scale just about right as those are massive vehicles in real life. For what it's worth, I've been doing vehicles to true scale, then with 133% vertical AND 120% overall on top of that. It's whatever looks good and fits the other props, in the end.
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on November 24, 2018, 02:21:25 PM
Quote from: fantozzi on November 24, 2018, 09:58:04 AM
Tell you a secret: I don't care about scaling and the 133%-thing on the vertical axis. That's why I can't offer help here. I only care if it looks good. When I notice a prop looses too much details, I don't care about wrong or right - I just scale it up a little bit to keep some details.

At the end it is a game. And as we know - perspective, size, beauty this is all made up by our brains. The most important thing is: it must be looking good. The right scale - that's just the cream on the coffee but not the coffee itself. IMHO.


Somehow I think you're darn right! I like your coffee theory too.....

Quote from: CT14 on November 24, 2018, 11:08:39 AM
Those modern tractors look great! I think you have the scale just about right as those are massive vehicles in real life. For what it's worth, I've been doing vehicles to true scale, then with 133% vertical AND 120% overall on top of that. It's whatever looks good and fits the other props, in the end.

If you say they look good, then they probably are, something I thought also.
I'll wait and see what FrankU has to say about them too and then finalize the whole Pack.
Thanks guys for the useful comments, always appreciated.

Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: AsimPika3172 on November 24, 2018, 03:37:08 PM
Nice tractors!  ()stsfd() Keep moving forward!  :thumbsup: &apls &apls &apls
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on November 29, 2018, 08:22:55 AM
...was out of town for the last couple of days and also busy with all that white stuff we received lately. Just look what my gardenhouse looks like, can't even enter it anymore.....

(https://i.postimg.cc/wTMJY8mk/gardenhouse-Nov2018.jpg)


I will finish rendering the MFP1 Tractors Set this weekend. I did what was possible with the scale, comparing it tto Peg's, Maxis and other already existing Farm machinery. The set will contain 18 Tractors, the biggest (western style) will come later in a add-on like set. I don't know what people in other countries really use, but I chose about 15 different companies, which I see around here. Nowadays tractors from all over the world have appeared here in Canada, especially many German and Japanese. No wonder, since the american big tractor companies are being sold to italian and other Agroproduct countries to meet the universal quality standards.
When I started farming about 45 years ago, we saw mostly John Deere, International Harvester, Massey Ferguson, Ford and Farmall. That changed, Massey was bought by europeans, ih is now case and being owned by euros, Ford was dismantled and replaced with better quality by New Holland and Farmall is completely dead. Only John Deere is still around, loosing slowly its feathers too if they don't produce better qualities soon.
Personally I'm a Fendt Fan, nothing like a Fendt once you tried them. But I also have a small wekness for JD and Massey, probably my nostalgy from the old days.

So, here they are, 18 models in all their colours. Dorftraktors are non specific trades, they could be Lindner, Schlueter, Steyr, Renault, Fiat etc, They are the most common traktors used mostly in Europe, at the time when farming was still a family affair and not an industry.

Now I will start to gather the silosets, then the shed sets. They are all finished, only have to be found in my big MFP1 mess and datpacked.
Enjoy.......soon at a retailer near you. ;)

Fred

(https://i.postimg.cc/x86zbYXt/Tractors.jpg)
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: fantozzi on November 29, 2018, 09:40:42 AM
White stuff? Wasn't it marihuana recently legalized?

The biggest tractor manufacturing site in Germany is in Mannheim, close to Heidelberg. 2900 employees working there and every 3 senconds a tractor is completed. Two thirds of all tractors built in germany coming from this site in Mannheim. Long ago this was the Lanz AG who manufactured the legendary "Bulldog". In 1956 Lanz AG was bought by John Deere. May sound funny but this makes John Deere germany's biggest tractor maker. John Deere also is the best selling. Second: Fendt, Third: Deutz.

Thank you so much for this variation of tractors. To me they are great. Each one shows "character": the fast friend, the working horse, the muscle man etc. I know a french prop pack with Renault and Fiat.  If we imagine the "Dorftractor" to be a Deutz - with your set Sims have now a good and pretty realistic choice of tractors.

Well done Mr. Bisonm.  &apls &apls &apls



Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: Linus van Pelt on November 29, 2018, 02:30:29 PM
In the area where I grew up, which is actually between Mannheim and Heidelberg, New Holland is pretty common.
Although I remember Fendt as the most common brand during my childhood (~ 15 years ago).

Now I live in the east of Germany. Farms are much bigger here, so you see much bigger tractors often times by Claas.

My favourite is MB-Trac. My Grandpa bought one in the 70s, which is still used by one of our neighbours. I don't know if that's usual, but at least this particular one has a crazy quality.

Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: jmelvin on November 29, 2018, 07:46:59 PM
Very nice work on the tractors, Fred.  &apls

Just out of curiosity, how hard would it be for you to pair up a tractor with one of your other implements as a single prop? Pairings of a tractor with a disc/plow/planter/sprayer or other could be turned into timed props for use on fields with crops that change with the seasons. Pegasus had the idea of putting tractors and plows on some of his field but these looked really weird. Sometimes the field would have just a plow or just a tractor but the two never showed up together since they were separate props. I think jmeyers has a tractor hooked up with a hay wagon. I think I saw a harvester unloading into a grain wagon in the VIP OR Agripack and there are a couple of props of a tractor paired with a grain wagon in Simgoober's Mega Props. Firoz has a tractor paired eith a sprayer in his Colossus Farming set. I don't remember seeing any other pairings. I know we can get the right look with separate props for static situations but I would like to put some equipment in the fields for some farms.

Right now I'm toying with making some farms that are just large fields with no buildings. The idea is to have a big/huge (i.e., 15x15, 20 x 20, 15 x 25) lot using timed props that would have the crop in my "field" going through a few growth stages with one of the stages being a partially harvested field with appropriate equipment props timed to match that stage and hold that look for about a month. These "farms" could have their own fields of the same or a different crop. I think I can do this with individual equipment props set up with the timing set to match my partially harvested stage and some of my crop props would need different timing to freeze that partially harvested field look. Plus, I'll have to model some flat 16m x 16m ground level props that I can time so my "field" can have a couple of different looks such as after the harvest, after cultivation, after planting before the plants break ground, etc.



I'm really looking forward to your set of equipment props.
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on November 29, 2018, 09:13:37 PM
Quote from: fantozzi on November 29, 2018, 09:40:42 AM
White stuff? Wasn't it marihuana recently legalized?

The biggest tractor manufacturing site in Germany is in Mannheim, close to Heidelberg. 2900 employees working there and every 3 senconds a tractor is completed. Two thirds of all tractors built in germany coming from this site in Mannheim. Long ago this was the Lanz AG who manufactured the legendary "Bulldog". In 1956 Lanz AG was bought by John Deere. May sound funny but this makes John Deere germany's biggest tractor maker. John Deere also is the best selling. Second: Fendt, Third: Deutz.

Thank you so much for this variation of tractors. To me they are great. Each one shows "character": the fast friend, the working horse, the muscle man etc. I know a french prop pack with Renault and Fiat.  If we imagine the "Dorftractor" to be a Deutz - with your set Sims have now a good and pretty realistic choice of tractors.

Well done Mr. Bisonm.  &apls &apls &apls
White stuff has been a pain in the **** so early in the year, we received already quite a lot......Yes Marihuanan was legalized under restricted use in Canada. Here in the Province of Quebec, it will even be under more strict laws. Not sure that this is a good idea, but we have a Premier Minister, whose parents were fullbred Hippies......lol

Yes, I know about Mannheim and the JD manufacture. Actually I am deeply into tractors since my childhood. I have created about 25 or so tractor models for the Farming Simulator 2013, 2016 and 2017 with 3ds. And since I own a farm here in Canada since over 48 years, I naturally have had a few.
I'm the kind of guy who rather drives a tractor than a car. ;)

Quote from: Linus van Pelt on November 29, 2018, 02:30:29 PM
In the area where I grew up, which is actually between Mannheim and Heidelberg, New Holland is pretty common.
Although I remember Fendt as the most common brand during my childhood (~ 15 years ago).

Now I live in the east of Germany. Farms are much bigger here, so you see much bigger tractors often times by Claas.

My favourite is MB-Trac. My Grandpa bought one in the 70s, which is still used by one of our neighbours. I don't know if that's usual, but at least this particular one has a crazy quality.


New Holland is very common here too, it replaced the Ford which weren't reallu the best tractors, but the NH is well known now for it's quality. Merzedes aalso has some good ones. I did not included them in my SC4 Collection, since here in North-America, they are totally unknown, never seen one in my life, although I spent my first 16 years in Germany near the Dutch and Belgian border (Aachen/Eifel) in an agricultural area. I remember when I was 12 that I drove Lindner and Schlueter tractors for a farmer nearby. That was fun.
In the Eastern area of Germany I suppose you see a lot of Zetor, Fortschritt and Ursus tractors also, maybe even Kirovets, which ones I love, because they are considered as the toughest machines.

Quote from: jmelvin on November 29, 2018, 07:46:59 PM
Very nice work on the tractors, Fred.  &apls

Just out of curiosity, how hard would it be for you to pair up a tractor with one of your other implements as a single prop? Pairings of a tractor with a disc/plow/planter/sprayer or other could be turned into timed props for use on fields with crops that change with the seasons. Pegasus had the idea of putting tractors and plows on some of his field but these looked really weird. Sometimes the field would have just a plow or just a tractor but the two never showed up together since they were separate props. I think jmeyers has a tractor hooked up with a hay wagon. I think I saw a harvester unloading into a grain wagon in the VIP OR Agripack and there are a couple of props of a tractor paired with a grain wagon in Simgoober's Mega Props. Firoz has a tractor paired eith a sprayer in his Colossus Farming set. I don't remember seeing any other pairings. I know we can get the right look with separate props for static situations but I would like to put some equipment in the fields for some farms.

Right now I'm toying with making some farms that are just large fields with no buildings. The idea is to have a big/huge (i.e., 15x15, 20 x 20, 15 x 25) lot using timed props that would have the crop in my "field" going through a few growth stages with one of the stages being a partially harvested field with appropriate equipment props timed to match that stage and hold that look for about a month. These "farms" could have their own fields of the same or a different crop. I think I can do this with individual equipment props set up with the timing set to match my partially harvested stage and some of my crop props would need different timing to freeze that partially harvested field look. Plus, I'll have to model some flat 16m x 16m ground level props that I can time so my "field" can have a couple of different looks such as after the harvest, after cultivation, after planting before the plants break ground, etc.
I'm really looking forward to your set of equipment props.

Making combined props of tractors and implements are of my intention, probably for the use with MP's. But if you want some special ones, let me know. I haven't finished the implement set yet and probably will only end this as an addon thing a little later, because there's too much to do yet. But I could release some soon, just tell me the most important ones you have in mind and I see what I can do.

Thanks everyone for the kind and constructive comments. Glad you like these tractor props and I hope that they will, together with the rest of the MFP1 , enlighten the game a little more again.

Fred
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on November 30, 2018, 08:12:35 AM
These below are some of my Farm Simulator tractors (not all) and the ones circled I will transfer to SC4 models later, the ones I said that were the big machinery in a small add-on later from the West NA and Australia. They will be green (JohnDeere), red (Case IH) and Blue (New Holland) These are 500 to 600 HP Monsters and they will have their own implements

(https://i.postimg.cc/c4G0dXfK/tractors2come.jpg)

Last night I started gathering and packing the haysheds......;), the next pack to finalize. Here's a sample for the moment

(https://i.postimg.cc/4NpSXD9r/Sheds.jpg)

Fred
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: jmelvin on November 30, 2018, 09:05:07 AM
QuoteMaking combined props of tractors and implements are of my intention, probably for the use with MP's. But if you want some special ones, let me know.

Some of the commonly used pairings one might see in a field would be useful. Such as a tractor paired with: manure spreader, springtooth harrow, multi-bottom plow, mower, wheel rake, planter, disc, baler, grain wagon, hay wagon. And then there is the tractor moving a round bale.

I know, I know. I'm greedy.
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on November 30, 2018, 09:40:40 AM
Quote from: jmelvin on November 30, 2018, 09:05:07 AM
QuoteMaking combined props of tractors and implements are of my intention, probably for the use with MP's. But if you want some special ones, let me know.

Some of the commonly used pairings one might see in a field would be useful. Such as a tractor paired with: manure spreader, springtooth harrow, multi-bottom plow, mower, wheel rake, planter, disc, baler, grain wagon, hay wagon. And then there is the tractor moving a round bale.

I know, I know. I'm greedy.


To be honest, it looks like you are a little greedy.....lol.... but you're also lucky, I like those things.....lol

I will make some combinations, maybe the disc-harrow for larger fields, a plow, mower, Grain harvester, seeder or planter as you mentioned it, some Bennes filling trucks and a straw/haytrailer. The tractor gathering bales on its fork sounds good too with some bround bale piles here and there, ready to be picked up. ;)
We'll see what and when I can do.

Fred

Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on November 30, 2018, 10:22:30 AM
Hi Fred and all of you,

I have missed a bit of this discussion.
Part of it is beyond my scope: I know tractors as the huge things that push me off the road when I am driving my bicycle. But the models you showed are great, except for the white tyres here and there...
The white stuff reminds me of something I knew in my youth. Last year winter fell on january 3rd: we had half a day of snow, maybe about 3 cm fell in the morning and in the afternoon everyhting was gone.

But hey, the strawpile is useful too! Could you make one with a black cover? That's the color I see here mostly. Or is it too late for that kind of requests?

I am really looking forward to lotting again, so please send me your stuff! But it will certainly be too late for any kind of Adventcalendar or Christmas present.
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on November 30, 2018, 10:35:50 AM
Quote from: FrankU on November 30, 2018, 10:22:30 AM
Hi Fred and all of you,

I have missed a bit of this discussion.
Part of it is beyond my scope: I know tractors as the huge things that push me off the road when I am driving my bicycle. But the models you showed are great, except for the white tyres here and there...
The white stuff reminds me of something I knew in my youth. Last year winter fell on january 3rd: we had half a day of snow, maybe about 3 cm fell in the morning and in the afternoon everyhting was gone.

But hey, the strawpile is useful too! Could you make one with a black cover? That's the color I see here mostly. Or is it too late for that kind of requests?

I am really looking forward to lotting again, so please send me your stuff! But it will certainly be too late for any kind of Adventcalendar or Christmas present.

I already have a black tarpin for the haypile, one of four if I remember right, there's also a white one full of dirt and leaves and another colour, can't remember right now. Usually white and blue are the most common and black is usually used more for dilage since it heats up the products below it, and sometimes it's not not too good, especially when the hay has more than 15% of humidity. ;)

The "white" tires of the tractors are actually grey. They look a lot better ingame, I don't know why they come out almost white when taking a sample pic in gmax......? Same thing for the Dorftraktor Gruen, it is green ingame and almost white in the picture.......

Yes, I know it's too late for the advent, it will be more of a thing to start of the new year with. Sorry about this.

I sent you a PM FrankU, I was testing the newly scaled 489 models that I did in the last 10 days (one of my mental problems is scaling) and I need the mainbuildings to make some lots to show off the new stuff. I found the silos, the machinery sheds and the manure pack, but can't seem to find my mainbuilding dat. Thanks.

Fred


Edit:

Frank, found the black tarpe strawpile, didn't find the other two yet. Get back to them when I have all the hayshed pack together. I think the fourth one was a greyish/beige tarp, I remember now. ;)

Fred

(https://i.postimg.cc/sX84qGFC/black-Tarpe-Straw.jpg)
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: jmelvin on December 01, 2018, 05:26:35 PM
Frank and Fred,

I would like to offer my services for doing a preliminary look at what you come up with on this project. Frank might remember that I did a scrutineering report for his Dutch Farm Fields release. I was able to give him a report that offered a second set of eyes look at what he was putting together before the release and I hope was useful. PM me if there is any interest.

ps. for Frank: I noticed that most of the props for the various crops that people have put together will show some deteriation next to roads with a bit of traffic on them. That doesn't happen with the SPAM fields. Pegasus props use property Ignore Lot State Effects set to True. The Exemplar Properties article at [http://www.wiki.sc4devotion.com/index.php?title=Exemplar_properties (http://www.wiki.sc4devotion.com/index.php?title=Exemplar_properties) gives the following description for this property
QuoteIf set to true, specifies that the prop should ignore lot state effects (distressed, abandoned, etc.).
I didn't know about this property when I looked at your Dutch Farm Fields set.
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on December 02, 2018, 01:52:10 AM
Hi jmelvin,

Well it was indeed several years ago, bu I still remember your very detailed report. I was really happy with it. Did I thank you properly for that? I hope so.
It might be a good idea to ask you for a second, or actually third, opinion (mine is the second already).
Or do you men that you feel llike testing my lots when they are ready? That might be a good idea too. But in that case: get ready for a large amount of work.

And that is an interesting farm field property! I didn't know about it either, otherwzise I would certainly have added it to my fields. Maybe I can add it to the farm fields and release an updated version of them together with the final farm lots sets. It's not that much work.

And Fred: a nice strawpile! I hope you will be able to find everything back.... It seems quite a mess on your computer.
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: PaPa-J on December 02, 2018, 02:27:35 AM
Very nice work, indeed.  Love the tractors.
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on December 02, 2018, 07:17:25 AM
jmelvin, Thank you for your offer, but things that need to be tested will have to be done by no other than me, simply because I myself have to be satisfied totally by the model before I offer it to someone else. Ver y kind of you though.

FrankU, don't worry, I will find everything, even a mess it is on my gaming computer, mostly and more now, ever since I moved everything on my harddrive to my new Superputer....lol. I should have done more organization right from the beginning, but unfortunetly I did not know that it was going to become this big. Won't be long now, I work on it everyday. ;)

Thank you PaPa-J, glad you like those tractors.


mrb


Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: jmelvin on December 02, 2018, 12:37:44 PM
Quote from: FrankU on December 02, 2018, 01:52:10 AM
do you mean that you feel llike testing my lots when they are ready? That might be a good idea too. But in that case: get ready for a large amount of work.

Yes, that is what I meant. I think I could put together a report much like the earlier one.
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on December 02, 2018, 08:12:11 PM
Quote from: jmelvin on December 02, 2018, 12:37:44 PM
Quote from: FrankU on December 02, 2018, 01:52:10 AM
do you mean that you feel llike testing my lots when they are ready? That might be a good idea too. But in that case: get ready for a large amount of work.

Yes, that is what I meant. I think I could put together a report much like the earlier one.


Question: Do you know how to make a Lot with a Prop? I would send FrankU and You such a prop to test ingame, but you would need to make a lot with this prop first.....and then others later this week.....I would like to have a second opinion (not that I don't doubt any opinion that comes from Frank)

Fred

This would be the prop, but I will explain later.....

(https://i.postimg.cc/yYCSqs4J/MFP1-Scale.jpg)
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: jmelvin on December 02, 2018, 09:31:46 PM
Fred,
Yes I do. And I could get it into a game situation.
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on December 03, 2018, 12:15:17 PM
No problem of course!

And jmelvin: your offer is very much appreciated. We will have contact by the time there is something to test.
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on December 04, 2018, 05:01:55 AM
FrankU and jmelvin
Link for test Lot prop (Pic above) has been sent by pm.

Individual props ( samples of this and that) will follow for a final test after you have tested this combination prop of one of the MFP1 farms.

Thanks

Fred
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: jmelvin on December 07, 2018, 06:22:03 AM
Fred,

I tested your model. I thought this might work for a dairy farm and used Sc4PIM to create my building and lot exemplars. I used a 12x10 lot beause of the size of the model.

The following 4 images are from the PIM loteditor:
(https://i.postimg.cc/2STKmdVy/lot-editor-view1.jpg)
(https://i.postimg.cc/HnQ6NXqp/lot-editor-view2.jpg)
(https://i.postimg.cc/4dHLzrwH/lot-editor-view3.jpg)
(https://i.postimg.cc/DzZYzWXg/lot-editor-view4.jpg)

I should have trusted that 4th view showing the blue silos at right center of the image were too close to the building model. I saw the look in the third image that showed these silos sitting away from the barn and thought that be true from the other angles.

These next 2 images show that I have placed 20+ props wholy or partially within the building's LOD:
(https://i.postimg.cc/Wz10jZKm/lot-editor-view5.jpg)
(https://i.postimg.cc/rmJ5vjhF/lot-editor-view6.jpg)

I used your model for the building rather than the prop you had sent. The following images show the lot in-game:
(https://i.postimg.cc/Kcp0jcNc/test1-Oct-7-001544135232.png)
(https://i.postimg.cc/ZR7xWj6s/test1-Oct-7-001544135383.png)
(https://i.postimg.cc/zBZV0h8D/test1-Oct-7-001544134694.png)
(https://i.postimg.cc/1zN8GBxY/test1-Oct-7-001544134284.png)

I saw that the loteditor view from this last angle matches what you see in-game and it would take just a little tweaking on the positioning of my props to give those silos the correct look.

ps. It helps to actually follow your instructions, Fred. My early modification used the thumbnails instead of the actual images I had uploaded.

I used props from various commonly used prop packs. I noted as I was testing this that many of the props I used are timed and appear and disappear at various times during the game year. The lines of haybales along the eastern drive are an example. I did use a couple of textures that are in my personal set (i.e., the dark texture for the cattle lot tiles behind the barn and a gravel like texture for the driveway and part of the barnyard. I noticed in one of the images that my cattle lot texture disappears at a couple of the zoom levels. I'm not sure why that happened. But, that has nothing to do with the purposes of this test.

All in all, I think your scaling is excellent just like it is.  &apls

I think some of the experienced modders out there are going to have fun with this when you make it available.

This is just a side note: I glanced at the values in your prop exemplar and noticed a couple of things. Your prop will only show a zoom levels 2-5 but your actual model has the fsh files for all levels. I also see that you currently have the Is Ground Model set to False so no shadows would show up. Since I used your model for my building neither of those came into play.



Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on December 07, 2018, 04:58:20 PM
Quote from: jmelvin on December 07, 2018, 06:22:03 AM
Fred,

I tested your model. I thought this might work for a dairy farm and used Sc4PIM to create my building and lot exemplars. I used a 12x10 lot beause of the size of the model.

I want to include images but forgot how to add images to a post. I see the image insert but remember how to get an image from my PC to show up. If someone will give me a quick heads up on how to do this, I'll edit this post to inclde the images.

I have no idea how to post the pics dirsctly on SC4D, but here's how I do it:
Go to this site:  https://postimages.org/

- upload your pic
- then choose the Clickable Link for Forums and copy the link in the greybox
- copy the link here and delete everything but the line inside the img brackets, including the brackets
.........


...hope that helps

Fred

(https://i.postimg.cc/CKnMqKyG/22.png)
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: jmelvin on December 07, 2018, 09:51:35 PM
Thank you for the reply, Fred. I modified my post and inclused images. See above.
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on December 08, 2018, 08:06:45 PM
Wow, nice lot. Thank you for the test.
As I can see my props seem to be just fine. So, I will keep this scaling and also the modelfile in gmax for futur reference.

I am not home at the moment, but I will be back soon to gather all this MFP1 mess I have on my HD and make it available as soon as possible.
Now........
This is just a side note: I glanced at the values in your prop exemplar and noticed a couple of things. Your prop will only show a zoom levels 2-5 but your actual model has the fsh files for all levels. I also see that you currently have the Is Ground Model set to False so no shadows would show up. Since I used your model for my building neither of those came into play.  How do I change this?.......I have no idea.

Fred
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: jmelvin on December 09, 2018, 12:49:28 AM
Fred,
You could use the ilive reader to open the descriptor file for your prop. It is a good practice to creat a backup copy of your file before using the reader. When you first open the reader the window will look something like this (depending on which version of the reader you use - this is from version 0_9_3):
(https://i.postimg.cc/3RhhZdBx/open-ilive.jpg)

Clicking the Open button will let you open the file you want to edit (the DESC file for your prop in this case). Opening your file in the reader will look something like this ):
](https://i.postimg.cc/P5f21hYn/file-open.jpg)

The left hand pane now shows an icon for your file. You have to click on the Fill the List button in the right pane to see what is in your file. Don't worry about what shows up in the new right pane yet. Single click on the Exemplar file in the middle pane to open the exemplar and you will see something like this:
(https://i.postimg.cc/DZzdpBmm/ilive.jpg)

You can double click on any of the properties in the right pane to change their values. Property Appearance Zooms Flag controls which the zoom levels at which your prop will show up. The value 1E means it will only show at zoom levels 2-5. Changing this value to 1F would have it show at all levels. Double clicking on that property opens a new window that looks like:
(https://i.postimg.cc/PrNYzxNH/zoom-flag.jpg)

You would select the "E" in the Values as text line, replace it with an F, click on "Apply" on that line, click on the Apply below that. That will close that window and you can then see that the value has changed on the original screen. You can then change any other properties the same way.

The Is Ground Model property controls wheter or not your prop will cast a shadow in-game; False (value=0) means shadow. The Light property should be False if the model for your prop doesn't have any nightlighting effects. Orient to Slope should be False if you don't want your prop to conform to the slope (such as for props like trees, people, and buildings).

For a prop that is this size, the Query as main building property should probably be set to True and a User Visible Name property be added with value set to 0,0,0 (Quote from: Names and Descriptions of Buildings and Props by RippleJet
        "Query as main building = True
        (User Visible Name Key = 0,0,0 or any other address)
        Hovering above the prop, you will see the hover query for the building on the lot (the same as you would see hovering over the building)."   
User Visible Name Key   0x8A416A99   Uint32   3   0x00000000,0x00000000,0x00000000   

As things are now with Query as main building set to False, hovering over this prop will show the name of the prop as shown in the Exemplar Name within your prop exemplar (i.e., Rightscale_MFP1-Farm).

I always make it a habit to right click in the middle pane and hit the Reindex option then right clink there again and hit the Rebuild Directory File option and finally save my work using the Save button near the top of the screen.

I would be willing to go through your prop files and take care of this for you. I would let you know what changes I recommend before changing anything. I'm thinking that most of your props should have Is Ground Model and Orient to Slope both set to True. That way, shadows would be cast and the prop would tilt with the slope like farm machinery does in real life.

Hope this helps.
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on December 09, 2018, 07:09:14 AM
Hi guys,

Nice lotting!
Actually you can see that the JMyers wooden barn with the red roof is a bit out of scale: it's too big in relation to the large main building, but that is not your problem Fred!
And indeed JMyers made a lot of timed props in his farming props set. And as I am not really fond of timed props (except for my farm fields that is...) I made new prop exemplars form the models for use in my farm lots.
I really will have to take a week off my job just to make new lots with your toys!

So Fred, just send them my way!
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: fantozzi on December 14, 2018, 06:39:10 AM
Quote from: FrankU on December 09, 2018, 07:09:14 AM
Hi guys,

I really will have to take a week off my job just to make new lots with your toys!

So Fred, just send them my way!

Those few hours after christmas dinner, when mother needs to retire a little bit and the children play with their new toys and outside snow is falling and it becomes afternoon fast and the whole house becomes quite. And you pick up your notebook and start SC4.

Believe me - these are the best hours in life. As holidays are the best time to play SC4.
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on December 15, 2018, 03:57:22 AM
Well, for me the best time is when the children are at school and my wife is off to her job.

After Christmas dinner we sit in the room and have a glass of wine and talk about the year that is almost over.

And snow... that is a different story altogether. We would like to have some, but I do not remember a year with snow, or it must have been in my youth. And that is more than 40 years ago.

:thumbsup:
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on December 17, 2019, 01:29:30 PM
Dear friends,
Is has been a long time. And it will get worse.
I have not played SC4 for more than a year. I even haven't done any lotting. Due to several reasons, and even I don't know all of them, I have lost interest in the game, so this post is like a kind of farewell to all of you who still play, lot and BAT.

But there is something.
I have worked on a large set of farm lots, together with mrbisonm, who was doing some BATting. It would be a pity if these would just be thrown away, so I decided to offer you my almost finished lots. If anyone of you is interested in finishing and releasing them I will gladly send my stuff to you. The files are quite arranged and it could be that you will be able to finish them. If you are willing I will not put any restrictions: you can do with them whatever you like. Only if you decide to release them fairly unchanged I'd like you to refer to them as "inspired by FrankU".
Please send me a PM if you are interested.

A farewell to all of you!

Frank
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: metarvo on December 17, 2019, 08:04:15 PM
Thanks for everything Frank.  You will certainly be missed; I know I will!  Goodbye, and good luck.
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: fritzfarlig on December 18, 2019, 07:23:57 AM
good luck I have DL many your works
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: fantozzi on December 18, 2019, 10:33:58 AM
I can't accept this. We need you here.
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: Tyberius06 on December 19, 2019, 06:24:54 AM
Hi FrankU,

I hope the best for you, I hope you put all your SC4 related stuffs (doesn't matter if you created them or just downloaded them) into a safe place and wouldn't get rid of everything. You might want to come back later in the future and it would be much easier if you have all the files, what you used to have.
I haven't played with SC4 apart from a few testings, but when in aug/sept 2017 my most developed city got Poxed (half a year before Simmaster came up with the solution and fix), I lost a bit of interest of playing. But I'm still lotting.
Take a break (if it means years, then it means years), and then you will see!
Thanks for all your work!

- Tyberius
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on December 19, 2019, 11:25:42 AM
Hi metarvo, fritzfarlig, fantozzi and Tyberius,

Thanks for your replies.
No I will not put everything away. I will keep all the files, so who knows....
The Pox certainly annoyed me a lot. It is one of the main reasons for losing interest. I never got as far as installing the fix, because I had stopped playing by then already.  Another reason is the fact that my Dutch Farms Set became a bit too heavy and still hasn't been finished yet.
Other reasons are outside of SC4: I lost my job in an unpleasant way and had to find other resources. I started my own consultancy, which took a lot of energy. It is going well now, but of course demands energy and attention.

Meanwhile two people sent me a PM. They offer to finalise my set and make them a part of CAM farming, for which my set is designed in fact.

But I first have to consult mrbisonm, because he is the owner of the barn-models that are the core of my farms set.

Greetings! Frank
I will never forget the fine atmosphere and helpfulness of this community. And indeed, you never know if I'll be back.  ;D
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: Jack_wilds on December 19, 2019, 04:26:29 PM
so sorry about RL taking a toll...  :(

as I was looking your lotting and to all of nexis' prop packs
and then lotting my own farms and agriculture...  :) :crytissue:

so will pm my request as well...

enjoyed all the projects you did share with us all here...  :thumbsup:
they fill many sim towns everywhere  &apls

be blessed with a long prosperous life filled with goodness  :)

Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on December 20, 2019, 10:13:04 AM
Ok, it is time for me to surface again and make sure to leave a lifesign.......lol

A lot of things have changed in my life, health, age, interests, upcomming full retirement, separation from lynncanox, my wife, sold my farm and other things etc etc.
I also (temporarily)  lost my taste for computergames mostly because computers, programs, windows etc are only partially working elements for me and have destroyed my likes of touching ' Puters.

My models of the MFP1 are all ready, I have to pack them, explain them, then upload them. That will be done in February 2020, because before this it will be impossible for me to find the time to re-open my hundreds of SC4 folders.

I herewith will ask Frank to be patient again until February before uploading his LOTting works. I will then upload all my MFP 1 models in one shot, ready for the Lotters to go "nuts". If for any reason, I will not be able or ready to do this, I will give Frank the permission to upload his lots with the Nexis propsets he already has in posession.

Until then, wish me luck with the projects that I have to finish before my full retirement. Thanks for being patient. :)

mrbisonm/ Fred
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: xxdita on December 20, 2019, 12:02:05 PM
Frank & Fred, if I can help in any way to get the farms and models on the LEX, please let me know.
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on December 22, 2019, 04:05:26 AM
Hi guys,

Well, with Fred I am discussing the issue about sending my and/or his files to someone else at this moment.
I can imagine the option that I send my stuff together with Fred's props that are in my possession. You could then already start digging in my stuff and start (re)lotting, but you should only upload the stuff with Freds permission. I am not sure if this is a good way to proceed. Anyway I need Fred's permission to do this, so we are talking about the pros and cons at this time.

Please have some patience!

And thanks for the offers I already received. It could be nice to see what comes out when I send my stuff to several people. Whatever you do with them is OK with me: you can release them as they are (there are only about 4 or 5 lots that really need some attention, the other 100 are ok), I guess only one of you should do that....
Or you can completly rebuild them with totally other dependecies..... As long as the community can use them, as long as you place my name somewhere in the readme or the file names, and as long as it's fun for you.

Greetings,

Frank
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: fantozzi on December 22, 2019, 07:42:51 AM
You have to think of a way to avoid different lotters upload the same props/lots. What if you give everything to Fred first and when he's done with the prop packs then he'll hand out your lots to the lotters you did choose?
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on December 23, 2019, 03:53:16 AM
Like I said, I won't be ready before february.
But I have two options to offer:

1.  You all wait until February and I will upload all MFP1 Propsets at the same time.......or
2.  I could upload the first Propsets or props that FrankU 's lots have now and the others in february.

Fit this yourself to your liking, FrankU, and let me know please, I will have to find these propsets first.

Like fantozzi said, it is better that I upload the individual MFP sets myself (whether some now or later) not to have several of the same on the "market" To me, it doesn't change anything, I can always delete the ones I uploaded earlier once the others are ready and then upload all the sets at the same time.

Fred
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on January 02, 2020, 07:10:38 AM
Ok, it has been decided.

I will upload the MFP 1 Set 1 Buildings later today to the Lex and then to the Stex later this week.
............followed by the Set 2A tommorrow ,and the Set 2B the day after, (giving me the time to create the readmes and pics) so that the lots that FrankU started and sent to someone else, can be continued.

Other Sets will follow, I have no idea when exactly, but they will be all available before the end of february (maybe one here and then in between).

If lots are to be uploaded anywhere which include these props, make sure to mention the links of these Nexispropsets as reference. Do NOT upload these files anywhere else, please.


Fred


EDIT: I will confirm the upload once it's done right here.

Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: xxdita on January 02, 2020, 10:31:30 AM
We don't require ReadMe's for prop packs or models, just for lots and mods. Pictures are helpful.
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on January 02, 2020, 10:37:11 AM
Quote from: xxdita on January 02, 2020, 10:31:30 AM
We don't require ReadMe's for prop packs or models, just for lots and mods. Pictures are helpful.


I kinda thought so too, but wasn't sure. Thanks for specifying. Anyways I added some other important messages in the readme since this will be more than 20 uploads to come. I suppose I will continue to do so.

BTW, the
First Set of the MFP1 is now available.
https://sc4devotion.com/csxlex/lex_filedesc.php?lotGET=3898

Fred
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on January 02, 2020, 11:02:21 AM
Good work Fred!

Once you have uploaded the Set 2A and 2B I will add the links to my read me and then send the stuff to the chosen one who will then see if he/she can finish my job.

Greetings,
Frank
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: xxdita on January 02, 2020, 04:47:53 PM
69 models, 69 prop desc's. Everything seems in order. I'll go ahead and certify the pack. These look really nice!
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on January 02, 2020, 07:10:00 PM
Quote from: xxdita on January 02, 2020, 04:47:53 PM
69 models, 69 prop desc's. Everything seems in order. I'll go ahead and certify the pack. These look really nice!

Thank you, really appreciated

Fred
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on January 03, 2020, 09:20:27 AM
This is Part II of my uploading adventure.

The MFP1 Set 2A has been made available on the Lex and later on the STEX. Props only.

These are Solid Manure models, all that you need to keep your sh** in and the stables clean. The empty storagepens could be used as industrial models. There will also be an Add-on later, since not all of the solid manure files have been included for the moment. I think that there is in between 8 and 10 files of this set left to test and finish.

Have Fun....

https://sc4devotion.com/csxlex/lex_filedesc.php?lotGET=3901

Fred

Edit: The MFP1 Set 2B has also been made available on the Lex and later on the STEX. Props only. Most pics and descriptions were already done.
These are the Liquid Manure models, tanks and pumps etc. I don't know if there will be an Add-on on this later, we'll see...... This set contains 30 prop-models

Enjoy

https://sc4devotion.com/csxlex/lex_filedesc.php?lotGET=3902

Fred
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: kbieniu7 on January 16, 2020, 09:49:57 AM
Hi Frank and Fred,

I'm sorry to hear all the issues that you encountered recently in real life. I wish that you hopefully find your ways trough.

Thank you for all of your contribution to the community and hope that you both will still keep at least lurking at the forum from time to time :)
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: fantozzi on January 18, 2020, 01:09:18 AM
Picture from a big farmers protest in Berlin this weekend.

(https://www.tagesspiegel.de/images/bauernprotest-in-berlin/25271328/1-format6001.jpg?inIsFirst=true)

They are really upset about poiticians never been in touch with nature and only used to pick their agricultural products from supermarkets making absurd laws.

It's the old problem. Intense breeding produces more liquid manure that can be absorbed by the fields and spoils ground water. So they making law to restrict the use of liquid manure. Which only puts pressure on farmes but doesen't resolve any problem: where to put all the slurry?

Well, in SC4 we could create a slurry dehydration facility - because by dehydration you can make excellent fertilizer from slurry.

Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: fantozzi on January 18, 2020, 01:30:36 AM
Thank you, Fred, for your farming props releases. This is an exciting event!
%BUd% %BUd%  :clap: %BUd% %BUd%  :clap: %BUd% %BUd% :clap: %BUd% %BUd% :clap: %BUd% %BUd%
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: xxdita on January 18, 2020, 08:54:54 AM
The prop packs themselves look good. My only hesitation with 2A is that it's in a RAR rather than a zip. Would you mind redoing the upload in a zip, Fred? 2B has been certified. I'll certify 2A as soon as it's in a zip.

Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on January 18, 2020, 02:28:55 PM
Quote from: xxdita on January 18, 2020, 08:54:54 AM
The prop packs themselves look good. My only hesitation with 2A is that it's in a RAR rather than a zip. Would you mind redoing the upload in a zip, Fred? 2B has been certified. I'll certify 2A as soon as it's in a zip.



I will make it so later this week. Thank You.
What's wrong with rar though?

Fred


EDIT:

Done. Should be zip now. Thank You
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: xxdita on January 19, 2020, 02:56:44 AM
With RAR's, you have to download a program, whereas zips can be opened by Windows itself. (Not sure about MACs). Zips have been the community standard on LEX and STEX for as long as I've been around.

Now you have it as a zipx. I don't even know what program to use for that.
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: AsimPika3172 on January 19, 2020, 04:20:57 PM
For Windows, use Winzip. For MAC, use iZip.
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on January 19, 2020, 09:15:13 PM
Quote from: xxdita on January 19, 2020, 02:56:44 AM
With RAR's, you have to download a program, whereas zips can be opened by Windows itself. (Not sure about MACs). Zips have been the community standard on LEX and STEX for as long as I've been around.

Now you have it as a zipx. I don't even know what program to use for that.


Oh my.....lol...when I open it, opens with winzip. That's waht I downloaded anyways... You have a linkie for "your" winzip we need for the upload??? There are sooooo many.....lolé <To be honest, I uploaded the others with the same zip....really don't understand why this one is in RAR.

Fred
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: Simmer2 on January 20, 2020, 07:27:55 AM
Quote from: mrbisonm on January 19, 2020, 09:15:13 PM
Quote from: xxdita on January 19, 2020, 02:56:44 AM
With RAR's, you have to download a program, whereas zips can be opened by Windows itself. (Not sure about MACs). Zips have been the community standard on LEX and STEX for as long as I've been around.

Now you have it as a zipx. I don't even know what program to use for that.


Oh my.....lol...when I open it, opens with winzip. That's waht I downloaded anyways... You have a linkie for "your" winzip we need for the upload??? There are sooooo many.....lolé <To be honest, I uploaded the others with the same zip....really don't understand why this one is in RAR.

Fred

Hi Fred.
If you are using Windows XP or 7 right click on the folder you want to zip and a window will open with a list of items. One line will say "add to archive..." click on that and the Zip dialog window will open. On the left you should see 2 option for formatting Zip or RAR.
By default RAR is picked, just click on the ZIP dot and then "ok", it will start the zip process.

Nick
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: xxdita on January 20, 2020, 07:54:31 AM
Quote from: Simmer2 on January 20, 2020, 07:27:55 AM
Quote from: mrbisonm on January 19, 2020, 09:15:13 PM
Quote from: xxdita on January 19, 2020, 02:56:44 AM
With RAR's, you have to download a program, whereas zips can be opened by Windows itself. (Not sure about MACs). Zips have been the community standard on LEX and STEX for as long as I've been around.

Now you have it as a zipx. I don't even know what program to use for that.


Oh my.....lol...when I open it, opens with winzip. That's waht I downloaded anyways... You have a linkie for "your" winzip we need for the upload??? There are sooooo many.....lolé <To be honest, I uploaded the others with the same zip....really don't understand why this one is in RAR.

Fred

Hi Fred.
If you are using Windows XP or 7 right click on the folder you want to zip and a window will open with a list of items. One line will say "add to archive..." click on that and the Zip dialog window will open. On the left you should see 2 option for formatting Zip or RAR.
By default RAR is picked, just click on the ZIP dot and then "ok", it will start the zip process.

Nick

In Windows 10, right click on the file or folder to be zipped, then select the Send To menu. There will be a selection for Compressed (zipped) folder. No outside programs necessary.
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on January 21, 2020, 07:44:13 PM
Quote from: xxdita on January 20, 2020, 07:54:31 AM
Quote from: Simmer2 on January 20, 2020, 07:27:55 AM
Quote from: mrbisonm on January 19, 2020, 09:15:13 PM
Quote from: xxdita on January 19, 2020, 02:56:44 AM
With RAR's, you have to download a program, whereas zips can be opened by Windows itself. (Not sure about MACs). Zips have been the community standard on LEX and STEX for as long as I've been around.

Now you have it as a zipx. I don't even know what program to use for that.



Oh my.....lol...when I open it, opens with winzip. That's waht I downloaded anyways... You have a linkie for "your" winzip we need for the upload??? There are sooooo many.....lolé <To be honest, I uploaded the others with the same zip....really don't understand why this one is in RAR.

Fred

Hi Fred.
If you are using Windows XP or 7 right click on the folder you want to zip and a window will open with a list of items. One line will say "add to archive..." click on that and the Zip dialog window will open. On the left you should see 2 option for formatting Zip or RAR.
By default RAR is picked, just click on the ZIP dot and then "ok", it will start the zip process.

Nick

In Windows 10, right click on the file or folder to be zipped, then select the Send To menu. There will be a selection for Compressed (zipped) folder. No outside programs necessary.

Ok, so I did upload the new file. Since all my SC stuff is on a computer that has Win XP, I zipped it as Nick mentioned by rightclicking and choosing the zip.

It should be ok now. At least I hope so, if not, then I am out of options...

Thanks for the patience

Fred
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: xxdita on January 22, 2020, 10:33:51 AM
The files are definitely in a zip now. With the RAR inside as well.

I've taken the liberty of removing the RAR file, as its contents duplicate what's already in the zip and may confuse people.

The file is now certified. Really looking forward to seeing these in the game!
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on January 24, 2020, 02:28:25 PM
Quote from: xxdita on January 22, 2020, 10:33:51 AM
The files are definitely in a zip now. With the RAR inside as well.

I've taken the liberty of removing the RAR file, as its contents duplicate what's already in the zip and may confuse people.

The file is now certified. Really looking forward to seeing these in the game!


lol.....sorry for the RAR file inside the zip, I have no idea how it got in there..... Excuse my problems and arguments with my computer.....and me sometimes. Glad it worked out though, thanks for helping me out.

Fred
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: xxdita on January 25, 2020, 01:41:17 AM
Minor clerical work, don't sweat it. I'm looking forward to seeing the lots in-game soon.
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: mrbisonm on January 26, 2020, 01:58:00 PM
Quote from: xxdita on January 25, 2020, 01:41:17 AM
Minor clerical work, don't sweat it. I'm looking forward to seeing the lots in-game soon.

Other (more of the MFP1) uploads coming in february....

Edit: I will be a little later on this, been too busy elsewhere, but I'll be back in a few months or so.
Fred
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on May 22, 2022, 08:34:01 AM
Good news!

Finally....

Is has taken more than a decade, but now this thread seems to find it's end.

I have just uploaded the final set of the long awaited FrankU Dutch Farm Lots Stages 1 - 5.

LEX (https://www.sc4devotion.com/csxlex/lex_filedesc.php?lotGET=4116)
STEX (https://community.simtropolis.com/files/file/35190-franku-dutch-farm-lots-stages-1-5/)

It contains 110 lots, trying to reconstruct the Dutch agricultural atmospheres.
As you may remember (or even have in youe Plugins) there is a Dutch Farms Set Stage 0, there are FrankU Maxis replacement farms and some other stuff. You might like to use this set now too.

After the CD's did not play anymore because of some Windows 7 update I had left the game.
But last months I felt the urge to come back, so I decided to buy it again as a download from GoG.
Tyberius06 helped me with some tips and tricks.
So I am back now.
Now that the Farms Set is from the To Do list, I should find time to play the game and work on the region I have still lying around.

No images yet, because I have to find an Image hosting site, as Photobucket doesn't seem to look useful anymore.

FrankU
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: ASV7900 on May 25, 2022, 09:13:02 AM
@FrankU - Thanks for sharing your creating. I've just downloaded it, and will provide feedback once I've tried it out in my growing region. Keep on Simming!
Title: Re: The FrankU and Nexis CO-OP
Post by: FrankU on May 26, 2022, 03:03:58 AM
Ha, thank you!
Feedback is always welcome.
And sorry for the funny missing of my image on the LEX. I cannot find out why my image does not show in the list. It does when you open the details...

Greetings,
Frank