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City Showcase (All games welcome) => SC4D Mayors' Diary Hall of Fame => Topic started by: thundercrack83 on November 05, 2008, 02:08:19 PM

Title: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on November 05, 2008, 02:08:19 PM

(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img924/5559/Lo0yO6.png)

Welcome to the Commonwealth of Marathon.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Yoman on November 05, 2008, 02:11:49 PM
Wooo! Excellent cities here, my only suggestion would be to get some more custom automata, maxis stuff just doesn't compliment the nice city.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: turtle on November 05, 2008, 02:16:08 PM
I think it look very nice. Wouldn't like to be on that highway que though. I'm always late as it is...
Look forward to proper updates  ()stsfd()
Thomas
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: metasmurf on November 05, 2008, 02:25:02 PM
You're off to a great start my friend :) Great use of green space in the first picture!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: metarvo on November 05, 2008, 02:44:30 PM
I leave for a few minutes, and I find a pleasant surprise.  This is starting out as a very nice MD, Dustin.  The highlights of this MD for me so far are the sunken highway and the park, although I also like your skyscrapers. :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: alan_vzla on November 05, 2008, 02:50:02 PM
WOW!! for a moment I tought that I was seeing a RL picture!! Good,Perfect, Awesome... Oh I got it!! EXCELLENT
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Pat on November 05, 2008, 03:02:56 PM
Dustin this is amazing!! WOW, I can't believe it that you started to MD finally!!! wooooooooohooooooooooo!!!!!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: praiodan on November 05, 2008, 03:16:32 PM
Dustin, these are excellent pictures and I look forward to the first real update. I'm sure it'll be a true hit - not only the update, but the MD itself  :thumbsup:

The park infront of the Gare du Nord is wonderful... very good idea.  :)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: kimcar on November 05, 2008, 07:29:46 PM
 &apls &apls Yes great start. I `m really happy to see one of your MD. Looking forward for sure.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: phoenix7 on November 05, 2008, 09:14:20 PM
Your city looks great, and your use of custom content makes it unique. I am looking forward to a proper update, especially the downtown, which looks very realistic because of the mix of skyscrapers and smaller office buildings.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Earth quake on November 05, 2008, 10:41:10 PM
Nice pic Dustin.

I like your style (american) and your ambiance.  &apls

The parc is fabulous but at the second pic, the Carrfour as not strange ?  ;D

For you, just excellent.

Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Lilojame on November 06, 2008, 04:38:49 AM
I felt this suden and unresitable urge to return the visit. Now I see that it was good that I did so for what you have shown thus far look realy wonderful. I would with sincere pleasure take a walk in the greens of the park that so peacefuly lays between the whites and blues of surownding buildings. The sunken highway looks simply right with the bridge that passes over it...what a view. For now everything looks simply great and shows the work that you put to making those little yet important details. I promise, my friend, that I shall return and walk the roads of your MD.

Excelent work!  &apls
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bob56 on November 06, 2008, 04:40:49 AM
great buildings... i hate where in the maxis version you have 10 of the same building right next to each other. The custom content makes it really realistic &apls
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: kbieniu7 on November 06, 2008, 07:00:28 AM
Nice, nice. You made it not too dense, and not too loose. And great park.  :thumbsup:
But, I think this intersection would be better if you change it to roundabout  ;)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on November 06, 2008, 08:49:11 AM
Very nice start on your MD Dustin, a lot of beautiful picture of this very nice town ! The park is looking very fine too ! The "gare du nord" look good in your city my friend ! You do a great banner and the sunken highway look good !
And also , looking forward to more pictures of your great city  :thumbsup:
Arthur
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Simpson on November 06, 2008, 10:23:54 AM
Hi Dustin
It's nice to see you here  :). This is a really good start of MD, your city is looking really superb.
I love the first picture with the park who is very good. Fantastic work my friend

And also I'm looking forward to the next update  :)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: rooker1 on November 06, 2008, 10:45:49 AM
Wow....

And you told me during MSN conversations that you thought you might not be any good.  I'll tell you one thing....those pics are great!
Love the fsix way intersection.  Please show the me the opposite view of the Gare du Nord, I want to see what you did with the back side.  ;)
I hope you'll be entering one of these pics in the SC4 Picture Contest.
I really, really can't wait for a true update.  It's going to blow me away.
Robin  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon [11/06/08]: UPDATE I: We Begin...at the Beginning!
Post by: thundercrack83 on November 06, 2008, 12:08:14 PM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies.jpg&hash=f9a404e367cb5e6d84638084803c586e8b151f6e)

Yoman: Thanks for breaking the ice here, my friend! Automata, eh? I knew I was overlooking something! If I'm honest, I'm not up to speed on what's out there, so if you (or anyone else, for that matter) have any suggestions on where to look, I'd love to hear them. Hope to see you back here!

turtle: Hello! That's quite the queue, isn't it? Thanks for stopping in!

metasmurf: Hi! Thanks for your kind words!

metarvo: Welcome! I'm a big fan of sunken highways, too. Rest assured, you'll be seeing more of them! Hope you'll return!

alan_vzla: Thanks so much, my friend!

Pat: Hey, there, Pat! Thanks for stopping by, bud!

Lars (praiodan): Danke schön! Your words mean so much to me!

kimcar: Thank you! This is actually my first MD, so you're seeing things from the very beginning!

phoenix7: Thanks! I hope to see you here again!

Earth quake: Hello, my friend, and thank you! I'm not sure what you mean by "Carrfour," though. Take care!

Lilojame: I'm so glad you stopped in! I am a big fan of Rainbow Falls, and I will definitely be returning the favor, my friend!

bob56: I won't lie to you, I've got the whole 10 Maxis building to a block thing going on, outside the pictures! For me, it's another challenge that the game gives us. Thanks for coming by!

kbieniu7: Thank you! I thought about a roundabout there, but I went with the intersection so I could work in on of those great diagonals by prepo. But don't worry, there'll be roundabouts!

Arthur (art128): Hi, Arthur! Thanks so much for your very kind words!

Simpson:  Merci beaucoup! I hope to see you back again!

Robin (rooker1): Hey, Robin! I'm glad you made it, my friend...(though, I still stand by what I said on MSN)...And I'm debating my first Picture Competition entry, as well--provided I don't match up against you!






UPDATE I
We Begin...at the Beginning! (Or, Constructing Marathon Island)
6 November 2008

Since this is the first update here, I feel the need to do a bit of a proper introduction to things.

What do you hope to accomplish with the MD? Well, the main goal with this MD is to give everyone, including myself, a look at me, through an MD. For me, cities, regions, etc., are not merely buildings and roads made of cement (or pixels in our case), but a living and changing thing that has a personality of its own. Marathon will also have it's own personality--mine! Hopefully, if you stick around (and you're probably thinking "Heck, no!" as this paragraph lengthens...) you will not only get a window into how I (attempt to) play the game, but also into who I am.

A word of caution. In response to so many wonderful comments you've all made here thus far, I feel the need to say this up-front in the hopes of quelling any grandiose expectations--my playing skills are mediocre at best, laughable at worst! I will apologize now (first of many, I'm sure) for any lackluster, pedestrian, or otherwise subpar work, and I hope that all of you who have inspired me so much will help push me on the right track! Proceed at your own risk!

With that out of the way, we shall begin--as the title stated (clever, eh?)--at the beginning...


MARATHON ISLAND

The main focus of the infancy of this MD will be on Marathon Island, which I have envisioned as the centerpiece of a major metropolitan area, much like Manhattan Island in New York, or Hong Kong Island in Hong Kong. The island itself originated in my head as this...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FMaps%2F1032graph.jpg&hash=9775f3587ece62095c80f28f92a89ab58932d193)

The hand-drawn map was tweaked a bit, and the official Commonwealth of Marathon, Department of Transportation Blueprint Map (DOT BWW-807/8647DKE3) was commissioned...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FMaps%2F1031bpmap.jpg&hash=5562f7d4704a37a8b6925b07d566acdb2a35d956)

So the goal is to try to replicate the above in the game...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%25201%2F1025.jpg&hash=e7e4ecb731bf82e5079a9b529adda168f0e715da)

...on a 3x6 medium-sized tile map, one tile at a time.

We begin with a blank slate.


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%25201%2F1001.jpg&hash=9fd930553aa7661e92222d41c8f7746ef349c54e)

Then, I've found the center of the map...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%25201%2F1002.jpg&hash=1a7bf347ab2ee67cb60769ec747d07c155d386e9)

...and marked it with an avenue intersection. This will allow me to move a certain amount of tiles and line things up a bit easier. Kind of...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%25201%2F1003.jpg&hash=7f6eb3751e961481fd95176b61157e7da65e1acd)

...like that!


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%25201%2F1004.jpg&hash=a07d1687fd13e03f7e3f771686767e3c63770c80)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%25201%2F1005.jpg&hash=0f19d3157af41e1e692e262e82277d8692b17e8e)

The construction continues.


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%25201%2F1006.jpg&hash=22d66ecccd5bfd10f0d4411508e65036c9de182f)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%25201%2F1007.jpg&hash=bf40faaad8907ca95bbac63d75b01540694059cf)

Now we have the rough outline.


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%25201%2F1008.jpg&hash=bb22aa33de360c0ea4e70edf3550447edb1a2d37)

Time to move on to some terraforming.


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%25201%2F1009.jpg&hash=3a315846e15260ad26a3cbdcf0a63e3fb9dc44cd)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%25201%2F1010.jpg&hash=677f9cccf4c5d117cc357d6643e2424c46ca549f)

I use the traffic view to keep an eye on the aforementioned avenue outline. We get closer...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%25201%2F1011.jpg&hash=741cb81c17bd5bc61ce8eb0e34b2834b9bc427a4)

And now, a bit of detailing.


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%25201%2F1012.jpg&hash=49020094b48d235c93678d796fb45f172a976f67)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%25201%2F1013.jpg&hash=b7db3017d270b3e663797ba71d62101efeb75557)

The flood waters rush in!


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%25201%2F1014.jpg&hash=47588df224a2c186dc4cbfbaa9ee672ccddfe1b3)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%25201%2F1015.jpg&hash=5390caf9c6b196f180a2399b758053b3761af397)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%25201%2F1016.jpg&hash=eb8df29810d7f8d397ff791522ba9f5830075bfd)

Then, I get the bright idea (after the fact) to raise the terrain up.


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%25201%2F1017.jpg&hash=4e347b19603685e90dfbc50a6235e5ffafa45c08)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%25201%2F1018.jpg&hash=780d9ace3317781b899fcbb1f777c28bae3cff10)

Don't know why I had the toolbar up on these last two (-1 point for Dustin...).


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%25201%2F1019.jpg&hash=d4697eae25d0654d7a994c69ba17f2991fc8abc6)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%25201%2F1020.jpg&hash=75cd4c18b218b96e5d5edb145c7019cf4a2df605)

And the final product!


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%25201%2F1021.jpg&hash=076fb0949ec150f1cfafff563e516a2532ef66c2)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%25201%2F1022.jpg&hash=76224f12511b38de9b79710d9d9079d5d5f832cc)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%25201%2F1023.jpg&hash=0fdf0d0d9bf4298eee7728688330ccbe31c44a6a)

One tile down...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%25201%2F1026.jpg&hash=49666ade39f9d39e9046ab22222abb83104a92a7)

Following the pattern as used on this tile, the remaining ones come together...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%25201%2F1027.jpg&hash=43aec92a0671c6e1bae5710fb8983681a0bc7790)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%25201%2F1028.jpg&hash=f9677d8fa93c96829f8049a280ef16475476d066)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%25201%2F1029.jpg&hash=95c0a8934f57975daa43e126e3483517a1cd76a7)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%25201%2F1030.jpg&hash=2b200016a6f65814615a7435c3fc2d54a92648a1)

And that's Marathon Island!

Two quick points:

1. There will be more to the region than just this island, I just started here because, well, you have to start somewhere right?
2. The straight-lined border of the island will serve a specific purpose--seawalls!

While I do plan to employ this procedural, step-by-step method for certain aspects and areas, I will also intersperse updates with random pictures from here-and-there to keep things not only interesting, but also from becoming an "exercise," for lack of a better term.

So, that's it! Comments and criticism are more than welcome, friends. I really don't know what I'm doing!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Pat on November 06, 2008, 12:12:04 PM
Dustin its my plesure to stop in here so far wow!!! Daaaaaaaaaaang!!!!! What more can I say here but other then that... I love the map and the detailed step on you made the Island... I so cant wait to see more of Marathon!!!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Earth quake on November 06, 2008, 12:14:48 PM
Humm, Dustin....

Just what excellent. Really impressionant and great tutorial.  &apls
The region is fabulous.  :thumbsup:

The terrain mod is splendid (C.p no ?) and I like the water.  ;)

Excellent work

For the carrefour, you prefer Crossroad ?
I have a really good english, no ?  $%Grinno$%

Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Badsim on November 06, 2008, 12:28:23 PM
Hey Dustin ! I missed that great event ! Welcome to this rewarding adventure MDing is ... &apls &apls &apls

Great start , and same first advice than Owen ; upload mikeseith automatas untill there's no original & outdated ones anymore ! ;)

Quote from: thundercrack83 on November 06, 2008, 12:08:14 PM

While I do plan to employ this procedural, step-by-step method for certain aspects and areas, I will also intersperse updates with random pictures from here-and-there to keep things not only interesting, but also from becoming an "exercise," for lack of a better term.


... and you're so right ! I love "making of" views , real pictures , side notes and so on .  :thumbsup:

And good luck with your own statistics now , among ... your statistics .   ;D

Cédric.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: praiodan on November 06, 2008, 12:28:50 PM
Very interesting update, Dustin. It's very well done, how you show the way how you terraformed that island just after your own thoughts. Though, for my very personal taste the coast lines are very straight-lined... but I'm sure you'll do come up with some good developements there.  :)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Tarkus on November 06, 2008, 12:44:08 PM
Dustin, wow!  It's great to see you finally entering the MD realm yourself.  I had seen a few of your "test" pics over in 3RR over the past few months and was impressed by those, so I'm excited to see more of your work with the game.  The teaser pics were a great introduction--some very creative Photoshopping and obviously some inventive transportational stuff going on. 

The first official update was fascinating as well--you really do have an interesting way of regional terraforming, and it was great following it in such detail. 

And I'd concur with Cédric here on mikeseith's automata.  I've been using them for quite some time myself.

I'm looking forward to seeing what else you have in store for us . . . the mention of a DOT, plus that little grid map of the island really piqued my interest. :)

-Alex (Tarkus)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: south park on November 06, 2008, 01:37:56 PM
hi my friend ,great start on your MD and excellent terraforming I have hâte to see your future city !! :) &apls

vincent
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Yoman on November 06, 2008, 03:27:41 PM
I was going to suggest mikeseith as well, but Cedric beat me to it. Any idea what seawalls you are going to use?
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Zaphod on November 06, 2008, 08:28:30 PM
Marathon is going to be a really epic city, I know it.

I applaud your effort in forming all those coastlines there, I tried the same thing once and got sick of doing it like 15 minutes later. Go ahead, take away my simcity geek card...
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Ryan B. on November 06, 2008, 10:00:52 PM
You're quite the sandbagger, Dustin!  I had no idea you were going to start a MD! 

This was a very informative first update - I learned something I didn't know!

Best of luck, and you can be sure I'll stay tuned!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: turtle on November 07, 2008, 02:25:18 AM
Nice work on the terraforming. I too like to be let in at the very start of the region and be able to follow the whole process. Only criticism I can think of is maybe the flatness of the island, but I guess that's the cost of a metropolis. Looking forward to more.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Lilojame on November 07, 2008, 02:33:10 AM
Hi again!

I am very glad to see that the update has been launched! I personaly find your approach to the teraforming very fresh, precise and interesting and am there-for pleasantly surprised.
The only thing that bothers me in this first update is you statement, let me quote: "my playing skills are mediocre at best, laughable at worst". Dont put yourself down and let us be the judge of that.  ;) For now nothing even slightly proves your statement for what you shown thus far shows a person who is good at planing and making the plans alive with dedication, precision and imagination. So in all ways:  :thumbsup:

Looking foward to see how the Marathon evolves!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: CarmineHilton on November 07, 2008, 03:50:06 AM
OMG, Fabulous terraforming! Must have taken quite some time to do =p
Anyway.. Good to see that you finally took the plunge and started out your very own MD!
I'm sure with everything you've seen from other MD's, you'll make up the perfect mix and blow us all away XD

Can't wait to see what's up next =) embankments?
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: metarvo on November 07, 2008, 04:16:27 AM
I might have to try that method of terraforming some day.  I look forward to seeing your seawalls, despite the fact that I am no good at using seawalls in my own cities.   :-[  A good update, Dustin.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Sheep49 on November 07, 2008, 04:37:11 AM
OK, great update! I wonder how much did it take for you to terraform this island &Thk/( I have to say that I like the fact you have planned everything on paper first. I wanted to do the same with my city once, but the effect was terrible to say the least ::) But hey! You are pretty good at it. In fact, I'll try to do this again :P

Advice of a day from Sheep49: If I were you, I'd build the seaport in the south of the island. Most of the central islands of cities (e.g. Manhattan in New York) have seaports on them, and I think it would look nice. Now I'm being quiet, because I don't want to bore you :D

Great MD and update! I'll come back for more, definitely! $%Grinno$%
Piotr
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: alan_vzla on November 07, 2008, 05:43:35 AM
Tough I don't precisely enjoy terraforming updates, I'll have to say: GREAT UPDATE! Just one question, I noticed that in your god-mode toolbar, more exactly the sub-menu showed on pic.15 (game pics) you have some tools that flood the depressions or something like that, may I ask where did you get them?

Anyway, great update and looking forward to more of this very promessing MD
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Simpson on November 07, 2008, 07:56:08 AM
Hi Dustin
This is an excelent update, It's what I call a incredible terraforming

This is very good to see the progression of your region who is really splendid
Fantastic work my friend, and also I'm looking forward to the next update
Bye, David :)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bat on November 07, 2008, 12:43:38 PM
Fantastic start there of your MD there!

And great first pictures, too!
Beautiful first update, Dustin!

Looking forward to more of Commonwealth of Marathon... ;)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bluesinjid on November 08, 2008, 03:02:53 PM
Wow really good cj here my friend! U really took the time to terraform that island it must have took for ages!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon [11/08/08]: Replies...
Post by: thundercrack83 on November 08, 2008, 03:09:09 PM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies.jpg&hash=f9a404e367cb5e6d84638084803c586e8b151f6e)

Pat: Thanks for comin' back, my friend! I'm glad you enjoyed the first update!

Earth quake: "Crossroads"--I understand now! And, yes, my terrain mod is the CPT Italia Terrain Mod (http://sc4devotion.com/csxlex/lex_filedesc.php?lotGET=1527) by c.p. Thanks for stopping in!

Cédric (Badsim): Hello and welcome! It's such an honor to have you come by here! Thanks for your advice on the automata--I've downloaded a bunch of them by mikeseith. Hope to see you again!

Lars (praiodan): Thank you, Lars!

Alex (Tarkus): Welcome, Alex! Thanks for your great comments, my friend! I look forward to seeing you around here!

south park: Hello and welcome! Thank you for your kind words!

Owen (Yoman): Which seawalls, eh? You pose an interesting question...

Zaphod: Thanks! And don't feel bad, I've wanted to smack my head against the wall a few times doing that kind of terraforming. It can be pretty nerve-wracking.

Ryan (burgsabre87): Hey, Ryan! Thanks for stopping in! And I'm glad you learned something, too!

turtle: Hi! As for the flatness--it's hard to tell from the region view, but there are a few elevation differences on the island, but we'll get to those! Thanks for coming by!

Lilojame: Thank you so much for your support! It's comments like yours that help me get my MD legs and gain some confidence!

CarmineHilton: Hey! Thanks for stopping in! I hope to be able to do things only half as well as the great MD authors here, such as yourself!

metarvo: Thanks, my friend! And good luck with the terraforming!

Piotr (Sheep49): Hello! It took quite a number of hours to do all the terraforming, if you count in how many times I had to stop and walk away from frustration!

alan_vzla: I'll actually have to get back to you on those extra buttons in God mode. I'll send you a PM when I have your answer. Thanks for ocming by!

Simpson: Bonjour! Thank for your lovely comments!

bat: Welcome, my friend! Thanks so much!

bluesinjid: Indeed, it took quite a while! Thanks for stopping by!




OK, just a quick teaser for now...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F004.jpg&hash=b91d0d509b0e611ddef482e5a003b12fa87be2b5)

For those that missed the question that Owen (Yoman) asked above:

Quote from: Yoman on November 06, 2008, 03:27:41 PM
... Any idea what seawalls you are going to use?

That's where we'll head next update--possibly later tonight, but definitely by tomorrow!

See you then!

Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: kimcar on November 08, 2008, 04:26:55 PM
Geez , a lot of work for doing a great island like this one.  &apls &aplsAnd very interesting how you done that . Thanks for sharing  and can`t wait for your update :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Pat on November 08, 2008, 04:37:51 PM
Hey Dustin now your pickin up on the teasin game lol!!! That is a good teaser there at that!!!  I cant wait to see the seawall devolpment!!!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Earth quake on November 09, 2008, 12:40:54 AM
Wow,
This simply Fabulous.

I like your teaser and you have a big choice of a splendid american Bat. ( ;D)

Just Excellent.

Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on November 09, 2008, 01:48:48 AM
Fantastic picture Dustin, Very realistic  &apls I like the fog effect , It's very well done  :thumbsup: The terraforming of the island is perfect, you have spent a lot of time to make the cast ! It's perfect !!
Can't wait to see more development my friend ,
Arthur
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bat on November 09, 2008, 05:50:08 AM
Fantastic teaser there! And looking forward to a new update... ;)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Simpson on November 09, 2008, 11:05:55 AM
Really fine teaser my friend, your city is looking very good. And also very fine effect  &apls
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon [11/09/08]: UPDATE 2: See—Walls!
Post by: thundercrack83 on November 09, 2008, 12:00:02 PM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies.jpg&hash=f9a404e367cb5e6d84638084803c586e8b151f6e)

kimcar: Hi! Thank you for your great comment! The terraforming was a bit of work, but I'm happy with the result! Hope to see you again, my friend!

Pat: Yessir, the teasin' game seems to be the way to go!

Earth quake: Hello! Thank you so much!

Arthur (art128): Hi, Arthur! I appreciate your words and your support very much, my friend!

bat: Look forward no more—it's here!

Simpson: Thank you, my friend!





UPDATE 2
See—Walls!
9 November 2008

So, the question has been asked by our good friend Owen (Yoman):

Quote from: Yoman on November 06, 2008, 03:27:41 PM
... Any idea what seawalls you are going to use?

And also our good friend Carmine (CarmineHilton):

Quote from: CarmineHilton on November 07, 2008, 03:50:06 AM
...

Can't wait to see what's up next =) embankments?

In an effort to help answer these questions, and also due to my stumbling—rather fortuitously, given the aforementioned questions—upon a little issue, I've decided to preempt was was supposed to be my original Update 2 with this new Update 2.

So, let's dive in, shall we? This is Tile E, according to the Blueprint Map (http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o134/thundercrack83/MARATHON/Maps/1031bpmap.jpg)...([Ctrl]+G! [Ctrl]+G!)...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%25202%2F2001.jpg&hash=af6dd373f166b25deec657dfac8202491e7f8667)

Here's a look at the eastern shore of Marathon Island.


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%25202%2F2002.jpg&hash=3b50addbf341129f820759b9f91451a9b73ed01d)

Currently, I have four different seawalls in my Plugin folder. This first set is the Shore Conforming Seawalls (http://sc4devotion.com/csxlex/lex_filedesc.php?lotGET=114) by jeronij...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%25202%2F2003.jpg&hash=dc7b5aeeef0b39fd25d2b7dc6b56d44090bb68c0)

I am a huge fan of these seawalls! However, for this current application, I think they may be a bit too industrial. So we move on to...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%25202%2F2004.jpg&hash=e9da64de561e51a8da2aee96c775c63a4098ae8f)

...the JS Seawalls (http://www.simtropolis.com/stex/index.cfm?page=1&Keyword=jaystimson&view=all#) by jaystimson, available on the STEX.

While I quite like these walls, as well, I must admit that I'm not too crazy about a tree at each tile. So, we keep going.


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%25202%2F2005.jpg&hash=bbf5085293b8067a895ce1c801502ec26e8a3500)

Here, we have the JRJ Breakwater Set (http://sc4devotion.com/csxlex/lex_filedesc.php?lotGET=112), also by jeronij. These are great seawalls, too—but, alas! There are no diagonals, so they cannot be employed here.

Finally, we come to my choice...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%25202%2F2006.jpg&hash=89a1725762d4b582083366a70c5970503c77e432)

...the Marrast Embankment Set (http://sc4devotion.com/csxlex/lex_filedesc.php?lotGET=1700) by marrast. They are versatile, they have both orthogonal and diagonal, and they seem to fit the overall "feel" that I'm going for.

So there they are—I hope you like my choice of seawalls! Though, if there are any other walls available that I have overlooked, please let me know, and I'll give them a shot.

I also stated that I ran into a bit of an issue when shopping for seawalls. Let's rewind a second to...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%25202%2F2002.jpg&hash=3b50addbf341129f820759b9f91451a9b73ed01d)

...Marathon Island's eastern shore once again.

When originally formulating my plan for the island, I didn't take into account the effect that the height from the island level to the ledge at seawall would have on the retaining walls.


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%25202%2F2007.jpg&hash=8e5a3e52be50a90d5ee212d16d71ece8aefed95a)

See? The switchback (That's what I would call them, anyway!) staircase doesn't even reach the ground, and as for the normal one, it's about as close to 90° as a staircase can be. I wouldn't want to try walking up them!

So, solution? Well, I found two. But first, some more terraforming. Breaking out the Level Terrain tool...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%25202%2F2008.jpg&hash=f9a18d941845c375c0d8be929a786c4d2e1feb77)

I begin to create a wider ledge around the island.


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%25202%2F2009.jpg&hash=6626bc0e8b68fc8950fc6e2bf2f95d73f48ddc20)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%25202%2F2010.jpg&hash=5ca2c53f5ba531c39e011771b7368e61fac8c5f5)

You can see where I went a little too close on the diagonal. I hit the avenue place-holder.

Now for the solutions.


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%25202%2F2011.jpg&hash=d24fab088010ba33c2a785ff0cf13c010fe4bf00)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%25202%2F2012.jpg&hash=77f31032f3bace0ed704f916c17688f1e67e9801)

Through the use of the Ground Lifter tool, which is part of the Hole Digging Lots (http://www.simtropolis.com/stex/index.cfm?id=3599) package by smoncrie, we raise things up a bit, and get this:


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%25202%2F2013.jpg&hash=63880305ae69adb616b94bd321c8198c4723139e)

Solution One—a terraced approach.

And for the second...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%25202%2F2014.jpg&hash=b29e8d1fe02f2daa8d2597fced05f75ed5593821)

Solution Two—a gentler slope.

Solution Two does have a few caveats, I'm afraid.


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%25202%2F2015.jpg&hash=51185df0fed67b7492b39b2f8618ea528a4b12b3)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%25202%2F2016.jpg&hash=dc4ecae8db9fb7df00a487962be61a0a24c51283)

Neither of the larger staircases work with this approach, they don't seem to line up. And for the smaller, one-tile ones...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%25202%2F2017.jpg&hash=fb581f5a1d9db921013db827a920badc59b7e58c)

To line the stairs up, the walls from the top of the stairs break up the continuity, as the blue circle indicates.

So, what does all of this mean, exactly?

Well, I'm leaning towards the terraced approach of Solution One, but the jury is still out. Does anyone else have an opinion? Or perhaps a solution to the issues in Solution Two?

I'd love to hear from you!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Simpson on November 09, 2008, 12:04:07 PM
Wow, this new update is perfect my friend
Your terraforming is really excelent, the last picture is very beautiful. Fantastic work
And also I'm looking forward to the next update
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Jmouse on November 09, 2008, 12:07:37 PM
Hey Dustin, congratulations on your grand entrance to the Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad world of MDing! That first update is fascinating and tells me something about how you'll approach the overall idea of city design and building. Those first few photos look great, too, so I can tell that following Marathon will be an exciting experience.

Later...
Joan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: CarmineHilton on November 09, 2008, 12:12:49 PM
Well, you could re-lot the stairs and save it under a different name so that you have the stairs that have the small fence on top and a staircase that fits in the middle...
Anyway, I'm sure you'll come up with something :)

Can't wait for your next update, Dustin!!



xo
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Sheep49 on November 09, 2008, 12:54:07 PM
Good update! Glad you've chosen Marrast's seawalls. They're really universal :D

Now, to your problem... (I can post my opinion, right? :P)
I would choose the first option. It looks really nice, clean and realistic. I think, though, that you should make several lots for the middle way, so that it won't be so repetitive and pretty boring. ;)

BTW, where can I find those retaining walls if I may ask you that question? Help would be highly appreciated ;D

Good work Dustin! I'm anxious about what you're going to prepare now... Maybe some downtown shots? :D
Piotr
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: rooker1 on November 09, 2008, 01:13:16 PM
Great update Dustin.
I like all the retaining walls that you experimented with and adding in the links to them was a fantastic idea. (Piotr  ::) )
I have found myself using several different ones in my MD, even next to each other sometimes.  All it takes is a little tinkering around to see which ones will work for you.
This MD seems to be moving at full steam.  I can't wait for the next update.
Robin  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: metarvo on November 09, 2008, 01:15:09 PM
The terraced approach looks best in this situation, IMHO.  At least the stairs line up correctly this way.  As far as terraforming goes, I am in the process of doing some myself, in a new city tile.  It sure is hard, though.  That's why I have a lot of respect for what you are doing, Dustin. :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: turtle on November 09, 2008, 01:38:28 PM
Very nice update. I would go for the terrassed version as well. Would it be possible to only have the terrasses where you need the staircases? I don't have much experience in using these walls, so maybe this is a stupid question? Anyways, it would give some variations to the uniformity of the walls to do this.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Yoman on November 09, 2008, 02:11:25 PM
Hey Dustin,

I think I may have another set of seawalls that might prove useful. http://blog.livedoor.jp/gurry/ (http://blog.livedoor.jp/gurry/)

Hope that helps, and I like Solution number two, but I think number one will be more versatile and would work better :P.

Owen
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Earth quake on November 10, 2008, 12:55:02 AM
Wow, excellent work Dustin, really impressive and more realistic :thumbsup:
I like the terraforming. :thumbsup:
Nice Update My friend.  &apls
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: kimcar on November 10, 2008, 05:28:35 AM
Very interesting again how you build it. Great choice of seawalls and embakment too. Like some i do prefer solution one , it`s more realistic that way. Looking very good btw &apls &apls
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: emilin on November 10, 2008, 05:30:32 AM
Hi Dustin!

I didn't notice that you started this journal untill now. Sorry about that.

I must say that I think you really have something great going on here. I very much like these in detail description of the building process. And your skills are undeniable. &apls &apls

I don't really have an opinion on the different seawall solutions... but my initial thought was that you should try MAS retaining walls for longer slopes (it might be solution no 4 if they work out as I think they will).

Anyways, good luck with the continuing work on Marathon (great name, by the way), and I'll be following this with great interest...
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: NASCAR_Guy on November 10, 2008, 05:35:58 AM
The Terraced approach is your best choice.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bat on November 10, 2008, 09:55:22 AM
Nice work on these walls! And it looks good now! ;)

Looking forward to the next update, Dustin...
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on November 10, 2008, 10:26:15 AM
great terraforming Dustin, It's excellent  &apls good choice of seawalls  :thumbsup: By my opinion , I chose the first solution, but i think the terraced approach should be bigger  ;) but it's my opinion  ;D
looking forward to the development of the island !
Arthur

BTW, 1500th post =D
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon [11/10/08]: Replies...
Post by: thundercrack83 on November 10, 2008, 03:28:13 PM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies.jpg&hash=f9a404e367cb5e6d84638084803c586e8b151f6e)

Simpson: Thanks so much! I'm glad you enjoyed it! Come on back!

Joan (Jmouse): Hi, Joan, and welcome! It is indeed a "Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World," isn't it? Though, I can't seem to find Milton Berle anywhere—Or Phil Silvers, or Mickey Rooney, or Ethel Merman! Thanks for stopping in, Joan, and for your support, not only here, but everywhere!

Carmine (CarmineHilton): Hey, Carmine! Re-lotting them is definitely an option! I'll have to look into that. Thanks for your help!

Piotr (Sheep49): Thanks for your insight, Piotr, and your kind words!

Robin (rooker1): Hello, Robin! There are a lot of options for the retaining walls, I may have to take up your idea of using different ones! Thanks for stopping by, my good friend!

metarvo: Hey! As I said, I'm leaning for the terraced approach, too. Good luck with your terraforming, too!

turtle: Only use the terraces where there is stairs...that's a fine idea! I going to play around with that! Thanks so much!

Owen (Yoman): Hi, Owen! I've got the walls by Gurry in the queue for download—I'll check them out and take some pictures. Thanks for your suggestions and support, my friend!

Earth quake: Thank you!

kimcar: Another vote for solution one! Thanks so much!

Emil (emilin): Hello, and welcome, my friend! I am deeply honored to have you stop by here and give your support! Your words mean so much to me! Hope to see you here again!

NASCAR_Guy: I think so, too—Thanks for stopping by!

bat: Thank you, bat!

Arthur (art128): Bigger terrace, that could work in places, too! Thanks for your suggestion, and congratulations on your 1500th post!




Boy, so many great suggestions for the seawalls, I've got a lot of ideas to work through now. But, no matter which direction I head, there's a pretty big obstacle I'm going to have to endeavour...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F005.jpg&hash=824b009ff40f6327b25d9e38937c07a15ab3e04a)

We'll endeavour somewhere I've never endeavoured before...(not at length. anyway)...Next update!

Thanks again for coming by!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Pat on November 10, 2008, 05:49:13 PM
Dustin fantastic update and I soo cant wait to see what you do with the LE!!!!  :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: rooker1 on November 10, 2008, 08:04:08 PM
Hey Dustin, I can't wait to see this..... ;)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Earth quake on November 11, 2008, 12:46:23 AM
Nice lot Dustin.  :thumbsup:
I recommend to use the SG prop and C.P prop for this lot.  ;)

I impatient to see the next update.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on November 11, 2008, 12:56:56 AM
Dustin, I can't wait (too) to see what you do with this lot  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: dedgren on November 11, 2008, 12:41:43 PM
I was going to say, "Pretty crafty there, Dustin- sliding this in under the radar screen."  Then I just realized that it's me- I just don't get out enough anymore.  An excellent start here- I've learned a thing or two already.

Good luck, my friend.  Endeavor away!


David
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: paroch on November 11, 2008, 12:50:59 PM
Hey Dustin, I've only just seen you've started an MD.

I've got to start by saying a great big WELCOME.

You're going to love creating an MD (I can see you are already) and we're going to love following along.  You've made a fantastic start and already have one of the fastest growing MDs EVER.

It's interesting to see your approach to your region - I use the Marrast Embankments a lot myself, plus mixed in with Mas71's walls.  I went for the terraced approach in the West End city of Charing Cross.  You may recall it, but if not you can find it from the TOC at West End if you want to see how I approached it - you may see some errors to avoid!!

Good luck with the next steps - rest assured I'll be a more frequent visitor from here on.

Paul
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on November 11, 2008, 02:08:28 PM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies.jpg&hash=f9a404e367cb5e6d84638084803c586e8b151f6e)

Pat: Hi, my friend! Thanks so much!

Robin (rooker1): Hey, Robin! I have to warn you, I'm not very "up-to-speed" on the LE! Thanks for coming by, my friend!

Earth quake: Thanks so much for your suggestions—I'll give them a shot!

Arthur (art128): Thanks, Arthur!

David (dedgren): Hello and welcome, David! Glad you made it, my friend, and that you've learned some things here. Though, I must say if we were keeping score on that front, it would be about a googolplex to 2, in your favor! Take care!

Paul (paroch): Thank you so much for such a warm welcome, Paul! I am enjoying making an MD very much so far, thanks to you and all the other great friends here that have been so supportive! I will definitely be heading over to WEST END to check out your terraced in Charing Cross. Perhaps there's something I can steal learn! Hope to see you here again, my friend!




Not on to our third update quite yet, I've been playing around a little bit while trying to get the leaves cleaned up in the yard...


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And a first here in Marathon—


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a mosaïc!

Many thanks go out to iamgoingtoeatyou / ilikehotdogsalot for his great tutorial, How to Make Mosaics (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=916.0).

Our foray into the LE will follow forthwith (did he actually just use the word "forthwith?"). In the meantime, it's Veterans Day (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Veterans_Day) here in the United States, and our good friend Pat has put together a tribute over at Waterfalls... (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=722.0), which is currently OSITM!

While over there, check out the other OSITM MDs for November (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?board=152.0)—Paul (paroch) is always doing great work in WEST END (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=2238.0), bat and his fantastic animations are moving along nicely in Capporth City (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=1247.0), and my good friend Robin (rooker1) is pushing the envelope with a massive and meticulous terraforming project over at Mind Scape (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=601.0).

Until next time, when we hop into the LE!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Lilojame on November 11, 2008, 02:40:30 PM
Hi again! I am apoliaging for not commenting in here before but I was kindda occupied... anyhow, to pay a debth... ;)

The reaser on page 2 look gorgeous. I love the ambiental felling you added so its a speldid work.  :thumbsup:

The presentation in Update 2 is also very well done. I actualy need to say "Thank you!" regarding it because thanks to you I now exactly know wich of walls I want to use in future and where exactly to get them and on top of that your presentation will be helpfull for me avoiding the side kick with terraforming and using walls.
I noticed that you used "mayor tools" for changing the terrain and that can be very expensive. Therefore I suggest you download  GTM by Warrior wich can be found on http://sc4devotion.com/csxlex/lex_filedesc.php?lotGET=1711 (http://sc4devotion.com/csxlex/lex_filedesc.php?lotGET=1711)  wich I personaly find extremly helpful and its quite a revelation. Basicaly it enables the usage of God tools in Mayor mode of playing.
I know it is late but I personaly would go for teraced look with the seawalls.

And mmmm... a sneak-a-peak in LE. Thisa shall be very very very interesting.  ()stsfd()

As for your "not yet update 3" it is very apealing and therefore  :thumbsup:.

I have to say that I definetly love what your are doing in here, my friend!

Fixed the link, Robin  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: metarvo on November 11, 2008, 02:48:05 PM
It's very thoughtful of you to provide the links, Dustin.  As far as the update goes, you have put together a fine neighborhood.  I anticipate your next update very much.

&apls
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Jmouse on November 11, 2008, 03:12:16 PM
Both the cityscape and neighborhood look great, Dustin - the neighborhood is especially well laid out. I, too, await the results of your foray into depths of LE. Unfortunately it takes much longer to find a prop than necessary so I've put off working with it. I was, however,  in the midst of creating a cross-index system which would make prop location easier, but had to put it on the back burner temporarily. Still, LEing is a bridge I'll have to cross eventually, so I shall watch with interest as you take the lead.

And as always, looking forward to the next installment in Marathon's history!
Joan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: kimcar on November 11, 2008, 03:59:05 PM
Great an update . An nice one with this super mosaic pic.  &apls &aplsWow should be in the pics contest. Great work :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: rooker1 on November 11, 2008, 05:28:27 PM
This has to be the fastest growing MD ever.  What a beautiful city and you told me on MSN you thought you were no good.  You're crazy my friend, you were right, you are no good.....you're great.  I want to see more, lots more, huge mosaics and more of that city, please....please.

That was very thoughtful of you to plug the OSITM and Pat's update, which BTW today was awesome and very fitting. &apls

I'm going to wait right here until you update again......
......
......
Okay than I'll be back often to make sure I don't miss anything.  ::)

Robin  &apls
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: woodb3kmaster on November 11, 2008, 08:01:51 PM
Wow, I'm very impressed, Dustin! Your pre-update looks terrific! I see a number of buildings in the cityscape that I need to get my hands on (people want to see more BATs in Nyhaven, and one has to keep one's fans happy). Your first mosaic looks great too! I like how you've laid out that suburb, and it's nice to see Mas71's seawalls in use like that. Just out of curiosity, did you use them along an actual shoreline, or is all that water plopped? I want to know if I'll actually be able to use them myself.

Happy LE-ing, and keep up the terrific work!

Zack
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Earth quake on November 11, 2008, 10:47:06 PM
Excellent, really excellent mosaïc, I like your suburbs.  :thumbsup:
The first is really interesting and I like the mixture with the Ill tonkso Bat and the HK bat.  &apls

Another, I like your canal in the mosaic and this Update is more realisti, good work Dustin.  &idea
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Simpson on November 12, 2008, 03:35:02 AM
Oh my friend  :o
This update is incredible as well, your mosaic is looking very good and the city is superb

The first picture is really excelent, fine work on the L.E.
So, take care and also I'm looking forward to the next update
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on November 12, 2008, 04:58:28 AM
The suburbs look really great there Dustin. You do an excellent work on your city my friend  :thumbsup: Also great work on the mosaic ! And the first picture is splendid  &apls
can't wait the next update (or teaser !! )
Arthur
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: NASCAR_Guy on November 12, 2008, 06:28:27 AM
Stop teasing us with teasers dustin. &mmm :P
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bat on November 12, 2008, 11:16:11 AM
Nice small mosaic there! And wonderful new two pictures of your city, but looking forward to a new update... :) :)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Yoman on November 12, 2008, 12:40:54 PM
Excellent two pictures there Dustin, and that mosaic tutorial is quite helpful, especially when you have the writer of it available to bug with questions :P

I like the buildings you've chosen for that downtownish kindof area, not high at all, but they all blend together very well, looking forward to more  :thumbsup:

Owen
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Pat on November 12, 2008, 01:25:57 PM
Dustin looking real good there with this update wow!!! I love that Mosiac!!!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon [11/12/08]: Adventures in Lotting, Part I
Post by: thundercrack83 on November 12, 2008, 02:28:25 PM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies.jpg&hash=f9a404e367cb5e6d84638084803c586e8b151f6e)

Lilojame: Hi! Thank you so very much for your kind words and support, my friend! Actually, you brought up point that I overlooked initially, and that is the use of money in the game. Short answer, I cheat! I use the "Moolah" cheat and give myself about $4 billion whenever I am doing any long-term building. And thanks for the link to GTM by Jonathan (Warrior)! I've been meaning to download that for while! I usually go back and forth between Mayor mode and God mode, depending on the size and scope of the terraforming to be done. Hope to see you around again soon, my friend! Thanks again!

metarvo: No problem, my friend! What kind of friend to the community would I be if I didn't help to point out the great things that are happening in it? Thanks for your comment, too!

Joan (Jmouse): You touched on the crux of my LE frustrations, Joan. I never know what to look for or where to find it...or what to do with it when I do find it, for that matter...but that's a different story! Good luck with your own LE foray, my friend, and thanks for stopping by!

kimcar: Thanks so much!

Robin (rooker1): Like I said on MSN, Robin—you're embarrassing me! No kidding, though, my friend, thank you so much for not only your support, but talking me into starting an MD to begin with. Without your friendship and gentle nudging, I'd still be toiling in the game starting over, and over, and over... And don't worry, there will be more mosaïcs in the future!

Zack (woodb3kmaster): Welcome, my friend! The shoreline and ploppable water are part of the JPN River Project (http://sc4devotion.com/csxlex/lex_filedesc.php?lotGET=1674) by MAS71. It's a great tool that I'm just getting acquainted with. If you want to see it at it's finest, I suggest checking out Region of Balnavia (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=1431.msg198028#msg198028) by our good friend Dave (tooheys). He's doing wonderful stuff with it—and other things, too!—over there!

Earth quake: Thank you, my friend! I didn't think the HK BATs would fit well with the NDEX ones, but it seems to have come out OK. Thanks for stopping in!

Simpson: Thank you, my friend!

Arthur (art128): Thanks, Arthur! I'm glad you enjoyed them. Hope to see your back!

NASCAR_Guy: Ha! If I can't tease with teasers, what can I tease with? Thanks for coming by!

bat: Thanks so much, bat! Wait no longer, my friend!

Owen (Yoman): That's such a great tutorial, isn't it? So easy to follow and works like a charm! Thanks for your comments and support, Owen!

Pat: Thanks, bud!






UPDATE III
Adventures in Lotting (Or, The Scourge of "Repetitive and Boring")
Part I: A First-Time Foray

12 November 2008

First—and a rather large first—I have to admit that I have never, ever worked at length in the Lot Editor. Sure, I've fired it up and played around with it and, within minutes, even seconds, I'd close it and walk away in frustration. But, inspired by the philosophy of David (dedgren), who, when presented with an obstacle over at 3RR (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=112.0) tackles it head-on (puzzle-pieces, ploppable items, wide runways, you name it!), I figured that my best course of action was to jump into the LE and see what I could do.

Luckily for me, this is not too a daunting task, technically speaking, but æsthetically? That could prove to be a horse of a different color.

A ways back, Piotr (Sheep49) posted the following:

Quote from: Sheep49 on November 09, 2008, 12:54:07 PM
...

I think, though, that you should make several lots for the middle way, so that it won't be so repetitive and pretty boring.

...


Repetitive and boring. Two adjectives that, in my humble opinion, any MD author should recognize as their sworn enemies, and both fear and respect them. So, in an effort to avoid these pesky adjectives, opening up the LE and trying my hand at some small variations seems like the best course of action.

We begin!


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A blank lot with the sandstone texture is as good a place to start as any, eh? But, we could do that with a NAM Pedestrian Malls, and it's rather...pedestrian (cousin to "repetitive" and "boring," another adjective to avoid like the plague).

I start small...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%25203%2F3002.jpg&hash=ca8cc37461ac1127ee31b4b5975c0ea0b305c9df)

A few benches, maybe some...


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...trash receptacles and a lamp post, perhaps? Still rather plain, however.


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%25203%2F3004.jpg&hash=dcfe521c0038cda9b99f7214ad05fb3b8b386a3c)

So we go in search of something...some tables might work, placed rather randomly.


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Add into the mix a few newsstands and some people—


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%25203%2F3006.jpg&hash=c1ca6731c1c65b0d7c06347ddbe683ab091ec562)

And that seems like start. To me, at least! So, we'll save it...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%25203%2F3007.jpg&hash=9c1f07fdcf2631a95529c4f1dc94b586dd88b49d)

...as "Terrace1."

But one lot does not "repetitive and boring" conquer, does it? No—no, it does not. Plus, I think a bigger lot will not only help with some randomness, but also cut down on plopping so many 1x1 tiles around the island.


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A 2x1 lot, it is. A lot that might be a bit more special for in front of the staircases.


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%25203%2F3009.jpg&hash=6785c6d2b4fcf09601477d3012ac488cbcbab86e)

This time, we've upped the bench count and added a bit of flourish in the middle lamp post.


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%25203%2F3010.jpg&hash=51d6657a2141aeb05b8ddc073cd37b133868d8a9)

A few more tables and a couple bushes later, and we have a 2x1 lot. So, into the game we go!


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%25203%2F3011.jpg&hash=c56fa51b6a22abc8fa609590f1dff5d766f40e52)

It's still repetitive, but it's a start! I've found a little issue that probably has our LE veterans here at SC4D laughing at my inexperience...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%25203%2F3012.jpg&hash=6259327e8549b426dccfe54e00405c8d9819be51)

As you can see, the tables are obstructed a bit by the big staircase, and the bushes have been covered completely.

But—I am hopeful! My first experience with making a lot in the LE and getting into the game went off without a hitch, technically speaking. As I said the æsthetics probably need some work, so we'll stop here for now and head back into the LE.


TO BE CONTINUED...

In the meantime, if anyone has any suggestions, advice, critiques, please offer them. As I said, I'm not even a beginner, I'm a full-on rookie with the LE! What seems like nothing to you may be pure gold to me!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Yoman on November 12, 2008, 02:44:59 PM
Good work here, its all in the small details ;) However do you plan on using restaurants all the way around the island? Would be quite large :P You also may want to put a food cart on the lots occasionally, gotta get the hot dogs from somewhere :P
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Lilojame on November 12, 2008, 03:37:34 PM
Hi there my friend!
As first, you are welcome. ;) I guess we are both "cheating" then, with the difference that I use BSC Funding Mod (freezes the expenses) when I feel that I need it.  :D
Since I realy like the way you are making your MD and am sincerly interested where you shall take us, I can honestly claim that I shall return often. ;)
So, now to your 3rd Update:
I liked the approach in showing us your "step-by-step" LE adventure.  :thumbsup: For those who never opend it, it might be encuraging to do so; and to those of us who did is a pleasant sight to see you "in action". I personaly liked these sweet little lots that you made. They fit the seawalls excelently and making a shoreline alive. "Dont sweet" because of that little "pesky" thing with stairs obscuring with some tables for I am sure that that kid of things happend even to the best lotters that are out there.  ;)

To sum things up: you have done another great update!  &apls

Looking foward to see where you shall take us next.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Jmouse on November 12, 2008, 03:59:33 PM
That isn't bad at all for a first try, Dustin. If you want some variety, I'd recommend prop families - you can use existing ones or create your own. Also I'd try making the tables a bit less dense and see how it looks. In fact, if I were doing something like this, I'd make several different lots with props placed in various positions and orientations, plop them in game and see what works best for your particular needs. Also you can create your own overlay textures more easily than you might imagine if you so desire.

Unfortunately, I'm unable to recommend specific props or families - the information is temporarily unavailable - but if the situation improves soon, I'll look through what I have. Paul's (paroch) market lots come to mind as food vendors, though.

Meanwhile, just keep after it. You've gone farther than many who have dipped a toe into the pool and recoiled because it was "too much trouble." There is no substitute for experience, and you already have some so keep building on it.

Later...
Joan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: dsrwhat316 on November 12, 2008, 04:04:22 PM
Hey Dustin,

I just noticed you started an MD! I'm a little late due to being absent from the site for a couple weeks. Everything looks nice; clean and organized.

Not bad for your first lot. I don't want to plug myself in your MD, but if you need some ideas, check out my tutorials I have linked in my signature. Hope to see that update soon!

~ Dan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Pat on November 12, 2008, 10:03:08 PM
Dustin I for one am not laughing at you at all but am applauding your attmepts grow your learning curve!!!  Owen does make a valid point that there is a need for a food cart here and there and I would add a restroom or two at that!!! I cant wait to see what you do next!!!

pat
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Earth quake on November 12, 2008, 10:55:00 PM
Wow, another nice update Dustin.

Your lot is really simply, but more realistic and fantastic for me.  :)
You have a excellent choice of prop, really good.

Another, this a good tutorial my friend.

I'm impatient to see an another update.  &hlp
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: tooheys on November 13, 2008, 02:08:50 AM
I can see this is going to be a pleasure to watch  :thumbsup:

A great looking MD, plenty of LE work and the odd ad thrown in  :D

A very nice start there Dustin  :thumbsup:

QuoteAs you can see, the tables are obstructed a bit by the big staircase, and the bushes have been covered completely.

Well that's easy fixed, it's a traffic area between the two lots of stairs so lose the tables and use only the base texture (add some peeps though).

I like that double wall effect, perhaps you could add some market stalls here and there. Well you did ask for ideas  ;)

I'll be watching, looking fwd to the day you promote yourself to OSITM  ::) (You are well on your way mate)

Cheers

Dave
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: squidi on November 13, 2008, 02:34:36 AM
hi dustin,
following your md and espacially how you show the progres was very intressting.
when i saw your idea of deviding the slope with 2 wals my first thought was -wow- there can be a very nice terrace for the relaxing sims :)
and i was glad that you did it that way.
because you asked for some advices to it i will give it a try.
what i can suggest is of cause always a question of taste as it doesnt touch any technicaly things.
my first idea was to make the scene a bit more complex and more flexible by
making different kinds of space between the 2 walls.
if you make the terrace with a width of 2 or 3 tiles you will be able to use bigger props like a small restaurant or a little gift shop, maybe some kind of a little green. however.. this way you should have much more flexibility in making more variations to it.
it is of cause much more complex this way but i think there is a huge potential in that place.
of cause it could also be that you prefer the straight setup what looks much more organized.
so i will continue with some secondary ideas:
first of all i think there are a bit to much newspaper stands  ;)
and now some props you maybe will be intressted in:
i always like to use some kind of public signs like bsc mapbox or pk pub,
and put them to public spaces or in front of buildings.
in your case i think that would look nice next to the stairs.
the people sitting on the tables of cause need a place where they get somthing to eat or to drink while they are relaxing there,
there are som kinds of little foodcarts that would solve this.
next to a food cart or somting similar i always put that hotdogsunday sign (i dont know how to call that kind of sign in english) there is also one from pk that way.
so as you can see my main thoughts are if poeple come there to enjoy there will come other people to get their money :D
maybe you would like to place that ballon selling man there.

so its a huge amount of what can be done on that place and what i told you where just what came in my mind first and i hope there was something in it you like to see there. and if not iam sure i will get some other ideas :)

-paul

Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: rooker1 on November 13, 2008, 04:43:49 AM
Dustin,
Everyone has to start somewhere and you have definately started in the place.  You opened LE, have an useful idea and have tried to make it happen.  Can't ask or expect anything more than that on the first try.
Not sure if you know about this, but open your this folder, Maxis/SimCity 4 Deluxe and look for the word document called "Lot Editor Manual".  In here you'll find all the hot keys and some other useful tips.  If you alrready know about it, sorry.  I didn't for a very long time.  ::)

Other than that, I can only suggest making several more LOTs for randomness and move the props in to the center more than you'll see them no problem.  ;)
I also have to agree with squidi about varying the width of the terrace, this will provide the ability to add different LOTs in these spaces and will make things look alot more realistic.  And a small tip, remember that props can be over hanging, I just had an idea, but I'll leave it up to you to figure that one out, or just MSN me later today and we can talk.  ;)
Something else that might be nice is some trees in a dirt circle.  For the dirt circle, go to props and in the search bar type in "dirt circle" or "dirt rectangle".
The only problem that I have found with LE....is that it can easily become addictive and I for one am in big trouble.  :D
Anytime you need help with this just give me a buzz.
Great work and it looks like I'll be moving this awesome MD to Best Sellers within the next day or so.  &apls
Seeya around,
Robin  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: metarvo on November 13, 2008, 05:53:07 AM
First, you decided to start an MD, and now you're making custom LOTs.  I must commend you on a job well done, Dustin. :thumbsup:  The lots do look good, by the way.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bat on November 13, 2008, 06:17:11 AM
Great work on that lot there! And it is looking very nice... :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: kimcar on November 13, 2008, 12:29:38 PM
Great to see that you want to do some lot with LE for avoid repetition like you said, and that`s a very good things. Excuse if i`m honnest but i find that you have to much table . Like some suggest better space them and you can use some food cart or why not a restaurant . just enlarge a special zone for do it and some times just lots with a sculpture. Hope it`s help but hey great things you do some and keep it up. :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Dark_Jedi06 on November 13, 2008, 01:40:32 PM
Wonderful! This is absolutely beautiful. ;D ;D

I just have one question; on the picture with the train running along the river, how did you get such a clean edge where the railway grass meets the terrain? Is this actually a straight section in-game, then manipulated by Photoshop? Just wondering. :)

And as for the LE...the most important thing is organization. The main section of my Plugins folder is filled with tons of lots, models and props (270 items total), all with terribly undescriptive names, because they all automatically save there and I don't bother to put them into folders. When I want to go back and edit a somewhat older lot I've made, its like finding a needle in a haystack. %confuso
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on November 13, 2008, 10:18:43 PM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies.jpg&hash=f9a404e367cb5e6d84638084803c586e8b151f6e)

Owen (Yoman): Hi, Owen! Thanks for your suggestions and support, my friend! I didn't plan on having the tables around the entire island—that would get very repetitive and very boring! I will certainly look for some food carts to throw in, too. Thanks again!

Lilojame: Thanks for coming back, my friend! I appreciate your comments and your support very much! See you over at Rainbow Falls (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6142.0)!

Joan (Jmouse): I was playing with prop families when I went in for this excursion, but I felt as though I was wandering in something above my pay grade. With your tips, though, I will definitely be giving it a try next round. Thanks for coming by, Joan!

Dan (dsrwhat316): Hi, Dan! Don't worry about the plugging either—I'll be heading over to The Source (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=5399.0) to check out your ideas and see what I can learn!

Pat: Thank you, my friend! And restrooms...I should have thought of that! Of course we need those!

Earth quake: Thank you so much! Though I don't think I'd call it a "tutorial!" Maybe "learning by trial and error?" Thanks for stopping in!

Dave (tooheys): Welcome to Marathon, Dave! I had actually considered keeping the tiles by the staircases just a blank texture, and now that you've suggested it, I think I may. Not only would it look less cluttered, it's quite easy to do, too!

Paul (squidi): Thanks for coming by and for kind words, Paul! Your suggestions are fantastic, and coming from what I've seen over at Orlach (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=2865.0), they're sure to look great, too...if I can make it happen. Thanks again!

Robin (rooker1): You know, Robin, your point about having a "useful idea" cannot be more true. The previous times that I've opened up the LE, only to walk away in frustration was partly because I had no plan of what I wanted to. This time, I've got one, and things are moving much more smoothly. And with the suggestions and ideas from you and all these fine folks here, I'm sure things will start looking up very soon!

metarvo: Why slide into the pool when you can dive in head first, right? Thanks so much for your comments and support, my friend!

bat: Thank you so much, bat!

kimcar: Hello! We'll be taking some of the tables out next time around to lessen the "cluttered" feel. And I like your idea of enlarging areas, as well. Thank you!

Dark_Jedi06: Greetings, my friend! About the train—the space on the highway side is just a row of 1x1 parks that I used to counteract the textures on the tiles with rails from "skipping," due to the catenaries. On the river side, the tracks are directly next to the river embankment. Hope that answers your question, but if not, please let me know, and I'll try to clarify. Thanks for coming by!




I was playing with some industry today. I downloaded a pile of factories by our good friend Jess (jestarr)—whose CML here at SC4D, Industry Giant, sums it up perfectly—and they are nothing short of extraordinary.

Here's a quick snippet...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F008.jpg&hash=76e70b5a6a247a83bbfc7d7c73a3cc131cff4485)


And...


http://www.youtube.com/v/ch5uxvMr8hE&hl=en&fs=1
"Factory (http://brucespringsteen.net/songs/Factory.html)" by Bruce Springsteen. Darkness on the Edge of Town, 1978.
Video by enricsalas (http://www.youtube.com/user/enricsalas).

...a little treat! Well, one for me anyway...and for you, if you're a Springsteen fan, as I am! Forgive me, but this song has been in my head all day long since I was tinkering with factories. Another song was popping in and out as well, but I'll keep that one secret in case another video pops up...

More to come!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Earth quake on November 13, 2008, 10:47:44 PM
Wow, excellent teaser Dustin.  &apls
Great Industrial district.

And the Video.  :D
This is my favourite video.  :-\

So, I impatient to see the Update.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: metarvo on November 14, 2008, 05:31:10 AM
You're teasing us, aren't you?  Even so, I'm glad to see it.  This is a great industrial area, Dustin. :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Simpson on November 14, 2008, 07:04:42 AM
The last update is really fantastic, this is an excelent work on the LE
The teaser is superb and so réalistic ( I'm sure this picture could be in HoF  :)). The vidéo is looking good too  :thumbsup:

Also I'm looking forward to the next update my friend
David
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon [11/15/08]: UPDATE IV: Photoshop, a Mosaïc, and...
Post by: thundercrack83 on November 15, 2008, 01:28:29 PM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies.jpg&hash=f9a404e367cb5e6d84638084803c586e8b151f6e)

Earth quake: Thank you, my friend! I'm glad you enjoyed the teaser and the video!

metarvo: Hi! Yeah, I'm teasing...but just a little! Thanks for stopping by!

David (Simpson): Merci! I appreciate your support very much, my friend! Hope to see you back!






UPDATE IV
Photoshop, a Mosaïc, and Industrial Disease
15 November 2008

Well, today just so happens to be my 27th birthday, so I'm not sure how available I will be throughout the day (my girlfriend got me a Nintendo DS (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nintendo_DS)!), as I'll be heading out in a few hours.

But, as a present to all of my great friends here, I thought I'd put together a quick little update containing three mosaïcs—well, just one mosaïc, really, with a few adjustments here and there—of the industrial area that I introduced in our last teaser. I thought I'd give a bit of a step-by-step on how I made the adjustments in Photoshop, in case you're curious!

A quick WARNING, though—at 800 x 5826, these are quite large.

The first step before anything, if you aren't adept at making a mosaïc, check out How to Make Mosaics (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=916.0) by iamgoingtoeatyou / ilikehotdogsalot. It is a comprehensive tutorial for making these monsters, and it's very easy to follow and apply.

So here we go! Up first...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%25204%2F4002.jpg&hash=c38abac41c9f00cb75633657f9ad5f170b987100)

...a simple black and white mosaic, which can be done rather easily by going to Image on the main menu bar, then finding Adjustments, and choosing Desaturate. Or, simply hit [Shift] + [Ctrl] + U to take care of it!

Next, a little more in-depth...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%25204%2F4003.jpg&hash=744aeb54c77a940eb154c0fadef1cd7e8f0ac18e)

First step, go to Image, then Rotate Canvas, and Flip Canvas Horizontal. That will flip the picture.

Then, go to Layer, which is next to Image in the menu bar, and choose Layer Style, followed by Blending Options... I choose to use Color Overlay and moved the Opacity slider to between 35-40%. Then, using the Eyedropper Tool (just hit the I key), I clicked on the brick color of one of the buildings to match the color for the overlay.

Third step—the clouds. For this, we'll need a new layer, so either go to Layer, then New, then Layer..., or simply hit [Shift] + [Ctrl] + N.

Once the new layer has been made, go to Filter in the menu bar, then Render, and choose Clouds. Then entire picture should now be a big mess of clouds! Don't fret, though—in the Layers Window (the one that shows your layers), just fiddle with the Opacity and Fill sliders until you get the cloud cover to your liking.

Seems complicated, but it's not. All it takes is some playing around!

Finally, just the regular in-game picture...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%25204%2F4001.jpg&hash=aa9eec4843a9481183ac9bb1b9431cd70836c746)

...only adjusted a tiny bit to make it look a bit nicer (well, nicer, in my opinion. You may disagree!)

Step one, go to Image, then Adjustments, and Brightness/Contrast. I usually go with +15 for Brightness and +15 for Contrast, but play with it and see what you like!

Step two is to sharpen! So we head to Filter, then Sharpen, and then Sharpen. I usually do this only once, but again, play around and find your preferences.

So, there you have it. A novice's approach to image enchancements in Photoshop! If our Photoshop veterans out there see an easier or better way to tackle these things, please don't hesitate to let me know, because, as I said, I'm a Photoshop novice.

Also, in putting this together, I realize that taking some [PrtScn] pictures to follow along with the steps may have been a good idea. Perhaps I'll go back and do that, then edit them in here.

Oh, and...


http://www.youtube.com/v/Kvfa8xWMyoQ&hl=en&fs=1
"Industrial Disease (http://brucespringsteen.net/songs/Factory.html)" by Dire Straits. Love Over Gold, 1982.
Video by LilOilDerrick.

...the other song that has been stuck in my head while playing with all the factories! Again, I apologize for these videos—they won't be a regular occurrence. Only when playing the game puts songs in my head!

Have a great weekend!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: rooker1 on November 15, 2008, 01:46:39 PM
Those are some super great mosaics.

I have to look at them a few more times before I can make a really good posts.  I'll be right back.

Robin  ()stsfd()
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: paroch on November 15, 2008, 01:55:41 PM
Hey Dustin,

Marathon is coming along mighty fine.  I'm glad to see you've taken to MD'ing like a duck to water.

I really like that residential housing suburb pic you showed over the page - very realistic and I love a good suburb pic - that is Picture Comp material IMHO.

Good to see you in the LE as well.  I really enjoy working with the LE and my take on it is that as you get a feel for what props are in which packs, it's often best just to have a few prop packs in your plugins folder before firing up the LE.  This way it's quicker to load and also you're not totally daunted by the sheer volume of props available.  It depends on what you're lotting but SGvol1 is always good, and I also like GasCooker's props.  D66 is great for flowers and bushes, JES for industrial type stuff and I like jen_p's fences.  The more you play with it the more you'll get the feel for what prop packs you use.

Another tip is to also use LE Prop (if you need a link let me know and I'll try find it).  Not sure if you've used it before but it's great for setting plop costs and park values etc.  You can also use it to put your lots in a specified menu.  As an example, when I was building Kingly (West End's Amsterdam like city) I created about 40 ploppable lots of dutch buildings.  I placed these all in the Fire menu.  They didn't have fire properties but just made it easy to find them rather than getting RSI of the finger scrolling through the parks menu.  Not something for lots you'd plan for public release but worthwhile for your own stuff.

Another great way of cutting down on the repetitveness thing is to use prop families.  I wrote a tutorial (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=4261.0) on this, which you may find of interest.  Stick with the LE, it really can help you achieve the look you want.

And great work on those mosaics.  I have PhotoShop but probably don't use its bells and whistles any where near as much as I should.  So thanks for the tips I found them helpful.

And thanks for the plug for West End and the other OSITMs.

Good luck with the ongoing project - oh, and happy birthday!

Paul
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Pat on November 15, 2008, 01:57:08 PM
Dustin great job there so far and I am loving what you are doing!!!! I also love the video here to another fine find here!!  I am still in shock by your mosaics!!! I Do hope you have a great birthday and dont get to hooked on that DS it can be very evil lol hehehehe

Hey Dustin didnt realize with my post I dropped you into the best sellers section, so with that my friend a biiiiiiiiiiig hugh congrats!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: dsrwhat316 on November 15, 2008, 02:08:35 PM
Most people know I enjoy a good mosaic  :thumbsup: Your industrial shots are awesome, Dustin!

Also, I hope you're having a happy birthday and let me be the first to welcome you to the Best Sellers section (in record time, I might add)!  &apls &apls

~ Dan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Lilojame on November 15, 2008, 02:55:42 PM
Hi there again! First let me congratulate you on getting over 100th post in this marvelous MD of yours!

And second:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi34.tinypic.com%2F164g9s.jpg&hash=e015c2224abf9f5264d8c413e5c8299cd7661a8a)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi38.tinypic.com%2F3466ydj.jpg&hash=a77caec3288d0bbddbad408aa0d0bee246606ed9)

And third:
I liked the teaser very much! And as for the update I think it is flavless! A masterpiece at its best. Yet again you managed to do show us something interesting and beutiful.
I also very much liked your both videos (yep, my kids of music).  &apls
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Simpson on November 15, 2008, 03:06:54 PM
Hey dustin
First, :wings: Happy birthday my friend  ()flower()
Second, your new update is really incredible, all these mosaics are fantastic and so réalistic. These industries are very good  &apls
Congratulation for more than 100 posts in your super MD my friend.
I'm looking forward to the next update
Take care, David
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: kimcar on November 15, 2008, 03:19:48 PM
 
:party: HAPPY  BIRTHDAY :party:

Dear Dustin i guess you don`t know the rules of birthday , It`s us that we suppose to give you a gift , here you gave us 3 great ones.  ;D

Hey mate thanks to sharing those beauty , and excellent work very realistic and great layout. &apls &apls :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Jmouse on November 15, 2008, 04:05:44 PM
Welcome to Best Sellers, Dustin - what a fitting birthday gift! The mosaics are very well done - a little tricky at first, but it doesn't take long to master the technique.

The industrial areas look as good as can be expected - it is industry after all - and look far superior to most. And I appreciate the PS tips - gives me something to try out next weekend or so.

Marathon is phenomenal and must be setting records for popularity/rapid growth and quality of content. So if I may borrow one of your lines, "Keep up the good work, my friend!"

Later...
Joan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Earth quake on November 16, 2008, 12:39:11 AM
HAPPY BIRTHDAY To YOU

Wown this update is really, splendid, no fabulous, I love your indsutrial district.
Excellent choice for the JES and Tag_one bat.  &apls
And the details.  :o
And congrulation for your 100 comments, welcome to Best-sellers section.  $%Grinno$%

I'm impatient o see a new upadte.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Sheep49 on November 16, 2008, 02:01:38 AM
Great update, Dustin! Mosaics look good. The last one is my favourite. :thumbsup: The choice of Jestarr's and Tag_one's BATs is superb too! Still, I see some Maxis industrials next to the highway, which is the source of a 0.5 minus point for this pic. I would also suggest making the whole embankment industrial green one. The transition from Marrast to that one doesn't look too good IMO. Apart from that, very good work :thumbsup:

Over info...
1. Happy Birthday ;)
2. Congratz on Nintendo DS :thumbsup: It's the great console
3. Good to see your MD here in Best Sellers

The last thing... I loved the Dire Strait's song. Really fits. Though another song came to my mind when looking at your update (WARNING: The song, as well as video is pretty haunting. Especially at night): Welcome To The Machine by Pink Floyd (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DMvl2cWMIOI)

See you later ;)
Piotr
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on November 16, 2008, 02:25:11 AM
Dustin, first of all, happy birthday  :thumbsup:
now for these mosaics , they ares pretty good my friend , excellent photoshopping  &apls
looking forward to the next update !
Arthur

and BTW, welcome to the Best-sellers  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bat on November 16, 2008, 02:46:31 AM
Fantastic mosaics there, Dustin! Great work on these areas! :thumbsup:

Also congrats on the new section (Best Sellers) &apls - in the first 10 days 100+ replies... Congrats for that, too... &apls &apls

And (belated)  :party: Happy Birthday :party: also from me.... :sunny:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: metarvo on November 16, 2008, 05:04:26 AM
Sadly, I don't even have Photoshop  :(, but this still looks like a detailed and organized tutorial, Dustin.  I realize it's a little late, but I hope you had a happy birthday.  Although I hope you enjoy your new DS :), I wonder how it will affect your SC4 playing time.... $%Grinno$%
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on November 16, 2008, 04:28:48 PM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies.jpg&hash=f9a404e367cb5e6d84638084803c586e8b151f6e)


Robin (rooker1): Thanks very much, Robin! It's always great to see you here, my friend!

Paul (paroch): Hi, Paul! Thanks for your LE advice and for your great support! I've already skimmed your tutorial, and I'll be checking it out more in-depth when I head back into the LE. Take care!

Pat: Thanks for your kind words, my friend! And for the bump into the "Best Sellers!"

Dan (dsrwhat316): Thanks, Dan! Much appreciated!

Lilojame: Wow! Thanks so much for the great birthday wishes, my friend!

David (Simpson): Thank you so much!

kimcar: Thanks, my friend! I thought I try to spread some of my birthday cheer with my friends here! Thanks for stopping by!

Joan (Jmouse): Hey, you stole my line! Just kidding, my friend—many thanks for your continued support!

Earth quake: Thank you, Earth quake!

Piotr (Sheep49): Thanks!

Arthur (art128): Hi, Arthur! Thanks so much, my friend!

bat: Belated is just fine with me! Thanks for your kind words! Come again!

metarvo: Don't worry, the DS shouldn't effect things too much. After all, it takes my SC4 game quite a little while to load up, anyway, so that'll give me DS time! Thanks for coming by!




Well, looks like Marathon has made it to the Best Sellers!

I don't even really know what to say—in just ten days, thanks to all of you, we've got over 100 comments and close to 2000 views! Your support is the best birthday present that I could have asked for, and without it, none of this would be possible! My thanks go out to each and every one of you!

Now that we're onto the Best Sellers, I figured that it would be prudent to get some kind of Table of Contents in my first post. In doing so, I decided to move the pictures from my initial post...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F003.jpg&hash=7b8d8517f9ad121274cb7b9f48628b14d7d483b3)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F002.jpg&hash=14be27f3866ed6aa3fb992f8e469bf201c74f720)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F001.jpg&hash=b663b4470de95932d908c6c8c511ebe81c2cd6d5)

...here, for posterity.

The Table of Contents (in its current form, anyway) is now in my first post.

But, I'm not trying to pass off old pictures for new ones! No, that would be quite dirty. So, I bit of a teaser for where we will be heading in the future...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F009.jpg&hash=aa8bf09de1f584b498868e6ca8e6182875289ffc)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F010.jpg&hash=f71dfb61a49b1054156ddeb5b299dd1790a2aa7c)

Looks like...nothing, right? Well, stay tuned, and hopefully I can clear things up!

Thanks again, to all of you, for not only your continued support here in Marathon, but for all the great birthday wishes I've received here and throughout SC4D. You folks truly are the greatest!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: woodb3kmaster on November 16, 2008, 04:39:40 PM
It may be a little late coming, but happy 27th! I hope you had fun yesterday.

Thank you so much for that Photoshop tutorial - and showing the results! Not only did I find the tutorial really informative, you also made top-notch mosaics with it! I'll have to refer back to that update for future image-editing.

You really deserve your move up to Best Sellers, Dustin! Keep up the outstanding work!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Pat on November 16, 2008, 07:03:31 PM
Well I will fore sure be staying tuned to see how you clear things up!!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Lilojame on November 16, 2008, 07:11:47 PM
You are welcome, my friend!

Nice looking table on your first page. Thats something I need to learn to do in future.  :D

Hmmm, that teaser, I believe, is a great founding block. I can already say that I like how you placed the highway and can imagine the exit and entance points on it...and walls... and... buh oh,ah, I will just wait and see what you have in store for us. But taking your previous work in this MD into consideration, I am preaty sure that a shugarcane candy shall be seen. :thumbsup:

Looking foward to see what you have planned!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Jmouse on November 16, 2008, 07:25:56 PM
OK, I checked up on you and the TOC is legit - looks better than the one I did! :P

Now I'm waiting to see how you deal with the multi-level terraces and transport routes you've created. I've stubbed my toes on those elements several times in the past, so watching yours develop is sure to be interesting and informative!

Later...
Joan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: emilin on November 17, 2008, 03:44:41 AM
Factory takes his hearing. Factory gives him life.

Probably the best Springsteen song ever. :thumbsup:

Wonderful updates over here. And it's moving on really fast too - which is very impressive considering the attention you are giving to details. Very good work indeed. &apls

Edit: and a rather late HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! from me aswell.
&dance &dance &dance &dance &dance
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: metarvo on November 17, 2008, 05:32:35 AM
It looks like we will get to see a sunken highway.  Of course, I'm positive that it will be skillfully designed, judging by what I already seen in Commonwealth of Marathon.  It also looks like there will be more seawalls, so there may even be a port.  This teaser has me waiting for another update in this marvelous MD, Dustin.

&apls
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bat on November 17, 2008, 06:05:21 AM
Nice teaser(s) there! And looking forward to the "end-version" of that area... :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Earth quake on November 17, 2008, 09:33:06 AM
Ahhh, a new update dustin.  $%Grinno$%
Excellent job, this really beautiful.
Just splendid and more realistic.   ;D
I like the usa style.  &apls

This my favourite MD.  ::)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on November 17, 2008, 12:59:51 PM
Welcome to page 7 on your awesome MD Dustin  &apls &apls

Dustin, the terraforming look good my friend  :thumbsup:
keep up on this good work !
Arthur

BTW, I can't wait to see more pictures of the urbanization   :D
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon [11/17/08]: UPDATE V: Sunken Highways, A Tutorial
Post by: thundercrack83 on November 17, 2008, 04:08:27 PM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies.jpg&hash=f9a404e367cb5e6d84638084803c586e8b151f6e)

Zack (woodb3kmaster): Thanks for the birthday wishes, Zack! And I'm glad that you round the Photoshop tutorial informative. I've seen your map work over in Nyhaven (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=5856.0), and it's just superb, my friend. Thanks for coming by!

Pat: Hey, my friend! Thanks for coming back!

Lilojame: Thanks so much! If you want to put together a Table of Contents for Rainbow Falls (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6142.0) and need some help, don't hesitate to let me know!

Joan (Jmouse): Thanks for checking the Table of Contents, I actually forgot to do that! I'm glad I got the right links!

Emil (emilin): Hi, my friend! Yes, "Factory" is a great song. Darkness on the Edge of Town is probably Bruce's best album, in my opinion, though my favorite is The Wild, the Innocent, and the E Street Shuffle—but I digress! Thanks for your kind words, as well as the birthday wishes! Take care!

metarvo: I can neither confirm, nor deny whether a sunken highway will be coming up...Oh, wait...yes I can! It'll be coming up! As for a port, well, we'll probably get there at some point, too. When, though, I don't know! Thanks for stopping in!

bat: Thanks, my friend! Though, I have to admit that the "end version" is a little ways off! But stay tuned, we'll get there!

Earth quake: Wow, thank you so much for saying that Marathon's your favorite MD! There's so many great ones to choose from here! Hope to see you back!

Arthur (art128): Hi, Arthur! Thanks for the bump to page seven, and you great comments! And don't fret, my friend, we'll have some urbanization soon, just for you!






UPDATE V
Sunken Highways, A Tutorial
17 November 2008

Remember this from the last teaser?


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F010.jpg&hash=f71dfb61a49b1054156ddeb5b299dd1790a2aa7c)

I thought it would prudent to examine how we got there, with a bit of a sunken highway tutorial. I know that there's no shortage of sunken highway tutorials out there, but I wanted to give my perspective on it for you!

Before we start, a few tools you'll need to make things happen:


OK, let's begin! We start here:


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At the southern (Yes, it's the southern end, I rotated the map!) end of the tile. Time to break out...


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The Hole Digger for Sunken Highways, which will burrow a hole at a depth of 15 meters, which is essential for flat and smooth overpasses, but we'll cross that bridge (or overpass!) when we come to it. And, yes, I made that pun, unfortunately!


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The results of the hole diggers, as well as a road run next to it to level the second tile needed for the highway.

Next, using the Quick Level Brush tool in God Mode...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%25205%2F5004.jpg&hash=a180f3f1da6d74c40fbe08e50af654e3d8043fce)

...I've made a trench for the diagonal section. Here's a zoomed-out view:


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And another with the highway in place—


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%25205%2F5006.jpg&hash=119860cf93e3636543371251db846a5c88532e86)

Now we have to clean things up, and maximize the areas available for development by pushing the wall directly up to the diagonal highway section.


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%25205%2F5007.jpg&hash=7d9653f929f19e29781e0e2b4f3ce6f49310454f)

And from there we get...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%25205%2F5008.jpg&hash=6ccb068f7cf7d197c336cc6446906f3e364430ae)

...our original picture from the teaser! Highway is in place and the terraforming of the trench is complete.

But we're not quite finished. Next step...


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I've traced the trench on each side with a service road, that on- and off-ramps will connect to...when we get there.

Right now, we'll move on to overpasses.


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We begin with the potential intersection. Here's where the sheer brilliance (well, one instance of it, anyway. There are too many to count!) of the NAM shines through.

In the Road Submenu, go to Avenue Puzzle Pieces, and tab through to "T" Avenue OnSlope Puzzle Piece. To get there quickly, just hit [Shift] + [Tab] four times, and you'll get there. Then we do...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%25205%2F5011.jpg&hash=e32b4211a6a8e1710eca42c00c26d4871cab7cb1)

...that! Back to the Avenue Puzzle Pieces menu, and this time, hit [Tab] sixteen times to get to Avenue over GroundHighway Puzzle Piece, and plop...


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...accordingly. Now we have an overpass! By using the 15-meter hole digger, we get an overpass with no grade. If you'd like ramps leading to the overpass, I'd recommend using a 10-meter hole digger to achieve this. The 15-meter is my personal preference.

But we're not done, yet! No, sir (or ma'am)!

Exit ramps are now to be added, so go to the Highway Submenu and choose Single-Sided Parallel Ramps. Hit [Tab] once to come to GroundHighway Parallel Ramp - Road.


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And plop it! Then...plop it...


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...again, this time, diagonal from the last plop. Now, go back to Single-Sided Parallel Ramps and hit [Tab] three times to get an identical GroundHighway Parallel Ramp - Road. Use this one...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%25205%2F5015.jpg&hash=51e65a5982cc9f447b541dd3d725f749f5d10e42)

...the same way as the first, filling in the remaining ramps! Also, you can add in some retaining walls, as I've done, using the Rural Sunken Highway Walls (http://www.simtropolis.com/stex/index.cfm?id=16283), by buddybud.

So that's the ballgame on making a sunken highway!

One last shot...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%25205%2F5016.jpg&hash=946e486695f7b29bc1597b056f7883493c5d8129)

Another mosaïc, showing the entire highway all finished up. Boy, that mosaïc would probably look better with some development, eh? Maybe we'll have to look in to that!

I hope this has inspired you to try your hand at a sunken highway or two of your own!

Take care!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: JBSimio on November 17, 2008, 04:20:28 PM
Hi Dustin,

I must say this is quite a phenomenon you have going here!  I only discovered this within the last day or two and was wondering how I could have missed it for so long.  Then I saw the date of your opening post and realized that I'm not nearly as late as the post count first led me to think.   ::)

I like how you showed us everything from the very beginning.  I don't recall seeing a region created and terraformed quite the way you've shown and it's very interesting to watch.  Your industrial mosaics are great... I really like the look of that whole area.  And of course your competition picture is amazing.  Love that park!   &apls

Frankly, I could keep going for quite a while to get caught up on all the comments I haven't made here yet... topics ranging from the LE to the great mix of buildings... but I think I'll just stop here.  I'll have plenty of time to make up for past ommisions by following more regularly now!   :thumbsup:

JB

*EDIT... and now you've gone and posted another update while I was typing!  I'll have to come back to this when I'm not supposed to be at work, I guess!  :D
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: TheTeaCat on November 17, 2008, 04:56:56 PM
Dustin

Great MD you have here. Nice clear tutorial too, easy to follow :thumbsup:

Be back in a bit - kettle's boiling  :D

:satisfied:
TTC
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Jmouse on November 17, 2008, 05:23:24 PM
Interesting tutorial, Dustin. I wondered how you were going to deal with the ramps, and now I know. I've never seen a RL layout like that, but I guess it would work. Anyway, I'll have a chance to try it out by the weekend with a bit of luck and a lot of help from the techno-gods! Meanwhile, thanks for sharing the info.

Later...
Joan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Earth quake on November 17, 2008, 10:40:15 PM
Wow, Dustin.  :o
I love this tutorial.  $%Grinno$%
This really a excellent work and more realistic the Buddy suken is really beuatiful and excellent terraforming.  &apls

I'm impatient to see a new update.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: metarvo on November 18, 2008, 05:40:13 AM
You have really gotten into MDing, Dustin. :)  This tutorial is constructed very well, and I look forward to seeing this highway serve its purpose in a future update.

&apls
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: rooker1 on November 18, 2008, 06:13:36 AM
Hey Dustin,

It's always nice to see other views on how people would do different things.  So you could redo every tutorial out there and it would most likely be different in some way or another and still end up at the same end result.  I enjoyed your tutorial very much.  ()stsfd()
I am very curious though about what is going iin this area.  I hope we find out soon.

Robin  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: M4346 on November 18, 2008, 07:58:39 AM
I've been meaning to do some sunken highways myself, you just give me inspiration and reason to! Looking good! Can't wait to see the final outcome! ;)

M
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Simpson on November 18, 2008, 09:02:50 AM
Hey Dustin
These two updates are really fantastic, this highways is looking very good but maybe you can use the curves of the nam
I'm looking forward to the next update my friend  ;)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on November 18, 2008, 09:11:45 AM
nice work on that sunken highway Dustin  :thumbsup: can't wait to see more  ;)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bat on November 18, 2008, 10:59:50 AM
Great work on the highway there!
Nice pictures, looking forward to more... ;)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: paroch on November 18, 2008, 11:28:17 AM
Dustin, I'm starting to think you must already have a fully developed region and at least another 200 updates under your belt!!!  You're delivering stuff here at a fair rate of knots and it's all high quality stuff as well!  This tutorial on sunken highways is very useful.  I always struggle with the junctions so now you've given me some great tips.

At this rate you'll be in Classics before Christmas!

All the best,

Paul
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Lilojame on November 18, 2008, 06:00:52 PM
Hi there Dustin! Yes I am back in here, a bit late tho, but you know how time flys when you are up to something.  ;)
This update is again a great one! It is most interesting to watch how you do things and educational at the sime time. I already knew how to make this that you did but neverthless I again stumbled upon the very useful information that will save me loeads of time. Can you guess? I am sure you can.  :D It is the link to these walls. You just saved me from spending time looking for them and probably after not finding them, asking around. Thank you! And I would most definetly apreciate your help on puling together the table of content.  :)

Looking foward to see what you have planed for the next update!

Yours truly,
Karin
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on November 18, 2008, 09:08:28 PM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies.jpg&hash=f9a404e367cb5e6d84638084803c586e8b151f6e)

Jon (JBSimio): Hello, my friend, and welcome to Marathon! It's so great of you to stop in here! I have to say, though, that I probably owe you royalties for all the uses of your fantastic BATs. Hope to see you again here soon!

Derry (TheTeaCat): Hi, Derry! Thanks for stopping in, my friend! I'm glad you liked the tutorial.

Joan (Jmouse): I'm actually not sure if this method is employed anywhere in real life, at least not to the letter. But, hey—we won't let a pesky thing like "realism" get in our way, will we? Wait...we will? Oh, seems like we will...within reason, of course! Good luck with your computer woes, my friend!

Earth quake: Thank you, Earth quake! I'm happy that you enjoyed the tutorial, and I hope you get some use of it!

metarvo: Thanks! I'm sure we'll come back to this area when development is taking place, just to show what it will look like. Truth be told, I'm not there yet, so it take a bit. But stay tuned!

Robin (rooker1): Thanks so much, Robin! I was on the fence about doing a tutorial because sunken highways have been covered elsewhere, but then I figured that I might as well, since I might touch on something that hasn't been touched on yet.

M (M4346): Hello, my friend! I'm glad I could be some inspiration to you, and I can't wait to see your take on sunken highways over in The Commonwealth of Eleutherian States (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=5310.0). Take care!

David (Simpson): NAM curves...I knew there was something I was forgetting! I'll have to play with that! Thanks for the reminder!

Arthur (art128): Thanks, Arthur!

bat: And thank you, too, bat!

Paul (paroch): I wish I could tell you that was true about having a fully developed region and 200 updates, but not even close! I'm shooting from the hip here, for the most part. I have ideas for updates in my head, though, and that's what I've been working from. As for "Classics" by Christmas—that's quite a tall order, but with friends like you and everyone else here, anything's possible!

Lilojame: Hi, my friend! Better late than never! And I'm very happy that you made use of the link to the walls. They're great, aren't they? Have fun with them, and I'll look for your work with them over at Rainbow Falls (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6142.0)! Oh, and send me a PM if you want some assistance with your Table of Contents!




Played around some more in the LE this evening.

Thanks to Paul (paroch) and his wonderful tutorial Prop Families in Lot Editor - A NUTs Guide (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=4261.0), I played with some prop families.

Here's a bit of what I came up with...


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An a close-up of the lot that I made. It's a 4x1—


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It's not much, but I think we're getting there—slowly, but surely, as my Dad always says!

Any tips, criticism, or suggestions are more than welcome!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Pat on November 18, 2008, 09:32:34 PM
Dustin first off I love that Tut on the sunken Highway there!!! Now a tip I would suggest to also add some life to your lots IE people, cant forget them... Other wise niiiiiiiiice!!!!!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Lilojame on November 18, 2008, 09:34:21 PM
Hi again Dustin!
This time I am faster...  :D Yes, I most definetly agree that those walls are superb work!  :)
I realy like this new lot you made. The only sugestion that I might have is, that you add some planter boxes under the bushes. IF i am not mistaken (and I most probably am) BSC Mega Prop Pack - CP Vol 1 (http://sc4devotion.com/csxlex/lex_filedesc.php?lotGET=1180) has them.

LP
 Karin
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Tarkus on November 18, 2008, 09:38:12 PM
Dustin, sorry for missing a few updates here--I've finally gotten caught up, though.  And what amazing stuff to catch up on.   You're really a natural at this whole MDing thing.  :thumbsup:  

It seems you've picked up LE quite quickly--just like MDing.  A very nice start on a waterfront walkway, I'd say.  And being able to see all the terraforming you've been doing has been very informative as well, and I've enjoyed all your tutorials.  The sunken highway one is really useful, I must say.  

I can't wait to see what all you do next here--this is amazing stuff!

-Alex
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Jmouse on November 18, 2008, 10:04:48 PM
Very glad to see you experimenting with LE, Dustin. The scene looks much better now. Still this would make a pleasant noon-hour hangout so you might want to try adding a few benches just for fun. Just a passing thought - it looks great the way you've done it.

There's one little thing I don't believe Paul mentioned in his wonderfully-helpful tutorial (forgive me, Paul, if I missed it!) When you place a prop, you can use the "N" key to scroll through all the props in the family. This was especially helpful to me when working with trees on 1x2 lots, but I always do it anyway just to make sure everything looks OK.

So now I'm anxious to see what develops across the avenue!

Later...
Joan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on November 19, 2008, 03:43:40 AM
That's look good my friend, great work as always  &apls :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: turtle on November 19, 2008, 04:40:53 AM
Hi Dustin,

Very nice updates. Good tutorial, very precise   :thumbsup:
I'm really looking forward to seeing some development.
Nice lot also. But I guess you're looking at quite some LE'ing if you want to break up the symmetry of the waterfront on the whole island. I agree on that people would make it come alive, maybe add some small shops or restaurants on the lowest level. An idea could be to make variations on the size of the levels in different places, say give the lowest level one or two more tiles some places and vice versa for the middle level. Just an idea, though, it's your game ;)

'till the next
Thomas
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Earth quake on November 19, 2008, 04:46:25 AM
Wow, nice update Dustin.

I like your quay, good work.  &apls
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: kimcar on November 19, 2008, 01:17:45 PM
 &apls &apls Excellent look your highway . Very well done. Also i`m glad that you still play with LE, and what you did it`s not bad at all. Looking forward have fun :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bluesinjid on November 19, 2008, 05:01:35 PM
Congrats to the best seller section and the hall of fame picture comp!
This is really a great cj!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on November 19, 2008, 07:58:19 PM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies.jpg&hash=f9a404e367cb5e6d84638084803c586e8b151f6e)

Pat: Hello, Patrick! Thanks for the tip on the people, I completely forgot about them!

Lilojame: Hi! Thank you for the planter box idea, my friend! I'll see what I can do!

Alex (Tarkus): Don't worry about missing updates, Alex—you've got way more important stuff to deal with around here! Thanks for your generous support, and I hope to see you back, my friend!

Joan (Jmouse): Actually, there are supposed to be some benches on the lots, but they're obscured by the fences from the retaining walls. Just another lesson learned, I guess. And speaking of lessons learned, thanks very much for the tip on hitting N to cycle through the props in a family! It's become invaluabale!

Arthur (art128): Thanks, Arthur!

Thomas (turtle): You've brought up some great points, my friend! I plan to put them into action, too, as soon as I get the hang of the LE a bit more. Thanks for stopping in!

Earth quake: Thanks so much, my friend!

kimcar: Thank you! The LE has become much more fun, now that I'm getting the hang of things. I still do a whole lot of searching blindly for props, though, which can be frustrating. Take care!

bluesinjid: Thank you for your support!




Still toiling away in the LE.

I've made some adjustments with some of the lots. I now have a 1x1, a 2x1, and a 4x1...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F014.jpg&hash=66692c318487955cf229df52503d0e21e3a7ed7a)

The above shows the 4x1, to which I've added some benches (or should I say "visible benches") and people. I'll have to move that group of people off the walls next time I go in! Also, I'm not sure about the little graphic glitch going on either, but that should clear up...I hope...

And...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F015.jpg&hash=f17fcf0e384180d44bbfcb9d3b79902d495c2016)

Here's the 1x1 (left) and half of the 2x1 (right). Using prop families will help randomize the tables on the 1x1, easing my pain a bit!

Now, a quick question—a lot of folks have suggested adding restaurants, food stands, and the like to these lots. I like the idea very much, but am having trouble locating these types of props in the LE. If anyone can point out where they'd be, it would be very much appreciated!

Now, something a bit different as a teaser, since I've been hitting the LE rather heavily as of late...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F013.jpg&hash=4d20bfa9a6108a020a194c02da059aa0cd92aff3)

A quick shot of the Central Marathon Bus Terminal!

We'll be heading back to highways probably this weekend, so stay tuned!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Lilojame on November 19, 2008, 08:16:46 PM
Hey there, my friend!
If I am not wrong then you double-posted the pictures (but I might be wrong). I was looking around fro the pack with those things also not long ago alas, I didnt find it either. :/
As far I see, you are doing great in the LE! And the teaser picture looks great!

I am tuned.  :)

EDIT: Sweet! I love how the 1x1 with tables looks! &apls
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Pat on November 19, 2008, 08:28:42 PM
Hey Dustin that looks so much more alive now!!! Looking real good!!! Where's the glitch at as I dont even see it, all I see is the shadow on the wall there from the tree...
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Jmouse on November 20, 2008, 12:36:48 AM
Dustin, when I look back at page 4 here (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6190.msg198540#msg198540)and see the lots you started out with, then note the progress you've made in one short week, I can predict a shining future for you in lot editing! Honestly, it turned out to be way too complicated for me so I learned to BAT instead. :D

Sorry I don't have access to my prop lists and cross index at the moment, but I don't recall seeing any food vendors per se. I do see a couple of possibilities, but they're a bit off the wall so let's see if there are some more sensible ideas forthcoming. Meanwhile, looks like you have an impressive CBD going for you and lots of activity. You're moving so fast I'm beginning to think you're either Superman or triplets! :P

Later...
Joan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: M4346 on November 20, 2008, 12:42:18 AM
You know, first you inspired me to do sunken highways (and I might add I am busy with that... :P) and now you are practically forcing me to do some re-lotting as well! Only because the results of your endeavours are so successful and inspiring!

I have always been kind of lazy and only re-lot what I have to (mainly for releases or friends), but I guess if I'm serious about MDing I'll have to follow in your - and others' - footsteps!  ;D
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bat on November 20, 2008, 03:52:53 AM
Nice work on the LE there, Great pictures, too!! :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on November 20, 2008, 09:36:45 AM
these lots look good Dustin, great work. I love the last picture, very splendid  &apls You've done an excellent job around Feroxx station  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Earth quake on November 20, 2008, 10:49:07 AM
Nice update my friend, I particularity like the bus termainl, excellent lot.  &apls
I really love your Quay.  :thumbsup:

Just Dustin, it's a excellent update, go on this excellent work.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: metarvo on November 20, 2008, 11:22:00 AM
Absolute beauty, Dustin! :thumbsup:  I sympathize with Joan in saying that I prefer the BAT over the LE.  I've never been able to get anything that I consider to be good out of the LE myself, so I truly appreciate good LOTting.  I look forward to seeing the highways that you mentioned.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on November 20, 2008, 01:08:34 PM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies.jpg&hash=f9a404e367cb5e6d84638084803c586e8b151f6e)

Lilojame: Thanks for catching my picture error, I've fixed it! And thanks for your kind words, too, my friend!

Pat: Thanks, my friend! I guess that is the tree's shadow, not a glitch. Sorry about that! Thanks for stopping by!

Joan (Jmouse): Thanks so much, Joan! Progress is all I can hope for with the LE at this point. As long as I'm moving forward, at any rate of speed, I'm happy! And no, unfortunately, I'm neither Superman, nor triplets! I just have some trouble sleeping!

M (M4346): Thank you! I'm so glad that Marathon is inspiring you, my friend! That means so much to me to hear! I can't wait to see what you come up with! Take care!

bat: Thank you, bat!

Arthur (art128): Thanks! I am a big fan of that station, even though I decided to use it as a bus station, rather than the train station for which it was intended. Either way, it's great!

Earth quake: Thank you so much! I appreciate your continued support!

metarvo: I envy you and Joan for taking to the BAT, my friend. I've look at some tutorials and just turned away. It seems so complicated to me. Thank you for coming by!





UPDATE VI
The Highway is Alive Tonight
Part I: So, Baby, Do Not Be Frightened

9 November 2008

Before we get started, I must offer a bit of a preface—well, more a disclaimer and an apology...

As of this moment, there is no RHW in Marathon. Not because I do not like the RHW, I love it! But, for me, the RHW is much like the piano—I like it very much, but I'm very proficient. So I'd like to extend this apology to my good friend Alex (Tarkus) for not showcasing his groundbreaking work here...yet! Rest assured, Alex, once I get my RHW chops, the Marathon Department of Transportation will be developing some plans!

With that out of the way, we'll bring back the Blueprint Map.


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FMaps%2F1031bpmap.jpg&hash=5562f7d4704a37a8b6925b07d566acdb2a35d956)

Remember this? Well, we've made a new one...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FMaps%2FHighway.jpg&hash=a749dd3922fc6673ce7382f98c1b9fa4ab9a0011)

And now, starting with Tile A, we'll proceed in the game, using the sunken highway method employed here in UPDATE V: Sunken Highways, A Tutorial (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6190.msg200188#msg200188).

Here...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%25206%2F6001.jpg&hash=487686ec7aed599ad3478cb0a12eae1ca205b2c7)

...we have Tile A, unscathed. Time to scathe it!


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%25206%2F6002.jpg&hash=f37b80ba2ba8a1181bd04c1768b24fb56cd34ead)

We've dug the trench for the highway, and now it's time to place it.


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%25206%2F6003.jpg&hash=388e8ede01791d30dc6a17771eb11cfffae399c3)

But now we've got a bit of an issue with the terrain. No matter! Just break out...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%25206%2F6004.jpg&hash=faa7ede719ffe87a2bf42b096cd951ea2697c88a)

...the great Highway OnSlope puzzle piece, which is found in your Highway Submenu under Custom Interchanges. Just hit [Shift] + [Tab] four times to get there.

With that in place, we can lay the rest of the highway!


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%25206%2F6005.jpg&hash=16a1d7da54e594a99da9902fb365c34c44a838b9)

Done! So we move on to Tile C...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%25206%2F6006.jpg&hash=b95751ba4229db32b45016d4a1967d64c113ade1)

...where the highway is put into place here, as well. But again, as the picture shows, we've got a grade to handle.

This time, we just let the Slope Mod (I'm not sure which one I'm using, sorry!)...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%25206%2F6007.jpg&hash=fc82166b1b5450e0f263924de0ad93e0327acf18)

...do its thing!

But why does the highway stop there? Well, I'm sure you can guess why, but we'll get to that at a later date.

Moving on to Tile D, which was the proving ground for the tutorial in Update V (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6190.msg200188#msg200188). We start by laying some Hole Digger Lots, and we get...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%25206%2F6008.jpg&hash=d6d9a0a5e6b75c9dbe5b302941ddf9c2bade43f6)

...this. And then...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%25206%2F6009.jpg&hash=c67d42077731a33301a4ee3fbaf95b891f19518d)

...this. And finally...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%25205%2F5008.jpg&hash=6ccb068f7cf7d197c336cc6446906f3e364430ae)

...this, which I've brought over from the tutorial to show the finished product. If you'd like to see this tile put together in more detail, head back on back to Update V (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6190.msg200188#msg200188)! Go ahead—we'll wait for you here!

Tile E is pretty straight-forward, and Tile F has no highway on it, so we skip to...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%25206%2F6010.jpg&hash=819ee822e752c1a42714fa940b66ddf5534a9619)

...Tile G, where the Hole Diggers go to work and the highway is in place.

So we'll continue with Tile H


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%25206%2F6011.jpg&hash=c3aa9d7f728cf9a05853a0caa10395a1715ab38e)

where I use avenue pieces to line up where the trench should be dug. Then...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%25206%2F6012.jpg&hash=34214cff862562c065815f7e1abfcd93f47d9200)

...dig it...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%25206%2F6013.jpg&hash=49c8a4d49ca2b2c5470f386ae83b5509c1cc849b)

...and place the highway!

So, where do we stand so far?


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%25206%2F6014.jpg&hash=e28f92e2314355f01fa03ccdbab47a45fbd18e69)

Right about there.

But what about Tile B? Why was that...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%25206%2F6015.jpg&hash=af81eac5d69317d58aa9df216d2c1c885634413b)

...and what looks to be a tunnel in that golden circle, skipped? Hmmm....

We'll conclude Part I here, and pick up with Part II next time!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Pat on November 20, 2008, 01:36:32 PM
Dustin what can I say but wow!!! I cant wait for part II!!!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Lilojame on November 20, 2008, 01:43:20 PM
 &apls Very interesting and well done! Darn, you actualy inspired me do go and do some roads around.  $%Grinno$% But realy, Dustin, you are doing a superb work! I have to say, that I also like the way the transport map looks. It couldnt be any better.
PS: If you wont find those food vendors etc. you can send me pm and I might bat them out.

I realy enjoy every visit in here!
Looking foward to see the part 2! :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on November 21, 2008, 10:18:21 PM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies.jpg&hash=f9a404e367cb5e6d84638084803c586e8b151f6e)

Pat: Thanks, my friend! Part II will be coming shortly, I promise!

Lilojame: Thank you so much for stopping by, and for your generous offer to BAT food vendors! I'll have to send a PM your way!




I'm at my girlfriend's house outside of  Allentown, PA (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Allentown_(song)) —yes, that Allentown, for my fellow Billy Joel fans —and I am away from my computer, so I don't have anything new to show right now.

In the meantime, however, I'd invite you to head over to Mind Scape (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=601.msg201406#msg201406), where my very good friend Robin (rooker1) is not only showing some great stuff with elevated rails right now, but also constantly putting your mind to work with trivia, riddles, and other great brain teasers. If you haven't stopped in there yet, I'd suggest you do it now!

Meanwhile, I'll be back home tomorrow afternoon or evening, where we'll pick things up here in Marathon with Part II.

And speaking of Part II, if anyone has any advice on the laying of the highways for Marathon Island that they'd care to share, please do so! I'd love to hear from you!

Have a great weekend, everyone!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Earth quake on November 22, 2008, 12:49:50 AM
Excellent update dustin.
Good work for your Highway.

Go on your beautiful work.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: dedgren on November 22, 2008, 10:44:30 PM
I slipped into feeling like I was viewing a really nice technical PowerPoint presentation as I read through the last update, Dustin.  You have a future, my friend, with PADOT.

Seriously, CoM (and its author) are earning some serious chops as a place to come and find out stuff.  Plus, it just looks cool.

Well deserved top-rated in posts last week, my friend.  That's not the last time that will happen, I'm sure.


David
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: tooheys on November 23, 2008, 12:54:05 AM
Some great updates since my last visit Dustin :thumbsup:.

I see you have made some adjustments to the lots along the seawalls, looking good.

Marathon is coming along nicely, the hwy and walls are well done and I like the tutorial approach. I see you did mention the NAM and was wondering if you had considered using the 45degree hwy bends?

Looking forward to more.

Cheers

Dave

Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on November 23, 2008, 09:48:17 AM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies.jpg&hash=f9a404e367cb5e6d84638084803c586e8b151f6e)

Earth quake: Thanks again, my friend, for your support!

David (dedgren): Hello, David! Thank you for your kind words, my friend! Though, if I worked for PennDOT, I'd probably just end up staring paving projects, only to stop halfway, as they prone to doing around here. Don't be a stranger, my friend!

Dave (tooheys): Hey, Dave! As for the 45° curves, I must admit that I overlooked them. I'll head back in and play around and we'll see what we come up with! Thanks for stopping by!



Just a quick something before I head out for the afternoon...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F016.jpg&hash=ebe2281c4a05ed4edbd7d012acab7ab31865c358)

Just a quick shot of the area surrounding the Central Marathon Bus Terminal, as well as the current rendition of our terrace lots. There will most likely be more adjustments made in the future!

I'd also like to extend a huge CONGRATULATIONS to Emil (emilin) and Robin (rooker1) for their MDs Blackwater (with Islas Gemas) and Mind Scape being voted into the SC4Devotion MD Hall of Fame (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=4646.msg201704#msg201704) for Autumn 2008! Congrats, my very good friends—it is definitely very well deserved!

Part II of our highway escapade shall follow...

Have a great day!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on November 23, 2008, 09:53:58 AM
awesome mosaic my friend, great work  &apls that city is very realistic  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Simpson on November 23, 2008, 09:56:36 AM
Wow, this mosaic is really wonderful my friend. This is so réalistic, I love your city so much
I'm looking forward to the next update  :)

David
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: dsrwhat316 on November 23, 2008, 09:58:00 AM
Nice mosaic shot, Dustin!

Just one small thing irks me; the plaza over the west highway tunnel entrance seems to slope downwards instead of being flush with the top part. Since I know you've been playing with the Lot Editor, I can show you a quick way to remedy that, if no one minds  $%Grinno$%

If you check out the sloped underpass tutorial (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=3495.0) by yours truly, you can put into practice this technique to fix that little blemish. Again, sorry for hijacking your thread, just thought I'd give a little friendly advice  :thumbsup:

~ Dan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Lilojame on November 23, 2008, 10:20:56 AM
You are welcome. my friend, besides I am already working on the prop pack as we speak.  ;)
And the mosaic there looks great!
It is always a pleasure to visit Marathon!

See you later, my friend,
Karin
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Earth quake on November 23, 2008, 10:39:46 AM
Wow, dustin.

Exceptionnal mosaïc.  &apls.

I really like your city, Il like your Highway, but you have bug in your tunnel no ?
Excellent lotting, i really love your quay.

Just excellent update my friend.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: kbieniu7 on November 23, 2008, 10:44:51 AM
Well, I usually don't like many skyscrapers, but there they look good
And nice half-diagonal road network and nice banks ;)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Schulmanator on November 23, 2008, 12:00:15 PM
Very nice! A great eye candy treat for us.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: paroch on November 23, 2008, 02:38:42 PM
Hi Dustin,

I can't keep up with your updates!  They're all looking good though and it's interesting to follow along with the developments here in the Commonwealth of Marathon. 

I'm glad you found the Prop Family tutorial of use and I'm impressed with what you've achieved so far - I can see they will be of great use to you in your terraces.  As for food vendors....... try these searches in LE.

refreshment (Maxis)
chitaco (Maxis)
farmertable (Maxis)  - or if not farmertable just try "table" and you'll get some that may be of use.

RP has a burger trailer in one of his older prop packs but struggling to recall details at mom.
And RT has a prop pack that has some "tapas" restaurants that includes a burger van.
And another of his prop packs has a small food stall - search under "essence" and you'll find it.

Also...... I think in SimGoobers packs you'll find some "bars" which can double as food vendors.

Next time I fire up the LE I'll make a more definitive list of the ones I use and PM them to you.  There are some out there but like most things in LE, it can take some time to find them.


Great pics you've shown us as well Dustin - great to see your MD grow so quickly.

All the best,

Paul
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Jmouse on November 23, 2008, 03:15:46 PM
Absolutely awesome mosaic, Dustin. If I didn't know you'd only just started, I'd say you were almost finished with your region! Your lots look just fine - you've accomplished a great deal in such a short time, and it's all high quality work! :thumbsup:

Later...
Joan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Pat on November 23, 2008, 03:49:16 PM
Hey Dustin I like that Mosiac there WoW!!! The fillers are turning out very good!!!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: turtle on November 23, 2008, 04:04:48 PM
Very nice mosaic, Dustin

I kind of feel bad that I suggested you should find those props as I don't really know where to get them or if they exist. I see that you have set some wheels in motion, though. The only thing i could find, that might be of use is gascookers marketstalls over at ST: http://www.simtropolis.com/stex/index.cfm?id=12499
I don't know if they can compete with whatever people here suggested. Either way, your lots on the waterfront already look very nice  :)

Thomas
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon [11/24/08]: UPDATE VII: 45°
Post by: thundercrack83 on November 24, 2008, 11:28:19 AM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies.jpg&hash=f9a404e367cb5e6d84638084803c586e8b151f6e)

Arthur (art128): Thanks, my friend, so much!

David (Simpson): And thank you, too, David!

Dan (dsrwhat316): Yes! That's been bothering me, as well—thank you! I will be checking that tutorial out as soon as possible!

Karin (Lilojame): Thank you, Karin! I can't wait to see what you'll come up with in the prop pack! Take care!

Earth quake: Hi, my friend! Bug in the tunnel? I don't see one, but that doesn't mean it's not there! If you could point it out for me, that'd be great. We'll try and take care of it!

kbieniu7: Thanks! Come back again!

Schulmanator: Welcome, my friend! Thank you for your kind words!

Paul (paroch): You're a Godsend, Paul! Next time I head into the LE, I will try those searches and see what I can come up with. I've come to realize that the hardest part about the LE is trying to find stuff in it! Thanks so much for all your help, my friend. It's been so great!

Joan (Jmouse): Thank you very much, Joan! I wish I could say that I was almost finished with the region, but we're just getting started! Thanks for stopping in!

Pat: Thanks, bud!

Thomas (turtle): That's OK, my friend—like I said to Paul (paroch), the toughest part about the LE for me is trying to find stuff, and I'm sure I'm not the only one. Any tips, suggestions, or the like are always welcome here, whether you have a link to things or not! Thanks for coming by, and I hope to see you here again!





UPDATE VII
45°
24 November 2008

Before heading into Part II, we'll take a bit of detour. Dave (tooheys), who, in addition to being a good friend, is also the author of Region of Balnavia (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=1431.0), asked this question:

Quote
...

Marathon is coming along nicely, the hwy and walls are well done and I like the tutorial approach. I see you did mention the NAM and was wondering if you had considered using the 45degree hwy bends?

...

Well, the answer to your question, Dave, is a very easy one—I didn't think of that!

So, I said to myself, "Self," (Boy, oh, boy...) "This should be a quick fix!" Right? Well, not really.

Let's go back to here...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%25205%2F5008.jpg&hash=6ccb068f7cf7d197c336cc6446906f3e364430ae)

...in Update V: Sunken Highways, A Tutorial (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6190.msg200188#msg200188), and see where we stand with these 45° curves.

This warrants...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%25207%2F7001.jpg&hash=6894a5667518d563f7911d385ce32d86bae9d45c)

...a different angle and a closer look.

With the grid on, we see...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%25207%2F7002.jpg&hash=51d3212220746a63940a8d4df78abf398b4dfb5d)

...the highway trench. So plopping the 45° curve should be a snap!

Just go to your Highway Submenu, click on Custom Interchanges and hit [Shift] + [Tab] one time to get there.


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%25207%2F7003.jpg&hash=44592f6b8c48f9b84773bc203a3bbbf471817fea)

Plop! No problemo, eh? Well, let's delve further...

When we rotate, we find that the curve...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%25207%2F7004.jpg&hash=28a66ebf0075f7f01f11718c067ce91d422e940b)

...has brought a retaining wall issue to the surface.

With the current retaining walls that I'm using, the angles that the NAM curve has created are not possible to traverse. So something has to give—the angle, or my choice of retaining walls?

I chose the angle. So...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%25207%2F7005.jpg&hash=bd8b89a72a335a1ff9bb3d28bf555c16ae836ec1)

...we widen the trench.

However, since there is another NAM curve at the end of this diagonal stretch, and it curves in the opposite direction...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%25207%2F7006.jpg&hash=961d3e0adb70bb6b0e34900941353341e2812643)

...further widening is necessary, giving us...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%25207%2F7007.jpg&hash=68541e5965738db566f2a76f6d36f2f0af3dfe75)

...this!

And our final product, sans-retaining walls—


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%25207%2F7008.jpg&hash=aa3fbe1131352da4b2c67ab995737fb1cf5804c9)

So, there's the longer answer for you, Dave! Yes, I do plan to use the 45° curves...and that's how I plan to use them!

Part II will be coming, I promise!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Simpson on November 24, 2008, 11:42:17 AM
Hey!! it's really better with the nam curves my friend, this is looking superb and more réalistic. :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: paroch on November 24, 2008, 11:44:04 AM
Nice work there Dustin - it's always interesting to see how other people approach a fresh region and some specific building issues.  And no probs re the LE hints - if ever you're looking for something always feel free to ask.  I'm not as knowledgable as some others on here but have played with the LE enough to have some idea!!

Good luck with the next installment.

Paul
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: rooker1 on November 24, 2008, 11:57:40 AM
I know that you just posted this, but how long do we have to wait for Part 2?
::)  ;)
Just kidding, I guess I can wait.  But I too want to use the curved high way pieces and Buddybud's walls.
I love the mosaic from the previous update, awesome work.
&apls

Robin  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: metarvo on November 24, 2008, 12:08:21 PM
I had never thought of adding NAM 45-degree curves to sunken highways, before, so I can say that you have given me some ideas.  This is an inspiring MD, if I do say so myself, Dustin. :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Ennedi on November 24, 2008, 03:56:49 PM
Well, well...

I remember many cases when various people suggested you to start your own MD and your constant answer was "Looking at all these amazing MDs I see every day I'm sure my skills are too poor!..." And the only thing I can say now is
:D :D :D :D :D

Great work Dustin! You not only started the regional development (and it needs much thorough preliminary planning), but you also play with LE and in addition you decided to explain us how did you do everything! :) That's a very ambitious project. All these tasks need a lot of work, and you should expect many surprises during your region development. But knowing your logical thinking and consequence I'm sure you will handle them all.

I wish you good luck, and every time you will need any help, don't hesitate to ask! I think we will see many unique and innovative things in your MD!  :thumbsup:

Adam
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Jmouse on November 24, 2008, 04:30:31 PM
I like the way you dealt with the issue of curves, Dustin. Also I like the looks of the highway with a little "breathing room" around it (last photo). Do you have plans for feeder roads alongside the main highway? Whether or not, the transport system looks better and better every time you show it!

Later...
Joan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on November 25, 2008, 10:08:26 PM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies.jpg&hash=f9a404e367cb5e6d84638084803c586e8b151f6e)

David (Simpson): Thank you, my friend! I like the NAM curves much better myself, too. They are a more gradual curve, not that break-neck elbow that the regular curve gives you. Thanks for coming by!

Paul (paroch): Hi, Paul! I'd say, from what you've helped me out with thus far and from what I've seen, you're quite knowledgeable with LE, my friend! I'll probably be taking you up on your offer to help me out, too, as I head further into the depths of LE'ing! Take care, Paul!

Robin (rooker1): Thank you, Robin! And like I said earlier, congratulations on making it to the Hall of Fame, my friend—you and your work are an inspiration, not only to me, but to everyone, and it is now moving to its well-deserved home!

metarvo: Thank you so much! I've been inspired by so many people here, it feels good to be doing the inspiring! Hope to see you here again!

Adam (Ennedi): Welcome to Marathon, Adam! It's so great to see you back around, my friend, and I'm so happy that you've enjoyed things here so far. As for explaining everything—I'm not sure if you're aware, but there's this MD out there in the MD Hall of Fame called Ennedi Plays Shosaloza (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=2157.0), where I've learned more in one sitting than I think I did in four years of college! Your work is one of my many inspirations, Adam, and I strive to have Marathon be a fraction as good as your work is! Hope to see you back soon, my friend!

Joan (Jmouse): I hadn't thought of feeder roads, but now that you mention, it sounds like something to play with! Thanks for the suggestion and your support, Joan!




I was combing though some pictures today and found...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F017.jpg&hash=ce3c89cfd8a6886648a4e7131ddd707f36295b0e)

...this—a shot that I missed during the BETA testing of the FAR/FARR. Not a proper Marathon teaser, per se, but we'll be heading into the rural areas of Marathon at some point, too, so this is somewhat appropriate!

Speaking of the FAR/FARR (though, it goes without saying!), if you haven't checked out the FAR/FARR, stop what you're doing and go right over to Three Rivers Region (3RR) (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=112.0), where my good friend David (dedgren) is doing things that will, quite simply, knock you right out of your chair. Be forewarned, though, you will completely change your outlook on the game once you step into 3RR! Don't say I didn't warn you!

And Robin (rooker1)—don't fret, my friend! Part II is next on the agenda, just for you!

Until then!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Earth quake on November 25, 2008, 10:42:23 PM
WELCOME TO PAGE 10
Wow, excellent teaser Dustin, I really like the 22.5 road and Rail. (the Far/Farr  :thumbsup:)
Really beauitufl, I love your forest

This pic is really, a hummmm........Fabulous.  &idea
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: tooheys on November 26, 2008, 01:54:07 AM
Hehe, I'm a nasty person aren't I. Dustin, seems I forgot to mention that little problem $%Grinno$%

There is one other possible solution, reasonably neat, I'll PM it to you to have a look at.

By the way, thats a good teaser for a non-teaser. Nice pic mate  :thumbsup:

Dave

Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on November 26, 2008, 04:09:50 AM
Dustin, the tutorial is really useful my friend, thanks for it  &apls :thumbsup: the last teaser is looking awesome , great use of the FARR and FAR  :thumbsup: great choice of bridges and trees  &apls
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bat on November 26, 2008, 10:24:02 AM
All pictures are very nice there! Fantastic work on them!
And wonderful updates, also the mosaic looks beautiful!

(Sorry for missing some updates...)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Jmouse on November 26, 2008, 01:32:39 PM
Nice rural shot, Dustin. Hope to see some of those in Marathon - I'm a sucker for that kind of scenery!

Later...
Joan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: paroch on November 26, 2008, 01:56:20 PM
Great choice of train there - the VIA rail is what we have in West End as well!!

Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Lilojame on November 26, 2008, 02:43:07 PM
Hi there, my friend!
Sorry for missing on update there but it looks great and that "not a teaser" it looks fanthastic!  &apls
Looking foward to see more.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon [11/27/08]: UPDATE VIII: The Highway...Part II
Post by: thundercrack83 on November 27, 2008, 12:08:00 PM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies.jpg&hash=f9a404e367cb5e6d84638084803c586e8b151f6e)

Earth quake: Thank you, my friend, for your comments, and for bringing us to Page 10!

Dave (tooheys): Thanks so much, Dave, for your solution! We'll be exploring that a bit more soon!

Arthur (art128): Hi, Arthur! Thanks for your kind words, my friend!

bat: Don't worry about missing updates, my friend. I still need to get caught up on your great work over in Capporth City (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=1247.0) before we're even close to being even! Take care!

Joan (Jmouse): Oh, don't worry, Joan! We'll have some rural scenery in Marathon, too! I have to cover all the bases!

Paul (paroch): Thanks, Paul! I'm a big fan of the VIA Rail trains, too!

Karin (Lilojame): Thank you, Karin! And don't worry about missing updates, we've all got things that to do sometimes, right? Thanks for coming by!





UPDATE VIII
The Highway is Alive Tonight
Part II: Nobody's Kiddin' Nobody About Where it Goes

27 November 2008

When last we discussed this, way back in Update VI: The Highway is Alive Tonight, Part I (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6190.msg201032#msg201032), we left off...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%25206%2F6014.jpg&hash=e28f92e2314355f01fa03ccdbab47a45fbd18e69)

...here.

Since Tile I is nothing but water, we'll pick up in Tile J, where...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%25208%2F8001.jpg&hash=012ec3d9031a0fcbeedb398e2ca84432d2be27a5)

...we have the trench in place, but I used some rail lines to get a nice gentle slope, both in the trench, as well as the rest of the tile.

Next step—


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%25208%2F8002.jpg&hash=9308a742c2e2eab38e2cf4f50d3cf935c0e74c9a)

A tunnel that goes underwater to lead off of Marathon Island to the mainland.

With the tunnel in place, the rest is just clean-up, so we move to Tile K.


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%25208%2F8003.jpg&hash=2077a8f9015f3f1714e61a65af651c4ba64a6397)

Here, we have a sport where a T-junction will go, and then lead to...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%25208%2F8004.jpg&hash=83aacfde3dd13f9b43e6ebc61970fdcf4bc1c35e)

...another diagonal section, so we have to dig the trench.

Trench is in place...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%25208%2F8005.jpg&hash=c4982e2d373a454624d609a0afa6d62f5c617f1a)

...and the highway is plopped.


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%25208%2F8006.jpg&hash=c8288d0c230763a6f021a4a844a847c2457cd740)

Just some more clean-up to do. NOTE: I will have to go back through at a later date to update these curves with the NAM curves, as per UPDATE VII: 45° (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6190.msg202226#msg202226).

Moving on! We jump all the way to Tile Q, since Tiles L, M, N, and O are just standard highway placement.

In Tile Q...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%25208%2F8007.jpg&hash=3666819fd4994a5620d66058051959bc6f01c3ed)

...we have more terrain to negotiate, so the trench is dug...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%25208%2F8008.jpg&hash=92f6228dff94bf5c1aa6a096f0bd0427f385797e)

...in accordance with the grade of the slope.

Finally, we get to possibly the most complicated tile...Tile R.


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%25208%2F8009.jpg&hash=bed60e42f5c63f7129826156524e2e995a18b5ed)

We begin with another tunnel to the mainland, and then...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%25208%2F8010.jpg&hash=420fa17fe10ed21e7eddae74a8db9ef9a463bb62)

...the trench for the connection from Tile Q is dug.

Since we have three lines coming in from the mainland...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%25208%2F8011.jpg&hash=314387bc6315b2b7d844926ee56adff9193c4fab)

...some wider trenches must be dug.

With those in place, we begin connecting the dots.


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%25208%2F8012.jpg&hash=bf8993ec0f9e4c955b5e5c552a538b584d15b15b)

And...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%25208%2F8013.jpg&hash=bb922ef3a0fe0bf24367d3f6db7142777d28cce8)

...put in the finishing touches!

So, after all of that, we come out with...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%25208%2F8014.jpg&hash=fb9c56257cc484c5a81e1ccaf47154b50ba968e3)

...our final region map!

And for posterity...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FMaps%2FHighway.jpg&hash=a749dd3922fc6673ce7382f98c1b9fa4ab9a0011)

...the highway map for comparison.

So the highways are in place for Marathon Island. But there are a few loose ends—what's going on...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%25206%2F6007.jpg&hash=fc82166b1b5450e0f263924de0ad93e0327acf18)

...here in Tile C? And what about Tile B, which was conveniently skipped?

All these questions and more will be answered soon!

In the meantime, today is Thanksgiving in the United States, so I wish all my fellow Americans a Happy Thanksgiving and leave you with...


http://www.youtube.com/v/p101CHrWR7s&hl=en&fs=1

...this from A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Charlie_Brown_Thanksgiving).


Happy Thanksgiving!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Yoman on November 27, 2008, 12:14:42 PM
I like the highway setup, it reminds me alot of seemurey's cities back at ST from a few years ago, he was the American Highway master :thumbsup: Happy Thanksgiving.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: rooker1 on November 27, 2008, 12:17:17 PM
Quote
All these questions and more will be answered soon!

Not fair.  $%Grinno$%

All the highways are done, now what goes in between.  :-\

Robin  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Pat on November 27, 2008, 01:02:21 PM
amazing stuff Mr admin sir!! I got to keep myself on my toes now and another hugh congrats to you for your promotion sir!!! Dustin what an honor!!!! I have got to come in here constantly to see what you are doing every hour just to make sure I havent missed anything lol...
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Jmouse on November 27, 2008, 02:15:39 PM
Well-planned highway system, Dustin. Wish I could say the same for my work, but I'm a lot more haphazard and no good whatsoever at long-range planning. And I think Robin made a good point about what goes in between - I'm pretty curious myself.

Later...
Joan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Lilojame on November 27, 2008, 02:33:48 PM
Hi Dustin! Yes, you are right, we do. As for the update, I have to say it is nicely executed but that goes for all of your updates. Again it is very interesting to see how you build roads. What you did on picture 14 with those 3 highways is something I would never came up with, so I find it great and even inspirational.
I was never a "fan" for transportation networks, but not because I would not find them fascinating (since I do) but because they are my weak point, something that I am unable to understand quite right for now but looking at your work here is tempting me to try it and not just let it behind in some "dark corner".
Anyhow, to make it short, you are doing superb work here and I am very much interested in what you will show us next. :thumbsup:

Yours Truly,
Karin ()borg()

PS: Congratulations on becoming and admin at this great site. Seeing your work here, which portrays devotion, imagination, good planing and making those plans alive and last but not least the precision that you show, I am very sure that you will do a superb work on this new position also.  &apls
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: JBSimio on November 27, 2008, 05:46:28 PM
Hi Dustin!  That's a very nice highway layout you've got going.  This must be an incredibly busy island to warrant such a huge tunnel!  I really like how you transitioned from tunnel's "gathering point" into the three different routes.  I'm curious to see how you've done the other entrance on the western side of the island... but I suppose I'll just have to sit and wait until you get around to letting us all see it.

Congratulations on all the different successes you're having here.  Between this MD, the new staffing arrangements, and the other competitions going on... you've had one heck of a month!  :thumbsup:

JB
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: metarvo on November 27, 2008, 08:02:39 PM
I must congratulate you on becoming an admin, Dustin.  It is an honor that you truly deserve, considering all of the wonderful work that you have done on our site.  Of course, it goes without saying that some of this amazing work can be found right here in CoM.  This highway system is very thoughtfully and carefully built.  This is the kind of construction that SC4D transit heroes are known for.  I hope that this has been a happy Thanksgiving for you, Dustin.

&apls
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: projectadam on November 28, 2008, 11:47:29 AM
Dustin,

I suppose I have lurked here long enough and it is time to come out of the shadows. This has been a treat of an MD to follow especially since I love seeing things from start to finish and the initial planning stages. The highway network is fabulous! You have also done a great job keeping this MD very interesting without having a single building. Keep up the good work and I guess it is time to head back into the shadows for me ()lurker()
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on November 28, 2008, 10:38:31 PM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies.jpg&hash=f9a404e367cb5e6d84638084803c586e8b151f6e)

Owen (Yoman): I hope that you had a wonderful Thanksgiving, too, my friend! And thank you so much for the great comment! Hope to see you back!

Robin (rooker1): Hi, Robin! In between, eh? You want the real answer—I have no idea...yet! We'll find out together! Take care, my friend!

Pat: Thank you for the congratulations, and for your kind words!

Joan (Jmouse): Hello, Joan! Like I said to Robin, your guess is as good as mine!

Karin (Lilojame): Thank you so much, Karin! Your support is very much appreciated, both for Marathon, and for my new position here at SC4D!

Jon (JBSimio): It's been quite a month, not only for me, but for all of SC4D! The Anniversary has made things so special around here, I'm just happy to be a part and do my part! And thank you for your comments on the highway system, too! From seeing your highway set-ups over in Covington (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=4274.0), I know that you know your way around a highway! Thanks for stopping by!

metarvo: Thanks so very much, my friend. You are too kind! I hope you and yours had a wonderful Thanksgiving, too!

projectadam: Thanks for coming out of the shadows, my friend! But, don't worry, feel free to lurk any time!




First, I must thank everyone for the heart-felt words of congratulations and support that I have gotten, not only here in Marathon, but elsewhere throughout SC4D, on being selected as an Administrator. Most of all, I would like to thank our leader and good friend jeronij for trusting me with this position. I will have that trust on my mind with every decision that I make in this new responsibility, and I will do my best not to let you or the community down! Thank you all so very, very much!

I'm back in Allentown this weekend again, but I received a PM from your friend and mine, Dave (tooheys), whose question earlier about the 45° NAM curves took us on the much needed tangent in UPDATE VII: 45° (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6190.msg202226#msg202226). In the PM, Dave outlined another solution to the problem addressed in the aforementioned update...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg291.imageshack.us%2Fimg291%2F6818%2Fnewcityjan1400122727241an0.jpg&hash=88034f31850a1bcba8a91b518dfd51eff0c19bf5)

...which will most certainly come in handy to keep the curves and diagonal sections of Marathon Island's highway from getting...(gulp)...repetitive and boring.

Dave, thank you so much for this solution, my friend! My undying need for variation is now appeased, thanks to you!

And one more treat for you, considering my current location—


http://www.youtube.com/v/MocLVpRVPOY&hl=en&fs=1
"Allentown" by Billy Joel. The Nylon Curtain, 1982.

Technically, my girlfriend lives closer to Bethlehem than Allentown (http://maps.google.com/maps?client=safari&rls=en-us&q=Allentown&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&um=1&sa=X&oi=geocode_result&resnum=1&ct=title), but, well, Bethlehem's in the song, too!

Oh, and we're also closing in on 200 comments already! I have to say, you guys are the best! The absolute best!

Who'll ring the bell?
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Earth quake on November 29, 2008, 12:03:56 AM
Nice teaser and video dustin, I really like this.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Simpson on November 29, 2008, 12:36:23 AM
The last update is really fantastic, the highways are looking really superb and incredible. And also now with curves it's fantastic and more réalistic  &apls &apls
Also your région map is really excellent, great work on it  :thumbsup:. Also I'm am looking forward to the next update my friend  ::)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: squidi on November 29, 2008, 01:26:35 AM
great work dustin!
i love to see how you show all the progress step by step even if iam sometimes
a bit to lazy to leave a comment /wrrd%&

-paul
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Pat on November 29, 2008, 01:31:53 AM
Dustin intresting indeed there and gotta love a twist!!! Gotta love that video there as well too...
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: kimcar on November 29, 2008, 07:10:39 AM
 &apls Nice evolution for your highway Dustin It`s not always easy to get a great render but when we find it that give a great satifaction. I like the way who give the curve on the last pic. My only sugest it if is possible to get this way with your fences section . Not absolutely round way but

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg264.imageshack.us%2Fimg264%2F2742%2Fnewcityjan1400122727241np9.jpg&hash=5bce0cc9ac1384ad530323a7b786c7ec94004a54) (http://imageshack.us)  more same look each side of the curve. Hope you understand whst i mean  ;D Anyway it`s only a suggestion. you are the boss :D Looking forward
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bat on November 29, 2008, 08:32:12 AM
Nice work there on the highway! And also wonderful pictures!
Looking forward to more... :)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Jmouse on November 29, 2008, 11:50:53 AM
Dustin, that curve looks great! Dave is really good at figuring things like that out, but don't tell him I said so! ;) I really like the walls you're using, too. It's amazing to see how things are turning out since you first laid out the terraforming and dragged a few highways.

Later...
Joan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on November 29, 2008, 11:08:38 PM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies.jpg&hash=f9a404e367cb5e6d84638084803c586e8b151f6e)

Earth quake: Merci bien, mon fidèle ami! I can always count on you stopping in with your very kind words of support!

David (Simpson): Thank you so much, David! Your great comments here in Marathon are always appreciated~

Paul (squidi): Thanks for coming by, Paul! I understand about being too lazy to comment, too! There's so much that goes on here at SC4D, it's hard to comment on all of it!

Pat: Thanks, my friend!

kimcar: Actually, that picture was taken by Dave (tooheys) and sent to me by PM. Your idea for filling in those gaps is a great one, though, and I will most certainly be making the most of it! Thank you so very much!

bat: Thank you, bat! It's great to see you here, my friend!

Joan (Jmouse): Don't worry, your secret's safe with me, Joan! I know what you mean about Dave, too—he does seem to be good a figuring stuff out! (I knew there was a reason we kept you around, Dave! Heh!) Thanks for your support, Joan!




Well, here we are! 200+ replies, over 3600 views, and all in a span of about 25 days!

Friends, I don't really know how to thank all of you for taking the time to come to Marathon, whether posting or just checking thing out. When I started this MD—and even before...ask Robin (rooker1)!—I was worried that I didn't have any worthwhile to show, or that I was only rehashing ideas previously examined by our great minds here at SC4D and elsewhere. Whether that is the case or not, all of you have made the first 25 days of this MD some of the best time I've spent here at SC4D! If the next 25 days are half as great as the past ones were, things can only get better!

And speaking of Robin...I have to give my very good friend a special thank you, since he is the man responsible for Marathon opening in the first place! About a month ago, he and I were discussing the possibility of my opening an MD on MSN, to which he responded with daily pleading, prodding, persuading, and other words that begin with "P" as well, until I surrendered! While I had many ideas in my head, without Robin's support, I would never have gone into the game and put those ideas into action. And for that, alone, I owe him a great debt of gratitude! Thank you so much, Robin! So if you're a fan of things here in Marathon, make sure you thank our friend Robin!

It's almost 2:00 AM here in Pennsylvania, so just a quick note. I've made a banner for the Table of Contents...


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...and it's up in the first post of the thread.

More from Marathon will be coming soon! Thank you all again, from the bottom of my heart!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: rooker1 on November 30, 2008, 11:41:19 AM
Congrats to my good friend Dustin for a very well earned award.

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Robin  &apls &apls &apls
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Pat on November 30, 2008, 11:55:33 AM
well even though you are not in recently published anymore Dustin Congratulations for Winning the MD award!!!! Robin thank you for lighting the fire under Dustin to do the MD!!!!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: threeswept on November 30, 2008, 12:10:53 PM
CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR AWARD!!!!! &apls &apls &apls &apls &apls
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Ryan B. on November 30, 2008, 12:13:09 PM
A well-deserved award to the fastest-growing MD I've ever seen.

Congratulations, Dustin - and keep the good times a-rollin'!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Heblem on November 30, 2008, 04:09:41 PM
Dustin, congratulations for the award! and im new to here at your MD, sorry for not being here in your last updates.

I watched the entire MD, and your antetion to details its great! im really impressed, also your skills in LE are perfect i think your better than me, hehe

Can't wait til your next update,
take care
Eblem
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Lilojame on November 30, 2008, 04:36:36 PM
Hi there, my friend!
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi38.tinypic.com%2F28ibz9g.jpg&hash=d209e44ec82380a15b5bf99732d024cd721fc105)
&apls
Seriously, you deserve it!

Yours truly,
Karin
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Jmouse on November 30, 2008, 05:07:38 PM
Congratulations, Dustin, and thanks, Robin. You guys make a winning duo in the MD department! :thumbsup:

Later...
Joan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: kimcar on November 30, 2008, 06:24:47 PM
With a great start no doubt you deserve this award  &apls &apls &apls Congrats Dustin :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: JBSimio on November 30, 2008, 09:52:29 PM
Congratulations, Dustin!  It's been such an amazing start and I can't even begin to imagine what you might have in store for us in the future.  All I know is that I'm looking forward to seeing it... whatever it might be!   &apls  &apls  &apls

JB
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bat on December 01, 2008, 03:27:36 AM
Congrats for your award, Dustin!!! Nice work on your MD there and also in the Recently Public - section (only 2 weeks in that section &apls)... &apls
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: metarvo on December 01, 2008, 06:45:12 AM
It may have taken you a while to start an MD, but I really don't know why you waited so long.  CoM is proof that you really do have it in you, Dustin. :thumbsup:  On the other hand, you might not have been in Recently Published at the right time to win this award if you had started CoM earlier, so I suppose it worked out.  Congratulations, Dustin.  With progress like this, it may not be too long before this wonderful MD gets moved to Classics.  I do hope you're careful with that gift you received. ;) lol

&apls
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on December 01, 2008, 10:49:16 AM
Dustin, congrats on this very well deserved award  &apls
The last update I forgot, is really nice my friend, excellent terraforming  :thumbsup:

and welcome to the OSITM, it's very well deserved, for a great start of your MD  &apls
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: paroch on December 01, 2008, 11:38:47 AM
BIG congrats Dustin on both the MD award and the movement to OSITM.  With the sheer volume of comments and the interest CoM has generated it would have been a crime if you were not here!!

Enjoy the month and I look forward to seeing what you deliver for us.

Paul
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Pat on December 01, 2008, 11:44:39 AM
Hey Dustin congrats on winning your award again and also going OSITM!!!! WOW you got a biiiiiig month ahead of you!!!!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on December 01, 2008, 01:18:28 PM

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Robin (rooker1): Wow, thank you so much for doing the honors, Robin! I couldn't have gotten better news from a better person!

Pat: Thank you, my friend! And thanks for thanking Robin, too—he deserves it!

threeswept: Wow, thank you!

Ryan (burgsabre87): Thank you, Ryan! I'll definitely try to keep'em rollin'!

Eblem (Heblem): Thank you for coming by, my friend! And thank you for your kind words, too! Your support is very much appreciated!

Karin (Lilojame): Thanks so much, Karin! And congratulations on winning Best Newcomer, too!

Joan (Jmouse): That Robin guy's all right, isn't he? I'll say he is! Thanks, Joan!

kimcar: Thank you very much!

Jon (JBSimio): Thanks, Jon! I'm looking forward to it, too—I don't really know where things are headed yet!

bat: Thank you, bat! I appreciate it, my friend!

metarvo: Thanks, my friend! Like I said, I was reluctant to start one because I wasn't sure if I'd be successful at it. Thanks to you and everyone else, it seems like things are going OK! Thanks again, for your continued support!

Arthur (art128): Merci, Arthur!

Paul (paroch): Hi, Paul! Thank you for taking the time to stop in with your kind words! You're a true friend!

Pat: Thanks, buddy! I hope December's as good as November was!




Well, this is getting overwhelming!

First, being awarded Best in Recently Published after only spending 10 days in the section was great, but now I've been selected for Of Special Interest This Month in December!

There have been more than a few MDs that have done some wonderful things with their time in OSITM. Heck, look at the group we had in November—Pat, Robin, Paul, and bat—now that is a group of MD authors that know how to celebrate OSITM! I only hope that I can use the time half as well as they have!

So, first item—


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Each day in the month of December, we'll be posting a different picture of something random from Marathon. Kind of as a teaser, but more as a celebration of the time in OSITM.

Here's...


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DECEMBER 1

I also have a bit of a surprise in the works, but we'll get to that in due time...

Also, of course, updates will be posted like they always have been, so with any luck, things here in Marathon should be pretty busy for the month of December!

One down, 30 to go!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Ennedi on December 01, 2008, 01:27:00 PM
Hey Dustin, you really made "Enter the Dragon" here!  :D :thumbsup:

Both your awards are very well deserved, and I hope you will not underappreciate your playing skills anymore!  :D

But the most important thing is you made a really interesting and creative MD, and I think it's not only a pleasure for your viewers, but a joy for you too - and I knew that it's a joy when I (and some others) suggested you to start the MD adventure  ;)

Wow, 31 pictures - the first one is very good, I will wait for next ones!

Adam
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: dsrwhat316 on December 01, 2008, 02:02:49 PM
Congrats, Dustin, on both your OSITM and your MD Award  :thumbsup: &apls &apls!

So every day we'll see something different? A fitting task for OSITM. Everything looks nice and clean, I look forward to more!

~ Dan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Lilojame on December 01, 2008, 03:25:37 PM
Hey Dustin!

Thanks and congrats on being in OSITM!!!  &apls Lovely picture there!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Pat on December 01, 2008, 03:32:24 PM
Dustin no problem at all, in response to your replies to me!!! Hey I love that new pic and your 31 days of OSITM Pic is stunning!!! Of course now there is 30 to go and I will be in everyday to support you my friend!!!  &apls
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: rooker1 on December 01, 2008, 05:15:21 PM
Congrats my friend.  I feel like I keep saying this to everyone recently.  And more so to some.  ::)  ;)
Awesome picture and I love the idea, almost like an Advent calendar.  I can't wait for the other 30 and what ever goes in between and this surprise you say you are working has me a little perplexed.  ???
I'll be watchin you this month for sure.
Robin  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bluesinjid on December 01, 2008, 05:48:17 PM
Wow congratz again on your award in recently published and now O.S.I.M!  &apls  :thumbsup:  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: dedgren on December 01, 2008, 07:27:28 PM
Congratulations, thundercrack83!

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg78.imageshack.us%2Fimg78%2F741%2Fcommonwealthofmarathonoq5.png&hash=08e7c1dec7a2c333d55c8771eab635329950eab0)

The MD Section Staff*

* Actually, Dustin, it's just little old me filling in for Robin and you.  The ribbons were a bit late arriving from the printer. -DE
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: rooker1 on December 01, 2008, 07:32:41 PM
An official Congrats now. 
It's no surprise to me that your MD found it's way into the OSITM so quickly.  Awesome pics, fantastic tutorials great terraforming all come together to make one super MD.

Robin  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Heblem on December 01, 2008, 07:41:34 PM
Congratulations for the MD month award!!  :thumbsup:

As for the first picture of the month looks really interesting i like the fair variation of the buildings height...
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: JBSimio on December 01, 2008, 11:05:09 PM
Dustin,

As I've already said elsewhere... you of all people are to be congratulated and commended this month.  You have a Mayor's Diary that is hotter than my ex-girlfriend... you've managed to be the front person for not one, but two, large voting polls in the Picture and MD categories... you maintain the statistics for all the MDs here... you've been "promoted"... and now you're going to give us at least one picture every single day for the next month!  And I thought I was busy?!?  I appreciate all you efforts here (and for the site in general) and I'm honored to share this month with you.

Today's picture (well... yesterday's for you by now!) is a nice one.  It looks like a suburban office park... but it's hard to say for sure in such a tight shot.  Either way, the buildings go together very well.  I'm already looking forward to tomorrow's (today's?) picture!

Congratulations again, my friend!
JB
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Jmouse on December 02, 2008, 01:30:56 AM
I'll add my official congratulations and heartfelt thanks, Dustin. You're largely responsible for what must be the greatest month in SC4D history, or pretty darn close. Trouble is, I don't think most folks appreciate all you do because you make everything run so smoothly. But you can be sure your hard work is noticed.

As for Marathon, I've followed it from square one and I'm firmly hooked. You have some wonderful ideas, and I'm anxious to see how all this plays out. November was fabulous, and it looks like December is going to be right up there in the clouds, too!

Later...
Joan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bat on December 02, 2008, 06:01:19 AM
Congratulations for being in the OSITM for December 08! &apls &apls

And the first update there on the first day is great!!
Looking forward to the next update... ;)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on December 02, 2008, 11:38:23 AM

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Adam (Ennedi): Hi, Adam! I don't know about Enter the Dragon—perhaps Bloodsport, though. I'm not on that Bruce Lee level, yet, but maybe I've reached the Jean-Claude Van Damme level! Thank you so much for all your support, my friend!

Dan (dsrwhat316): It is a bit of a daunting task, I'll say! But, with a bit of planning, I think I'll be able to pull it off. And where I said "think," please read "hope!" Take care!

Karin (Lilojame): Hello, Karin! Thank you so much!

Pat: Thank you, my friend! I know you'll be here every day! In fact, I'm counting on it! Can't wait to see you here again!

Robin (rooker1): Thanks, Robin! And I forgot about the surprise—I need to get that ironed out! Thanks for stopping in, my friend!

bluesinjid: Thanks!

David (dedgren): Thanks for the ribbon, David! It's good to see you around here, and when you're giving a ribbon, well, that's even better! Hope all is well with you!

Robin (rooker1): The ribbon does make it official, doesn't it? Thanks again!

Eblem (Heblem): Thank you!

Jon (JBSimio): Thank you very much, Jon! Things have been pretty hectic for me, I'll admit. But having a touch of insomnia helps, and believe me, it's all worth it! Thanks for stopping by, my friend!

Joan (Jmouse): Thank you, Joan, I mean it. Your kind words and support mean so much to me, both here and Marathon, and everywhere else! And I'm not the only one responsible for the great things happening around here—I believe your hands have been in many a project, too! So give yourself a round of applause, my friend!

bat: Thank you, bat!




Well...


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DECEMBER 2

...number two!

A proper update shall be forthcoming, I'm working on it this afternoon!

Until then, my friends, thank you for the outpouring of support and well wishes!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: rooker1 on December 02, 2008, 11:43:21 AM
WOW.... :o....
Do you really have that much traffic on your highways or are you using a trafiic generator?
Great picture my friend. 

Robin
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on December 02, 2008, 12:03:54 PM
3 highway ? wow ! splendid downtown there Dustin, great work  &apls
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: CasperVg on December 02, 2008, 12:05:27 PM
Well, I've been a little hesitant from posting something here, but I must say I have enjoyed reading and watching through the work you have done and the pictures you have posted. I am not surprised to see the impressive growth your Mayor Diary has had since it has started, since, and I'm sure everyone agrees, it looks splendid.

I must say that the highway you have shown in this picture looks great, granted that it is perhaps just a tad unrealistic, due to the game's limitations. It's surroundings look great, and fit together nicely. The custom content you have chosen to use to build up this picture are tastefully correspondent, and to me exhale some sort of absolute soberness, yet, I think thanks to the colorful cars in the on the multiple motorways, the picture attracts me in a very special way, which I find hard to describe.

Greetings,
Casper

P.S.: Almost forgot about it, congratulations on the OSITM-entry and the Mayor Diary award. Both are well deserved.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: metarvo on December 02, 2008, 12:12:17 PM
I've heard of dual highways before, but I believe that this is the first time I have seen a triple highway used.  I look forward to seeing where that goes one of these days.  Of course, your December 1 shot is really nice.  The buildings go together quite well.  I see that you are using your OSITM time wisely.  I look forward to tomorrow's pic.  Great job, Dustin!   :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: kimcar on December 02, 2008, 01:17:48 PM
 &apls &apls Mmm. Great teaser and congrats for thr OSITM . It`s your month Dustin  :D :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Pat on December 02, 2008, 04:44:58 PM
Hey Dustin, # 2 and waiting for number 3 lol... Liking the traffic you got there!!! I see what looks like the West End Flag if I am not mistaken?
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Heblem on December 02, 2008, 04:56:11 PM
That highway reminds me to LA  ;D great job!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Jmouse on December 02, 2008, 04:59:39 PM
Nice urban view, Dustin. A bit too crowded for my taste ::), but the scene is a good one just the same. I'd love to see a view of that whole triple-highway transit complex from beginning to end.

Later...
Joan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon [12/03/08]: UPDATE IX: More About Marathon, Part I
Post by: thundercrack83 on December 02, 2008, 06:58:31 PM

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Robin (rooker1): Hi, Robin! That's a traffic generator. You can see the tell-tales signs—clumps of cars, followed by empty spaces. I use them a lot, actually. Thanks for coming by!

Arthur (art128): Thank you, my friend!

Casper (caspervg): Thanks for stopping in, Casper—Welcome to Marathon! Thank you for your very detailed comments, my friend! I appreciate your input!

metarvo: Thanks, my friend! Don't worry, we'll be seeing more of the triple highways, as well as where they lead! Take care!

kimcar: Thanks so much for your support!

Pat: Thanks, my friend! Actually, the flags you see are those of the Province of Québec (the blue one) and the City of Montréal (the white), as well as the Canadian flag. The building is Place Ville-Marie (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Place_Ville-Marie) in Montréal.

Eblem (Heblem): Thank you! All the lanes and traffic does look like Los Angeles!

Joan (Jmouse): Thank you, Joan! Personally, I'm a fan of crowded urban areas, but I'm a fan of a good rural area, too! And like I said to our friend metarvo, we'll ve seeing more of those highways and where they lead in the future. Take care, Joan!





UPDATE IX
More About Marathon
Part I: History—From Introduction to War...

2 December 2008

Be patient...
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: rooker1 on December 02, 2008, 07:59:49 PM
/wrrd%&.....just kidding, although I do remember falling asleep in history class.  ::)  ;)

Really just kidding. 
That was one great piece of colourful history. 
I think it's really cool how you added your island to the real world and have been able to make up a very interesting historical story.  I can't wait to hear the rest and how you bring us up to the present.
After reading the history lesson, I now have a really cool idea on what you can do in LE for the sea wall pieces.  I wonder if you are thinking the same things I am.  I will be looking for some props tomorrow and we can speak more than, if I can find them.  ::)

Robin  &apls
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Lilojame on December 03, 2008, 02:18:49 AM
Hi there!

I loved the previous picture and how full the highways were.
And this update is fabulous, very well written and nice pictures accompanying it.
Great work!

Have fun,
Karin ()borg()
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Simpson on December 03, 2008, 04:19:34 AM
Hi Dustin  :)

First:

Congratulation for your award, this is totally deserved

Second:
The teaser (of December 02) is incredible, the highways look stange but finally it's looking superb and réalistic, and also your city is fantastic  &apls

The update IX is looking very good, very good history.  :thumbsup:
I'm looking forward to the next update my friend
Take care, David ::)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on December 03, 2008, 05:00:31 AM
Ah! ! there's just the island yet !!
I think you will create the other parts of the region ?
You have chose a great emplacement for your region Dustin.  :thumbsup:
Can't wait to see more !
Arthur.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: metarvo on December 03, 2008, 05:53:26 AM
Congratulations on OSITM and Best in Recently Published, Dustin!

&apls

This is an excellent history lesson, Dustin.  That island to the east of Marathon's mainland does look familiar. :)  It is good to see CoM put into perspective with the rest of the world, which makes it more believable.  I'm ready for more. 
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bat on December 03, 2008, 07:23:04 AM
Nice historical update there of Marathon! :thumbsup:
Looking forward to more...
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: flyinbird93 on December 03, 2008, 08:11:56 AM
great story!  Nice cj, i really enjoyed what you have so far.  wonderful work, cant wait for more :)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Jmouse on December 03, 2008, 09:07:26 AM
Wonderful presentation of Marathon's colorful history. Both the maps and the background story lend a sense of credibility often lacking in MDs. Besides, it makes for a darn good read! :thumbsup:

Later...
Joan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: CasperVg on December 03, 2008, 10:38:53 AM
Hehe,

I postponed reading this update until I had finished my History Exams today, as I wasn't certain if I would be mixing things up in the end, judging from the realism you have put into this update.

Rest assured, I like updates with a lot of text more than those without it, and I have certainly enjoyed reading through it all. The pictures you have added to the text keep it interesting, while the maps provided an easy to way to geographically keep track of what's being said.

Perfect.

Casper
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on December 03, 2008, 10:58:20 AM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies.jpg&hash=f9a404e367cb5e6d84638084803c586e8b151f6e)

Robin (rooker1): Wake up! Heh—don't worry, Robin, I understand completely. History can be a bit, sleep-inducing! Thanks for you comments, and I can't wait to hear what you have planned for the seawalls. I'll be signing on to MSN any minute now...

Karin (Lilojame): Thank you so much, Karin! I'm happy to hear that your enjoyed them!

David (Simpson): Wow, thank you, my friend! Your kind words are very much appreciated!

Arthur (art128): Hi, Arthur! I will be creating other parts of the region, but I haven't gotten that far yet. I have to do a whole lot of pre-planning and planning before I get there. But don't worry, you'll all be included in every step of the way!

metarvo: Thanks, my friend! I'm glad I was able to bring things into perspective. I found it getting a bit more difficult to continue with things without giving that perspective, since stuff that's in my head would have eventually come up with no background. It would have gotten confusing!

bat: Thanks, bat!

flyinbird93: Thank you so much! And welcome!

Joan (Jmouse): Thank you, Joan! The maps, while they were a bit of a pain to put together, were also a lot of fun to create. I always loved the maps in history books that portrayed battles and wars, and that was my inspiration. Thanks for coming by!

Casper (caspervg): Ha! Waiting until after your exams was definitely a good idea! I know from prior experience that too many facts can make your brain overload, and to add in a bunch of fictional ones—well, that would have been a recipe for disaster! Thank you for stopping in and for your wonderful comments, my friend! Hope to see you around soon!




Moving on...


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DECEMBER 3

...here's today's picture!

I have a few different ideas for the next update, though I'm not quite sure which direction I'll be headed. Don't worry, though—the next part of the history won't be for a little bit!

Thanks for all the support!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Lilojame on December 03, 2008, 11:11:53 AM
Hi there again!
This gold course looks really nice. Even if I don't play golf (just occasionally mini golf) I would love to start playing in there. Anyhow, a very nice update!

See you tomorrow,
Karin ()borg()
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on December 03, 2008, 11:25:15 AM
Dustin, those golf course look good my friend  &apls
Great choice of trees  :thumbsup:
Arthur.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: paroch on December 03, 2008, 11:28:20 AM
Nice work on the 3 pics for December so far Dustin.  Each one brings something different to the party.  Love the traffic shot and the golf course tells me that maybe West End and Marathon are gonna have to have some sort of golf comp of some sort - especially as your players won the trophy last time we tussled  ::)

Good luck with your punishing schedule of updates  :)

Paul
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bat on December 04, 2008, 08:30:23 AM
The picture for 3rd December is looking great! Wonderful work on that part! Looking forward to more... ;)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Simpson on December 04, 2008, 08:44:19 AM
Wow, nice teaser Dustin  :)
The golf is really good and réalistic (where did you take it?), The city looks super  &apls
ALso the nam curves are, here, incredible. It's more réalistic  :thumbsup:
Looking forward to the next update my friend  :)

David  ::)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: metarvo on December 04, 2008, 09:07:03 AM
I'm not really a golfer, but that does look like a good place to play.  I can see that you're making the most of your OSITM time, Dustin.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: flyinbird93 on December 04, 2008, 09:26:33 AM
nice teaser, it looks beautiful (im allowed to use that work right? :-p)!  and thanks for the warm welcome!  cant wait to see what you have for us the next 31 days!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on December 04, 2008, 12:18:12 PM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies.jpg&hash=f9a404e367cb5e6d84638084803c586e8b151f6e)

Karin (Lilojame): Thank you, Karin! I used to play golf quite regularly, but haven't played in a while. Talk about a frustrating sport! Take care, my friend!

Arthur (art128): Thanks so much, Arthur!

Paul (paroch): Hey, Paul! I smell a Skins game between WEST END and Marathon brewing! $500 a hole sound right? Thanks for dropping by, my friend!

bat: Thanks, my friend!

David (Simpson): Thank you, David! When you ask, "Where do you take it?" Do you mean, where did I find the golf course lots? Those can be found on the STEX—ArtGolf Golf Course (http://www.simtropolis.com/stex/index.cfm?id=2643) by doctorgonzo. Or did you mean, where did I get the inspiration? Well, to answer that one, there's two golf courses about 15-20 minutes from my home, and I guess I took a bit of inspiration from them. Otherwise, it was just plop and see what looked good! Hope I answered your question, my friend!

metarvo: Thanks, my friend! And it's OK that you're not a golfer, it's a tough sport to stick with! I haven't played in over a year or so, either!

flyinbird93: Thanks for coming by, my friend! Hope to see you back again!





(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FOSITM.jpg&hash=96778ecf884ebe8a8c248b6cb7b0e2de2d183e31)

And for today's picture, we have—

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FOSITM%2FDec04.jpg&hash=e3d63716101ea609e7aa6afcd525df3d0fe4c820)
DECEMBER 4

A bit of an industrial shot! I'm a huge fan of the Logistics Centers (http://www.simtropolis.com/stex/index.cfm?id=16119), made by cogeo, and love to use them whenever I can!

The reversed Maersk-Sealand (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maersk_Sealand) logo on the blue building is a tell-tale sign of the "Flip Canvas Horizontal" trick in Photoshop, too. I try to avoid that whenever possible, but it seems I missed it this time. Shame, too—the Maersk-Sealand one is my favorite!

I've got a bit of an update in the works, maybe later tonight, definitely by tomorrow, though.

Thanks for coming by!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: rooker1 on December 04, 2008, 12:25:03 PM
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fmedia.bigoo.ws%2Fcontent%2Fgif%2Fsmiles%2Fsmiles_6.gif&hash=e9ddc0f3a775d3139efaf4a1cfd28577f0656f90)

Awesome picture, I want to see more of this area, please. 
This is definately my favourite picture of your Decmeber count down so far.  &apls
The golf course was very good as well, but the picture seemed to be washed out.  But the golf course itself reminds me of summer and the last time I golfed.
Great work and only 240 more posts to Classics.  ::)  ()stsfd()

Robin  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Earth quake on December 04, 2008, 12:29:00 PM
OMG.  :o
Dustin; It's just splendid, incredible pic, I love.  &apls

Really excellent work, just realistic.
Just I want a new pic.

(hard rock hallelujah .....)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: threestooges on December 04, 2008, 12:41:31 PM
Dustin, no surprise Marathon is in OSITM. I loved the recent history update and the recent pictures are great (as are all the prior ones), that rail yard looks like it just stretches on for a while. Sorry I haven't commented here in a while, but I'll certainly try to get around more often.
-Matt
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: JBSimio on December 04, 2008, 02:08:35 PM
Hi Dustin,

I managed to miss a couple of great pictures and a fantastic history lesson.  Sorry about that... but I did have my reasons.  Regardless, the history update was wonderful!   &apls  I've enjoyed all the daily pictures so far, but I think today's might be my favorite to date.  (Not really sure why, but it is.)

Until next time,
JB
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Jmouse on December 04, 2008, 03:00:11 PM
Oh yes, I like this one. Colorful, busy looking and just an all-round good photo.

Later...
Joan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Lilojame on December 04, 2008, 07:50:03 PM
Hi Dustin!
A very busy looking picture there and darn, it does look good as everybody before me stated. Am I right to think that you "forget" to turn off the grid? But even so, the picture still looks really awesome. Even the slight crispiness becomes it very nicely. Great work!  &apls

See you soon,
Karin ()borg()
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on December 04, 2008, 11:38:19 PM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies.jpg&hash=f9a404e367cb5e6d84638084803c586e8b151f6e)

Robin (rooker1): Thanks, Robin! I like this one a lot, too. Like I said, those Logistics Centres are great!

Earth quake: Thanks, my friend!

Matt (threestooges): Hello, my friend! No worries! I'm glad that you enjoyed the history, and I hope to see you around again!

Jon (JBSimio): That's OK, Jon! We've all got too many things to do, right? Thanks for your kind words, my friend, and for coming by!

Joan (Jmouse): Thanks so much, Joan!

Karin (Lilojame): Wow, the grid is on! I completely missed that! I am disappointed in myself, I always make a conscious effort to check for that. Oh, well—Better luck next time! Thanks for dropping in!





(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FOSITM.jpg&hash=96778ecf884ebe8a8c248b6cb7b0e2de2d183e31)

It's 2:30 AM here in the northeastern United States, so I thought I'd get today's picture out of the way before heading to bed...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FOSITM%2FDec05.jpg&hash=037b14a59d6a30c0e35693bcd2470fac434d6e34)
DECEMBER 5

Just another cityscape shot from around the Central Marathon Bus Terminal that I showed a while back. Another one of those Flip Canvas Horizontal deals...have to learn some new tricks!

Update will definitely be today. Definitely.

Stay tuned!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Lilojame on December 05, 2008, 01:41:48 AM
Hi Dustin! (I hope you are having sweet dreams.)

It happen to everyone at one time or another. Besides, it didn't ruined the picture and is not so visible.  ;) As for todays picture, it looks very nice, yet again.

Looking forward to the update!

Your Truly,
Karin ()borg()
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bat on December 05, 2008, 04:35:54 AM
Great pictures there for both days!! It's wonderful!! :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: rooker1 on December 05, 2008, 04:43:21 AM
Sweet shot my friend. (No grid on)  $%Grinno$%
Ah, good catch Karin, I had missed that the grid was on.  Shame on you Dustin, I take back what I said, "Awesome picture", now it's just great. :D ;) Great works as always and Don't worry you can't remember everything all the time.
See you later today for the next update.
Robin  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: flyinbird93 on December 05, 2008, 09:01:50 AM
greay pic for the day!  youve got me tuned it cant wait for more!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Simpson on December 05, 2008, 11:55:37 AM
Hi Dustin

Teaser of December 4; this is looking superb my friend, as well, you have done a really fine work in this area  &apls
Teaser of December 5; one of the best american city I've ever seen, this is really perfect  :thumbsup: :o

I'm looking forward to the next update of today my friend ::)

Take care, David
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on December 05, 2008, 12:10:35 PM
Splendid work on the downtown my friend, great choice of towers &apls
And the Logistics Centers's teaser is really awesome !  :thumbsup: great use of theme !
Arthur
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: projectadam on December 05, 2008, 01:47:14 PM
Dustin,

Excellent updates for the month! I really enjoyed the history update that was done on the second. I have a question that I have been wondering about recently. You have pictures of buildings in your updates but you also showed your transportation of the entire island without any buildings so I was wondering, do you have two regions? One from the very start and the other is used just for the building shots or do you delete everything after a building shot? Keep up the great work for the month.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon [12/05/08]: UPDATE X: You're So FAR(R) Away From Me
Post by: thundercrack83 on December 05, 2008, 01:58:48 PM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies.jpg&hash=f9a404e367cb5e6d84638084803c586e8b151f6e)

Karin (Lilojame): Hello, Karin! Thank you for the sweet dreams wish! I slept quite well, aside from the puppy licking my ears every once in a while! And thank you for your kinds words, as always, too!

bat: Thank you so much, my friend!

Robin (rooker1): I'm pretty annoyed that I didn't catch that grid! I was going to enter that one in the Picture Competition, but not now! Thanks for stopping in, Robin! It's always a pleasure to see you here!

flyinbird93: Thanks!

David (Simpson): Thank so much, David! Your support is very much appreciated!

Arthur (art128): Thanks again, Arthur, for your comments, and for coming by!

projectadam: Hello, my friend! Thanks for your kind words! To answer your question—I have multiple duplicates of the region, just so I can be prepared for any contingency. I can get a bit confusing at times, but for the most part I keep things straight in my head! For some teasers, I just open up any blank tile and build away, then delete it. It gives me a bit more freedom to play around, and also gives me ideas for when it's time to build different parts of the region. I hope that answers your question! Take care!





UPDATE X
You're So FAR(R) Away From Me
5 December 2008

Our good friend Karin (Lilojame) asked me a question via PM about the smooth road curves that were used in the golf course shot on December 3 (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6190.msg205194#msg205194).

So, in lieu of what I had originally planned for the next update, I decide to do a preemptive update, touching on these curves. A few of them are available in the current version of the NAM (http://sc4devotion.com/csxlex/lex_filedesc.php?lotGET=851). However, a majority of them are a part of a project called the Fractional Angle Roads (FAR) and Fractional Angle Railroads (FARR), put together over at 3RR (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=112.0) by our good friend David (dedgren).

QUICK NOTE: The FAR/FARR is currently not available for public use. However, public BETA testing has been on-going since the project started, and if you are interested, feel free to contact David (dedgren) about whether it is still available for testing. This is not a guarantee that it is still available for testing. Only David can answer that question.

With that out of the way, we'll begin!


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252010%2F10001.jpg&hash=236a3a0444dd2bc203975a4bd5201a5cd14b126a)

Here's the pieces of the FAR, exactly as they labels show them in the game:

1. Road S-Curve (available in the NAM)
2. Road 45-Curve (available in the NAM)
3. Road 90-Curve (Small)
4. Road 90-Curve (Large) (available in the NAM)
5. Fractional Angle Road--Short Curve
6. Fractional Angle Road--Long Curve
7. Fractional Angle Road--Straight Piece
8. At-Grade Intersection: Fractional Angle Road (FAR) / Orthogonal Rail

First, we'll look at the curves that are available in the current NAM.


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252010%2F10003.jpg&hash=c8cc3d4b53606db131bd8f85aab7d8b2afb8a805)

One issue to pay attention to is the placing of the small 90° curve. As the picture above illustrates, the game forces you to leave a one-tile space between the beginning of the curve and the road where you left off when plopping. Not a big deal, just something to keep in mind!


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252010%2F10004.jpg&hash=2f51e5255fc1148af083fc6d33c34665cbc81a98)

Here's a shot of all the NAM pieces in use, with them all labeled. NOTE: The trees and lamp posts surrounding the curves are not part of the curves themselves, but the work a mod by sithlrd98—the name of which escapes me presently. It's available on the STEX, so a quick search will take care of it for you! Sorry!

Now we move on to the pieces of the FAR!


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252010%2F10005.jpg&hash=f7c95781e351062c875025f035b6439d61979985)

Here is the FAR Long (left) and Short (right) Curves placed, prior to any further connections.

Then...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252010%2F10006.jpg&hash=b37cb2246473606a0621104decf71a494cfc26c3)

...with the menu on, we show the procedure for FAR Straight Piece placement.

And...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252010%2F10007.jpg&hash=3e81a0d02e1257097d50ffcd354a8e19a48ab24c)

...the FAR pieces in game, along with corresponding labels! Sorry for not connecting the rail, I forgot about the piece and threw it in there at the last minute!

Another thing to watch out for—


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252010%2F10008.jpg&hash=94f18c99c9d5b8e3342c562a1013b4c4cfe1690f)

Be careful when using the Bulldoze Tool around the curves, as you may accidentally encounter the above!

Another caveat (grid on purposely...) is that the guide tends to disappear...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252010%2F10009.jpg&hash=715cbfbc220ca003b907a18fe452395f9df7a752)

...when building on slopes, but again, nothing of major concern, just to be aware of!

The Fractional Angle Railroads (FARR) function exactly like their automobile counterparts...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252010%2F10002.jpg&hash=894e7e77c308087e7e01b8bebd6480ebdfeba786)

As with the FAR, here are the FARR pieces as they are labeled in game:

1. Rail S-Curve (available in the NAM)
2. Rail 45-Curve (available in the NAM)
3. Rail 90-Curve (may be available in the current NAM, maybe not. I'm not sure on this one)
4. Fractional Angle Railroad-Short Curve
5. Fractional Angle Railroad-Long Curve
6. Fractional Angle Railroad-Straight Piece
7. At-Grade Crossing: Fractional Angle Railroad (FARR) / Orthogonal Road

The procedure for placement is also the same.


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252010%2F10010.jpg&hash=47b9640ed1839c7733e4c4237dee225d5427bcf9)

The picture above shows the NAM curve pieces in use, along with the labels as before, and...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252010%2F10012.jpg&hash=57c499becf1f52519422933e38567e26595b536b)

...the pieces of the FARR in use, too.

Same caveats as the FAR apply...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252010%2F10011.jpg&hash=ce643b705fc8bbd96eeb3f31e2c5a8674aa17cbc)

...but as I said, no major cause for concern.

Of course, all this procedure would be for naught if we didn't show the fruits of it!


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252010%2F10013.jpg&hash=b091bc087372175e63d085b97c9e69f29702b612)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252010%2F10014.jpg&hash=2730f6364afb21dd9fbfde5c18141338a50add93)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252010%2F10015.jpg&hash=dda0a708dea2d9af5ced7fb6999baf25870dddab)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252010%2F10016.jpg&hash=1c1eaa91f2b50c2c3b80dadc359ccea308436bef)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252010%2F10017.jpg&hash=969a654471e19b474f6579974226086f9cec2d60)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252010%2F10018.jpg&hash=0e3553cb78f87c4b12151adff8974d0e707e292c)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252010%2F10019.jpg&hash=04c06de59224645c84105f8682530ae562758460)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252010%2F10020.jpg&hash=943e1299fa2e743e04f6fc3095cd2b18cf734f6a)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252010%2F10021.jpg&hash=419ceed50536453c11d008af9aa7665bf73e3d8c)

Some of those are new pictures that I was playing around with in the game, and some are beta test shots that I took for 3RR that I then "Marathon-ized."

Finally...


http://www.youtube.com/v/MK5FHAmkvs0&hl=en&fs=1
"So Far Away" by Dire Straits. Brothers in Arms, 1985.

Once again, a song in my head while playing...Gave me the title for this update and all!

Thanks for coming by!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: JBSimio on December 05, 2008, 03:50:16 PM
Wonderful update, Dustin!   &apls

First, I really enjoyed today's (although it was still yesterday for another 30 minutes over here) picture.  It appears that you have quite a variety of buildings and styles going on in Marathon.  I'm eagerly awaiting the moment you show us how they all fit together.

As for the FAR(R) update... again, very nice!  (needless to say, really!)  The pictures of it in action are beautiful.  I especially like the one with the bridge and the one directly above it, but they're all truly great pictures.  (any of which would surely do well in that little competition you may have heard of)

Til next time,
JB
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Jmouse on December 05, 2008, 04:00:27 PM
Straightforward - and helpful - demonstration on how to use the sometimes-confusing FAR/FARR pieces, Dustin. Some of the arrangements I've tried look like they were laid out on a cocktail napkin during a boisterous party for "free-thinking" engineers, but that part of the fun! ::) The last half dozen shots look very realistic and make me even more anxious to get back into the game.

Thanks for the explanation...
Joan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Lilojame on December 05, 2008, 08:10:36 PM
Hi Dustin, my friend!
I have to say that you have 2 things in your plugins folder that I am dying to get my hands on.  :D So, in my opinion your are very fortunate to have them. ;)
The presentation of the FARR pieces was very interesting (and the "watch out for" shall be very useful for when FARR actually comes out). What I am wondering right now is... why the heck didn't I noticed the pieces that are in the NAM... I need to go in game and find those. ???
And now to the pictures at the end... they are all fabulous and they remind me on how the roads are layed out here in my country. I cant decide wich one would be my favorite since every single one looks great.
So, to sum everything up, you are doing a great job in this special time and todays update was again masterly done!

See you,
Karin ()borg()
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: sim-al2 on December 05, 2008, 08:26:16 PM
The 90° Rail-Curve is not available in the current NAM. Other than that detail, your small eyecandy update is a very nice visual presentation. :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bat on December 06, 2008, 03:16:59 AM
Nice work there with the FAR and FARR!!!
Wonderful pictures of your work, too!
Looking forward to more... ;)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on December 06, 2008, 09:48:31 AM

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Jon (JBSimio): Ahhh, the moment they all fit together...I'm waiting for that moment as well! I just hope they actually do fit together! But, hey—if not, we'll think of something, right? Thanks so much for your great comments, Jon. I appreciate you taking the time to stop by very much, my friend!

Joan (Jmouse): Hi, Joan! I found the FAR/R a bit daunting when I first started playing with it, as well. I guess I'm like that with anything new until I get the hang of it, though. Now, it's like a walk in the park! And I know what you mean about the strange networks, too—I've found myself making the most radical set-ups, just to see what it can do. Thanks for stopping in, my friend, and I hope your weekend goes well!

Karin (Lilojame): Hello, my friend! Actually, when I replied to your PM, I completely forgot to mention that some of them were in the NAM. Sorry about that, if slipped my mind! I hope the update was able to answer your questions, though! Take care!

sim-al2: Thanks for that information! I wasn't sure if it was or not...now I know! I'll make the change in the update to reflect it. Thanks again!

bat: Thank you, so much, my friend!




Heading out to get the Christmas tree this afternoon, so I'll likely be away for a while. So, without further delay...


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DECEMBER 6

Playing with some diagonals a bit. I really love the Jean Canfield Building (http://sc4devotion.com/csxlex/lex_filedesc.php?lotGET=1766), made by spa—the one on the far left. It'll be popping up again probably in different places and contexts, I just love how it looks!

Enjoy your Saturday!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Simpson on December 06, 2008, 09:53:32 AM
The last update is very good
Nam curves are fantastic, it's more réalistic.
The last picture is incredible, as well my friend.
Looking forward to the next update
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: JBSimio on December 06, 2008, 10:11:27 AM
Great picture again, Dustin!   &apls  (especially that pharmacy on the corner... :D )

I also really like that building by Spa.  As a matter of fact, you'll probably be able to see it along High Point Road sometime this month!  ;)

Enjoy the tree!
JB
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: CasperVg on December 06, 2008, 10:44:33 AM
Oh yes, the Jean Canfield building is a real beauty. Good choice, I must say.
The FAR(R) Walkthrough was very informative. I am wondering if I could copy it to the Wiki as a tutorial, with credit and a link given, of course.

I can't wait for December 7, and 8, 9, 10, 11, 12.. Well, it's too bad December has to end someday,

Casper
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Pat on December 06, 2008, 11:12:20 AM
dustin great updates here again wow!!!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: metarvo on December 06, 2008, 11:16:38 AM
Excellent, Dustin! You have presented us another fantastic teaser, per the usual at CoM.  I definitely approve of diagonals.  When used correctly, they add so much detail and variety to a city.  For an example of this, please view the CoM Teaser shot posted on December 6, 2008.  :)

&apls
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: flyinbird93 on December 06, 2008, 02:51:03 PM
that looks great!  my fav is the yellow ones :D  great pic for the day cant wait to see your next one :)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Jmouse on December 06, 2008, 08:59:01 PM
Oh yes, you're venturing into some unusual building combinations and, not surprisingly, making them look great. I like the trees in the upper center - they break up the "brick-and-concrete jungle!"

See ya' tomorrow...

Joan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bluesinjid on December 06, 2008, 09:07:27 PM
Mna lovew that building too! Always love ur photoshopping! &apls &apls &apls &apls
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Lilojame on December 06, 2008, 10:45:05 PM
Hi Dustin!
Another nice picture up there, my friend! I liked it a lot and yes, the update was very informative, thank you again!

See you later!
Karin ()borg()
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: paroch on December 07, 2008, 12:41:10 AM
Hi Dustin,

It's hard to keep up with the speed of your updates at the moment!  I'm impressed with your "31 days" pictures - each one is showing us a different element of your SC4 skills, and showing them off very well indeed if I may say.

Your use of FARR is superb and you've certainly got the diagonals cracked as well!

Great stuff and I suspect more to come.

All the best

Paul

Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on December 07, 2008, 02:45:32 AM
Dustin, your use of the FAR/FARR is splendid!
and the use of diagonals BATs and W2W is superb my friend, great work  &apls
Arthur.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bat on December 07, 2008, 10:37:25 AM
That's a great picture for that day! And looking forward to the today's update...
Nice work...
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on December 07, 2008, 12:08:16 PM

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David (Simpson): Thank you so much, David!

Jon (JBSimio): Like I said, I'm with you on the Canfield Building—and all of them by spa, actually. I can't wait to see how it turns up on High Point Road, too! Your work always inspires me! Take care, my friend!

Casper (caspervg): Thank you so much your kind words, and the offer to have the FAR/R update in the Wiki as a tutorial! Consider this an open approval to use anything from Marathon you see fit in the Wiki, as I'd love to help out wherever I can! You're doing a such a wonderful service to the community, both there and here at SC4D. Thanks so much!

Pat: Thanks, my friend!

metarvo: Hey, thanks! I have a bit of trouble with the diagonals, if I'm honest. It takes a bit of playing around with them for me to come up with something I'm happy with, but I think I'm getting the hang of it now! It's always great to see you here—thanks for coming by and for your wonderful comments!

flyinbird93: Thank you!

Joan (Jmouse): Hi, Joan! I find that the placement of trees in certain places is essential for bringing life to what could otherwise be a dull picture. Granted, I'm not saying that I know what I'm doing or anything like that! I'm merely trying to emulate some of the fine work that can be seen all over SC4D. Thanks so much for your continued support, Joan—it means a lot to me!

bluesinjid: Thank you, bluesinjid! I appreciate it!

Karin (Lilojame): Thanks, Karin! It's always a pleasure when you stop by Marathon!

Paul (paroch): Hi there, Paul! It is kind of hard to keep up with the whole "31 Days..." thing. I find myself trying to keep track of what's going on! Thanks for coming in and expressing such kind words, my friend! Hope to see you around again soon!

Arthur (art128): Thanks so much, Arthur! I'm glad you enjoyed them!

bat: Danke, my friend!




We'll get today's picture out of the way...


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DECEMBER 7

I thought I'd throw a mosaïc in for good measure!

We recently crossed the 5000 view plateau here in Marathon, with barely a month under our belts, and we're edging ever closer to 300 comments, as well.

I know that I've said it before, but you guys are the greatest! All the support that I've gotten here on a daily basis is absolutely overwhelming, I just wish I knew of a way to repay each and every one of you for it! Thank you all so very, very much!

Tomorrow, I have a bit of a surprise that I hope everyone will enjoy, so stay tuned!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: woodb3kmaster on December 07, 2008, 12:36:23 PM
Terrific work, Dustin! You've really made those farms come alive. I'd love to know what custom farms you're using...

Keep up the fantastic work!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: metarvo on December 07, 2008, 01:14:35 PM
I can tell you exactly how you can repay me, Dustin.  Just keep up the good work in here, and that will be enough for me.  :)  You are really getting the hang of mosaics, if I do say so myself.

&apls
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: rooker1 on December 07, 2008, 01:23:38 PM
Dustin,

It seems I have missed a few updates, but with good reason.  I have been playing outside in the snow with the kids, we put up the Christmas tree and all the other decoration, and basically just doing family time.
I must say that the pictures are incredible are you didn't need me to tell you that, just look at the huge amount of replies and you'll see that everyone else agrees with me.
I look forward to tomorrow's surprise.
Robin  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Lilojame on December 07, 2008, 10:39:31 PM
Love the mosaic there, my friend! I am glad to see that you are using your OSITM time extremely well! :thumbsup: Mmmm, a surprise?! I love surprises (well ok, just the good ones ;) ) and therefore I shall definitely be back for more of your great work!

Have fun,
Karin ()borg()
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: flyinbird93 on December 08, 2008, 07:33:51 AM
yw, and great pic for the day.  kind of reminds me of kansas witha lot of open field and wild flowers.  cant wait for the next one!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bat on December 08, 2008, 08:54:18 AM
Nice picture there, Dustin! It is looking really wonderful!

And one more reply for 300!!! And congrats for over 5000 views...
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: homefryes on December 08, 2008, 09:11:57 AM
Ooh, I've never been a double-zero replier before, so hopefully (if someone doesn't beat me), this will be my first! This is some beautiful work here, Thundercrack83. Keep it up!

— Don
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Jmouse on December 08, 2008, 09:27:32 AM
Well-done mosaic, Dustin. It isn't easy to make fields look that neat! Good use of the seasonal trees, too.

Later...
Joan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: kimcar on December 08, 2008, 02:22:40 PM
Sorry to had miss some update. Your city still very nice and great pics that you show &apls &apls. Have fun  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on December 08, 2008, 03:28:16 PM

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Zack (woodb3kmaster): Thanks, my friend! I'm not sure, but you may be able to find those farms on the 3RR Exchange (3RREX) (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=5603.0), though I haven't checked for certain. Thanks for coming by!

metarvo: If that's all you want as repayment, I will do my best to oblige! Thank so much for your continued support, my friend!

Robin (rooker1): No problem, Robin! I just returned from doing some Christmas shopping, so I know how the season can liven things up! I hope the boys are having a blast in the snow! This time of year was always my favorite as a child. Hope all is well, Robin!

Karin (Lilojame): Hi, Karin! Surprise time is almost here! I hope you enjoy it!

flyinbird93: Thanks! I've never been to Kansas—One day, though, I hope! Take care!

bat: Thanks so much, bat!

Don (homefryes): #300 is all yours, my friend! What a great welcome to Marathon for you! And, you may call me Dustin, if you'd like! Hope to see you around here more often!

Joan (Jmouse): Thanks, Joan! I'm a novice at the farm stuff, so I'll probably show more of it as my skills progress. Always good to see you here!

kimcar: No worries about missing things, my friend! It's great to see you here, no matter when it is! Thanks for coming by!




First—


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DECEMBER 8

Today's picture!




Now, we move on to this surprise I've been talking about, though I'm not sure if everyone is going to like it...

Well, as a special treat for being in OSITM this month, I thought I would take a cue from my good friend Robin (rooker1) and come up with some kind of game for everyone to play.

So here it is...


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...That's right—we're going to play Jeopardy!

What I've done is taken categories and clues from old episodes of Jeopardy! and we'll play here just like on television, though with a few changes to make it work, obviously!

Here's how it works...

There will be three rounds, the Jeopardy! round from December 8 - December 12, the Double Jeopardy! round from December 15 - December 19, and Final Jeopardy!, which I'll explain more in-depth below.

The first two rounds are the same—five categories, each with one clue per day. The players will have 24 hours to answer, and the first person to post and get a question right gets the corresponding dollar amount. You can try to answer them all in one shot to get all the money, or you can answer the ones you know right away and try to get the others later. Just be reminded that the first person to answer a certain question gets the money! Edited posts will be disqualified! I will keep a running track of how much money each contestant has (anyone can be a contestant!) and post it with each daily round.

If you see someone has answered all five questions, don't give up and try to answer yourself—they may be wrong somewhere!

For Final Jeopardy!, there will be three categories, each with one clue, and each contestant will have a period of 24 hours to make a wager (the most you can bet is your total winnings), based on the three categories. If you answer all three correct, you will have 100% of your wager added to your total. If you answer two correct, you'll have 60% added, and 30% added for one correct. If you answer all three incorrect you, get nothing added on.

The person with the most money at the end of Final Jeopardy! wins the game, as well as a copy of the SC4D LEX DVD (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6314.msg200287;topicseen#msg200287), compliments of me!

Obviously, you can look the answers up on the Internet, but come on—that takes the fun out of it!

And of course, don't forget to put your answer in the form of a question!

Here we go! Good luck!


[tabular type=5]
[row]
[head colspan=3]
MONDAY, DECEMBER 8[/head]
[/row]
[row]
[head][/head]
[head][/head]
[head]
____________________________________________________________[/head]
[/row]
[row]
[data]
$200[/data]
[data]
WORLD
CITIES[/data]
[data]In 1932, Cholon was combined with this city in Vietnam's Mekong delta[/data]
[/row]
[row]
[data]
$400[/data]
[data]
RUSSIAN FIRST
NAME'S THE SAME[/data]
[data]Pavlov, Turgenev[/data]
[/row]
[row]
[data]
$600[/data]
[data]
SOUNDS LIKE
AN ARMY UNIT[/data]
[data]An infamous group of urban terrorists called themselves "The Red" this[/data]
[/row]
[row]
[data]
$800[/data]
[data]
NAME THE
AUTHOR[/data]
[data]The Andromeda Strain, Jurassic Park[/data]
[/row]
[row]
[data]
$1000[/data]
[data]
NORTHERNMOST
CAPITAL CITY[/data]
[data]Lagos, Algiers, Mogadishu[/data]
[/row]
[/tabular]

CATEGORY EXPLANATIONS
For "Russian First Name's the Same," we've given you two last names of people who have the same first name. Give us that first name.
For "Northernmost Capital City," give the capital city that is the furthest north on the map.




We passed 300 replies today, too! I keep saying it, but thank you all so much!

And don't worry, Jeopardy! won't get in the way of the regularly-scheduled events her in Marathon!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: rooker1 on December 08, 2008, 03:41:41 PM
Hey Dustin,
Awesome picture for today.

Jeopardy, what a great surprising idea.

I'll give the first on a try.
What is Saigon?

The rest look a little too hard for me.  I have never really watched Jeopardy.  I should give it a try some time.

Robin  ;)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Jmouse on December 08, 2008, 04:05:05 PM
For $400: Who is Ivan?
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: alan_vzla on December 08, 2008, 04:44:23 PM
Great pictures there thundercrack... and congratulations for your award, your building technique is awesome and the level of deatil and realism is superb. And now, the game... finally someone posts a game that I like: about general culture... let me see if I get some of then right..  ;D

For $200: What is Ho chi Minh?
For $400: Who is Ivan?
For $600: I don't know... let's take a guess... I think it's something from Asia or so... let's say: What is Khmer Rouge?
For $800:without a doubt: What is Algiers?

Anyway, as always, great work and the best of lucks for this magnificent MD

Alan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: woodb3kmaster on December 08, 2008, 09:08:39 PM
Good idea throwing a game into your MD, Dustin! There's nothing like giving people an incentive to post. Anyway, here are my answers:

$800: Who is Michael Crichton?
$1000: What is Algiers?
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on December 08, 2008, 09:58:09 PM
We're getting close! Here's some correct answers...


$200: Robin (rooker1), What is Saigon?
$400: Joan (Jmouse), What is Ivan?
$600: No correct answers, yet.
$800: Zack (woodb3kmaster), Who is Michael Crichton?
$1000: Zack (woodb3kmaster), What is Algiers?

alan_vzla: Hi, my friend—unfortunately, your first two answers were already taken, and you accidentally answered Algiers for the $800 question instead of the $1000 one. Don't worry, though! You'll have plenty of time to get on the board!

QUICK CLARIFICATION: For the category "Sounds Like a Army Unit," the answer will be a word that is also used as a unit for troops in the military—e.g. squad, detachment, etc.

More from Marathon to come!

Good luck!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Jmouse on December 08, 2008, 10:30:36 PM
For $600: What is The Red Army Faction?
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Lilojame on December 08, 2008, 10:32:11 PM
DARN!!! Joan beat me at it, lol...

Wonderful idea there Dustin and the picture looks superb!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Simpson on December 08, 2008, 11:25:13 PM
Hi Dustin

Congratulation for having more than 300 posts in your super MD

Teaser of December 7: this mosaic is really wonderful my friend, these fields look so réalistic, as well
Teaser of December 8: Fantastic city, the highway look super. Great effect in this picture

So, I'm looking forward to the next update my friend
Take care, David
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: threestooges on December 09, 2008, 01:23:52 AM
Always impressive to see your work here. I know I mentioned I would be scarce around here (finals and all) but I just stopped by for a quick look before bed. The last farm pic was great and the urban pic for this update is amazing. Great selection of BATs. It looks dense without being overcrowded.

As for the $600 question, What is brigade (The Red Brigade)?
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bat on December 09, 2008, 05:41:12 AM
Nice work on the newest picture there! Wonderful! :thumbsup:
And nice idea with Jeopardy...
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on December 09, 2008, 01:28:17 PM

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Joan (Jmouse): Sorry, Joan! That's incorrect. Good try, though!

Karin (Lilojame): Don't worry, Karin! You'll have more chances! Thanks for stopping in!

David (Simpson): Hi, David! Thank you so much, I'm glad that you enjoy the teasers!

Matt (threestooges): Hi, Matt! I hope finals are treating you as well as finals can! That's one thing about school that I can safely say I don't miss! As for your answer—Hmmm....

bat: Thanks, bat! It's always great to see you here!





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DECEMBER 9

I haven't played a whole lot with canals, but I thought of somewhere they could be useful in Marathon, so there's no time like the present to start practicing, right? I think I need some more practice, though...

Now...


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We have all the correct answers!

$200: Robin (rooker1), What is Saigon?
$400: Joan (Jmouse), What is Ivan?
$600: Matt (threestooges), What is Brigade?
$800: Zack (woodb3kmaster), Who is Michael Crichton?
$1000: Zack (woodb3kmaster), What is Algiers?

He's the current money totals after the first day...


[tabular type=5]
[row]
[head]
CONTESTANT[/head]
[head]
WINNINGS[/head]
[/row]
[row]
[data]Zack (woodb3kmaster)[/data]
[data]
$1800[/data]
[/row]
[row]
[data]Matt (threestooges)[/data]
[data]
$600[/data]
[/row]
[row]
[data]Joan (Jmouse)[/data]
[data]
$400[/data]
[/row]
[row]
[data]Robin (rooker1)[/data]
[data]
$200[/data]
[/row]
[/tabular]

And here's today's round! Good luck!


[tabular type=5]
[row]
[head colspan=3]
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9[/head]
[/row]
[row]
[head][/head]
[head][/head]
[head]
___________________________________________________________________[/head]
[/row]
[row]
[data]
$200[/data]
[data]
RUSSIAN FIRST NAME'S THE SAME[/data]
[data]Pasternak, Spassky[/data]
[/row]
[row]
[data]
$400[/data]
[data]
SOUNDS LIKE AN ARMY UNIT[/data]
[data]Best Picture Oscar winner for 1986[/data]
[/row]
[row]
[data]
$600[/data]
[data]
NAME THE AUTHOR[/data]
[data]Franny and Zooey, A Perfect Day for Bananafish[/data]
[/row]
[row]
[data]
$800[/data]
[data]
NORTHERNMOST CAPITAL CITY[/data]
[data]Cairo, Damascus, Amman[/data]
[/row]
[row]
[data]
$1000[/data]
[data]
WORLD CITIES[/data]
[data]You can visit the Museum Carolino-Augusteum as well as Mozart's birthplace in this Austrian city.[/data]
[/row]
[/tabular]

CATEGORY EXPLANATIONS
For "Russian First Name's the Same," we've given you two last names of people who have the same first name. Give us that first name.
For "Northernmost Capital City," give the capital city that is the furthest north on the map.
For the category "Sounds Like a Army Unit," the answer will be a word that is also used as a unit for troops in the military—e.g. squad, detachment, etc.




An update's in the works, maybe for later tonight, most likely for tomorrow.

Stay tuned!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: projectadam on December 09, 2008, 01:48:06 PM
1. Who is Vladamir?
2. What is Platoon?
3. Who is someone I have never had lunch with?
4. What is Amman?
5. What is Salzburg?

---

I should have asked a question before I answered, do you lose money for a wrong answer? You do in Jeopardy but I do not believe it was discussed in the rules. If that is the case I would have not answered the 200, 600 and 800 dollar questions. Either way great idea &apls

EDIT: Hello! I was originally going to have you lose money for the wrong answer, but I'd rather have people play and have fun than worry about losing money and not play. Thanks for coming by and playing, my friend!

NOTE: This edit was made by me in order merge the two posts and keep my post count from running up. Thanks for double-posting instead of editing your post, according to the game rules! - Dustin (thundercrack83)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: alan_vzla on December 09, 2008, 01:59:51 PM
Great picture there, the canals seem very nice!

For $200: Who is Boris?
For $600: Who is Slinger?
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Jmouse on December 09, 2008, 03:14:13 PM
Too busy to play Jeopardy today, but never too busy to stop by and compliment you on another great scene from Marathon. Good use of the canals - I'd think you saw them every day in RL if I didn't know better!

Later...
Joan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: woodb3kmaster on December 09, 2008, 05:09:28 PM
$600: Who is J.D. Salinger?
$800: What is Damascus?

EDIT: Hi, Zack! No worries--I edited it for you, so we don't pad my comment count. Thanks for following the game rules, though! - Dustin (thundercrack83)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bluesinjid on December 09, 2008, 07:18:45 PM
hm..could never get jeopardy and never get it here...aNWYAS REALLY NICE SHOTS!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: CasperVg on December 09, 2008, 09:30:23 PM
Well, well well.. Some great pictures here once again. Although you said you haven't played with canals a lot, I must say that you've pinpointed the right looks already. The showcase of Meister-Z's Victoria Gebaude (http://sc4devotion.com/csxlex/lex_filedesc.php?lotGET=828) remembered me that I still have a partially finished relot of it laying around.. Thanks for that  ::)

Greetings,
Casper

Page 17!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: JBSimio on December 09, 2008, 10:59:35 PM
I'm not even going to attempt a round of Jeopardy here... but I had to stop by and say that I've loved your last couple of pictures.   &apls

December 8 was a beauty... especially with the building in the lower left fitting so perfectly into the diagonal corner there.  The fact that you made that all work so close to an underground expressway is most impressive and speaks very highly of your city building skills!

Today's picture was also very nice.  I really love the canals and can only wish that I could make them fit in as well as you have.  The row of buildings along the left side of the lower (southern?) canal branch is wonderful but it's the circular building across the way that really makes the picture work in my opinion.  Great job (as always)!!!

JB
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on December 09, 2008, 11:38:18 PM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies.jpg&hash=f9a404e367cb5e6d84638084803c586e8b151f6e)

projectadam: Hi! Thanks for playing, my friend! We'll see how your answers stand!

alan_vzla: Thanks, my friend! And thanks for playing again, too!

Joan (Jmouse): Thanks so much, Joan! I'm still trying to get the hang of canals at this point. There's a lot of pieces in there that I have to sort out. And don't worry about being too busy for the latest round, we'll catch you next time!

Zack (woodb3kmaster): Hmmm....are you correct? We'll see...

bluesinjid: That's OK! Thanks for your support!

Casper (caspervg): I'd love to see what you do with the lot of Victoria Gebäude (http://sc4devotion.com/csxlex/lex_filedesc.php?lotGET=828), my friend! Thanks for stopping by and for your great comments!

Jon (JBSimio): Hi, Jon! Thank you so very much for your comments and support, my friend! It means a lot to me!




Well, I think we have some results...

$200: alan_vzla, What is Boris?
$400: projectadam, What is Platoon?
$600: Zack (woodb3kmaster), Who is J.D. Salinger?
$800: Zack (woodb3kmaster), What is Damscus?
$1000: projectadam, What is Salzburg?




Today's picture, as well as today's Jeopardy! will follow later. I'm off to bed now, as it's almost 3:00 AM here in Pennsylvania!

See you then!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bat on December 10, 2008, 06:05:48 AM
That's a great picture for December 9 there!
Looking forward to more... ;)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: rooker1 on December 10, 2008, 06:59:22 AM
Ahhhh man...I missed a round.  How am I ever to catch up now.
I'll have to pay closer attention.

Hello Dustin,
Hope all is well.
Great picutre and you are doing really well in the SC4D Picture Competition.  &apls

As for the Victoria Gebäude by Meister-z, I just had a look at it and I don't see any way to add more props to the LOT.  The entire model and it's base were BATted together.  This means to get props to show up you need to raise it so high that when you rotate, the props will show up in different places.  You can already notice this with the people props on the LOT.  In one direction they are on the sidewalk and in another they move closer to the middle.  The parking lots on the outside however you can do anything you want there as they are not part of the BAT.  The LOT could be made larger and props could be added around the model.  ;)  Anyways this is one of my favourite models, it's just too bad it was all BATted together.

Sorry for jacking your MD..... &mmm

I look forward to this afternoon and another round of Jeopardy.
Robin  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on December 10, 2008, 11:58:15 AM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies.jpg&hash=f9a404e367cb5e6d84638084803c586e8b151f6e)

bat: Thank you so much, bat!

Robin (rooker1): Hmmmm...that's a shame about Victoria Gebäude—it's a fantastic building! And don't worry about Jeopardy! either, my friend. There's plenty of rounds to catch up!





(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FOSITM.jpg&hash=96778ecf884ebe8a8c248b6cb7b0e2de2d183e31)

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DECEMBER 10

Trying to create a more urban housing development-like setting. Similar structures, only distinguishable by their colors, all together in one area.

Oh, and the OSITM picture from December 8 (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6190.msg206647#msg206647) made it through three rounds of competition and has been inducted into the Picture Competition Hall of Fame (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?board=296.0)! Many thanks to all who voted!

And...


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Official results for December 9...

$200: alan_vzla, What is Boris?
$400: projectadam, What is Platoon?
$600: Zack (woodb3kmaster), Who is J.D. Salinger?
$800: Zack (woodb3kmaster), What is Damscus?
$1000: projectadam, What is Salzburg?

And our current standings...


[tabular type=5]
[row]
[head]
CONTESTANT[/head]
[head]
WINNINGS[/head]
[/row]
[row]
[data]Zack (woodb3kmaster)[/data]
[data]
$3200[/data]
[/row]
[row]
[data]projectadam[/data]
[data]
$1400[/data]
[/row]
[row]
[data]Matt (threestooges)[/data]
[data]
$600[/data]
[/row]
[row]
[data]Joan (Jmouse)[/data]
[data]
$400[/data]
[/row]
[row]
[data]alan_vzla[/data]
[data]
$200[/data]
[/row]
[row]
[data]Robin (rooker1)[/data]
[data]
$200[/data]
[/row]
[/tabular]

Looks like Zack (woob3kmaster has jumped out to an early lead! Can anyone tighten the gap? We'll find out now!


[tabular type=5]
[row]
[head colspan=3]
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10[/head]
[/row]
[row]
[head][/head]
[head][/head]
[head]
___________________________________________________________________[/head]
[/row]
[row]
[data]
$200[/data]
[data]
SOUNDS LIKE AN ARMY UNIT[/data]
[data]One of the four fundamental operations in arithmetic[/data]
[/row]
[row]
[data]
$400[/data]
[data]
NAME THE AUTHOR[/data]
[data]The Iliad, The Odyssey[/data]
[/row]
[row]
[data]
$600[/data]
[data]
NORTHERNMOST CAPITAL CITY[/data]
[data]Warsaw, Tokyo, Lisbon[/data]
[/row]
[row]
[data]
$800[/data]
[data]
WORLD CITIES[/data]
[data]This capital of Saudi Arabia was built at an oasis[/data]
[/row]
[row]
[data]
$1000[/data]
[data]
RUSSIAN FIRST NAME'S THE SAME[/data]
[data]Gromyko, Sakharov[/data]
[/row]
[/tabular]

CATEGORY EXPLANATIONS
For "Russian First Name's the Same," we've given you two last names of people who have the same first name. Give us that first name.
For "Northernmost Capital City," give the capital city that is the furthest north on the map.
For the category "Sounds Like a Army Unit," the answer will be a word that is also used as a unit for troops in the military—e.g. squad, detachment, etc.

Good luck! I'll be heading into the game to do some work on the next update!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: rooker1 on December 10, 2008, 12:00:49 PM
$400 Who is Homer.
$800 What is Dubia?

Robin  :thumbsup:

EDIT: Merged your posts to avoid padding the post count! - Dustin (thundercrack83)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: paroch on December 10, 2008, 12:16:20 PM
Hi Dustin - great idea here.  Jeopardy is not a game I've seen in the UK, so I'll hopefully get the idea......

$200 - What is Division
$400 - Who was Homer
$600 - Where is Warsaw
$800 - Where is Al-Riyadh
$1000 - Who is Alexei

Great pics as well - especially the canal  :thumbsup:

EDIT: Hi, Paul!

And seeing it in print, I would like to amend the $1000 if that is allowed.......

Thanks


Actually, you can only answer once. And you're second answer was correct, too, so I removed it when I merge your posts! But don't worry, I can neither confirm nor deny at this stage, but you might be onto something! - Dustin (thundercrack83)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: rooker1 on December 10, 2008, 12:25:23 PM
$1000 Who is  Andrei?
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bat on December 10, 2008, 12:37:04 PM
Wonderful new picture there! The one for the 10th December is great!
Looking forward to the picture for tomorrow! ;)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: dsrwhat316 on December 10, 2008, 12:42:04 PM
Hey, Dustin!

I see you're living up to your OSITM promise of an update a day. Everything looks great, but I do have one peeve. In update nine, the parking lot running between the canal and Victoria Gebaude. I personally hate the Maxis parking lot textures and prefer to use Simgoober's or the ones shown on today's update (which, by the way, I like your use of my favorite lofts!).

Looks like I arrived a bit late to play Jeopardy!, but I'll try and catch the next round. I like what you're doing here, Dustin; giving us quality cities and exercising our brains at the same time. Take care!

~ Dan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: projectadam on December 10, 2008, 02:10:04 PM
World Cities for $800: What is Riyadh.
Russian First Names for $1000: Who is Vladamir
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: woodb3kmaster on December 10, 2008, 03:14:18 PM
Well, it looks like I'm too late to earn anything today, since I can see that the four correct answers I know have already been posted. Nevertheless, I'll stay in the game. My answers:

$200: What is division?
$400: Who is Homer?
$600: What is Warsaw?
$800: What is Riyadh?

On a different note, today's picture is very nice, Dustin! You did a great job with that residential development. I'd love to know what set of BATs that is...

Looking forward to more!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Lilojame on December 11, 2008, 01:09:01 AM
Ahh well, those that I know are already answered correctly...  :D But regardless of that, I do like the 2 pictures! May I ask where did you found those lovely apartment blocks in the last picture?
You are doing a great job, Dustin!

See you around,
Karin ()borg()
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on December 11, 2008, 12:48:11 PM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies.jpg&hash=f9a404e367cb5e6d84638084803c586e8b151f6e)

Robin (rooker1): Hey, Robin! Hmmmm...we'll see if you're correct!

Paul (paroch): Your answers look like they may be OK, Paul! We'll have to wait for the official word!

Robin (rooker1): Ha! I said, we'll see!

bat: Thank you so much, my friend!

Dan (dsrwhat316): I know, I'm not a fan of those parking lot texture myself! I wonder if there's anything that can be done...Robin—can anything be done? (tease, tease...)

projectadam: Hello! Thanks for coming by to play! The official word is coming!

Zack (woodb3kmaster): Thanks so much for your kind words, Zack! The lofts are the NDEX Belton Lofts (http://www.simtropolis.com/stex/index.cfm?id=11414) by DuskTrooper.

Karin (Lilojame): Hi, Karin! Don't worry, there's still more round! And see my reply to Zack (woodb3kmaster) for the link to the lofts! Thanks for coming by, my friend!






(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FOSITM.jpg&hash=96778ecf884ebe8a8c248b6cb7b0e2de2d183e31)

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DECEMBER 11

Another FAR/R shot with a bit of Photoshopping. Did I mention that I love the FAR/R?


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FJeopardy.jpg&hash=6833c8634c6316887f8b63b05677b255e3e690c3)

Official results for December 10...

$200: Paul (paroch), What is Division?
$400: Robin (rooker1), Who is Homer?
$600: Paul (paroch), What is Warsaw?
$800: Paul (paroch), What is Riyadh?
$1000: Robin (rooker1), What is Andrei?

Here's the current standings...


[tabular type=5]
[row]
[head]
CONTESTANT[/head]
[head]
WINNINGS[/head]
[/row]
[row]
[data]Zack (woodb3kmaster)[/data]
[data]
$3200[/data]
[/row]
[row]
[data]Paul (paroch)[/data]
[data]
$1800[/data]
[/row]
[row]
[data]Robin (rooker1)[/data]
[data]
$1600[/data]
[/row]
[row]
[data]projectadam[/data]
[data]
$1400[/data]
[/row]
[row]
[data]Matt (threestooges)[/data]
[data]
$600[/data]
[/row]
[row]
[data]Joan (Jmouse)[/data]
[data]
$400[/data]
[/row]
[row]
[data]alan_vzla[/data]
[data]
$200[/data]
[/row]
[/tabular]

Robin has made a big jump, and Paul bursts onto the board to second place, but Zack's margin is still sizeable! Thing will get even more interesting with today's round...


[tabular type=5]
[row]
[head colspan=3]
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11[/head]
[/row]
[row]
[head][/head]
[head][/head]
[head]
___________________________________________________________________[/head]
[/row]
[row]
[data]
$200[/data]
[data]
NAME THE AUTHOR[/data]
[data]The Idiot, Crime and Punishment[/data]
[/row]
[row]
[data]
$400[/data]
[data]
NORTHERNMOST CAPITAL CITY[/data]
[data]Montevideo, Buenos Aires, Bogota[/data]
[/row]
[row]
[data]
$600[/data]
[data]
WORLD CITIES[/data]
[data]This Puerto Rican capital's harbor is guarded by Fort San Felipe Del Morro[/data]
[/row]
[row]
[data]
$800[/data]
[data]
RUSSIAN FIRST NAME'S THE SAME[/data]
[data]Eisentein, Rachmaninoff[/data]
[/row]
[row]
[data]
$1000[/data]
[data]
SOUNDS LIKE AN ARMY UNIT[/data]
[data]Homonym for the center of a Granny Smith or a Macintosh[/data]
[/row]
[/tabular]

CATEGORY EXPLANATIONS
For "Russian First Name's the Same," we've given you two last names of people who have the same first name. Give us that first name.
For "Northernmost Capital City," give the capital city that is the furthest north on the map.
For the category "Sounds Like a Army Unit," the answer will be a word that is also used as a unit for troops in the military—e.g. squad, detachment, etc.

Still have that update in the pipeline, too! It will be posted before midnight (EST) tonight!

Stay tuned!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: rooker1 on December 11, 2008, 12:50:35 PM
$800 Who is Albert
$1000 What is Core?

EDIT: Merged. Thanks! - Dustin (thundercrack83)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: homefryes on December 11, 2008, 12:54:31 PM
$1000 what is Corps?

EDIT: Edited your post for the sake of the game is not allowed. Sorry! - Dustin (thundercrack83)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: dsrwhat316 on December 11, 2008, 01:09:31 PM
$200 Who is Fyodor Dostoyevsky?
$600 What is San Juan?
$800 Who is Sergei?
$1000 What is the Corps?

~ Dan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: alan_vzla on December 11, 2008, 01:12:57 PM
$200: Who is Dostoevsky?
$400: What is Bogota?
$600: What is San Juan?
$800: Who is Albert?

Nice picture, the coloring gives it an awesome aspect! Congrats!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: nerdly_dood on December 11, 2008, 01:15:24 PM
$400 What is Bogotá?
$600 What is San Juan?
$800 Who is Albert?
$1,000 What is the core?
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: dedgren on December 11, 2008, 01:24:48 PM
Heh!  I wish I'd gotten over here sooner.  I love Jeopardy.


David
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: woodb3kmaster on December 11, 2008, 03:13:23 PM
Me too, David. Me, too. It's good that I have to get up early tomorrow for my last final of the quarter - I'll be around and not doing anything when Dustin posts tomorrow's clues!

Anyway, Dustin, you've posted yet another great picture! Not only am I envious of your having the FAR/R and being able to use it to such great effect, but you've also made this image look very atmospheric with the sepia-tone. Good work!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon [12/11/08]: UPDATE XI: Constructing...
Post by: thundercrack83 on December 11, 2008, 04:28:28 PM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies.jpg&hash=f9a404e367cb5e6d84638084803c586e8b151f6e)

Robin (rooker1): Sorry, Robin! Those are incorrect!

homefryes: Hmmm...you may be onto something...

Dan (dsrwhat316): You may be, too...

alan_vzla: As may you... Thanks for the comment, too, my friend!

nerdly_dood: Hey, thanks for coming by to play!

David (dedgren): Don't fret, David! There's plenty more rounds for you to get in on, my friend!

Zack (woodb3kmaster): Trying to maintain that lead, eh? That's what I like to hear! And thanks for your wonderful words, too, my friend!





(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FJeopardy.jpg&hash=6833c8634c6316887f8b63b05677b255e3e690c3)

We've got all the answers already! Fast and excellent work, everyone!

Official results for December 11...

$200: Dan (dsrwhat316), Who is Dostoevsky?
$400: alan_vzla, What is Bogota?
$600: Dan (dsrwhat316), What is San Juan?
$800: Dan (dsrwhat316), What is Sergei?
$1000: homefryes, What is Corps?

We had a little mix up with "Eisentein," though! The clue referred to Russian film director Sergei Eisentein (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sergei_Eisenstein), not Albert Einstein. Also, Robin's answer of "Core" to the $1000 clue is correct phonetically, but since the clue said "homonym," meaning two words that sound the same but spelled differently, correct spelling was necessary.

Here's the current standings after this round—


[tabular type=5]
[row]
[head]
CONTESTANT[/head]
[head]
WINNINGS[/head]
[/row]
[row]
[data]Zack (woodb3kmaster)[/data]
[data]
$3200[/data]
[/row]
[row]
[data]Paul (paroch)[/data]
[data]
$1800[/data]
[/row]
[row]
[data]Dan (dsrwhat316)[/data]
[data]
$1600[/data]
[/row]
[row]
[data]Robin (rooker1)[/data]
[data]
$1600[/data]
[/row]
[row]
[data]projectadam[/data]
[data]
$1400[/data]
[/row]
[row]
[data]homefryes[/data]
[data]
$1000[/data]
[/row]
[row]
[data]alan_vzla[/data]
[data]
$600[/data]
[/row]
[row]
[data]Matt (threestooges)[/data]
[data]
$600[/data]
[/row]
[row]
[data]Joan (Jmouse)[/data]
[data]
$400[/data]
[/row]
[/tabular]

Things are getting even more interesting! Watch out for tomorrow's questions!

Now, on to other things...






UPDATE XI
Constructing the Westmoreland Avenue Tunnel
11 December 2008

Remember way back in our two-part update series The Highway is Alive Tonight (Part I (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6190.msg201032#msg201032) | Part II (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6190.msg203153#msg203153)), how I "accidentally" neglected to handle Tile B when documenting the highway construction?

Well, we're going to head to Tile B right now! We'll bring back the Blueprint Map for reacquaintance purposes...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FMaps%2F1031bpmap.jpg&hash=5562f7d4704a37a8b6925b07d566acdb2a35d956)

There's Tile B—at the northern shore of Marathon Island! Now, if you also remember, on the Highway Map presented in UPDATE VI: The highway is Alive Tonight, Part I (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6190.msg201032#msg201032), there was a broken dashed line in the highway. And we all know what a broken dashed line means—Tunnel! Here's a close up of the tile...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252011%2F11016.jpg&hash=cb99dcf8137356aba1967c47204bb7cfa7de88ba)

In the interest of full disclosure...I love tunnels, for some reason! If there's even a remote excuse to use one, I'll do it! I have fun constructing them, I have fun planning to construct them—everything about the tunnels is a blast for me! Yes, I'm strange.

So where to begin?


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252011%2F11001.jpg&hash=69d486be2c4e79e519fe8708df77b399e538375a)

Before we begin tunnel digging, some terraforming has been done to the entire tile, not only for the tunnel, but for the overall tile itself!

First step in the tunnel is...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252011%2F11002.jpg&hash=5f4c4eb64ef1d0d3a01f129abb4212d84e388459)

...the trench, since the tunnel is part of the sunken highway network in Marathon.


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252011%2F11003.jpg&hash=ca5495184faeb2e7cd0d22b92316d973811c0505)

More trench.

But now, because of the slope of the island, we have to do some funky terraforming.


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252011%2F11004.jpg&hash=913e150367579359c9a936e8366937cc50a46a47)

I've leveled a two-tile portion...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252011%2F11005.jpg&hash=ab83b2cf911dbc2489b3e57b718947471b2ce3e4)

...along the coast of the northern shore, for the entire length of...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252011%2F11006.jpg&hash=d29ec628317c2c947f4513fe2612d85d2447d299)

...our tunnel!

But we can't leave it like that, can we? Well, I suppose we could, but that would be ridiculous! So more terraforming is necessary, to the tune of...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252011%2F11007.jpg&hash=6777cc8b7c68f32eb6b18d1b09c9a7c88cac8d11)

...that!

The entire two-tile terrace is eliminated, and the western end of the tunnel...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252011%2F11008.jpg&hash=ac4ffdf8b96344b7069f67b6d8fae3bd3a51d166)

...looks like this.

But that's insufficient as well. At least, for my personal taste. Next step:


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252011%2F11009.jpg&hash=bf3427dd73ca013e95f5490b14e7cc7e1b0f6ce2)

The "platform"—for lack of a better term—around the western end is enlarged. And...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252011%2F11010.jpg&hash=296193bc9da1e72967ee4b7836a06899e64fcdbc)

A gentle slope is added to create a bit of a tube for the tunnel to come out of the ground.

Since the sunken highway is no longer sunken at the western end, we connect with...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252011%2F11011.jpg&hash=b9e09656d366c39b3c7e5d10d5fce3c6922c925d)

...a lovely NAM puzzle piece, the GroundHighway OnSlope piece!


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252011%2F11012.jpg&hash=bb4a85256b458e6a841b257f458f3f8403e2571c)

More road networking done around the western end.


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252011%2F11013.jpg&hash=6a07ceda99b7851d8ed6fcbe742dd5f2ab2bead7)

The eastern end of the tunnel is also connected to the sunken highway network. At the right end, you can see where Westmoreland Avenue (the avenue heading down the slope above where the tunnel is) is the above-ground thoroughfare.

Here's what the western end currently looks like in Marathon...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252011%2F11014.jpg&hash=7742d69c91fbd3f568da9ea445d343782aa73fb0)

And the eastern end—


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252011%2F11015.jpg&hash=e832032adb7143984fb3b2bd145e2b5fccbd5156)

I won't lie. I am not at all pleased, satisfied, or otherwise happy with the areas surrounding the east end of the tunnel, hence the heavier Photoshopping. It was done in one of the many "Test Marathon" regions I have and things need to be reworked. We will definitely be revisiting this area very soon.

So there you have it! With this update, the highway network on Marathon Island is complete...or is it? And, we've also named one of the streets, Westmoreland Avenue. Maybe we'll look into that a bit more, too, sometime...

Stick around, friends, for more daily OSITM pictures, more Jeopardy!, and more Marathon!

Thanks for coming by!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: rooker1 on December 11, 2008, 04:46:15 PM
Another great update.
I was actually surprised to see the picture go from the start, terraforming all the way to completely finished.
&apls
Never mind what you think about, I'm telling you it looks great.
Robin  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: metarvo on December 11, 2008, 05:26:37 PM
Jeopardy?  Why didn't you say so?  I'm sure I'll try my hand at some questions sometime, after the "commercial break."  Of course, this is one commercial ad that I have really enjoyed watching.  The tunnel tutorial is constructed wonderfully, just as the others have been.  Keep it up, Dustin!  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: CasperVg on December 11, 2008, 09:12:22 PM
I have to agree on what you said about the Eastern Entrance, the whole setting around seems to miss something, but I can't really pinpoint what exactly it is. I would take a guess on the mix of Maxis' medium-sized buildings in the right-middle of the picture, and the (commercial?) modern high rises at the top. Nevertheless, no-one can disagree that the Western Entrance looks brilliant, and was thought upon and terraformed extremely clever and nicely, but that applies to the whole of your highway system, and possibly Marathon in general.

I can't wait for more,
Casper
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bat on December 12, 2008, 06:56:22 AM
Another fantastic update there, Dustin! Great work on the highway!!! :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Lilojame on December 12, 2008, 08:47:07 AM
Darn, all that I can say to this update is  :o  &apls. Seriously! Never mind the eastern side... Huh, I will admit here that I didn't know that you can make a tunnel and then teraform over it. Silly me, lol... I forgot that building roads in SC4 is not like RL when teraforing over the tunnel would destroy the road. :D So at least from my part, I again learned something new, thanks!  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: dsrwhat316 on December 12, 2008, 12:40:13 PM
I'll give you my honest opinion about the "east end" :-[. The golden skyscraper seems out of place to me. I don't particularly care for any of the Maxis buildings (which is why I use a No Maxis Mod). A few diagonals would be better to have along the roads.

I hope you don't mind (if you do, sorry!), I'll show you a pic from my old MD, The Republic of Bevelle (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=2625.msg151281#msg151281). In the third pic, you'll see some examples of diagonal road building that perhaps you could use in your MD. Again, sorry for hijacking your MD, but I felt a pic would help my explanation more. I look forward to seeing the next OSITM update  :thumbsup:!

~ Dan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on December 12, 2008, 12:48:09 PM


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies.jpg&hash=f9a404e367cb5e6d84638084803c586e8b151f6e)

Robin (rooker1): Thanks, Robin! The tunnel wasn't all that difficult to construct, so I figured and bang it out in one update. I'm still not sold on the eastern end, though!

metarvo: The commercial break's over, my friend! Get ready!

Casper (caspervg): I feel the same way. I wasn't even going to show a picture of it because I wasn't happy with it, but I figured it wouldn't be right to show one end without the other. One good thing, though—now I have something for comparison! Thanks for coming by, and for your input, my friend!

bat: Thank you, my friend! I'm glad you enjoyed it!

Karin (Lilojame): Hi, Karin! Thank you so much, I'm glad you were able to take something away from the update! That always makes me feel good! Thanks for coming by!

Dan (dsrwhat316): Hello, Dan! No worries about the hijacking, my friend! If you've got something to share, I'd love to see it! I know what you're saying about the diagonals, too—I'll be looking into a number of different ideas for that. As for the Maxis buildings, though, I don't mind them, when used sporadically in conjunction with the great custom content, though I know what you mean about them! Thanks for you advice, my friend!




So there's today's picture! It is not the original picture I had lined up for December 12, but...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FOSITM.jpg&hash=96778ecf884ebe8a8c248b6cb7b0e2de2d183e31)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FOSITM%2FDec17.jpg&hash=0eb4adda42c8b5d16def0ec2bf1d10fdab9dd395)
DECEMBER 12

...that's OK!

I've preempted with this because my very good friend Robin (rooker1) did some tinkering with Victoria Gebäude (http://sc4devotion.com/csxlex/lex_filedesc.php?lotGET=828), adding some great seasonal trees and swapping out the parking lot textures. I thought that least I could was showcase Robin's fantastic work! Thanks so much, Robin!

Now...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FJeopardy.jpg&hash=6833c8634c6316887f8b63b05677b255e3e690c3)

Today's round!


[tabular type=5]
[row]
[head colspan=3]
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12[/head]
[/row]
[row]
[head][/head]
[head][/head]
[head]
___________________________________________________________________[/head]
[/row]
[row]
[data]
$200[/data]
[data]
NORTHERNMOST CAPITAL CITY[/data]
[data]Hanoi, Phom Penh, Rangoon, Vientiane[/data]
[/row]
[row]
[data]
$400[/data]
[data]
WORLD CITIES[/data]
[data]This city, founded in 1693, did not become capital of Jamaica until 1872[/data]
[/row]
[row]
[data]
$600[/data]
[data]
RUSSIAN FIRST NAME'S THE SAME[/data]
[data]Putin, Lenin[/data]
[/row]
[row]
[data]
$800[/data]
[data]
SOUNDS LIKE AN ARMY UNIT[/data]
[data]Proverbially, two is this, and three's a crowd[/data]
[/row]
[row]
[data]
$1000[/data]
[data]
NAME THE AUTHOR[/data]
[data]Main Street, Babbitt[/data]
[/row]
[/tabular]

CATEGORY EXPLANATIONS
For "Russian First Name's the Same," we've given you two last names of people who have the same first name. Give us that first name.
For "Northernmost Capital City," give the capital city that is the furthest north on the map.
For the category "Sounds Like a Army Unit," the answer will be a word that is also used as a unit for troops in the military—e.g. squad, detachment, etc.




It's our final round for this week. Next week, new categories and the money values are doubled! Anything can happen—Good luck!

And be on the lookout for our next update, which I hope to put together over the weekend!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: woodb3kmaster on December 12, 2008, 12:58:09 PM
Alright! First reply to the new post! My evil plan is working...

Here are my Jeopardy answers:
$200: What is Hanoi?
$400: What is Kingston?
$600: What is Vladimir?
$800: What is company?

I'll be a good sport and let someone else get the $1000 question.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Lilojame on December 12, 2008, 01:02:44 PM
$1000 : Who is Sinclair Lewis?

And a nice picture there!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: deathtopumpkins on December 12, 2008, 01:26:47 PM
I guess Jeopardy's a good time to make a first post in here...

I love what I've seen so far (just read through the whole thing), and even if you aren't happy with that tunnel I am!  :D

And I like the history lesson a few pages back, and all the maps and diagrams, etc., included throughout this MD really make it great!  :thumbsup:

Although actually, the only jeopardy questions I think know the answer to woodb3kmaster has already answered... so I'll play next time.

Great MD, Dustin! You deserve both the award and OSITM!  &apls
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bluesinjid on December 12, 2008, 03:19:41 PM
Wow sweet lotting with that buildin! &apls Will it be released to the public? ( the LE version? )
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: projectadam on December 12, 2008, 10:05:43 PM
Dustin,

Loved the revisit to tile "B". The tutorial was very helpful and I liked the tunnel. Things just keep moving along very well here at CoM &apls
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on December 12, 2008, 10:38:17 PM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies.jpg&hash=f9a404e367cb5e6d84638084803c586e8b151f6e)

Zack (woodb3kmaster): Whoa! Looking to add to that lead, eh? We'll see if you did!

Karin (Lilojame): You made it in! That's great! We'll get the official word on your answer!

deathtopumpkins: Welcome to Marathon, my friend! I'm glad that you read through everything here, and I'm even more glad that you enjoyed it! Hope to see you around more often!

bluesinjid: I'm actually not sure if it will be available to the public, as I don't know what the protocol for things like that are. If it is, though, I'll be sure to let you know!

projectadam: Hey, there! Thanks so much, my friend!





(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FJeopardy.jpg&hash=6833c8634c6316887f8b63b05677b255e3e690c3)

Well, this was the quickest round yet!

Official results for December 12...

$200: Zack (woodb3kmaster), What is Hanoi?
$400: Zack (woodb3kmaster), What is Kingston?
$600: Zack (woodb3kmaster), What is Vladimir?
$800: Zack (woodb3kmaster), What is Company?
$1000: Karin (Lilojame), Who is Sinclair Lewis?

And the current standings...


[tabular type=5]
[row]
[head]
CONTESTANT[/head]
[head]
WINNINGS[/head]
[/row]
[row]
[data]Zack (woodb3kmaster)[/data]
[data]
$5200[/data]
[/row]
[row]
[data]Paul (paroch)[/data]
[data]
$1800[/data]
[/row]
[row]
[data]Dan (dsrwhat316)[/data]
[data]
$1600[/data]
[/row]
[row]
[data]Robin (rooker1)[/data]
[data]
$1600[/data]
[/row]
[row]
[data]projectadam[/data]
[data]
$1400[/data]
[/row]
[row]
[data]homefryes[/data]
[data]
$1000[/data]
[/row]
[row]
[data]alan_vzla[/data]
[data]
$600[/data]
[/row]
[row]
[data]Matt (threestooges)[/data]
[data]
$600[/data]
[/row]
[row]
[data]Joan (Jmouse)[/data]
[data]
$400[/data]
[/row]
[/tabular]

Boy, Zack—you're running away with this thing! But it's not over yet, friends!

The Double Jeopardy! round starts on Monday, and money values are doubled! So, start studying!

Also, I'm going to be away, probably for most of Saturday (technically today here in Pennsylvania), so I'll get today's picture out of the way!


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FOSITM.jpg&hash=96778ecf884ebe8a8c248b6cb7b0e2de2d183e31)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FOSITM%2FDec13.jpg&hash=4702ecb8f3b56d9a6dc62950cbb2186be9824070)
DECEMBER 13

I found the NDEX 45° Curve Station (http://www.simtropolis.com/stex/index.cfm?id=19862) by ill tonkso, and I thought, "Well, I'm havin' that!" Other than that, just a typical small-town downtown.

Have to go Christmas shopping all day tomorrow. Needless to say, I'm not looking forward to that!

But don't worry, more from Marathon is always on the horizon!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: JBSimio on December 12, 2008, 11:02:04 PM
Hi Dustin!

I haven't responded lately and I apologize for that.  I guess I'm just not that good at Jeopardy!  :D  It's a great idea though and seems to be going very well!

I really enjoyed your last update.  The east tunnel entrance is remarkable!  The way the expressway transfers from an elevated highway into a tunnel is simply amazing... what a great idea!  And you managed to make it look so natural that if this weren't all part of a game I would have never looked twice at it.   &apls  (I should mention that since it is a game, I looked at it for quite a long while... studying, sketching, taking notes... you get the idea)  I agree that something is missing from the west entrance.  I'm not entirely sure what it is, but perhaps it's just a matter of elevation?  You go from a sunken highway into a tunnel with no real elevation change.  It makes sense in some ways... but in other ways it begs the question, "Why does a sunken highway suddenly need a tunnel?"  I don't really have any further answers or advice on that one... but it's just what I noticed.

As for the daily pictures... well they both look great!  I'm really not sure what else to say other than that.  The building selection is purt-near perfect (as we'd say in Covington) and the layout is as realistic as one could ever ask for.  What more needs to be said?

Looking forward to the next batch...
JB
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: tooheys on December 13, 2008, 12:13:21 AM
Yikes, I go missing for a couple of weeks and you progress 7 pages and numerous updates.

Don't know how you find the time, but great work mate  :thumbsup:

Love the updates and nice work with "Jeopardy"

In particular, the hwy entrances stand out, especially the western end (careful not to call it West End, copyright laws are tough these days :D) That is nicely done  &apls

Will try to drop by a bit more often, just so I don't have to read thru a dozen pages  :D

Cheers

Dave

Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bat on December 13, 2008, 03:42:17 AM
Two nice new pictures there! Great work! :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: dandan 777 on December 13, 2008, 02:00:35 PM
Very nice my friend! Is that Cyclone's Terrain Mod? ()meeting()
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: threestooges on December 13, 2008, 05:36:04 PM
Looks like I'm slowing down here in Jeopardy, but I'm not done yet (just keep tellinig yourself that). Nice updates Dustin. The tunnel design (and the tunnel-elevated highway transition is very well detailed and laid out. I think, in regard to the eastern end, there are some rather empty spots (like just below the central tower) that seem to create a hole, at least in my opinion, as I can't quite put my finger on it either. The Victoria is nice and that station is just amazing. Thanks (to you and Ill Tonkso) for bringing that to my attention, and to my plugins folder. I'll keep an eye out for the next installment of Jeopardy, and the next update, but until then, take it easy.
-Matt
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: CasperVg on December 13, 2008, 09:08:33 PM
Another most interesting picture here, Dustin! You've chosen a good collections of BATs in this picture, and you're the first one to use ITS' 45° Station, that I've seen. I'd say it was a good idea to hide the railway merge behind ill tonkso's Georgian stores (http://www.simtropolis.com/stex/index.cfm?page=1&type=all&keyword=ITS%20Georgian). Too bad not everything in SC4 can be seasonal, otherwise the picture would've looked even better.

Up to December 14?
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on December 14, 2008, 02:12:49 AM
Dustin, your work with the sunken highway is awesome my friend, i think I will use this update for a tutorial !   &apls
As for the little picture, she look splendid my friend, great use of these houses. :thumbsup:
Arthur
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on December 14, 2008, 01:08:19 PM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies.jpg&hash=f9a404e367cb5e6d84638084803c586e8b151f6e)

Jon (JBSimio): Don't worry about missing stuff around here, it's OK! Your comments are always a pleasure to see and read here in Marathon. As for your take on the tunnel entrance, I agree—it's a bit of a conundrum! The reason I went from the sunken highway to the tunnel at the top of the slope was to give the impression that, in the tunnel, the elevation change that you mentioned takes place: a slight downgrade at the beginning of the tunnel, then basically following the slope of the ground until that platform, where an upgrade brings it to the tunnel exit. Of course, that's how it works in my head! In reality, not so sure that's how it would work! Hope that makes sense to you, and I hope to see you around again, my friend!

Dave (tooheys): Hi, Dave! Good to see you again, my friend! I'm glad you enjoyed the tunnel—though you're right, "WEST END" is definitely taken, and it's definitely magnificent, too! Thanks for stopping by, Dave!

bat: Thank you, bat!

dandan 777: Welcome to Marathon! I use the Italia Terrain Mod (http://sc4devotion.com/csxlex/lex_filedesc.php?lotGET=1527) by c.p. How that answers your question, my friend!

Matt (threestooges): Hello, there, Matt! The empty spots on the eastern end mare one of what I think are a few culprits in the area. I think I'll take a look at this spot next time I head back into the game. With any luck, I'll have something to show for it soon! Thanks for your great comments, my friend! And hope to see you for this week's Jeopardy! rounds!

Casper (caspervg): Good to see you again, Casper! And you caught my trick (well, not my trick, I'm sure!) with hiding the switch behind behind the buildings. Thanks for coming by!

Arthur (art128): Thanks so much, Arthur!





(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FOSITM.jpg&hash=96778ecf884ebe8a8c248b6cb7b0e2de2d183e31)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FOSITM%2FDec14.jpg&hash=d92550daa2c86c4a9f37316a4c14f78cc042ccee)
DECEMBER 14

An attempt at a bit of an office park area. The nVIDIA Corporation Building (http://www.simtropolis.com/stex/index.cfm?id=19149) by blanco_05 is a wonderful BAT, though I find it's one of those things that is a bit difficult to place. I feel that it works in those office park-type areas that are found in suburban areas, just outside the metropolitan and urban sections. Oh, and once again, I slipped the Canfield Building in!

Working on an update this afternoon and evening, hope to have it wrapped on soon.

Also, tomorrow starts the Double Jeopardy! round! Will Zack (woodb3kmaster) add to his already significant lead, or will some emerge from the pack to challenge him?

We'll find out starting tomorrow!

Stay tuned!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: sim-al2 on December 14, 2008, 01:16:49 PM
I do like that building now, but I've always thought it was too bright. However, it looks very natural in that setting. :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: TheTeaCat on December 14, 2008, 01:56:00 PM
Oh Boy was I glad I had a cuppa when I cliked on your thread. Sorry about not been here sooner (RL grr) but Amazing stuff you have been doing. What with your award and now OSITM, plus games and some wikked pics.

Stunning mate thats about all I can say &apls &apls
Excellent hints and tips, great explantaion of FARR wow there's just so much to comment on I know I'll forget to mention something :D :D

Now I've caught up it should be easier to keep an eye on all you do :thumbsup:

:satisfied:
TTC
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: metarvo on December 14, 2008, 08:11:06 PM
It seems like RL goes hand-in-hand with this time of year.  I know it does for me.  &Thk/(  That's why I haven't been in here as much.  I should be able to find time for a little Double Jeopardy! tomorrow, though.  By the way, the Canfield looks better every time I see you use.  Every diagonal building is a plus, since they look so good along those diagonal roads that are so important to me.  :)  Good work, Dustin!  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: JBSimio on December 14, 2008, 08:13:09 PM
Hi Dustin!

Surprisingly enough, you've posted another wonderful "daily!"  It looks like the perfect recreation of a suburban office park to me and the Canfield Building fits there just as well as it did in the other picture.  (What a great versitile building, isn't it?)

In regards to the tunnel... I actually understood the idea behind the tunnel and it does make perfect sense to me too.  I was just pointing out what caught my eye when looking at the pictures.  That's not to say there's even anything "wrong" with it... just that it was something I noticed.  Either way, I'm much like you in that I love tunnels... especially downtown freeway tunnels for some reason.  I'd have built one into Covington already, but I don't feel that the size of the city justifies such a project at this time.  ;)

See you next time!
JB
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: BuildingUp on December 14, 2008, 08:18:32 PM
I love it, especially with one of my favorite companies!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on December 15, 2008, 02:23:16 AM
Great picture my friend. :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: threestooges on December 15, 2008, 02:38:47 AM
If that building is difficult to place, you sure make it seem easy. Though it's more heavily wooded than the office parks I'm used to (then again, I live in the LA area where they've paved rivers, heh heh) I like it. I can almost hear the wind rustling through the trees. At any rate, I'll keep an eye out for the Jeopardy round tomorrow and see if I can give Zack a run for his money. Take it easy Dustin.
-Matt
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: rooker1 on December 15, 2008, 05:07:34 AM
Hello Dustin,

I missed some great updates, which I knew would happen at this time of year.  I don't think I even had time this past weekend to turn on the computer.  I took my boys to see Santa Claus both days, shopping and stopping at friends houses occupies this time of year so easily.
What time of day did you take the picture of Victoria Gebäude?  And how long did the city run before you took the picture?  I am very surprised that the parking lot is empty, it should be full of cars.  ??? I'm glad you like the semi seasonal trees.  I saw a few LOTs in your city with them and that you ploped some here and there, so I thought it would be very fitting if this LOT had some as well.
I can convert/change any LOTs for you within a few moments any time you want.  :thumbsup:  ;)
I'm glad that you didn't run any Jeopardy over the weekend, otherwise I might be too far behind to be able to catch up.

Seeya later,
Robin  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on December 15, 2008, 11:18:27 AM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies.jpg&hash=f9a404e367cb5e6d84638084803c586e8b151f6e)

sim-al2: Thanks, my friend! The extra brightness may be my fault, though, as I adjusted the brightness and contrast in Photoshop.

Derry (TheTeaCat): So good to see you again, Derry! I hope everything is slowing down for you a bit, my friend. I'm glad to hear the you're all caught up and that you're enjoying things here in Marathon! Hope to see you again soon!

metarvo: I know what you mean—This time of year gets pretty hectic! Thankfully, I'm almost through with everything that I need to get done, so it won't be as bad. Thanks for coming by, and for your wonderful words, my friend!

Jon (JBSimio): Hey, there, Jon! I'd stick a sunken highway in the middle of a village if it would look even remotely right! I love them! And I couldn't agree more about the versatility of the Canfield Building! It works in just about any setting I can think of! Thanks for stopping in here, Jon!

BuildingUp: Thank you!

Arthur (art128): Thanks, Arthur!

Matt (threestooges): Hi, Matt! Thanks so much, my friend—I drew a bit of inspiration from an area around Allentown / Bethlehem, PA, where my girlfriend lives. There's a bunch of office complexes that have lots of open space and wooded areas around them, and I just found it an interesting place to try and recreate! Hope all is going well with you!

Robin (rooker1): Hello, Robin! I'm with you on being busy this time of year, my friend. My Saturday was completely obliterated with Christmas-related stuff! As for Victoria Gebäude—first, let me say, wonderful work on that, my friend! Just the little touches you've made to it have made a massive difference! To answer your questions, I'm not sure what time of day it was, but there were cars in the parking lot at one point and then they were gone. So, I sat there with the game running to try and get them to come back up, and well...what do they say about watching a pot of boiling water? They just didn't seem to pop up! Then, I just got frustrated and took the shot! Thanks for all your help and support, my friend. Marathon wouldn't be where it is (or anywhere, for that matter!) without you!




OK, today's picture...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FOSITM.jpg&hash=96778ecf884ebe8a8c248b6cb7b0e2de2d183e31)

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DECEMBER 15

Just a little winter shot that I threw together as a bit of an experiment. I really had fun doing this one for some reason! I think I may have to play around with another one!

And, since it's now Monday...


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Before we get started, let's refresh our memories on the standings...



[tabular type=5]
[row]
[head]
CONTESTANT[/head]
[head]
WINNINGS[/head]
[/row]
[row]
[data]Zack (woodb3kmaster)[/data]
[data]
$5200[/data]
[/row]
[row]
[data]Paul (paroch)[/data]
[data]
$1800[/data]
[/row]
[row]
[data]Dan (dsrwhat316)[/data]
[data]
$1600[/data]
[/row]
[row]
[data]Robin (rooker1)[/data]
[data]
$1600[/data]
[/row]
[row]
[data]projectadam[/data]
[data]
$1400[/data]
[/row]
[row]
[data]homefryes[/data]
[data]
$1000[/data]
[/row]
[row]
[data]alan_vzla[/data]
[data]
$600[/data]
[/row]
[row]
[data]Matt (threestooges)[/data]
[data]
$600[/data]
[/row]
[row]
[data]Joan (Jmouse)[/data]
[data]
$400[/data]
[/row]
[/tabular]

Now it's time for Double Jeopardy!


[tabular type=5]
[row]
[head colspan=3]
MONDAY, DECEMBER 15[/head]
[/row]
[row]
[head][/head]
[head][/head]
[head]
___________________________________________________________________[/head]
[/row]
[row]
[data]
$400[/data]
[data]
CANADIAN GEOGRAPHY[/data]
[data]In 1999, this territory split from the Northwest Territories[/data]
[/row]
[row]
[data]
$800[/data]
[data]
NOT ONE, NOT 2, BUT 3 O'S[/data]
[data]It's the equality of ratios; "don't blow things out of" it[/data]
[/row]
[row]
[data]
$1200[/data]
[data]
VOWELLESS FRUIT[/data]
[data]LMN[/data]
[/row]
[row]
[data]
$1600[/data]
[data]
REALLY BUSY AIRPORTS[/data]
[data]You may have a lei-over there: HNL[/data]
[/row]
[row]
[data]
$2000[/data]
[data]
EUROPEAN BODIES OF WATER[/data]
[data]In this country, to get from Harlingen to Oost Vlieland, you have to cross the Waddenzee[/data]
[/row]
[/tabular]

CATEGORY EXPLANATIONS
For "Not One, Not 2, But 3 O's," each correct answer will be a word with 3 O's in it.
For "Vowelless Fruit," the clue gives the name of a fruit without the vowels. Name that fruit.
For "Really Busy Airports," please give the city of the airport described, not the airport name.




Good luck!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: rooker1 on December 15, 2008, 11:23:45 AM
$400 - Where is Nunavut?
$800 - What is proportion?

EDIT: Merged! - Dustin (thundercrack83)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: paroch on December 15, 2008, 11:35:33 AM
For $1600 - where is Honolulu?

Great update pics btw Dustin- you really are showing us some variety here - and the West End copyright lawyers are not too hot  ;)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: TheTeaCat on December 15, 2008, 11:52:32 AM

$400 - Where is Nunavut?
$800 - What is proportion?
$1200 -What is sour?
$1600 - where is Honolulu?


Great Pic mate

:satisfied:
TTC
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: TheTeaCat on December 15, 2008, 11:54:07 AM
Edit

$1200 should be Lemon

didn't want to edit

:satisfied:
TTC
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: alan_vzla on December 15, 2008, 11:56:54 AM
For $1200: What is lemon?
For $2000: What is the Netherlands?

Very simple, but nice picture BTW
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: threestooges on December 15, 2008, 02:15:30 PM
Rats, looks like I'm a bit late for this round, but the picture is a nice way to soften the blow, heh heh. Very interesting picture. Is that texture on the ground from the game, or did you add if afterwards? Looks like winter has come to Marathon. I'm doing pretty well, I just need to get that Christmas shopping done, but at least I have a list now. Now to get ready for the fun of the excursion.
-Matt
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: projectadam on December 15, 2008, 02:34:45 PM
Really Busy Airports for 1600: What is Honolulu International Airport
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on December 16, 2008, 12:18:15 AM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies.jpg&hash=f9a404e367cb5e6d84638084803c586e8b151f6e)

Robin (rooker1): Official word's on the way, my friend!

Paul (paroch): Thanks, Paul! And don't worry, the royalty check's in the mail!

Derry (TheTeaCat): Thank you, Derry! We'll see if your answers are correct!

alan_vzla: And we'll see if yours are, too!

Matt (threestooges): Hi, Matt! That is the texture on the ground in the game, I raised the elevation of the entire tile up to get to the point where the terrain mod produces so, then went from there softening with the God Mode tools until I got something I was happy with. The idea for it came to me while laying in bed the one night, and it was a lot of fun to play around with! Good luck with your shopping, too! I'm going to try to finish mine up tomorrow afternoon. Take care, my friend!

projectadam: Hi, there! The official answers are forthcoming!




It's quite early in the day, but it's shaping up to be a bit of a hectic one again, so I'll take care of things early!


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DECEMBER 16

Another industrial shot, showcasing those wonderful Logistics Centers again! I was plopping and bulldozing over and over again, until i got my two favorite ones in the shot—Maersk Sealand (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maersk_Sealand) and Hapag-Lloyd (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hapag-Lloyd). It took awhile, but finally, I got it!

Moving on...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FJeopardy.jpg&hash=6833c8634c6316887f8b63b05677b255e3e690c3)

It was another quick round for Monday! Here's the official answers...

Official results for December 15...

$400: Robin (rooker1), What is Nunavut?
$800: Robin (rooker1), What is Proportion?
$1200: Derry (TheTeaCat), What is Lemon?
$1600: Paul (paroch), What is Honolulu?
$2000: alan_vzla, What is the Netherlands?

And our current money standings...


[tabular type=5]
[row]
[head]
CONTESTANT[/head]
[head]
WINNINGS[/head]
[/row]
[row]
[data]Zack (woodb3kmaster)[/data]
[data]
$5200[/data]
[/row]
[row]
[data]Paul (paroch)[/data]
[data]
$3400[/data]
[/row]
[row]
[data]Robin (rooker1)[/data]
[data]
$2800[/data]
[/row]
[row]
[data]alan_vzla[/data]
[data]
$2600[/data]
[/row]
[row]
[data]Dan (dsrwhat316)[/data]
[data]
$1600[/data]
[/row]
[row]
[data]projectadam[/data]
[data]
$1400[/data]
[/row]
[row]
[data]Derry (TheTeaCat)[/data]
[data]
$1200[/data]
[/row]
[row]
[data]homefryes[/data]
[data]
$1000[/data]
[/row]
[row]
[data]Matt (threestooges)[/data]
[data]
$600[/data]
[/row]
[row]
[data]Joan (Jmouse)[/data]
[data]
$400[/data]
[/row]
[/tabular]

Zack (woodb3kmaster) is still at the top of the tally, but the doubled money this week is slimming that margin!

And, in the interest of keeping things rather random (We don't want to keep posting the questions at the same time each day, do we?)


[tabular type=5]
[row]
[head colspan=3]
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 16[/head]
[/row]
[row]
[head][/head]
[head][/head]
[head]
___________________________________________________________________[/head]
[/row]
[row]
[data]
$400[/data]
[data]
NOT ONE, NOT 2, BUT 3 O'S[/data]
[data]It pulls a train or individual railroad cars[/data]
[/row]
[row]
[data]
$800[/data]
[data]
VOWELLESS FRUIT[/data]
[data]PPY[/data]
[/row]
[row]
[data]
$1200[/data]
[data]
REALLY BUSY AIRPORTS[/data]
[data]An hour later you'll want to go back: PEK[/data]
[/row]
[row]
[data]
$1600[/data]
[data]
EUROPEAN BODIES OF WATER[/data]
[data]The Gironde, an estuary formed by a river confluence near Bordeaux, extends to this bay[/data]
[/row]
[row]
[data]
$2000[/data]
[data]
CANADIAN GEOGRAPHY[/data]
[data]This 1800 mi2 Canadian lake sits entirely within a prairie province of the same name[/data]
[/row]
[/tabular]

CATEGORY EXPLANATIONS
For "Not One, Not 2, But 3 O's," each correct answer will be a word with 3 O's in it.
For "Vowelless Fruit," the clue gives the name of a fruit without the vowels. Name that fruit.
For "Really Busy Airports," please give the city of the airport described, not the airport name.




Happy answering!

Down at the girlfriend's again until Wednesday, so that update that I've been alluding to will be a bit longer. Sorry about that, friends!

See you soon!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: JBSimio on December 16, 2008, 12:33:43 AM
For $400 - What is a Locomotive?
For $800 - What is a Papaya?

Great picture once again, Dustin!  I really like the newer warehouses mixed in with the older industirals...

Until next time...
JB
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: CarmineHilton on December 16, 2008, 12:40:08 AM
Luv the pictures!! I should SO visit more often ;) Love the style of city building and picture editing =)
& uuh, I'd like to give this 'quiz'-thing at try :p

For $1600, Where is the Bay of Biscay?


xo
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: projectadam on December 16, 2008, 01:46:21 AM
Really Busy Airports for $1200: What is Beijing International Airport?
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: rooker1 on December 16, 2008, 04:54:21 AM
$2000 - What is Manatoba Lake.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: rooker1 on December 16, 2008, 05:01:19 AM
Hey Dustin,

Great idea to switch it up a little.  The more people that can play the better.  Good thing there was still one more for me to try and answer. ::)
Awesome picture for today.  I see a really nice TE LOT, I don't think I've seen that one before.  Where did you get the "Maersk Sealand" LOT?
We are now at the halfway mark for the month, I hope you still have alot of steam cause everything so far has been awesome.

See you later my friend,
Robin  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: paroch on December 16, 2008, 10:58:16 AM
Hi Dustin - hey the early update threw me out!!!  :D

$1200 - Where is Beijing?

Interesting Warehouse zone you have shown us there - although I'm not sure I'd want to park my car in the car park of the warehouse in the top left  ;)

Paul
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: TheTeaCat on December 16, 2008, 11:34:53 AM
Excellent Industrial area there :thumbsup:

The early update got me too  ::) no questions left to answer  $%Grinno$%
Oh well Time for a cuppa then , made one for you too
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg204.imageshack.us%2Fimg204%2F116%2Fteapotandcup183e331wj9.png&hash=b61c4e111f892c1e1457d7305b8e6f55d43fc7cb)

till the next time
regards
Derry
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: woodb3kmaster on December 16, 2008, 12:48:40 PM
Since the correct answer wasn't spelled correctly above, I'll enter it myself:

$2000: What is Manitoba Lake?

Nice industrial shot, Dustin! You're really good at making industrial areas look interesting.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: woodb3kmaster on December 16, 2008, 12:53:14 PM
Since I noticed this after I posted above, does it matter what order "lake" and ther lake's name appear in, or will you accept either order?

Looking forward to more,

Zack
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: threestooges on December 16, 2008, 02:24:15 PM
Ooh, special time for this round. I'm sure some of these have already been guessed, but let's give it a shot anyway.

$400 What is a Locomotive?
$800 What is a Papaya?
$1200 Where is Shanghai?
$1600 What is the Bay of Biscay? (only one I could think of)
$2000 no idea... What is Quebec?

Going back to the previous picture, were those gray spots under the trees caused by the mod then, or the trees (I haven't messed with a snow mod before, so I'm not sure what the properties are). Looking through the effects of the pic from this update, I see a very nice layout (and some really neat buildings too), but the smog effect gives it that little bit extra. Well done Dustin.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on December 16, 2008, 11:08:30 PM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies.jpg&hash=f9a404e367cb5e6d84638084803c586e8b151f6e)

Jon (JBSimio): Hi, Jon! Thanks for your kind words, and for playing! We'll see how you did in a few seconds!

Carmine (CarmineHilton): Hey, Carmine! Good to see you again, my friend! I'm glad you're enjoying things here in Marathon, too! Oh, and I just noticed, so...Happy birthday! Hope your day is wonderful!

projectadam: Thanks for playing! The official answers are on the way...

Robin (rooker1): Hey, Robin! You can find the Logistics Centers by cogeo on the STEX (http://www.simtropolis.com/stex/index.cfm?id=16119). Have fun with them...I know I am!

Paul (paroch): Hi, Paul! Caught you off guard, eh? You got your shot in, though, so that's OK! Thanks for your kind words, too, my friend!

Derry (TheTeaCat): Hello, my friend! Thanks so much for the tea! And don't worry, there's a few more rounds to go...well, around!

Zack (woodb3kmaster): The answers are to follow, my friend!

Matt (threestooges): Actually, I haven't used a snow mod for that picture. I just raised the terrain so high for the entire tile that the snow from the terrain mod kicked in. The grey patches are my rock mod from the slopes in the terrain. Hope that answers your question, my friend! Thanks for coming by and for your wonderful words!




Another early-bird special...or quite a late night, however you want to look at it!


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DECEMBER 17

Autumn on campus! I really love seasonal trees, don't you?





(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FJeopardy.jpg&hash=6833c8634c6316887f8b63b05677b255e3e690c3)

Official results for December 16...

$400: Jon (JBSimio), What is Locomotive?
$800: Jon (JBSimio), What is Papaya?
$1200: projectadam, What is Beijing?
$1600: Carmine (CarmineHilton), What is Bay of Biscay?
$2000: Robin (rooker1), What is Lake Manitoba?

While there was a spelling mistake in Robin's answer—he spelled it "Manatoba" instead of "Manitoba"—the phonetic spelling was correct, and correct spelling was not necessary for the clue, as it was in our last spelling issue. They would have given it to him on the real Jeopardy!, so I made an executive decision.

Here's the money!


[tabular type=5]
[row]
[head]
CONTESTANT[/head]
[head]
WINNINGS[/head]
[/row]
[row]
[data]Zack (woodb3kmaster)[/data]
[data]
$5200[/data]
[/row]
[row]
[data]Robin (rooker1)[/data]
[data]
$4800[/data]
[/row]
[row]
[data]Paul (paroch)[/data]
[data]
$3400[/data]
[/row]
[row]
[data]alan_vzla[/data]
[data]
$2600[/data]
[/row]
[row]
[data]projectadam[/data]
[data]
$2600[/data]
[/row]
[row]
[data]Carmine (CarmineHilton)[/data]
[data]
$1600[/data]
[/row]
[row]
[data]Dan (dsrwhat316)[/data]
[data]
$1600[/data]
[/row]
[row]
[data]Derry (TheTeaCat)[/data]
[data]
$1200[/data]
[/row]
[row]
[data]Jon (JBSimio)[/data]
[data]
$1200[/data]
[/row]
[row]
[data]homefryes[/data]
[data]
$1000[/data]
[/row]
[row]
[data]Matt (threestooges)[/data]
[data]
$600[/data]
[/row]
[row]
[data]Joan (Jmouse)[/data]
[data]
$400[/data]
[/row]
[/tabular]

Things are tightening up a bit at the top, so it's anybody's ballgame, heading into Wednesday's round!

And speaking of Wednesday's round...

...it'll be coming later! Want to keep everyone on their toes!

I'll be back home by tomorrow afternoon (weather permitting, we're having some precipitation here in eastern Pennsylvania), so I'll be posting the Wednesday questions then!

Also, we're slowly but surely approaching the 400 comment mark already! Did I mention how great all of you are?

Back in a little while!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bat on December 17, 2008, 05:37:02 AM
Some really nice new pictures there! And looking forward to more... :thumbsup:
Nice work on your MD! :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Lilojame on December 17, 2008, 10:15:59 AM
Hi my friend!
I am very sorry for missing so many of your wonderful updates! I liked every single picture that you posted. Every time that I come here its like "WOW"! You are doing a superb work in here!  &apls

Karin
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: JBSimio on December 17, 2008, 10:37:49 AM
Yay!  I made it on the board!!!  :D

I also love the seasonal trees... quite possibly one of my favorite additions to the game, really.  It looks like you've added a few extras too.  ;)  I like this picture a lot (for some odd reason) and the lighting effects you've used really make the buildings look great!  I hope to see more of the campus in the future.  (Did you remember to download the patch (http://sc4devotion.com/csxlex/lex_filedesc.php?lotGET=1876) by the way?)

See you next time!
JB
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: alan_vzla on December 17, 2008, 11:26:44 AM
 :o WOW! That's got to be one of the best SC4 pictures in the history! well done!!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Jmouse on December 17, 2008, 01:14:34 PM
Wow, go AWOL for a week around here and it takes six weeks to catch up! Love the dailies, especially the 15th and 17th. I'm sure I join many in choosing those as favorites. Also enjoyed the tute on tunnel making - very helpful.

Later...
Joan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: woodb3kmaster on December 17, 2008, 01:31:13 PM
Dustin, that is a terrific picture! Is that one of your custom lots? If so, you've really come a long way since you first started working with the LE.

Looking forward to today's round of Jeopardy...
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on December 17, 2008, 01:38:30 PM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies.jpg&hash=f9a404e367cb5e6d84638084803c586e8b151f6e)

bat: Thanks so much, bat! Your support is always appreciated, my friend!

Karin (Lilojame): Hi, Karin! No need to apologize, my friend! I'm glad you stopped in and that you're enjoying things! Take care!

Jon (JBSimio): Congratulations for making it on the board, my friend! Seasonal trees are one of those subtle, yet very important additions to the game that, without them, I don't know where I'd be! And I wonder why you like this picture...Ha! The Clayhurst set is just fantastic, my friend. I'd say it was your best work, but everything you do is your best work! And, no! I did not get the patch—I'll be downloading it posthaste! Take care, Jon!

alan_vzla: Wow! Thank you so much for that, my friend! There's some great pictures out there, though, so I don't know if I can include myself in that category!

Joan (Jmouse): Hi, there, Joan! I'm glad you're enjoying the daily pictures, my friend! They've been so much fun to make, I don't know what I'll do when December's over. Thanks for coming by!

Zack (woodb3kmaster): Hi, Zack! Thanks, my friend! Sadly, that's not one of my own custom lots. It's part of the University of Clayhurst pack, put together by your great friend and mine, Jon (JBSimio)! As of right now, I believe the pack is exclusive to the SC4D LEX DVD, but I'll have to check back with you on that one.




OK, it's time!


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[tabular type=5]
[row]
[head colspan=3]
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 17[/head]
[/row]
[row]
[head][/head]
[head][/head]
[head]
___________________________________________________________________[/head]
[/row]
[row]
[data]
$400[/data]
[data]
VOWELLESS FRUIT[/data]
[data]KMQT[/data]
[/row]
[row]
[data]
$800[/data]
[data]
REALLY BUSY AIRPORTS[/data]
[data]The cream of Bavaria: MUC[/data]
[/row]
[row]
[data]
$1200[/data]
[data]
EUROPEAN BODIES OF WATER[/data]
[data]The major cities on this 1200-mile long Russian rive incluse Voronezh and Rostov-on-"this"[/data]
[/row]
[row]
[data]
$1600[/data]
[data]
CANADIAN GEOGRAPHY[/data]
[data]The Vikings visited L'Anse aux Meadows in this province[/data]
[/row]
[row]
[data]
$2000[/data]
[data]
NOT ONE, NOT 2, BUT 3 O'S[/data]
[data]Staying up too later on SC4D can give you these reddened eyes[/data]
[/row]
[/tabular]

CATEGORY EXPLANATIONS
For "Not One, Not 2, But 3 O's," each correct answer will be a word with 3 O's in it.
For "Vowelless Fruit," the clue gives the name of a fruit without the vowels. Name that fruit.
For "Really Busy Airports," please give the city of the airport described, not the airport name.




My plan for the rest of the evening is this—

1. Download the patch to the University of Clayhurst pack! (Thanks again, Jon!)
2. MD Stats...It's Wednesday, right?
3. Eat.
4. Get into SC4 and wrap up the next update!
5. Wrap presents.

With any luck, I'll be able to get all of that done! Eating isn't a necessity, though, so I miss that one, I'll do it tomorrow!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: woodb3kmaster on December 17, 2008, 01:42:32 PM
$2000: What is bloodshot?
$1600: What is Newfoundland and Labrador?
$800: What is Munich?
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: homefryes on December 17, 2008, 01:44:00 PM
$400 VOWELLESS FRUIT = What is a kamquat?
$800 REALLY BUSY AIRPORTS  = What is Munich/München?
$2000 NOT ONE, NOT 2, BUT 3 O'S = What is bloodshot?
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: threestooges on December 17, 2008, 02:03:36 PM
$400 What is a kumquat?
$800 What is Munich?
$1200
$1600 Where is Nova Scotia?
$2000 What is bloodshot? (knew that one from experience, but look who I'm talking to)

Thanks for the info about the terrain and all Dustin. It idid answer my questions. I've never seen it do that before (but then I don't often hit the higher elevations). Best of luck with your projects this evening. Take it easy.
-Matt
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: dsrwhat316 on December 17, 2008, 02:26:00 PM
$1200: What is the Don River?

~ Dan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: metarvo on December 18, 2008, 07:08:02 AM
It looks like I may have missed out (again  ()what()), but I'll give my answers anyway.

$400 What is a kumquat?
$800 What is Munich?
$2000 What is bloodshot?
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on December 18, 2008, 12:48:24 PM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies.jpg&hash=f9a404e367cb5e6d84638084803c586e8b151f6e)

Zack (woob3kmaster): Hey, Zack! We'll see how you did in a second!

homefryes: We'll see how you did, too!

Matt (threestooges): Thanks for playing, Matt! And I'm glad I was able to answer your question!

Dan (dsrwhat316): Hmmmm...

metarvo: Hello! Thanks for playing along! And don't worry, we have a little bit more to go!




First, we'll start with today's picture!


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DECEMBER 18

The simplicity, the blueness of the water, the lulling sensation of the waves, the—Oh, who am I kidding? They can't all be winners, can they?

Just kidding!


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DECEMBER 18

Today's real picture! Just having a bit of fun...

The NDEX Old Post Office (http://www.simtropolis.com/stex/index.cfm?id=15266) by ardecila has always been one of my favorite buildings! Just be careful, as it can cause crashes to desktop!





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Moving forward!

Official results for December 17...

$400: Matt (threestooges), What is Kumquat?
$800: Zack (woodb3kmaster), What is Munich / München?
$1200: Dan (dsrwhat316), What is the Don River?
$1600: Zack (woodb3kmaster), What is Newfoundland?
$2000: Zack (woodb3kmaster), What is bloodshot?

We had another spelling issue this round—homefryes, I could not accept your answer of "kamquat" for the $400 question because you have to fill in the vowels, and you used an "A" instead of a "U" for the first vowel. Sorry!

Here's the standings...


[tabular type=5]
[row]
[head]
CONTESTANT[/head]
[head]
WINNINGS[/head]
[/row]
[row]
[data]Zack (woodb3kmaster)[/data]
[data]
$9600[/data]
[/row]
[row]
[data]Robin (rooker1)[/data]
[data]
$4800[/data]
[/row]
[row]
[data]Paul (paroch)[/data]
[data]
$3400[/data]
[/row]
[row]
[data]Dan (dsrwhat316)[/data]
[data]
$2800[/data]
[/row]
[row]
[data]alan_vzla[/data]
[data]
$2600[/data]
[/row]
[row]
[data]projectadam[/data]
[data]
$2600[/data]
[/row]
[row]
[data]Carmine (CarmineHilton)[/data]
[data]
$1600[/data]
[/row]
[row]
[data]Derry (TheTeaCat)[/data]
[data]
$1200[/data]
[/row]
[row]
[data]Jon (JBSimio)[/data]
[data]
$1200[/data]
[/row]
[row]
[data]homefryes[/data]
[data]
$1000[/data]
[/row]
[row]
[data]Matt (threestooges)[/data]
[data]
$1000[/data]
[/row]
[row]
[data]Joan (Jmouse)[/data]
[data]
$400[/data]
[/row]
[/tabular]

Just when the distance between Zack (woodb3kmaster) was shrinking, he opens things back up again! Can anyone catch him? Let's find out!


[tabular type=5]
[row]
[head colspan=3]
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18[/head]
[/row]
[row]
[head][/head]
[head][/head]
[head]
___________________________________________________________________[/head]
[/row]
[row]
[data]
$400[/data]
[data]
REALLY BUSY AIRPORTS[/data]
[data]Place for endive & sprouts: BRU[/data]
[/row]
[row]
[data]
$800[/data]
[data]
EUROPEAN BODIES OF WATER[/data]
[data]This strait off Sicily links the Tyrrhenian and Ionian Seas[/data]
[/row]
[row]
[data]
$1200[/data]
[data]
CANADIAN GEOGRAPHY[/data]
[data]Canada's Mackenzie River flows into this ocean[/data]
[/row]
[row]
[data]
$1600[/data]
[data]
NOT ONE, NOT 2, BUT 3 O'S[/data]
[data]In humans, any of the threadlike bodies that carry the genes in a linear order[/data]
[/row]
[row]
[data]
$2000[/data]
[data]
VOWELLESS FRUIT[/data]
[data]PMGRNT[/data]
[/row]
[/tabular]

CATEGORY EXPLANATIONS
For "Not One, Not 2, But 3 O's," each correct answer will be a word with 3 O's in it.
For "Vowelless Fruit," the clue gives the name of a fruit without the vowels. Name that fruit.
For "Really Busy Airports," please give the city of the airport described, not the airport name.

Good luck!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: homefryes on December 18, 2008, 12:52:44 PM
$400 REALLY BUSY AIRPORTS = Brussels
$2000 VOWELLESS FRUIT = Pomagranate
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: deathtopumpkins on December 18, 2008, 01:03:29 PM
That's an interesting building! It looks great on that highway.
And the water one was funny.  :D

$800 What is the Strait of Sicilia?
$1200 What is the Arctic Ocean?
$1600 What is a chromosome?
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bat on December 18, 2008, 01:35:48 PM
Again a nice teaser! And congrats on over 400 replies!

Looking forward to more... ;)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: dsrwhat316 on December 18, 2008, 01:37:55 PM
$400: Where is Brussels?
$800: What is the Strait of Sicily?
$1200: What is the Arctic Ocean?
$1600: What is a chromosome?
$2000: What is a pomegranate?

~ Dan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: metarvo on December 18, 2008, 01:43:14 PM
$400: Where is Brussels?
$1200: What is the Arctic Ocean?
$2000: What is a pomegranate?
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: woodb3kmaster on December 18, 2008, 02:45:36 PM
Wow, Dustin, you certainly have a lot of nice buildings clustered around the Old Post Office! I see plenty that I've seen in other MDs, but your use of them looks really nice. Good work!

Now, since I missed out on answering most of the clues, here's my one answer for today:

$800: What is the Strait of Messina?
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Jmouse on December 18, 2008, 04:32:49 PM
Another nice daily! I like that post office, too, ever since I saw it in an MD a few months ago. It's always great to see ideas that depart from the norm - who says all buildings have to face a street anyway?

Later...
Joan

*EDIT* Love that water mod, too! :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on December 19, 2008, 11:28:24 AM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies.jpg&hash=f9a404e367cb5e6d84638084803c586e8b151f6e)

homefryes: Thank you for playing, my friend!

deathtopumpkins: I'm glad you enjoyed the water picture! I have to mix things up somehow, right?

bat: Thank you so much, bat! Without your continued support, we never would have made it this far! Couldn't have done it without you!

Dan (dsrwhat316): Thanks for playing, Dan! Let's see how you did!

metarvo: Hi, my friend! The officials answers are on the way!

Zack (woodb3kmaster): Hey, Zack! Thanks so much for your kind words, my friend!

Joan (Jmouse): Hello, Joan! I'm glad you like the post office—it was one of the first BATs that I can remember downloading. It's always been a favorite of mine! And I'm glad you like the water mod, too, my friend! Take care!





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DECEMBER 19

Another simple FAR shot—I just do not tire of making these!





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Official results for December 18...

$400: homefryes, What is Brussels?
$800: Zack (woodb3kmaster), What is the Straits of Messina?
$1200: deathtopumpkins, What is the Arctic Ocean?
$1600: deathtopumpkins, What is Chromosome?
$2000: Dan (dsrwhat316), What is pomegranate?

We had another spelling error...homefryes spelled "pomegranate" as "pomagranate," and since spelling is essential for the clue, we could not give it to you. Sorry!

Money!


[tabular type=5]
[row]
[head]
CONTESTANT[/head]
[head]
WINNINGS[/head]
[/row]
[row]
[data]Zack (woodb3kmaster)[/data]
[data]
$10400[/data]
[/row]
[row]
[data]Dan (dsrwhat316)[/data]
[data]
$4800[/data]
[/row]
[row]
[data]Robin (rooker1)[/data]
[data]
$4800[/data]
[/row]
[row]
[data]Paul (paroch)[/data]
[data]
$3400[/data]
[/row]
[row]
[data]deathtopumpkins[/data]
[data]
$2800[/data]
[/row]
[row]
[data]alan_vzla[/data]
[data]
$2600[/data]
[/row]
[row]
[data]projectadam[/data]
[data]
$2600[/data]
[/row]
[row]
[data]Carmine (CarmineHilton)[/data]
[data]
$1600[/data]
[/row]
[row]
[data]homefryes[/data]
[data]
$1400[/data]
[/row]
[row]
[data]Derry (TheTeaCat)[/data]
[data]
$1200[/data]
[/row]
[row]
[data]Jon (JBSimio)[/data]
[data]
$1200[/data]
[/row]
[row]
[data]Matt (threestooges)[/data]
[data]
$1000[/data]
[/row]
[row]
[data]Joan (Jmouse)[/data]
[data]
$400[/data]
[/row]
[/tabular]

Zack may have things wrapped up here! Here's the last round of Double Jeopardy!


[tabular type=5]
[row]
[head colspan=3]
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19[/head]
[/row]
[row]
[head][/head]
[head][/head]
[head]
___________________________________________________________________[/head]
[/row]
[row]
[data]
$400[/data]
[data]
EUROPEAN BODIES OF WATER[/data]
[data]A Baltic cruise takes you into this gulf to visit the largest city in the three Baltic States[/data]
[/row]
[row]
[data]
$800[/data]
[data]
CANADIAN GEOGRAPHY[/data]
[data]Lake Okanagan in this province is the reported home of the Ogopogo[/data]
[/row]
[row]
[data]
$1200[/data]
[data]
NOT ONE, NOT 2, BUT 3 O'S[/data]
[data]A citation or comment at the bottom of a page[/data]
[/row]
[row]
[data]
$1600[/data]
[data]
VOWELLESS FRUIT[/data]
[data]KW[/data]
[/row]
[row]
[data]
$2000[/data]
[data]
REALLY BUSY AIRPORTS[/data]
[data]Same city: LHR or LGW[/data]
[/row]
[/tabular]

CATEGORY EXPLANATIONS
For "Not One, Not 2, But 3 O's," each correct answer will be a word with 3 O's in it.
For "Vowelless Fruit," the clue gives the name of a fruit without the vowels. Name that fruit.
For "Really Busy Airports," please give the city of the airport described, not the airport name.

Good luck!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: alan_vzla on December 19, 2008, 11:33:48 AM
For $2000: Whats is London?
For $1600: What is Kiwi?
For $800: What is British Columbia?
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Earth quake on December 19, 2008, 11:41:04 AM
$800 CANADIAN GEOGRAPHY : What is British Columbia ?
$1600 VOWELLESS FRUIT: What is Kiwi ?
$2000 REALLY BUSY AIRPORTS: What is London ?

So excellent update, dustin, I love your highway and this teaser.  &apls
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: alan_vzla on December 19, 2008, 11:45:09 AM
Sorry for double posting, didn't want to edit. &mmm

I was wondering for certain time now, which train skin do you use, because it's very good... not too modern but not too old neither... tanks in advance. Great picture, tough I don't like the birch trees (I think), they look to bright for me.

Oh... I think I might have another answer, Considering that Latvia can be taken as a baltic state (not sure what three states are you referring to)... I dare to say that for $400: What is gulf of Riga?

Last but not least, let me say that you have a very good Md and I wish the best for it
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bluesinjid on December 19, 2008, 11:46:57 AM
For $400: What is gulf of Riga?
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: woodb3kmaster on December 19, 2008, 12:03:21 PM
$1200: What is a footnote?
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: dsrwhat316 on December 19, 2008, 12:55:02 PM
Damn! This is what I get for coming home from work late  :P

Another great shot you have provided here. Hopefully there'll be another round to play soon!

~ Dan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: deathtopumpkins on December 19, 2008, 02:36:32 PM
Another great picture, Dustin, though i think I'll skip on this round of jeopardy.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Jmouse on December 19, 2008, 04:20:16 PM
Great daily! I love trains on curves - if you don't believe me just ask tooheys! ;) The trees and crops look good, too, and that's one Texas-size jack rabbit at the bottom center! :D

Later...
Joan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: SpilltMilk on December 19, 2008, 04:40:36 PM
$1600 - What is a Kiwi?
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: threestooges on December 19, 2008, 05:38:23 PM
Nice work with the double Jeopardy rounds Dustin. Fun clues. As for your recent pic, it has been a while since I've seen the post office used (and you've used it well) and the rural rail looks great. How do you manage to get passenger trains so long? Mine usually cut after several cars or so. Great work, you always seem to come up with something new.
-Matt
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on December 19, 2008, 10:28:28 PM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies.jpg&hash=f9a404e367cb5e6d84638084803c586e8b151f6e)

alan_vzla: Thanks for getting your answers in, my friend! We'll see how you did in a moment!

Earth quake: Hello! We've missed you around Marathon—I do hope all is well!

alan_vzla: Thanks for posting again, rather than editing, my friend! As for the train skin, it is the VIA Rail Trains (http://www.simtropolis.com/stex/index.cfm?id=14978) by den52. Enjoy!

bluesinjid: Hi! The official answers are on the way!

Zack (woodb3kmaster) Hello there, Zack! We'll be seeing if you've added to your lead very soon!

Dan (dsrwhat316): Hi, Dan! Unfortunately, today was the last round of Double Jeopardy! However, Final Jeopardy! is coming up around the corner, so get ready!

deathtopumpkins: Thank you, my friend!

Joan (Jmouse): I've found myself taking a lot of pictures of trains of curves—I think I'm in love with them, too! And that's a big sucker, isn't it? Though, from my experience on the Texas highways (well, I-45 from Dallas to Houston and back) it would have been an armadillo! Thanks for stopping by, Joan!

SpilltMilk: Welcome to Marathon! And thank you for getting in on the game!

Matt (threestooges): Hello, Matt! Thanks for your great comments and support, my friend! On the length of the trains, I usually use a train generator, so I'm not sure if that has any bearing on the length. I can look into it for you, though! Thanks for coming by!





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Official results for December 19...

$400: alan_vzla, What is the Gulf of Riga?
$800: alan_vzla, What is British Columbia?
$1200: Zack (woodb3kmaster), What is Footnote?
$1600: alan_vzla What is Kiwi?
$2000: alan_vzla, What is London?

And our standings at the end of Double Jeopardy!


[tabular type=5]
[row]
[head]
CONTESTANT[/head]
[head]
WINNINGS[/head]
[/row]
[row]
[data]Zack (woodb3kmaster)[/data]
[data]
$11600[/data]
[/row]
[row]
[data]alan_vzla[/data]
[data]
$6800[/data]
[/row]
[row]
[data]Dan (dsrwhat316)[/data]
[data]
$4800[/data]
[/row]
[row]
[data]Robin (rooker1)[/data]
[data]
$4800[/data]
[/row]
[row]
[data]Paul (paroch)[/data]
[data]
$3400[/data]
[/row]
[row]
[data]deathtopumpkins[/data]
[data]
$2800[/data]
[/row]
[row]
[data]projectadam[/data]
[data]
$2600[/data]
[/row]
[row]
[data]Carmine (CarmineHilton)[/data]
[data]
$1600[/data]
[/row]
[row]
[data]homefryes[/data]
[data]
$1400[/data]
[/row]
[row]
[data]Derry (TheTeaCat)[/data]
[data]
$1200[/data]
[/row]
[row]
[data]Jon (JBSimio)[/data]
[data]
$1200[/data]
[/row]
[row]
[data]Matt (threestooges)[/data]
[data]
$1000[/data]
[/row]
[row]
[data]Joan (Jmouse)[/data]
[data]
$400[/data]
[/row]
[/tabular]

In the eleventh hour, alan_vzla made a huge leap, but Zack (woob3kmaster) still has a commanding lead headed into Final Jeopardy! It is, by no means, a runaway, though!

As for Final Jeopardy!, there will be more on that over the weekend...

OK, let's continue!



(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FOSITM.jpg&hash=96778ecf884ebe8a8c248b6cb7b0e2de2d183e31)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FOSITM%2FDec22.jpg&hash=0fe2a4d48e31ef6b70072d15dd7f424fc9e7bd72)
DECEMBER 20

One word—xannepan!

The Gare du Nord (http://sc4devotion.com/csxlex/lex_filedesc.php?lotGET=1420) is, hands down, my favorite train station ever, and the Bourse de Commerces (http://sc4devotion.com/csxlex/lex_filedesc.php?lotGET=1525) is simply incredible! When you have amazing custom content like this, all you have to do is take the picture and let their magnificence shine through!

Updates (note the plural!) on the horizon...I know, I know! I've been saying that for a week!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: sim-al2 on December 20, 2008, 03:57:59 PM
 :o  Oxygen starvation...   ...must reach bottled air. :D
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: JBSimio on December 20, 2008, 04:06:16 PM
Some great pictures the last few days, Dustin!

I missed a couple while battling the holiday travelers, but I'm rather glad you haven't gotten to that promised full update yet.  (I'd never catch up if you had!)  I loved the water!  It looked so... um... BLUE!  And also very... hmmm... WET!  Yeah, that's it... ;)  In all seriousness, I do like the post office building with the highway running through.  It's almost too bad there was never a version made for sunken highways.  (Hmmm... might be something to think about for me someday... ;) )  Either way, you managed to make it fit very well.

You can post FARR pictures all day and I won't mind a bit.  You have a great eye for capturing images that are fairly simple and yet still very full of detail and life.   &apls

Nice dog... and also nice to see Santa sporting a little bling... :D

As for today's picture... well you already summed it up perfectly.  When you find buildings like that, no more really needs to be said!

See you next time, my friend!
JB
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: paroch on December 21, 2008, 12:23:27 AM
That sure is an awesome pic there Dustin - great custom content or not, you still have to plop 'em and get the traffic to flow!!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Earth quake on December 21, 2008, 01:04:56 AM
Wow, dustin.  &apls
Excellent update.
I like the "gare du nord", It's my favourite bat (because I'm french)

So, I want a new update or teaser.  $%Grinno$%
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bat on December 21, 2008, 02:41:35 AM
Great work on that newest picture there, Dustin! It is looking wonderful!!! :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on December 21, 2008, 03:38:19 PM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies.jpg&hash=f9a404e367cb5e6d84638084803c586e8b151f6e)

sim-al2: Ha! Thank you, though I hope your got some air, my friend!

Jon (JBSimio): Hi, Jon! Those holiday travelers are insane, aren't they? Things have been compounded here in the Northeast by inclement weather, so I've been sticking close to home as much as possible. Thank you so very much for your wonderful comments, too, my friend! And, you're definitely right about the buildings, too! There's other ones that "stand alone in magnificence"—The Citizen Building, the Stearns Building, the Buder Building...well, you get the point! Hope you're weekend is going well, my friend!

Paul (paroch): Hi, Paul! Thanks so much, my friend!

Earth quake: Bonjour! I love the Gare du Nord, too. It's absolutely wonderful! Thanks for coming by, my friend!

bat: Hi, bat! Thanks so much for your support!




OK! Let's see what we have for this last Sunday before Christmas...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FOSITM.jpg&hash=96778ecf884ebe8a8c248b6cb7b0e2de2d183e31)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FOSITM%2FDec23.jpg&hash=d6b822f23c0f5d171967c3af90b46604cb180eff)
DECEMBER 21

Nothing says "Christmas" like an arena and a ballpark! These extraordinary BATs are courtesy of teemu_om, and can be found at ST. The Toyota Center (http://www.simtropolis.com/stex/index.cfm?id=18535) is on the STEX, however Safeco Field—home of Major League Baseball's Seattle Mariners—is too large to be offered on the STEX, so it can be found in the North American Stadiums (//http://) thread, started by teemu_om over at ST.

And speaking of the Houston's Toyota Center...I was actually fortunate enough to go there back in April to see Bruce Springsteen...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FTexas%25202008%2Ff5c3f03a.jpg&hash=69285f82080890f1dc413f767c294ea44b7d488c)

Great show at a great arena in a great city. Though, I must admit, I've been in so many arenas that a pretty much all look alike inside!

Be on the lookout tomorrow, too for the official rules and start of our Final Jeopardy! round!

See you then!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: kimcar on December 21, 2008, 04:16:52 PM
So sorry mate to had miss a lot of your great work , but you know what is RL . Brillant idea the Jeopardy game &apls &apls , even if had no time to play ;D Great pic too and for the rest an Happy Holidays and take care :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bluesinjid on December 21, 2008, 06:29:36 PM
Wow now those stadiums really fit your cj perfectly! I agree they are really top of the line stadiums! &apls
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Jmouse on December 21, 2008, 09:27:32 PM
Great couple of dailies there, Dustin! You seem to be faring quite well during the holiday rush - completely organized, etc. - while I'm still looking for the "Start" gate! :thumbsup: I don't know how you do it, but that's one tutorial you could make a million bucks on if you're willing to share!

And since I'm so far behind, I'll backtrack and agree that you won't see many jackrabbits between Dallas and Houston. But go a bit farther west and they're thicker than squirrels during the pecan harvest. We used to have a deer lease at Lampasas, about an hour or so NNW of Austin where we bagged a whole lot more jackrabbits than we did deer! :D Those were fun times long ago and far away. :)

Later...
Joan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bat on December 22, 2008, 01:43:57 AM
Wonderful new picture there for yesterday! It looks really nice!!! :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on December 22, 2008, 12:08:17 PM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies.jpg&hash=f9a404e367cb5e6d84638084803c586e8b151f6e)

kimcar: Hi, my friend! Don't worry about missing stuff, it's OK! I hope all is well, and thank you for the great comments and holiday wishes!

bluesinjid: Thanks so much, my friend!

Joan (Jmouse): Hey, Joan! I have to say that part of my delay on starting an MD was the fact that I wanted to come up with some kind of organizational system for doing things, both in the game and as well as on the update and actual "MDing" end of things. I think I've got it pretty well figured out for now! And it sounds like the areas around Austin, Texas, have a lot of fun going, too! When I was at the concert in Houston, we met some people there that kept telling us that we have to get to Austin and check things out. Maybe next time I'm down in the Lone Star State, I'll have to get there! Take care, my friend!

bat: Danke, bat!




We'll start today with...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FOSITM.jpg&hash=96778ecf884ebe8a8c248b6cb7b0e2de2d183e31)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FOSITM%2FDec27.jpg&hash=96e699da98b95c17f04af2a098fd629b38342cce)
DECEMBER 22

...our picture!

Another simple downtown intersection picture. I enjoy making pictures like this because there's really no rules, just make sure you put buildings together that fit with each other, and you're on your way!

And what else do we have for today, hmmm...Oh! That's right—


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FJeopardy.jpg&hash=6833c8634c6316887f8b63b05677b255e3e690c3)


FINAL JEOPARDY!

Originally, I was going to have everyone make wagers based on their total winnings, but then I figured that might get a bit too confusing, so instead we'll do Final Jeopardy! the same way as the first two rounds, only we'll have two rounds—today and tomorrow—with three questions apiece, and increased money values.

This is for all the marbles...Good luck!


[tabular type=5]
[row]
[head colspan=3]
FINAL JEOPARDY!
MONDAY, DECEMBER 22[/head]
[/row]
[row]
[head][/head]
[head][/head]
[head]
___________________________________________________________________[/head]
[/row]
[row]
[data]
$1000[/data]
[data]
MEDITERRANEAN GEOGRAPHY[/data]
[data]This southern Greek peninsula was once called Morea, or "Mulberry", for its mulberry-leaf shape[/data]
[/row]
[row]
[data]
$2500[/data]
[data]
ON THE MAP[/data]
[data]Name two of the three countries classified as extending across two continents[/data]
[/row]
[row]
[data]
$5000[/data]
[data]
WORLD CAPITALS[/data]
[data]This capital city of 113,000 is the closest national capital to the Arctic Circle[/data]
[/row]
[/tabular]




Oh, and there will be an update later tonight...or else!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on December 22, 2008, 12:18:56 PM
great picture Dustin, you use the good BAT to go here.  &apls &apls
The pictures I missed are also great my friend, good work with the Toyota Center and the stadium on the left top, combined with a great train station !  :thumbsup:
As for the "quizz"

$1000 => What is Mani Peninsula ?

$2500 => What is Russia and Turkey ?

$5000 => What is Reykjavík ?
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: CasperVg on December 22, 2008, 12:21:57 PM
Oops, sorry for not having a peek in here for the past few days, but I must say I liked everything I catched up with.

Gah, you beat me to them, Arthur!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Jmouse on December 22, 2008, 02:15:00 PM
Oh, I really like this daily - the foggy atmosphere is very well done without being overdone. :thumbsup:
Good luck to the Jeopardy contestants, and to all a Merry Christmas, a Happy Holiday Season and a Happy New Year!.

Later...

Joan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon [12/22/08]: UPDATE XII: STR...Simply Tremendous...
Post by: thundercrack83 on December 22, 2008, 05:38:22 PM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies.jpg&hash=f9a404e367cb5e6d84638084803c586e8b151f6e)

Arthur (art128): Thanks for playing, my friend! We'll see how you did in a little bit!

Casper (caspervg): Hi, Casper! No worries, this time of year is hectic for all of us!

Joan (Jmouse): Hi there, Joan! I'm glad you enjoyed today's picture! And a Happy Holidays to you, too, my friend!





(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FJeopardy.jpg&hash=6833c8634c6316887f8b63b05677b255e3e690c3)

Official results for December 22...

$1000: No correct answers, yet.
$2500: Arthur (art128), What are Russia and Turkey (Egypt is the third)?
$5000: Arthur (art128), What is Reykjavik?

The $1000 question is still up for grabs, though Arthur has punched a big hole in the lead that Zack (woodb3kmaster) has for himself!

Moving on...






UPDATE XII
STR...Simply Tremendous Rails!
(Or, ST—(A)Ren't These Amazing?!!?)

22 December 2008

So, here's that update I've been mentioning for a little while now...though, truth be told, it's not the update I had in mind the whole time. But, something pretty incredible has come up!

You're probably already aware by now, but our great friend David (dedgren) and the RAM Team have unveiled the first BETA Test group for the Single Track Rails, or STR, over at 3RR (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=112.0).

Well, since I have the pleasure and the privilege of being a BETA Tester, I thought that I would put together a bit of a "Who's Who?" of the STR!

We start with...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252012%2F12001.jpg&hash=9b5bbaf6f55785c2d511742d230f51b6c0a78971)

...the STR pieces themselves!

1. Starter Piece
2. 90° Curve
3. 45° Curve
4. 90° Curve Off STR Switch
5. 45° Curve Off STR Switch
6. 90° Curve Off Dual Rail Straight Switch
7. 45° Curve Off Dual Rail Straight Switch
8. Single Track to Parallel STR Switch
9. Double Track to Parallel STR Switch
10. S-Curve
11. Double to Single Track Transition
12. Diagonal STR to Orthogonal STR Switch
13. Diagonal Dual Rail to Orthogonal STR Switch
14. Diagonal S-Curve
15. Straight Filler Piece
16. Diagonal Filler Piece

The Starter Piece...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252012%2F12002.jpg&hash=e89ff60181fa30a1a4dd99fd9762b5a8b4b9fd94)

...allows for draggable STR...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252012%2F12003.jpg&hash=fa58ed24d73af8f8581cf97dd1af72493581b36a)

...which inof itself, is pretty groundbreaking!

There's some little things to be aware, though...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252012%2F12004.jpg&hash=a37dbcd5a03f6ce1b9b17def528b946d07a677b1)

Circled above, you can see that after placing one of the ploppable pieces (the 90° Curve Off STR Switch in the above picture), the regular dual rail pieces are at the end. How do we handle that, you ask?

Well, for one thing, DO NOT...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252012%2F12005.jpg&hash=33332c2d32243d78874de815721f3b199e3aa792)

...try to delete them!

Taking a step back—


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252012%2F12006.jpg&hash=0aff3c7bbcb929e6ba77e8f3d01560c1f0c775dd)

What you can do is...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252012%2F12007.jpg&hash=7fa4be5799fe0b0ca5a586308e6b049c69040e7f)

...plop a starter piece facing the dual rail section...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252012%2F12008.jpg&hash=ff70af2a31a105bc96837f7ce913834027d6860b)

... then just connect them!


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252012%2F12009.jpg&hash=ead03177eb9397f20f95b8999b837113c5ae42cf)

Here's the switch all finished up.

Here's a few pieces in action!


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252012%2F12010.jpg&hash=776b14468f5641884eb6e9633da14a64f5315a9f)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252012%2F12011.jpg&hash=13e3850a9b2f53f6d74951dbfea09e9fce0eec4a)

And where would we be with out a bit of eye-candy?


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252012%2F12012.jpg&hash=0f1a828e669edba1390f9ec1c102050902d08438)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252012%2F12013.jpg&hash=ea529462c475d8dbe346195b663663d19deb3fb5)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252012%2F12014.jpg&hash=cc888dc3fe0de5fb92f36a88e319ec2bc509b33f)

Tunnels work, too...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252012%2F12015.jpg&hash=5e863124efc5ef0d5657ecbd73b9a0715ceac574)

More eye-candy...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252012%2F12016.jpg&hash=cd26efc5b313d4e1984fa674d685152ed34e7135)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252012%2F12017.jpg&hash=f58688526a9a6bcfb4496ee4d14ba1a58b9bbf5c)

And one last picture with me fooling around!


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252012%2F12018.jpg&hash=94c5cd81d09f1ff6303f1ed14ae61b4dc0da2db4)

So that is the STR as it stands now. Since it's only in a BETA, I'm sure that things will be tweaked here and there. If and when they are, I'll be sure to address them here!

If you're looking for more STR stuff, or just looking for something incredible to look at, I'd suggest heading straight over to 3RR (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=112.0) immediately!

See you over there!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: deathtopumpkins on December 22, 2008, 05:44:28 PM
Excellent STR pics Dustin!

As for the $1000 Jeopardy question though, I'm stumped.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: sim-al2 on December 22, 2008, 06:15:31 PM
That last one is completly orginal. ::) Just to add one thing, NEVER bulldoze a diagonal section! It will destroy the whole segment! :angrymore:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: alan_vzla on December 22, 2008, 06:35:13 PM
looks like you have yourself a new toy  :D... Great informative update and, as always, excellent pictures.

As for the $1000 question... I recently did a work related to European Geography... so I dare to say: for $1000 what is Peloponnese?
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on December 23, 2008, 01:54:09 AM
Dustin, you do an excellent job with the STR my friend.
Can't wait for more !  &apls

Arthur.  ;)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bat on December 23, 2008, 03:36:07 AM
Great new picture there! And update 12 is also nice! Wonderful testing of the STR! :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Jmouse on December 23, 2008, 11:38:22 AM
Thanks for the clear and concise info on STR, Dustin. It is sure to come in handy for testing - just having a picture of the different pieces is a huge help. I received a replacement for the defective graphic card today, so I'm hoping to do some testing in the next few days.

Later...
Joan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: JBSimio on December 23, 2008, 11:49:14 AM
Great update, Dustin!   &apls

The new STR pieces look incredible and very useful.  I'm extremely impressed that there are even tunnel capabilities for this already.  I particularly enjoyed the tunnel picture and the one directly above it.

And of course, the previous two "dailies" that I missed were equally great.  The downtown intersection is very well done and I really like how all those buildings fit together.

Oh... and I'm flattered that you would include such buildings in your list of stand alones.  You're too kind my friend and I thank you!

See you next time,
JB
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on December 23, 2008, 12:28:20 PM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies.jpg&hash=f9a404e367cb5e6d84638084803c586e8b151f6e)

deathtopumpkins: Hey, there! Thanks so much!

sim-al2: Ha! Thanks! Oh, and thanks for the tip on not bulldozing the diagonals!

alan_vzla: Hi, my friend! I'm glad you enjoyed the update! And we'll see if your European geography work paid off!

Arthur (art128): Thanks, Arthur!

bat: Thanks so much for coming by, bat!

Joan (Jmouse): Hi, Joan! I'm glad you'll get some use out of the update, my friend! For me, part of the difficulty in something new like the STR is sorting out what is what, and what goes with what, etc. I usually plop all the pieces out like I did in the first picture when I get something new, so I thought that I'd share it! Good luck with your testing, too—I can't wait to see what you come up with!

Jon (JBSimio): Hello, Jon! The STR is just fantastic, isn't it? I put the tunnel picture together wondering if it would work, but then I thought, "Wait! David had his hand in this..." Then, there was no doubt in my mind that there would be tunnels! And as for your buildings being on my list of stand-alones, they speak for themselves, my friend. I could make 31 different pictures just using your work, and each one would be magnificent—well, the buildings would be, I don't know about the pictures! Thanks for coming by, my friend!





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DECEMBER 23

It's almost Christmas, so I thought I'd spice up the pictures for the last couple days before the holiday!

Just another FAR picture, this one climbing a mountain at sunset.




Now...


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Official results for December 22...

$1000: alan_vzla, What is the Peloponnesian Peninsula?
$2500: Arthur (art128), What are Russia and Turkey (Egypt is the third)?
$5000: Arthur (art128), What is Reykjavik?

And our standings...


[tabular type=5]
[row]
[head]
CONTESTANT[/head]
[head]
WINNINGS[/head]
[/row]
[row]
[data]Zack (woodb3kmaster)[/data]
[data]
$11600[/data]
[/row]
[row]
[data]alan_vzla[/data]
[data]
$7800[/data]
[/row]
[row]
[data]Arthur (art128)[/data]
[data]
$7500[/data]
[/row]
[row]
[data]Dan (dsrwhat316)[/data]
[data]
$4800[/data]
[/row]
[row]
[data]Robin (rooker1)[/data]
[data]
$4800[/data]
[/row]
[row]
[data]Paul (paroch)[/data]
[data]
$3400[/data]
[/row]
[row]
[data]deathtopumpkins[/data]
[data]
$2800[/data]
[/row]
[row]
[data]projectadam[/data]
[data]
$2600[/data]
[/row]
[row]
[data]Carmine (CarmineHilton)[/data]
[data]
$1600[/data]
[/row]
[row]
[data]homefryes[/data]
[data]
$1400[/data]
[/row]
[row]
[data]Derry (TheTeaCat)[/data]
[data]
$1200[/data]
[/row]
[row]
[data]Jon (JBSimio)[/data]
[data]
$1200[/data]
[/row]
[row]
[data]Matt (threestooges)[/data]
[data]
$1000[/data]
[/row]
[row]
[data]Joan (Jmouse)[/data]
[data]
$400[/data]
[/row]
[/tabular]

Heading into the home stretch, Zack (woodb3kmaster) still holds onto his lead, but it's far from over!


The second and final Final Jeopardy! round will be posted at 8:38 PM (20:38) EST tonight! Stay tuned!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bat on December 23, 2008, 01:42:38 PM
Nice picture there for the 23rd December! Happy Holidays to you, too! ;)

Looking forward to the pictures for tomorrow... :)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: woodb3kmaster on December 23, 2008, 02:26:43 PM
That's another great picture, Dustin! You're great at combining the various NAM curved pieces to create the nicest rural roads. Also, your placement of trees really gives the scene atmosphere.

I hope I can defend my lead tonight! I'll need to keep an eye on Marathon for sure.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: deathtopumpkins on December 23, 2008, 03:43:02 PM
Heh, that FAR road looks a little bumpy...  :D

Oh, the $1000 question was the Peloponnesian? Hmm... I should have guessed that.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on December 23, 2008, 05:38:14 PM

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bat: Fröhliche Weihnachten! Thanks for coming by, my friend! I'm glad you enjoyed today's picture!

Zack (woodb3kmaster): Thanks so much, Zack! And it's time to see if you're lead holds up!

deathtopumpkins: Just a bit bumpy! But, hey! What good mountain road isn't? Thanks for coming by, my friend!





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Here we go...



[tabular type=5]
[row]
[head colspan=3]
FINAL JEOPARDY!
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 23[/head]
[/row]
[row]
[head][/head]
[head][/head]
[head]
___________________________________________________________________[/head]
[/row]
[row]
[data]
$1000[/data]
[data]
WORLD FLAGS[/data]
[data]This Mediterranean country is the world's only nation whose flag bears a geographic outline of itself[/data]
[/row]
[row]
[data]
$2500[/data]
[data]
PENINSULAR NATIONS[/data]
[data]It's the largest country in the world without any permanent natural rivers or lakes[/data]
[/row]
[row]
[data]
$5000[/data]
[data]
OLYMPIC CITIES[/data]
[data]Name the two current national captials that have hosted the Winter Olympics[/data]
[/row]
[/tabular]

Viel Glück!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: woodb3kmaster on December 23, 2008, 05:40:39 PM
$1000: What is Cyprus?
$2500: What is Saudi Arabia?

I'll have to think about the third clue some more...

OK, I've got it!

$5000: What are Stockholm and Moscow?

EDIT: Merged. - Dustin (thundercrack83)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: rooker1 on December 23, 2008, 05:44:39 PM
$5000 Where is Athens Greece and Sydney Australia?
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on December 23, 2008, 09:58:33 PM

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Zack (woodb3kmaster): Waiting in the wings to protect that lead...I like that! Play to win, that's my motto! We'll see how you did, my friend!

Robin (rooker1): Hey, Robin! The official word's on the way!





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Official results for December 23...

$1000: Zack (woodb3kmaster), What is Cyprus?
$2500: Zack (woodb3kmaster), What is Saudi Arabia?
$5000: No correct answers, yet.

The big money clue is still up for grabs! I'd suggest reading it very closely, though—Zack and Robin both made a crucial error.

In the meantime, it's after midnight here in Pennsylvania, which means it's...


CHRISTMAS EVE!

Today's picture will be coming later today, probably the usual afternoon time. I have to get the rest of the presents wrapped now.

See you in a bit!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Jmouse on December 23, 2008, 10:24:29 PM
For $5,000:
What are Innsbruck, Austria and Oslo, Norway?

(Hope I understood the answer correctly!) :)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: projectadam on December 23, 2008, 11:38:18 PM
Wow, tough question that I will be awaiting the answer. I believe that there has only been one current National Capital that has hosted the Winter Olympics and that would be "Where is Oslo, Norway."

Playing a little bit of catch up here but I thought the picture that you showcased the Gare du Nord was an excellent picture. Some great eye candy for the STR too, I think the picture with the tunnel has a great mix of road, rail and nature.

Hope you have Happy Holidays and a great start to a New Year Dustin :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Pat on December 24, 2008, 01:02:57 AM
Dustin I am sorry Ive missed so much wonderful stuff here wow!!! I missed my chance to play jeopardy dang it ooh well it seems as it was a blast!! you have been doing some wonderful stuff here and with the STR too!!! I will also like to take this time to wish you a very merry christmas my friend and have a great day!!!

pat
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bat on December 24, 2008, 01:50:28 AM
$5000: What are Oslo and Sarajevo? (I can't find other capitals who have hosted the Winter Olympics...)
Sarajevo wasn't a capital when it hosted the Winter Olympics (host country was Yugoslavia in 1984), but now it is one (of Bosnia and Herzegovina)...

And looking forward to the picture for today....
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: projectadam on December 24, 2008, 02:04:17 AM
Quote from: bat on December 24, 2008, 01:50:28 AM
$5000: What are Oslo and Sarajevo? (I can't find other capitals who have hosted the Winter Olympics...)
Sarajevo wasn't a capital when it hosted the Winter Olympics (host country was Yugoslavia in 1984), but now it is one (of Bosnia and Herzegovina)...

And looking forward to the picture for today....

Great catch bat &apls, I think you are correct. I completely forgot that Sarajevo hosted.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bluesinjid on December 24, 2008, 07:36:03 AM
Wow I missed the STR and im impressed with it! Have a Merry Christmas!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: alan_vzla on December 24, 2008, 10:07:05 AM
Hey my firned, sorry for missing the last update... but we went on a trip and there was no Internet... those forests look good!

Anyway... to give a final shot at this wonderful game of yours i'll say for $5000: What are Sarajevo and Oslo?

Hoping to see more of this very fine MD...

Merry Christmas
Alan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on December 24, 2008, 11:38:17 AM

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Joan (Jmouse): Hi, Joan! Let's see if you're correct!

projectadam: Hello, my friend! Happy Holidays! There's another national capital that hosted, but the official word will tell us what it is!And thanks for you great comments on the pictures, too!

Pat: Merry Christmas to you, too, my friend! We've missed you around here! But that's OK, this time of year is always really hectic! Take care!

bat: Hmmmm...We'll see...

bluesinjid: Thank you, my friend! And a Merry Christmas to you, too!

alan_vzla: Hello! Don't worry about missing things, my friend—I hope you enjoyed your trip! And Merry Christmas to you, as well!




Our Christmas Eve picture!


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DECEMBER 24

It's a mosaïc!

Playing around with trying to make some cookie-cutter, low-income neighborhoods, juxtaposed with a more urban, low-income setting using the fantastic NYC Housing Projects (http://sc4devotion.com/csxlex/lex_filedesc.php?lotGET=1873) by marcszar. Things are a bit repetitive, but that was part of what I was going for. The neighborhood was loosely inspired by Levittown, New York (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Levittown,_NY), which was built as a planned community after World War II.





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Official results for December 23...

$1000: Zack (woodb3kmaster), What is Cyprus?
$2500: Zack (woodb3kmaster), What is Saudi Arabia?
$5000: bat, What are Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Oslo, Norway?

The word "current" was crucial for the clue. As bat pointed out, Sarajevo was not a national capital when it hosted the Winter Olympics in 1984, but is now a current one. This question seemed to give some fits! First, Robin and Zack missed "Winter" in the clue and named Summer Olympics host cities, and then the Sarajevo confusion! Speaking of Summer Olympic host cities that are national capitals, there's been a bunch: Athens (1896, 2004), Paris (1900, 1924), London (1908, 1049, 2012), Stockholm (1912), Amsterdam (1928), Berlin (1936), Helsinki (1952), Rome (1960), Tokyo (1964), Mexico City (1968), Moscow (1980), Seoul (1988), and Beijing (2008). What can I say? I like the Olympics!

But anyway...Our final standings—


[tabular type=5]
[row]
[head]
CONTESTANT[/head]
[head]
WINNINGS[/head]
[/row]
[row]
[data]Zack (woodb3kmaster)[/data]
[data]
$14100[/data]
[/row]
[row]
[data]alan_vzla[/data]
[data]
$7800[/data]
[/row]
[row]
[data]Arthur (art128)[/data]
[data]
$7500[/data]
[/row]
[row]
[data]bat[/data]
[data]
$5000[/data]
[/row]
[row]
[data]Dan (dsrwhat316)[/data]
[data]
$4800[/data]
[/row]
[row]
[data]Robin (rooker1)[/data]
[data]
$4800[/data]
[/row]
[row]
[data]Paul (paroch)[/data]
[data]
$3400[/data]
[/row]
[row]
[data]deathtopumpkins[/data]
[data]
$2800[/data]
[/row]
[row]
[data]projectadam[/data]
[data]
$2600[/data]
[/row]
[row]
[data]Carmine (CarmineHilton)[/data]
[data]
$1600[/data]
[/row]
[row]
[data]homefryes[/data]
[data]
$1400[/data]
[/row]
[row]
[data]Derry (TheTeaCat)[/data]
[data]
$1200[/data]
[/row]
[row]
[data]Jon (JBSimio)[/data]
[data]
$1200[/data]
[/row]
[row]
[data]Matt (threestooges)[/data]
[data]
$1000[/data]
[/row]
[row]
[data]Joan (Jmouse)[/data]
[data]
$400[/data]
[/row]
[/tabular]

And our official winner is...


Zack (woodb3kmaster)!
$14100

Congratulations, Zack! You were right on top of things from the beginning and it paid off! So, as promised, I will be donating the amount sufficient to get a BSC LEX DVD and it will be sent to you, my friend! You earned it!

I'd also like to thank everyone for sticking around for three whole weeks and playing Jeopardy! here. Because of you, we were able to have a lot of fun and have a successful game! Thank you all so very much!

And lastly, I wish all of you, my very good friends, a wonderful and Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

We'll see you tomorrow for our Christmas Day picture!

Oh, and just one last thing...


http://www.youtube.com/v/yErhglOXIxM&hl=en&fs=1
Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band
"Santa Claus is Coming to Town"
Capitol Theatre in Passaic, New Jersey, September 20, 1978


Bruce and the Band in 1978, at their finest! My favorite part of Christmas and my earliest memory of Bruce Springsteen. I remember back as a four- and five-year-old, in the Born in the U.S.A. madness of 1984-85, hearing this on the radio going to get the Christmas tree with my dad. Still gets me every time, and I got to see him play it in Pittsburgh back in December 2002.
Happy holidays everyone!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: woodb3kmaster on December 24, 2008, 12:38:47 PM
Wow, what a great birthday present - I had forgotten what was at stake in this game! Thanks so much, Dustin!

As to today's picture, I'm really impressed at your skill in making various neighborhoods, especially this low-income area. I'm curious - did you plop all those lots right where you wanted them, or did you have to wait for all the right ones to grow there?

Looking forward to more, as always!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Jmouse on December 24, 2008, 01:04:14 PM
Oh well, no luck with Jeopardy &mmm, but that's a fine mosaic you've posted for our Christmas Eve pleasure! We don't see many tenements around these parts, at least not in the smaller cities I prefer, but they're a way of life in many areas. Still, that's a fantastic montage you've created with a wide veriety of elements at work. The transport exchange with highway, avenue, road, rail and even a pedestrian crossing is especially well done - love the underpass!

Once again, the best of holiday wishes to one and all...
Joan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: threestooges on December 24, 2008, 03:45:37 PM
Splendid selection for today Dustin. I agree with Joan about the transport aspect of the pic. All those parts fit together so well it's like they were all built for that spot. Good work to the creators, as well as the one who did all the dirty work of putting them together. The projects look really neat too, but I don't see as much congestion/people as I would expect for such a dense area, ah well, they're probably all on the trains down there. Lastly, congratulations woodb3kmaster on the Jeopardy win, and the CD that is to come. Thank you too Dustin for contributing such a fine prize. Merry Christmas Dustin, and I'll be curious to see what you have for the rest of the month.
-Matt
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: JBSimio on December 24, 2008, 04:29:25 PM
Quite a mosaic you've presented as well, Dustin!  ;)   &apls  &apls

Oddly enough, you've picked one of my least favorite houses as the basis for your neighborhood.  Standing alone, as you've done... it works very well and it looks good.  I've always avoided it, not because it's a bad looking house (it's really not at all!), but just because it sticks out so much when surrounded by other houses.  But I digress... The tenaments look great across the freeway there.  I can imagine the whole area as one neighborhood until the highway created a new border.  Urban renewal struck in different ways on either side... or at least that's how my overworked imagination sees it.   ::)

Merry Christmas, my freind!
JB
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bluesinjid on December 24, 2008, 07:15:48 PM
Wow whata nice mosaic! The ghetto to me actually looks really well made! &apls Never thought repitition would look so good  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Lilojame on December 24, 2008, 08:48:31 PM
Hi, my friend!
I feel so bad for missing on so much of wonderful updates in this gorgeous MD of yours. I hope, that you can forgive me. Let me just say, that you are doing a superb work in here with everything. Congrats on successful Jeopardy! That was quite an undertaking. I like all the pictures you have posted very much indeed! And that little doggy of yours is so darn cute! We are thinking of getting a dog also, just cant quite decide which one. Tell me please, if this breed is kind to kids?

Anyhow, let me again say, that Commonwealth of Marathon is a wonderful MD!

Merry Christmas, my friend!

Karin
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on December 25, 2008, 12:58:32 AM

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Zack (woodb3kmaster): Well, lots to say...Happy birthday! Merry Christmas! Congratulations! We'll figure out the logistics of getting your prize out to you as soon as the holiday is over. And to answer your question, yes, I did plop everything in the picture. My obsessive-compulsive side tends to fight against growing things, since I can't really control what happens! Thanks for coming by, my friend, and enjoy the holiday!

Joan (Jmouse): Hi, Joan! I'm glad you enjoyed the mosaïc! As for the tenements, there's not too many of them around where I live either, but I've seen similar set-ups that served as inspiration in my frequent trips to the Philadelphia area. Hope you're having a Merry Christmas, my friend!

Matt (threestooges): Merry Christmas, Matt! Thanks so much for your great comments, my friend! You're right about the congestion, too. I would have liked to get more in there, but trying to keep things lined up right for the mosaïc can be a killer! Hope you're having a great holiday!

Jon (JBSimio): Hey, there, Jon! Thank you! I like the Berwick houses, too, though you are right, they can be hard to plop in with other houses. I like your imaginings for the area, too! It makes perfect sense to me! Enjoy your holiday, my friend!

bluesinjid: Thank you so very much! And yes, I was worried about the repetition, too, but I think it turned out OK! Take care!

Karin (Lilojame): Merry Christmas, Karin! I'm so glad you've enjoyed everything so far! As for little Figaro, he is a papillon (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Papillon_(dog)), and from our experience thus far, he is very friendly with children, and everyone, for that matter. I hope that you and your family are having a wonderful holiday!




It's rather early here—just about 4:00 AM—but, since it's going to be a pretty long day, I thought I'd take care of today's picture now!


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FOSITM.jpg&hash=96778ecf884ebe8a8c248b6cb7b0e2de2d183e31)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FOSITM%2FDec25t.jpg&hash=c72f58b7fc0707a79586239975ee61aad6e9203d) (http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o134/thundercrack83/MARATHON/OSITM/Dec25.jpg)
DECEMBER 25

Something special for all of you, my friends, for the holiday season! You can view the plain version here (http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o134/thundercrack83/MARATHON/OSITM/Dec25u.jpg).

And one more video surprise for Christmas Day...


http://www.youtube.com/v/YVIiLrpVWl0&hl=en&fs=1
Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band
"Merry Christmas Baby"
Late Night with Conan O'Brien, December 2002.


Happy Holidays, everyone. You're the greatest friends anyone could have!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: warconstruct on December 25, 2008, 02:30:45 PM
splendid update !
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: paroch on December 26, 2008, 02:06:27 AM
Hi Dustin- Happy Christmas my friend.

Great game of Jeopardy - Congrats to Zack on his victory.

Awesome Mosaic there - I like those R$ houses and don't recall seeing them before, a nice neighbourhood you've created.  And the traffic "Corridor" really is well done.  And as others have said, the transition into the tenements is really great.

And a very nice snowy festive pic to wish us all Happy Christmas - very nicely done there.

Any you still have a week of OSITM to go!!

All the best

Paul
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bat on December 26, 2008, 10:01:09 AM
That's a great panorama picture there! And Merry Christmas to you, too!
Fantastic new work on that newest update... :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on December 26, 2008, 12:28:24 PM

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warconstruct: Thank you so much!

Paul (paroch): Merry Christmas to you, to my good friend! I'm so glad that you enjoyed the Christmas Eve and Christmas Day pictures, my friend! I hope you had a wonderful holiday!

bat: Thank you very much, my friend! I hope your Christmas was great!






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DECEMBER 26

Here's our Boxing Day picture! I'm still in love with these seasonal trees, especially the autumn ones!

I hope everyone had a much more "merry" Christmas than I had, as I spent the first half of the day not feeling so well, then the rest of the afternoon and into the evening at emergency for a stomach infection. Not the best way to spend the holiday, I must say! I'm still a bit weak and achy, but I think I'm on the other side of it.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bat on December 26, 2008, 02:19:29 PM
Great picture of the seasonal trees there! It is looking beautiful!! :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Jmouse on December 26, 2008, 04:04:23 PM
Hey Dustin, hope you're on the mend and feeling much better! That's a really nice day-after-Christmas pic - I'm a sucker for seasonal trees, too. In fact, it gives me an idea I may want to consult the transit gurus about later on.

Guess it's time now
to wish everyone a Happy New Year. Doesn't seem like nearly a decade has passed since we all sat around and wondered if our grandpas were going to be drafted when Y2K hit! Remember that? ::)

Later...

Joan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon [11/06/08]: UPDATE I: We Begin...at the Beginning!
Post by: Badsim on December 27, 2008, 04:11:48 AM
Quote from: thundercrack83 on November 06, 2008, 12:08:14 PM


A word of caution. In response to so many wonderful comments you've all made here thus far, I feel the need to say this up-front in the hopes of quelling any grandiose expectations--my playing skills are mediocre at best, laughable at worst! I will apologize now (first of many, I'm sure) for any lackluster, pedestrian, or otherwise subpar work, and I hope that all of you who have inspired me so much will help push me on the right track! Proceed at your own risk!



Tssss Tsssss , Dustin , what a skilled way to present this MD as a rookie one !  $%Grinno$%

Each and all pictures shown here since , are showing a particularly high mastering . :thumbsup:

&apls &apls &apls
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on December 27, 2008, 01:38:13 PM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies.jpg&hash=f9a404e367cb5e6d84638084803c586e8b151f6e)

bat: Thank you so much, my friend!

Joan (Jmouse): Hi, Joan! I feeling better now, though not quite up to 100% yet. I'm glad you enjoyed yesterday's picture, too! I probably could have done each of the 31 pictures for the month with seasonal trees and not even batted an eyelash! They add such a dimension of detail to things that I just can't get enough of! And an early Happy New Year to you, too! I do remember all the Y2K hubbub—I was a senior in high school when the big switch was made and everyone was hoping that the school was shut down because of it. Alas, nothing happened at all! Hope all is well, Joan!

Cédric (Badsim): Hello, my friend! It's so great to see you hear in Marathon on again! I hope you had a wonderful holiday, and your very kind comments are much appreciated! With unbelievably incredible work done by you and many others here, I still have to stand by my initial statement yet, though I think I'm on the right track! Take care!





(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FOSITM.jpg&hash=96778ecf884ebe8a8c248b6cb7b0e2de2d183e31)

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DECEMBER 27

We're slowly winding things down here on December...another industrial shot, just because I absolutely adore any and all factories (or anything, for that matter!) done by Jess (jestarr)!

I've got another update on the block that I need a bit more time to set-up now...Being under the weather really put a damper on things here in Marathon. That's also providing that I can pull myself away from the Wii Fit that I got for Christmas and have finally been able to play around with!

Stay tuned, friends!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: JBSimio on December 27, 2008, 01:41:34 PM
Hi Dustin,

Just here to catch up on the "dailies" again.  It goes without saying that they all look good as usual.  I couldn't agree more about the Jestarr line of factories and industrials.  I shudder to think where we would all be without them!  I'm sorry to hear that your holiday week got off to a bumpy start... I hope you're feeling better!

JB
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: paroch on December 27, 2008, 01:55:42 PM
Nice pics there Dustin for the last two days - yes, those seasonal trees really are something - funnily enough I tend not to use them much myself despite really liking them!  And that distribution centre looks very nice there.

Great pics - and hope you're firing on all cylinders agains soon.

Paul
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bat on December 27, 2008, 02:12:54 PM
Welcome to page 25! ;)

That's a great new picture there! Wonderful work on that area! It's a nice industrial image! :thumbsup:
Looking forward to the last 4 pictures in this month, in the last 4 days of the year and in your first OSITM-time!!! ;)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: dsrwhat316 on December 28, 2008, 06:31:56 AM
Ah, nice (seriously!) industrial pics, Dustin!  :thumbsup:

A quick question: are those the original lots made by jestarr, or are the re-lotted by you? I always have my eye out for good lots...  ::)

This MD has had such exponential growth; at this rate, you'll be in the Classics section at the start of the New Year! &hlp

~ Dan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: rooker1 on December 28, 2008, 09:06:18 AM
Hey Dustin,

Great to see Jess' bat at work in your city too.  I have all of his stuff in my plugins and believe that it is an absolute must in anyone's plugins.
Just a couple more days and you can relax a little, although I hope you don't relax too much  ::)  ;).

Robin  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: warconstruct on December 28, 2008, 11:21:59 AM
Very beautiful image, that predicts large and beautiful industrial park , I am impatient to see the continuation !
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Jmouse on December 28, 2008, 12:49:27 PM
You're so right about jestarr's industrials, Dustin. There are none better anywhere, and it looks like you placed them very well. Hope you're getting the best of that virus.

Later...
Joan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on December 28, 2008, 02:28:31 PM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies.jpg&hash=f9a404e367cb5e6d84638084803c586e8b151f6e)

Jon (JBSimio): Hello, there, Jon! You're definitely right about the shuddering, my friend—it would be traumatic to play the game with out them, or all of the great custom content we have at our fingertips these days! Maybe, one of these days, I'll take everything out of my plug-ins folder and try to play the game as-is...See how long I last!

Paul (paroch): Hey, Paul! I think the cylinders are firing pretty well again now, thanks so much, my friend! As for those seasonal trees, well, there just one of the many things that I am so amazed with here at SC4D! Hope all is well with you, Paul! Thanks for coming by!

bat: Thank you, my friend! Three more days after today!

Dan (dsrwhat316): Thank so much, Dan! Unfortunately for me, I did not do any re-lotting on the industrial lots, that is all the work of Jess (jestarr). But hey! How can I improve on such magnificent work, right? It's always good to see you here in Marathon, my friend! Take care!

Robin (rooker1): Hello, Robin! "Absolute must" to say the least! They are like oxygen for anyone even thinking of putting together an industrial area! And don't worry, my friend—while things will certainly slow down here in Marathon come January, it won't be to a standstill by any means...(I hope...)

warconstruct: Bonjour! Thank you so much for your wonderful words, my friend!

Joan (Jmouse): Hi, Joan! I'm almost at 100% now, I think. I'm glad you enjoy the industrials, too! I know you fancy the more rural ones, so today's picture should be a special treat for you then!





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(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FOSITM%2FDec26.jpg&hash=1eefe70b7568f31bf53543611d77b201f457f6e0)
DECEMBER 28

As I said above to Joan (Jmouse)—another rural shot to offset the industry from yesterday, again featuring the wonderful STR! Also, in the bottom left-hand corner are the Center-Pivot Irrigation Fields (CPI), which are another 3RR exclusive, available at the 3RREX (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=5603.0) now!

Still working on that update, but I have to do a bit of holiday visiting that I missed out on while I was convalescing on Christmas Day. My brother is en route to our parents' house from Virginia now, so I'll be heading there first for dinner.

See you soon!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Jmouse on December 28, 2008, 04:35:02 PM
Oh yes, if industry is a necessity - rural areas are the luxury. :) There's nothing left but "ahhh" to say about STR. Glad to hear you're beating the virus, too - as long as you're well enough to play SC4 that's all that matters, eh?! ;D

Hope you have a safe and pleasant visit...
Joan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: deathtopumpkins on December 28, 2008, 05:36:07 PM
Great rural pic Dustin!  &apls

And I missed the last pic, but I must add my appreciation for jestarr's industrials too. I have every one he's ever released, and I must say they are essential to any industrial area.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on December 28, 2008, 10:28:18 PM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies.jpg&hash=f9a404e367cb5e6d84638084803c586e8b151f6e)

Joan (Jmouse): Hey, Joan! Rural areas are a luxury! I like that a lot! And you're right, being well enough to get in there and play is all that matters!

deathtopumpkins: Thank you so much, my friend! I'm happy to hear you like the industrial shot as well! Take care!





(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FOSITM.jpg&hash=96778ecf884ebe8a8c248b6cb7b0e2de2d183e31)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FOSITM%2FDec28.jpg&hash=087e42d2e7198784380ed0859abc1656d8e3a3c9)
DECEMBER 29

It's after midnight on the Eastern Seaboard and I'll be doing some traveling tomorrow—well, technically today—so we'll get today's picture out of the way now.

A bit of a throwaway picture, but I thought I'd try something a bit different!

Still working on that update, too. Perhaps tomorrow evening sometime? That's certainly not set in stone, though...

Take care!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bat on December 29, 2008, 06:31:26 AM
Two great new pictures there! Wonderful work on them! :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on December 29, 2008, 12:38:19 PM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies.jpg&hash=f9a404e367cb5e6d84638084803c586e8b151f6e)

bat: Thanks, bat! I'm glad you liked them!




Forgive the abrupt and preemptive post, but I just noticed that we've passed...


10,000 views!

In less than a two month span, we've eclipsed 10,000 views...That's over 5000 views a month! I really do not know how to thank you all, this is just incredible!

We're also a stone's throw away from 500 posts and the Classics! I don't know what to say!

Thank you all so very, very much!

Update's on the block!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: kimcar on December 29, 2008, 02:12:15 PM
 &apls &apls Congrats Dustin . With high quality of work that`s what happen  ;D :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: deathtopumpkins on December 29, 2008, 02:46:40 PM
Congrats Dustin!

/me pushes Marathon one post closer to the classics.

Nice pic yesterday too. A simple one, but it's nice. I love Jeroni's breakwaters.   ;D
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: JBSimio on December 29, 2008, 03:04:28 PM
Two more great pictures, Dustin.   &apls

The STR looks especially good the way you've used it there.  Today's picture just shows that simple (though it may be) can be just as good as anything else.  Congratulations on all your ridiculously rapid success here!  ;)

JB
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: dsrwhat316 on December 29, 2008, 03:14:02 PM
Simple and elegant describes that pic, Dustin. Very cool!

Don't worry about stalling to make an update (something I do a lot, as well!); it's better to give quality than quantity. I'm curious to see an update, though  :P!

~ Dan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Jmouse on December 29, 2008, 04:45:56 PM
Nice picture, Dustin. It reminds me of the jetties in Galveston, Texas City, Freeport and around Bolivar where I spent many a happy hour fishing. As mentioned earlier, there's much to be said for the beauty found in simplicity.

Later...
Joan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon [12/28/08]: UPDATE XIV(a): Arteries...
Post by: thundercrack83 on December 29, 2008, 07:08:29 PM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies.jpg&hash=f9a404e367cb5e6d84638084803c586e8b151f6e)

kimcar: Thank you so very much, my friend!

deathtopumpkins: Thanks for your comments, and for the push toward the Classics!

Jon (JBSimio): Hi, Jon! The STR is just another in a laundry list of things here at SC4D that I simply cannot get enough of! I'm so glad you enjoyed today's picture, too. I felt like it was a bit of a phone-in from my end, though! Take care, my friend!

Dan (dsrwhat316): Thanks, Dan! And I'm definitely with you on quality over quantity! As for the next update, well...

Joan (Jmouse): Hey, Joan! I've never made it down to the Galveston area of Texas, but I'll be heading to Google Maps to check it out! Thanks so much for your continued support, my friend! I don't know where I'd be without you, and not only in Marathon!






UPDATE XIV(a)
Arteries, Obsessive-Compulsiveness, and Triskaidekaphobia
29 December 2008

First!


[tabular type=1]
[row]
[data]
tris⋅kai⋅dek⋅a⋅pho⋅bi⋅a |trɪskaɪˌdɛkəˈfoʊbiə, ˌtrɪskə-| noun. Fear or a phobia concerning the number 13. [< Gk triskaídeka, thirteen + Gk, equiv. to -phob(os) + -ia.]
[/data]
[/row]
[/tabular]

I hope that answers two questions that some of you may have—why "XIV(a)," and what in the world is triskaidekaphobia? Though, you are all very smart folks, I have no doubt that more than a few of you out there knew what it means!

Moving on!

When we last left off on Marathon Island back in UPDATE VIII: The Highway is Alive Tonight, Part II: Nobody's Kiddin' Nobody About Where it Goes (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6190.msg203153#msg203153)...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%25208%2F8014.jpg&hash=fb9c56257cc484c5a81e1ccaf47154b50ba968e3)

...That's what the island looked like, highways all placed! So, the next logical step is to get some of the major arteries of the island put in place, isn't it?

To illustrate this my method for doing this, I will employ our trusty friend, Tile E.

First step in the process is tracing the entire border—minus the unnavigable parts, of course!—of the tile. However, at the corners...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252014A%2F13001.jpg&hash=b0b234faebf0c9bbbcbbbace099feab034244d05)

...I leave a one-tile space and connect to the other tiles accordingly.

Why?

Because I like it that way, that's why!

Ha-ha-ha! Just kidding...powerlines is why. Rather than build a power plant in each tile, I'd like to build a central power facility in the future, and this is just a bit of pre-planning on my part. To do the math:


18 tiles on Marathon Island - 2 (one that is 100% water and 1 that is 98% water) = 16 tiles / 16 power plants!

One power plant on the island would almost certainly be completely unrealistic let alone 16 of them!

Back on track...Here's a zoomed-out shot of the traced borders.


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252014A%2F13002.jpg&hash=c8ca53e23f49d1e7acf9773f0d97448aace1d446)

Next step!


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252014A%2F13003.jpg&hash=992704182acb6c357b549550fcece39fc0808373)

As illustrated in the picture, I draw a road that is 30 tiles long, then plop two single road tiles. On those tiles?


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252014A%2F13004.jpg&hash=0aa643f87700891cbe489d1bfe8cb7e8ac3a3b51)

Our first avenue!

We continue the process on the other side...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252014A%2F13005.jpg&hash=a6e52eac9fbe857801560c1f730392a3bdffae32)

...and...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252014A%2F13006.jpg&hash=d0249e9097020abd2f1ad7deb0612bb1d5c372d7)

...connect it to the "island ring" that we so meticulously measured the same way, all the way back in UPDATE I: We Begin...At the Beginning! (Or, Constructing Marathon Island) (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6190.msg196718#msg196718)!

Following the "30, then 2" process both north-south and east-west, we get this—


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252014A%2F13007.jpg&hash=3844790c809bf1a1b38ca926e3fe4f48db252cc8)

A grid of arterial avenues for the tile!


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252014A%2F13008.jpg&hash=e71514f3c7be65c812f4afe6eaee2b742f811b90)

Now we connect the avenues on each side of our sunken highway with overpasses.

But, while my obsessive-compulsive need for order that foments not only the grid, but the precise construction of it, is always looming, some "randomness" is definitely essential. So...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252014A%2F13009.jpg&hash=22da315b349d2ab02e6685b8aab75e70fb9a17d3)

...we'll extend this diagonal! To do so, though, some adjustments to the highway are necessary...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252014A%2F13010.jpg&hash=25401f90426e7e949401b80e96b90c253f67589d)

Bulldoze...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252014A%2F13011.jpg&hash=4e6a56a1ac71e2635ca75eb61ba4034086734377)

...then build a tunnel!


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252014A%2F13012.jpg&hash=f5f96cef2cfe2a4a372128e13c89bc5939bde149)

And our diagonal has crossed the highway!

But now we have a bit of a strange intersection—


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252014A%2F13013.jpg&hash=4126c2d7d080f16850722c243819f45ee00c8722)

Too strange for that looming obsessive-compulsiveness I alluded to earlier! But, in keeping with the continuing "randomness" theme—or, controlled chaos, as I think of it—we'll tweak things and add...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252014A%2F13014.jpg&hash=05fa23b441f3f281002d45c3a32946d60b5f0340)

...a roundabout.


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252014A%2F13015.jpg&hash=253536f638be45a340b8465039dadd4e416510fc)

Above is a zoomed-out shot of where the northern off-shoot of the roundabout leads. Note that I had to line things up with the grid intersection at the top left!

The northeast-southwest diagonal continues through the tile...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252014A%2F13016.jpg&hash=421d0d4e3539beac4a63b95beea2689765bdf515)

...until it reaches the southwest corner. I haven't come up with a solution to that other strange corner that's shown here, but as you can probably guess, it's bothering me like crazy!

Now to connect this diagonal!


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252014A%2F13017.jpg&hash=479e3ac6a35e982ed78fe8452149231e712e20f7)

The illustration explains the method, and we get...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252014A%2F13018.jpg&hash=f62834eda946e55277cc2d5cb20532d2a73ed6dd)

...this! Next...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252014A%2F13019.jpg&hash=bf8f8f35a3f75739a56ba134e05fe9b852db6bed)

...we follow the same pattern in the northwest corner, leading us to...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252014A%2F13020.jpg&hash=dd019892eabec8534492139589233adbeeb9e123)

...the above.

We're also faced with another odd occurence and corresponding solution...


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...splitting the avenue! One of my favorite things to do!


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There's the finished product!


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And there's a complete overview of the tile!

Using this method—30, then 2; 7 avenues, etc.—I simultaneously feed and fight the obsessive-compulsive demons throughout the entire island, giving us...


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...the arteries of Marathon island!


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Here's the same picture with Traffic View.

As you can see, there's a balance between grid and randomness. Well, perhaps not "balance," maybe "parity?" But, in all honesty, despite the fact that my need for order is present in the set-up, realistically, it makes sense to me that these sort of major roads would have a more organized construction. The much more random set-up will come into play when we start filling things in with secondary and tertiary roads.

So, there it is! The next layer of transportation on Marathon Island, and an exploration of my psyche! Odd, isn't it?

See you soon!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: deathtopumpkins on December 29, 2008, 07:18:20 PM
Wow, Dustin. Never knew anybody put that much thought into designing a city's arteries...  :D
I think the final result is spectacular, &apls and that was a very interesting and informative look at the methods you use.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Jmouse on December 29, 2008, 10:23:36 PM
That's some amazing work there, Dustin, but the level of preplanning is awesome.

I'm with you on the power plant angle, and you've thought of a good way to deliver electricity. One or two questions come to mind, though. In the third photo (Tile E outlined) the highway runs straight through the quad with no way to get on or off. Surely there will be some ramps to come?

The other questions
that come to mind might be unanswerable at this point in development. What if you find the perfect spot for a certain beloved building and it won't fit - not enough room for it? What if the Sims react negatively to the layout? I've seen them clog streets and roads trying to avoid an avenue for no apparent reason. Also it will be interesting to see how you place schools, fire stations and the like which have specific coverage areas.

You can bet I'll be watching every move because my own playing style is diametrically opposite. Spontaneity usually gets me in trouble and is my downfall more often than not, but I've never dreamed of laying out an entire regional transport system at one time. Major highways maybe, but...

Anyway, I'm really anxious to see how your plans play out. There's no doubt in my mind that there's much to learn here in Marathon...
Joan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Pat on December 29, 2008, 11:04:37 PM
Hey Dustin I think you have hit an all time record here or something but you have a hot MD other then Casper Portforilo's!!! 2 months in the MD world and the Next post you will be Classic when you are done with OSITM WOW!!! Anyways what a masterful and well planned out area here and also great last few updates you have had!!!

I cant wait to see more!!!

pat
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bat on December 30, 2008, 04:31:28 AM
Welcome to page 26!

Great work there on that part of your region! Nice road layout there!
That's another great update there!
And looking forward to the update/teaser of the 31st December...


BTW, CONGRATS on 500 replies in just 55 days!!! &apls &apls &apls
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: rooker1 on December 30, 2008, 05:12:04 AM
Hey Dustin,

Congratulations!! on breaking the 500 reply mark!!  &apls
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What an incredilbe achievement. 
You start your MD on November 5th and have a super month, attaining 213 replies and an awesome amount of views.  December 1st, it's announced that your very well deserved MD is in OSITM.  Here you knock out all the stops and provide us with a picture every single day, stupendous updates and Jeopardy.  Now it's nearing the end of the month and you hit the 500 reply mark.(as I predicted)It was my pleasure coaxing you into starting your MD.....it was my pleasure moving your MD to OSITM and it will definately be my pleasure to move your MD to the Classics on January 1st.

&apls

BTW, another great update my friend and I also have similiar problems.  ::)  ;)

Robin  ()stsfd()
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: metarvo on December 30, 2008, 06:07:03 AM
I guess I'm not the only one who builds the transit grid before developing the city.  This is a well-constructed tutorial, Dustin, although it is what I have come to expect from Marathon.  :)  I must say that I agree 100% on the power idea, since a more realistic power grid is also one of my major goals.  A large city tile is about 2.5 sq. mi. (4 km2), and I've never seen any RL area with power plants spaced 2.5 sq. mi. apart, so this is a good strategy, Dustin. 

I must congratulate you on getting 500 replies.  Honestly, I had no doubt that CoM would be a success.  Congratulations, Dustin!  &apls
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on December 30, 2008, 03:28:21 PM

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deathtopumpkins: Thanks, my friend! I don't know how many others put that much thought and planning into the arteries, but I speaking for myself, I couldn't help it!

Joan (Jmouse): Hi, Joan! I'm glad you enjoyed the update! To answer your questions, there will definitely be on- and off-ramps, I just didn't get that far on each tile. I'll handle the ramps, highway walls, etc., when I start building each tile. Also, the layout of each and every avenue isn't static, if something comes up to rework things, we'll definitely move it around. Nothing like this can be set in stone, otherwise I'll never get anywhere, right? I'm with you on the spontaneity, too—I try to be spontaneous and it ends up being planned spontaneity!

Pat: Thank you so much, my friend!

bat: Thanks, bat! And thanks for breaking 500! I can't believe we've made it that far!

Robin (rooker1): Hey, Robin! Wow, fireworks! I'm quite overwhelmed at how far we've come so fast here, and I have you to thank, my friend! Without you, Marathon would exist only in my little head!

metarvo: I'm not alone! Power is one of those oft overlooked aspects of the game that is also very important...without it, we'd be in the dark! But you're definitely right, power plants that close together is unrealistic and downright dangerous! And thanks for the congratulations, my friend!





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DECEMBER 30

More STR, but this time with the wonderful bridge that comes with it! And of course...seasonal trees...this time, winter!

And, 7:31:28 AM EST, we had our 500th comment here in Marathon!

I'm overwhelmed, friends. The reception and support here has been absolutely unbelievable. I thank you all from the bottom of my heart, and I hope to see you all back again!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Jmouse on December 31, 2008, 01:36:47 AM
Congratulations on 500+ replies, 10,500+ views and what must be a record-setting sprint into the Classics!

But most of all,
congratulations on a stellar month in OSITM. You've set the pace - the rest of can only follow! And try to run fast enough! Great daily, too - Marathon just gets better and better by the day! :thumbsup:

Happy New Year to all...
Joan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: threestooges on December 31, 2008, 02:26:22 AM
It doesn't seem like it has been that long since I was last here, but it seems you are in the classics already. Well done Dustin. I knew big things were coming when I saw your first update, and these 31 days in OSITM have really done it. Nice use of the STR, but that bridge... eh, I don't know... there must be something to better fit that area(then again, it's not like the BATter left you with much of a selection, did he, heh heh). I have something in the works that might fit the bill better (plate girder), just have to iron out some texture issues, and maybe add some ripple effects at the bottom of that trestle if I can. Happy New Year Dustin.
-Matt
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: paroch on December 31, 2008, 02:32:23 AM
Hello Dustin,

First up - congrats on reaching 500 posts in RECORD time - wow, that really is something.  I look forward to seeing you in the Classics (it'll make it easier to visit more regularly as I am terribly lazy and often don't get further than there!!)   I've done a (very) rough calculation and reckon that at current "post rates" CoM will overtake West End on 15th February!

The daily pics have all been very good - thanks for sharing them and apols for not commenting on each and every one.

Now, this last update....... verrrrrrrrry interesting.  I've read Joan's comments and like her appraisal of how you've approached Marathon island.  I'm trying to decide whether I'm absolutely impressed or totally horrified by your approach!!  Your attention to detail and logic is really something else - I have laid out the main highways and railways in West End (over 18 months ago) but even they seem to change when I actually get to developing a quad.  When I built the Amterdam themed city in West End I laid out the canal system because I was after somethign specific - but believe me, whilst it delivered the "look" I wanted, actually building that quad was the most challenging SC4 thing I've done.  Those pesky sims just didn't seem to appreciate what I was trying to achieve!!

It will be interesting to see the individual tiles develop and I just wonder what level of "give" there is going to have to be between your self confessed "obsessive-compulsiveness" and Joan's hinted at need to be flexible and destroy parts of the grid to accomodate cetain parts of the city.

For me personally (and I guess this is because I live in England), I try to keep away from too much griddiness and straight lines.

I'm assuming from the grid layout that Marathon is going to be a densely populated place with lots of high risers.

One specific point on the "roundabout" junction.   Hmmmmm, there are so many intersections so close together there I can't help but think that you're asking for trouble.  Both from the point of view of traffic chaos and also from missing the opportunity for creating a central focal point for the quad.  Maybe (and this is only a suggestion) if you could get all of the avenues to converge on the one roundabout you'd have an almost "Arch de Triomphe" type junction that would be a real foacl point.  Or, again, with so mnay arteries converging you could create a "mini-ring road" using one way roads that in effect is an extra large roundabout.  This would then leave you with a nice sized central "island" that could be a focal point - maybe  asmall park with statues and a monument?  I'm kinda thinking of Parliament Square in London (and I'm sure there are hundreds of other similar places nearer to home).

Well, thanks for the update Dustin- hopefully you can tell from my comments that I found it very interesting and thought provoking.

All the best for 2009,

Paul
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bat on December 31, 2008, 04:58:21 AM
Nice work on that newest picture there! Looking forward to more (perhaps in this year...)...


I wish you a Happy New Year! ;)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on December 31, 2008, 11:58:31 AM

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Joan (Jmouse): Thank you so much, my friend! Your presence here in Marathon has made this month so much greater, and I appreciate it very much! See you in 2009!

Matt (threestooges): Hey, Matt! I feel you on the bridge (I used it again in today's picture...Sorry!)—I can't wait to see what you have in the works, your bridges are extraordinary! And a Happy New Year to you, too, my friend!

Paul (paroch): Hi, Paul! First off, thank you so much for the congratulations and support, it really means a lot to me, my friend. Now, onto you points about the update, which are very poignant, and I have to say that you are very, very correct! As the island stands now, it seems to work, but when the time for development begins, I have a feeling that things will be extremely different! The game simply does not care how much planning you do, and you have to be flexible! My obsessive-compulsiveness only goes so far—I'd rather have it look nice than have it fit into some preordained system. You're also very correct about the intersections leading to trouble, too, and I will most certainly be employing some of the strategies that you suggested for them. I tried to set things up as detailed as possible this early because, for one, it could save some trouble, and two, when things start to change in development, we will have something to look back on to illustrate that change. I want to thank you so much for your suggestions and advice, my friend. I have no doubt that I will be revisiting your post when I start building, and that I will be indebted to you! Have a very Happy New Year!

bat: Thank you, bat!





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DECEMBER 31

This picture is more pretense for the greeting and sentiment at the bottom—I wanted to do something big for New Year's Eve, but that's the best I could come up with!

Well, that is our final "31 Days of OSITM" picture, on our final day here in OSITM. It's still New Year's Eve here in the Eastern United States for about nine more hours, and I'm unsure if I'll be able to get in here before the stroke of midnight tonight, so if not...


Have a Happy New Year!
See you in 2009!


Also, I'd like to thank each and every one of you who has stopped over here in the 56 days that Marathon has been opened. As I've said, the reception and support here has been unbelievable and I thank you all, my friends, so very, very much!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bat on December 31, 2008, 12:11:39 PM
That's a great finish for your second month and the year 2008 of your MD! :thumbsup:
Congrats for so many replies and views in 56 days!! &apls

Have a Happy New Year, too! And See you in 2009, too! :D ;)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on December 31, 2008, 01:46:30 PM
That's a great mosaic my friend !  &apls
I like the "ghetto" in the top.  :thumbsup:

Happy New year !
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: rooker1 on December 31, 2008, 02:33:43 PM
Hello Dustin,

Another super picture.
I wonder what we will all do from now on....not getting our fix....dose....ahhh you get the idea.  What are we going to do?
I don't know about everyone else but I was getting use to seeing an update in here everyday.

Where did you get those apartment buildings?  They look like SFBT style.

I hope your Christmas holidays were the best they could be and I hope your New Years eve will begin the new year with a bang.
Don't drink too much we need you tomorrow.  

See you in the New Year my Friend,
Robin  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Jmouse on December 31, 2008, 02:59:03 PM
That's quite a grand-exit mosaic, Dustin! Tenants would need a GPS to find the right building, especially those who come home a bit late from a rompin' an' stompin' New Year's Eve Party! $%Grinno$%

Anyway, here's to 2009 and all the things it will bring - the good, the bad and the surprises...
Joan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: JBSimio on December 31, 2008, 04:36:35 PM
Great mosaic, Dustin!  You managed to finish the month just as strong as you began.  It's been great having a new picture every day (although I imagine you may be ready for a little break by now!) and the larger updates in between were always very insightful.  It's always interesting to watch how different people plan and play the game and the way you've walked us through each step has been fascinating.  I'll be watching this one for quite some time, I'm sure.

Have a wonderful New Year, my friend!
JB
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on December 31, 2008, 09:58:31 PM

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bat: Thanks, bat! Happy New Year!

Robin (rooker1): Thank you so much, Robin! The apartments are NDEX, I believe, though I don't remember off the top of my head. I'll look into it for you, though, my friend!

Joan (Jmouse): Thanks, Joan! I'm with you on 2009, too—we'll see where it takes us!

Jon (JBSimio): Hi, Jon! It's been such a great month, I don't even know where to begin! I'm so glad that you've enjoyed things here, and I hope to see you here in 2009, too! Take care, my friend!




It's almost 1:00 AM here in the Keystone State, so...


Happy 2009!

My time in OSITM is officially up today, so I'll leave you all with this, a final OSITM treat to wrap things up...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FOSITM%2FThumbnail.jpg&hash=771c35f452f37cb7f525a204a47db218792c7022) (http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o134/thundercrack83/MARATHON/OSITM/Calendar.jpg)

Time for a bit of a break, I think...not too long, though—don't worry!

See you soon!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Jmouse on December 31, 2008, 10:17:24 PM
Wow! What a wonderful idea - nobody's going to top a 31-day odyssey like that!

It's a quarter hour into 2009 now,
so Happy New Year to all!
Joan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: threestooges on December 31, 2008, 10:45:14 PM
Well done on the month in OSITM Dustin. You certainly made it interesting. As for the bridge, I actually kind of liked the avenue bridge, what I was talking about was the STR one. However, perhaps an avenue bridge maight be a nice addition. Any suggestions? Nice mosaic to close out the month with. I don't think I've seen those towers before, nor those blocks of warehouses at the bottom. The retrospective pic was a neat one to looks at too. Enjoy the break, and I'll be looking forward to seeing how that grid holds up to development. Great work.
-Matt
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: dedgren on December 31, 2008, 11:07:30 PM
Little did I know that my best friend here at SC4D would prove to have such a sure hand at doing an MD.  Marathon has become a must read (must see, to be more accurate), and you have had a great OSITM run, Dustin.  I can't wait to see what you do here in 2009.

Happy New Year!


David
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: CasperVg on January 01, 2009, 01:08:34 AM
I must congratulate you with the impressive works you have showcased here over the past 56 days. It certainly is a well-deserved feat that Commonwealth of Marathon has been moved to the "Classics". Not only does it have the needed post and view counts; it is also a pleasant to read, and wonderful to look at, Mayors' Diary, that showcases a wide variety of playing styles, cities and on top of that it is authored by one of the most friendly members of this community.

I have enjoyed looking at each of the Daily OSITM Treats. That's actually an understatement, since I started to anxiously await the newest teaser from the moment I had spotted the last one. It has become a routine job to check in here after I get up in the morning, to view another most awesome picture, that you made.

As for the the latest teaser: What is there to say? I am overwhelmed with the beauty of how the residential blocks, the river, the seasonal trees, the bridge and the industrial estate nicely fit together, and seem to create an almost utopian mirror of how life really is. The seasonal trees really do add to the overall picture, by supplying it with the necessary colourfulness and the river seems to be a smooth border line between the industrial and residential development, and from an artistic point of view, it seems to nicely divide the picture into three small pictures.

I hope you, and all others here, will have a splendid 2009!

P.S.: Those residential towers were made by ill tonkso, and can be found here (http://www.simtropolis.com/stex/index.cfm?id=20068), here (http://www.simtropolis.com/stex/index.cfm?id=20069) (or just search "Portsmouth" on the STEX).
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bat on January 01, 2009, 04:02:19 AM
You have made an excellent job there in your first OSITM! And that's a nice collection of 31 pictues!

Looking forward to the pictures in 2009! ;)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: paroch on January 01, 2009, 04:42:55 AM
Happy New Year Dustin - you certainly rounded things out in style.

Those apartment blocks have certainly drawn plenty of comments - I too thought they looked like a variation on the SFBT Plattenbau - so thanks to Casper for the link.

Delivering a pic a day - plus a quiz, plus some sizable updates has been quite a task - so enjoy your (short) break!

And I'm pleased you appreciated my last comment - I will enjoy watching it all develop.

All the best

Paul
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Eliteforce on January 01, 2009, 09:26:22 AM
Happy 2009 everyone!

The region looks excellent, I wish I had the patience to work on something like this.  I might try a detailed region like yours soon, but no where as awesome.  Keep up the good work and make all your fellow mayors proud!
&apls &apls
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon [01/03/09]: UPDATE XIV(b): Two Months Down...
Post by: thundercrack83 on January 03, 2009, 10:48:37 AM

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Joan (Jmouse): Happy New Year, Joan! Thanks so much for your wonderful support, my friend!

Matt (threestooges): Hi, Matt! Personally, I think that the STR bridge is just splendid, my friend! As for a new avenue one, well that would certainly be welcome, too! I hope your 2009 has started off well!

David (dedgren): Wow, thanks so much, David! I don't really know what to say, my friend. I hope you're having a Happy New Year, as well!

Casper (caspervg): Thank you so much, Casper! It makes me so happy that you were looking forward to each picture, as I was looking forward to bringing them to you and everyone! This has become such a fulfilling endeavor, I wish I would have started it earlier! Your comments and your support are very much appreciated, my friend! Hope your 2009 is going well!

bat: Thanks, bat! Happy New Year to you, my good friend!

Paul (paroch): Hello there, Paul! Happy New Year to you, too! I'm glad that you liked the apartment buildings, I found them on a whim, actually, paging through the STEX one late night. As soon as I saw them, I knew I had to use them! Thanks for stopping in here so regularly with your very insightful comments and advice. I hope to hear from you at every step of the way, my friend! Take care!

Eliteforce: Welcome to Marathon! Thank you so much! Though, if you are enjoying things here, you should check out the MDs in the SC4Devotion MD Hall of Fame (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?board=238.0)—they'll knock your socks right off! Hope to see you around again!






UPDATE XIV(b)
Two Months Down...A Look Back!
3 January 2009

Well, as the title suggests, we're two months down, and with a new year comes our third month! But, November and December 2008 were, by no means, ordinary here in Marathon—indeed, quite the opposite.

Thanks to all of you, my very good friends, an unprecedented pace was set that is unparalleled by any other MD in the history of SC4D. Since Marathon opened on November 5, 2008, there has been an outpouring of support from so many wonderful people here, an outpouring that would dwarf a tsunami!

So, in recognition not of the MD "Commonwealth of Marathon" itself, but in recognition of all of you who have been so supportive, I have compiled a few graphs to just show, statistically, some of the things that have transpired here since we began. Hey, I wouldn't be deserving of my CML if I didn't right?

Here we go!


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First, a simple graph that charts the change in growth and the average growth (according to the SC4Devotion MD Statistics (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=1300.0)) of Marathon in November and December.

Next...


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A big one! This is the amount of posts made in Marathon on each day. Thanks to all of you, there were two days—November 21 and November 25—with no replies.


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252014B%2F14003t.jpg&hash=474b0f01cb711577b910cdd3e42b9c37b68de6b3) (http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o134/thundercrack83/MARATHON/Update%2014B/14003.jpg)

Another large one, this time a catalog of every single post made in Marathon! NOTE: I "borrowed" this idea from a similar Excel spreadsheet used by David (dedgren) and Joan (Jmouse) to keep track of the posts in 3RR...Thanks, guys!

Using this spreadsheet, I was able to calculate this...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252014B%2F14004.jpg&hash=f87f595ab2d48b560fec9db3a8a66c1335415ec1)

...the amount of individual comments made by each person in Marathon. We've had 55 different people post here, with 42 of them being repeaters! And look at my good friend Joan (Jmouse) at the top of the list, bested only by me! But, since it's my MD, I should probably be up there at the top, don't you think?

Finally, a chart that I simply cannot believe when I read...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252014B%2F14005.jpg&hash=2c837c8aa047f7f131d7abfa75127cf11a52a79f)

Thanks to all of you, Marathon has become the fastest MD to reach 500 comments, doing so in just 55 days! We got there even faster than the ever-exponentially growing 3RR!

BIG, IMPORTANT NOTE: I did not create this last chart (or any of them, for that matter) as a way to say that Marathon is, in any way, size, shape or form, better than any other MD. In fact, I am so truly humbled by the fact that this has happened, it's quite shocking. To be included amongst such a phenomenal list of MDs—top to bottom—is just unbelievable.

So that's November and December in a statistical nutshell!

As I've said so much here, I have to thank every single one of you out there for all your support, advice, suggestions, just for everything. Without you, Marathon would not exist, and this community would not exist.

If 2009 is even one iota as wonderful as 2008 was, I will be ecstatic! Thank you so very much, friends!

In closing...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252014B%2F14006.jpg&hash=ec194e061459f4120f2e90d0efc4a3ab26c3cc6d)

...a peek at where our journey takes us next!

Until then!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bat on January 03, 2009, 11:09:09 AM
That's a fantastic statistic update there! Excellent work on it! And congrats on so successful two month!!!

And looking forward to more in this year 2009! ;) :)
BTW, this is my 40th reply here...


Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: threestooges on January 03, 2009, 11:58:55 AM
Amazing work Dustin. You are certainly living up to your CML. Really neat to look back at the growth. I may have to borrow a similar format for Greenacre's hall of records (it's more of a floor in a building than an actual hall but...). I've used excel before, but is there a way to quickly tally them number of times a person has posted using that format? Also, are there any styles of avenue bridge you think would be particularly useful? I'm keeping an eye out for bits of inspiration. Congratulations, and I hope the coming months are just as successful for you and Marathon.
-Matt
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: deathtopumpkins on January 03, 2009, 01:07:06 PM
well it just wouldn't be your MD without the statistics, now would it Dustin? :P Congratulations on that achrvememt, and who knows, maybe you'll reach 1000 replies even faster! ;)

Oh, and I'm guessing that you're making a map from that transit data view!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on January 03, 2009, 01:17:03 PM
This is simply awesome Dustin, excellent work on these stats !  &apls &apls

the last update is really great my friend  :thumbsup:

Can't wait to see more

Arthur.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Eliteforce on January 03, 2009, 01:21:03 PM
Wow, the fastest growing MD ever?  Very nice  &apls

@ the hint-  You gonna put in roads next??
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: freedo50 on January 03, 2009, 01:30:30 PM
Hmmm, so I haven't said anything in here yet? Well that's dumb of me beacuse this is simply one of the most captivating MDs I've read. This is the best thing for me, even better than playing the game - because it's like playing the game (for me), but without the annoyances, and with better results than my own!

Keep up the good work!
Fred
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: paroch on January 03, 2009, 02:55:24 PM
Dustin - I'm really not sure how you do it!!!  I mean you give us plenty of updates and many of them are just so darn original.  OK, so we know you're the stat-meister-general here at SC4D - but still, you exceed yourself and as a bit of a stat fan myself I found it thouroughly interesting.  Of course it's nice being one of your 10+ posters and it's also interesting to see West End on that list of "fast hitting 500" MDs.  Of course, CoM has re-defined "fast hitting".  So a big congrats on the stats, the update and CoM breaking new boundaries.

Anyway, enough waffle - great update and I know exactly which quad you've teased us with there - hahahaha, nice one.  Now you know I can't wait to see what happens with the mega intersection!!

Here's to the next 500 posts my friend!

All the best

Paul


Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Jmouse on January 03, 2009, 03:29:56 PM
I should have anticipated this one from The Stat Man himself! Some of those charts look like Wall Street lightening bolts, but after all, they're a reflection of amazing trends just the same.

I'm proud to be the top poster,
and I think you know me well enough to know why I'm in that spot (Yes, I know I talk too much, too!). One thing you failed to mention, however, is the fact that these stunning accomplishments were achieved - earned - because of the author's clever ideas and innovative use of available resources.

You're just doing a whole lot of things right, Dustin...
Joan

Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: woodb3kmaster on January 03, 2009, 04:27:56 PM
What a fascinating update, Dustin! Not only have you broken all those records for growth, you really raised the bar for what MDs do when they're OSITM. If I ever achieve that honor myself, I hope I'll be able to live up to the standards that CoM has established. Congratulations on doing a fantastic job so far!

Looking forward to what's coming up,
Zack
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: alan_vzla on January 03, 2009, 05:21:07 PM
First of all, let me congratulate you for taking your MD into the classics in such little time, also great works on those stats... Looking forward to more!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Pat on January 04, 2009, 03:51:48 PM
OK Dustin I am so ashamed here that I havent kept up like I had wanted to but once again I am all caught up in Marathon again... Those charts are something wow!!!! I think this now puts me at 21 lol naw anyways the 500 just blows my mind its amazing to see the comparasions!!!  Great stuff and I never know what to expect!!!!!!

pat
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: kimcar on January 04, 2009, 04:24:24 PM
 &apls &apls Excellent update once again Dustin Great stats too. A lot of work over there. But you know how to do stats right ?  ;D Excellent grow in classic section too. At this rythm tou gonna be in the hall of fame in another month  :D maybe we gonna have to do a special section for the fastest growing looking city. Have fun and looking forward
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on January 04, 2009, 07:28:22 PM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies.jpg&hash=f9a404e367cb5e6d84638084803c586e8b151f6e)

bat: Thanks so much, my friend! I couldn't have made this far without you!

Matt (threestooges): Hi, Matt! Thanks so much! To answer your question, I'm unaware of a way to tabulate how many times someone has posted using the spreadsheet format I've shown. I sat down with a piece of paper and counted them all off by hand to get the numbers! If there is a way—and I'd wager that there has to be—perhaps some here could tell us how? Either way, though, good luck with Greenacre (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6621.0), my friend. I'm already a big fan!

deathtopumpkins: Hi! No, I guess I wouldn't be me if there we no statistics! As for your guess on what's coming next, well, we'll just have to wait and see!

Arthur (art128): Thanks, Arthur! It's always great to see you here!

Eliteforce: Thanks! Roads are definitely coming at some point. How they'll go in, though—well, your guess is as good as mine!

Fred (freedo50): Hello and welcome, Fred, my good friend! It's so great to have you here in Marathon! And you're right, following an MD is better than playing the game. That's why it took so long for me to finally start one! Hope to see you around again, Fred!

Paul (paroch): Hey, Paul! I'll tell you exactly how I do it...with a lot of help from great friends like you, that's how! I'm glad you found the statistics interesting, as they can be sort of a "niche market" sometimes. You know me, though, I'm a sucker for a good table or graph! Thanks so much for all your support, my friend. I'll be very much looking forward to your comments and advice in the future!

Joan (Jmouse): Hi, Joan! I couldn't have asked for a better top poster here in Marathon! Each and every one of your comments has been supportive, insightful, and helpful, and I treasure them all! Thank you so very much, Joan!

Zack (woodbkmaster): Hey, it's Marathon's answer to Ken Jennings (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ken_Jennings)! I'm glad you enjoyed the update, my friend. As I've said, Marathon wouldn't be where it is today without friends like you!

alan_vzla: Thank you very much, my friend!

Pat: No worries, my friend! There's so much happening here at SC4D at any given time, it's impossible to keep up with everything! Thanks for coming by and checking things out, though. Hope to see you back soon!

kimcar: Thank you so much for your continued support, my friend! It's very much appreciated! I don't know if I can keep up the pace, though—December wore me out pretty good! Thanks for coming by!




Did a bit of rummaging through my folders today and found...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F018.jpg&hash=0223e30aae48da403f97924ff05886d2f9596cf2)

...a little holdover from my STR testing. Nothing extravagant or even that special, just a simple wooded shot that I've become ever so fond of making!

After 31 days of daily pictures, I find myself with this incessant urge to make sure that I'm caught up on something! That's OK, though—for me, that's part of the fun!

Still working through some things for our next update!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Jmouse on January 04, 2009, 11:11:47 PM
Another good-looking daily, Dustin. If you're not careful, you're going to inspire me to fire up the game after nearly a year and cause some serious damage!

Hope you won't mind if I answer Matt's question about XL – maybe it will save both of you some time.

XL will find any text you enter, display a link to the location of each entry and calculate the number of times the text appears.
Ctrl+f brings up the Find and Replace function box.
Enter text in the "Find what:" window.*
*If you have more than one page in your workbook (first-timers and all commenters, for example), here's what you can do: In the lower right corner of the Find and Replace box, click on "Options <<." Choose "Workbook" in the box next to the "Within:" line, and then proceed. If not, skip this step.
Click the "Find All" button.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg81.imageshack.us%2Fimg81%2F6328%2Ffindreplace1ql9.jpg&hash=d05a82a815c5c0a22268ab2a89364becc8ada99d)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg81.imageshack.us%2Fimg81%2F5306%2Ffindreplace2vm5.jpg&hash=f9605777f131b570c1252246ab83bfcdc3062a2d)

Hope this helps...
Joan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: threestooges on January 04, 2009, 11:32:46 PM
Brilliant Joan. Thanks for that. Never knew 'find and replace' counted the instances. That should be a real time-saver. Very nice pic there Dustin. The STR will be a fun little thing to play with when it's finally released, until then, the beta test files work too. Thanks for the plug by the way. Take it easy, and I'll look forward to your next update.
-Matt
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bat on January 05, 2009, 02:59:12 AM
Nice picture there! And looking forward to more updates... ;) :)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Pat on January 05, 2009, 03:22:13 AM
Dustin that is so very true that so much goes on here at Devo it is very hard to keep up!! But hey I am back lol!!! Love that teaser shot err or old shot but either way you wish to put Dustin its a darn great shot there!!! Joan you have a great find there as well and I think that might help me out a termenduose deal!!!! thank you so much!!!

Waiting on more of Marathon (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marathon,_Wisconsin) Wisconsin (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marathon_City,_Wisconsin)  ;D,

Pat
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: rooker1 on January 05, 2009, 03:38:53 AM
Hello Dustin,

Great to hear that you still have the "incessant urge".
I hope your holidays went well and All the best to you, your parents and girlfriend in the year to come.
Awesome set of stats on your MD.  From the first day that I saw your first picture (and just knowing you a little) I knew this MD was going to be special.  Congrats on being the fastest MD to reach 500 replies.  Here...here to many more records I know you could breack if you set your mind to it.  &apls

Robin  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon [01/06/09]: UPDATE XV: On the Tedium...
Post by: thundercrack83 on January 06, 2009, 03:38:26 PM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies.jpg&hash=f9a404e367cb5e6d84638084803c586e8b151f6e)

Joan (Jmouse): Wow, thanks so much, Joan! I've already given you a well-deserved +1 karma for your help, but I can't thank you enough, my friend! This will make things so much easier than sitting down with a pen and paper making checkmarks!

Matt (threestooges): Thanks for your great comments, Matt! Very much appreciated! And Joan's solution is certainly going to work out quite well, isn't it? Thanks for coming by!

bat: Thank you, my friend!

Pat: Thanks so much, Pat! Hope to see you around again soon!

Robin (rooker1): Oh, the urge is still there, my friend! The hard part is trying to get the ideas in my head to come out as well as they seem in there! Thanks for the New Year's wishes, too, and I wish you and your family a Happy New Year, as well! Take care, my very good friend!






UPDATE XV
On the Tedium, Trepidation, and Eventual Fulfillment of Cartography
Part I: From the Game to the Drawing Board...

6 January 2009

A few comments back, our friend deathtopumpkins said:

Quote
Oh, and I'm guessing that you're making a map from that transit data view!

Well, you guessed correctly, my friend! Today, we'll look at making a map of the current transit situation on Marathon Island.

A QUICK NOTE: The methods that I have used in this series of updates are methods that I have picked up over hours of trial and error using Photoshop. They very well may be incorrect, or there may be better or easier ways to achieve things of which I am unaware. If our Photoshop masters are out there looking, please do not hesitate to jump in with a tip, correction, or anything similar! This is as much as learning experience for me as it is for everyone else!

OK, we'll proceed!

The first step ensures that we're putting the highways, avenues, and roads in the correct spots! To do so—


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252015%2F15001.jpg&hash=08cb46db377ab3bae20b234fb13d147c70f0cd81)

We open up the traffic window in the game, then hitting [Ctrl]+[Shift]+S to bring up the camera, we adjust the size to get a picture of the tile in traffic view.

We follow this same method with each of the 18 tiles used for Marathon Island. Correction, 17 tiles, since one of them is completely covered with water!

After that is done, we open up Photoshop...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252015%2F15002.jpg&hash=d5e0d4d4be177783ae44edc3fa8f44e9cc6c0e13)

...and...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252015%2F15003.jpg&hash=66e53c1e01728202ee899ea752851f56e6dfcb4a)

...crop out everything but the traffic view of tile itself.

That leaves us with...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252015%2F15004.jpg&hash=dae5cbd8c4d9564800e253a75accbf6f71961c60)

...this!

Since I'm in idiot, I didn't realize that, when I snapped the photo in the game, I didn't have it facing the correct direction! Easy enough fix, though—just go to the Image menu, then select Rotate Canvas, followed by 180°, taking us...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252015%2F15005.jpg&hash=c4bc9e8a0bf045b9210d779a800311bd1a4a2e91)

...here.

Now, we Save for Web...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252015%2F15006.jpg&hash=b4ba81e4dbe7bd2dc692cf8539e415680ec3c464)

...either by finding the option in the File menu, or hitting [Alt]+[Ctrl]+[Shift]+S.

Again, we follow the same steps with each tile's traffic view snapshot, saving them each as .JPG files for later.

Now..


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252015%2F15007.jpg&hash=f42ee541a3aa7ecfd4033428f1a258d05a005374)

...we open a new project by hitting [Ctrl]+N, and choose dimensions accordingly. Each tile's cropped traffic view snapshot is 256 x 256 pixels. Therefore, since the is island is 3 tiles wide by 6 tiles long, the width needs to be a minimum of 256 px x 3, or 768 px, and the height needs to be a minimum of 256 px x 6, or 1536 px. But, just to be on the safe side, we'll go with 1000 x 1700. We can always crop it later!

Next we start opening up the 256 x 256 pix tiles.


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252015%2F15008.jpg&hash=d963cf5e3f820946f9ca29086b5f101f62848569)

We then hit [Ctrl]+A to Select All, followed by [Ctrl]+X to Cut.


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252015%2F15009.jpg&hash=b93bec53844a53723ebfcdc1f0f486f9f8166e1a)

Paste the tile—by hitting [Ctrl]+V—on the blank 1000 x 1700 canvas. Then move the tile to the upper left corner, making sure to hit that the Snap button is checked under the View Menu. This will ensure that tile is directly in the corner by "snapping" the tile to the canvas border. You can also toggle the Snap feature by hitting [Shift]+[Ctrl]+;, if you'd like. Once the tile is secured in the corner, I'd recommend removing the Snap feature, as it will make thigns a bit easier for future steps.

Once we've got the corner tile in place, we start opening the other tiles and begin lining them up as closely as possible to each other. Like...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252015%2F15010.jpg&hash=56d96373d17f275b0924b622d3c6aa454bf81ed2)

...this, followed by...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252015%2F15011.jpg&hash=30b899680e29047f98735f46b6e1af3d25b7c8b9)

...this, and finally...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252015%2F15012.jpg&hash=3df5626f82cb7974c6e1ce02ca89643b6a29a143)

...this!

So there's our complete map of traffic view tiles from the game! A quick note that the missing tile is the one that contains all water and, therefore, is not necessary for our current application.

For as much work as all of that was, it's done solely for the purpose of being a template, unfortunately.

Our next step is to...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252015%2F15013.jpg&hash=c191032f35370ccc84e1daac35adc7865c8929e6)

...first, create a new layer, either by hitting [Shift]+[Ctrl]+N, or clicking the button in  Circle 1.

Next, we move to Circle 2 and select the Pencil Tool, alos found by hitting B. Circle 3 gives us our Brush Size, which selected as 4 px for this particular usage.

Using the Pencil Tool and zooming in to about 800% or so, we trace the outside of the entire island, as illustrated by the black line in the picture above.

IMPORTANT: Make sure that you are placing the black line on the correct layer! To do this, look at the Layer Window—shown on the right hand side in the above picture with "Layer 18" and "Layer 19." The layer that you are currently using is labeled in bold and is highlighted in grey. In the above picture, Layer 19 is the current layer being used.

Carefully tracing the outside edge of the island will give us...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252015%2F15014.jpg&hash=bd7bfb5cc0ce1ec1f848483e0eb573f287390472)

...this result!

By toggling off the little "eye" button next to "Layer 18," we can see...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252015%2F15015.jpg&hash=02fbad05294098cbbc2b2b5ae14006a23ec0cb73)

...our outline by itself.

The next step—create another new layer (Circle 1, or [Shift]+[Ctrl]+N). Now, select the Magic Wand Tool, signified by Circle 2, or by hitting W, and click inside the island, where the "land" portion would be. Then select the Paint Bucket Tool by hitting G, and paint the inside of the island.


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252015%2F15016.jpg&hash=285b345ff4b6e5fec7ca20b88cdbc8d4bc032c20)

Our result! But this is only the beginning! We'll stop here for now, and pick up where we are leaving off with Part II!

See you then!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: metasmurf on January 06, 2009, 03:41:42 PM
Great tutorial. Can't wait for part 2  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: threestooges on January 06, 2009, 03:45:18 PM
Funny, I thought it looked pretty good as a traffic data map, but I like where it is going. Some good cartography tips are always handy, both here and in 3RR. Looking forward to seeing what you're up to. Knowing you it'll be a good tutorial to follow.
-Matt
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: rooker1 on January 06, 2009, 04:32:31 PM
OKay.....I have made it this far, now what do I do?

Robin  ()stsfd()
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: deathtopumpkins on January 06, 2009, 04:36:31 PM
Hey, I was right!  ;D

Ooh... this will be really helpful. I see where I went wrong making my atlas of my CJ.  :D Too bad I don't have photoshop though...
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Jmouse on January 06, 2009, 05:13:13 PM
Always glad to help, Dustin - I've lost count of how many times folks have helped me!

I've never created a transit map, but you have certainly presented one good way of doing it. As I was looking at your trial-and-error efforts, it occurred to me how often playing SC4RH/DX opens up creative avenues we never knew existed.

Dedicated players
find themselves inspired to tackle complex coding problems, to improve skills in software like Photoshop, to learn lot editing, to try their hand at BATting and to always push themselves beyond their perceived limits. SC4 is a classic game that inspires unbelievable levels of creative thinking - even more so in a supportive community.

Thanks for sharing your good ideas...
Joan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Pat on January 07, 2009, 01:05:01 AM
Hey Dustin I think you have found a great key here to making a great road map!!!! I cant wait for part II !!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bat on January 07, 2009, 06:00:20 AM
Nice work on that tutorial there! And looking forward to part II!
BTW, which version of Photoshop do you use?
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on January 08, 2009, 10:38:36 AM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies.jpg&hash=f9a404e367cb5e6d84638084803c586e8b151f6e)

metasmurf: Thanks so much!

Matt (threestooges): Thanks, Matt! I didn't think that it looked to bad as a traffic view map, either, actually. Perhaps I'll come up with a way to use that in the future! Thanks for stopping by!

Robin (rooker1): Hi, Robin! You've made it this far, eh? Well, be on the lookout for Part II—we'll get you all the way through this yet!

deathtopumpkins: Great catch on the map guess, my friend! And good luck to you in your own mapmaking. I'm glad you've found some of this helpful!

Joan (Jmouse): Hello, there, Joan! You are very correct on how SC4 has opened up different avenues of creativity and knowledge. I know that I probably never would have gotten as far with Photoshop in the limited capacity that I've done so far, had it not been for SC4. And there's also the knowledge that I've gained from all of our friends here in a myriad of different topics and subjects. The old saying goes, "you learn something new everyday," and that certainly holds true here at SC4D! Take care, my friend!

Pat: Thanks, my friend! Part II is on the horizon!

bat: Thank you, bat! As I am not on my home computer for confirmation, I am not 100% sure, but I believe that I am using Photoshop 7.0. I'll check when I get home and get back to you for certain, though!




I am in currently in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, until tomorrow—my girlfriend is at a conference and I came along on the ride for the free hotel room! And to sweeten the pot even more, the wireless Internet access at the hotel is complimentary!

But we're not without a teaser here in the capital of the Keystone State...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F019.jpg&hash=b1b5d77c1f91bbef1737c6bd723028f41db41db7)

Just another medium-level urban skyline picture that I enjoy making so very much!

Part II of our cartography endeavor is on the way, too—Saturday at the latest.

Stay tuned!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: alan_vzla on January 08, 2009, 10:46:09 AM
That's a good photo mate!, the only thing I don't like too much are the Maxis trees... I prefer c.p's

And for the photoshop tutorial, very good! It will surely help me in my MD!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: deathtopumpkins on January 08, 2009, 12:12:27 PM
Have fun in Harrisonburg! That is a great pic... :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Nexis4Jersey on January 08, 2009, 12:30:24 PM
have fun in Harrisburg!  :) Hehe i bet your not enjoying the cold though  >:(
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Pat on January 08, 2009, 01:54:54 PM
Dustin have fun at the confrence and rack up that free hotel room!!! lol heheehe Anyways love that teaser there Keystone State!!!! Will be looking forward to part II here soon...
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Jmouse on January 08, 2009, 03:55:32 PM
I like today's photo, Dustin. Never been a fan of high-rise skylines - they just don't look right to me in game usually - but the mid-rises look great.

Have a pleasant weekend and don't worry about us (sniff, sniff). We'll try to get along without you for a day or so. :D

Later...
Joan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: metarvo on January 08, 2009, 05:12:55 PM
Marathon still looks very nice, Dustin.  That building that is towards the lower-left of your pic is my favorite part of it, since it is placed so well.  I hope you are having a good time on your trip.  Hmmm... free wireless Internet at the hotel?  Sweet!  ;D
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: rooker1 on January 09, 2009, 04:16:50 AM
Hello Dustin,
Thank for the well wishes for the new year.
It's always nice to take a little trip, get away from all the regular stuff in life.  But I'm not sure that I would have brought the lap top.  I'd be too busy thinking about the girlfriend's conference and than the bed......don't think so dirty everyone, I have kids now.  I was thinking about sleep. ::) ;) :D
I think your MD is doing so well, for one reason are all the great pictures.  Although you only gave us one this update, I find myself looking at it for quite some time.  Everything seems to fit very well together.  All buildings are of the same size,style and realistic, like it could exist in real life easily.  I like it alot. &apls
See you around my friend,
Robin  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bat on January 09, 2009, 05:31:26 AM
That's a really nice "medium-level urban skyline picture" there!
Great work on it! And looking forward to the second part of your tutorial... ;)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon [01/10/09]: UPDATE XVI: On the Tedium...
Post by: thundercrack83 on January 09, 2009, 10:28:50 PM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies.jpg&hash=f9a404e367cb5e6d84638084803c586e8b151f6e)

alan_vzla: Thanks, my friend! I'm with you on the trees, too—I'm a huge fan of the ones by c.p., as well. I think the Maxis ones in the picture are a part of the lot, though, so without going into the LE (which I may have to put on the list of things to be done...), I couldn't take care of them properly. Thanks for coming by!

deathtopumpkins: Thank you! I did have a good time!

Nexis: Thanks! The cold wasn't too bad, though. Growing up in the Northeast, I've come to enjoy the wintertime.

Pat: Hey, my friend! We had a good time, especially when we found out that room service would be taken care of, too! I'm glad you enjoyed the picture, too, my friend! Take care!

Joan (Jmouse): Hi, Joan! I'm happy you liked the mid-rises, my friend! I know what you mean about the high-rise shots, too—I find myself having to redo them a few times when I make them because I can't get it to look right, whereas with the mid-rise shots, it comes together rather effortlessly...well, maybe not "effortlessly," but certainly less effort than the high-rise ones! Thanks for stopping in, Joan!

metarvo: Thanks very much, my friend! The free wireless Internet was definitely a bonus, I was expecting some kind of fee. Hope to see you here again!

Robin (rooker1): Hi, Robin! All went well in Harrisburg, and believe me, I made the most of the bed! While my girlfriend was at here meetings, I slept all afternoon! It was wonderful! I'm glad you liked the picture, too. I do have to start BAT-hunting soon, though, as I feel myself using the same buildings multiple times. I hope my computer can handle the load in my plugins folder! It's always great to see you here, my friend! Hope all is well!

bat: Thanks, my friend! And you don't have to wait for Part II any longer!






UPDATE XVI
On the Tedium, Trepidation, and Eventual Fulfillment of Cartography
Part II: From the Drawing Board to...You!

10 January 2009

When last we left our gallant and valiant hero in this sublime history—forgive me, I recently finished reading Don Quixote


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252015%2F15016.jpg&hash=285b345ff4b6e5fec7ca20b88cdbc8d4bc032c20)

We had gotten the basic outline of Marathon Island, as well as the base for it. But, as I said, that was only the beginning.

Our next step is to start filling in the various levels of transportation that we have on the island at this juncture, starting with the highways.

Opening a new layer (making use of [Shift]+[Ctrl]+N) and labeling it "Highways," we start...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252016%2F16001.jpg&hash=036dcf49ea93f857afbcffa79aa476d4b6e723c1)

...tracing with our Pencil Tool (B). Since the avenues and the highways appear in the same color and the same thickness, you'll have to be aware of your transportation networks ahead of time, in order to ensure correct placement.

As the title of this series of updates suggests, there is a small level of tedium involved in creating this map, but some of it is alleviated by a great little tip of which I stumbled upon—click once with the Pencil Tool, drawing a single block over the highway. Then, scroll down, following the highway, as shown in the above picture. Now, hold [Shift] and click. If you maintained the correct trajectory, you should have straight line!

If you did not maintain the correct trajectory...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252016%2F16002.jpg&hash=5e4726487711483bc58fa998b8b5f004b6fe380f)

...you'll still get a line, just not the one you want! Therein lies the "trepidation," as per the title.

Following this process, we place the highways.


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252016%2F16003.jpg&hash=443084d72c54f3240df1fb17239e631f1eb2fca2)

They are shown above. Take note of the gaps shown in the highway work, as well be addressing them shortly.

Avenues, are next...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252016%2F16004.jpg&hash=60f2e967ed6cbbb3a40e00aa035068fbd437b4e3)

Again, same procedure—create a new layer, label it "Avenues," then start tracing with the Pencil Tool. Remember, Make sure you are tracing the correct transportation network according to your layer labels! You'll see why in a bit.

Now, we come upon our first obstacle, so to speak...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252016%2F16005.jpg&hash=14897a0396e16014544a27e75d8d29a34885b5ef)

...the roundabouts. Not to worry, we just employ the Custom Shape Tool, either by hitting U, or clicking on the custom shape man circled in Circle 1. Then proceed to Circle 2, and choose the circle with a thick outline (shown above).

Hold [Shift] to maintain a perfect circle, and then place it to the correct size (also shown above).

With that taken care of, the avenues are...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252016%2F16006.jpg&hash=dd00e803699994f9966009f54b38223f7def57ac)

...complete! Note that I've changed the color to brown, for no particular reason at all. I only point it out in case someone may be wondering if there was a reason for it.


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252016%2F16007.jpg&hash=a2ef9ad597a27059a930c3fd7d15b9fd5910dddf)

Here's the avenue network by its lonesome.

Next, we'll do the smaller roads that flank the highways, as well as split off from avenues.


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252016%2F16008.jpg&hash=5f5e25866985ddc78de169e2f0d376d676621bcd)

Same procedure, giving us...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252016%2F16009.jpg&hash=fc2e2ec020d03c59e73c9370c4b97b0e836039a4)

...this!

Now remember those gaps I pointed out in the highways earlier? You probably figured out that they are for...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252016%2F16010.jpg&hash=00d5cdb62ffa9974e3bf20c1456d88380631510c)

...our tunnels! A new layer for our Highway Tunnels, and...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252016%2F16011.jpg&hash=45f932039a0808b2ec5b03f51c48a8b1753b04b6)

...one for our avenue tunnels, as well!

Now we get to the purpose for all these layers, as well as the strict policy of making sure you are on the correct layer that you want to be on. Any good map distinguishes the different transportation networks using a color scheme. Now, I've used a color scheme to place them already, but those were arbitrary colors that I chose...well, arbitrarily.

We're going to give it that "map look," or at least attempt to!

So...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252016%2F16012.jpg&hash=09dfc539c850d856fea1266357635344234df3e6)

we'll start with the highways. To access the window shown above, either double-click on the layer you wish to adjust (in this case the "Highways" layer), or go to the Layer Menu and choose Layer Style, then Blending Options... to get there.

As shown above, Color Overlay is checked to give us a new color for the highway line itself. Then, Stroke is employed to get the outline—in this case, it is done by choosing the Inside option in the Position dropbox, as well as adjusting the thickness to 1 px. These settings can be adjusted to fit your needs.

We do the same thing with our Avenues and Roads...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252016%2F16013.jpg&hash=eb807ed6fd519f54c0f781bb64f94141f74a9689)

...as well as the Highway and Avenue Tunnels. To line up the colors for the tunnels, just Right Click on the corresponding tunnel—"Highways" for highway tunnels, "Avenues" for avenue tunnels—and click Copy Layer Style. Then go to the tunnel layer, Right Click, and choose Paste Layer Style. The Color Overlay and Stroke will now match! I've also adjusted the Opacity of the tunnel layers to give it that semi-transparent "map tunnel look."

With all that said and done, we get...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252016%2F16014.jpg&hash=76ca49d7d2d0adc8406fbfce43e8477773e22aef)

...our finished product! A full map of Marathon Island with the highways and arteries in their correct placement and relative scale, according to their placement in the game.

With that, we can go things like...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FMaps%2FFull-Map.jpg&hash=aee8f56654fd225d77c3b3b8f79ace3b05804cdb)

...this! We handled the tedium, combated the trepidation, and now we've arrived at "eventual fulfillment!"

I hope this has inspired you to try your hand at some cartography of your own. With the right tools, a bit of knowledge and a whole lot of patience, you, too can make some Good Eats...sorry, I seem to have channeled a little Alton Brown (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Good_Eats) there for a second.

One final note—since this has been pretty much Photoshop-exclusive, I apologize if this does not translate to other programs. Hopefully, though, you can get some use out of it!

Take care!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on January 10, 2009, 05:03:35 AM
Oh my !!!! :o You have done there a fantastic tutorial Dustin, colossal work !  &apls &apls
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: deathtopumpkins on January 10, 2009, 07:12:35 AM
Whoa... Dustin, that finished product is fantastic... I really wish I had photoshop now!  :D

:thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: MandelSoft on January 10, 2009, 07:29:57 AM
Nice MD, Dustin. This is the first time that I stopped by here.

By the way, I used this method of making a map too!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bat on January 10, 2009, 07:32:08 AM
Fantastic second part of the tutorial there! And great work on that map, it is looking beautiful! :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: alan_vzla on January 10, 2009, 08:20:09 AM
Tha map surely looks great, very good job!... Looking forward to more!
Alan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: TheTeaCat on January 10, 2009, 09:57:28 AM
Wow Dustin
I just got caught up on all the recent stuff.
Goodness there was a lot ;D
Tutorials on mapmaking , marvellous mosiaics, Some of the most amazing individual pics I've seen for quite a while  &apls &apls
I'm at a loss for words

And there's the pics of your testing of the STR - run out of suitable words to compliment you with ::) :D :D

With such good quality MD it's no wonder you flew into the Classics  &apls &apls

:satisfied:
TTC

Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: paroch on January 10, 2009, 10:14:20 AM
Hi Dustin - that's an incredible tutorial you've put together for us there.  I certainly look forward to having a little play with that, for sure.

Thanks for sharing it.

Paul
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Jmouse on January 10, 2009, 01:00:23 PM
Well, when you started fooling around with cartography, I was interested. Now I'm impressed. Very impressed. You've produced a beautiful map and, I am sure, inspired many to follow your example.

You continue to amaze and delight with your great ideas...
Joan

Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Eliteforce on January 10, 2009, 09:44:57 PM
Wow that looks great, every detail is taken care of.  Now with the transportation infrastructure take care of, will as much care be taken for the power/water too?

I'm also very curious to how you will zone it and whether you make the entire island a massive  shore to shore city or more spread out with medium density. 

I like the way you are doing your mayor diary by making everything you do a tutorial, it helps us not smart mayors make our cities even better.


All I can say is  &apls
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: dsrwhat316 on January 11, 2009, 01:41:28 PM
Thank you, Dustin, for such an in-depth tutorial! This is getting me motivated to make a similar map of my own.

I think you deserve a karma point for your tutorial. Perhaps the staff will notice... $%#Ninj2

~ Dan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: sim_link on January 11, 2009, 06:43:44 PM
Great tutorial, thundercrack83! The finished map looks great, it gives a really good idea of the road nework in Marathon! :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: projectadam on January 11, 2009, 11:56:47 PM
Dustin,

Yet again, another excellent tutorial. Unfortunately, my Adobe Creative Suite 3 does not get along very well with Vista and my Photoshop closes upon opening. I was trying to use InfraView and Paint but not having a program that uses layers takes out the ease of doing this method. I plan on having a throw down with Vista sometime this month and see if I can slap some compatibility into it so I can show off a map of the train system in Braska. Wishing you the best for 2009 and now I know what you are doing up late at nights, you are watching Good Eats :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: metarvo on January 12, 2009, 05:19:36 AM
Wow, that's professional, Dustin!  Once again, it seems as though anything can become a tutorial in CoM.  This is one of the factors that makes CoM shine.  Not only do you build, make, and do wonderful things, but you explain your methods of doing them.  I truly enjoyed this update, Dustin, and I'm ready for more.

&apls
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: turtle on January 12, 2009, 06:01:55 AM
Wow, very nice map. I like your meticulous approach. Thank you for sharing  :)

/Thomas
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on January 12, 2009, 10:18:18 PM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies.jpg&hash=f9a404e367cb5e6d84638084803c586e8b151f6e)

Arthur (art128): Thank you, Arthur!

deathtopumpkins: Thanks, my friend! I hope you can get your hands on a copy of Photoshop!

Maarten (mrtnrln): Hello and welcome, Maarten! I'm glad to hear that I'm not the only one using this method to make maps. I'd love to see your finished product sometime. Hope to see you here again soon!

bat: Thanks!

Alan (alan_vzla): Thanks, Alan! Much appreciated, my friend!

Derry (TheTeaCat): Welcome back, Derry! Thank you so much for your very kind words, my friend—coming from an MD master such as yourself, it makes me feel quite good! Thanks for coming by, I hope to see you here again!

Paul (paroch): Thanks, Paul! If you play around with it and come up with some maps, I'd love to see them! Though, I'm sure I will over in WEST END (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=2238.0), which would definitely make my day!

Joan (Jmouse): Hi, Joan! Thank you for your kind words, my friend! I'm glad you enjoyed both the tutorial and the finished map. Despite the tedium, it was actually a lot of fun making it. I'll be making more in the future, I'm sure. Thanks for stopping by!

Eliteforce: Thank you, my friend! To be honest, I don't put much thought into the power and water other than trying to come up with a realistic central location for the power supply, then connecting it to the rest of the area accordingly. As for water, I suppose I could take the same approach—I'll have to think more on it! Thanks for your kind words, and for putting the spark in my head!

Dan (dsrwhat316): Thanks, Dan! Like I said to the others, if you make a map of your own, I'd love to see it! Take care, my friend!

sim_link: Thank you so much, and welcome to Marathon! Oh, and you can call me Dustin, if you'd like!

projectadam: Thanks, my friend! I hope you can get your compatibility issues straightened out, as I'm sure maps of Braska (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6244.0) would be simply fantastic! Oh, and you hit the nail on the head, too—I usually catch an episode or two of Good Eats in the wee-hours, depending on if it's on. I'm a pretty big fan of Alton Brown, and it's funny how his approach to cooking could be applied to MDing! Thanks for coming by!

metarvo: Thank you so much! I'm so glad that you enjoy the tutorial approach to things, too. I like to do it whenever possible not only to show how I do things, but also in case I'm doing something wrong—that way, everyone can help out and steer me in the right direction! Hope to see you here again soon, my friend!

Thomas (turtle): Thank you, Thomas! "Meticulous" is a good description, it was pretty nerve-wracking to get the process all figured out, but we got there in the end!




Well, after my trip and an extended stay at my girlfriend's for the weekend, I'm finally back at my own computer, brainstorming where to take things here in Marathon...not that I wasn't brainstorming the entire trip, anyway!

In the meantime...another tidbit—


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F020.jpg&hash=9702fd48f1238f94f4d9a76c0aec37bd7b85a1ef)

I'm trying to achieve that wonderful "rain effect" that I've seen on more than one occasion by our great Photoshop engineers here at SC4D. I think I'm on the right track—using a Texture Overlay, then reducing the opacity—but I think I'm off on the texture. Then again, I could be completely off on the process, too! Trial and error...it'll get you every time!

If anyone has any tips on it, I'd be more than grateful!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: threestooges on January 12, 2009, 11:48:09 PM
Off on the texture or not, that looks quite good. Must be a heckuva storm the way the pic is obscured, but it looks good. Looking forward to seeing where the brainstorming leads you, and I hope the trip was good.
-Matt
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Jmouse on January 13, 2009, 12:41:15 AM
My first visual impression was dense fog. Still, it might rain any minute. ;) As for experimenting with PS, sometimes I wonder if even the Adobe creative team really knows what all this software will do - I doubt it! ??? I'm playing around with the opacity sliders in layers right now, too, albeit in a different kind of application. Still, I can sympathize with the frustration and cheer for the occasional success!

Hope you had a pleasant weekend,
and glad to know you returned safely...
Joan

*EDIT* What is that tan building in the lower right quad? It looks almost crooked - kind of like an optical illusion. Or maybe I just need a bit more sleep! ;)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: deathtopumpkins on January 13, 2009, 03:58:54 AM
I was thinking it was fog... Though whatever it is, it looks fantastic! &apls
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Simpson on January 13, 2009, 04:03:05 AM
Hi Dustin
I'm sorry that I missed some incredible updates my friend
Thank you for the tutorial, also the last teasers are fantastic :o

I'm looking forward to the next update/teaser

Take care,
David
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Ennedi on January 13, 2009, 04:53:18 AM
You are making a fantastic work Dustin, so many different things happen in Marathon every few days, but everything looks consistent and professional  :) :thumbsup:
This is really one of the best and most informative MDs!

As for rain and such things - try to look free Photoshop brushes in the Web. Type "Photoshop, free, brushes" and you will find a lot of them. Brushes are a very powerful tool. You can type also "Free, Photoshop, brushes, rain" or "...clouds" or "...water" and you will see what will you get  $%#Ninj2 ;D

Adam
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: rooker1 on January 13, 2009, 05:09:08 AM
Hello,
Incredible has become your standard and this last picture is no exception at all.
I got the idea that it may have been a foggy picture before the rain, but very nice effect none the less.
&apls
Robin  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on January 13, 2009, 10:02:11 AM
Welcome to page 30 my friend  &apls

Great picture there Dustin  :thumbsup: &apls I really like this rain effect, even if it's look more of a fog effect  ;)
And it's the Rush Hour for the trains ?  $%Grinno$%

Can't wait to see more !  ;)

Arthur.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: alan_vzla on January 13, 2009, 10:35:50 AM
Hi Dustin, this new picture looks great, you have a very interesting mix of buildings and structures, the trains also look good!
The photoshop effect is good, but I think the rain ended up a little bit thick... anyway it looks good. Here's a link (http://photoshoptutorials.ws/photoshop-tutorials/photo-effects/rain.html) to a good tutorial, you may find new techniques there

Later, Alan

Oh, BTW 100th post (what a better thread than this to make it)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on January 13, 2009, 01:28:18 PM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies.jpg&hash=f9a404e367cb5e6d84638084803c586e8b151f6e)

Matt (threestooges): Thanks, Matt! The trip was great, the brainstorming is still in full force. I'm glad you enjoyed the picture, too, though you're very right—things are quite obscured!

Joan (Jmouse): I'm with you, Joan. It's much more fog and much less rain. But that's OK, fog is a weather phenomenon, too! I'm glad to hear that you're playing with Photoshop, too. For me, actually going in a playing around is a great way to see what everything does. It's also a great way to dig yourself into a huge hole, too! Good luck, my friend!

deathtopumpkins: Yep, it's definitely fog! That's OK, though—it's a learning experience, right?

David (Simpson): Hello! No problem on missing things, there's so much to see at SC4D, and not enough hours in the day! I'm glad you're all caught up and enjoyed the tutorial, too. Hope to see you around again, my friend!

Adam (Ennedi): Wow! Thanks for such a wonderful comment, Adam! Coming from a Hall of Fame MD author, it's very humbling, and coming from a good friend such as yourself, it means a lot to me! And thanks so much for the tip on searching for free brushes! I don't know why I never thought of doing that! Just a simple oversight, perhaps...or early onset memory loss...Thanks for coming by, Adam!

Robin (rooker1): Thanks so much, Robin! Fog seems to be the consensus, and I am definitely in agreement with it! You live, you learn! Thanks for your very kind words, too, my friend—as I said to Adam, it means so much coming from a great friend, especially one who has a high regard for honesty, such as yourself! Take care, my friend!

Arthur (art128): Fog's the word of the day around here, I think! But, hey, it's fine by me! And thanks for bringing us to page 30, my friend!

Alan (alan_vzla): Hi, Alan! Thank you so much for the tutorial link, my friend! I've put it to great use! And congratulations on making your 100th post, too! I'm glad you chose Marathon for such an auspicious occasion! Hope to see you around again soon!




Well, thanks to all the great input, we've reached an overwhelming consensus that the "rain effect" I went for in the last picture came out more fog and less rain. But, as I said, trial and error can lead more often to "error," but that's how we learn, eh?

So, thanks to the tips given by Adam (Ennedi), and the wonderful link to a tutorial by Alan (alan_vzla), I think I may be headed in a better direction!

Here's our original foggy picture...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F020.jpg&hash=9702fd48f1238f94f4d9a76c0aec37bd7b85a1ef)

Now, using the same picture for continuity, I've played with the tutorial in the hopes that I can achieve more of a rain feel...emphasis on hope...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F021.jpg&hash=8b9c012f97a0b816b4b1643aabb2289ddbfa4b4d)

And, digging deeper, I thought I'd try my hand at...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F022.jpg&hash=617fb454005b2a30a5c07d3d63e28590fe825753)

...some snow, too!

Who would have thought that weather would play such a big role in things? I'm still tweaking the rain end of things, as I think we're halfway between "rain" and "fog" with this latest one.

Many thanks to Adam and Alan, and to all of you for your input and advice!

Maybe we'll explore these things in more detail, perhaps? We'll see!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Ennedi on January 13, 2009, 02:27:08 PM
Wow, what a quick response!  ;D :thumbsup:

Alan's advice is really very useful. Every tutorial showing how to make something from scratch, using only basic Photoshop tools, is a great way to learn photo editing, it also help to understand many custom Photoshop plugins (they are also made step by step by talented artists). I must say I like your second picture more (the snow is very nice too  :)).

As for custom brushes: people who never used them often think that a brush should have relatively small size (for example 20 or 50 pixels) and their main function is to paint by them like by material brush on canvas (paper etc.). But, for example, rain or cloud brushes have often much larger size (1000, 1500 or 2500 pixels), they cover the whole picture or a big part of it and you can use the effect by only a single click (or a few clicks, but not too much!). Of course you should play with the brush color, layers, opacity and blending modes too.

In my opinion there is nothing bad in using Photoshop effects. Sometimes they can amazingly emphasize the natural beauty of SC4 landscapes and various game objects including all beautiful buildings created by our talented friends.

But sometimes of course the "raw" SC4 image is the best one  ;)

Adam
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: deathtopumpkins on January 13, 2009, 03:07:59 PM
I think you got it on this one...  :thumbsup:

That definitely looks like rain. I think the snowy one looks really cool too. I might see if I can apply some of this with GIMP.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Jmouse on January 13, 2009, 03:57:26 PM
You nailed it this time, Dustin, and the snow is specially nice. Wish I was lucky enough to get something right in only one or two tries! ?=mad)=

Later...

Joan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon [01/10/09]: UPDATE XVI: On the Tedium...
Post by: Pat on January 13, 2009, 04:24:32 PM
Quote from: thundercrack83 on January 09, 2009, 10:28:50 PM

I hope this has inspired you to try your hand at some cartography of your own. With the right tools, a bit of knowledge and a whole lot of patience, you, too can make some Good Eats...sorry, I seem to have channeled a little Alton Brown (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Good_Eats) there for a second.

One final note—since this has been pretty much Photoshop-exclusive, I apologize if this does not translate to other programs. Hopefully, though, you can get some use out of it!

Take care!

Hey Dustin I just gotten caught up after being out of service here for a wee bit.... What I wanted to say is even before I saw you was channeling Alton Brown I knew it lol....  I watch way too much good eats lol... 

Now far as being to photoshop heavy tut, I don't honestly mind cause I learned something new... Plus another great thing that came out of the tut is a wonderful map!!! Great job on it!!!!  Now for the other updates with practicing with different elements now those are real sweet!!!!

Your doing a great job here and I cant wait to see what happens next!!!

Pat
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on January 15, 2009, 12:18:17 PM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies.jpg&hash=f9a404e367cb5e6d84638084803c586e8b151f6e)

Adam (Ennedi): Hi, Adam! Your advice on the custom brushes is brilliant! I never though to make one that is 2000-2500 pixels and then just click once, I'm definitely going to have to give that one a try very soon! I'm agree on Photoshop, too—I like to use it a supplementary for the most part, just enhancing and clearing up the in-game shots. But, sometimes I just can't resist take the program out for a spin and seeing what it can do, too! Thanks for you wonderful tips, Adam!

deathtopumpkins: Thanks, my friend! I think we're getting there!

Joan (Jmouse): Thanks, Joan! I'm particularly happy with the snow one, too. And what's the old saying, "It's better to be lucky than good?" I think that adage applies to my Photoshop exploits. Thanks for coming by, my friend!

Pat: Hey, another Alton Brown fan! Like I said, I usually catch at least one episode in the wee-hours of the morning. I'm glad you're all caught up and that you enjoyed the tutorial, my friend! Hope to see you again soon!




Two words—New NAM...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F025.jpg&hash=0bc433f9edc1648d0ed114f43b0bcb941b49cf4d)

...well, technically one word and one acronym, but the sentiment is the same! Just got it downloaded and played around a bit. Upon first application, we'll go to...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F023.jpg&hash=c28ef630bcde34d75915a342490991c889825364)

...the eastern end of the Westmoreland Avenue Tunnel, which was constructed in the aptly named UPDATE XI: Constructing the Westmoreland Avenue Tunnel (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6190.msg207457#msg207457)!

With the New NAM, we can now do...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F024.jpg&hash=c775954c96a19c7bc6c6845306beb42a38fc8e4b)

...this!

It's a new day, friends! And that's just the tip of the iceberg!

If you haven't already gotten your copy of the January 2009 Release of the NAM (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6763.0;topicseen), I suggest you drop everything you're doing and download it posthaste!

Many thanks and congratulations to the entire NAM Team for another magnificent release. Without you guys, we'd still be in the SC4 Stone Age!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bat on January 15, 2009, 12:39:05 PM
Nice new pictures there! And the ones with the rain are looking beautiful! Nice work, Dustin! :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Jmouse on January 15, 2009, 02:04:25 PM
OK that does it - I'm going to have to DL the new NAM and start a region. Seriously. Fantastic photos, Dustin.

Dare I hope these awesome elements like the ones you've shown us are "friendly" to transport-design challenged players? Looks like it's a whole brave new world out there today!

Later...
Joan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: dedgren on January 15, 2009, 06:40:10 PM
Heh!  Three words: Commonwealth of Marathon.  The new NAM pics just add depth to something that's already first class, Dustin.  I can't wait to see what you do with all that new NAM content.


David
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Pat on January 15, 2009, 09:07:03 PM
Heheheeh Dustin I sure am and I love his antics on ICA (http://www.foodnetwork.com/iron-chef-america/index.html) for sure as well!!! But anyways I love what you are doing with Jan 09 NAM!!!! I cant wait to see what you cook up next  :D
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on January 15, 2009, 11:28:13 PM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies.jpg&hash=f9a404e367cb5e6d84638084803c586e8b151f6e)

bat: Thank you so much, bat!

Joan (Jmouse): You have to do it, Joan! The new NAM and the RHW 3.0 are just what you need to get started! I hope to see what you come up with, my friend! And thanks for your kind words and support, as always!

David (dedgren): You're too kind, my friend! I'm still sifting through all the great new stuff, but it's hard not to get those ideas and creative juices flowing! Thanks for coming by, David!

Pat: I'm a fan of Iron Chef America (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iron_Chef_America) (though I like the original Japanese edition better), too, as well as AB's Feasting on... (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Feasting_on_Asphalt) series. Actually, with the exception of that Guy Fieri, I can watch just about anything on the Food Network for some reason. Very strange, indeed, considering I don't do much cooking! But anyway...thanks for your continued support, my friend! It's always great to see you here!




Still brainstorming, and in the meantime, rummaging!


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F026.jpg&hash=38f867753214d5da933826460965e6eae3a05fac)

Another tidbit I found floating in a folder. Truth be told, I don't know where this one came from!

Still thinking and figuring, figuring and thinking...

In a bit!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: threestooges on January 16, 2009, 12:49:18 AM
I don't recognize the central buildings there, but I love the news building at the top. Deadwoods right? I think I have that one from years back. Incidentally, your comment to Pat reminded me, nice plug for Good Eats. That is an excellent show. Food Network has some pretty good shows to its name. I don't mind Guy too much, but Rahcel Ray can drive me up the wall. But I digress, back to the teaser here. The fourth building from the left strikes me as either a JMyers or spa; I know I've seen it somewhere before. Not sure on the others though. Waiting to see where the figuring and thinking leads.
-Matt
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bat on January 16, 2009, 02:11:26 AM
Nice picture there! It is looking great!! :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: dsrwhat316 on January 16, 2009, 12:39:07 PM
Looks like you put spa's buildings to good use, Dustin. After seeing that trumpet interchange in your last teaser, I'm really anxious to experiment further with the new NAM and RHW 3.0. In fact, I'll do just that....   ()lurker()

~ Dan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Jmouse on January 16, 2009, 01:43:30 PM
You've created quite a contrast in this pic, Dustin - down-and-out slums across from a cute little shopping strip. That's a beautiful BAT on the corner, but seems a bit out of place against the other buildings. I love those five little W2W shops, though. Do you recall if the buildings grew like that or were they plopped?

Later...
Joan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on January 17, 2009, 01:14:20 AM
Nice picture there Dustin, excellent W2W my friend !
Great Mix of industrial and commercial.  :thumbsup:

Arthur.  ;)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: rooker1 on January 17, 2009, 06:29:42 AM
Hello Dustin,
Great work on the photoshoping, it looks like you are mastering the program in no time at all.
I have had a chnace to play with the new version of NAM yesterday and I think it's fantastic, especially that new triumpet split.  The way you have used it looks perfect.  Now I am trying to find places where I can fit in all the new stuff.
Always great to stop in here my friend, always great pics and great reading.  &apls
Robin  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: metarvo on January 17, 2009, 10:04:03 AM
So, you've been playing around with the new NAM, Dustin?  I downloaded it as soon as I heard about it, because I simply couldn't wait.  :D  I did manage to tear myself away from the game itself for a little while to check on Marathon, though.  For something that was collecting dust on your HDD, that pic looks pretty good.  Keep up the good work, Dustin!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: alan_vzla on January 17, 2009, 03:21:29 PM
Again, very interesting mix of buildings... good pic!

Happy 600 comments and welcome to page 30
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: sim_link on January 18, 2009, 07:22:27 AM
The 3 updates look great! :thumbsup: I really like what you did with the pictures with the rain and snow, looks really cool.
What you did to the interchange with the new NAM trumpet interchange also looks cool, more realistic. The rummaging picture also looks good. :)
Can't wait to see more.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon [01/19/09]: UPDATE XVII: Westmoreland Tunnel...
Post by: thundercrack83 on January 19, 2009, 07:48:14 PM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies.jpg&hash=f9a404e367cb5e6d84638084803c586e8b151f6e)

Matt (threestooges): Hi, Matt! Thanks for your help on identifying the buildings there! They are, for the most part creations by spa, but you hit the nail on the head with the news building, too! As for Rachael Ray, I'm with you on her, too, though I have to admit I'd watch her before Guy Fieri. Something about him just irks me! Thanks for stopping by, my friend!

bat: Thanks, my friend!

Dan (dsrwhat316): Thanks, Dan! I can't wait to see what kind of things you can come up with using the new NAM! I'm sure they'll be outstanding, my friend! Take care!

Joan (Jmouse): Hi, Joan! I'm glad that you enjoyed the picture, my friend! Now that you mention it about the out-of-place building on the corner, I remember where this picture came from—scrutineering. The six buildings in the center of the picture were to be scrutineered, and I threw in the surrounding stuff to have some fun with it when I was through. So, that also answers you question about whether they were grown or plopped, too. They were plopped! Thanks for coming by, Joan!

Arthur (art128): Thank you so much, Arthur!

Robin (rooker1): Thanks so much, Robin! I think I'm getting more adept with Photoshop, though I have to find some more things to learn new skills with it. As for the new NAM, I'm sure that you'll come up with the some great ways to use it, and I'll be nothing short of blown away! Take care, my friend, and thanks for dropping by!

metarvo: Sorry to hear that Marathon got you away from the NAM, my friend! I'm still playing around with things and getting the old wheels turning. That's the best part of a new release like this, it makes everything seem completely new! Thanks for you continued support, and hope to see you here soon!

Alan (alan_vzla): Thanks so much! And hanks for making our 600th comment here!

sim_link: Hi! Thank you so much for your very kind words! I hope to see you back again!






UPDATE XVII
Westmoreland Tunnel East End, Redux
19 January 2009

It's been a little while, sorry about that! Cast your minds back, if you will, to UPDATE XI: Constructing Westmoreland Tunnel (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6190.msg207457#msg207457)—particularly, the eastern end of the eponymous underground viaduct...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252011%2F11015.jpg&hash=e832032adb7143984fb3b2bd145e2b5fccbd5156)

As you may recall, I was not happy with how this end of the tunnel came out, and left a door open for changes in the future. Well...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F024.jpg&hash=c775954c96a19c7bc6c6845306beb42a38fc8e4b)

...thanks to the NAM January 2009 Release, the future is now!

We begin with the picture above. The first order of business is to deal with the "seven-shaped" escarpment (for lack of a better term) on the south end of the tunnel entrance/exit.

Normally, I'd be puzzled as to how to best fill such an odd area. But then, I thought of an old and dear friend...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252017%2F17001.jpg&hash=80221e0ed595fb1b2da2ee314577a5070b974664)

...the Jean Canfield Building (http://sc4devotion.com/csxlex/lex_filedesc.php?lotGET=1766) by spa! There is not a better building for such a scenario!

Now, we...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252017%2F17002.jpg&hash=2186742220b0da0ca234181ae706904fcdfed798)

...tweak the area, first use streets to surround it, and then I use another must-have for everyone—the SFBT Diagonal Filler Lots (http://sc4devotion.com/csxlex/lex_filedesc.php?lotGET=1197)—to fill in the tiles underneath the diagonal section of the building.

Next, we'll move across the diagonal portion of the highway, where the initial construction of...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252017%2F17003.jpg&hash=755fdca7fd875a0cdd83335a7fe2db2a1b17b855)

...a park has begun, with the use of the SFBT Diagonal Fillers. But, lo! A bit of a sidetrack hits.


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252017%2F17004.jpg&hash=21092e5f0c9afe7d55e50813cb2e2b6490dc59c6)

I did not quite care for that zig-zagged section of avenue. So, what do we have to remedy it?


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252017%2F17005.jpg&hash=feb88119f0c7881296711d3963027d42233f712c)

This—a split avenue! The upside is that it will add some variety to the area and get rid of that pesky zig-zag. The downside? Time for a new draft of the Marathon Island map...but that's another show.

Park construction continues...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252017%2F17006.jpg&hash=d0658f76a82ebdaafbb591097e55f8c7e656b6ae)

...as a pond and stream a put in place...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252017%2F17007.jpg&hash=aec2745043da5aaa2e552c3c7a578e621eea303f)

...in addition to paths, gazebos, and park walls.

To the east of the park, we have...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252017%2F17008.jpg&hash=862b74c474fb002fb9005973fd89aa9ae3be5e4e)

...some mid-level urban development, as well as the highway overpass—sans exit ramps at this stage.

We head back to west and to the north side of the tunnel entrance/exit, where we place...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252017%2F17009.jpg&hash=31bbbec3c9baa22e8399bb03a09abaeec80fb5c6)

...another jewel from our good friend spa, the Canadian Broadcasting Centre (http://sc4devotion.com/csxlex/lex_filedesc.php?lotGET=1765), as well as other buildings as the area begins to fill in.

Highway walls go in, too—


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252017%2F17010.jpg&hash=e6040fd7324f34fe10d7db9f252278b486920f71)

with a pedestrian bridge thrown in for good measure!

Here is the eastern part near the highway overpass...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252017%2F17011.jpg&hash=c0febc2e478b0c872aad44661cceb0ca61ab4f4c)

...complete with exit ramps and highway walls.

And...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252017%2F17012.jpg&hash=e5356d298c23e579db7a40301321d41f83b013bb)

...an overview of the area east of the Westmoreland Tunnel.

And for even better measure...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252017%2F17013.jpg&hash=e13bfab870c996f40942cf83f2873a5348eb0a2b)

Not one, but...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252017%2F17014.jpg&hash=8ae1408a74cb7ab06851c3acae006e8d9b8fc9d6)

...two mosaïcs!

That is, as they say, that.

On another quick note, if you haven't already seen it, our very good friend projectadam—author of the OSITM MD Elizbeth County (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6244.0)—has started a fantastic thread called Place Your Region in the World (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6783.0), which allows MD authors to place their MD on a map of the world! If you're MD author and you want to join in, stop over and get added on to the map! If you're not an MD author, stop over anyway and check it out!

Incidentally, things may be a bit slow-going here in Marathon, as we've come to the actual city-building phase of things. I will be trying to document everything as I go, though, so there should be a fair amount of teasing, as well as doodling to keep your appetites sufficiently whetted.

As always, suggestions and advice are more than welcome!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: deathtopumpkins on January 19, 2009, 08:33:04 PM
Hmm... I missed the last few updates Dustin, sorry about that.

That is the perfect spot for that building! I wonder if spa imagined a situation like that when he made it? Though I must say I don't particularly care for that park... too many conflicting base textures.

And I think you've convinced me to try out those highway walls. They're on the STEX, right?

Those are some great shots of the city! Excellent work, Dustin.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Haljackey on January 19, 2009, 08:47:16 PM
Geesh I'm such a lurker here, can't believe I haven't posted yet!

But your amazing planning with the new highway interchange and the surrounding area pretty much made me want to leave a comment.  That's quite a development, and I really enjoyed looking at the way you laid it out beforehand. 

There's no question why this MD is so popular, your effort really shows!  Fantastic update Dustin!

Perhaps I'll leave a reply more often now that I'm out of "lurk-mode".   :P

Best,
-Haljackey
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Nexis4Jersey on January 19, 2009, 10:58:33 PM
Ah , nice touch up on the Depressed Hwy interchange & Tunnel area :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: threestooges on January 20, 2009, 12:41:44 AM
Well done Dustin. It's amazing how even a little change (not saying the NAM is a little change but...) can make things just fall into place. Spa's buildings are excellent, and the split avenue is a nice touch. I was a bit surprised to see it considering how griddy the rest of the city is, but it does add some variety to things. The park, pond and walls all fit together nicely. One thing you could do, if you run out of things for updates (not likely, but on the off chance) I'd love to see how you get those offramps to work like you do. I've seen a few tutorials, etc, but I generally end up levelling the land or gettiing some rather odd slopes. I can see how Guy might irk you a bit. He is a bit... energetic... or something. Ah well, perhaps Good Eats is on... a nice break before bed. Take it easy.
-Matt
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: rooker1 on January 20, 2009, 04:52:11 AM
Hello Dustin,

I'm never sure where you find the time to do all the things that you do.  You must have a schedule all set up or something like that.  Alarms go off and than you know that you need to go on to your next item on the agenda.  :D  ;)
Fantastic pics.  I really like the amount of details you add to your city and the amount of time you spend is very obvious (or you really are just that good).  Good use of BuddyBud's highway walls around the new trumpet exchange.  Who would have figured first that it would fit so well, besides you. &apls
I have always wondered to myself just how much of your city is grown compared to ploped.  Care to tell?
The pond parks look good themselves, but I have a problem when I see water next to sunken transportation ways.  Water always finds a way down, it just seems illogical to me.  How is it that your sunken highway doesn't fill with water and the pond go dry. ::)  ;)  Anyways, I see alot of different people doing the same thing.
And, I love that you do so many mosaics.  My favourite way to someone's city.  It always gives a better perspective on how everything fits together and it is definately much harder to hide the imperfections....not that I'm saying I have found any...yet.  ohhh, except for the pond....hehe
Okay, enough picking on you....for now.
See ya later my friend,
Robin  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bat on January 20, 2009, 05:21:03 AM
Fantastic work on that newest update! And the park is looking really nice! Wonderful pictures of your city! :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: kimcar on January 20, 2009, 05:49:31 AM
 &apls &apls Excellent update and work my friend. It`s great to see the evolution of it . Very good idea the peg stream use  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: TheTeaCat on January 20, 2009, 06:09:36 AM
Good grief Dustin
where do you get the time to do all this stuff? I can barely keep up.
It amazes me how people get so much done so quickly.

I had just about caught up and you slip in more updates with truly stunning pics.
the rain,foggy,snowy pics - sweet
then the reworking of the area just because the new NAM came out and the step by step
pics of the rebuilding of the area, nice work mate.

I too am concerned like Robin that the pond and stream are above the sunken highway.
Water does tend to find it own level so lets hope that the groundwork for the stream and pond
has had a proper waterproof course built in ::) :D

2 mosaics - way to go :D :D
Wikked ones too there are

Till the next time

Regards
Derry
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Jmouse on January 20, 2009, 12:36:06 PM
A-1 update, Dustin. It was fascinating to see the thought processes as you worked your way through the latest development process. Your BAT choices look great, and I like the way you've made all the elements fit together.

I really like the looks of development in the 13th photo, especially that green-roofed building toward the lower right. Then the next pic is like a well-done ad for the new NAM – stunning! Of course, the mosaics really top it all off in style.

Another excellent installment...
Joan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on January 20, 2009, 12:44:24 PM
Dustin, it's a very nice area there my friend. &apls
The new interchange looks awesome in your city  :thumbsup:

Arthur.  ;)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: metarvo on January 20, 2009, 02:39:08 PM
Don't worry about pulling me away from the NAM, Dustin.  I needed an excuse to get off the game, since I spent way too much time on it that day anyway.  ;D  Good job on including some diagonals in Marathon.  Of course, I'm sure that drivers must slow down when navigating that sharp 135-degree turn near the Jean Canfield Building, but you certainly have decorated it well.  The sunken highways also look very good, as always.  Keep it up, Dustin!

&apls
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: projectadam on January 20, 2009, 02:42:46 PM
Dustin,

In the words of Judge Smails(1), another "TOP NOTCH, TOP NOTCH" update! It was not like the first go at this section of tunnel was bad or anything but I think the changes that you made enhance the area significantly. Excellent placement of the Jean Canfield Building and Canadian Broadcasting Centre, along with the parks and other buildings. I have no idea what I would do driving down the freeway though and seeing the abs on the billboard :D Great work and cannot wait to see how the city develops.

1Bonus points for those who know who Judge Smails is without having to look it up ;)


Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: CarmineHilton on January 20, 2009, 03:48:44 PM
Lovely pictures, Dustin! Your MD is just going up up up like a rocket ;)
Great quality, kudos for that x

xo
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: spa on January 20, 2009, 05:32:55 PM
Those are some really impressive highways! You do a great job in placing the parks and buildings in a realistic manner. I'm glad you like my stuff. I wouldn't have thought of using diagonal park fillers to round out the bare edge of the diagonal Jean Canfield, but it actually works quite well. I'll have to go download those :)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon [01/21/09]: UPDATE XVIII: An Impromptu...
Post by: thundercrack83 on January 20, 2009, 10:18:31 PM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies.jpg&hash=f9a404e367cb5e6d84638084803c586e8b151f6e)

deathtopumpkins: Hi! No worries about missing things, it's OK! Thanks for your kind words, to my friend. I'm with you on the clashing textures, too—I think I may look to a solution, or at least an alternative. Thanks for coming by!

Haljackey: Hello and welcome! I'm glad you're enjoying things and that you've come out of "lurk mode!" Hope to see you here again!

Nexis: Thank you!

Matt (threestooges): Hi, Matt! Thanks so much! I split the avenue partly try and break up the grid at a secondary road level, since the primary avenues are in more of a grid pattern. As for your sunken highway question, I'll see if I can come up with an answer for you one of these days...(perhaps right now...)

Robin (rooker1): Hello, Robin! There's no schedule, just a lot of time on my hands and a mind that never seems to shut off! As for whether things are plopped or grown, I tend to do a lot of plopping because my sense of order (read "obsessive-compulsiveness!) tends to want to change everything that's grown. Not to mention that I haven't taken the time to work with the CAM as much as I would have liked to. But, don't worry, I'll get there one of these days! Oh, and the water next to the sunken highway never even entered into my mind—you're on top of things! I'm guessing there's a state-of-the-art drainage system in the highway walls, perhaps? I'll ponder that one a while...Thanks for stopping in, Robin!

bat: Thanks, my friend! I'm glad you liked it!

kimcar: Thank you so much! It took a bit of plopping and bulldozing, but I think I'm happy with the result, and I'm happy that you are, too! Take care!

Derry (TheTeaCat): Hi, there, Derry! Good to see you here, my friend! I'm glad you're enjoying things here in Marathon, too. As I said to Robin, I'll be pondering the water / sunken highway question a bit, since I never even thought of it! Thanks for stopping in!

Joan (Jmouse): Thanks, Joan! I did a bit of bulldozing, trying to get things to work right, but I think I got there. As it went from west to east (from the tunnel entrance towards the highway exit), I was trying to represent both a wealth and zone change—going from higher wealth commercial to lower-wealth residential. I don't know if I represented well, though! It's always great to have you here, my friend!

Arthur (art128): Thanks, Arthur!

metarvo: Hi, my friend! I've spent too much time in the game on more than one occasion, myself! It's amazing how quickly the time passes, especially when you have a small computer and a large plug-in folder as I do! Thanks for your wonderful comments and support!

projectadam: Thanks so much! The old set-up was OK, but I'm much happier with the current one. The buildings seem to fit together better for me. Oh, and I know Judge Smails very well, and Ty Webb! Though, he'll always be Ted Baxter (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ted_Knight) to me! Take care!

CarmineHilton: Thank you! After seeing the outstanding work you've been doing over in Savoie (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6787.0), it certainly means a lot to me coming from you, my friend! See you over there!

spa: Welcome, my friend! I certainly! Let me thank you personally for the absolutely extraordinary creations that I've had the pleasure to use in Marathon! I just hope I'm able to do them the justice they so rightly deserve! Thanks so much for stopping in!






UPDATE XVIII
An Impromptu, Interrogative Intermezzo
21 January 2009

Impromptu, indeed. I was going to go with "extemporaneous," but I couldn't pass up the alliteration! Anyway...

We'll have quick look at a question asked by our very good friend Matt (threestooges):

Quote
...

One thing you could do, if you run out of things for updates (not likely, but on the off chance) I'd love to see how you get those offramps to work like you do. I've seen a few tutorials, etc, but I generally end up levelling the land or gettiing some rather odd slopes.

...

Upon further reading, it's more of a request than a question, but I guess it could be formed into a question. Well, here goes nothing, Matt!


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252018%2F18001.jpg&hash=f3b9b05348695b6383140054e2bcba436b6a7ddb)

We'll start with a pristine sunken highway. I'll presume that you can get this far with the sunken highway on your own, but if not, that's OK! Just have a look at Update V: Sunken Highways, A Tutorial (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6190.msg200188#msg200188), and it should get you there.

Now, your first thought may be just to drag the network you want to use across, but...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252018%2F18007.jpg&hash=24ce86057430137f3cb85aaa4218ea3fa134787b)

...don't. It will mess up the terrain levels. Unfortunately, I learned this lesson the hard way, toiling for endless hours trying to get the ramp sections to line up perfectly before I realize it was done with NAM pieces.

So—the first step is to surround the trench with an access road.


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252018%2F18002.jpg&hash=97a3bb27272eb23f7ad458069811598496c05885)

This will give the entrance and exit ramps something to recognize when it's time to plop them. That time...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252018%2F18003.jpg&hash=5d108269e3889dbfe060b8a6d3259fe0e1fadb11)

...happens to be now. Select Single-Sided Parallel Ramps, then hit [Tab] twice in order to get Ground Highway Parallel Ramp - Road, and...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252018%2F18004.jpg&hash=7db89c925a99fbdb52c2191e8f6defc5bff30d55)

...place accordingly. Then, hit [Tab] two more time (four times total from the beginning of the loop), and...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252018%2F18005.jpg&hash=46e477aea0f291d4fdf7ada6cf56cd8fdd8cb3b8)

...place again. Note that I've left a tile's worth of space between the ramps.

With that space, I can do things like...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252018%2F18006.jpg&hash=66f4d96158ab0a35c3455ba31d37673ecffd1b15)

...that, using the NAM Puzzle Pieces. I've used roads as an example, but it can be done with one-way roads or avenues, if you desire.

Also, you do not necessarily have to have the access roads hug the side of the trench as I've shown in the above example.


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252018%2F18008.jpg&hash=e5097daee972c84f049083761697a4b1c4a39ef6)

As long as you have the road there for the entrance and exit ramps to recognize and connect to, you can go anywhere from there!

I hope that answers your question, Matt. If not, feel free to let me know and we'll see how we can further help!

More from Marathon in a bit!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Tarkus on January 20, 2009, 10:34:16 PM
Dustin, sorry I haven't stopped by here in awhile.  It appears I've missed a lot of great stuff!  You definitely seem to be having fun with andreharv's new additions to the NAM, and I enjoyed the Westmoreland Tunnel project there.  That Canfield building does indeed seem to fit perfectly, and I really like what you did with the pond kits as a median to that Split Avenue.  The surrounding city looks great as well--it reminds me of aleking a bit.

And this latest tutorial is great and very easy to follow!

Excellent, excellent work as always! :thumbsup:

-Alex (Tarkus)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: threestooges on January 20, 2009, 11:58:04 PM
Thanks Dustin. That was a remarkably fast response, and a well done one too. I think that answers my question... request?... suggestion?... whatever it was, it was certainly informative. I think I was trying to place the ramps before the roads (resulting in some significant terrain adjustment). This should do the trick. As for the pong question raised by Robin, perhaps it's lined with plastic, either by the city when they dug their trench, or by the developer who may have built the pond to keep it from leaking. Nice work Dustin. This is an excellent piece of work you have going.
-Matt
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bat on January 21, 2009, 06:24:54 AM
Welcome to page 32! ;)

Nice update, looking forward to more... ;)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: sim_link on January 21, 2009, 01:27:43 PM
Woah, the highway area looks much better! Great job.:thumbsup: Love the tutorial on sunken highway ramps, I'll have to try that out. :)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Haljackey on January 21, 2009, 04:21:03 PM
Wow, thats a great and simple little tutorial!

The only thing I don't like with that setup is that the on/off ramps are so steep.  If you're willing to sacrifice another tile or two on either side, you can use andreharv's new side on/off ramps, and then connect them to a OWR which can gradually climb the slope and intersect with the road. 

Still, the last pic looks great with all those curvy roads.  Nice job!   :thumbsup:

Best,
-Haljackey
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Jmouse on January 22, 2009, 05:38:01 PM
Hey Matt, glad you asked! :) That's a great tutorial, Dustin, and will be helpful to those of us who are somewhat transport challenged! I get road rash just thinking about trying to create a highway system!

Anyway, I recall mentioning feeder roads early on, and I'm glad to see now how you use them. I'm not convinced coming off a major highway and immediately hitting an intersection would be a good thing in RL, so I'm interested in knowing if it will work in game. Are you far enough along in actual Marathon development to have seen much traffic and studied the patterns?

Either way, good job presenting another interesting and informative update!
Joan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon [01/26/09]: UPDATE XIX: Hey Bono—These Streets...
Post by: thundercrack83 on January 25, 2009, 10:58:33 PM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies.jpg&hash=f9a404e367cb5e6d84638084803c586e8b151f6e)

Alex (Tarkus): Great to see you here again, Alex! The new NAM is as wonderful, as always! I feel like a kid on Christmas morning whenever a new NAM comes out. I'm glad you like the area around the tunnel, and I hope to see you back again, my friend!

Matt (threestooges): Hi, Matt! I'm glad that I was able to help you out! I had a feeling that you were trying to plop the ramp before the road, but when I went into the game to try and illustrate that, it wouldn't let me do it, for some reason. I've done that myself before, so I don't know what happened. Either way, though, I hope you're on your way to building some sunken highways of your own! Take care!

bat: Thank you, my friend!

sim_link: Hello! Thanks for your great comment, and I hope you have fun trying things out!

Haljackey: Thanks so much, Haljackey! I'm glad you liked it!

Joan (Jmouse): Hey, there, Joan! Thank you very much, my friend! As for the feeder roads, you've brought up a very interesting point about the intersections. I actually haven't investigated it in the game, I just did because it seemed like a sensible thing to do when I was laying the sunken highway! I'll have to check it out, and if it seems like it's going to be an issue, we may be revisiting the concept! Whatever happens, though, I'll definitely be posting the results here! Thanks for coming by, Joan!






UPDATE XIX
Hey, Bono—These Streets Do Have Names!
26 January 2009

I apologize for the little lull in action here in Marathon, but I've been engrossed in a bit of a project, the fruits of which I will now share!

We'll go back to our finished map from UPDATE XVI: On the Tedium, Trepidation, and Eventual Fulfillment of Cartography, Part II: From the Drawing Board to...You! (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6190.msg213715#msg213715):


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FMaps%2FFull-Map.jpg&hash=aee8f56654fd225d77c3b3b8f79ace3b05804cdb)

Well, because that map was such a joy to make, and because I'm a glutton for punishment, I decide to replicate it, but much larger! Using the same method outlined in Updates XV (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6190.msg213068#msg213068) and XVI (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6190.msg213715#msg213715), I created the same map, only this time using 768x768 tiles instead of 256x256, which was the dimension of each tile used to produce the one above.

The purpose of this—as our update title alluded—was street names! Yes, three-plus days of work toiling in Photoshop for street names! What can I say? I've got problems!

We'll start first, with L'Anneau de Marathon, which is the official name of the avenue ring that circumnavigates Marathon Island. The L'Anneau, as it's called for short in Marathon (with or without the redundant English and French definite articles!), has been partitioned into four quadrants by the Marathon Department of Transportation:


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FMaps%2FQuadrant.jpg&hash=8acde4128891dfe8da47cd865848c27056ba9d7f)

In many instances, the L'Anneau runs concurrent with other streets. For postage purposes, both names are used, with the L'Anneau and quadrant preceding:

          Schmidt, Rose, and McGraw
          Attorneys at Law
          L'Anneau de Marathon NE
          1808 St. Lawrence Avenue E
          MARATHON


Special street signs have been posted to designate the L'Anneau...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252019%2F19005.jpg&hash=cc8fdc0bd9a770822a32c5267df3c30156396538)

The top-right section of the street sign denotes in which quadrant the sign is located.

Major thoroughfares that run parallel from west to east have been names according to an alphabetical naming system from A to Z (U and V have been omitted), going south to north, and designated as Avenues: Acadia, Bathurst, Châteauguay, Daigneault, Elliot, Foxborough, Grand Banks, Halifax, Independence, Joliett, Kittery, Lampreys, Muller, Newfoundland, Oxbow, Presque Isle, Quay, Ridley, Shawinigan, Telegraph, Westmoreland.

North-south thoroughfares are not named according to any specific system.

Below is an street sign example, with directional indicator in the top-right corner.


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252019%2F19006.jpg&hash=424587c59d836e5b9fdcab1ebf47e9c879ca941e)

Also, a north-south street sign:


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252019%2F19007.jpg&hash=04e524eb99b686e9fc85be95b4dc2032078fe7ea)

Smaller streets and non-arterial thoroughfares are usually labeled as Streets:


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252019%2F19004.jpg&hash=2e0970bd5c1f157c8466e27ce5330b7a760bd6a2)

Directional indicators may or may not be used, depending on whether the street crosses the directional boundary of Kittery Avenue for north-south, or Moncton Avenue for east-west.

So, without any further information, I present to you the most current incarnation our the Marathon Island street map! NOTE: This map is quite large.


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252019%2F19001.jpg&hash=20b4007c76cab4ef8f73285df7ec7dd628a4a459) (http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o134/thundercrack83/MARATHON/Maps/Street.jpg)

It took a long while and a lot of work to put together! Here's a few samples of the process:


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252019%2F19003.jpg&hash=b5c95fd3eb1cdafbd3eaaba40906b23cf6d3f065)


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252019%2F19002.jpg&hash=fb0e6a678be601986d9a651274ddf8ec1d52e300)

Despite the hours, I had a lot of fun put this together, especially naming all the streets. In honor of that, I thought we could play a little game!

Below, I have listed ten street names from Marathon Island—nine based on geographical and/or cultural surroundings, with the tenth being three different streets that have a common bond. Bearing in mind the geographic location of Marathon (North America, Maine-New Brunswick (http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&safe=off&q=New%20Brunswick%2C%20Canada&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=wl)), see if you can guess the significance of the street names!

Example: Halifax Avenue — Halifax, Nova Scotia

Make sense? OK, here we go!

1. Aroostook Street
2. Grand Banks Avenue
3. Presque Isle Avenue
4. Shawinigan Avenue
5. Acadia Svenue
6. Bathurst Avenue
7. Passamaquoddy Avenue
8. Châteauguay Avenue
9. Kittery Avenue
10. Find the common bond: Daigneault Avenue, Desjardins Street, Muller Avenue
BONUS: Find a specific bond between Acadie and Bathurst!


The first person to get them all correct (including the bonus!) will get a prize perhaps an SC4D subscription?!

Good luck, and I hope you enjoyed this street-oriented expedition!

In a bit!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Alfred.Jones on January 26, 2009, 12:53:56 AM
Quote from: thundercrack83 on January 25, 2009, 10:58:33 PM
Below, I have listed ten street names from Marathon Island—nine based on geographical and/or cultural surroundings, with the tenth being three different streets that have a common bond. Bearing in mind the geographic location of Marathon (North America, Maine-New Brunswick (http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&safe=off&q=New%20Brunswick%2C%20Canada&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=wl)), see if you can guess the significance of the street names!

Example: Halifax Avenue — Halifax, Nova Scotia

Make sense? OK, here we go!

1. Aroostook Street
2. Grand Banks Avenue
3. Presque Isle Avenue
4. Shawinigan Avenue
5. Acadia Svenue
6. Bathurst Avenue
7. Passamaquoddy Avenue
8. Châteauguay Avenue
9. Kittery Avenue
10. Find the common bond: Daigneault Avenue, Desjardins Street, Muller Avenue
BONUS: Find a specific bond between Acadie and Bathurst!


The first person to get them all correct (including the bonus!) will get a prize!

Good luck, and I hope you enjoyed this street-oriented expedition!

In a bit!

Hey Dustin,

I have been lurking your MD for a while but never posted. Sorry &mmm

But I can't not post when you have put so much work into these street names!

I hope I got the idea of the game.

Here are my answers ;)

1. Aroostook Street - Aroostook, New Brunswick
2. Grand Banks Avenue - Grand Banks of Newfoundland Plateaus
3. Presque Isle Avenue - Presque Isle, Maine
4. Shawinigan Avenue - Shawinigan, Quebec
5. Acadia Avenue - Acadia National Park, Maine
6. Bathurst Avenue - Bathurst, New Brunswick
7. Passamaquoddy Avenue - The Native American people who live in Maine and New Brunswick
8. Châteauguay Avenue - Châteauguay, Quebec
9. Kittery Avenue - Kittery, Maine
10. Find the common bond: Daigneault Avenue, Desjardins Street, Muller Avenue - I'm guessing this has something to do with retired Canadian Ice Hockey players J. J. Daigneault, Martin Desjardins and Kirk Muller?

I can't as yet find a bond between Acadia and Bathurst but i'm working on it. I will post if I find one.

Thanks,

AJ :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bat on January 26, 2009, 01:07:03 AM
Nice work on the street names there! And looking forward to more...
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: projectadam on January 26, 2009, 01:07:20 AM
Bonus Question: The Titans???
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: dedgren on January 26, 2009, 01:26:23 AM
Or the region [linkie] (http://acadie-bathurst.com/site/Municipality.aspx?lang=en-US&muni=9).

Great contest, Dustin.  And, my guess is that you've probably retired the trophy for Best SC4-based Cartography in 2009 early this year.  I scrolled around that for the better part of 10 minutes.  An absolute joy to look at.


David


Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Jmouse on January 26, 2009, 01:45:12 AM
Here's my meager little attempt.

1   Aroostook is athe largest county in Maine. It is located in the northernmost area of the state.
2   Grand Banks is a group of underwater plateaus southeast of Newfoundland.
3   Presque Isle is home to the University of Maine.
4   Shawinigan is a city on the Saint Maurice River in Quebec
5   Acadia National Park is located in Hancock County, Maine.
6   Bathurst, unlike its counterpart in Australia, is a city in New Brunswick.
7   Passamaquoddy Bay is an inlet of the Bay of Fundy between Maine and New Brunswick.
8   Châteauguay County is located in the southwest corner of the Province of Quebec, Canada.
9   Kittery, Maine, has a winter parking ban!
10   Mitch Daigneault, Richard Desgardins and Pete Muller are all musicians who are either from Marathon's general area or live near there now. Of course, they could always be hockey players though! :D

Very clever and thoughtful system for naming streets. Once again, you amaze me with your creativity and organizational skills. BTW, I have a couple of extra Big Chief tablets I can send your way if you need them. :D

Later...
Joan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: deathtopumpkins on January 26, 2009, 08:10:23 AM
Whoa! Nice map there Dustin! Very professional, even down to the copyright and serial number? along the bottom edge.

Though I think everyone else beat me to the street name game...  :D (Some of us are asleep at 2 AM  :P )

Oh, and those are some fancy street signs! 'Round here we've just got plain white-on-blue ones.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: rooker1 on January 26, 2009, 01:56:16 PM
Dustin,

Not sure where to begin.  Your map turned out much more better than I had first thought it would and I really like how all the roads are named. 
The contest is a great little additive as well, I'll have to have a look at it and see if I can figure any of it out.

Robin  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Tarkus on January 26, 2009, 02:19:33 PM
Dustin, this is an absolutely fantastic update here.  I'm in map heaven right now--that's one of the finest I've ever seen, and I intend to stare at it for some time. :D  It's also great to hear about some of the street naming practices in Marathon as well--I'm always fascinated by that sort of stuff being the big roadgeek that I am.  I've always been keen on the alphabetical naming setup, too--makes it rather easy to navigate things. 

I also couldn't help but notice Duke of Gloucester Street on there--immediately reminded me of Annapolis, Maryland.  The layout, in some ways, kind of reminds me of Washington, DC a little--particularly around Independence Avenue. ;)

Fascinating, fascinating stuff.   :thumbsup:

-Alex (Tarkus)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: alan_vzla on January 26, 2009, 05:38:14 PM
That kind of work and commitment is what differences a MD from an excellent MD. Yours is surely a SC4 masterpiece, and I wish the best for it.

The update is very good, but I prefer the ones with ingame pics... Yet I enjoyed reading all the names of your streets... Maybe I'll try it over here in Nova Terra xD

Quote from: thundercrack83 on January 25, 2009, 10:58:33 PM
It took a long while and a lot of work to put together! Here's a few samples of the process:

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252019%2F19003.jpg&hash=b5c95fd3eb1cdafbd3eaaba40906b23cf6d3f065)

That is impressive... but yet I think I can win you in that department... I'll post some photos of my SC4 notebook sometime...

Alan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on January 29, 2009, 03:48:32 PM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies.jpg&hash=f9a404e367cb5e6d84638084803c586e8b151f6e)

Alfred.Jones: Hello, my friend, and welcome! And your first post is quite the smash! Excellent work! And don't worry about lurking either, it's OK! Hope to see you around more often!

bat: Thank you, my friend!

projectadam: Good answer, we'll see if it's correct!

David (dedgren): Wow, thank so much for that great compliment, David! I'm glad I can return the favor on the map-staring, since I've spent countless hours gazing at the many 3RR maps over the past few years!

Joan (Jmouse:): Hi, Joan! Meager attempt? I don't think so, my friend—I'd say a magnificent attempt if I've ever seen one! I'm glad you enjoyed the map, too, and at the rate I go through legal pads, I might have to take you up on your offer! Thanks for coming by, Joan!

deathtopumpkins: Thanks so much! I'm glad you like the map!

Robin (rooker1): Thanks, Robin! The map came out much better than I thought it would, too, going into it. It was a lot of fun to put together, actually! Take care, my friend!

Alex (Tarkus): Hey, Alex! Thank you, my friend! I was trying to come up with some kind of naming system for a while and couldn't come up with anything, then the alphabetical one just popped into my head when I was looking at a map of Washington, DC. As for Duke of Gloucester Street, I actually stole borrowed that, and Botetourt Street from Williamsburg, Virginia. I found a tourist map from when I was there a few years ago and the rest is history! Thanks for coming by and for your wonderful comments, my friend!

Alan (alan_vzla): Hi, my friend! Thank you so much for your very kind words! And I would certainly be interested in seeing your SC4 notebook, too! Take care!




Well, our good friend Alfred.Jones did a number on the Street Name Game, getting every one correct!

Quote
1. Aroostook Street - Aroostook, New Brunswick
2. Grand Banks Avenue - Grand Banks of Newfoundland Plateaus
3. Presque Isle Avenue - Presque Isle, Maine
4. Shawinigan Avenue - Shawinigan, Quebec
5. Acadia Avenue - Acadia National Park, Maine
6. Bathurst Avenue - Bathurst, New Brunswick
7. Passamaquoddy Avenue - The Native American people who live in Maine and New Brunswick
8. Châteauguay Avenue - Châteauguay, Quebec
9. Kittery Avenue - Kittery, Maine
10. Find the common bond: Daigneault Avenue, Desjardins Street, Muller Avenue - I'm guessing this has something to do with retired Canadian Ice Hockey players J. J. Daigneault, Martin Desjardins and Kirk Muller?

The only slight differences in what I was thinking was Aroostook County, Maine, rather than Aroostook, New Brunswick for #1, and Eric Desjardins instead of Martin Desjardins for #10. Excellent work, Alfred.Jones!

And for the bonus, our good friend projectadam struck home with what I was thinking—the Acadie-Bathurst Titan (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acadie-Bathurst_Titan) of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League!

Thank you all so much for playing! I hope you had fun!

Now, on to what I've been working on lately...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F027.jpg&hash=f0c9c461484e9b6101c949f7f7029e5add39ce93)

It's a low income neighboorhood in southwest Marathon, down around Lowe Street. Perhaps we'll be exploring this area in finer detail? We'll see!

Stay tuned!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: threestooges on January 29, 2009, 04:05:35 PM
Nice work Dustin. I think that's one of the most realistic Chicago-type (for lack of a better word... El Rail over street always makes me think of it) I've seen. The BAT selection is great, and everything just fits. Not sure what you secret is for it, but it's working.
-Matt
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Haljackey on January 29, 2009, 04:16:47 PM
Wow awesome job with that teaser pic Dustin!  The el-rail over road looks excellent, and you've definitely created a low-income scene.  Nice photoshopping effects too, its interested to see SC4 on an angle we don't see in-game!

Best,
-Haljackey
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: metasmurf on January 29, 2009, 04:36:53 PM
God job on the rowhouse development. I've never been to the states but if I would imagine parts of new york some of them would definetly look like that pic.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: rooker1 on January 30, 2009, 04:23:30 AM
Dustin,

Great picture.  I really jope we can see more of this area.  Especially, more of the el rail and how it goes through the city and maybe even where it ends and begins.  ;)
Congrats to AJ on your little contest.  &apls

Robin  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: metarvo on January 30, 2009, 05:54:35 AM
You certainly have a way with urban areas, Dustin.  I don't see the El-rail over Road used very often in MDs, but it fits quite nicely here.  I must say that it is interesting to see your planning notes, and it seems like you have a talent in that department as well.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bat on January 31, 2009, 01:33:24 AM
Welcome to page 33!

Great new picture there! That's a nice part of your city! :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Sciurus on January 31, 2009, 04:16:16 AM
It's just beautiful, and you do your transport map on paper, and then, you do this on SC4?
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on January 31, 2009, 08:42:08 AM
This is a fantastic picture there Dustin ! &apls
great work with these row house my friend. :thumbsup: I like the EL-line in the middle  ;)

Arthur.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: warconstruct on January 31, 2009, 09:39:09 AM
Splendid picture ! I like the EL-line in the middle  !
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: dsrwhat316 on January 31, 2009, 10:26:09 AM
I see that you are putting marcszar's residential buildings to good use  :thumbsup:

The el-rail over road pieces are rarely used, so it is quite refreshing to see them here in Marathon. I hope you show more of this area; it looks great!

~ Dan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Jmouse on January 31, 2009, 09:40:22 PM
Dustin, you're using elements that are outside my visual experience - like the el-rail - so Marathon is turning into a marathon educational experience! As for the low-income housing, it exists in every city, town and settlement known to man, but you do a good job of presenting it.

Congratulations to A.J. for acing the quiz! :thumbsup: There are a million ways to name quads, and yours is very interesting.

Later...

Joan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Tarkus on February 02, 2009, 06:20:27 PM
Dustin, another great pic there--looks like a very realistic inner-city East Coast neighborhood.  You've got an amazing eye for this stuff, and it's always a treat to see what's going on in Marathon.

-Alex (Tarkus)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on February 03, 2009, 09:18:27 PM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies.jpg&hash=f9a404e367cb5e6d84638084803c586e8b151f6e)

Matt (threestooges): Hi, Matt! Thanks a lot, my friend! There's no secret, either, I'm just plopping and bulldozing until I get something that looks OK to me. Thanks for coming by!

Haljackey: Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed it!

metasmurf: Thanks! There's parts of just about every major city here in the northeastern United States. In fact the BATs, by marcszar are based on Baltimore, Maryland, and Troy, New York, I believe, so that explains it! Thanks for stopping in!

Robin (rooker1): Hey, Robin! We'll certainly be looking into this area in more detail, as well as the elevated rail line in the midst. It's always great to see you here, my friend!

metarvo: Thank you so much, my friend!

bat: Thanks, bat!

Sciurus: Thank you! As for the transport map, it's a little bit of both. I'll get some rough ideas on paper beforehand, but I've learned you never know what's going to work until you get into the game. Take care!

Arthur (art128): Thank you, Arthur!

warconstruct: Merci beaucoup!

Dan (dsrwhat316): Thanks, Dan! I've seen the pieces used other places and have always wanted to put them to use. I'm glad I found a good spot for them!

Joan (Jmouse): Hi, Joan! I'm glad you able to provide some insight as to some of the area up here in the gritty northeast, and I glad you're enjoying it! Thanks, as always, for your continued support, my friend!

Alex (Tarkus): Thank you, Alex! The area was actually inspired by the neighborhood in Philadelphia were Rocky Balboa lived in Rocky (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rocky). Now if I could find the pet shop where Adrian worked! Thanks for coming by, my friend!




I'm still plugging away at different areas of Marathon, but I still had some time to work on this!


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F028.jpg&hash=326049347e9bc0edd459e7d440e00449e29c6dfb)

Many thanks to Robin (rooker1), whose keen eye helped with some color and style issues!

Not sure where we'll head next. You'll know as soon as I do!

In a bit!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Alfred.Jones on February 03, 2009, 10:45:48 PM
That looks excellent Dustin!! Looks like a real newspaper &apls
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on February 04, 2009, 04:41:47 AM
What a nice newspaper there Dustin !  &apls$
Great work on it !!  &apls
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: rooker1 on February 04, 2009, 05:30:22 AM
Dustin,
Great work on the newspaper article.
"CCM Centre"....good work on the PSing.  You are becoming a Pro!

Robin  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Sciurus on February 04, 2009, 06:27:19 AM
Great, and I really like your daily, wich is really good realized!
Congratulations Robin and Thundercrack &apls
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: deathtopumpkins on February 04, 2009, 06:40:03 AM
Nice newspaper, Dustin! One of the best I've ever seen done!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bat on February 04, 2009, 10:15:09 AM
Wonderful work there on that newspaper! Nice articles with nice photos! :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: MandelSoft on February 04, 2009, 10:20:00 AM
Nice newspaper! Looks realistic to me.

Best,
Maarten
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon [02/06/09]: UPDATE XX: A Complex From a Complex...
Post by: thundercrack83 on February 06, 2009, 12:58:36 AM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies.jpg&hash=f9a404e367cb5e6d84638084803c586e8b151f6e)

Alfred.Jones: Thank you so much, my friend!

Arthur (art128): Thanks, Arthur!

Robin (rooker1): Hey, Robin! Thanks for your help with the newspaper, too! It's much more newspaper-like that magazine now, thanks to you, my friend! Take care!

Sciurus: Thanks so much!

deathtpumpkins: Thank you! I'm glad you like it!

bat: Thanks, bat! Very much appreciated, my friend!

Maarten (mrtnrln): Thank you so much, Maarten!







UPDATE XX
A Complex From a Complex
Part I: Envisioning and Delving

6 February 2009

Well, it's probably no secret, but in addition to being a big fan of cities, I'm also a fairly large sports fan. And what is the perfect melding of two of my primary interests...?

Sports complexes!

My favorite thing to do when I go to a new city is to check out the sports venues—baseball stadiums, football stadiums, basketball and hockey arenas, any and all of them. After thinking about all the different venues I've been to and thinking about how and where cities situate these facilities, since their not small by any means, I thought I would take a look at how this would be applied in Marathon.

But first, I'd a bit of examination and investigation. I like the idea of a sports complex—an area where all the sports venues are located together. For example...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252020%2F20001.jpg&hash=72923e151f5e0f2158d2906a8af315d223be1b2b)

...this is the sports complex in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. As you can see, both the baseball and football stadiums, as well as the basketball/hockey arena (Wachovia Center) and the former arena (the Spectrum) are all together in one big complex in South Philadelphia.

However, one issue that I've always had with this area is the fact that it is not all that convenient to get to from Central Philadelphia...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252020%2F20002.jpg&hash=8818de2bb28930f3c9c11dee6326db3393842fea)

...as we've illustrated.

Another prime example is my favorite sports complex in the world—


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252020%2F20003.jpg&hash=f377f08d513cba36377225f86fe0818bd0be0bc1)

The Meadowlands Sports Complex in East Rutherford, New Jersey! While being in the Garden State, the Meadowlands is home to both New York City NFL teams, the Giants and the Jets. However...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252020%2F20004.jpg&hash=b0164a0866e1aeb12f5e75fb31b3e94483167c5b)

...at a distance of six miles, it is even further from Manhattan than the Philadelphia Sports Complex is from Central Philadelphia. And this is before you factor in time for traffic.

So, I would like to meld the idea of a sports complex with the idea of keeping the venues within the city and more accessible to alternative forms of transportation. A good example is...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252020%2F20005.jpg&hash=69b3fa3665ac5e4835079a0279d3c71ac7fd8611)

...Baltimore, Maryland, where both the baseball and the football stadiums are in close proximity not only to each other...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252020%2F20006.jpg&hash=cf37db310b27386651a61567389f7e53a8708dd1)

...but also to Downtown Baltimore.

Another non-sports venue related idea I thought of to incorporate are the wharves of Boston, Massachusetts (an idea that will be implemented much more in Marathon, I can imagine)—


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252020%2F20007.jpg&hash=2256f7f88e7e5e2812efc348ed7cf409a8a906e2)

The concept of a sports complex jutting into the water on a wharf popped into my head, and so I thought, why not run with it?

First step, pick a spot...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252020%2F20008.jpg&hash=d13423e19b7155a10f3a2125e6efbac5e70bc2b0)

I've chosen Tile O, more specifically at the eastern end of Châteauguay Avenue.

Now, we begin construction of our wharf, or as they will be known in Marathon, our quay...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252020%2F20009.jpg&hash=ae840079b9c0a5d19a04b1713428db148b42f455)

Using a road...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252020%2F20010.jpg&hash=c3f5bd8f78f8baa85051505faa3e981f68374fa9)

...we mark off where the avenue ran (since the the avenue is two-tiles and the road only one, I just chose on of them arbitrarily), and then...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252020%2F20011.jpg&hash=a7f228b09828f1d709b45462644b76c75af15d85)

...start terraforming!


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252020%2F20012.jpg&hash=af9a9f5e8bb680f55928727c77dec8573a13a8b0)

One tile at a time, we trace the edge to meet up with the rest of the island circumference...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252020%2F20013.jpg&hash=d0937d408d6204dd8ea3a5b6fc690a96bc8368cf)

...and we have our finished quay!

But that's probably not big enough for a complex! So...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252020%2F20014.jpg&hash=27050d7c90dee3f391ca775c12d1f26e438e1a9a)

...we tack on another section...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252020%2F20015.jpg&hash=3c4ccd76f38ff4a03a3a326e097664613cc99706)

...and do some terraforming clean-up.

The terraformed quay is where we'll stop for now, but next time we'll look at adding more to the area.

Thanks for coming by!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: threestooges on February 06, 2009, 02:15:24 AM
Nice start on the complex Dustin. I'm curious why the different levels for the different areas, but I'm sure it'll become clear soon enough. Perhaps one for parking and one for the arenas, or different fields on different levels? Will there be a mass transit station available as well? it'd be a good way to get people to the games as well as relieve congestion on the surrounding streets, especially after the games. Any idea yet which teams will represent Marathon yet?
-Matt
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: sebes on February 06, 2009, 03:12:16 AM
He Dustin - interesting concept! I like the idea of having the sports venues on a wharf/quay in the downtown area.  I think however that it would be a waste of precious reclaimed land to fill it with parkings... a giant parking garage seems more realistic in that case! And indeed a large mass-transit connection. Wow- what a concept!  :thumbsup:

Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: JoeST on February 06, 2009, 03:22:05 AM
Im feeling pretty ashamed of myself.... *hangs head*

this place is pretty gawd dang awesome, where were you hiding? :D

cant wait for more

Joe
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: rooker1 on February 06, 2009, 04:49:09 AM
Hey Dustin,

Great start on Sports Complex.  Love the RL pics as well, but lets see how you put them to use compared to what you are building in game.  I'm looking forward to the end results of this area and I'll have some more stuff ready for you tonight.

Robin  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: metarvo on February 06, 2009, 05:17:27 AM
Having a sports complex is a great idea, Dustin.  One can only wonder what kind of teams Marathon will have, though.  Will they be good teams, or will they leave something to be desired?  $%Grinno$%  I'm looking forward to seeing that quay when you're finished with it.

&apls
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Ennedi on February 06, 2009, 05:51:04 AM
An idea of making a sport complex on the wharf is excellent! :thumbsup: I am very curious how will you perform it.

It was a while when I visited you last time, so I must say that your map is fantastic!  &apls I also like very much your explanations, much to learn form them  :thumbsup:

Adam
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: deathtopumpkins on February 06, 2009, 07:29:22 AM
Wow, that's a neat idea! I love doing land reclamation projects in my cities, similar to your quay, so of course this is an interest to me. And I cannot wait to see how you finish it!  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bat on February 06, 2009, 07:54:12 AM
Looking forward to (more of) the sport complex and nice update... :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on February 06, 2009, 08:01:24 AM
Wow ! excellent terraforming Dustin, it promises to be a fantastic complex!  &apls
I agree that the Meadowlands Sports Complex is beautiful. ;)
Can't wait to see more with the sports equipment. :thumbsup:

Arthur.  ;)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Alfred.Jones on February 06, 2009, 07:19:57 PM
Great idea Dustin! I too am a big sports fan and I can't wait to see the complex once it is finished!

Awesome work on the terraforming so far,

Keep it up!

AJ :)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: JBSimio on February 07, 2009, 10:36:08 PM
Hi Dustin!

I've been a little lax in my responses lately, but I have been lurking when I get the chance.  You've been doing so many different things here, I hardly know where to begin.  Your maps turned out very well and your notepad looks very similar to mine!  (I actually have two legal pads on my desk... one for Covington and one for BATting... both are a scribbled mess of notes, numbers, sketches, etc... :D )  The newspaper looks great and I'm really interested in your latest venture!  I also enjoy a good stadium complex (Ford Field and Comerica Park in Detroit are a nice downtown pairing) and your idea to put them on a pier looks most promising.  Like Matt, I'm also itching to see how the different levels will come into play.

See you then!
JB
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on February 07, 2009, 10:48:33 PM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies.jpg&hash=f9a404e367cb5e6d84638084803c586e8b151f6e)

Matt (threestooges): Hi, Matt! I'm glad you like the sports complex, so far! The different levels was a way of breaking things up a bit. As for the mass transit, I plan to have some kind of hub around the area, since it would be a high-traffic area on game and event days. As for the teams in Marathon? That may be an update down the line, perhaps! I'll have to give it some thought!

sebes: Hi, my friend! You are definitely correct, there will not be many different parking lots as per the norm with sports complexes. Since it's in a downtown urban area, it will have parking garages and perhaps a few smaller lots further away from the facilities to serve both event traffic and normal day-to-day city traffic. Thanks for coming by!

Joe (JoeST): Hi, Joe! Welcome to Marathon! Thanks so much, my friend!

Robin (rooker1): Hello, there, Robin! Actually, the real life pictures were meant to illustrate what I'm trying to avoid doing in Marathon, at least the Philadelphia and Meadowlands ones anyway! The Baltimore stadiums are closer to what I'm going for, though! I hope I can get it all figured out, but with your help, I'm sure we'll get there! It's gotten me this far! Thanks again, and we'll see you back soon!

metarvo: Thanks so much! As I said to Matt (threestooges), I have to do some thinking on the sports teams of Marathon once the venues are in place! As for how good or bad they are, well, that's always up for grabs!

Adam (Ennedi): Hi, Adam! So glad to see you here again, my friend! I'm glad you're enjoying the maps and the latest update! Hope to see you here again!

deathtopumpkins: Thanks, my friend! I'm with you on land reclamation. As I said in the update, I think this will be the first in many quays in the city, all different sizes, to give it that "on the water" feel that Boston has, and even Philadelphia has on the Delaware River. Thanks for coming y!

bat: Thank you, bat! I'm glad you enjoyed it, my friend!

Arthur (art128): Thanks, Arthur!

Alfred.Jones: Hey, there! It's always great to hear from another sports fan! I'm glad you like the complex area so far. I hope to see you back again soon!

Jon (JBSimio): Hi, Jon! First let me say...HAPPY BIRTHDAY! It's after midnight here in Pennsylvania, so I had to do it! I'm glad you're finding things to your liking here lately. I'm a big fan of Ford Field and Comerica, too—though, I have to admit, I've always had a very soft spot in my heart for the Pontiac Silverdome (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pontiac_Silverdome), ever since I was a kid and watch Hulk Hogan bodyslam Andre the Giant at WrestleMania III (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WrestleMania_III). That was a big moment in my life as a six-year-old in 1987! Thanks for sopping in, and I hope your birthday is a blast, my friend!




I'm still working and planning, planning and working on our sports complex, so in the meantime, I thought we could venture back to southwestern Marathon, and our Rocky-inspired neighborhood...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F029.jpg&hash=d0ef8401420c8db5a8ee808ce4f74304bf0477ff)

As the picture shows, there's a new section of highway—the Docklands Extension—that's been added since our last map edition, as well as where the elevated rail heads back underground before leaving the island. Of course, there's also some more low-income housing in there, too. Somewhere, a no-name boxer is training for a fight against Apollo Creed (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apollo_Creed)!

Back to the sports complex grindstone!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: deathtopumpkins on February 08, 2009, 12:41:45 AM
Ooh... nice R$ housing... and I like that bridge abutment!

Very nice and dirty!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bat on February 08, 2009, 03:02:16 AM
That's a really great picture there, nice work on it! :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Nexis4Jersey on February 08, 2009, 08:15:28 AM
Wow that Highway Setup is giving me ideas  :thumbsup: ::)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Pikatchoum on February 08, 2009, 11:19:24 AM
Very nice and interesting pics. I like the way you show all the steps of the city building. It's very hypnotizing IMO. I especially liked the tutorial you've made some pages ago about how making a "real-like" transportation map. It was very well explainded, I must do one now ! Thanks and keep it up.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Pat on February 08, 2009, 06:31:49 PM
Hey Dustin looking great in here!!! The last pic here is just awe dropping wicked!!!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on February 09, 2009, 10:08:43 PM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies.jpg&hash=f9a404e367cb5e6d84638084803c586e8b151f6e)

deathtopumpkins: Thanks! The dirty look was what I was going for. I'm glad I've achieved it! I'm happy you like the bridge, too!

bat: Thanks so much, my friend!

Corey (Nexis): Thanks, Corey! I can't wait to see your ideas!

Pikatchoum: Hello! Welcome to Marathon! I'm so happy that you're enjoying things here and that you've found some of the tutorials informative. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask me, and I hope to see you back, my friend!

Pat: Hey, Pat! It's great to see you! Thanks for stopping by!




Well, the work on the quay is still underway. Always planning and re-planning, and trying to put the plans into action!

I thought I'd put together something to illustrate the current plan:


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F030.jpg&hash=88735bb9f57fac3a3ba224130ff0e277b442eee1)

The red "Plaza Areas" sections will be large open areas various stuff around. The one on the upper section of the quay where the arena will be located will stretch up to the diagonal avenue that's been bulldozed in the picture, surrounding and including the subway station.

For now, it's back to the old drawing board!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Pat on February 09, 2009, 10:24:20 PM
Hey Dustin its always great to see what you are cooking up here in Commonwealth!!! So you are planning for a big area there and I cant wait to see the plans in action!!!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: threestooges on February 10, 2009, 12:10:34 AM
I like what I'm seeing so far, but there is one thing I don't see: parking. I'm sure you have it planned for, but I'm curious to see where it'll go, and what form it will take (lot, garage, above ground, below ground (wouldn't expect that what with the water but the island is elevated a bit after all)). Nice plan though and I'll look forward to seeing the first bits of development.
-Matt
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: rooker1 on February 10, 2009, 04:32:25 AM
Hey Dustin,
Very interesting setup.  I, too can't wait to see what goes in these area.  ;)

Robin  :P
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Ennedi on February 10, 2009, 06:34:26 AM
Hello Dustin,

The bridge head (Docklands Extension) looks very good! Marrast waterfront pieces and Japan walls along highway harmonize very well. Great picture! :thumbsup:
I also like your sports area setup. I suppose you will provide a parking here (as Matt said), but I have another question: I'm curious how will you lead a road to the Stadium Area?

Adam
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on February 10, 2009, 06:39:33 AM
Dustin, this plan looks promised my friend ! &apls
Can't wait to see the development of the docks.

Arthur. :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: deathtopumpkins on February 10, 2009, 12:35:49 PM
That plan looks great so far, but I think you forgot one thing! Parking!  :P
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Jmouse on February 10, 2009, 02:19:19 PM
Interesting plan for the sports complex, Dustin, but I have to second - or third_ the question of parking. I'm anxious to see how you deal with this issue considering a man takes his car to a sporting venue more often than he takes his wife! $%Grinno$%

Later...
Joan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Nexis4Jersey on February 10, 2009, 05:37:35 PM
Nice idea for the Complex , i'll be waiting for the awesome results  :thumbsup: ::)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon [02/10/09: UPDATE XXI: A Complex from a Complex...
Post by: thundercrack83 on February 10, 2009, 07:38:47 PM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies.jpg&hash=f9a404e367cb5e6d84638084803c586e8b151f6e)

Pat: Thanks, my friend!

Matt (threestooges): Hey, Matt! I'm glad you like the set up! As for parking, well...we'll see what we can come up with! Thanks for coming by!

Robin (rooker1): Thanks, Robin! Though, something tells me you have a "bit" of an idea as to what's going to be going on, my friend!

Adam (Ennedi): Hi, Adam! Thank you so much, my friend! And actually, your question about access is something that I haven't thought of! Thanks for bringing it up! Hope to see you back again soon!

Arthur (art128): Thanks, Arthur!

deathtopumpkins: Thanks! And don't worry, I didn't forget! Just forgot to mention it!

Joan (Jmouse): Hello, there, Joan! I can't believe I completely forgot to mention my parking plans! But, we'll rectify that mistake posthaste! Thanks for stopping by!

Corey (Nexis): Hey, Corey! Thanks a lot, my friend!






UPDATE XXI
A Complex From a Complex
Part II: The Perils of Parking and Access (And an Aside...)

10 February 2009

OK! Several of you have asked the question, "Where will people heading to the sports complex park?" So, in honor of one the second birthday of my good friend's daughter, and the 46th birthday of my favorite baseball player of all-time, former Philadelphia Phillies centerfielder Lenny Dykstra (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Len_Dykstra), we'll attempt to answer this question.

First, let me say that I have planned for parking, however I should have explained it up front. But instead of an up-front "here's how parking will work" statement, I've decided to handle it with an update! I apologize for my oversight with this from the beginning, and I am so glad that you all brought it up!

While the sports complexes in Philadelphia and the Meadowlands in New Jersey that I used as examples in our last update have huge sprawling parking lots, that type of set-up will not work in the downtown urban environment that this quay is in. So, to illustrate my inspiration for parking, where better to go than New York City, and the "Mecca" of all sporting venues, Madison Square Garden (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Madison_Square_Garden)—site of prizefights, concerts, Stanley Cup hockey games, NBA Championship games, and the inaugural WrestleMania, too!

Located right in the middle of Manhattan...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252021%2F21001.jpg&hash=b0a7eb97efa82c2e3fb4cdee12ee042b86951a69)

...the Garden is not really in a position to be best equipped for parking.

According to the venue's official website (http://www.thegarden.com/about/directions-parking.html), there are nine indoor and outdoor parking facilities in proximity to the arena...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252021%2F21002.jpg&hash=6f5057065e6842a1e68fb59afd5a7873d796b7bf)

1. West 34th Street between 8th and 9th Avenues
2. West 33rd Street between 8th and 9th Avenues
3. West 31st Street between 6th and 7th Avenues
4. West 31st Street between 7th and 8th Avenues
5. West 31st Street between 8th and 9th Avenues
6. West 31st Street between 6th and 7th Avenues
7. West 35th Street between 5th and 6th Avenues
8. West 33rd Street between 7th and 8th Avenues
9. West 31st Street between 8th and 9th Avenues

In addition, connected to Madison Square Garden is Pennsylvania Station (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pennsylvania_Station_(New_York_City)), a major railway hub in New York, providing rail transportation, as well as four subway stations (marked on the map with blue "M's").

As it shows, because of its location, the Garden is situated in a prime location for mass transit systems more than car traffic. In keeping with this theme, parking for the sports complex will be housed off of the quay itself, and overall traffic funneled more towards mass transit.

Here's an overview—


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252021%2F21003.jpg&hash=ae41b4c27c2762803c12b70f2851d0e269bb2b93)

To accommodate traffic...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252021%2F21004.jpg&hash=fa6fca3aa00058e60bb84328c057806794d28189)

parking facilities (P) will be placed in various places, in concert with metro stations (M). Also, left-center is the Châteauguay Station to handle rail traffic not only for the sports complex, but for southern Marathon Island as a whole.

Of course, the placement of parking lots and garages is not static and will be dependent on where city development allows. The areas shown on the map are rough estimates.

A contingency that I did not plan for, however, was vehicle access to the stadium on the bottom end of the "L" quay section, brought up by our good friend Adam (Ennedi). It is a reality that different types of vehicles—emergency vehicles, vehicles for different events, etc.—will need to reach the stadium for a myriad of reasons. Since the entire area will be primarily pedestrian plazas the vehicles could conceivably use the open-area plaza areas to negotiate the top of the quay. Where the problem lies is...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252021%2F21005.jpg&hash=455f6065a94ee4fad744a8fe3645bedb6b5b0252)

here—where the elevation differences meet. So, my solution!


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252021%2F21006.jpg&hash=f3eaae7239cc2b240ed01f359bea2b9cefbca2d7)

We start by leveling one tile out onto the lower end by plopping single road tiles...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252021%2F21007.jpg&hash=80deaf014126c2c9fe45bb1e7ed440971106525b)

...then we use roads to make gentle slopes on both sides to accommodate the vehicle traffic.

Here's the finished product with the grid on to see the elevation change:


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252021%2F21008.jpg&hash=29f94b945f18963d45e5461ac9e12b9d8d889b8b)

How the slopes will be handled in reference to the upper and lower sections...well, that's the next step! Robin, are you thinking about this one...?

Finally, we come to the "Aside" section of our title, completely unrelated to the quay and the sports complex.

I was playing around with the Gobal Telecom Building by bixel...

(http://www.simtropolis.com/stex/index.cfm?id=18348)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252021%2F21009.jpg&hash=81dbda3e906768e8f3200a47192c6c965a76b85e)

...and then things just got ridiculous!


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252021%2F21010.jpg&hash=68dab092bac0d75f35d7aeea4e76a8145f237b99)

And actually, I kind of like it! Here's the other angles:


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252021%2F21011.jpg&hash=2d3a695aaaccb87ded57248d9326531f0c8a41b7)


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252021%2F21012.jpg&hash=82196a64fb8683b73d3d8a44aa4153f340bc0eb1)


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252021%2F21013.jpg&hash=d9fa8e2481315dce18f86480b774a8ee41d0bdd4)

Of course, there's the repetition of the rooves to contend with, but I like the idea of having that triangular section as one big building. Not sure if I'll keep this concept or not, but it's definitely something to think about. What do you guys think?

For now, it's back to the complex. Of course, if anyonehas any suggestions on the parking or access situations, please don't hesitate to let me know! I'm open to everything!

In a bit!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: projectadam on February 10, 2009, 08:09:45 PM
Since you are posting rather early tonight and not your 1 - 3 am posts that I usually catch in the late night hours, I thought this was a good time to post a reply. Interested to see how the complexes turn out and believe that road access would be a must. Like you said, the emergency vehicles could drive on the open paved areas but I am sure your all-star athletes would prefer to park directly at the stadiums and when Mayor Dustin roles in to catch an event, surely his limo can pull up at the front door :D

The mass triangle building reminds me of a building for bureaucracy. I think it works but it might be neat to have some of the European W2W themed buildings to culture the place up. Either way, I am sure you will pull something great off.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: alan_vzla on February 10, 2009, 08:12:27 PM
Your planning skills are wonderful, this area will surely end great!
As for the building... I'll suggest another diagonal one.... It's just that I didn't like how the bunch of buildings look together, maybe you could use something parisian style... Again i'ts only me, you do what you want

Awesome update (as always)
Alan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: threestooges on February 10, 2009, 10:52:12 PM
Well that makes perfect sense Dustin. I figured the transit hub would certainly play a role in getting people there too. It may be a bit of a walk from some of the lots (more of an incentive to take the train) but from the looks of things, it'll certainly be a scenic stroll. Nice update, and the comparison with Madison Square Garden really helped.
-Matt
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on February 10, 2009, 10:58:24 PM
Wow. it's an huge use of this building there Dustin !
I never know that that building could looks great used by 21 time wall by wall... but your result is truly great my friend. &apls

Arthur. :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Pat on February 11, 2009, 01:25:21 AM
Hey there Dustin about the parking situation what about having a sorta combo lot with above ground parking lot with garages and then underground entrances and exit too of course...

Here is a rough thought using paint

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg17.imageshack.us%2Fimg17%2F5903%2Fparkingoptionideapx6.jpg&hash=f6303ebd5b0f12d9c1757e454dca197c2ad8a76f)

Also I like the reuse of the Global Telcom like you did it there!!! It would be nice to see a flat roof on that but hey it still works in my honest opion...
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bat on February 11, 2009, 05:36:47 AM
Nice work and plan on that area there! Looking forward to more of it... ;)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Sciurus on February 11, 2009, 07:05:30 AM
Good work, but I don't like the accumulation of bats in the 6th pic ()sad()
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Sheep49 on February 11, 2009, 08:45:35 AM
Hmm, it's been a while since I have commented here, hasn't it? Well, from what I've seen, I have missed so much fun and awesome planning. I think I'm gonna cry :'( ;)

But back to the thread - the last update. It was great, awesome, outstanding! I'm pretty jealous of your ability to convert the real life ideas to SC4. It makes your city so realistic, I mean... Just one big WOW.

In addition, I love the choice of the railway station. It will be very fitting for the rest of development (Judging by the previous updates, of course ;)) And I just love how you play with Bixel's Global Telecom building! It looks so fun to do, and it's so inspirating. I'm extremely anxious to see what will you do with that w2w.

To sum up, update is great, I can't wait for more. Keep up the good work :thumbsup:
Piotr
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: metarvo on February 11, 2009, 09:31:19 AM
It's great to see that you are paying attention to every detail as usual, Dustin.  Up until now, I usually just built a stadium without considering the parking.  Other than the in-game Park and Ride, Maxis didn't include many parking options in the default game.  Now, so many good parking options have been released, making realistic parking facilities possible.  I look forward to seeing your parking system completed.  Good work, Dustin!

&apls
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Jmouse on February 11, 2009, 04:59:17 PM
Watching this whole complex develop - including the parking facilities - is very interesting. Your sense of pre-planning is better than most.

In addition to the obvious, a large sports complex suggests a need for luxury hotels, haute cuisine and various not-sporting nightlife such as live theatre, etc. If The new Cowboy's Stadium in Dallas is any indication, there's a plethora of well-heeled fans ready to part with fistfuls of cash - it's just a matter of being there to take it. It will be fascinating to see how all this shapes up over time.

Marathon has been a pleasure to follow and continues to astound and delight...
Joan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: JBSimio on February 11, 2009, 10:11:43 PM
Hi Dustin,

You're obviously putting a lot of thought and planning into this sports complex.  I'm really excited to see how it all comes out, but at the same time, I appreciate the level of realism you're trying to emulate.  I'm sure all the attention to detail will make this a stunning area when finished.  I like the idea with the Global Telecom Building, but I have to admit that the repeating roof sections kind of ruin it for me.  It would be nice if there was a way to cover that up somehow.  Hmm... I just gave myself an idea... I'll PM you about it shortly.

See you next time, my friend!
JB
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on February 12, 2009, 01:08:15 AM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies.jpg&hash=f9a404e367cb5e6d84638084803c586e8b151f6e)

projectadam: Hi, there! It's just after 4:00 in the morning here, now, so I think I'm back on schedule! I'm glad you enjoy the complex so far, and I hope you like it even more once it's finished...though, I'm not quite sure how long that's going to take! Thanks for coming by!

Alan (alan_vzla): Thank you, Alan! The diagonal building thing was just playing around for fun. I stumbled upon it and decided to share. I will definitely be looking into the Parisian buildings that you've suggested, though perhaps for a different area of the city. Take care!

Matt (threestooges): Hi, Matt! I'm glad it makes more sense now. I wish I would have thought to include the parking setup in the original introduction of all of this. But, hey! The silver lining is that I got to do an update out of it! Thanks, of course, to you and everyone else who pointed out the parking situation! Thanks again and take care, my friend!

Arthur (art128): Thanks, Arthur! See what happens when you start messing around with stuff! Though, sometimes, you do break something. Thanks for coming by!

Pat: Hey, my friend! That's a wonderful idea you've got there for the parking set-up! I think I'll be looking into putting it to good use. Thanks again!

bat: Thank you, bat!

Sciurus: Thanks! Though, as I said, the big diagonal building was more for a joke than a serious idea. Thanks for coming by!

Piotr (Sheep49): Hi, Piotr—long time, no see, my friend! Thank you so much for all your wonderful comments, I am so glad that you are finding things here inspiring! Hope to see you around again soon!

metarvo: Hello! I used to do the same thing with stadiums—just plop'em down and not even think twice about anything that goes along with it. When I started to really examine how they're set up in real life, I realized that if a city put a stadium how I did, there would be big problems! You're right, too, about all the great parking options available now. Where would we be with out all this great stuff? Thanks for your kind words, my friend!

Joan (Jmouse): Hey, there, Joan! Great idea with the variety of amenities in the area. Once again, another thing about this project that I hadn't thought of! Now that you mention it, though, in every city I've been to, there is always bars, restaurants, hotels, etc., around the venues. So, of course, Marathon will have the same! Oh, and when I was in Texas last spring, we went to a Texas Rangers game, so I was able to see the new Cowboys Stadium, too. It's going to be quite a monster! Thanks for dropping in, Joan!

Jon (JBSimio): Thank you so much, Jon! For as much work as the sports complex has been so far (and has yet to go), it has been a lot of fun planning and working to get it all to come together. As for the Telecom Building, I'm with you on the roof situation—I wish there was a way to cover it up somehow, too...I look forward to hearing from you, my friend! Take care!




Still in sports complex mode! Remember this...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252021%2F21007.jpg&hash=80deaf014126c2c9fe45bb1e7ed440971106525b)

...our rather hastily-strewn-together answer to the stadium access conundrum? Well...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F031.jpg&hash=8447f3f0a87a6e7cc8860f48c4c7edf395469758)

...scratch that! Here's a much easier solution—


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F032.jpg&hash=b8fe9b2a4abccbcee810ccf107aab9791d049251)

We eliminate any need for vehicles to need access to the top section in order to reach the bottom one. Of course, a simple street isn't going to cut it in there, though, is it? No, we've a solution in mind that should be more æstethically pleasing.

Back to work!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: JoeST on February 12, 2009, 01:58:49 AM
I agree, that is a much nicer way of doing it, maybe SAM?

Joe
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Alfred.Jones on February 12, 2009, 02:19:46 AM
Can't wait for more Dustin!

The suspense is killing me :D
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on February 12, 2009, 03:38:39 AM
You've done the great choice there Dutsin !
Can't wait to see what stadium you place here,

Arthur.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Sciurus on February 12, 2009, 03:40:53 AM
Nice, and ok for the BATs, I thought it was final! :D

Guillaume :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: rooker1 on February 12, 2009, 03:59:34 AM
 &apls  Much better.  ;) How do you come up with all these great ideas?  ::)
BTW.... Gobal Telecom Building by bixel... ::) Funny idea, but I think everyone has tried it at one time or another.  I am interested in Jon's idea.
Anyways, see ya later,
Robin  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bat on February 12, 2009, 05:24:50 AM
Looks better now!
But again looking forward to more of that area! ;)


Btw, Congrats on 700 replies in your MD...
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: deathtopumpkins on February 12, 2009, 05:37:34 PM
Heheh, leave it to you Dustin to design something elaborate for a simple problem such as this!  :D Can't wait to see what you do with the street!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Jmouse on February 12, 2009, 08:56:18 PM
It will be interesting to see how this complex turns out - it's already growing by leaps and bounds with scarcely a structure placed yet! :D

My first reaction to the last photo
wasn't aesthetics, it was the sight of too many intersections too close together. That's going to be a busy place during an event, so successful mobility could be tricky to achieve. This makes me even more anxious to see the plan you haven't unveiled yet.

Later...

Joan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: sebes on February 13, 2009, 07:04:10 AM
Excellent choice Dustin - and a great idea  &idea

Looking forward to see how you will finish the mobility aspect of the complex!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: CasperVg on February 13, 2009, 10:43:05 AM
Hello again,

I'm just checking in to one of my favourite Mayor Diaries, since it's been ages since I last visited and posted a message. Tho I'm used to writing somewhat large messages here, I am desperately in need of time, and thus I will keep this one plain and simple.

Splendid.

I wish you all the best, Dustin! I hope I'll be able to check in later on, and have more time for a more thorough message.  :)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Nexis4Jersey on February 13, 2009, 11:38:57 PM
oh no , the Global Telecom Building is taking over the entire city, lol  :-\
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on February 15, 2009, 12:28:15 AM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies.jpg&hash=f9a404e367cb5e6d84638084803c586e8b151f6e)

Joe (JoeST): Thanks, Joe! The SAM is definitely an option we'll be looking into!

Alfred.Jones: Hey, my friend! The suspense is killing me, too, actually—but don't fret, any and all progress will be documented here! As soon as I know, you'll know!

Arthur (art128): Thank you, Arthur!

Guillaume (Sciurus): Thanks, my friend!

Robin (rooker1): Hey, Robin! Thank you! How do I come up with these ideas? Well, as Joe Cocker sang in the opening of The Wonder Yearswith a little help from my friends (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/With_a_Little_Help_from_My_Friends#Joe_Cocker_version)! As for Jon's idea, I'm very interested to see what he comes up with, too! Take care!

bat: Danke!

deathtopumpkins: You're very correct! It looks like I forgot Occam's Razor (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Occam%27s_Razor#Variations) there for a moment! Thanks for coming by!

Joan (Jmouse): Hi, Joan! Your point about the intersections is definitely a good one, I hadn't thought of that! Though, the way I envision the area come gametime or event-time, most people would be coming to the area via mass transit, so traffic wouldn't be as heavy as one would think. Maybe Marathon would even go so far as Pittsburgh does when there are Pirates games at PNC Park, shutting down the Roberto Clemente Bridge and Federal Street (http://maps.google.com/maps?source=ig&hl=en&rlz=&q=Pittsburgh,+PA&um=1&ie=UTF-8&split=0&gl=us&ei=ZdCXSdvYE6KBtwfGicSwCw&sa=X&oi=geocode_result&resnum=1&ct=title) to accommodate those going to the games. There's definitely going to be tie-ups in the area, though, no doubt about it! Thanks, as always, for your input and support, my friend!

sebes: Thank you so much! Hopefully, we'll have more development soon!

Casper (caspervg): Hi, Casper! Good to see you again, my friend! Thank you so much for your wonderful comments! Hope all is well with you!

Corey (Nexis): Ha! Not the entire city, just a significant portion!




We've been in sports complex mode for quite some time now, so I thought to myself...What is would be considered the "anti"-sports complex...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F033.jpg&hash=5a0255ac5e1600c3066ce3891297ae6fc2925147)

Perhaps a ball-field in the middle of nowhere?

If you build it...he will come... (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Field_of_Dreams)

Still working and working! Hopefully, there will be more development to show very soon!

In a bit!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Sheep49 on February 15, 2009, 12:48:45 AM
Hehe... A field in the middle of nowhere? I see why have you made that 'Field of Dreams' reference. :D

Nice work with that area there! Not your best (If I were you, I would build it even further from the road. That would be a real nowhere! And the trees in this area look a little bit too high IMHO) , but still very good. I'm wondering where does the dirt street go... Perhaps the middle of the field and the house of the farm's owner. ::)

Good work! Can't wait for more ;)
Piotr
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bat on February 15, 2009, 01:07:40 AM
That's a nice place for that field! Nice work! :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on February 15, 2009, 03:48:32 AM
it's quite calm to play baseball !
The threes you use looks fantastic in this environment Dustin.  &apls

Arthur.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Simpson on February 15, 2009, 04:42:28 AM
Hi Dustin!! :)
I'm so sorry that I missed so wonderful update.
The last updates of your complex (in the last page) are really fine, as well  &apls
The last picture look super :thumbsup:. I'm looking forward to the next update my friend.
Take care,

David
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Sciurus on February 15, 2009, 05:23:08 AM
Oh, It must feel so alone ::)
I know, it hasn't feelings! :P I would like spend my day here, it's so calm, I've got the impression to hear bird's songs... it's very peaceful :)

Salut, Guillaume, et j'attends la prochaine update ;)
(Good bye, and I wait the next update)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: deathtopumpkins on February 15, 2009, 09:41:27 AM
Oh wow... pretty shot, but I can't see why on earth they would build one there?  :P
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Jmouse on February 15, 2009, 12:53:54 PM
What the hey - why not! Everybody needs a field of dreams. This time I won't even complain about parking - The side of that dirt road will work just fine. :) That photo speaks a thousand words, and every one of them is good.

Later...

Joan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Pat on February 15, 2009, 12:57:53 PM
Hey Dustin I love that ball diamond there!! Looks so realistic in the setting you placed it!! God picture perfect!!!!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: nova vesfalo on February 15, 2009, 04:39:37 PM
I feel soo sooo sorry never posting a comment in your MD !!! I means , THIS is a KILLER MD ! love the tutorial !! and can't wait to see how the sport complex will look like !!!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Emperor Stormont on February 15, 2009, 06:24:56 PM
Not been here before,  &mmm

I'm very impressed, some fantastic work Dustin, very impressive. I shall seek to stop it more often :)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on February 16, 2009, 01:08:22 AM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies.jpg&hash=f9a404e367cb5e6d84638084803c586e8b151f6e)

Piotr (Sheep49): Hi, Piotr! Thanks for your great comments! I threw that picture together on a whim, since I thought of the anti-sports complex idea, though if I were to put more thought into it, your suggestions would be at the top of my list! Thanks again, my friend, and I hope to see you back soon!

bat: Thanks so much! It's always great to see you here, my friend!

Arthur (art128): Hi, Arthur! Thank you very much!

David (Simpson): Hi, there! No problem about missing things, it happens sometimes! It's OK! I'm glad you're liking things, too. Thanks for coming by!

Guillaume (Sciurus): You're probably right—poor field out there all by it's lonesome! Who would it talk to, the corn? Thank you so much, my friend, for stopping by! À bientôt, j'espère!

deathtopumpkins: Ha! I don't know, we should probably ask Kevin Costner that question! Thanks for dropping in, my friend!

Joan (Jmouse): Hi, Joan! You're right about the dirt road, fields like these remind me of my little league days! I'm so glad you like it! Take care, Joan!

Pat: Much appreciated, my friend! Much appreciated!

nova vesfalo: Hello! Thank you for stopping in and leaving a comment! It's so wonderful to have you here, my friend! Hope to see you here again!

Emperor Stormont: Hey, another newcomer! Welcome to Marathon! I'm glad you enjoy things here, and I look forward to seeing you again soon!




Messing about in Photoshop this early Monday morning (in the eastern United States, that is!)...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F034.jpg&hash=a8b13c60342c195bc5e65ae72d898d07048eaaa0)

Just a nondescript shot of a highway tunnel...Off to the right, though, you can see Marathon's first instance of the Rookery Building (http://sc4devotion.com/csxlex/lex_filedesc.php?lotGET=1950)—another wonderful creation by our good friend and BATter extraordinaire Jon (JBSimio). Yet another outstanding building there, another in a very long line of them!

Oh, and I've stumbled upon a bit of a strange occurrence...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F035.jpg&hash=77de3dee1a46220ecc1b957ae3481850e27c3dec)

Using a splendid tutorial (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=3495.0) by Dan (dsrwhat316)—one of many I might add—I attempted to create some 1x1, non-conforming lots (please disregard the horribly off-centered tree!). The above it what I got for my efforts. I won't lie, I haven't the foggiest idea what happened! If anyone could give some insight on how to rectify it, I would be eternally grateful!

Thanks in advance!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: JoeST on February 16, 2009, 01:26:45 AM
heh, that does seem a bit odd, but I guess that the building is sticking to the slope... and thus is "under" the pavement. good luck

its looking great tho :)

Joe
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Simpson on February 16, 2009, 01:28:50 AM
Hey Dustin!  :)
Nice update my friend, the first picture is looking super, as well. I really love the highway  :thumbsup:
The last picture is fine, amazing work on the LE
I'm looking forward to the next update
Take care,

David

Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Sheep49 on February 16, 2009, 02:32:47 AM
Great picture there, Dustin! The sunken highway area looks very realistic and awesome. And yeah, you're right: Jon's BATs are really great! :)

Also, regarding your problems... To be honest, it's the first time I see something like this in my entire life &mmm If I were you, though, I'd open that lot again and try different options in 'Lot Foundation' here. But that's strange nonethless.

Well, I can't wait to see more! :thumbsup:
Piotr
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Sciurus on February 16, 2009, 02:37:22 AM
The photoshopping on the latest image is very good, black and white are two colours (if we can name that coulours :D) which look beautiful &apls &apls

Good bye, bonne chance pour la suite Guillaume :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: deathtopumpkins on February 16, 2009, 06:29:47 AM
Looks like the building has a foundation AND the lot... though I wouldn't think that would cause any problems...

Nice highway shot... old picture maybe?
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: alan_vzla on February 16, 2009, 08:04:08 AM
that picture looks great mate, looking forward to more!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on February 16, 2009, 08:25:36 AM
Nice shot there Dustin !  &apls
As for the strange thing, I think like piotr !  :thumbsup:

Arthur.  ;)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: kimcar on February 16, 2009, 08:54:42 AM
 &apls &aplsHey mate another great work that you have done  on the last pic. I really like the layout over the tunnel. very well done. :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Pat on February 16, 2009, 12:50:26 PM
Dustin that pic that is by the tunnel is fantastic sir!!! Love the shot with the Rookery!!!! Now far as your problem I think you might have to get ahold of Dan on that one as I have no clue what so ever, sorry...
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on February 16, 2009, 07:28:40 PM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies.jpg&hash=f9a404e367cb5e6d84638084803c586e8b151f6e)

Joe (JoeST): It's quite odd, isn't it? I've never encountered anything like it before! Thanks for coming by!

David (Simpson): Thanks so much!

Piotr (Sheep49): "Lot Foundation," eh? I think you may be on to something there... Thanks, Piotr!

Guillaume (Sciurus): Thank you, my friend!

deathtopumpkins: Hi, there! It is definitely a strange one, I must say! And I'm glad you the highway, too! Take care!

Alan (alan_vzla): Thank you, Alan!

Arthur (art128): Thank you! And you're right, I think Piotr's onto something!

kimcar: Thank you very much! Hope to see you again soon!

Pat: Hi, my friend! I don't have a clue what caused it either, it's not something I've seen before. Thanks for your help, though!




Thanks to Piotr (Sheep49)...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F036.jpg&hash=99f5e89be5b13aae24e45d94970b6fa2698dd965)

...problem solved!

I thought I selected one in the Lot Foundation, but I guess not! Thanks again, Piotr! I owe you one!

Now to deal with those terribly off-centered trees...oh, and flip the lot, too. We wouldn't want people to wander off the edge and onto the tracks, would we?
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: deathtopumpkins on February 16, 2009, 07:30:05 PM
Glad you got it working Dustin!

And I would add some kind of a fence or something too!  :D
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: metasmurf on February 16, 2009, 07:40:49 PM
Hey Dustin. I made some lots some time ago, looking like this

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg172.imageshack.us%2Fimg172%2F6021%2Fsunkenavenuehj2.jpg&hash=d3854310e8cc4808c89f1ef98bc7c02255ce438f)

I used these props: http://www.simtropolis.com/stex/details.cfm?id=11773&v=1

There are some similar props in one of the CSX megaprop packs as well (can't remember which one).

Guess it would solve your problems with people jumping out on the tracks :P
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: sithlrd98 on February 16, 2009, 07:48:25 PM
Dustin , I just looked through here  (gonna start from the beginning) ...Great job! Love the tutorials and I see some awesome work!

Jayson
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Jmouse on February 16, 2009, 09:15:47 PM
Nice lots, Dustin. The trees already add a lot of interest and will look even better with a few minor adjustments. Hope you'll give us a step-by-step on this technique too!

Later...
Joan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Sheep49 on February 17, 2009, 12:13:24 AM
Glad to see that I actually helped ;D Now I can say, those lots are really great! :thumbsup:

Misplaced trees problems, huh? I know what you feel. Most of the time I can't get them to 'work' either... And also I'd like to recommend you the props that metasmurf linked to in his post. They would not only keep people from wandering off the edge, but also will made the lot even more visually impressive ;)

Anyway, can't wait for the next update! :thumbsup:
Piotr
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Simpson on February 17, 2009, 12:36:20 AM
Hi Dustin
Incredible work on these lots, they look super  :thumbsup:. I'm loking forward to the next update my friend
Take care,

David
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on February 17, 2009, 01:08:42 AM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies.jpg&hash=f9a404e367cb5e6d84638084803c586e8b151f6e)

deathtopumpkins: Thanks, my friend! And you're right on the fence, too! I don't think it would be up to safety standards without it!

metasmurf: Thank you so much for that link, my friend! I've downloaded them, now it's just a matter of trudging through the texture ID numbers to figure out what's what! Oh, and by the way, the picture you posted—phenomenal! Thanks again!

Jayson (sithlrd98): Welcome to Marathon, Jayson! I'm so happy that you're finding things to your liking here, and I hope to hear from you again! Take care!

Joan (Jmouse): Thanks, Joan! Though, I think the trees need more than just "minor" adjustments...they're way off! I cannot, for the life of me, get them to center on the dirt mounds. When I center them at one angle, I rotate and their completely off again! I simply do not understand! But anyway, thanks for stopping in, my friend!

Piotr (Sheep49): Hi, Piotr! Let me thank you again for solving that problem, and also thank you for your wonderful comments! As for the tree-centering, like I said to Joan, it's really starting to frustrate me! If I don't get it soon, I may be in trouble! Hope to see you again, my friend!

David (Simpson): Thank you so very much, my friend!




We're on the right track I think—


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F037.jpg&hash=e2a8ff6c51040ac62bf8f21716a481e03b66504a)

I don't care for the walls that I've used right now, though I'm having a bit of a time finding the right ones, since it means opening LE, changing them, closing, opening the game, plopping, closing...well, you get the point! If someone knows an easier way, I would be in your debt!

More to come, folks! Thanks for visiting!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Sciurus on February 17, 2009, 01:20:16 AM
I'm happy for you you resolved your problem, and I prefer the first texture than the second ;)

Guillaume.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on February 17, 2009, 02:34:35 AM
Dustin, Glad you resolved the problem my friend. :thumbsup:
Good luck with these lots !

Ah and where you get these fences ? (and if it's possible they name in the LE)
thanks in advance,

Arthur.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: metarvo on February 17, 2009, 06:33:34 AM
It seems like you're really starting to get the hang of non-slope conforming lots, Dustin.  The people in Marathon have a nice place to take a walk now, and I'm sure the fence makes it safer for them.

:thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Sheep49 on February 17, 2009, 07:03:24 AM
Eh... Looking at your custom lots I'm pretty jelous of the people living in Marathon. That boulevard along the railroads is sure going to be one of the favourite places for Sims to spend time there ;)

And about those misplaced trees... Take your time. Only calmness can save us! :D But seriously, when I'm starting to be irritated by them I just think of all those lotters, who once in a while have similiar problems. Because, as we all now, making custom lots is relatively easy once you lot a lot. (;)) So, cheer up! You're going to get them right sooner or later (preferably sooner, I think...)

Oh, and that whole closing LE, opening SC4 etc. thing, I'm afraid that there's no other way to check those foundation textures in actiion. ()sad() At least no to my knowledge.

Can't wait for next update :thumbsup:
Piotr
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bat on February 17, 2009, 11:05:09 AM
That's looking really nice there, Dustin! :thumbsup: Nice work on that railway and the walls....
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Jmouse on February 17, 2009, 02:51:00 PM
Excellent "comeback," Dustin! And don't forget, you can always plant some trees on the unfenced side that don't have to be centered. ;)

Later...
Joan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: deathtopumpkins on February 17, 2009, 03:31:57 PM
heeheehee... now THAT's a fence!  :D

The lots are looking great, Dustin!  &apls
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Pat on February 17, 2009, 11:00:41 PM
Dustin looking real sweet there with those walls!!! Hey btw did you figure out your parking problem yet? If not I did excute that drawing into actual lot form and its about 13x8 in size and based off of this lot here [linkie] (http://www.simtropolis.com/stex/index.cfm?id=21113) on the stex... You can see it in action over in Waterfalls if you want to check it out (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=722.msg223040#msg223040)...
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on February 18, 2009, 02:58:28 AM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies.jpg&hash=f9a404e367cb5e6d84638084803c586e8b151f6e)

Guillaume (Sciurus): Thank you, my friend! I prefer the first texture, too!

Arthur (art128): Thank you, Arthur! As for the fences, they are part of the Gare du Nord, but I'm not sure of their name exactly off the top of my head. I'll find out and get back to you on it, though!

metarvo: Thank you so much! Now that I know what I'm doing a bit more, things to seem as daunting. Thanks for stopping by!

Piotr (Sheep49): Thank you for your wonderful comments, Piotr! And also for your very helpful advice. I do have a tendency to get irritated rather quickly, but when you put into the perspective that you have, it makes me feel much better! Thanks again!

bat: Thanks so much!

Joan (Jmouse): Thank you, Joan! And you're right about the trees, too—I'll have to try that!

deathtopumpkins: Ha! Yes it is! Thanks, my friend!

Pat: Hi, there! I haven't gotten around to the parking situation yet...I've got about three things going on in Marathon simultaneously! But, I will definitely be checking out your ideas, though. From the sketch you posted, it looks like it will work splendidly! Thanks again, my friend, for your help and support!




I think I'm getting the hang of this "no-slope-conforming" lot stuff. Here's the Grand Banks Tunnel on Grand Banks Avenue East...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F038.jpg&hash=7ac7b6d2cb3b9fd4c903b5d4f2d618b8bff10f29)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F039.jpg&hash=a5eff4de678860224f4498496204182f895c6ac1)

There are crowds of people that should be on the lots, but I haven't quite figured when exactly they pop up!

In the meantime, though, I'm still plugging away at a few different things. Where will we end up next? For now, it's 6:00 AM here in Pennsylvania, I need to get some sleep!

Until then!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on February 18, 2009, 03:06:11 AM
These two pictures are splendid Dustin, excellent work with these lots , they looks exactly what I was thinking !
The trees you used looks wonderful there my friend and the same for the buildings !  &apls
Excellent attention to details.  :thumbsup:
( I saw that it's your 5555th post !  $%Grinno$% :D )

Arthur.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: rooker1 on February 18, 2009, 04:24:25 AM
Hello Dustin,

wow....
Great work one this one.  It really looks like you have figured out your way around LE.
I'm sure I have said this many times before but I am really amazed at how far SC4 has come and it's players.  You can no longer just grab the game and play, but now you need a full custom filled plugins.  The NAM is now essential along with a few others.  It aslo looks like the player needs and know how to use the LE.  Not only is the custom look needed and wanted for that matter but your own personel touch here and there.
Anyways, Dustin, I like this one.  &apls

See you later,
Robin  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bat on February 18, 2009, 06:54:06 AM
Nice tunnel entrance there!!! :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Pat on February 18, 2009, 08:02:38 AM
HI Dustin that is looking real sweet how it turned out there with the tunnel area!!! I like that plaza area alot!!!  Just let me know when you can take a looksie over yonder  ;)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: nova vesfalo on February 18, 2009, 08:38:31 AM
That's something I loke a lot here, you show us every part of the development, LE problems, explain a lot of things, it's very very instructive. Despite I'm way too lazy for LE, LE is more and more important.

Anyway, this tunnel entrance is really great ! even if I didn't understood this non-slope conforming things :)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Sheep49 on February 18, 2009, 08:50:03 AM
...You know what? This update has just made me to change my sidewalk textures back to the Meaxis' ones. Seriosly, I've seen those two pics and started to miss its flexibility and, of course, the option to use SFBT's diagonal fillers. ;)

Anyway, back to the update itself... What can I say, great as always. The choice of buildings is extremly good, everythhing seems just to be right. Good work with those lots, too! I really like trees on them. The billboard is also a nice touch I have to admit. That said, I can also tell you another thing. You've definitely improved your lotting skills. Big applause for you! &apls

Hmmm... When will those people show up? Well, that's the question for 1,000,000$! I have never figured it out, it seems like it's entirely random. But if I were you, I wouldn't believe me, since me and LOTting is like a fist and a nose: doesn't fit to each other at all $%Grinno$%

Great work! Can't wait for more! :thumbsup:
Piotr
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: metarvo on February 18, 2009, 11:34:35 AM
That tunnel entrance is looking really good, Dustin.  I think that your latest choice of walls looks even better than the last one.

:thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Jmouse on February 18, 2009, 11:45:24 AM
You are, indeed, getting the hang of it, Dustin. The tunnel looks terrific in both photos. The billboard in the second pic is a nice touch, and the whole scene has a very realistic look.

Later...

Joan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: deathtopumpkins on February 18, 2009, 02:37:58 PM
Wow, that is a nice lot!  &apls I might try a few of these out myself...

And guess what I did today? I used a technique from your map-making tutorial a few pages back when doing a map for my GIS clas.  ;D Thanks again for that...
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: LE0 on February 18, 2009, 02:55:38 PM
Wow, excellent retaining walls. :thumbsup:
Are you planning to make transit enabled ones like Marrast M-TEL in the future?
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: alan_vzla on February 18, 2009, 03:19:10 PM
great work as always! looking forward to more
Alan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on February 18, 2009, 03:58:24 PM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies.jpg&hash=f9a404e367cb5e6d84638084803c586e8b151f6e)

Arthur (art128): Thank you, Arthur! And yes, it was my 5555th, wasn't it? I didn't notice that! Thanks so much for catching it! Oh, and those fences props on those first lots are: JENXProp_Gare_du_Nord_Wall_v4d, Prop ID number 0x70b6bb4. There are four different versions—A, B, C, D—but they only vary in length, and they are all together in the list. Hope that helps, my friend!

Robin (rooker1): Hi, Robin! Thanks so much, my friend! I'm glad you like the lots—I have a pretty good teacher! And you are certainly right, the game and its players have come so far in the past few years! I couldn't even imagine what it would be like to play the game as it is, right out of the box and freshly installed!

bat: Thank you, bat!

Pat: Thanks so much, my friend! And don't worry I'll be visiting very shortly!

nova vesfalo: Hi, my friend! I'm so glad you like it! I was the same way about the LE at first, too, but once you get the hang of it, it's not too bad!

Piotr (Sheep49): Thank you so very much, Piotr! You've been so supportive while I've been toiling in the LE these past couple of days, I appreciate so much, my friend! I can definitely see my skills improving, too, as I get the hang of the program and how to get things to work the way I want them to, and I couldn't have done it without your help! Thanks again and take care!

metarvo: Thank you, my friend! I like these walls better, too, actually. Though, the two lots that I've been showing are for two different places, and you have to switch it up a bit, right? Thanks for stopping by!

Joan (Jmouse): Thank you, Joan! I think things are starting to come together!

deathtopumpkins: Hey, thanks! It makes me so happy to hear that you've gotten some use out of the map tutorial, too, especially since you were able to use it in school! Please feel free to post your finished product here, if you're comfortable doing so, of course! Thanks!

LE0: Hi! Thank you so much! As for transit-enabled ones, that's certainly something I can looking to—it's a bit above my pay grade right now, though! Thanks for coming by and I hope to see you again here soon!

Alan (alan_vzla): Thank you, Alan! It's always great to see you here!




Our good friend nova vesfalo—author of Tientsin - Fort Bayart (//http://)—said the following above:

Quote
Anyway, this tunnel entrance is really great ! even if I didn't understood this non-slope conforming things Smiley

Actually, it's a very easy thing to take care of, and I learned it thanks to a wonderful tutorial by Dan (dsrwhat316), How to Build a Sloped Underpass (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=3495.0). Dan's tutorial covered a more in-depth process of which the non-slope conforming process is just a section, so in an effort to make it a bit easier—since it is only a two-step process—I thought I'd post it here for quick reference. But before we start, let m extend my many thanks to Dan for this and his other great tutorials he's posted for us. You're a wealth of great information, my friend!

Here we go!


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F040.jpg&hash=46dc99a0503e1a3a536c17c53cc2390fd1c97ab2)

All you have to do is adjust some settings under the Lot Tab:

1. "Threshold" to 0.0.
2. "Lot Max" to 90.0, "Lot Min" to 0.0 (this may be the default value for "Lot Min," I don't remember off the top of my head. Sorry!)

Also, one bit of advice, just make sure that the section of the lot you want face out is not facing the road. As shown in this picture, I wanted the billboard to face out towards the avenue, so I had it facing away from the road in the LE. Other than that, just make your lots as you would normally!

I hope this was able to help you, nova vesfalo, and anyone looking to try this out!

A proper update is on the way, though we'll be heading somewhere different, I think!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: dsrwhat316 on February 18, 2009, 04:07:46 PM
Nice to see my tutorials put to good use  :thumbsup:

As pointed out by metasmurf earlier, there are props that give you a bit more choice with foundations. Lately, I've used the ones that are on Pegasus' marina lots, but there are others to use, as well. Can't remember any, though...  ::)

Just a small critique; the fences you are using do look nice, but to me they seem out of proportion compared to the people. I know there is a way to resize the props using the Reader, but I can't seem to remember that, either  :D If you need any more help with the LE, feel free to drop me a PM. I'm always willing to lend a hand  :thumbsup: Can't wait to see more lots, Dustin!

~ Dan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: deathtopumpkins on February 18, 2009, 04:13:17 PM
Now I really think I'll try that out!  :D

And sure Dustin, I don't mind posting the finished map here. It'll be at least a few weeks though. It's a map of Suffolk, VA by the way...
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: jmdude1 on February 18, 2009, 05:59:25 PM
hey dustin, nice work on the sloped underpass.  i noticed last page you were looking for an easier way to check out the lot foundations. well, the only thing i know of is to edit the lot, then choose 'save as' and then edit it for a new foundation and 'save as'. then you can check them all out at once. it still time consuming but not nearly as much as exiting the LE. anyways, keep up the good work!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Pat on February 18, 2009, 06:28:47 PM
Dustin simply sweet looking there with the second set there!!!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Sheep49 on February 18, 2009, 11:27:52 PM
Heh, nice and useful tutorial based on another nice and useful tutorial. Now making non-slope conforming lots will be even easier. Oh, and don't forget to choose some lot foundation! $%Grinno$%

That said, let's move on to the lot itself. i know we've seen it in the last update, though now we can se it with people! Yay! I have to say this looks much better with all those Sims who are talking while standing around. One problem, though. One of the Amill Medium (No, I don't remeber it's name ;)) props looks like its levitating to the front of the billboard ???, and that looks strange to say the least.

'Somewhere different', huh? I wonder where... But that and the other things will be revealed in the next episode of 'Commonwealth of Marathon', only on SC4D Channel! :P

Keep up the great work ;)
Piotr
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Jmouse on February 19, 2009, 12:44:57 AM
Thanks for the tute, Dustin. I always prefer the easy ones,so I'll be giving this one a try pretty soon.

It's funny how the game display can play tricks on you. The first time I glanced at the Grand Banks Tunnel, it looked like the grey iron fence divided two flat surfaces. It took a moment for my brain to wrap itself around what my eyes were seeing! Anyway, your walls are looking better and better, but my eyes are getting worse and worse I guess  &mmm!

Later...
Joan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Sciurus on February 19, 2009, 02:35:14 AM
It's very nice, and finally, I prefer the latest texture than the first, it better. :thumbsup: I see all this people they're going to work, and I think it isn't financial crisis in your city :D
You're mini tutorial to help Nova Vesfalo is ver nice, I think it could help me :thumbsup:
So, I hope you're take as many pleasure as developp your city, and I wish you a good continuation,

Guillaume :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon [02/19/09]: UPDATE XXII: Don't You Feel Like...
Post by: thundercrack83 on February 19, 2009, 02:58:30 AM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies.jpg&hash=f9a404e367cb5e6d84638084803c586e8b151f6e)

Dan (dsrwhat316): Here he is, the Man of the Hour! Thank you so very much for your wonderful tutorials, my friend! I would be lost without you! As for the resizing of props, that's way out of my league...at least at this point. I used to think the LE was out of my league, but apparently not! Thanks for the tip, though, and for everything else!

deathtopumpkins: Thank you, my friend! I can't wait to see your map of Suffolk, VA, too!

jmdude1: Thank you very much! And that's a great trick to check out the lot foundations, too. I'm definitely going to do that next time. It beats opening and closing! Take care!

Pat: Thanks, my friend!

Piotr (Sheep49): Hi, Piotr! I think it looks much better with people in it, too. Now if they would just show up when I want to take their picture! Maybe they're camera shy? Either way, thanks for your support, my friend!

Joan (Jmouse): Hey, Joan! I did the same thing with the brick texture and the brick foundation when I first saw it! I had to do a double-take to make sure I wasn't hallucinating. I'm glad you like the tutorial, and I hope you can put it to good use! Take care, Joan!

Guillaume (Sciurus): Hi, my friend! Thank you so much! I hope you can get some use of the tutorial, too! Thanks for coming by!






UPDATE XXII
Don't You Feel Like You're a Rider on a Downbound Train?
Part I: Construction!

19 February 2009

We'll switch gears here a bit in Marathon and head to a part of the city that I've actually dreaded a bit because I have no logistical knowledge of them—railroads, particularly, the Central Marathon Station.

First move?


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252022%2F22001.jpg&hash=89a60a453082fb2765be38710f32b918d4efe1a4)

Picking a location! I've chosen Tile G for it's central location on the island. Zooming in, we see...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252022%2F22002.jpg&hash=5fddabddc27062bf9cc532f5efed79bdf044dc62)

...our labeled streets. I had to get some use out of the street sign graphics, I really had fun making them! Since Kittery Avenue is the north-south meridian on Marathon Island, having the central train station around that area seemed logical.

So, we begin construction!


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252022%2F22003.jpg&hash=cd275d9b66efafb23a9851cb4b7ca6f208a96938)

We bulldoze everything from the tile edge to the water...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252022%2F22004.jpg&hash=f82d28823f76ef8e14e7e9b69f9ad80f8bfb58d1)

...and level the old sunken highway trench.

Next comes the big part...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252022%2F22005.jpg&hash=9d3ecffbeefc6cca977c13d66f3ece4b04596f2c)

...our station. And what a station it is! The best rail station ever made, in my opinion, and one of the best BATs overall—the Gare du Nord (http://sc4devotion.com/csxlex/lex_filedesc.php?lotGET=1420) by xannepan.

Moving on!


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252022%2F22007.jpg&hash=6a7fc2958559ab8e9d61b32561e4cabad6693f0b)

Our next move is to do a bit of land reclamation, extending the island out to the west.

Then...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252022%2F22008.jpg&hash=595262a0485163bfc84a19ecafd187d9fa9884cc)

...we level.


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252022%2F22009.jpg&hash=4e16545c05c85632e40b9cbbd2768b26c3990e2d)

Connecting the rails is the next step...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252022%2F22010.jpg&hash=cdbdd2a4bb302357d9ffcc6ccea7cad2f4318a36)

...followed by some clean-up.

Now we go back to our sunken highway...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252022%2F22011.jpg&hash=5e32ac424a31be7d8e4e7a7b8d37a0df590b968b)

...and connected that via a tunnel beneath the station. We do the same with Chrysanthemum Avenue, only this time...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252022%2F22012.jpg&hash=c96237ba13f28fbe90875cfae0033a13bccec4d7)

...we use the FLUPs, or Flexible Underpasses—one of the recent and fantastic additions to the 2009 NAM release! At this point, though, they are merely cosmetic, as I'm not adept with them yet! No matter, we'll get there soon enough!

Backing up for a second, if we may...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252022%2F22009.jpg&hash=4e16545c05c85632e40b9cbbd2768b26c3990e2d)

As you'll notice, the slope of the rails has cut off access to the L'Anneau de Marathon, something that I would like to avoid.

The solution?


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252022%2F22013.jpg&hash=fb11462da7b9124e7cc790165e0af09fa8382a2c)

...a bit of "terracing"—


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252022%2F22014.jpg&hash=303ec6b9e31a85f5a6631a0dd3a89d137073e5a1)

By leveling the section where the L'Anneau will travel, we can use...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252022%2F22015.jpg&hash=a52238f270e26666f7985e0f594efe0263cbb045)

...the NAM Puzzle Pieces to make the connection without any strange angles, slopes, or other assorted issues.


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252022%2F22016.jpg&hash=6a61d53ea3c6dc97d9172d7ad21102430320466f)

We then continue the rails to their necessary elevation.

After a bit more cleaning up and leveling of things, we get the entire station area. First the top...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252022%2F22017.jpg&hash=f262ceb187887b280e617d3cb80b8dee790171b6)

...then the bottom!


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252022%2F22018.jpg&hash=f4182930a24b84e6eb8125acea93e65ab250246a)

But the game's not over yet. Those rails have to connect somewhere, and we'll connect with that in Part II!

Or, and before we go...


http://www.youtube.com/v/gXQYT_L4K0U&hl=en&fs=1
"Downbound Train" by Bruce Springsteen. Born in the U.S.A., 1984.

In case you were wondering where our update title came from! For those who are interested (besides me, probably no one, but that's OK!), "Downbound Train" was voted Bruce Springsteen's most melancholy song by Rolling Stone in 1999, I believe. Melancholy or no, it's one of my favorites.

In a bit...I'm off to bed! These late nights are starting to get très ennuyeux!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: JoeST on February 19, 2009, 03:27:07 AM
oh WOW, I cant wait for more, that is AWESOME! :o

Joe
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Alfred.Jones on February 19, 2009, 03:27:15 AM
That is impressive Dustin! I was a bit surprised when you placed the station with the tracks facing the water $%Grinno$% But i'm liking what you have done so far! I love the avenue overpass over the rails :thumbsup: Looks fantastic! Looking forward to more

AJ :)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: rooker1 on February 19, 2009, 04:23:00 AM
Dustin,
Very impressive walk through....
As for your sleep, no wonder, 6 am, I'm just leaving for work and you are just going to bed and we are in the same time zone.  Well things do get exciting sometimes when playing the game. ;)
I just have to sit back I guess to find out how you are going to work out the rail lines.  You have me a little perplexed. ()what()
Great work again,
Robin  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on February 19, 2009, 04:33:18 AM
Hey Dustin, this is just awesome, I can't find other words to describe your work my friend!
You shown there that you are a genius. Colossal work here with this train line.
It's sure that the train have to connect somewhere, they can't stop here just after the station !  $%Grinno$% $%Grinno$%
Ah and don't forget to add some centenaries !

Keep it up,

Arthur.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: kimcar on February 19, 2009, 05:53:10 AM
Excellent start with your train station :thumbsup:..One things is sure , that`s is gonna have a lot of activities over there  :D Keep it up
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bat on February 19, 2009, 07:44:10 AM
Wonderful work on that train station so far! Nice pictures!
Looking forward to more... ;)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Sciurus on February 19, 2009, 09:11:15 AM
Ypur work is awesome, but one question: will the railroads go under the water? ??? This is the only thing I reproach you ;)

Guillaume :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Heblem on February 19, 2009, 09:27:54 AM
Nice work  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Pat on February 19, 2009, 12:41:29 PM
Dustin looking great here wow!! I love the tracks there...
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: deathtopumpkins on February 19, 2009, 12:58:20 PM
Wow, that looks great! Nice solution there with the overpass...

Though could you refresh me on where the rail lines are going?  :D Off the island in a tunnel?
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Sheep49 on February 19, 2009, 01:12:41 PM
Hmmm... It's been a while since the last update, hasn't it? Either way, I have to say that this is a really impressive work! First of all, I have to agree about location of the station. I think it's a good idea to build it like that. Bridge(s) shall be moderately easy to build from that point. Oh, and yeah - Gare du Nord is one of the finest BATs, that's one of the ultimate SC4's custom content truths. The next part of update is one of the things that you're doing the best - laying out infrastructure. No complaints at this point neither. Though I'm wondering whether that avenue viaduct over railways could exist in RL. Its span is huge! But it may be a very long arch bridge, who knows? ;)
And thanks for that Bruce Springsteen song! I've gotta admit that I have never heard it. ??? Shame on me! :D

Can't wait for the part II! Keep up the great work :thumbsup:
Piotr
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Jmouse on February 19, 2009, 08:48:55 PM
Well, if I hadn't seen it with my own eyes, I wouldn't believe it! That is a technique worth trying out for sure, but I might want to start out with just a couple of tracks. &mmm And do I see another tunnel in Marathon's near future?

Outstanding update this time...
Joan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: metarvo on February 20, 2009, 05:39:15 AM
This may be the first time I've seen Marathon's railroads, but I must say that this is a very good way to start.  You are right about that station, as it became a must-have for me the moment I saw it here.  Keep up the good work, Dustin.

:thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on February 20, 2009, 11:58:11 PM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies.jpg&hash=f9a404e367cb5e6d84638084803c586e8b151f6e)

Joe (JoeST): Thank you so much, Joe!

Alfred.Jones: Thanks, I'm glad you like it!

Robin (rooker1): Hi, Robin! My sleep has been quite erratic lately, hasn't it? Maybe if someone wouldn't have introduced me to the inner-workings of the LE...Just kidding, my friend! It's all worth it! Thanks for coming by!

Arthur (art128): Thanks, Arthur, for your very nice comments! I appreciate them very much! And don't worry, I'll get the catenaries in there for you!

kimcar: Thank you! I think the area will have quite a lot of activity, too. At least I hope so! Take care!

bat: Thanks!

Guillaume (Sciurus): Thank you! As for whether the rails will go underwater...well, we'll get to that very soon, don't worry!

Heblem: Thanks!

Pat: Thank you, my friend!

deathtopumpkins: Hi, there! I'm glad you enjoy it! As for the tracks, we'll see where they head quite soon, my friend! Thanks for stopping in!

Piotr (Sheep49): Hi, Piotr! I'm so happy that you like the set-up, it actually took a bit of time to find the right place for it. I even had pictures for this update with the station located elsewhere, but I ended up scrapping it because things didn't come together the want I wanted them to. As for the avenue bridge, you're definitely right about it being pretty long. That's the great thing about a game, though—the Sims can't sue if the bridge gives out! Oh, and don't worry about never hearing the Springsteen song either, it's a bit obscure. While it's on his most popular and best-selling album, it kind of gets lost amongst the seven Top 10 singles on the rest of the album. Hope to see you again, soon!

Joan (Jmouse): Hey, Joan! You may be right about the tunnel, my friend, but I'm not sure...or am I? We'll find out together! Thanks again for all your support!

metarvo: Hi! It's definitely the first time you've seen Marathon's railroads, I've only shown them here for the first time. Frankly, I'm a bit intimidated by railroads because of my lack of knowledge on how they should be laid and arranged. I guess I have to do some research before getting too deep into it! It's always great to see you here, my friend! Take care!




Well, the Marathon Telegraph (http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o134/thundercrack83/MARATHON/Random/028.jpg) was able to snap a picture of the sports complex that has been under construction for the past couple of weeks. There's just one slight problem, though...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F041.jpg&hash=34d3272e02c7d60eb6577597a1ae2d62aef681fb)

It seems that the copy-boy dropped it in a puddle during the last snow-melt! Needless to say, he's been demoted to paper-carrier!

More from Marathon is on the way!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: threestooges on February 21, 2009, 04:11:06 AM
Well what can you do? A little water damage isn't the end of the world. If you squint you can kind of make it out. On a brighter note, I really like what you've done with the train station, and I like the avenue overpass. I do have one critique of it though. The span design looks like it's too long to effectively support the bridge. If you consolidated a track or two in the middle and allowed for a few pieces with pillars it would help the realism in my opinion. Either way though, it's a neat idea and very well done. A good area for trainspotting. Looking forward to seeing where they connect (starting to look like a massive tunnel project might be in the works with that slope). Until then, take it easy.
-Matt
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bat on February 21, 2009, 08:37:46 AM
Looking forward to more from the Sports Complex! ;)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Sciurus on February 21, 2009, 08:58:23 AM
'Love your newspaper! &apls But does the image represent? ::)
See you later, I hope,

Guillaume :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: deathtopumpkins on February 21, 2009, 09:04:17 AM
Hehehe... nice water damage!  :D I think I can make out a few stadiums in there though...
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Jmouse on February 21, 2009, 02:42:00 PM
We used to have a clumsy copy boy like that - I think he's the Senior Editor now.

Looking forward to seeing the redeveloped photo!
:D
Joan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on February 22, 2009, 01:56:33 AM
Dustin, the sport complex is finely done ! Wow -- can't wait to see it on a general view !
Also the newspaper is very greatly done my friend, excellent work.  &apls
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Heblem on February 22, 2009, 02:01:24 AM
Can't wait what you have prepared for us! also I do really like your train station, eager to see how you'll develop that area.

Take care  ;)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon [02/22/09]: UPDATE XXIII: Don't You Feel Like...
Post by: thundercrack83 on February 22, 2009, 02:08:39 AM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies.jpg&hash=f9a404e367cb5e6d84638084803c586e8b151f6e)

Matt (threestooges): Hi, Matt! Thank you so much for your input on the bridge, my friend. And, knowing your CML, you know your bridges! I like your idea with the pillars in the middle, too, and will definitely be looking into ways to work around it so the bridge is a bit more realistic. With the slopes so close, though, it might be a tough fit. But we won't know unless we try, right? Thanks again, my friend! Take care!

bat: Thanks!

Guillaume (Sciurus): Thank you, my friend! The image was just a bit of a joke, actually. It doesn't really represent anything...yet!

deathtopumpkins: Ha! You've got some good eyes, there, my friend!

Joan (Jmouse): Hi, Joan! You know those unpaid interns, they just can't seem to do much right! Thanks for stopping by, my friend!

Arthur (art128): Hi, my friend! Unfortunately, it's not finished, but development is coming along quite nicely! Thanks so much!

Heblem: Gracias, my friend!






UPDATE XXIII
Don't You Feel Like You're a Rider on a Downbound Train?
Part II: Completion...For Now, At Least!

22 February 2009

So! Where did we leave off last time? Oh, I remember—


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252022%2F22018.jpg&hash=f4182930a24b84e6eb8125acea93e65ab250246a)

Here! We have the rail lines from the station at the level needed for something that more than one of you guessed would be their next route, a tunnel!

Creating an underwater rail tunnel is the same as creating an underwater road tunnel, so if you are unsure how to do it, but want to make one with roads, avenues, etc., instead of rails, it's just as easy as substitution.

Here goes!

Our initial step is...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252023%2F23001.jpg&hash=b2964e32aaa5eaffd26b218f23775728f188a0bd)

...to make a land bridge across the water body that we want our tunnel to traverse. The roads on each side are placemarkers for me to know where the rails are supposed to be on the other side of our future tunnel.

Next, we...


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...make a trench across the land bridge so that each side of the tunnel is the same elevation, making it easier to have them connect when it's time to bore the tunnels.

With...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252023%2F23003.jpg&hash=4c9a55517413a5169ed786361aa0a39971850ac7)

...preparation of the other side finished, we then move on to...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252023%2F23004.jpg&hash=3a483c9168c3cb134b1ce260937db7722041eb0d)

...building our tunnels!

There's number one, and...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252023%2F23005.jpg&hash=0a570306cb631dccc2f9610b06d95d8dea4baeda)

...there's the rest!

Now comes the part where things can go south on you if you're not careful and you have to start all the way back at square one:


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252023%2F23006.jpg&hash=8f650a20e2aeee474d2c2d2d6cfc680b262255b2)

Carefully—I cannot emphasize this enough—start removing your land bridge and replacing it with the water. I would recommend saving the tile before undertaking this, that way any misstep would not result in going all the way back to the pre-land bridge phase.

Do one side...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252023%2F23007.jpg&hash=c05c3ed1809b30c32eeedaad347c46a919aa26c0)

...and then the other, followed by...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252023%2F23008.jpg&hash=e6cca0e8a4b2ec13d915f4908a5e3eb672a01063)

...some clean-up and cosmetics on the island side of the tunnel.

Here's an overview of the the tunnel.


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252023%2F23009.jpg&hash=7f5edddabb712c7c6e6aa552ede45eec402260d9)

I'll point out quickly now that absolutely no thought has been put into where things will go once the rails reach the other side of the tunnel. That's part of an immense, ongoing mental exercise that I have been contemplating almost constantly. It's also another show!

We'll go back to the island end of things for a second...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252023%2F23010.jpg&hash=58965f9bec74d5e1d053586ddc9a5d4dfe72bb7c)

...and examine our tunnels. What can we do here? Well, the answer is...(and I'm sure a lot of you know before I even get there!)...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252023%2F23011.jpg&hash=21e9f3feb2fcb5697ef55bfa43a43ed4fb07810c)

...the non-slope conforming lots from earlier! Above is the north side, and here's...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252023%2F23012.jpg&hash=45b9acbe57f82969a0d7680395633a067a2ec85f)

south...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252023%2F23013.jpg&hash=71946e8bbde3bda4d717676109117ce15afc0742)

...and west.

Thanks to these lots, we've opened up...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252023%2F23014.jpg&hash=306e6940a625ab2df2d70873d59bbd1719ee0b6e)

...another can of LE worms!

So that's the story on the Marathon Central Station (working title, I'll probably come up with something a bit better). Rest assured, we will be visiting this area later when the surrounding sections—which will be considered another quay like our sports complex one—are out of the preliminary stages and have a bit more development!

More when we return!

Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Alfred.Jones on February 22, 2009, 02:14:37 AM
Looking very nice Dustin :thumbsup: Those lots look great
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bat on February 22, 2009, 02:30:44 AM
Nice work on these rail tunnels there! Looking forward to more... ;)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: kimcar on February 22, 2009, 06:54:37 AM
 &apls &apls Very original all these tunnel and thats look quite good too .Have fun
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Sciurus on February 22, 2009, 07:21:50 AM
It just impressive those tunnels! :o

Guillaume :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on February 23, 2009, 01:38:30 AM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies.jpg&hash=f9a404e367cb5e6d84638084803c586e8b151f6e)

Alfred.Jones: Thank you, my friend! I'm glad you think so!

bat: Thanks, bat!

kimcar: Thanks so much!

Guillaume (Sciurus): Merci beaucoup, Guillaume!




Nothing new to show right now, I've been at my girlfriend's house since Thursday night and I haven't been on my own computer. She has school at 8:00 AM (about 3½ hours from now), so I've been banished to the living room so she can get a good night's sleep.

While I was out here, though, I did notice that we are less than 150 away from...


20,000 views!

Or, for you fans of scientific notation...


2.0 x 104 views!

EDIT: Or for our hexadecimal fans, thanks to our good friend Joe (JoeST):


4E20 views!

That's approximately 181 views a day for 110 days—November 5, 2008 to February 23, 2009. We're also on the cusp of 800 comments as well.

I simply cannot believe all the support I have gotten here and I am truly and deeply indebted to each and every one you. You have made making this MD the most fun and exciting projects I've ever embarked on here. Without all of you, Marathon would be nothing.

Thank you all so very much, my great friends!

Back to the grindstone when I get home tomorrow!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on February 23, 2009, 01:48:06 AM
Ah.... Wow.... This is just enormous Dustin, the only few things I can say !  &apls
Oh no, not the "puissances" in french, one of the most easier chapter of the mathematics in my grad at school, but one of the most bored too !  $%Grinno$% $%Grinno$%
As well, congrats on less than 150 away from 20.000 views. &apls
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: JoeST on February 23, 2009, 01:48:56 AM
hehe, thats an awesome number

and in hex: 4E20

JOe
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Sheep49 on February 23, 2009, 12:50:15 PM
That's a real milestone there, Dustin! Congratulations on so many views! :thumbsup:

And for all those binary fans out there, it's (now) less than a hundred left to 100111000100000 views! :D

Sorry for not commenting on last update, Dustin. I was too busy in my RL and was too excited that the new GRV starts to comment in MDs. All I can say is that the twenty third update was really awesome! Although that building strategy is not new to me at all (first used it back in SC3K times $%Grinno$%), it's always great to see those different versions of tutorials. It gives you a clearer view on the subject in my opinion. Also, the area around the railways looks truly lovely with those non-slope conforming lots. I'm also wondering what is that lot in the preview going to look like... Probably it'll look great, as most of the things you make :thumbsup:

Keep up the great work! :thumbsup:
Piotr

Oh, and would forget... From today on, your MD is the owner of the Sheep49's Seal of Quality!* :D
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi493.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Frr292%2FSheep49%2FS49Approves.jpg%3Ft%3D1235418911&hash=bf28b7a53aed324df88abd79eadfb53a698badb4)

*Keep in mind, this is an unofficial award given by me to the MD that stands out and impresses me very much.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Battlecat on February 23, 2009, 12:59:35 PM
This is an amazing project.  Your latest update says it all, that is a huge rail network!  Looking forward to seeing more! 
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: deathtopumpkins on February 23, 2009, 01:58:52 PM
Nice look at making an underwater tunnel, Dustin!  &apls

And congrats on all of those views... quite a milestone.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Haljackey on February 23, 2009, 02:05:26 PM
Geesh, that is one big, wide railway.  Nice job with the terraforming and the sloping, especially with the creative undersea tunnel! 

That ave overpass must have been built with a super-strong material, it has no support beams!   :P

Anyways take care, and an early congrats on the milestone you are about to reach! (19,948 at the time of this reply)

Best,
-Haljackey
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Pat on February 23, 2009, 02:16:36 PM
Well Dustin I would say your trucking along here but that wouldnt be right at all  $%Grinno$%  I think it would be better to say your tracking along here lol.... Looking good and I like those stats and how you broke it down!!!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Alfred.Jones on February 23, 2009, 09:23:09 PM
Congrats on over 20,000 or 2.0 x 104 or 4E20 views!!

&apls
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on February 23, 2009, 10:18:20 PM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies.jpg&hash=f9a404e367cb5e6d84638084803c586e8b151f6e)

Arthur (art128): Thank you so much, my friend! Without you, we wouldn't have made it this far!

Joe (JoeST): Hi, Joe! I added the hex number in for you! Thanks for stopping by!

Piotr (Sheep49): Wow! I got the big stamp! Thanks so much, Piotr! You never have to worry about missing an update or being to busy to comment, my friend—I understand completely, I'm pretty excited to see how GRV goes, too! Thanks so much for all your support, Piotr. It's very much appreciated and means a great deal to me.

Battlecat: Welcome to Marathon! Thank you so very much, my friend! I hope to see more of you here!

deathtopumpkins: Thank you!

Haljackey: Hi, there! Thank you for your great comment—I'll be looking to find a solution to the bridge situation, it is quite long, isn't it! Hopefully I can come up with something that's not only realistic, but satisfies my need for order! Thanks for stopping in!

Pat: Thank you so much, my friend!

Alfred.Jones: Thank you! We made it!




Yes, we made it, indeed! In what ever language or notation you say, Marathon has made it to 20,000 views!

I'm back home now, and with a brand new computer (http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=9166323&type=product&id=1218041149114) in tow! Whilst transitioning some things from my old one to the new one, I've had some time to play around in the LE...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F042.jpg&hash=1acdd3cec0717ffa6b6997933fa7d0da44305dcd)

Getting started on filling in the area around where our rail tunnels are located.

In addition to the 20,000+ views, we're also dangerously close to 800 comments, as well—I believe this post is the 798th? Well, whichever post it is, I am deeply grateful for posts 1 - 799 (excluding mine, of course!), and here's to 800 more!

Thank you all again, so very much, friends!

In a bit!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Alfred.Jones on February 23, 2009, 10:26:27 PM
Congrats again Dustin :thumbsup:

I really like that Lot! Will look great once you have it amongst the rails!
Nice computer as well ;)

Well done on receiving 800 comments as well :)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Heblem on February 23, 2009, 11:21:49 PM
Dustin thats a nice work in LE, where did you got that overlay base for tree, that would come handly on my MD  :)

Also like how youre developing that area. Sorry for my last PM yesterday
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on February 24, 2009, 02:37:58 AM
Hey Dustin, that's a pretty great lot there my friend, good work on it.
It looks splendid with these tables in a center piece.
Congrats on 800 (+) posts &apls
Arthur. ()stsfd() :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: metarvo on February 24, 2009, 05:28:02 AM
Your LE work keeps getting better and better, Dustin.  You have also done a nice job on the rail tunnel.

:thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: paroch on February 24, 2009, 08:36:34 AM
Hi Dustin,

I know I've not been as active as before, so thought I'd pop in to check out what's been happening recently.  Great work on the raliway station there - that surely is the mother of all tunnels!  Nice to see your LE work as well, there is certainly something quite theraputic about fiddling around with props and textures to produce something that's just right for your own city.

Big congrats on 800 posts and here's to the next 800.

All the best

Paul
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bat on February 24, 2009, 10:25:54 AM
Congrats on 800 replies and over 20000 views... &apls &apls &apls
That lot looks beautiful! ;)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Sheep49 on February 24, 2009, 11:39:44 AM
Yay! The dual celebration: 20,000 views and 8,000 comments! :party:

Seriously though, congratulations on those two big milestones! It's not easy to achieve them, especially in less than five months. That must mean something. I know what: that your MD is awesome! :D

Now, first of all, hope you're happy with your new computer. It's awful to work on the one which just doesn't seem to be OK for you. But it seems everything's good, hence the look of the newest custom lot of yours. It looks really nice with all those tables and people around them. Good choice of trees, too! Not too short, not too tall. I'm pretty sure it will be fitting in the area it's supposed to be plopped (around the railway's tunnel entrance) :thumbsup:

Keep up the great work, Dustin! &apls
Piotr

PS. Glad you liked the Seal of Quality stamp ;)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: deathtopumpkins on February 24, 2009, 03:23:52 PM
Congrats on 800 posts, and that is a nice lot there!

Oh, and that's cool that you got a new computer, what are the specs?
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Jmouse on February 24, 2009, 03:48:03 PM
Congratulations, Dustin. You've managed to set astounding records that may never be broken - somebody needs to notify Guinness at once!

Appreciate the tutorial on underwater tunnels. As a child, I rode through the Washburn Tunnel under the Houston Ship Channel a few times, and the eerie color of the lights in that tile structure is my strongest memory.

Later...
Joan
.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on February 25, 2009, 12:08:30 AM

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Alfred.Jones: Hello, my friend! Thanks so much for ringing the bell on #800! I'm glad you like the lot, too! Thanks for stopping in!

Heblem: Thanks! The overlay texture ID number is 0xf0b0621a. Unfortunately, I'm unsure which pack it's in, though. Hope that helps!

Arthur (art128): Thank you so very much, Arthur!

metarvo: Thanks! I'm really starting to get comfortable in there now, thanks to some help from Robin (rooker1), who's been teaching me tricks here and there. Thanks for coming by!

Paul (paroch): Hi, Paul! It's great to see you again, my friend! Your definitely right about the therapeutic nature of a finished product in the LE. For as much toiling as there is over a lot, the satisfaction of getting it done and looking how you want it to far outweighs it. Hope to see you again soon!

bat: Thanks!

Piotr (Sheep49): Thanks so much, Piotr! I'm glad you like the lot so far, my friend! I don't want to lose that "seal of approval!"

deathtopumpkins: Thanks a bunch, my friend! As for the computer specs—2.4GHz Intel Core 2 Duo Processor, 500GB HD, 6GB DDR2 SDRAM, nVidia GeForce 9600M GT with 512 MB DDR2 dedicated graphics memory, 17" widescreen, high-definition display...oh, and a webcam! I won't lie to you, I'm not really sure what a lot of that means, I just copied it off the box. But judging by the fact that I can get from start-up and into a game tile in less than a minute with a 2.0 GB plug-ins folder, I think I'm in decent shape for now!

Joan (Jmouse): Thank you so much, Joan! I've always been quite fond of bridges and tunnels. I remember the first time I went through the Lincoln Tunnel (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lincoln_Tunnel) as a child—coming up into New York City left me pretty awestruck as a kindergartener. It's always a pleasure to have you here, my friend!




We're still chugging along on the train station lots. I've got the north side of the tunnel finished for the most part. Here's how she looks in the LE—


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It's a 5x21 lot. I was going to break it up into sections, but then I figured that I could maintain a bit more continuity if a made it one big one. It was rather tricky navigating in the LE, though, I have to admit!

Here it is in place...


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...by the tunnel. You can see the restaurant section to the right from the earlier pictures, as well as a fountain area in the center, and a small marketplace at the left.

Here's the restaurant...


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...and the area around the fountains.


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I'm not entirely sure if I want to keep all those lampposts in the line on each end of the lot. I have to play around there, I think. Finally...


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...the marketplace.

All that's left to do is add in some kind of fence/divider on the side next to the embankment and it should be finished!

Oh, and the Telegraph sent another photographer out to the sports complex construction site again...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F048.jpg&hash=f22dbb636839548eb31b7290d4002ef88d87388b)

...and wouldn't you know it? Again, that blasted unpaid intern copy-boy struck again! This time it looks like he tried to turn it into a kaleidoscope or something!

More from the train station, the sports complex, and other points Marathon when we return!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Alfred.Jones on February 25, 2009, 12:17:04 AM
Those lots are fantastic! Much better than any attempt I can make :D

I love all the people and props such as toilets, lamp posts and kiosks! Makes it look much more busy :thumbsup:

And that blasted unpaid intern copy-boy!! I think i can make out the Toyota Center from Houston though :P
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: dedgren on February 25, 2009, 12:43:37 AM
Center the "kaleidoscope" pic on your screen and run the mouse wheel up and down, Dustin.  The effect is mesmerizing provided you don't throw up on your keyboard.

Can this man LOT or what?  And the Sheep49 Seal of Approval to boot.  I want one of those!

I'm about ready to send the girlfriend a sympathy card, 'cos I can't imagine she sees that much of you.


David
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on February 25, 2009, 01:34:52 AM
Dustin, These lots are just excellent my friend, the props used looks wonderful there.
One only thing, It's that :

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I think you should turn the toilets by 90° to look better (I think people can't use it cause the door is just too close...  Or even if they can go in, I think they cant exit... $%Grinno$% )

Also, Where you get the triangle shaped things in the same pic ?

Arthur.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: rooker1 on February 25, 2009, 04:15:32 AM
Dustin,
Awesome work on the LOTs.  And blast that copy-boy.
From what I can see, I think the Stadium area is going to look great.

Robin  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Battlecat on February 25, 2009, 09:56:28 AM
Nice looking custom lot there!  You've put a lot of work into the details throughout it.  Can't blame you for doing a huge lot like that, you're absolutely right about the benefits of continuity throughout the lot.  Looking forward to seeing what's the rest of the station will look like!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bat on February 25, 2009, 10:48:06 AM
Nice restaurant there! The fountains are also really great! Also wonderful pictures of your lots!! :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: deathtopumpkins on February 25, 2009, 01:09:25 PM
Wow, sounds like a nice new PC!  :thumbsup: I don't know what some of that means either, but that load time is impressive on its own.

And that is some nice lotting! I can't wait to see the area finished, I have a feeling I'll be impressed.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: dsrwhat316 on February 25, 2009, 02:09:55 PM
Your lotting skills are coming along quite nicely, Dustin. As always, I do have a few suggestions/critiques  ::)

I suggest you use some more overlay textures. Some grass strips would break up the monotony of the base textures. Also, a "walkway" texture will give the lot more depth. Since you are making such a large lot, be careful not to use too many props, base and overlay textures. There is a limit, a lesson I learned (Click Me!) (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6862.0).

A great source of inspiration for my lots came from Badsim's amazing MD, Antigone (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=217.0). Whenever I'm stuck creative-wise, I check out his MD and draw from the pics. Of course, if you want to use me as a source of inspiration, you could do that, too  :P

Remember, if you are ever stuck or need advice, I'm just a PM away (this goes for anyone else, too!).

~ Dan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on February 26, 2009, 01:38:31 AM

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Alfred.Jones: Thanks! You have to have those toilets, otherwise the masses are in a bit of a spot! Oh, and no...you...don't see...the Toyota Center...at...all. It was an...illusion... Thanks for coming by!

David (dedgren): Hi, David! I did your kaleidoscope trick—you're right, my stomach's not doing to hot now! It's always a wonderful day in Marathon when you drop in, my friend! Hope to see you again soon!

Arthur (art128): Oops! Thanks for catching that one, Arthur! I didn't realize where the doors were. That could have gotten somewhat messy, eh? Take care!

Robin (rooker1): Thanks, Robin! That intern is in a whole heap of trouble this time!

Battlecat: Thank you so much, my friend!

bat: Thanks!

deathtopumpkins: Yes, I am so happy I don't have to sit and wait for three days just to open the game up, then another two to get into a tile!

Dan (dsrwhat316): Hi, Dan! Thank you so much for all you hints and tips, my friend, especially the one about having too many props and things. I never would have guessed that were an issue, but now I know! I will be heading back into the LE to play around with your other suggestions, too. If I can get them to look half as good as your work, I'll be mighty happy! And, of course I use "The Source" as a source! It wouldn't be right if I didn't, right? Take care my friend!




Well, that miscreant unpaid intern was sent on assignment to Albuquerque, NM, to wait for a thunderstorm—he can't even get pictures right, how will he know that Albuquerque is in an arid climate! Anyway, with the intern away, the Marathon Telegraph was able to get back to work as scheduled. Here's today's issue...


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More to come!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Alfred.Jones on February 26, 2009, 01:42:22 AM
Very professional looking newspaper Dustin :thumbsup:

Love the image for the Prizefight article :P
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on February 26, 2009, 01:50:33 AM
Oh, I forgot : /!\ Welcome to page 42 of this incredible MD /!\


Hey Dustin, this newspaper looks wonderful my friend. &apls
I really love that design, it look very professional  like AJ said.
Bad news for the Blizzard...  ()sad()

Arthur.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bat on February 26, 2009, 05:19:25 AM
Nice work on that newspaper! :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: rooker1 on February 26, 2009, 07:08:19 AM
Dustin,
Great work on the newspaper, that's what I would like mine to turn out like.  You need to give me some pointers on PS, please.

Robin  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Jmouse on February 26, 2009, 02:32:41 PM
Wonderful work on the newspaper, Dustin. I've seen plenty in RL that don't look half that good! The Daily Fish Wrapper comes to mind.

Later...
Joan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: deathtopumpkins on February 26, 2009, 05:23:58 PM
Nice newspaper, Dustin! &apls That snow sounds pretty nice, as it has already gotten hot again here...
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on February 27, 2009, 03:08:25 AM

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Alfred.Jones: Thanks, my friend! I don't know why the idea to use that popped into my head, but I'm glad it did! Take care!

Arthur (art128): Hi, Arthur! Thanks so much! I'm glad you like it!

bat: Danke schön!

Robin (rooker1): Thanks, Robin! Anytime you want or need help in Photoshop, you know where to find me! After all, it's the least I could do to return the favor for all your help, my friend. Thanks for coming by!

Joan (Jmouse): Thank you, Joan! Our local paper around here is pretty much only good for lining bird and rabbit cages.

deathtopumpkins: Thanks! It was warm here for a while, but now it's starting to get a bit colder again. I hope we get more snow soon, though—I'm a winter person.




Well, it seems that the Telegraph was able to get a real photographer out to the sports complex area to get the up-close scoop. The only problem? Well...


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...he got a bit too up-close! One of these days, they'll get it right!

In other news, though, more development has been taking place over at the train station. Here's the initial texturing and set-up of another section in the LE...


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...currently sans props. I took it into the game to make sure I had the dimensions right...


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...Whew—I did!


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Here's a view from the opposite angle. One other thing I have to take care of, too...


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...is matching up these textures on the billboard lot for continuity in the entire section.

Back to work, actually I should probably try to go to sleep, it's after 6:00 AM here in Pennsylvania. Comments, criticisms, suggestions, etc., are more than welcome, friends!

In a bit!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on February 27, 2009, 03:42:17 AM
Dustin,

That progress here looks very promising my friend.
The CNIT lot looks excellent, even without any props, but It looks to be a great lot, like all your others work !
I think you will put some fences around the big grass area, no ?

Take care,
Arthur.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: homefryes on February 27, 2009, 07:57:59 AM
Dustin, haven't commented here in awhile, but I've been lurking regularly, my friend. Just had to say what an awesome station you have there. Looking forward to seeing more......

— Don
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Battlecat on February 27, 2009, 09:30:45 AM
This is continuing to look excellent!  I like the model you're using for that train station, it's going to look great when you add all the details. 
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: guurgkud on February 27, 2009, 10:49:05 AM
Hey there, pal.

You have quite a gem going on! This CJ is really beautiful. I really love the little tutorials you give with your updates, and I really appreciate the one you gave on the first page on how to make an island! That's something I will try.
Your custom lots are also really beautiful. Taking time to do custom lots really puts you miles ahead.

Looking forward to more!  :thumbsup: I'm intrigued.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bat on February 27, 2009, 11:10:00 AM
Nice work on that train station! Nice LE-work! Looking forward to more... :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: deathtopumpkins on February 27, 2009, 12:21:11 PM
Nice lot Dustin!  I can imagine it's going to look real good with props! And I can't wait to see that sports complex once the photographer gets it right! :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on February 27, 2009, 05:08:43 PM

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Arthur (art128): Thank you, Arthur! I'm glad you like the lot, so far! I'm still working on the props now, but you might be on to something with the fences! Thanks for stopping in!

Don (homefryes): Hi, Don! Glad to see you back, my friend! I'm happy you like the station!

Battlecat: Thanks, my friend!

guurgkud: Hi, there! Welcome to Marathon! I'm so glad that you're enjoying things here and I hope to see you here again soon!

bat: Thank you so much, my friend!

deathtopumpkins: Thank you! I'm still working on the props now, but hopefully I have something to show soon! Take care!




I've been spending an awful in the LE lately, only heading into the game to check things out. So this evening, I thought I'd get back to basics a bit with just a random neighborhood shot...


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Nothing special, just one of those pictures that I enjoy putting together. It was a bit tougher this time around, though, since I didn't have my full plug-ins folder.

More from Marathon to come, thanks for coming by!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: rooker1 on February 27, 2009, 05:44:50 PM
Dustin,

Great picture, maybe one of my favourites so far.  The W2W fits in perfect with jestarr's industrial stuff in the back ground.
&apls
Hey, how long are you going to be working on the Sports Complex area?  ::)
Hope we can get some more pictures real soon.
Robin  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Jmouse on February 27, 2009, 05:45:06 PM
Excellent photo, Dustin. Very realistic - everything fits together really well. Plus there's some traffic on the streets and some pedestrians. Very well done!

Later...

Joan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Pat on February 27, 2009, 09:03:53 PM
Dustin awesome stuff here wow!!! Love what you did with the CNIT and I know Borealis would love it  ;)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on February 28, 2009, 02:54:02 AM
Hey Dustin, even if Robin have already said what I was thinking, I will say it,
The W2W are really greatly done my friend, and fit perfectly with the industrial building.

Arthur.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on February 28, 2009, 04:08:24 AM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies.jpg&hash=f9a404e367cb5e6d84638084803c586e8b151f6e)

Robin (rooker1): Thanks so much, Robin! I'm glad you like the picture, my friend! As for how long the sports complex will take...well, your guess is as good as mine!

Joan (Jmouse): Thank you, Joan! I have fun putting areas like this together, and I always try to make sure that I get some traffic on the streets, too! Glad you stopped by!

Pat: Thanks, my friend!

Arthur (art128): Merci, Arthur! I glad you enjoyed the picture, my friend!




I've been slowly adding some more to the CNIT (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CNIT) section of the train station. Adding, subtracting, re-adding, subtracting again, etc., etc., etc...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F057.jpg&hash=40544b351be57ae69e55ea9f92f6ac8d8392b2b2)

That's where we stand as of right now!

And a bit more from the sports complex...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F056.jpg&hash=58411f4e0a75695826409da748d9d3ab7d0b9624)

We've been working pretty hard on it tonight—I even drove Robin to drink!

In a bit!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: metarvo on February 28, 2009, 05:45:07 AM
That's some good LE work that you've done on the train station, Dustin.  It looks like the sports complex is starting to shape up, and I know it will be first-class when it is done.  The truth is, from what I've seen, that it may practically be there already.

&apls
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Scarton on February 28, 2009, 06:19:37 AM
You're really trying to make everything detailed and you're doing a far better job of it than I could. ;D :thumbsup: &apls Incredible work! Great job with the Lot Editor.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: kimcar on February 28, 2009, 07:15:30 AM
 &apls &apls Yep , great work with the LE . you put some great detail that i never think of it . Looking forward
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bat on February 28, 2009, 08:27:07 AM
Nice teaser there! And again wonderful pictures of your great LE-work! :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on February 28, 2009, 09:55:15 AM
Dustin, this picture is Wow -- The trees used are going perfectly with the others ones.
Great use of fillers lots my friend.
As for the CNIT, It looks very promising !

Arthur.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Battlecat on February 28, 2009, 08:19:32 PM
Looking good!  Nice selection of trees you're using!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Pat on February 28, 2009, 08:23:35 PM
Dustin you are sooo soo bad driving Robin to drink lol geeezzs  ;D  But the picture wow!!! AMAZING!!! The progress on the cnit is also looking very good...
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Jmouse on February 28, 2009, 10:09:31 PM
Excellent pic of the sports area, Dustin. Overall, the plaza is a successful combination of elements that work well together. The trees look really good - natural in both style and placement. As for lot editing, it's still on the "To-Do" list, but I just might take tomorrow off and fire it up!

Later...
Joan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: CasperVg on February 28, 2009, 10:17:17 PM
Hello again,

I always get a great feeling when I take a look at Marathon again. I must say I'm delighted seeing those lots, they look great. They seem to be very lively, and yet not crowded, and you have managed to get a nice set of colours together. I'm looking forward to see the culmination of all your work.

Casper
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon [03/01/09]: UPDATE XXIV: A Bridge is Only as...
Post by: thundercrack83 on February 28, 2009, 11:58:36 PM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies.jpg&hash=f9a404e367cb5e6d84638084803c586e8b151f6e)

metarvo: Thanks, my friend! I'm glad you like the train station, so far. It's starting to come together a bit better, and I'm as of now, I'm quite pleased. As for the sports complex, well, that's coming along, too!

citycapitalizer: Thank you so much!

kimcar: Hi, there! Thank you for your kind words!

bat: Thanks!

Arthur (art128): Thank you, Arthur! Your comments are always appreciated!

Battlecat: Thank you so much!

Pat: Ha! Yes, poor Robin! He was having a great night, though, so I can't blame him! I haven't heard from him at all today, so I hope he didn't have too bad of a hangover! Thanks for stopping by, my friend!

Joan (Jmouse): Thank you, Joan! One forewarning on opening up the LE, though—it's pretty addictive, once you get the hang of it! Good luck!

Casper (caspervg): Hi, Casper! Great to see you again! I'm glad you like the lots, too. Hope all is well with you, and I hope to see you again soon! Take care!






UPDATE XXIV
A Bridge is Only as Strong as its Supports
1 March 2009

Way back on Page 39, our very good friend Matt (threestooges) said...

Quote
I do have one critique of it though. The span design looks like it's too long to effectively support the bridge. If you consolidated a track or two in the middle and allowed for a few pieces with pillars it would help the realism in my opinion.


...when referring to...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252022%2F22018.jpg&hash=f4182930a24b84e6eb8125acea93e65ab250246a)

...the bridge that allows the L'Anneau de Marathon to cross the rail lines heading to the station.

Well, Matt—your critique is dead-on, my friend, and once again, thanks to you folks here, something that I never even thought about was brought to my attention and we're able to correct it! It's not a hard fix by any means, but I thought I'd document it for posterity.

Our first step...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252024%2F24001.jpg&hash=a222dd71261bf5e6d2bf306ad4a6e4a05f311573)

...is to bulldoze the old set-up!

Then...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252024%2F24002.jpg&hash=2335a4b062609c90851bd95c033c82c234465e94)

...I must flatten...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252024%2F24003.jpg&hash=715212bd6ecc8afb4dc23696dcd5d96305533376)

...the older slopes, since the current grade of the slope is insufficient for our needs. I've used the mountain setting of the NHP Ennedi Slope Mod (http://sc4devotion.com/csxlex/lex_filedesc.php?lotGET=1512) in order to balance the need for a bit of a steeper grade against the concept of realism.

Now, like the first time...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252024%2F24004.jpg&hash=c47e7f201692351c47a22caa25ee1006b84a7132)

...we connect the rails to the station, creating the slope, doing so...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252024%2F24005.jpg&hash=4ef9b3df2559cdac38e2d87d735e6d886472818a)

...with the rest of the rail lines.

With the first slope in place, we move on to the next slope, but first...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252024%2F24006.jpg&hash=a74cfa63a44247f069dd7b8af2a7fa0ddae7c775)

...we extend the level section a bit to accommodate the next slope. And...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252024%2F24007.jpg&hash=325b6d4951cb03801341da3f11a4899ad5821e82)

...there it is!

But we're no further than we were before we started, we just have the same result with a bit of a steeper grade. So...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252024%2F24008.jpg&hash=76288e649ed8fcbf833010d76c2332658bbef5f8)

...we delete the middle two sections of the track. We then...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252024%2F24009.jpg&hash=105f08c9fd9e7d27166cb801e40b0d92f1f547a5)

...connect the rails coming out of the two tunnels with the adjacent rail lines that head to the station. We do it at the tunnel, as shown above, as well as...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252024%2F24010.jpg&hash=fe7029edb71de7b50c24791643e7a44131b22c7b)

...at the station.

This gets us to the heart of this exercise...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252024%2F24011.jpg&hash=fca1e68d2803dee7b72d5e7fc5fdeae83f5f920f)

...the avenue bridge! Now, it has support sections in the middle where the two rail lines formerly ran, giving support to the rather lengthy bridge.


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252024%2F24012.jpg&hash=691f4a0678b6f9c51c47659bd861760813b9233b)

Above is the finished bridge. Note that there is a slight tip on the top section of the avenue bridge, since the station-side tile is technically the first tile of the slope. Oh, well—price you pay!

Finally, we...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252024%2F24013.jpg&hash=8f93377b6dc97e2d555067edf060c208e4509931)

...add a few rail pillars to spice things up!

Here's a zoomed-out view:


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252024%2F24014.jpg&hash=2c2c74881d40d46718ef6f8a5de6e8c5944b8fa4)

Well, there it is! Now I have to figure out what to do with the strip of land where the rail lines used to be on the slopes, but that's another day, I suppose.

Oh, and staying in the area, more development on the surrounding lots for the train station—


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F058.jpg&hash=a6a4850d91f397e65b76d733f2bf2c4951e40f5a)

Haven't added any people yet, but I'm feeling better about the area, the more I work on it.

I extend special thanks to Matt (threestooges) for posing the question for this update, as well as Piotr (Sheep49), who asked a similar question. Without these kinds of critiques and ideas, who knows where we'd be, right!

More from Marathon in a bit!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Sheep49 on March 01, 2009, 01:31:06 AM
Hmmm, I've just realised that this station reminds me of something that I would build in another classic game... Transport Tycoon Deluxe, anyone? :D

Anyways, glad to see that ours (visitors of your MD) comments and propositions are so well received and that they're helpful ;) Good work with those supports, Dustin. Oh, and also have I just realised those trees at the sides of Station on the second picture. They look really nice, too! :thumbsup:

And the lot at the end of the update is no less than totally awesome! If it's that great now, I'm wondering how WOW-astic is it going to be with people! &apls

What more can I say? Keep up the great work!
Piotr
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on March 01, 2009, 03:09:20 AM
Hey Dustin, this new version looks excellent my friend, excellent work.
The bridge looks more realistic with those pillars there.
And the CNIT looks promisingly great !  :thumbsup:

Arthur.  &apls
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: threestooges on March 01, 2009, 03:23:13 AM
Well, if you fancy a go at slope conforming props, I'd say add a few billboards facing the tracks. Seems like an interesting place to advertise. Also, I'm not sure of their slope conforming capabilities, but could David's long parallel switches smooth out the transition? Or, if you wanted to, you could extend the track from the station to the bridge and have it switch in just before the pillars (even just havng the outer ones (facing us) remain. They would essentially 'vault' over and support both roads in theory. Or you could leave it as is, it looks pretty good like that. Been a while since I commented here, but rest assured, I'm usually lurking. Great work as always my friend.
-Matt
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bat on March 01, 2009, 06:00:25 AM
Nice work on that railway and the train station looks nice, too! :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: kimcar on March 01, 2009, 06:35:12 AM
Right Matt had a good point about the bridge, and you fixed very well :thumbsup:. As your layout on the last screen  &apls &apls Excellent look.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Scarton on March 01, 2009, 06:41:39 AM
Nice work! I would never have putted the extra support in the bridge just for realism. Way to go the extra mile! :thumbsup: :thumbsup: ;D &apls ;).
I guess I need to focus more on realism in my cities. (and I thought I was being realistic.) $%Grinno$% Thanks for showing me.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Battlecat on March 01, 2009, 07:58:51 AM
Nice touch putting in that extra support for the bridge.  It really does improve the appearance. 
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: sim-al2 on March 01, 2009, 08:09:29 AM
Howabout a plaza between the tracks for train-watchers? ;)

BTW, your station lot at the end is the best yet. :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: dsrwhat316 on March 01, 2009, 08:53:55 AM
I'm pretty amazed at how far your lotting skills have come in such a short time, Dustin. The gardens surrounding the CNIT give the area a very high-wealth feel to it. The only critique I have (sorry!) is that the transition from the tile texture to the cobblestone texture is not gradual enough. A border overlay texture would make the transition a bit easier on the eyes :thumbsup:.

It seems I have been posting here more than my own MD! I think it is time for me to get back to work...  :-\

~ Dan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: deathtopumpkins on March 01, 2009, 12:30:49 PM
That looks much more realistic, Dustin.  :thumbsup: Glad you did that, and as for the question of what to do with the strip of land in the middle, I'd just fill it in with plain grass.

And that lot is looking REALLY nice!  &apls
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Pat on March 01, 2009, 02:43:53 PM
dang Dustin that is way better what you did to give a support to the bridge there!!!  Now far as the empty land what about having maybe a park area to match up with the CNIT?  Speaking of the CNIT have you thought about having a release?
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Haljackey on March 01, 2009, 08:02:39 PM
Looking good!   That's a much more realistic overpass with the central support, and that triangle-shaped stadium is looking rad too!  Nice work!

Best,
-Haljackey
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Jmouse on March 01, 2009, 08:50:34 PM
Hey Dustin, I agree completely with Matt who continues "Bridging the Gap" for us. :) The bridge does look 100% better with the extra support. The parting of the rails looks a bit unnatural to me, though, although I hate to even mention it since I'm in no position to propose a better arrangement. But maybe Matt's idea of using a less-abrupt transition would work.

One of the things I like best about Marathon is your ability - and willingness - to accept ideas, add a twist of your own and find workable solutions. So keep on truckin'! :thumbsup:

Later...
Joan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon [03/02/09]: UPDATE XXV: Deep in the Heart...
Post by: thundercrack83 on March 02, 2009, 01:58:42 AM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies.jpg&hash=f9a404e367cb5e6d84638084803c586e8b151f6e)


Piotr (Sheep49): Hi, Piotr! For me, input from everyone is the backbone of Marathon! If it weren't for you and everyone who visits here, I'm sure that things would not be where they are now. Thank you so much for all your support and your suggestions, my friend!

Arthur (art128): Thank you, Arthur! I'm glad you liked it!

Matt (threestooges): Hey, Matt! Thanks so much for your suggestions, my friend! I definitely like your idea with putting billboards in between the rails! Excellent idea, my friend! And I will further investigate your other ideas and see what I can come up with. Take care!

bat: Thanks!

kimcar: Thank you very much!

citycapitalizer: Thank you! Realism is one of those things that is hard to get away from, it seems. I don't go out of my way to make things more realistic, I just try to find a balance between something that is realistic, but also something that looks "right" or good in the game. Sometimes, you run into a stalemate, and other times, with the help of great friends like I have here, you can make a few adjustments and get somewhere you hadn't even thought of going! Thanks for stopping by!

Battlecat: Thank you so much, my friend!

sim-al2: Thank you! I like your idea with a plaza between the tracks, but there's just one thing: How will the people get down there? Take care!

Dan (dsrwhat316): Thank you, Dan! You are right about the abrupt transition between the two textures. I was searching for a solution, but I didn't come up with anything. Maybe I'll just have to search harder! Hope to see you again soon!

deathtopumpkins: Thanks! I'm leaning towards grass with a few trees and perhaps the billboards suggested by Matt above, but ultimately, we'll see what happens! Take care!

Pat: Thank you, my friend! As for releasing the CNIT, I don't think it's in any shape to pass through the scrutiny that our wonderful LEX demands. It's certainly something to look into, though. Good to see you!

Haljackey: Thanks!

Joan (Jmouse): Thank you, Joan! I tend to agree with you on the parting of the rails, too, but due to the land constraints that I'm working with—between the trench and slope—there's not much room to work with. I will say, though, that I'm not done investigating things there. Who knows how it will turn out in the end! It's always great to see you here, my friend! Take care!






UPDATE XXV
Deep in the Heart of Textures...
2 March 2009

Another update so soon?

What can I say? Those creative juices are flowing! OK, maybe not "creative," but there's definitely something flowing, just not sure what. Anyway, let's move on!

While it's been classified as an official "update," the following is more of a poll. I've been playing around with the textures for the train station lots and I said to myself, "Self—why don't we see what all our friends have to say about the textures?"

So that's just what we're going to do! I've chosen a few different textures that I thought may work (and probably some that I know won't, but I was bored). Take a look at them and tell us...


Which base texture should be used for the lots surrounding the rail tunnels?

A (Original Texture)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252025%2F25001.jpg&hash=44cfed03c02d9bd658d8ad046e82abebaacce6a4)

B
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252025%2F25002.jpg&hash=47160e107037a0a8d8762217290936d24e833648)

C
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252025%2F25003.jpg&hash=a9dc2199513b42b3436b34e56e16ce44bcc40e24)

D
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252025%2F25004.jpg&hash=e7b3c065ebba5509b4fa2790933200f00121cd0e)

E
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252025%2F25005.jpg&hash=700804e5bb1109997c2d2394a6c722c7a6724b2e)

F
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252025%2F25006.jpg&hash=236ee0aaa80343555d74795ea016fdb58ffee2e9)

G
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252025%2F25007.jpg&hash=795b821a0ad1c61ba86e3c8d78ea6db0a4a13b2a)

H
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252025%2F25008.jpg&hash=e92a037f61b6bba1d92fbdefdd48657ea03e984a)

And finally...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252025%2F25009.jpg&hash=f9538426f822b10f673230d4adcd46605f22be94)

Is there something we've missed that you think may work? Just post here letting us know and we'll definitely give it a look-see!

Look forward to hearing from all of you...your input means so much!

In a bit!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Alfred.Jones on March 02, 2009, 02:02:17 AM
I have missed a couple of updates Dustin, but that lot is looking very impressive :thumbsup:

Personally, I think Texture B

I think it has good contrast with the dark tiles in the adjacent texture and it goes along well with the yellow flowers.

Looks amazing either way Dustin ()stsfd()

Keep it up mate
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: threestooges on March 02, 2009, 02:29:10 AM
For the area that it's in, I'd say go with B. It fits the surrounding texxtures you showed nicely, and it looks like it would stand up well on its own too.
-Matt
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: deathtopumpkins on March 02, 2009, 03:49:53 AM
I think I'd go with texture A...  :D I know it's the one you've already been using, so I figure you're not to happy with it, but it seems like one I would realistically see someone pave a plaza-like-area with... and some of the others just... don't. ;)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Scarton on March 02, 2009, 04:07:56 AM
I like B, E, or F. ;D
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: evanator on March 02, 2009, 04:55:06 AM
Wow! I just got through reading this amazing MD up to the present, and I have to say you've done an absolutely incredible job!  &apls

I love how you plan everything out, and how you explain to and involve the community in the building of your city.

As for the textures, I'd have to say Texture B. It offers a nice contrast to the dark brown, without seeming too different.

Great Work! -Evan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on March 02, 2009, 07:39:58 AM
Well Dustin, I really love the B, F and G; but my favorite in these ones is the G. Cause I think there's an harmony with the other texture...
And there's an other one I really love, (but don't have any pictures of it by me...) It's this one :
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi211.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb160%2FPazurzasty%2F63.jpg&hash=f5bfdf4fb83219c1eaf7927f696c2ecdbee45d3e)
Image by Perun, form his MD (Ragnarok) (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6350.0).

But I don't remember in witch texture pack is it.... ;)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: carkid1998 on March 02, 2009, 08:23:13 AM

b for me! :thumbsup: ;)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Battlecat on March 02, 2009, 08:37:57 AM
Texture B is definitely my favorite of the bunch. 
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Pat on March 02, 2009, 08:52:13 AM
Dustin as it seems everyone is mostly saying B and well I do agree B is my primary choice here with G is a secondary...  About the CNIT I know you got a good person on your side there who can really help you get on the LEX and pass the scrutineers!!! You know him and his crime fighting assiting (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robin_(comics)) ways too hehehe... OK moving on I cant wait to see what happens next!!!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bat on March 02, 2009, 10:37:39 AM
I think the texture B, E or H are very good for this lot! But texture B is the best from these three textures!

Looking forward to more... ;)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: kimcar on March 02, 2009, 01:18:57 PM
Definately C because it give a nice contrast , but i guess i`m lonely in that choice  %confuso ;D
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Sheep49 on March 02, 2009, 01:59:42 PM
Kids, I guess it's time for the useless and over-the-top analysis! :D

Texture A: Your 'default' texture. I was never fond of that one to be honest, but you were doing a great job with it, at least up to now. I would love to see something different this time, though. Let's move on...

Texture B: I like that tone of yellow. I mean it's sort of between brown and yellow, which makes that texture look pretty unordinary when compared with others.

Texture C: Wow! That's... bright! :D Seriously though, I just don't think that it looks *that* good. The contrast would be definitely too big. I would not use it if I were you.

Texture D: It may be only me, but i just don't seem to be fond of that one. Bright pink just doesn't look right with brown I suppose.

Texture E: Just as with the texture B, I have to admit that I love that combination of yellow and brown. I guess that that yellow is a little bit too bright, though.

Textures F & G: Surprisingly, that looks better than I though that combination of colours would lok like ??? I have to say that G texture is one of my favourites. It looks great when used with browny-tily texture :P

Texture H: Forget what I said when talking about texture D. No kind of pink is looking pretty decent when placed next to the dark brownish thing in my opinion. The difference between two is just too big.

Arthur's Suggestion: I love that texture, too! But I can't imagine it going well with the rest of lot. Just the kind of thing that applies to H: The difference is a bit too big.

...Now that we have done that part, time for the winner! And the winner is...
...Thank you, Brigitte...
...Texture B!

Keep up the great work! &apls
Piotr

PS. Sorry for posting something that big in your thread! $%Grinno$%
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: dsrwhat316 on March 02, 2009, 03:47:03 PM
Ooh, a texture selection; my specialty! I wonder if my post had anything to do with this  $%Grinno$%

I definitely would go with texture B. But, then I'd go one step further. Perhaps a pic will help here:

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi238.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fff177%2Fdsrwhat316%2FThe%2520Source%2FLEExample.jpg&hash=62cde1400c871cfb003640615f6b8a8d4f0f62aa)

I knew the exact textures you were using and applied them to a test lot in the LE. I then added 2 similar, but differently colored overlay textures. These overlay textures can be found in c.p.'s BSC TexturePack Cycledogg V 01b (http://sc4devotion.com/csxlex/lex_filedesc.php?lotGET=101)

To put two overlays on one tile, simply hold down the D key with the properly-oriented overlay, then click on the desired tile. Be warned after you place the second (or any subsequent) textures, it will instantly disappear. Again, this is merely a suggestion, but I thought I'd throw in my 2 cents. Sorry for the mini texture tutorial hijacking  ::)

~ Dan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Masochist on March 02, 2009, 04:11:34 PM
Hi, Dustin!  Yes, I know your name.  You might not remember me all that well, but I used to be very active in this part of the site.  Lately, though, I've been completely absent from the scene.  In fact, I've been so absent that (and I'm rightfully ashamed to admit this) I didn't know until today that you had even started an MD &ops.  I just happened to catch your map-making tutorial while browsing (which was excellent, by the way ;) ), and saw that it was based on this MD, so I took a look.  And by a look, I (of course) mean that I started at the very beginning and spent the next couple of hours experiencing and absorbing every single one of the 44 or so pages that this Diary has grown to.

Needless to say, I was thoroughly :o 'd!!!

(Though thinking about it, perhaps I shouldn't've been--you've been handling this section of SC4D for so long that even if you started with absolutely no MD skills whatsoever, by the time Marathon rolled out, it should come almost naturally for you...and judging by your work, it seems to :satisfied:!)

The Commonwealth of Marathon is seriously jaw-dropping dislocating!  You've been handling its development and growth with the utmost care, and boy, does it show!  The areas of the island you've shown us, whether they be commercial, residential or industrial (especially industrial), have all looked like the work of someone who has been CJ'ing not for four months, but for four years!  I've already gotten so many ideas just by looking at the pictures and your methods for going about building the city...things like how one might construct custom plazas, or how to handle a gigantic rail station in a city that hasn't been built, or (my favorite!) how to make eye-catching wall-lined seashores.  Oh, those seashores :o!  Never had it crossed my mind (for some odd and strange reason) to make them multi-leveled all the way down (I've actually done it once, but it was to accommodate a marina; I've never done a lower level strictly for a seawall, though).  It gives me sooo many ideas on how to construct interesting coastlines...I can't wait to try them out ;)!

Your sport complex mystery...the only thing I can discern is that the Toyota Center is somehow involved :P.  Don't know how I figured that one out ( $%Grinno$% ), but its got me intrigued.  Coming from Houston, I know how big sporting arena areas can be, both in size and influence (Reliant Stadium, Arena and Park are all next to each other, and the Astrodome is also in the same complex).  I'll be waiting to see what you do with it--perhaps a bid for the Simlympics is in order this year?  Who knows...but I simply can't wait to see it!  Just like I can't wait to see your completed Rail Tunnel area (I can imagine how it would make a most impressive vantage point for the mainland).

Speaking of the Rail Tunnel plazas, my vote goes towards any of the four textures from E through H, though in order to get a really good handle on it, I think a full over-head shot would be necessary to see how it would look altogether.  Perhaps (if you wanted to spare the time) you could take, say, the top three voted-upon textures and fill out the entire plaza with each one, then take a picture or two of each?  Just an idea; I just know that what looks good close up might not match what you're going for from far away.

Anyways...I'll keep a much, much, MUCH closer eye on this MD (and this entire section, period) in the coming weeks.  I really look forward to seeing the finished sporting area and Rail Tunnel Plazas, as well as perhaps a glimpse of the island as a whole (i.e., a region view) and perhaps some stats on population, zoning, etc. (if you would provide such).  I'd also like to see how the rest of the country is laid out (the mainland part; what cities are there?).  Also...it'll be interesting to see what other creations you make in the Lot Editor.  And I remember reading something about rural areas, too?  I'm definitely holding you to that one %wrd!

I suppose what I'm really trying to say is: with all the amazing stuff you've already shown us, I can only imagine what you'll come up with next ;D!

Excellent, excellent, EXCELLENT work, sir!  You'll definitely be seeing me around here much more often...you might even remember who I am :P (Condor Bay ring a bell?  No?  Oh, well, worth a shot...$%Grinno$%).  Keep it up :thumbsup:!!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on March 03, 2009, 01:18:13 AM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies.jpg&hash=f9a404e367cb5e6d84638084803c586e8b151f6e)

Alfred.Jones: Thanks! Don't worry about missing stuff around here, my friend. It happens! Oh, and I see you like texture B, eh? Thanks for letting me know! Take care!

Matt (threestooges): Another vote for B! Thanks, Matt!

deathtopumpkins: Thanks for voting! I didn't have a problem with the original texture, I was just trying to see things from a different perspective, and then I thought, well, why not get others' perspectives, too!

citycapitalizer: B, E, or F? Couldn't make up your wind, eh? Ha! That's OK, I couldn't either!

Evan (evanator): Hello! So glad that you've enjoyed everything thus far. Hope to see you around soon!

Arthur (art128): Wow, Arthur! Thanks for the texture example, my friend. I have to find that one because I'm sure I can find somewhere to use it. Take care!

carkid1998: B again! Thanks for voting!

Battlecat: And another B! I'm seeing a pattern here...Thanks for stopping by!

Pat: Thank you so much, my friend!

bat: Thanks! Looks like B's out in front pretty far now.

kimcar: Hi, there! We've got ourselves a vote for C, too! Thanks for voting, my friend!

Piotr (Sheep49): Hi, Piotr! Your analysis was neither useless nor over-the-top—it was quite helpful, my friend! You pointed out some things that I would not have thought of otherwise, which is always a wonderful thing! Thank you so much for your very insightful input!

Dan (dsrwhat316): Hello, there! At this time, I hereby give you expressed permission to hijack at any time you see fit, especially if you're going to provide such indispensable advice, my friend! All kidding aside, though, I don't consider it hijacking at all—you've been very helpful to me, both here and in your tutorials, while I've been trying to hone my LE skills. Your double overlay texture idea is a great one, and now that you've shown me how, I will implementing it, regardless of where we land on base textures. Thank you so very much, Dan, for all your help! Hope to see you again soon!

Isaac (Masochist): Hi, there, Isaac! Of course I remember you, my friend, and Condor Bay! It's so wonderful to see you, not only here in Marathon, but also back around SC4D. Thank you so much for your very great comment, too. It makes me feel so great to know that you and others appreciate my work here. Without you guys, all of this would be for naught! I hope to see you around more often, Isaac. Take care, my friend!




Well, well, well!

Seems like Texture B is quite the prohibitive favorite for our train station section! Thank you all so very much for taking the time to check things out and give your input. I appreciate your help, friends!

Our good friend Isaac (Masochist) made the suggestion above for the texture question:

Quote
Perhaps (if you wanted to spare the time) you could take, say, the top three voted-upon textures and fill out the entire plaza with each one, then take a picture or two of each?  Just an idea; I just know that what looks good close up might not match what you're going for from far away.

Well, I think this is a great idea, Isaac, and I'm going to get right on it, my friend! I'll re-texture the area with textures B, C, and E, and we'll go from there.

In the meantime, though...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F059.jpg&hash=dfb4157b2fee11c843f849cb54ac81176d9fcf0d)

I little something I was playing around with down in southwestern Marathon. I've really had a fascination with the low-income side of things lately, for some reason.

Back to the LE!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Alfred.Jones on March 03, 2009, 01:20:32 AM
Quote from: thundercrack83 on March 03, 2009, 01:18:13 AM
I've really had a fascination with the low-income side of things lately, for some reason.
What ever the reason Dustin, they look fantastic :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on March 03, 2009, 04:07:22 AM
Wow Dustin, you're a master with those low wealth buildings.
This mosaic looks really wonderful and a bit Dirty cause of those buildings.
Well, i'm not very inspired this time, soo note a long comment. /wrrd%&
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: metarvo on March 03, 2009, 05:39:35 AM
Low-wealth buildings are a must for a complete city, IMHO, and they certainly do look good in Marathon.  Nice work, Dustin!  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: metasmurf on March 03, 2009, 06:24:06 AM
Nice mosaic! I like the project housing :)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Battlecat on March 03, 2009, 08:53:28 AM
Very cool looking low wealth area.  It certainly is a must for any city, the low wealth areas are often overlooked.  Nice job! 
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bat on March 03, 2009, 10:28:45 AM
Really really nice mosaic there! Nice work! :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Jmouse on March 03, 2009, 01:31:35 PM
Great mosaic, Dustin - very realistic. Maybe that fascination with low-income housing is an unconscious reaction to current economic conditions. &mmm

Sorry I didn't get around to voting,
but it wouldn't have made any difference. I'd have gone with the majority on B. It will be interesting to see where you take the project from here.

As always, looking forward to more...

Joan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: LE0 on March 03, 2009, 02:21:29 PM
Nice and realistic mosaic thundercrack! :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Scarton on March 03, 2009, 03:30:17 PM
Nice mosaic! It's a good slum area you built. What is that blue grass stuff under the freeway?
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Tarkus on March 03, 2009, 05:09:31 PM
Hi Dustin-

It's been far too long since I've stopped in here.  Just continually amazing stuff.  You've really become quite the fantastic lotter, I must say.  I think you've even developed a unique style.

The low-wealth mosaic is great as well--very gritty.

I need to remind myself to check here more often. ;)

-Alex
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: simsamerica on March 03, 2009, 05:35:49 PM
nice, this & 3RR get my  :thumbsup: &apls WOO!! thing
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon [03/04/09]: UPDATE XXVI: Choosing Textures, Round 2
Post by: thundercrack83 on March 04, 2009, 01:48:37 AM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies.jpg&hash=f9a404e367cb5e6d84638084803c586e8b151f6e)

Alfred.Jones: Thank you so much, my friend!

Arthur (art128): Thanks, Arthur! I'm glad you liked it!

metarvo: Thank you!

metasmurf: Thanks! I'm a fan of them, too!

Battlecat: Thank you so much! You're right, low-wealth sections are necessary for any major metropolitan area.

bat: Thank you, my friend!

Joan (Jmouse): Hi, Joan! You have a good point on my possible subconscious reaction, unfortunately. Hopefully things will turn around soon, though. Oh, and don't worry about voting, my friend! We'll catch you next time!

LE0: Thank you!

citycapitalizer: Thanks so much! Oh, and that's only regular grass under the highway, the shadows may be what's giving it a blue hue. Take care!

Alex (Tarkus): Hi, Alex! Thanks, my friend, for your great comment! I think I'm getting the hang of things in the LE now, thankfully. Hope to see you again soon!

simsamerica: Thank you! It's truly an honor to be considered in the same category as 3RR in your eyes!






UPDATE XXVI
Choosing Textures, Round 2
4 March 2009

Well, thanks to the suggestion made by Isaac (Masochist) about showing the top-voted textures in an overview in-game, I've put something together, using the textures from Update XXV: Deep in the Heart of Textures (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6190.msg226726#msg226726). It gave me a better perspective on the textures, and I hope it will do the same for you!

Here goes!


Texture B — Overview
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252026%2F26001.jpg&hash=b04c17ac9c4e1db254ea4c619d431b6281233178)


Texture B — Close-Up
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252026%2F26002.jpg&hash=d9f43bbee4e55af1ec3f3f93f9e099d06ed9e596)


Texture C — Overview
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252026%2F26003.jpg&hash=b2f59d19dc43819334f0a86d42b96dc088760307)


Texture C — Close-Up
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252026%2F26004.jpg&hash=2f4164ea3c5a72ce8d544128d6f3d091ea24fb99)


Texture E — Overview
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252026%2F26005.jpg&hash=ca4a0c1d9c48401e34ec498256f8e11c3ae8d4a0)


Texture E — Close-Up
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252026%2F26006.jpg&hash=d436ed7803c3f06e1224ce8ef365f8d308e5f591)

Right now, I'm leaning—like the majority—towards Texture B, but I would love to hear what all of you have to say! After looking them over for a bit of time, I think any one of the three would work well, actually.

So...let me know what you think, friends! Oh, and we're already close to 900 comments...did I mention that you guys are the best?

More to come!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on March 04, 2009, 02:39:12 AM
Well Dustin, the best textures of these 3 is, IMO, the B. Those pavement looks really wonderful and I think they will add a great touch to your city. :thumbsup:
Take care.
Can't wait the next update;

Arthur. &apls
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: rooker1 on March 04, 2009, 03:56:17 AM
Hey Dustin,
This LOT has turned out to look fantastic and agree with using texture B for sure.  I can also see that the ajoining LOTs are a different base colour, will you be matching them up?
See ya later my friend,
Robin  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Battlecat on March 04, 2009, 08:32:35 AM
I'm going to have to go with texture B once again, it just fits the feel of that train station complex perfectly.  It also complements the brown tiles much better than the other two textures.  I will say that texture C is not far behind seeing it in context though. 
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: deathtopumpkins on March 04, 2009, 12:23:20 PM
Of those, I'd have to say B... It fits in the best IMO.  :)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: metarvo on March 04, 2009, 02:10:32 PM
Personally, I prefer C, but it seems as though B has the majority.  However, I am confident that you will make it look good no matter what texture you use, Dustin.  Keep up the good work, and congratulations on getting all of these replies.  That's one of the marks of a truly successful MD, IMHO.

:thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: threestooges on March 04, 2009, 02:49:21 PM
My vote's still with B Dustin. Isaac was right (good to see you around again Isaac, and yes, I remember Condor Bay), it's a good idea (though somewhat time consuming) to prepare lots of different textures. Seeing them as they would be helps make the decision much easier. B just has a good balance of color and blends with the surrounding textures.
-Matt
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Jmouse on March 04, 2009, 03:14:34 PM
I'll definitely stick with B. The difference in hues is noticeable but still subtle enough to look natural. I was concerned about the repetitious quality of the darker tiles, but with the addition of trees and props - along with their shadows and visual magnetism - the overall scene worked out well.

Later...
Joan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: tooheys on March 05, 2009, 12:22:02 AM
Hi Dustin, some great work here  :thumbsup: I agree with the majority, B is a standout although I don't mind the contrast in C either.

Regardless, it looks great either way.

Cheers

Dave
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on March 05, 2009, 01:28:18 AM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies.jpg&hash=f9a404e367cb5e6d84638084803c586e8b151f6e)

Arthur (art128): Thank you, Arthur! We got one vote for B!

Robin (rooker1): Hi, Robin! Vote number two for B! I'm so glad that like the lot, my friend—we've been so busy with..."other things"...that I don't think I showed you any of the progress on it. Sorry about that! Oh, and the entire section will definitely match up. The other textures in the picture we're an accidental inclusion. Take care!

Battlecat: And we have a third vote for B! Thanks for stopping by!

deathtopumpkins: Four for B! We may have to call this thing on account of a mercy rule or something...

metarvo: Ooooh, we've got a vote for C! Thank you so much for your vote on the textures, and your vote of confidence in me, as well! Thanks for coming by!

Matt (threestooges): Hi, Matt! Actually the whole process wasn't all that time consuming, I just switched out the textures, went in to the game, snapped the photos and then went back. All in all, it took about 15 minutes at the most. Hope to see you again soon!

Joan (Jmouse) We've got another vote for B! You make some great points about why B should be chosen, too. Thanks, Joan!

Dave (tooheys): Hi, Dave! Great to see you here again, my friend! Thanks for your vote, and I hope to see you around again soon!




We'll it looks as though texture B is the "Texture-Elect" for the train station area. Truth be told, I had pretty much settled on B prior to posting the final three, but I wanted to do it anyway, just in case any of you pointed out something that would sway things a different way. Thank you all for participating in this, friends—it's always wonderful to hear what your input, advice, and suggestions!

We've moved on to what I believe is the final lot for the train station area...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F060.jpg&hash=e2520cae4da510109bb029ac2a6a418fecc2f973)

Another 5x21 monster for the southern side of the area. It's still in the initial phase, though, so there is still quite a bit of work left to do. With any luck, though, I hope to bang it out throughout the weekend.

And I believe were only 4 comments away from 900! Who will be the one to hit the target?

Thanks again for your help and support, everyone!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: MandelSoft on March 05, 2009, 06:25:40 AM
Now you only need three  ;)

I've been lurking around for a while, and I did see many stunning things. You are really paying attention to the station area and it's very rare to see that people have influence in a MD. Impressive!

Best,
Maarten
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: threestooges on March 05, 2009, 10:15:44 AM
Thanks for doing the little preview session. What system specs are you running on your computer that you can do all that three times in 15 minutes? After that little issue I had the other week, I may have a new computer on the way so I'm curious to know what sort of performance boost I might expect. At any rate, glad to hear these lots are coming together. I like the gardens shown in this one. Very formal/clean. Marathon must employ a fine maintenance crew to keep those things looking good. Take it easy my friend.
-Matt
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Pat on March 05, 2009, 10:33:09 AM
Well Dustin I will put you one closer to 900!!!! Congrats on such a wonderful MD here!!! Which reminds me I need to get a drink  ;)

BTW I would have stuck with B and I cant wait to see what more happens here!!!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: DarkLoki on March 05, 2009, 10:50:25 AM
Amazing city you are building, the rowhouses, the highway, well... everything looks right. Like how you make custum lots for every special situation.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Heblem on March 05, 2009, 12:21:44 PM
Congratulations for your 900 comments! well you got here the 901  ;)

You're very skilled with the LE, I like your gardens, can't wait for your original update  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Battlecat on March 05, 2009, 02:00:02 PM
Looking good.  I like those hedged gardens in the preview image.  Can't wait to see it in place. 
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Jmouse on March 05, 2009, 10:10:19 PM
The newest LE project is coming along very well. And I'm glad B won - apparently there are a lot of folks around here who have good taste in textures :) !

Later...
Joan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Alfred.Jones on March 05, 2009, 10:36:00 PM
Congrats on 900 replies Dustin :thumbsup:

Awesome work :)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon [03/06/09]: UPDATE XVII: The Crux of the...
Post by: thundercrack83 on March 06, 2009, 02:18:19 AM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies.jpg&hash=f9a404e367cb5e6d84638084803c586e8b151f6e)

Maarten (mrtnrln): Thank you so very much, Maarten!

Matt (threestooges): Thanks, Matt! On the computer specs, I had posted them a few pages back in answer to the same question asked by our friend deathtopumpkins, but I do not remember off-hand. It's quite fast, though, as I can pop in and out of the game, as well as the LE, with not even a blink of an eye. Oh, and I'm glad you like the garden so far, too! Thanks for stopping by!

Pat: Thanks, my friend!

DarkLoki: Hello and welcome! Thanks so much for coming by and for you great comment! I hope to see you again soon!

Heblem: Thanks!

Battlecat: Thank you, my friend! We're making more headway on the garden areas, so you won't have to way too long, I hope!

Joan (Jmouse): Hi, Joan! Now that I've played with it for a while, I'm happy that texture B won, too. I think it works quite well with everything else. Take care!

Alfred.Jones: Thanks, my friend!






UPDATE XXVII
The Crux of the Conundrum and a Corresponding Query
6 March 2009

While playing around with some things down by the train station complex, I noticed and thought of something that needed rectified—


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252027%2F27001.jpg&hash=7598626c1c1ab1a5be8e8c2412de0308b6c85434)

Above you can we where the Avenue On-Slope pieces leave the ground and become elevated, as well as the empty tile on the side of the slope. Therein that empty tile lies our conundrum...

The walls that I am using (http://sc4devotion.com/csxlex/lex_filedesc.php?lotGET=1504) are by MAS71, and they feature "Under Bridge" pieces, which was my first move to clear this up...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252027%2F27002.jpg&hash=fc37fe1cedf4ee1b367702c2011d7d8f8a70177c)

Unfortunately, things got murkier. In order to get the under-bridge section to go where it belongs, you have turn the lot 90°, which makes the wall textures misalign. So, I thought...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252027%2F27003.jpg&hash=e5a70cdad13b5f9482e38fe9c4eb29e94b950bc7)

...let's fire up the LE and take a look at it in there!

First...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252027%2F27004.jpg&hash=6feb7a624548cfc70c795240bbcb317b076cb22f)

...we eliminate the props that gave us the fence at the top, and then...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252027%2F27005.jpg&hash=fcd524052abceb6a1eaaa03ab44b94f8db20af33)

...rotate the base texture by 90°! Easy enough, eh? I certainly thought so at the time!

Now, we...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252027%2F27006.jpg&hash=9bd4fc4a663614310d7b0fb2b259c7f8129f2c61)

...add a simple overlay texture that matches the terrain mod.

We add...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252027%2F27007.jpg&hash=49fff797e5c6ec4beca2d2c2b36722dfcf96adc0)

...matching fences so it aligns with the 14x1 no-slope-conforming lots, and...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252027%2F27008.jpg&hash=1f0d7726ddbb9968fe943e4d1c7a4b730e6816a6)

..."Save As."

Back into the game!


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252027%2F27009.jpg&hash=d804422be1f017ba9a5b9c78d1e392bca71a6ba1)

As you can see, the wall textures line up, but I've run into what is the crux of the conundrum—the fact that the overlay texture will not match with...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252027%2F27010.jpg&hash=cf752d68e45efc44ffeb8b809a0dd9f14a17b8af)

...the rest of the area. Oh, and there's also the little thing about the fences not being in alignment, but that's a small fix, don't worry!

So, I pose our corresponding query...But, first—Did you see this...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252027%2F27011.jpg&hash=10c5fdbaac61dd280d2e2a236b16892a816aad19)

...in our first picture?

It's another non-slope conforming lot, this time...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252027%2F27012.jpg&hash=def47e31d8c1b5884585a5030e617c643cedd46c)

...put together to match the set-up of the Gare du Nord station. Nothing too elaborate just a few matching trees and things to make the area more cohesive.

Here's the non-slope conforming part...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252027%2F27013.jpg&hash=e06fd284f1ee9d611c7308eb64a89ea34b968aca)

...and...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252027%2F27014.jpg&hash=4bdb58d6233bef7c522f84842cacc87be63701ff)

...an overview.

So back to the crux of our conundrum and the corresponding query—Is there a way to take the texture from the 5x21 train station custom lot that I've made, and turn it into an overlay texture that would replace the grass overlay texture above and line up with the surrounding area? And if so, is it terribly complicated?

Any help in this matter will be very greatly appreciated! Many thanks in advance, friends!

Oh, and thanks so much for getting us to 900 comments! We're already well on our way to 1000, I just cannot believe it! You guys are the greatest friends a person could have!

In a bit!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: projectadam on March 06, 2009, 02:28:01 AM
The details you have gone into Dustin are just fantastic. I unfortunately have no answer to your question but just wanted to drop a comment to let you know things look great as always.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: cameron1991 on March 06, 2009, 02:29:09 AM
Very nice! I love your plaza area that borders the railway lines!  :thumbsup:

Now for your problem, how about 2 8x6 TE-enabled railway lots with the dirt/grass overlay as your base texture? The switches in the middle of the tracks wouldn't be functional, but it would look much nicer!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: rooker1 on March 06, 2009, 04:46:49 AM
Hello Dustin,
Great work.  You are really starting to amaze me with your LE work and soon I think you won't need me.  :-[
As for your little problem, why don't you just try a rail mod to get rid of the grass texture, so the terrain doesn't change.  I personally think it wiould be nice if someone created one with just stones on either side.  BUt you could try Nob's, Peg's or SFBT.  And I think I read some where recently that Andreas was working on a new one.
I hope that answered your question.
BTW, every thing is okay....kids and wife are sick, it's like watching over four kids now.  Takes alot of time and energy. ;)

See ya later,
Robin  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Battlecat on March 06, 2009, 09:29:05 AM
Looking good!  Not sure what might solve your conundrum there, the only thing that comes to mind right now is a set of transit enable lots.  But that could be quite time consuming.  Good luck!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: dsrwhat316 on March 06, 2009, 01:41:03 PM
Okay, I'm going to take a crack at this. If I lose you, feel free to stop me  :P

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252027%2F27014.jpg&hash=4bdb58d6233bef7c522f84842cacc87be63701ff)

Here's your overview of the area in question. My proposal is to create two lots in the Lot Editor. These two lots will conform to the slope (i.e., use the Maxis Open Grass Park as your lot) and will be placed in the blank center strip of land.

The size of the lot placed by the left five tracks will be a width of one (1) and and depth of however many grid squares the distance between the inner pillars of the avenue bridge and the edge of the switch bend. The size of the lot placed by the right five tracks is reversed; the depth will be one (1) and the width the distance mentioned above.

Now, after creating those lots (and detailing them to your liking) and plopping them in-game, save your game and exit out of SC4. I direct you now to my How to Texture NAM Curves (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=4085.0) tutorial for further explanation. Although NAM curves aren't in-use in your pics, the concept can still apply to this situation.

Okay, here's the important part. After following the tutorial and opening the game again, you'll notice the overlays for the rail tracks are covered by your chosen base texture (the one you want to use!). This is simple to fix. Using the Lot Editor, open the lots again. Locate the rail track overlay texture (which happens to be the very first one for me ;)) and plop these in the appropriate places in the resized lot. For the switch overlay texture, they should also be in the Lot Editor, but unfortunately I'm unsure of which texture pack they are in. Perhaps David (dedgren) can be of some help there...

I used this technique to make the grass texture alongside diagonal roads become covered by my choice of texture. Here's an example, show at the top of the pic::

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi238.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fff177%2Fdsrwhat316%2FThe%2520Source%2FFH%2FMosaics%2F331.jpg&hash=571af08b73be06835aca09a814b46406514c9e84)

If more explanation is necessary, PM me or post the dimensions of the blank center strip of land and I'll make an example in-game of this technique.

Whew, now I can stop typing and find me a little pick-me-up after a long day (and week!)... ()stsfd()

~ Dan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on March 06, 2009, 02:08:38 PM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies.jpg&hash=f9a404e367cb5e6d84638084803c586e8b151f6e)

projectadam: Thanks so much! It's great to see you here again!

cameron1991: Thank you very much for the tips, my friend! They will definitely be put to good use!

Robin (rooker1): Hi, Robin! Good to hear from you, my friend—I was getting a bit worried! Sorry to hear that everyone in the family is sick, that cannot be fun at all. And thank you for your suggestions, I will look into them right away. Take care!

Battlecat: Thanks so much!

Dan (dsrwhat316): Wow! What can I say, Dan? You are a machine, my friend! I will be reading and re-reading your post, as I'm sure that it will be extremely helpful with this task! Thank you so very much!




To quote Luke Jackson (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cool_Hand_Luke)...


"What we've got here is a failure to communicate."

The failure is on my part, of course. I didn't succinctly explain my dilemma. What I was referring to as "the crux our the conundrum" was...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F061.jpg&hash=f00b2e3b730ffb85968443f478213119f6076eaf)

...this—is there a way to make an overlay texture that will replace the green part circled above and match the brick texture to which the arrow is pointing?

I do apologize very much for not being clear on this, as the solutions you have given are for a much more elaborate problem...A problem that was next on my list of things to tackle, so rest assured, your tips, advice, and suggestions will not go unused, friends!

If anyone has any tips on the current conundrum, or the rail texture one, too, please don't hesitate to let us know! Any help is greatly appreciated!

Thank you all so very much for lending a hand with this, I do not know where I would be without all of you!

More to come soon!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Jmouse on March 06, 2009, 02:45:08 PM
Now that you've cleared up the question, it brings up another one. Look at the size of the bricks in the wall compared to the ones used on the plaza and the staircase. The wall bricks are wildly out of proportion. One brick is the size of a fence section (the greenish ones at the top of the walls) and nearly as big as a single stair step. Turn one of those bricks on end and it's as tall as the chain-link fence under the bridge.

Just an off-the-wall observation...
  :)
Joan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: dsrwhat316 on March 06, 2009, 03:04:02 PM
...oh. Whoops! Well, maybe my explanation will come to use in the future  $%Grinno$%

There is a solution to your problem. I refer you to jplumbley's Transit Texture Tutorial (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=4140.0) for an in-depth view into creating textures. Since transit textures are essentially overlays, this tutorial should be you new best friend in creating the textures you need. I have used this tutorial myself and have found it extremely helpful. It just takes a bit of patience and time  :thumbsup:

The first thing you need to do is to find your texture in a texture pack. The SC4 Tool will help you with this. To save you time, your texture is located in this pack: PEG_MTP_TEXTURES_vol2  Now the tutorial can take over from here, as my explanation will just confuse you further  :P

~ Dan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on March 07, 2009, 12:38:33 AM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies.jpg&hash=f9a404e367cb5e6d84638084803c586e8b151f6e)

Joan (Jmouse): Hi, Joan! You've touched upon an excellent point! I'd never noticed that before! I have to admit, I am bit lapse in recognizing matters of scale, not only in the game but in most facets...don't ask me how tall I think you are! Thanks for dropping by, my friend, and bringing up a very interesting tidbit there! Take care!

Dan (dsrwhat316): Just as I suspected, my friend—things have gotten a bit too complicated for me. While the texture that I am looking for need not be transit-enabled, I'm still not proficient with things above and beyond the realm of the LE, regrettably. Sure, there's no better time to learn that right now, right? That's very true, and while I've read the texture tutorial you so graciously linked, I think I'm going to need to do a bit more studying to get the learning process underway. I've said in multiple times already, but I truly thank you very much for all of your guidance in these projects, Dan. I means so much to me that I can come here with a question, problem, or issue, and have you and so many others pitch in and help out where you can. Thanks again!




Well...I've developed a temporary—hopefully, anyway—solution to the overlay texture conundrum...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F062.jpg&hash=4d8cd93b00e6db09c0192d2da0cc992dfa83298a)

It's not too bad, I don't think. Certainly not as good as if I could get the matching texture. Back to the tutorial!

Oh, barring any extenuating circumstances, the train station complex may be "ready for prime-time" quite soon.

Stay tuned!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on March 07, 2009, 02:38:10 AM
that looks great there Dustin !!  &apls
I can't say anything else !

Arthur. :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: threestooges on March 07, 2009, 04:55:22 AM
Glad to hear things have been shaping up for the station area. As for the brick texture, I don't think it's too much of a problem scale-wise. Looking at the ones on the staircase, having them all at different sizes seems more realistic. I have seen (but can't find pictures of) some retaining walls just north of Santa Monica along PCH (Highway 1) with massive cement segments to prevent the highway from becoming a dirt road so to speak. As for the temporary fix, I'd say it worked out well. I think it almost works better, considering the gardens already dotting the area. Incidentally, I just noticed the switch post in that picture... is that Maxis, or is that part of a special piece you used there? Great work on this Dustin. I'll look forward to seeing everything when it's all set and ready to go. Until then, take it easy.
-Matt
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: KoV Liberty on March 07, 2009, 07:46:07 AM
What about the stadium complex? How is that coming along?

Dritmaster
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Battlecat on March 07, 2009, 09:35:39 AM
Actually your solution there is probably the more realistic one considering the space available.  Organizations responsible for roads usually don't like to put civic spaces under overpasses both for ease of maintenance access and for liability sake if somebody tosses something over the side.  Looking good!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bat on March 07, 2009, 10:51:03 AM
Fantastic work on that newest update there! Nice LE-work again! :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Jmouse on March 07, 2009, 03:40:07 PM
Dustin, proportions are like beauty - strictly in the eyes of the beholder. I see numerous structurally disproportionate examples in games which apparently are ignored or tolerated, so it's a matter of personal choice, not necessarily a fault.

I think you did a great job of solving the underpass dilemma - the little white fence was a perfect choice. IMO, it would not have looked as good if you'd tried to match the stone/iron fence. And I've always been especially fond of that particular variety of tree.

Later...
Joan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on March 07, 2009, 11:48:21 PM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies.jpg&hash=f9a404e367cb5e6d84638084803c586e8b151f6e)

Arthur (art128): Thanks!

Matt (threestooges): Hello, Matt! As I said to Joan, scale is not something that I've delved into very much, because I have a poor barometer for it. I've thought long and hard about trying to do things "to scale" with the region, but it started to make my head hurt, so I just gave it up. As for that rail switch, I didn't put it in there, it came up automatically. Whether it's actually Maxis or not, though, I'm unsure. Thanks for stopping in!

Driftmaster07: Hello! I've been a bit occupied by this train station area for a while. Perhaps it's time to revisit the sports complex and see how things are coming along there! Hope to see you again soon!

Battlecat: Thank you! You make a good point about not putting civic space under the overpass for ease of maintenance. I like that explanation!

bat: Thank you, bat!

Joan (Jmouse): Thank you, Joan! You're correct on proportion being subjective, too—but whether it's subjective or objective, I know I've got a horrible eye for it! I'm glad you'd like the solution for underneath the overpass. It was originally designed as a temporary one, but I think I may keep it after all. Thanks for coming by, my friend!




Well, Daylight Savings Time has officially begun here in Pennsylvania for 2009...as if my sleeping schedule wasn't already messed up enough, now it's an hour later than it normally is! Oh, well...I sleep some other time, I guess!

But right now, I've been toying with the surrounding area for the train station...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F063.jpg&hash=d96d3e0cab42d5bdbf949e3fb17a725aa70bf08b)

I made a 3x4 lot to go in front of a yet-to-be-delegated Commonwealth of Marathon government builiding (really the Bourse des Commerces (http://sc4devotion.com/csxlex/lex_filedesc.php?lotGET=1525) by xannepan), which is to house the entrance and exit for a metro station.

Still more to come from this area and, hopefully the sports complex, too!

Take care!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Alfred.Jones on March 08, 2009, 12:13:58 AM
That looks like a nice plaza Dustin!
Looks fantastic!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: tooheys on March 08, 2009, 12:18:57 AM
Very nice Dustin, looks great. :thumbsup:  So when is the Thundercrack Mega Pack making an appearance  ;)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on March 08, 2009, 03:09:19 AM
Fantastic plaza there Dustin, great choice of props and textures.
Nice work with the highway and the "la bourse" building. &apls
Nice lot and L-E work my friend.

Arthur. :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Jmouse on March 08, 2009, 03:57:53 AM
Another attractive lot has materialized in front of another stunning BAT. I really like that brown texture you used, and the details you've included fit in perfectly. Overall, that's a really nice pic with a lot of interesting detail, right down to the little paths in the grassy area above the freeway.

Well done...
Joan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bat on March 08, 2009, 06:07:01 AM
Great picture there! :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: kimcar on March 08, 2009, 08:16:10 AM
 &apls Great lotting once again.  Keep up your great work :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: deathtopumpkins on March 08, 2009, 08:28:05 AM
Whoa, Dustin, excellent choice of BATs! I really like how that area is coming along!  &apls
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: KoV Liberty on March 08, 2009, 07:20:49 PM
Cool surrounding area! I especially love the Sunken Highway. Great Job! :thumbsup: Can't wait to see the complex.

Driftmaster
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on March 09, 2009, 01:48:35 AM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies.jpg&hash=f9a404e367cb5e6d84638084803c586e8b151f6e)

Alfred.Jones: Thanks, my friend!

Dave (tooheys): Thank you, Dave! As for the Thundercrack Mega Pack...I don't know if I'm good enough for that yet! Maybe some day, though. Thanks for coming by!

Arthur (art128): Thanks, Arthur!

Joan (Jmouse): Thank you, Joan! I'm glad you like the picture, though I can't take credit for the little paths on the grassy area. They're part of the tunnel pieces that I used. Take care!

bat: Danke!

kimcar: Thank you so much!

deathtopumpkins: Thanks, my friend!

Driftmaster07: Thanks! I'm happy you like the area!




Thanks to Dan (dsrwhat316) and his incredible tutorial How to Texture NAM Curves (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=4085.0)...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F064.jpg&hash=ce27ab0b4dea11f7e8310e0980dbc2918e7bafcb)

...this! While I'm not 100% completely sold on my texture choice—I chose the first thing I saw that looked remotely close so I could try out the tutorial—I really like the results using Dan's excellent technique.

Oh, and at the request our newest friend to Marathon, Driftmaster07, MBBQ-TV12 sent its traffic helicopter over to the sports complex area a little while ago to check out the progress...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F065.jpg&hash=5e9c05683fc77345466dc2b84491e8ac4d4f2d88)

Unfortunately, there was a bit of a precipitation at the time! Sorry about that!

In all seriousness, though, this train station section has really monopolized a lot of my time recently, and I do apologize for beating a dead horse with things like a picture of some empty rails and a grey texture. In my defense, a lot of what I've been doing, I've been learning to do as I've done it, and when it works out (or when it doesn't!), I like to share my results. If things are becoming a bit tedious, please feel free to just give me a good slap!

Fortunately, development of this area is reaching the denouement soon, and the next step is to see it all in its entirety, and simultaneously get some more progress done on the sports complex.

Thanks for hanging in here with me, friends. I appreciate it from the bottom of my heart!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Alfred.Jones on March 09, 2009, 02:08:06 AM
Looks good Dustin.
Can't wait to see the sports complex!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: JoeST on March 09, 2009, 02:27:29 AM
Oh my.... Oh my, oh my :o

THAT IS GOOOOOOOD
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Battlecat on March 09, 2009, 08:30:21 AM
Fantastic job.  I'm obviously going to have to look at the same tutorial more carefully because the effect is superb! 

Honestly, that's a pretty good texture already, railway beds are one of the most inhospitable places for plant life, particularly if the railway is well used.  Just to help you with a texture, here (http://img15.imageshack.us/my.php?image=vancouverrailyard.jpg) is a shot of a rail yard in my area on a sunny day.  Looking at this picture, I'd say you could possibly make the texture a touch lighter and a touch coarser, but that would depend a lot on the local rock supply.  You could always consider trying to match the texture to the rock texture you're using in your region since it's quite likely the rail bed material would be quarried locally. 

You also might notice the wider area in the middle of the picture.  There happens to be a power line running along that area, but I think it has a lot in common with that central area you cleared out to put in the pillars on the overpass.  It's likely you'll have to fill it in anyhow to make the under rail textures work, but at least it's realistic!  Anyhow, didn't mean to babble on, just wanted to give you some thoughts on the texturing.  Looking forward to seeing what's hidden in the fog there! 


Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Pat on March 09, 2009, 08:39:05 AM
Dustin you are doing a damn good job here so don't worry about (https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg11.imageshack.us%2Fimg11%2F841%2Fbeatingadeadhorse.gif&hash=102af2a82bf7244a95b19f664c7dc235df4d0052)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bat on March 09, 2009, 09:06:56 AM
Yes that looks really good! Looking forward to more... ;)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on March 09, 2009, 11:48:55 PM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies.jpg&hash=f9a404e367cb5e6d84638084803c586e8b151f6e)

Alfred.Jones: Thanks, my friend!

Joe (JoeST): Hi, Joe! Thank you!

Battlecat: Hello! Thank you so much for your input, my friend! The picture of the rail yard near your home helps out a lot! Thanks again and take care!

Pat: Thanks, Pat!

bat: And thank you, bat!




Well, I've taken things in a whole different direction for the rails...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F066.jpg&hash=578bc123dbd4b830090ecc53a3dae6d172de3430)

This is just the preliminary stage so far, so development is still in progress. Oh, and I realized that I don't think I've shown any of the other section of the quay yet. Here's a taste—



(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F067.jpg&hash=b605510c9edac1810c3bd600d74d0de3929ce4c3)

Back in a bit!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: dedgren on March 10, 2009, 12:04:00 AM
That direction looks majorly underground, my friend.  Marathon looks as great as ever, and it's a wonderful thing to watch you spin off new ideas.


David
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Alfred.Jones on March 10, 2009, 01:52:47 AM
Interesting idea using the underground pieces Dustin!
Any particular reason for using them rather than conventional tunnels?

Looks good either way :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on March 10, 2009, 04:19:24 AM
What a good looking garden there Dustin.  :thumbsup:
the sort of trees used are really nice and go together well in that area.
The flora used is a great touch.

Arthur.  &apls
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Battlecat on March 10, 2009, 08:42:18 AM
Glad I could help.  Those new tunnel entrances look quite cool.  I like the gardens and trees on that second picture you've got there as well, you're doing beautiful work on this project. 
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: KoV Liberty on March 10, 2009, 07:03:08 PM
When will the TV station learn huh!  ;D :D Well I guess we'll have to wait and see!  ()stsfd()

Driftmaster
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Pat on March 10, 2009, 07:32:45 PM
Dustin what more can I say??? I know I cant wait to see more of that Quay!!!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on March 11, 2009, 01:38:11 AM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies.jpg&hash=f9a404e367cb5e6d84638084803c586e8b151f6e)

David (dedgren): Hi, David! It's wonderful to see you here, my friend! Especially with all the amazing things you've got going on. Thanks for taking a minute away to stop in...now, get back to those wonderful things! Just kidding, my friend. Take care, David!

Alfred.Jones: Thanks, my friend! The reason that I switched tunnels was because the previous ones weren't working well with what I was trying to accomplish, unfortunately. Sometimes, though, you have to know when to abandon ship! Thanks for coming by!

Arthur (art128): Thank you, Arthur!

Battlecat: Thanks so much, Battlecat! I'm glad you like the area!

Driftmaster07: Ha! So sorry, my friend! Soon, though, I promise!

Pat: Thank you, my friend!




Well, I've been spending most of the night eating Wheaties straight out of the box—I need to pick up some more milk, tomorrow—but between handfuls, I was able to get a bit more done with the rails for our train station. Here's where we stand as of now:


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F068.jpg&hash=2e93c63efc673888988bf9c6daa493176c870406)

So far I'm quite satisfied with things, though I wish I could get more props in the middle where the billboards are. The slope makes it tough to get them to look right, regrettably.

We're edging closer to putting this thing together, so stay tuned!

Now back to my Wheaties...
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: beutelschlurf on March 11, 2009, 01:45:50 AM
moin thundercrack83,

look great ...  :thumbsup:

b_schlurf
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Alfred.Jones on March 11, 2009, 01:54:29 AM
Haha! Wheaties! Mmmmmm :P

That pictures looks fantastic! Those props in the middle look excellent. Love the attention to detail.

Can't wait for more Dustin :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bat on March 11, 2009, 04:04:42 AM
Three wonderful new pictures in two updates there! Nice work! :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: metarvo on March 11, 2009, 06:20:09 AM
Lol, Dustin!  So, that's how you're doing this so well?  I should have known that your secret was Wheaties.  $%Grinno$%

Anyway, it looks as though the train station's really starting to shape up.  You have dealt with a good number of difficult building situations in the past, so I have had no doubt that you would be successful at completing the station.  Now, I'll give you a chance to get back to eating Wheaties, so you will do some more good work.  ;D

:thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Battlecat on March 11, 2009, 08:08:01 AM
Hey cool, it's up and running!  Nice train models there, all the details look great! 
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Jmouse on March 11, 2009, 02:42:51 PM
Dustin, you've done wonders with the train station - far beyond what I could imagine at first. As for props down the middle, the only thing I can think of is billboards turned at a 90-degree angle to the existing ones. Or, two sections of four billboards set in an elongated diamond pattern - catch 'em coming and going! The only other possibility that comes to mind is some small planters at the bases of the existing billboards, but I wouldn't want the job of going out there to water them!

Actually I think it looks fine just the way it is,
but clutter always has been and always will be a way of life in the advertising game! ::)

Later...
Joan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Pat on March 11, 2009, 04:59:23 PM
LoL Dustin gotta love the Wheaties yummies,

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg22.imageshack.us%2Fimg22%2F9792%2Fmarathonwheaties.jpg&hash=b6025df3c95f2182ea4998afdd4f526bbd383bdc)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: KoV Liberty on March 11, 2009, 05:46:43 PM
Props or no props in the middle it still looks cool!!! :thumbsup:

Driftmaster
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon [03/12/09]: UPDATE XXVIII: Presenting North...
Post by: thundercrack83 on March 12, 2009, 02:58:37 AM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies.jpg&hash=f9a404e367cb5e6d84638084803c586e8b151f6e)

beutelschlurf: Thanks!

Alfred.Jones: Thank you, my friend! I'm glad you like it!

bat: Thanks, bat!

metarvo: Ha! I think the Wheaties may be the secret! Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend!

Battlecat: Thank you!

Joan (Jmouse): Thanks, Joan! Unfortunately, the billboards will only rotate perpendicularly, so making a diamond shape seems to be impossible. Thanks for your wonderful idea, I wish I could have implemented it! Take care, Joan!

Pat: Wow! I feel like an Olympic decathlon champion now! I love it! Thanks so much, Pat! It's always great to have friends like you for support!

Driftmaster07: Thank you! I'm happy you like it either way! Makes my job a bit easier!






UPDATE XXVIII
Presenting the North Station Quay
12 March 2009

Well, it's about time, eh?

The train station—officially known as the E. Randolph Thackeray Marathon North Station—and it's surrounding area, which is the North Station Quay, are finally finished. Let's not waste any time then! Let's check things out!

First...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252028%2F28001.jpg&hash=6c88e6edd8bc823b5378e8d71a1508a38fc9f412)

We begin in familiar territory, the Citroën Amphitheatre—home to, among other things, the Marathon Philarmonic and the minor-league hockey team the Marathon Nor'easters. Someone should have told the people that named the place, however, that I believe a prerequisite to being an "amphitheatre" is that it's an outdoor venue. Oh, well!


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252028%2F28002.jpg&hash=74a7fb1184f5443d492728e5d04f07bd68e9b7a0)

Here's the back end of the amphitheatre, with a crowd of people heading in for the game or show, or what have you!

Next we move over to...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252028%2F28003.jpg&hash=ec841780dbf4adf849fee65ae3f130f4bc9a9f09)

...the North End of North Station Quay, where the reflecting pools are located. Below it is...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252028%2F28004.jpg&hash=05b40fd40fe74dcc3d4b7cc623bddf26d0d74853)

...an outdoor restaurant and café.


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252028%2F28005.jpg&hash=f573ea39c9d43a99d757e54b6e480e9dcd784296)

Above we have some of the trains heading into and away from the North Station.


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252028%2F28006.jpg&hash=f1ef0d3ed4b99e3a0a1bc49d5d85a8a899493f0d)

And here, we have a monument to E. Randolph Thackeray, after whom the North Station is named. Thackeray was an important businessman and philanthropist in Marathon from 1880-1910, in addition to holding political office.


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252028%2F28007.jpg&hash=16c4e2f2a4ac7af6dc09fd850de9b1a0d140b851)

And we have the floral gardens, as well. Home to many a flower!

Finally...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252028%2F28008t.jpg&hash=ab37e5e6de04378b8eb9857752883878efce5766) (http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o134/thundercrack83/MARATHON/Update%2028/28008.jpg)

I do so hope that you enjoyed the North Station Quay! It's probably the biggest project that I've even taken on in the game single-handedly, and I'm quite pleased with how it turned out!

And of course...


Happy Birthday, 3RR!

Today is the anniversary of the opening of Three Rivers Region, so if you haven't already done so, head over there and check things out because I'm sure that our very good friend David (dedgren) has got stuff cooking!

Oh, and one last thing...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FOSITM%2F48.jpg&hash=84df270011d8b07bb403bd57c3e58086f33db8fe)

48 more...

Thanks for stopping by!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Alfred.Jones on March 12, 2009, 03:02:18 AM
All I can say Dustin is WOW :thumbsup:

The attention to detail is amazing!
The whole station and quay fit in so well to the surroundings and look so real.

Awesome work!

And now only 47 to go
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: JoeST on March 12, 2009, 03:10:25 AM
thats a really awesome bigpic :)

jOE
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on March 12, 2009, 04:39:58 AM
Wow -- absolutely fantastic !
Dustin, that area is one of my favorite, and one of the best I've ever seen.
The Citroën Amphitheater looks excellent in this position, location and sector.
Also, yours lots are always impressive my friend, and always great to see..

Arthur.  :thumbsup:  &apls
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Scarton on March 12, 2009, 06:08:57 AM
Oh my! This is incredible! The finished product is marvelous! :o &apls &apls :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: kimcar on March 12, 2009, 06:53:46 AM
 &apls &aplsAwesome work Dustin. The final result is perfect . You worked hard for it and you have done a great place to go. Congrats . Just asking , what are the little snack that you used for the outdoor restaurant and cafe. Thanks and have fun :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Battlecat on March 12, 2009, 08:54:22 AM
Wow!  Have to say all that work has really paid off.  The entire area looks amazing!  Of course now you'll eventually need to figure out what to do with those rails on the next tile, but I'm sure that's a job for another day.  Looking forward to seeing what's next for Marathon!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Haljackey on March 12, 2009, 09:41:57 AM
You never run out of things to do, do you?   :P

Fantastic use of custom lotting!  I have to say the new rail network is looking fabulous as well!

Awesome mosaic as well!  I really enjoyed this update!   :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: LE0 on March 12, 2009, 09:53:55 AM
Wow thats awesome, that whole place :D
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: carkid1998 on March 12, 2009, 10:01:02 AM

OOOohhhhhhhhhhhhhh my god!!!!!!!! it's brilliant!!!!!!!!

PS do you have a thing for  Citroën's? ? ?  ;D $%Grinno$%
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: MandelSoft on March 12, 2009, 10:51:29 AM
Oh my! That's an amazing LOTting job you've done here. The North Station Quay is monumental! You deserve a big applause &apls &apls &apls

I wonder what's the next thing you do to suprise us  ;)  Until then, I'm lurking around here.

Best,
Maarten
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: dsrwhat316 on March 12, 2009, 12:16:00 PM
Ah, such sweet eye-candy; you're making me jealous  :'(!

I'm happy to see another lotter come onto the scene now. Now I want to see you LE an entire city! Only a crazy lunatic would do that  ::)

~ Dan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Jmouse on March 12, 2009, 01:38:18 PM
You've done a fine job on the station and surrounding areas, Dustin. The textures turned out very well, and your attention to detail makes the whole scene special. The city will need a small army of full-time gardeners, but it'll be well worth the expense.

It will be interesting to see how you top this coup - it that's possible! :)
Joan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: KoV Liberty on March 12, 2009, 04:48:14 PM
 &apls Cool area!!!  :thumbsup: It turned out much better than I could have imagined! The train shot really shows how much traffic you are really getting! Great job!  :thumbsup:

Driftmaster

P.S. My name is Alex by the way.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on March 13, 2009, 12:08:22 AM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies.jpg&hash=f9a404e367cb5e6d84638084803c586e8b151f6e)

Alfred.Jones: Thank you, my friend! I'm pretty happy with how things turned out, and I'm even happier that you like it too!

Joe (JoeST): Thanks!

Arthur (art128): Thanks, Arthur, for all your continued support in Marathon! It's always great to see you here!

citycapitalizer: Thank you!

kimcar: Thank you so much, my friend! As for the restaurant, I'm unsure which pieces you're looking for, but just let me know if there's anything I can do to help and I'll help however I can. Thanks for stopping by!

Battlecat: Thanks! You're right about the next tile for another day! I'm still recuperating for this tile!

Haljackey: Thanks, my friend!

LE0: Thanks!

carkid1998: Hi, there! Thank you! As for the Citroën, I've had a thing for the name and logo since I was a kid, not so much about the cars, though.

Maarten (mrtnrln): Thank you, Maarten!

Dan (dsrwhat316): Hi, Dan! I know the feeling of looking at someone's work an feeling jealous, my friend—happens to me in "The Source" all the time! I'm glad you like the quay, and thank you so much for all your help throughout the process! Take care!

Joan (Jmouse): Thanks, Joan! You're definitely right about the gardeners, too! We made need a Cabinet-level position to run it! Department of Horticulture, perhaps? Thanks for coming by!

Alex (Driftmaster07): Hi, there, Alex! I'm glad you like the area! Thanks so much!




Well, I thought that I'd take a breather after the North Station Quay, but then I thought about it more and decided...Nah!

I found something on the STEX this afternoon, too!


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F069.jpg&hash=14ffb3c123d39fc7fa84a980ed604ac28fa7c665)

It is the London Underground Subsurface Station (http://www.simtropolis.com/stex/index.cfm?id=21204) by mcdrye. I'm not sure of its functionality yet, but it definitely looks cool!

And...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FOSITM%2F34.jpg&hash=a909d20e951c39fcb3d7872a16f368a840eacef2)

We're getting closer...

Still more to come!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Alfred.Jones on March 13, 2009, 12:17:40 AM
That is a cool looking station Dustin. I just downloaded it as well.

Looking forward to more :thumbsup:

33 posts to go...
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: JoeST on March 13, 2009, 03:44:56 AM
that station looks awesome, you can never have enough stations :D

Joe
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Battlecat on March 13, 2009, 08:07:00 AM
That's a cool station!  If it isn't functional it would probably work best modded as a subway station.  Very cool! 
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Dark_Jedi06 on March 13, 2009, 08:14:27 AM
Well I see no reason why I shouldn't contribute to those 34 posts... $%Grinno$%

I must say, a very excellent MD here indeed (no surprise :satisfied:). I very much enjoyed the lots placed next to the stations tracks, the variety of base textures and use of flora was exquisite. ;D I also noticed that glorious looking subway station, and instantly set about trying to find a good place for it. :P

Is it 30 posts now? ::)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: mightygoose on March 13, 2009, 08:39:46 AM
awesome work. never been in here before but will definitely be back

Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on March 13, 2009, 02:15:22 PM
Dustin, that station looks excellent in your city, even more where she's placed.  &apls
That add a really great touch to your city my friend, and add a lot of realism. :thumbsup:

Arthur.  ;)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: kimcar on March 13, 2009, 02:24:53 PM
This one Dustin Thanks

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg16.imageshack.us%2Fimg16%2F124%2F28004.jpg&hash=a0a5a5805d72416b779edd68ada8c29ef0a7c745) (http://img16.imageshack.us/my.php?image=28004.jpg)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Nexis4Jersey on March 13, 2009, 02:49:04 PM
Interesting pick for a subway station , i like how it fits corner  :thumbsup: &apls
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: KoV Liberty on March 13, 2009, 07:00:22 PM
Cool subway!  :thumbsup: If you want one similar but more compact and Utopian check out Pegasus' site Simpeg.com. They have some real cool sets. Once again cool area.  ;)

Alex

P.S. Don't click on the links. I didn't put them there.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Luke09 on March 13, 2009, 08:50:21 PM
Great work there man &apls &apls &apls &apls
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Pat on March 13, 2009, 09:32:59 PM
Hey Dustin wow fantastic last updates here!!! I hate the feeling I thought I left a comment about the Thumbnail pic but alas I didnt but hey better late then never.... Anyways Daaaaaang fantastic stuff on both updates and I love how you have incorperated the new station by mcdrye!!!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: LE0 on March 14, 2009, 07:38:00 AM
That station looks good there :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bat on March 14, 2009, 09:43:49 AM
Great picture(s) there and wonderful work on them! Looks really good there!
And 21 more replies for 1000 replies!!! And 1 left for page 50!
:thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Sciurus on March 14, 2009, 11:56:51 AM
Great, just great, and thanks for the link's station :thumbsup:

Guillaume :thumbsup:

WELCOME TO PAGE 50!! &apls
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on March 14, 2009, 02:18:34 PM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies.jpg&hash=f9a404e367cb5e6d84638084803c586e8b151f6e)

Alfred.Jones: Thank you so much, my friend! It's always great to see you here!

Joe (JoeST): Thank you, Joe!

Battlecat: Thanks! You're right about the functionality, too. I still haven't looked into it that yet, though!

Dark_Jedi06: Hello! It's so wonderful to see you, my friend! Thank you for your wonderful comments! Coming from you, and knowing the fantastic quality of your work, it makes me feel quite good, I must say! Hope to see you here again!

mightygoose: Hi! Welcome to Marathon! I'm glad you like things here, my friend!

Arthur (art128): Merci beaucoup, Arthur!

kimcar: Hi! Thanks for the picture! I'm still working on tracking it down which pack it's in for you. Don't worry, I'll find it! Take care!

Corey (Nexis4Jersey): Thanks, Corey!

Alex (Driftmaster07): Thank you! And thank you for the suggestions, too—I'll be looking into those pieces right away!

Luke09: Thanks!

Pat: Thank you, my friend! And don't worry about not commenting on something, it's OK!

LE0: Thank you!

bat: Thank you, bat!

Guillaume (Sciurus): Not a problem at all, Guillaume! Hope it helps!




Well, I'm still contemplating my next move a bit. The sports complex is, of course, still under construction, but I like to plan a couple moves ahead, just so there's always something to work on!

In the meantime, though—


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F070.jpg&hash=b3a02b4588ba06b91bb686a5819732bceb51220f)

Just another quick neighborhood shot! I really love the row homes, especially.

And...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FOSITM%2F19.jpg&hash=d0fc100a340d7b8e697c7dcb1b86f0b08998db27)

...we've cracked the top 20!

In a bit!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: KoV Liberty on March 14, 2009, 03:08:37 PM
18 more replies to 1000! Congrats on your MD success!!!  :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: &apls &apls &apls &apls And to much more success too.

Driftmaster
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: deathtopumpkins on March 14, 2009, 03:19:59 PM
Those are some really nice rowhomes... mind sharing where you got them? :P

Great neighborhood shot!  &apls And I still can't wait to see the sports complex.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: metarvo on March 14, 2009, 03:28:39 PM
Nice pic, Dustin.  I really like the smaller row houses towards the bottom that look similar to each other yet different.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Luke09 on March 14, 2009, 05:06:53 PM
I really like that row houses too.Nice pic  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Pat on March 14, 2009, 09:27:38 PM
LoL OK Dustin but I do feel bad when I miss something and exspecially when its soo darn good coming from you!!!! IE this newest update here with the row homes sweeeet!!!  Def a urban (Chicago like) setting and feel here... BTW only 14 to go!!!!!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Jmouse on March 14, 2009, 11:24:02 PM
Nice photo, Dustin. Personally I'm not used to seeing housing like that, but it looks good. For some reason, it makes me think of something I might have seen in a movie once upon a time. I especially like the little shops - vintage small towns often have charming W2W buildings on Main St.

Later...

Joan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on March 15, 2009, 02:53:13 AM
Again a really nice picture Dustin, I like how you play with these W2W.
Even If I prefer the little row houses to the W2W in the top of the pictures, They create a good atmosphere in your city my friend.

Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Sciurus on March 15, 2009, 04:48:32 AM
Very beautiful pic, and I really like the effect you do on images, it's nice ;)

Guillaume :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: MandelSoft on March 15, 2009, 07:27:20 AM
Just 10 replies to go! I'll keep the champagne ready for the celebration  ;)
This is just a wonderfull MD, so it deseveres it!

Best,
Maarten
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bat on March 15, 2009, 09:04:24 AM
Nice work there again! And 9 replies left for 1000!! ;)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Battlecat on March 15, 2009, 09:56:38 AM
Nice set of rowhomes there!  8 to go! 
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: io_bg on March 16, 2009, 02:38:05 AM
It's a shame why I haven't posted here yet - your MD is great. The rowhouses look really good in the last picture. :)
And only 7 replies left for the 1000...
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Nexis4Jersey on March 16, 2009, 03:42:28 PM
Excellent Downtown teaser!  &apls, and then there's 6  ()flamdev()
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on March 17, 2009, 09:08:20 PM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies.jpg&hash=f9a404e367cb5e6d84638084803c586e8b151f6e)

Alex (Driftmaster07): Thanks again!

deathtopumpkins: Thank you, my friend! As for the rowhomes—don't quote me on this, but I believe they are by marcszar and are available on the LEX. If that's not right, let me know, and I'll get you a definitive answer. Take care!

metarvo: Thanks so much!

Luke09: And thank you!

Pat: Thanks, Pat!

Joan (Jmouse): Thanks, Joan! If you recognize the area from a movie, it's most likely Rocky, Rocky II, or Rocky V, as all my low-income areas tend to be subconsciously inspired by Rocky Balboa's old neighborhood for some reason! I feel it necessary to note that Rocky was the World Champion in Rocky III and Rocky IV, became rich, and therefore, moved out of the old neighborhood. But anyway...it's always great to see you here, Joan!

Arthur (art128): Thank you very much, Arthur!

Guillaume (Sciurus): Thanks, my friend! I'm glad you like the effects I use!

Maarten (mrtnrln): Thank you so much, Maarten! Your support is very much appreciated.

bat: Thanks!

io_bg: Добре дошли! I hope I said "Welcome!" correctly, I used Google Translate (http://translate.google.com/?hl=en&sl=es&tl=en) to welcome our first Bulgarian here to Marathon! If I got it incorrect, I do apologize, my friend. In whatever language though, it's certainly great to have you here! Hope to see you again soon!

Corey (Nexis4Jersey): Thanks, Corey!




Well, it gives me great pleasure to announce that this...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F071.jpg&hash=f92b02fcefe40cedaf6adf27f7cee58ab6098e9e)

is officially the final teaser from our sports complex...maybe! No, just kidding, this should be it. Things are just about wrapped up, so I can predict that by this weekend at the latest, it should be ready for primetime! Thank you all for hanging in there throughout the development and construction!

Oh and...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FOSITM%2F5.jpg&hash=17f35146a0b442cb9d88e7b09f3c88972e422682)

You can count'em on one hand now!

See you soon!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Dark_Jedi06 on March 17, 2009, 09:15:03 PM
Oooo a sports complex, that certainly sounds intriguing. ;D Can't say I've ever tackled that myself in the LE, so I'll be very interested to see what you whip up. :)

5...4...

So close! Glad to be contributing towards the milestone. :satisfied:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Jmouse on March 17, 2009, 09:36:04 PM
Now that teaser doesn't have anything to do with St. Patty's Day, does it? $%Grinno$% I won't deny that I'm not a sports fan, but I am a huge fan of the game and its endless possibilities. So I will tolerate a sports complex - and maybe even comment on it - but just this once and only for you! ;D :D ;D

Later...
Joan

*Three to go!*
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: dedgren on March 17, 2009, 09:51:37 PM
Heh!

"Nobody wants to be #999!"

Now somebody has to.  It's a privilege, Dustin, to be able to comment in Marathon wherever, in any event.

Tonight's the night, unless I miss my guess.  Great work, my friend.


David
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: deathtopumpkins on March 17, 2009, 10:00:12 PM
David, sorry to contradict you, but I am happy to make #999. :P

Dustin, thanks for the answer on the rowhomes. I'll look and see what of marcszar's I haven't downloaded and get back to you if I can't find them. As for the teaser, can't quite make out what it is, but it's rather green... ;)

Can't wait to see the sports complex in full!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: The_Hutt on March 17, 2009, 10:03:18 PM
1000

Congrats! Keep up the good work.

Fantastic sports complex teaser, I might add.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: rooker1 on March 17, 2009, 10:38:49 PM
Hey Dustin,
Fantastic work here and it has been a super pleasure to work with you.  I can't wait to see how you display all the pics of the area.
PLus I just wanted to have post 1001, seems like a lucky number.  And here's to double that and what ever other projects you have for me.  ::)
Robin  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: threestooges on March 17, 2009, 11:19:42 PM
Wow, I go away for a bit and you hit 1000 posts. I like the progress I've seen, and the little sample pics are a nice change of pace. Sort of something to look forward to when development begins (then again, I like watching the infrastructure come together, so take your time on it). Here's to looking forward to what you'll do with the next 1000 posts... well, 998 now.
-Matt
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bat on March 18, 2009, 06:24:02 AM
Nice final teaser of the sport complex...
Looking forward to it...

CONGRATS ON 1003 REPLIES!!!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on March 18, 2009, 08:15:56 AM
First of all Dustin, congratulations on 1000(+) replies my friend !  &hlp &apls
The last teaser of the sport complex looks nice. It look like, with that green color, a military night shot with they telescope (not sure if it's the correct word...).
Excellent work once again.
Can't wait to see if the next update will be the sport complex, not in a teaser !  $%Grinno$%

Arthur.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Battlecat on March 18, 2009, 09:33:27 AM
Congratulations on 1000 well earned replies!  I'm looking forward to seeing what's hiding in that last teaser image!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Luke09 on March 18, 2009, 09:58:23 AM
Wow man...1000+....thats great!I want to see that sport complex,keep it up
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bluesinjid on March 19, 2009, 09:39:38 PM
Wow fanastic updates!  &apls I havent been here in sooo long and I just love seeing your updates!Just a question in your recent updates,could you tell me where you got that white stadium?
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon [03/20/09]: UPDATE XXIX: A Complex from...
Post by: thundercrack83 on March 20, 2009, 02:08:40 AM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies.jpg&hash=f9a404e367cb5e6d84638084803c586e8b151f6e)

Dark_Jedi06: Thank you so much!

Joan (Jmouse): Hey, Joan! Actually, it was a very welcome coincidence! I didn't think about it being St. Patrick's Day, but I sure glad I chose green! And—Ha-Ha!—I thank you very much for putting aside your dislike of sports, too, for us here in Marathon! No kidding, though, my friend, it's always great to see you here and hear from you, no matter what the topic or update! Thanks so much, Joan.

David (dedgren): Thanks for pushing the counter one notch further, David! Thanks for stopping by, my friend!

deathtopumpkins: 999! Thanks for your wonderful comment!

The_Hutt: Here's 1000—and your first post here, too! What a wonderful welcome! Thanks for taking the time to stop by!

Robin (rooker1): Robin, the pleasure of working with you has been all mine. The constant back-and-forth on MSN, the crazy differences in hours we're awake, all of it was definitely worth it, my friend! OK, maybe the conversations at 8:00 AM when you've gone to sleep, woke up, and made it to work, while I stayed all night may not have been worth it, but they sure were fruitful! Thanks again, Robin—you're the best!

Matt (threestooges): Hey, Matt! Thanks, my friend! It's great to see you here again!

bat: Thank you! We wouldn't have gotten this far with your help, my friend!

Arthur (art128): Thank you, Arthur! It did sort of look like a night-vision picture, didn't it! Good eye!

Battlecat: Thank you!

Luke09: Thanks!

bluesinjid: Great to see you again! Thanks for stopping by!






UPDATE XXIX
A Complex from a Complex
Part III: Christening Centennial Quay!

20 March 2009

Well, I have to admit—I really am not sure what I am more excited about, the fact that we've reached 1000+ comments here in Marathon, or the fact that the sports complex is finally finished and ready for your viewing pleasure!

We'll start with the complex, because I'm just too excited!

Before we start, I have an announcement:


[tabular]
[row][data]
I would like, at this time, to extend my greatest and most sincere thanks to my very good friend Robin (rooker1), who worked so diligently on the LOTs that you will see in the following area. All of the LOTting done was handled by Robin! If you like what you see, send all accolades his way, not mine![/data][/row][/tabular]

No kidding, Robin, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for all the hours and all the hard work that you put into this project. I am forever in your debt, and if you need repayment, I will do everything in my power! For now, a +1 karma point will have to suffice!

So...without further delay, we now present Centennial Quay!

We'll start with...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252029%2F29001.jpg&hash=d647cd65ead2151afd480a3b644b7fd2f9006561)

... Marathon Commonwealth Stadium, complete with...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252029%2F29002.jpg&hash=15f39c81d6f073fb3df99422ca64b50586b9d934)

...access for trucks, etc., as well as bus stops and taxi stops for those heading to the stadium! Note the crowds headed in, too!

Here...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252029%2F29003.jpg&hash=523f821ec55c13f8216b0573e6e1aa6b95921dd0)

...is a merchandise market near the southeastern gate of the venue.

Moving on!


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252029%2F29004.jpg&hash=73eed203888d86cc19b4f50e98dac8aa8830c273)

Here we see the CCM Centre (OK, the Toyota Center!) in the background, with the Commonwealth Tower in the foreground, which we will get to in a bit.


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252029%2F29005.jpg&hash=f810d3b97913bf624c90217eeb745cb64af3050e)

Above is the CCM Centre facing the waterfront, and here...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252029%2F29006.jpg&hash=5ccc87576118ce2d5fac514f35d1a59dfc42c8c8)

...the front end of the facility with crowds heading in for an event!

Below is...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252029%2F29007.jpg&hash=e0be55eb64b30d4bb1315d18ae67a7b7823b97a9)

...an wonderful garden on the periphery of the arena, which provides a welcome amount of greenery to the area.

Next...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252029%2F29008.jpg&hash=278b4bfab55a347d46fb990ac89df2b7e35cbb95)

...the Centennial Quay Metro Station, and...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252029%2F29009.jpg&hash=c7e2eb22761b52438c9f5044c55ba4a8f9350f07)

a small arboretum—one of my favorite little additions done by Robin!

On the other side is...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252029%2F29010.jpg&hash=1af0e89fb6c4592a99d1b1b27c3dcdabbc30ad80)

...a transit-enabled street alcove to divert event traffic off the L'Anneau de Marathon to minimize any potential gridlock.

We also have...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252029%2F29011.jpg&hash=e55c01216b97a3deb81b7054f6dd382f8c397687)

...the only surviving wall and foundation section of the Marathon Exposition Centre, the original arena in the city on Oxbow Avenue, which was demolished in 1977. The wall section was brought to Centennial Quay as a memorial.

Below, we have...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252029%2F29012.jpg&hash=ba2aecc60b4f0511db1d56fec80c1381e500a668)

...the Commonwealth Tower.

And another mosaïc, featuring the surrounding cityscape, including the Châteauguay Station—


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252029%2F29013.jpg&hash=9c407c012a58cad68319795e9d6b6241c1a784f4)

Finally, an overview of the Quay...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252029%2F29014.jpg&hash=44d8850657018a28dcf7e3c57bb03daab6ad16b6)

So, there it is, friends!

I hope that you have enjoyed it as much as Robin and I enjoyed putting it all together. Again, I express all my thanks to Robin for his work, and again, if you like what you see, make sure you let Robin know!

Shifting gears...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FOSITM%2Fpi.jpg&hash=7883d4a93b45ac8e25ac7e1d842d1418de1df31c)

Wait—that's not right...

...

...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FOSITM%2F8.jpg&hash=4efd2985f92fc384cbf928c77a1b93002586d6ed)

There we go!

1000 comments! I am completely in shock at this, friends. When things got started here back in November, I didn't know if Marathon would still be around in March, let alone be active and with 1000 comments! Without all of you, none of this would have been possible and I thank you all so very much!

I did a little bit of math (surprise, surprise!) and, thanks to all of you, not only is Marathon the sixth MD here at SC4D to reach 1000 comments—seven if you count 3RR, or as I like to call it, the Barry Bonds (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barry_Bonds#BALCO_Scandal) of MDs!—and second-fastest to reach the milestone, missing 3RR's mark by roughly three weeks. Here's the breakdown:


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252029%2F29015.jpg&hash=5d23ebea6b210349e327cec5e6c84893a561e0e5)

As I said the previous time I posted a chart of this nature, I do not do so as a slight to anyone else's work, just the opposite. To have Marathon included in the cream of the crop of SC4D's MD section as it is above, it's just about the greatest thing imaginable for an MD!

So, here's to another 1000 comments and beyond here, and here's to all of you for making this experience so much more fantastic!

Until next time, thank you all very much!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: MandelSoft on March 20, 2009, 03:31:12 AM
Wow Dustin! That a huge amount of LOTs! They look very realistic and gorgeous!  &apls

Did the C.O.M. reached 1000 replies that fast? Geez, that does really show how people like this MD  ;)

Best,
Maarten
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: metarvo on March 20, 2009, 06:06:38 AM
Dustin, don't you know that "pi"-throwing is listed in the SC4 Crime Data View?  $%Grinno$% jk lol

What I meant to say is this:

Congratulations for 1,000 1,010 replies, Dustin!  &apls

Anyway, it's great to finally see a good pic of the stadium.  The station, the parking area, and the stadium grounds are an illustration of true brilliance, and it's all thanks to you and Robin.  :thumbsup:

I do have one suggestion, though.  In the pic that showcases the Châteauguay Station, it seems like there are triangular gaps between the ground and the diagonal sunken highway walls.  It's a known issue, but non-slope conforming parks visually raise the ground in these areas, eliminating the gap.  Parks in this category include the Maxis Small Park and any custom lot that has the same Slope Tolerance properties.  I'm not saying this to slight Marathon at all, though.  You have done a great job, Dustin, and I look forward to more.

&apls
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Fabian93 on March 20, 2009, 07:53:15 AM
First of, I've got to apologize, since I've never written here before.
But I've been "lurking" for some time now and I couldn't wait for the sports complex. The new area is just fabulous!  &apls
Well done, I really like the little or bigger details, like the entry for the trucks.
Another thing that i find cool is, that you've "rounded" the white texture in that picture with the plaza (i mean that garden), in front of the Subway station, to match it with the plaza itself, since it is also round (I know, it's pretty badly explained)
May I ask from where you've got those green trees, near the bus and the parking cars in this picture:
http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o134/thundercrack83/MARATHON/Update%2029/29002.jpg
Thanks.

Keep it up and congratulation to 1000 comments already  :thumbsup:,
Fabian
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Battlecat on March 20, 2009, 08:19:36 AM
Wow!  That's amazing work throughout the Quay.  Amazing details as always.  That's going to be a great place for huge events! 
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Dark_Jedi06 on March 20, 2009, 09:12:19 AM
Oh my, a very extensive update indeed! Certainly well worth the wait. ;D I would really like to see one huge overview to see the general layout of the complex...I especially like the first image, a very interesting distribution of people and that delivery area in the corner adds that important touch of realism. :)

In the sixth image, can you point me to where those hemi-circle areas of grass can be downloaded? Thanks. :satisfied:

I also very much enjoy your use of flowers and trees, they keep Marathon beautiful. ()stsfd()
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Ryan B. on March 20, 2009, 09:50:05 AM
What, no HSBC Arena?   :P

Great job, Dustin . . . and congratulations on the 1,000-comment milestone!

Lord knows I don't get over here enough . . . but here I am . . . . and, as always, I'm learning something for the next time I play.

. . . whenever that may be . . .

Keep up the great work!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on March 20, 2009, 10:35:42 AM
Hey Dustin,
Best. Quay. Ever !  &apls &apls
No kidding my friend, that sport complex is just incredible !
Seriously , excellent work my friend !
You and Robin does an excellent job in this sports quay !  &apls &apls

Arthur.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: kimcar on March 20, 2009, 12:05:01 PM
 &apls &aplsFirst congrats for reached 1000 post . It`s only 655 more then me  $%Grinno$% Seriously no doubt people like what you do as for your MD and for the community too.  :thumbsup: As for your sport complex you and Robin have done a great work over there. Everything is there and i like the way how the people surround the arene, it`s very well done. Great mosaic too.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: mightygoose on March 20, 2009, 12:11:10 PM
amazing update and congratulations on 1000 comments, may the next thousand come just as swiftly :)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: dsrwhat316 on March 20, 2009, 12:24:09 PM
Impressive lotting, to say the least  :thumbsup: &apls

I really liked the loading dock for the stadium (I work at a receiving dock myself, so I know what to look for  ::)) I hope you (or Robin, for that matter) don't mind a suggestion; the Lots used for the plaza surrounding the stadium have plenty of people grouped together, but none by themselves. Some single people props would give the plazas a bit more life.

Congrats for reaching 1,000 replies, as well! Maybe one day I'll join you...

~ Dan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: deathtopumpkins on March 20, 2009, 12:34:32 PM
Wow, Dustin, very impressive!  &apls &apls

By far the best sports complex I have ever seen, and some of the most spectacular custom lotting! Very well done.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: threestooges on March 20, 2009, 01:02:54 PM
Very nice to see the vision come together Dustin. The area turned out great. Perhaps I should start pre-planning a few things in Greenacre every once in a while if these are the results that can be expected. I knew you'd come up with something good, but this is just spectacular. Part of that goes to the lotting, for which I would be amiss if I didn't pass my compliments on to Robin. Some of the details, like the arboretum and, my personal favorite that I noticed, the little market area, are just so well done. They're not things you'd really think of if you saw them in real life, but their inclusion here just makes things so much more realistic and brings more life to the area.

I like the various means of transport you provided to the area. My one comment (though I know there are a number of off-site parking facilities, is that the one underground ramp you showed (off the TE'd street) looks like it would be of very low capacity for the number of vehicles I would expect (unless it's VIP or employee parking or something).

Lastly, I think the fine details like lighting are also well thought out. Though it seems a bit sparse in some areas, there are certainly enough scattered around to keep people from getting hurt on their way out after a night game (well, unhurt due to not being able to see where they're going... rivalries and libations may have something else to do with things... is there a local security/police building nearby?).

Great work Dustin and Robin.
-Matt
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: KoV Liberty on March 20, 2009, 01:34:04 PM
Nice Sports complex!  &apls :thumbsup: Also congrats on reaching 1000+ comments!  :thumbsup:

Alex
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: flame1396 on March 20, 2009, 04:46:53 PM
Just read this whole thing. Very nice work, gets me hyped up to adopting the Lot-Editing play style (to a limited extent, I'll lot somewhat generically for every lot I download).

I love the truck-access in the stadium, very good detail, a little grit is everywhere and it is necessary to acknowledge that.

One thing bugged me though, I don't really think there'd be many billboards on the train tracks, especially not over the tunnel entrances where passengers could not see them.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bat on March 21, 2009, 01:58:07 AM
Wonderful update of the Sport Complex! Nice work!! :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on March 21, 2009, 02:38:22 AM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies.jpg&hash=f9a404e367cb5e6d84638084803c586e8b151f6e)

Maarten (mrtnrln): Thanks so much, Maarten!

metarvo: Thank you! Oh, and thanks so much on the tip about the non-slope conforming parks, I never even thought to do that! I'm very grateful for your advice, as well as your support, my friend! Take care!

Fabian (Fabian93): Hello and welcome to Marathon! It's so great to see you here, my friend! I'm glad that you're enjoying things here! As for the trees, I'm not quite sure off the top of my head which trees they are, but I will definitely look into it and get back to you with an answer. Thanks for stopping by!

Battlecat: Wow! Thanks for such a great comment, my friend!

Dark_Jedi06: Thanks! It's great that you like the area, my friend—I appreciate it very much! As for the semi-circle of grass, I'm not completely sure, but I believe that it's just overlay textures. Perhaps Robin can answer your question better? I'll ask him! Thanks again for coming by, my friend!

Ryan (burgsabre87): Hey, Ryan! Thanks! And don't worry, I'll be working the HSBC into Marathon somewhere, it's a great arena! It's always great to have you here, my friend! Take care!

Arthur (art128): Thank you so much, Arthur!

kimcar: Thanks very much! It's comments like this and friends like you that make me feel so great about not only what I do here in Marathon, but here at SC4D in general. Thanks for stopping by!

mightygoose: Thanks, my friend!

Dan (dsrwhat316): Thank you, Dan! And your tip about putting people in separate groups throughout the lot is a great one, too! I will definitely be keeping that in mind, my friend! Good to see you!

deathtopumpkins: Thanks!

Matt (threestooges): Thank you so much for such a great comment, Matt! You are definitely correct about all the wonderful details that Robin put into area, it takes everything to such a much more realistic and more incredible level, in my opinion. It's always wonderful to see you here in Marathon, Matt—hope to see you again soon, my friend!

Alex (Driftmaster07): Thank you, Alex!

flame1396: Thanks!

bat: Thank you very much, bat!





Well, with both Centennial and North Station Quays on the books now, I'm at that transitional point where I'm contemplating the next move. For me, that usually means staring at the game screen in region view, looking for a bit of inspiration.

In keeping with that train of thought, I realized that it has been quite some time since we had a region shot here in Marathon, so...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F072.jpg&hash=2d4709cec0522d64ecaacb814c8c6900c121d8a9)

...I quickly threw one together, with some of the areas we've constructed and visited over the past few weeks labeled.

Where will we go next? Truthfully, it's a blank slate right now! I have a few ideas in the formative phase, but nothing in motion yet. So stay tuned to see where we're going now!

Have a great weekend!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: mightygoose on March 21, 2009, 04:12:42 AM
well an old town with a massive cathedral somewhere in the middle of the island could be great, also a park, every city needs a park.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bat on March 21, 2009, 09:30:00 AM
What a really really nice region shot there! Great work, Dustin!  :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Splime on March 21, 2009, 11:10:38 AM
This is a really good MD, and it's great to see what's going on at the regional level.

I do have one question though - are those the dreaded boxes at the Westmoreland Avenue Tunnel Eastern End? I checked the actual update, and couldn't see anything that looked like it...
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: KoV Liberty on March 21, 2009, 02:30:37 PM
Nice! Really show how far you have come. Still though mch more to go. Looking forward to the completion!  :thumbsup:  ;D

Alex
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on March 22, 2009, 04:33:44 AM
Dustin,
That region shot looks excellent my friend, it looks like you have already a lot of work to do on your region, good luck! But with what you've shown on the past 52 pages, I'm sure that you will make an awesome thing !
Also, Do you plan to make a downtown/CBD like Manhattan ?

Good luck with that my friend and Take Care,

- Arthur.  &apls
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Jmouse on March 22, 2009, 01:21:20 PM
The sports complex looks great, Dustin, despite its athletic purpose. :) The park-like setting is the quintessential essence of entertainment at every twist and turn.

I always wonder how close the finished project is to the original vision, and how many ideas had to be discarded. Whether close or way off, though, this is a major accomplishment worthy of accolades. Probably learned a thing or two along the way, too, eh? ;)

Later...
Joan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: LE0 on March 22, 2009, 07:11:58 PM
So when its all developed i guess it will look like new york manhattan island? :)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on March 23, 2009, 02:48:31 AM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies.jpg&hash=f9a404e367cb5e6d84638084803c586e8b151f6e)

mightygoose: Wonderful ideas, my friend! I love them both and they are both on the list of things to get into Marathon somewhere! I'm not up to date on what BATs could be used for the old town section, though—if you have any suggestions, I'd love to hear them! Thanks for your thoughts!

bat: Thanks!

Splime: Welcome to Marathon! I'm glad you're enjoying things. As for the brown boxes, they are an oversight and the byproduct of juggling plug-in folders. I try to keep things as organized and minimized as possible when I'm in the game for optimum performance, and I didn't catch the brown boxes until it was too late. Sorry about that, and thank you for pointing it out! Next region shot, I promise they won't be there! Take care!

Alex (Driftmaster07): Thank you, Alex!

Arthur (art128): Thanks, Arthur! There's still quite a lot of work to go on the island, indeed. I'm trying to jump around on it so as not to get stuck in the mud anywhere. As for whether there's a CBD—well, we'll see how things come together! Thanks for stopping by!

Joan (Jmouse): Thanks, Joan! I'm so happy that you like the sports complex, my friend! Did it come close to my initial vision? No, it did not—it surpassed it exponentially! Robin did such a fantastic job on everything, it came out far better than I ever could have imagined, and learned more than I ever could have imagined, too! Thanks for coming by, my friend!

LE0: Hi! Living about 150 mi / 240 km from New York City, and having been there more times than I can count, there is definitely going to be many elements of Manhattan that will shine through in Marathon. The fact that it's on an island alone begs the comparison, eh? However, to minimize becoming just a "fictional New York City clone," as Marathon could quite easily become (if it's not there, already!), I am and will continue to try and incorporate different concepts and ideas from other cities. For example, the quays that have been at the center of my attention lately were borne of the different wharves in Boston. I'm hoping to, as things progress, incorporate other things from some of my other favorite cities—Montréal, Philadelphia, etc. I hope that answers your question, my friend! Take care!




Well, I'm not sure if anyone has noticed, but we here in Marathon like to plan, pre-plan, and pre-pre-plan just about every single move!

In keeping with that theme, I've been trying to envision and plan for the expansion of the Commonwealth of Marathon—which up until now, has only consisted of City of Marathon on Marathon Island—onto the mainland of the North American continent, a task that I believe is going to prove a bit daunting, to say the least.

And I've hit a bit of an obstacle right out of the box—I have a tentative config.bmp in mind for the region...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F073.jpg&hash=00076e7b610d3cdc7c36cd6a02557bfe5b9224db)

...but I cannot seem to get it to translate into a region in the game.

Every time I make the bitmap in MS Paint and put it into a region, the region opens up in the game, but there are no tiles to be seen anywhere. I'm sure that I'm doing something wrong somewhere along the way, but I don't know where.

It doesn't help matters that, having Vista on my new computer, neither SC4Terraformer nor SC4Mapper work, so I have to use my girlfriend's for any work in those areas!

If anyone has any tips to point me in the right direction, they would be very much appreciated and I would be very grateful!

Thanks so much!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: mightygoose on March 23, 2009, 03:15:23 AM
dont you have to add one pixel each way to the file properties... so like 1025x769....

oops no thats for greyscales..

btw did you shrink the white area in paint down to the size of the region.... that can sometimes affect it.... there should be little modifier handles in the bottom right hand corner....

or select the white and make it grey, because it reads which tile to put buy the RGB value of 255, so each tile of the same type could in fact be a different colour provided it had the requisite 255 value in either R, G or B.

white is 255,255,255 so there may be some confusion there...
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Battlecat on March 23, 2009, 08:43:11 AM
Nice looking region view there!  The island is coming along nicely. 

As for your config.bmp problem, I'm not sure what's causing you the problem there, but all I know for sure is that the config.bmp file you'll need for the image you're showing will be 32 pixels x 32 pixels in size.  I've found the best bet is to create a new empty region in Simcity 4 and then edit the config.bmp for the existing region instead of trying to create a new one from scratch.  Wish I could offer more help!  Good luck. 
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Luke09 on March 23, 2009, 10:19:32 AM
Man that was...unbeliavable...A perfect sports complex!And also a great region view...nice shots ;D
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: threestooges on March 23, 2009, 12:32:35 PM
Not sure if the pic above is the one you're using for the bmp or not, but in my experience, you just need 255 for the Red, Green, or Blue for small, medium, or large, respectively with the appropriate pixel representation too (4x4 blues for a large, and such). I made a quick one and attached it to this post, hope it helps (and works).
-Matt
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: nerdly_dood on March 23, 2009, 01:13:29 PM
Do you have city borders turned on in region view? Click the three-dots icon at the top of your interface in region view and you should be able to adjust this.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Dark_Jedi06 on March 23, 2009, 04:39:56 PM
Quote from: nerdly_dood on March 23, 2009, 01:13:29 PM
Do you have city borders turned on in region view? Click the three-dots icon at the top of your interface in region view and you should be able to adjust this.
That was my first thought as well...always check if it's plugged in! $%Grinno$%
Other then that, I have no idea what it could be. :P

As for the region view, it's looking very impressive. :satisfied: I don't know how you had the patience to go in and terraform the entire coast like that. :bomb: I eagerly look forward to what you have cooking up for this new region. ;D
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bluesinjid on March 23, 2009, 04:43:38 PM
Wow that is one massive region,however,I am very newbiesh with bitmaps. Also I think you forgot my question? where did you get the white stadium from this? http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6190.940
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on March 24, 2009, 01:28:21 AM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies.jpg&hash=f9a404e367cb5e6d84638084803c586e8b151f6e)

mightygoose: Ah, 255! That was the problem—I just chose any random blue and green for the tiles, not 255 for each. Thank you so much!

Battlecat: Thanks so much for your help, my friend!

Luke09: Thank you!

Matt (threestooges): Hey, Matt! It was the 255 variable that tripped me up. I was going to make my own bitmap, but then you made one for me, so I didn't have to! Thank you very much for your help, Matt!

nerdly_dood: Sorry if I was unclear—my problem was that there was no region showing up at all, just the background. Thanks for trying to help, though!

Dark_Jedi06: Thanks, my friend! The terraforming was quite meticulous, I wanted to tear my hair out a few times, but in the end I think it was worth it! Thanks for coming by!

bluesinjid: I am so sorry for missing your question, my friend. From the link you posted, I'm a bit confused, though, as to what you're looking for. Is this (http://simtropolis.com/stex/stexdetails.cfm?id=18183) what you are looking for? If not, just let me know which one it is and I'll be more than happy to help you out! Sorry again, and take care!




Well, well, well...

Thanks to the great advice from our friend mightygoose, and the config.bmp by our friend Matt (threestooges)...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F074.jpg&hash=4ce388c9fd2eb56b6296d08ddf9527b213633e2c)

...we got it figured out now! Thanks so much, friends!

The above is the working model for the entire Commonwealth of Marathon region. The fun part? Actually making the region! However the chips fall, I'll be posting the results here!

In a bit!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Alfred.Jones on March 24, 2009, 02:21:08 AM
This is looking very interesting Dustin :thumbsup:

Cannot wait for more!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bat on March 24, 2009, 08:50:13 AM
Nice to see that you solved for problem! Looking forward to more from that region! ;) :)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Battlecat on March 24, 2009, 10:41:55 AM
Very cool!  It'll be interesting to see how this huge island fits into the rest of the area!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: mightygoose on March 25, 2009, 02:51:38 AM
good to see region working, blimey i haven't manually edited a config file in over a year that was a blast from the past...
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: threestooges on March 25, 2009, 09:46:10 AM
Happy to help Dustin, and mightygoose, I know what you mean. It's been a while since I last touched them too. Also, not sure if this was mentioned, but as long as the pertinent color is set to 255, you can alter the others to whatever you want too. This is particularly useful when working on larger files with many lots of the same color next to each other. Adding a bit of a difference to the hue can make it easier to see just how many quads of what you're working with. Looking forward to seeing how this map takes shape (and also some new works from Marathon itself.
-Matt
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: KoV Liberty on March 25, 2009, 05:34:49 PM
Cant wait to see the next update! Also you are very skilled at LE so could you tell me how to transit enable a lot? Thanks!

Alex
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon [03/26/09]: UPDATE XXX: Wading—Cautiously...
Post by: thundercrack83 on March 26, 2009, 02:28:24 AM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies.jpg&hash=f9a404e367cb5e6d84638084803c586e8b151f6e)

Alfred.Jones: Thank you, my friend!

bat: Thank you, bat! Though, you can thank Matt (threestooges) and mightygoose for solving the problem!

Battlecat: Thanks!

mightygoose: Hi! It's been quite some time since I even thought about the game regionally, let alone fiddle with the "config.bmp" file. Thanks again for all your help!

Matt (threestooges): Hey, Matt! You've answered yet another of my questions—how did the bitmaps have different colors beside red, green, and/or blue 255? Your explanation answered it perfectly, my friend! And you read my mind! Thanks for stopping by!

Alex (Driftmaster07): Hello! Thank you for your wonderful faith in my LE skills, but unfortunately, I have yet to master the art of transit-enabling. Actually, it would more truthful to say that I haven't even attempted it yet. First step, though, is that you need the SC4Tool (http://kurier.simcityplaza.de/details.php?file=315). Then, I'll refer you to a tutorial done by our friend Dan (dsrwhat316) entitled Creating Transit-Enabled Roadtop Parallel Parking Stalls (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=5611.msg177695#msg177695), which illustrates transit-enabling in Steps 14-17. If you have any other questions, feel free to ask, and I hope I was able to be of help! Take care!






UPDATE XXX
Wading—Cautiously, Tentatively, and Other Similar Adverbs—Into a Region
26 March 2009

Well, here we are at Marathon's Thirtieth (XXXth?) Update!

As my most recent posts and teasers have indicated, I've been putting a lot of thought into the most dreaded aspect of this project for me...expanding Marathon beyond the friendly confines of Marathon Island. Why do I dread this? I dread the expansion for a myriad of reasons, but the most pressing is the fact that, when it comes to terraforming a region, I am far from an expert. Meticulous terraforming like the terraforming done on Marathon Island isn't all that difficult to do, it just takes a whole lot of patience. Regional terraforming, on the other hand, is a horse of a much different color, and it's a color with which I have yet to become adept.

So, in typical Commonwealth of Marathon fashion, I've given this region expansion a lot of deliberation, hence the reason why things have been a bit slowly on my part here...that and the fact that I got a new 120 GB iPod that's kept me a bit busy. But, anyway—the plan I came up with is a sound one in my head, and it rests on being able to find a pre-terraformed map that fits the mental picture of the region that I have, and then tweaking it to my needs and wants. This method is two-fold: 1) it avoids me having to make the region from scratch, which is my weakest game attribute, as I've mentioned, and, 2) it also challenges me to reconcile my vision for the region with a finished map, which more than makes up for the easy way out I've taken by not building the entire region from scratch.

To start, let's go back to...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252030%2F30001.jpg&hash=6ed01cdb8d3cc4ce4ee01af8f0a357abd58f614f)

...the blank region, config.bmp by Matt (threestooges).

So, which map did I choose?


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252030%2F30002.jpg&hash=00245d35437ab108af13516d6867791afdb264d8)

I have chosen the NHP Corpus Christi, Texas Map (http://sc4devotion.com/csxlex/lex_filedesc.php?lotGET=1780) by blade2k5, one of dozens of great maps that I culled through to find what I was looking for.

After a lot of back-and-forth, in-tile and out-tile, I've got a rough merge of the Corpus Christi map and Marathon Island...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252030%2F30003.jpg&hash=bd40d831798f4ef206730d3ff682295ffa517ec3)

This map coincides with the vision that I had in my head of Marathon Island, which was the island to be in proximity to the mainland, and accessible to it from the northern, southern, and western shores. Also noteworthy is that I changed the region from a 7x9 to a 9x9, also leaving me with two more tile columns to work with on the western edge. I'm not sure if that'll stay that way or not, though.

But, there's a lot of work to do...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252030%2F30004.jpg&hash=0f4e849cae733e59018ae880a38c0b9be0c95f5d)

As the circle above illustrates, there are two large and six medium tiles that were original supposed to be water that must be turned into land to serve as the western shore access for the island.

Let's look at the map...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252030%2F30005.jpg&hash=69b0aecd2ddc54ce9a78c37c83c0a81b490f93ca)

As you can see, the map as it was downloaded is a 7x9 large tile map. Our reconciliation process takes a 2x3 block of large tiles and makes them medium tiles for...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252030%2F30006.jpg&hash=2b65b1c3730f048d91e2d364c444ea00583dca55)

...Marathon Island.

The next step is adjusting the map to give the western and southern shore access points. I have not gotten this far yet in the game, but I've drawn up an INCREDIBLY ROUGH sketch...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252030%2F30007.jpg&hash=84545bca00f4fcf4677fb5c62cbae0424bdbd604)

In the sketch, I wasn't concerned with details and making it pretty, I just wanted to get a rough idea of where land reclamation would take place in order to satisfy the access issue. As you can see...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252030%2F30008.jpg&hash=d47ed56f58eff1938688c8b4cf202c431f435229)

...this circle illustrates where a bit of the in-game reclamation has begun, with the southern shore tunnel from the island being reconciled with the mainland.

That is where the regional expansion stands as of right now. As always in Marathon, though, I am working on a few different things, and will be bouncing around from idea to idea, so at bore neither you nor myself with having successive updates dealing with the expansion.

More from Marathon to come!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Alfred.Jones on March 26, 2009, 02:43:59 AM
That is amazing Dustin!! That is incredible work!

Excellent idea. Can't wait for more :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: mightygoose on March 26, 2009, 03:13:35 AM
very thorough planning... love it.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on March 26, 2009, 04:31:07 AM
Excellent planning and idea my friend.
Can't wait to see more. :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: MandelSoft on March 26, 2009, 04:39:01 AM
I'm wondering about the end product  ::) I wish you success with terraforming!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: emilin on March 26, 2009, 05:11:24 AM
Hi there, friend!

It's been so long since I had the time to read up on your wonderful journal. I can't even begin to comment on everything that has happend, so I will have to settle for a general: congratulations on an EXCELLENT MD. Updates are concise and informative with beautiful pictures of interesting development.

And als: a big congratulations on hitting #1000 comments.

&apls &apls &apls &apls &apls
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Battlecat on March 26, 2009, 09:37:50 AM
Looking good!  That's going to be a very roomy region to play with! 
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Nexis4Jersey on March 26, 2009, 12:12:25 PM
Can't wait till this is Done, it will look very cool  :thumbsup:

~Corey
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: KoV Liberty on March 26, 2009, 01:42:22 PM
Wow thanks! I'll check it now. Also do you have Widows Vista? If you do could you tell me or possibly give me a link to importing maps? Anyways I can't wait for the region to develop!  ;D
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Jmouse on March 26, 2009, 03:38:39 PM
Wow - amazing doesn't even come close to describing this. I had no idea it was possible, nor could I imagine undertaking a region with 81 large tiles!

Good luck... :)
Joan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: LE0 on March 26, 2009, 03:51:33 PM
that giant region would crash my computer :o :o

hopefuly not yours ;D
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Luke09 on March 26, 2009, 05:17:35 PM
awesome!!I just think that the big island(at left of marathon)is TOO BIG for that space...its just my opinion...but great job there &apls
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: metarvo on March 26, 2009, 05:34:16 PM
Sooner or later, you are bound to run out of space on Marathon Island, so it is nice to plan ahead.  I see you've "bought" some more land, including some mainland areas.  Whatever direction Marathon goes in at this point, I trust that it will be the best one.  Keep up the good work, Dustin!

&apls
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Godzillaman on March 26, 2009, 05:56:01 PM
Great looking extension to the region, let's hope it turns out well...;)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bluesinjid on March 26, 2009, 06:59:17 PM
Wow,and i thought that little island was it!  ()what()  Well,all I can say is good luck on that gigantic mass of land that will take ages! P.S. The link you gave me was exactly what i was looking for :)  &apls Thanks
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: threestooges on March 27, 2009, 01:58:34 AM
Glad to help. For my next trick, I shall... leave a comment. Please, hold your applause, I'll be here all week (and then some). It looks, from the previews you've shown here, that you've altered the config file again (moved the medium tiles all next to each other). I'm glad to see it permits merging of previously developed tiles. That may come in handy if/when Greenacre needs to expand. Glad to see progress is coming along nicely. Looking forward to more.
-Matt
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Simpson on March 27, 2009, 11:51:42 AM
Hi Dustin  :thumbsup:

First, a big sorry that I missed all these updates
Second, congratulation for having more than 1000 replies in your MD my friend  &apls

Now I will comment the pictures,

The region is looking fantastic, Marathon Island, is simply incredible  :o
The update in page 51 is awesone, amazing, fantastic... &apls Also where did you find the stadium? thank you  :)

I'm looking forward to the next update,

Take care,

David
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on March 28, 2009, 01:38:30 AM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies.jpg&hash=f9a404e367cb5e6d84638084803c586e8b151f6e)

Alfred.Jones: Thank you, my friend! And thank you for regularly being the first one to comment on things here! I can always count on you! Take care!

mightygoose: Thanks! Spontaneity isn't my strong suit, so I guess going the opposite direction is the best way to go, eh? Hope to see you again!

Arthur (art128): Thank you, Arthur!

Maarten (mrtnrln): Thanks for that, my friend! I think I'll need it!

Emil (emilin): Hello, my friend! It's so wonderful to see you here in Marathon again! Thank you so much for your great comment and your congratulations. It means so much to me, coming from a master such as yourself! Take care!

Battlecat: Yes, it's pretty big. Actually, it's bigger than I was thinking, so we'll see how things pan out! Thanks for coming by!

Corey (Nexis4Jersey): Thanks, Corey!

Alex (Driftmaster07): Yes, I am using Vista on my new computer, and unfortunately, I was unable to get either SC4Mapper or SC4Terraformer to work on it. I was able to do all the map work on my girlfriend's computer, which runs XP, then just transfer the region onto my machine. If you have a computer that's still running XP, my suggestion would be to give that a try! Sorry I couldn't be any more help than that!

Joan (Jmouse): Thank you, Joan! Hopefully we can get through the region before the next ice age, right! Take care!

LE0: I hope so, too!

Luke09: Thank you! The land to the left of Marathon isn't really an island, it's just the spare tiles that I haven't terraformed yet. Don't worry, it won't look like that for long! Thanks for your input, though! Hope to see you again soon!

metarvo: Thanks! You're absolutely right about running out of land on the island, plus the mainland section allows me the freedom to do some rural and suburban stuff that wouldn't have fit in to my vision of the island. But that's another show! Thanks for coming by!

Godzillaman: Thank you so much!

bluesinjid: Thank you, my friend! And I'm glad that I was about to answer your question! Take care!

Matt (threestooges): Hi, Matt! You're right, I did alter the config again, with the help of all your great advice on how things work with it. I found that, with our original one, the Corpus Christi map wouldn't have lined up properly with the medium-tile section being at the extreme western edge. Don't know why I didn't think of that original! Thanks for all your help, and for your support, as always, my friend!

David (Simpson): Hello! It's great to have you back in Marathon, my friend! Thank you so much for your wonderful comment, and I hope to see you again soon!




I told myself that before I hopped into the region end of things in Marathon, I would try to get at least one entire island tile finished from top-to-bottom. Well, I'm on my way, working in Tile G—site of the North Station Quay. Here's a bit of an overview:


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F075.jpg&hash=c8404d6258c76c8b15e5b111c09497571d2b84ef)

I'm not through with the entire tile yet, but I'm getting there. There's also a Maxis building or two, namely the Bureau of Bureaucracy and the Smith Tower Landmark, but I always felt that they fit in with the plethora of great custom content BATs, and I always liked how they look!

Oh, and since everything was plopped, the repeated buildings were done deliberately to give the impression of either multiple similar buildings in a complex, or one "big" building. When working in a large urban setting as with Marathon, I've realized that there's two options—have a 35 GB plug-in folder or repeat buildings. As much as I'd like to avoid it, I have to choose the latter, unfortunately! But it forces me to be a bit more creative, so that's OK, I guess!

Oh, and I've come across a bit of a problem with building a "Level Highway" bridge with the Maxis Ground Highway...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F076.jpg&hash=cea36195186b91aa3a95ca6d3bdabb49c1ca9974)

No matter how I adjust the height for ferries, etc., the disconnect between the end of the bridge and the highway proper is always there. Here it is from another angle...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F077.jpg&hash=e6590ca79a639da58fff8fb4b7ef01c4a36314bd)

If I'm missing some kind of well-known bug, please let me know, then feel free to give me a good slap! If not, though, does anyone have any insight as to the problem? I'd really appreciate it!

Many thanks in advance!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: MandelSoft on March 28, 2009, 02:38:25 AM
Ah, this bug is an usual bug from the standard Maxis bridges. I suggest that you use another bridge type
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Simpson on March 28, 2009, 02:41:12 AM
Hi Dustin !
The first picture is really incredible, maybe one of the best picture of SC4 I've ever seen  &apls
This picture must be sure an HoF picture  ::) I'm looking forward to the next update my friend

Take care,

David
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Sciurus on March 28, 2009, 09:10:36 AM
It's incredible, I can't believe it, because I remind the images you showed us, when you built the station, what a transformation :o :o

Guillaume :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: mightygoose on March 28, 2009, 09:16:49 AM
its to do with the fact that the maxis highway models actually float above the ground slightly, whereas the bridge doesn't NAM highway bridges take care of this issue, so you would have to use them, other than that PS'ing is the only way to cover this problem up....
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Haljackey on March 28, 2009, 09:23:24 AM
Yep that bug is known for the "level highway" ground highway bridge.

The easiest way to fix it is to turn it into a elevated highway, and use the "on-slope" pieces at each end to turn it back to ground level.  Judging from the terrain you have at the ends of the bridge, an elevated workaround should work perfectly.  You'll just have to extend the lower terrain you're using for the seawalls a couple tiles back where the highway is to get a proper fit.
-Another "quick fix" would be to build something in front of the glitch to block it from sight.  I use this from time to time, but if you're rotating the camera in game this will only fix it for one or two angles.

Anyways I love the first picture in this update!  Also I never knew you could move a region like that in your last update.  Its interesting how you can break it up into differently sized city tiles too.  Nice work!

Best,
-Haljackey
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Luke09 on March 28, 2009, 09:29:01 AM
great pics...your cj(or md) is great!i just like your anti-grid(i think its grid but not maxis grid right? $%Grinno$%),and about the bridge problem(what is the meaning of issue?is the same of problem?)i dunno what to do,cause im not a very good terraformer,planner,and well..im not a great sc player :-[,but whatever,keep it goin
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: JBSimio on March 28, 2009, 11:27:31 AM
Hi Dustin,

I've been away far too long (perhaps you had already noticed that) and missed quite a bit again.  Since there are way too many updates for me to even attempt keeping track of, I'll just concentrate on the last few bits here.  I really like the idea of merging your map in with a larger region.  I'll be very interested to see how it all comes together.  I really like the way the train station area came together... it's a great mix of buildings there.  (The stadium quay came out very nicely as well)

Hope all is well!
Jon
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on March 28, 2009, 11:38:10 AM
Really great picture there Dustin, The station are looks very well done and quite thought.
As for the bug, I don't know but I think Hal' is right.. I have the same bug, so if Hal' is right, you can add me to thanks him.  :thumbsup:
Good muck to finish the G tile, can't wait to see a general shot of that tile.

Take care and can't wait the next update,

Arthur. :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: KoV Liberty on March 28, 2009, 03:48:16 PM
No my XP stopped a long time ago. Thanks though!

Alex
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Sheep49 on March 29, 2009, 03:26:35 AM
Awww... I'm behind with the updates once again. :( Not good! I gotta work on that.

As to your problem - I know what you're feeling. It happens to me very often. Not only with that Highway Level bridge, but also with other kinds. What's funny, however, is that most of the time it happens with the original Maxis bridges... Back to the subject... Have you already tried rising the part of the land there a little bit? I know that would eventually make some problems with that avenue overpass, but at least the drivers on the highway won't suddenly get crashed into the big, bad piece of land. ;)

As to the pic or update itself... good one! Looks very green and peaceful. The choice of buildings is great also. I wouldn't have thought to use ITS' BATs next to some typically American ones, but it looks pretty awesome. :) BTW, I see actually 3 Maxis buildings :P Bureau of Bureoucracy, Smith Tower and the Maxis' fire station hidden on one of the road corners. It looks good on that location I have to say, however.

And no problem with any building repetition - with your creativity and imagination we won't probably even realise it half of the time :D

Keep up the great work! I just can't wait to see more! :thumbsup:
Piotr
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bat on March 29, 2009, 04:27:28 AM
Nice overview picture there of the train station! It looks beautiful!!! :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: carkid1998 on March 29, 2009, 04:31:20 AM

Hi again!!
I have caught the recent updates, I just haven't posted!

That is yet another bug brought to you by MAXIS!!! It's the same with Bridge to tunnel conversions.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Pat on March 29, 2009, 01:05:42 PM
OMG WOW Dustin this is amazing what you are doing here with merging Common Wealth and Corpus!!!  :thumbsup:  I would like to see a different bridge in use there where you are having that bug issue as that should clear it up...
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: turtle on March 29, 2009, 01:20:45 PM
Hi Dustin,

I feel like it's time to leave a comment here again, i've been lurking for a while. I really like what you've done with the areas around the trainstation and the stadiums. you have made it look very realistic, which is something I can't do with big cities. Also, the incooperation of Marathon Island to the region looks really good. I wish you good luck in the monster project you've set out. Do you intend to develop all of it?
Once again, thanks for continuously sharing your experience with us :) I appreciate that you don't just present the finished product but show us the whole process.

Thomas
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on March 30, 2009, 03:08:16 AM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies.jpg&hash=f9a404e367cb5e6d84638084803c586e8b151f6e)

Maarten (mrtnrln): Thanks for your help, my friend!

David (Simpson): Wow, thanks for such a great comment! Hope to see you again soon!

Guillaume (Sciurus): Thanks! I think the area is finally starting to come together, too.

mightygoose: Thanks so much for your input. I guess I'll be looking for a way to get around it!

Haljackey: Thank you for your help! Sounds like the level highway bridge is out, eh? Oh, well—we'll figure something out! Take care!

Luke09: Thank you, my friend! It seems that the issue with the bridge is a bug in the bridge itself, so I guess it cannot be helped. But we'll work through it, I promise!

Jon (JBSimio): Hi, Jon! It's great to see you again, my friend! I'm glad that you're all caught up and I even more glad that you've liked everything so far! Hope to hear from you again soon!

Arthur (art128): Thanks, Arthur! I think you're right on the bridge, too.

Alex (Driftmaster07): Sorry, my friend! Hope you can find away around it!

Piotr (Sheep49): Hey, Piotr! Welcome back to Marathon! As for the bridge, I tried everything you can think of, short of slamming my head into the wall! It just didn't work out, unfortunately. Oh, and I'm glad you caught that Maxis Fire Station in the picture, too! I wanted to get that out of there but forgot. A fire broke out in the game while I was playing and had to plop one to put it out. Next photo, it won't be there...unless I forget again! Take care, my friend!

bat: Thanks!

carkid1998: Hello! Thanks for coming by!

Pat: Thanks, my friend! It looks like we'll be exploring different bridges, so you'll get your wish! Take care!

Thomas (turtle): Hi, there! Good to see you again! I'm glad you've enjoyed things thus far. I don't plan to get as much of the region developed as I can, though, that is always a much more daunting task than it seems before you set out to do it. Rest assured, though, any development will certainly be showcased here! Hope to see you again soon!




So, it seems the bridge issue is a bug! Well, no matter—just another obstacle we have to overcome, right? In the meantime, though, I've been up to a few smaller, more non-descript items:

I made a new frame in Photoshop for the pictures!


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F078.jpg&hash=c24bb1182c3928d15743cd4a2838de5dda0c94ff)

It features the city logo from the maps and the street signs shown in earlier updates. I also designed it to take up less space than the transparent black bar model so there's more of the picture visible. Hope you like it!

I've also...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F079.jpg&hash=2e6714489900bc4b5dd84b83c7f00e2b25d777e4)

...gone back into the LE to work on a 14x4 park section that is needed. Boy, I forgot how addictive the LE is! Oh, and don't worry, the picture above is a work in progress, nowhere near finished!

Finally...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F080.jpg&hash=7184373ccab4264512dbc088f1fbc37deff5fa31)

...I've been putting pen to paper on the region end of Marathon, in the midst of putting a bunch of CDs onto my new 120 GB iPod. Of course, what you put down on paper doesn't necessarily come out in the game, but it's definitely a great place to start, and I think I'm moving in the direction I want to. There's still a few areas I'm a bit foggy on, but this is only the first of what is likely to be multiple rough drafts.

If I toiled over the names of Marathon's streets for hours, what kind of time do you think I'll put into this!?

More to come, friends!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Alfred.Jones on March 30, 2009, 03:25:17 AM
Quite an impressive plan you have there Dustin! It will look fantastic once you have it all terraformed.

And who let you back into LE?? $%Grinno$%

Can't wait for more :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: mightygoose on March 30, 2009, 04:51:22 AM
nice planning on the region.... although i would consider breaking up the smooth curve of the original bay, it would help intergrate your changes...
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: homefryes on March 30, 2009, 09:19:09 AM
Hey, Dustin, just stopping by to let you know I was here! ;) I like the new frame for your pictures. That gives me an idea for my own! It's always fun to pick up ideas from others' work, so thank you! I'm even thinking that I might go back and update my previous pictures too. There aren't too many ... would just have to re-link, but that's no big deal.

This new expanded region of yours does indeed look like quite a task to work on. Would love to see you get it all done! I'm thinking my 30 tiles will be challenging enough to manage (the region has 35, but 5 are all water); so good luck with yours!

Best regards
-- Don
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bat on March 30, 2009, 09:57:17 AM
Yes, great plan on the region there! And the new frame for your pictures is looking really good! :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Sheep49 on March 30, 2009, 01:31:42 PM
Heh, Dustin. It seems that you're going to be occupied for a while... $%Grinno$%

Seriously though, great planning! What is a region size, BTW? Because it seems pretty big... Sorry, I meant BIG. I have only one comparition off the top of my head - 3RR in more urban setting. :D I'm looking forward to the formation of the 'CoM Development Team' ;)

From what I've seen in the preview pic, the region is going to look very good - the coastal part is really awesome. However, as every rose has its spikes, it's pretty flat. I would suggest adding some variety in terrain height, preferably in the lower-left corner of the map, as it looks pretty... boring (no offence intended).

And finally, the lot. Good one, the choice of the pathe texture is superb. I really like the trees, too! And it's going to be seasonal, which is another awesome thing. As it's the work in progress, I won't comment really on the detail quality of the lot... yet :P Though if I can suggest something, how about putting some benches along the path? Of course, after you add some street lamps. I think the lot could get some new energy and realism with them. But I'm pretty sure you had them in your mind already :)

Also, if you need any help with new Marathon's street names, look no further - I'm offering my help here on SC4D in posts, PMs, or you can contact with me by e-mail or MSN $%Grinno$% Anything to help you have more time for working on that beautiful MD itself! :D

Keep up the great work! Can't wait for more.
Piotr

P.S.: Don't forget to demolish that old Maxis' fire station!

EDIT: Great, I forgot to comment on the border. ::) Well, I love that logo! It captures the essence of Marathon: modernism (the overall look of the logo) and tradition (the little thingie next to the 'm'). Good work!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: KoV Liberty on March 30, 2009, 05:54:55 PM
Yeah... I've triede just putting the regions into my regions folder but that doesn't seem to work.  :-[ Anyways I cannot wait to see the new region developed! ;D :thumbsup: &apls

Alex
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Pat on March 30, 2009, 07:14:57 PM
Dustin love the new logo's you are using!!! Far as what I see of the Church Park it looks sweet and I would love to see more for sure.... The maps are looking real good and I cant wait for more!!!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: rooker1 on March 31, 2009, 04:37:56 AM
Hello Dustin,
Sorry I haven't commented as much as I normally do.  I have been pretty busy at work (while I was there) and very busy at the new house, painting and repairing a few things here and there.  Than I get home late at night and try to help with the packing.  Well, as you know I moved in on Saturday and it went very well.  But unpacking and trying to pu everything where it belongs or in it's new spot is sometimes harder than it sounds.  I am very anal about where things go and how they are placed.  With the kids though, I have found myself getting  a little better.
Enough about me.....
Your MD is coming along very well and I love the map you choose.  Same as the one I work on.  But the new additions you'll be adding in look fantastic and I love how and where you placed in Marathon Island. 
Great work as always.
I'll look for you later, have a great day.

Robin  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: carkid1998 on March 31, 2009, 08:10:34 AM

LE is Addictive!!

what are the blue lines on the map???
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Battlecat on March 31, 2009, 08:20:38 AM
Looks like it'll be a pretty interesting coastline once you're done.  Hope you've also got plans to add some hills later on!  Nice looking plaza you're working on as well.  Very cool! 
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: dedgren on March 31, 2009, 12:30:27 PM
Tile G look like an urban stunner, Dustin.  I'm all caught up again, and I have to tell you that Marathon only gets better with each post.  HOF-bound, or I'm a potted plant.


David
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: JBSimio on March 31, 2009, 01:30:14 PM
The new map looks great, Dustin!  The first draft looks very logical to me... not to mention very promising indeed.  I don't recall off hand if there is already a seaport on (or planned for) Marathon Island, but it seems to me that your new map has a great location pre-designed in the "back bay" to the west of your land extension.  Given the little curve you put in your future land mass there, it would appear that you're already thinking of extending that harbor?  (If not, might I be so bold as to suggest it for consideration?)  I tend to disagree with the multiple comments regarding hills though.  This type of shoreline with barrier islands strikes me as being primarily low-lying and flat.  Yes, some elevation changes would certainly add some visual interest to the map, but I'm personally just not sure how well it would fit.  Either way... those are just a couple of my thoughts which may or may not mean much of anything!  :D  I'm sure whatever you come up with is going to look great and I'm looking forward to watching it all come together.

Until next time,
JB
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: metarvo on March 31, 2009, 01:52:16 PM
This looks like quite an undertaking, Dustin, but I know you can do it.  :thumbsup:  The map, logo, and lot all look very good.  It might be a good time to think about the method you will use to connect Marathon Island to the mainland.  It looks like an extension of the mainland will reach close enough to the island that a bridge could connect the two, but ocean areas often have ferries as well.  Not only will car traffic need a connection, but I'm sure you'll determine the best way for the railroad to leave the island.  Keep up the good work, Dustin!

&apls
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Dark_Jedi06 on March 31, 2009, 02:19:59 PM
Wow! I love how you're coming along on that map, Marathon fits in just right and the coastline looks gorgeous. ;D ;D

And what's this I hear about the LE being addictive? No one ever told me that, now I know why I spend so much time with it. ::) Marathon just gets better and better. :satisfied:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on March 31, 2009, 11:48:50 PM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies.jpg&hash=f9a404e367cb5e6d84638084803c586e8b151f6e)

Alfred.Jones: Thanks, my friend! And I'd love to know how let me back into the LE, too—I have a bone to pick with them! Take care!

mightygoose: Your idea about breaking up the curved shoreline is a good one, too. I do believe that I'll be looking at some ways to make it happen. Thanks for your input!

Don (homefryes): Hi, Don! It's great to see you here, again! You're so right about learning from others' work—I do believe that I've picked up more than a thing or two in Ashtabula myself! See you over there on the shores of Lake Erie, my friend!

bat: Thank you, my friend! I'm glad you like them!

Piotr (Sheep49): Hi, Piotr! The region is 9x9 large tiles, with the Marathon Island section broken up into medium tiles. And thanks for your wonderful comments on the region, as well! Elevation changes have been on my mind for areas, but that's a bridge I'll cross when I get there, unfortunately. If I start icing the cake before it's even baked, I may run into some trouble! Right now, I'll stick with the elevation that mapmaking legend blade2k5 used when he made that section of the map, and see where it goes from there! Thanks for dropping by!

Alex (Drfitmaster07): I'm sorry that you haven't gotten your region woes straightened out, my friend. Good luck, and thanks for taking the time to drop in here!

Pat: Thanks!

Robin (rooker1): Not a problem at all, Robin! It's great to see you here, however often it may be, my friend! I'm glad to hear that the move went well and the unpacking isn't too bad, either! And isn't it a coincidence that I chose the map that you've used? Great minds, eh? Hope all is well!

carkid1998: Indeed it is! Oh, and the blue lines on the map are section that I'm hoping to add onto it in the game. Sorry if I didn't make that clearer! Take care!

Battlecat: Thank you, my friend!

David (dedgren): Hi, David! Thanks so much for your very kind words, my friend!

Jon (JBSimio): Hey, Jon! There is definitely a seaport facility in the works for Marathon, but the big question has been where. The location you've chosen—if I'm reading your explanation correctly—seems like a great one, so it will be added to the short list which, as of now, has one location on it...yours! Oh, and about "being so bold" to make a suggestion? Be bold! Be bold! All suggestions are more than welcome here, my friend, from everyone. Just scream 'em out!

metarvo: Ferries! I knew there was something that I was missing! I'm glad it came up before we got too far into development. Ferries are absolutely something to take into consideration, and it's all thanks to you! Thanks so much for bringing it up, my friend! Hope to see you again soon!

Dark_Jedi06: Thanks! And yes, I just heard the LE is quite addictive, too! Is there a transdermal patch for the LE like there is for quitting smoking? Thanks for stopping by!




Still plugging away at our Cathedral Park (working title). Here's an in-game render of the current version—


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F081.jpg&hash=a2d9597dd204a68be40f7fa954122ef955e0d91e)

Needs some more people I think, as well as lamps...Sorry, Piotr! Forgot those!

I'm also debating whether to change out the pink cherry trees for some seasonal ones to the entire park changes with each season, but I'm not sure yet. I do like the idea of driving on the road next to the highway where you're surrounded on both sides by trees, though.

Oh, and we're already close to 1100 comments! Your support is unbelievable, friends, and it means so much to me.

In a bit!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Pat on April 01, 2009, 12:29:36 AM
Dustin 5 away!!! BTW I want that park man that is stunning!!!!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Battlecat on April 01, 2009, 08:09:43 AM
Nice, I like that park a lot.  Personally I like the cherry blossom trees, but seasonal trees would look great there as well!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: warconstruct on April 01, 2009, 10:20:09 AM
marvellous work with, this city newspaper is splendid ! Very good work in all the fields, I visit this MD regularly !!

;)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Sheep49 on April 01, 2009, 01:27:45 PM
I'm pretty embarrassed that I haven't realised that the original map is by blade2k5 - sorry Troy! ;)

Hmmm... Short update - short comment, I guess... :D Not much to say about the lot to be honest. It looks great, especially with those pink trees. I wouldn't change them, even if they were to be changed to the awesome thing that are the seasonal trees. And I don't know if that will look good, but... I was wondering if planting some flowers on the lot would look nice? Perhaps you could just try it. ;)

And no problem with forgetting about lamps! It's not that important, really... And aren't those big poles with banners act as the light sources? I don't know because I haven't used them yet, but I can say that they look nice. And it needs more people, indeed. Especially on the upper side.

Well, overall, great job! Keep up the great work :thumbsup:
Piotr
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: JBSimio on April 01, 2009, 01:50:48 PM
Hi Dustin,

The new lot is coming along nicely.  I've always liked the cherry trees as well, but I agree that some seasonal ones would be nicer.  I know there are some seasonal (or at least semi-seasonal) trees out there that may come close to the same size and look, I just can't think off hand exactly where they are.  CSX, MJB, and SimGoober would all be good packs to check for something like that though.  Oh... and just to clarify, here is where I was trying to describe for the seaport.  ;)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi199.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Faa104%2FJBSimio93%2F080A.jpg&hash=be2472a628e9905b3172e9d71ecf0c7f0e77bcc1)

Hope all is well, my friend!
JB
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: KoV Liberty on April 01, 2009, 03:02:22 PM
 :o You are doing a great job! I do agree that some seasonal trees would look better but it is your choice!

Alex

Edit:

Welcome to Page 56 of This Great CJ!!!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Dark_Jedi06 on April 01, 2009, 04:05:49 PM
I love that park, especially the pink trees (please keep them :P), I've never really liked using seasonal stuff...it's a pain in the butt to lot and it seems like the season love to change when you're in the middle of making a mosaic; half ends up summer and the other half fall. $%Grinno$%

Those banners you've used instantly caught my eye as I've been searching for something like that for ages...perhaps you know what prop pack they belong to? ;D
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Luke09 on April 01, 2009, 05:30:42 PM
What a beautiful park man!where did u get that yellow stripes on your roads?
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon [04/02/09]: UPDATE XXXI: One Down, Seventeen...
Post by: thundercrack83 on April 02, 2009, 01:08:38 AM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies.jpg&hash=f9a404e367cb5e6d84638084803c586e8b151f6e)

Pat: Thank you, my friend!

Battlecat: Thanks! I like the cherry blossoms, too, that's why I'm a bit torn between them and the seasonals.

warconstruct: Merci beaucoup!

Piotr (Sheep49): Hello, Piotr! I'm with you, I think I may stay with the pink trees and do an all-seasonal park elsewhere in the city. I like the idea of a park in autumn with the changing leaves, though, that's why I want to work the seasonal trees in somehow. Thanks, as always, for your support, suggestions, and advice, my friend! I appreciate them all!

Jon (JBSimio): That's where I thought you were talking about! I must admit that is not where I was originally thinking for a seaport, but it certainly has all the hallmarks of a great spot! Once I get the region itself all put together, it will make choosing a location a bit easier, I believe. As for the tree dilemma, as I just said to Piotr (Sheep49), I think I'll stick with the cherry trees in this park and save the seasonals to do an all-seasonal park elsewhere in Marathon. So, we'll see where that takes us, eh? Thanks so much for stopping in, my friend!

Alex (Driftmaster07): Thank you, Alex!

Dark_Jedi06: Thank you! I think the pink trees will be staying for this park. You're right about the difficulty in lotting the seasonal trees, too—trying to get them to line up can be a bit frustrating. Oh, and I'm not sure off the top of my head which prop pack the banners are in, but I will look into it and let you know. Take care, my friend!

Luke09: Thank you! The yellow crosswalks are the CPM Yellow Striped Crosswalks (http://www.simtropolis.com/stex/details.cfm?id=17203) by ebina, SC4D's "Mr. Wizard!" Hope that helps!






UPDATE XXXI
One Down, Seventeen to Go...
2 April 2009

As I said in an earlier update, I made a promise to myself that I would try to get at least one of the medium-sized tiles that comprises Marathon Island finished completely before moving on to the region as a whole. While we're headed into region mode already, I think, after completing Tile G today, I was able to keep my word.

I'll refrain from the picture-by-picture examinations and just let you check them out at your leisure. Enjoy!


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252031%2F31001.jpg&hash=9ff12924425be0c2f323409d3531395e8ae3b0bf)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252031%2F31002.jpg&hash=a5b17a46361d518ae3a7dd2d980fdea0c99ae7cd)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252031%2F31003.jpg&hash=0aa71fe439d287dd89b8212c125917ec17fe3a52)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252031%2F31004.jpg&hash=b3fee5c686a67af8566a9023d2878217aed6989c)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252031%2F31005.jpg&hash=140392d5feb50a67da4e9ad69b66ed68002829ea)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252031%2F31006.jpg&hash=492eb8fe43cd1e19de28c9e9a906d2ef6f026b6e)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252031%2F31007.jpg&hash=e43b6fd95fc6e0881858821aa2a5401de8d7df2b)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252031%2F31008.jpg&hash=1f3f80cccf2656475e3e65578db51be54e01b195)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252031%2F31009.jpg&hash=081d36b875d6c9e34692f8cff3652bf3f8ed54c0)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252031%2F31010.jpg&hash=5e4e2c52ef2d762b87cb9b33ad95a987d26fac5a)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252031%2F31011.jpg&hash=62e89569c533fd91557752a4a66662d07213f459)

A mosaïc—


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252031%2F31012.jpg&hash=b9b03272b3d428b240e33af25702404f92a728b5)

And finally, a bit of an overview...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252031%2F31013.jpg&hash=7eddc21eab3b09e4b5097e7b57225b20681f6036)

There it is! I hope you like it!

It's officially Thursday here in Pennsylvania, and today I will be leaving for my girlfriend's house in the Lehigh Valley (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lehigh_Valley). On Saturday, I will then be flying out of Philadelphia to Texas and Oklahoma to see Bruce Springsteen in Austin and Tulsa. I won't be back until next week, but I'll be taking my computer with me, so with any luck, I'll be able to still work on Marathon a bit here and there.

Take care!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: JoeST on April 02, 2009, 01:16:36 AM
oh that is ONE AWESOME update, congratulations on completing a tile, cant wait for more.

Joe
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Alfred.Jones on April 02, 2009, 01:22:43 AM
That is simply fantastic Dustin!

I can't think of any other words.

Fantastic! :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: mightygoose on April 02, 2009, 02:46:32 AM
oh dude, bar raised... man that is awesome..
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on April 02, 2009, 03:25:28 AM
Pretty nice update there Dustin, these pictures are looking fantastic !
There's always a great atmosphere in your city, always a pleasure to see.
I really love the area near the diagonal W2W, that little market make the difference !
Great job with this,

Arthur.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Simpson on April 02, 2009, 04:06:43 AM
Hi Dustin!
WOW, WOW, and also WOW  ;D This is simply incredible, the mosaic is magnificient  :thumbsup:
Also the overview is amazing, fabulous work my friend  &apls

Take care,

David
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: rooker1 on April 02, 2009, 04:34:27 AM
Hey Dustin,

Super update and I'm really glad for you that you have been able to finish an entire tile.  I can easily count the number of times I have done that on one hand since 2004.  $%Grinno$% 
In the first picture.....really nice but the two buildings on the left that are the same look and are ugly compared to the others around the area.  But than I( sat back to think for a second and that is exactly how cities are in real life and my opinion changed.  This is why your city looks so good and realistic.  It's the combination of buildings that you have choosen that makes everything look and fit together so well.  Along with some incredible lots we have made together. ;)
In the forth and fifth picture, however, I would like to see longer streets lined with Marcszar's low wealth buildings.  Everytime I see them, I invision crowded, dirty streets, lined with cars. 
In the 1st and 4th picture.....the under ground rail lot looks awesome.  When I first had seen that, I was very excited and I hope that the maker of this BAT makes a lot more variations.  Very Chicago, from my experiences.  I have heard very London as well.  But either way it is an amazing lot!
Overall, Dustin, I think you are doing one *ell of a job here.
Hope you have a great time at the BS concert.

See ya later,
Robin  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: kimcar on April 02, 2009, 05:03:53 AM
 &apls &aplsExcellent work Dustin. You work hard for it but the result is there and you can be proud of it. :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Ryan B. on April 02, 2009, 06:36:14 AM
Another trip to Texas?  Yee-HAW!!!!!

This MD is quickly becoming one of my favourites!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bat on April 02, 2009, 06:44:01 AM
Fantastic work there! Nice update!!!!!  :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Battlecat on April 02, 2009, 09:31:57 AM
Gorgeous!  So many details here, it's just amazing.  Fantastic work, always looking forward to more!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Luke09 on April 02, 2009, 12:32:57 PM
Oh Thanks man.And a great update again!I liked That Cathedral,its beauty and big. &apls
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Nexis4Jersey on April 02, 2009, 04:14:51 PM
What a grand update Dustin &apls , i was just in the Lehigh Valley 2 weeks ago, are you Flying out of LVIA?
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Haljackey on April 02, 2009, 04:23:01 PM
Wow, I'm impressed!  Its amazing to see how Marathon has grown!  That train station looks magnificent fully developed!

Very cool use of retaining walls too!  I don't think I've ever seen them used like that!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: metarvo on April 02, 2009, 05:43:57 PM
These are definitely on my list of the most beautiful SC4 pictures I've seen, Dustin.  The tile is complete, and everything comes together in a manner that is both varied and unified at the same time.  Keep up the good work!

&apls
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: KoV Liberty on April 03, 2009, 01:29:51 PM
One word... Fantastic!  :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: &apls &apls &apls &apls &apls ;D
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: kbieniu7 on April 03, 2009, 01:44:01 PM
Beautiful. What can I write more?  :thumbsup:
But, for me, i feel something strange in this. But it's still excellent  ;D
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: WC_EEND on April 03, 2009, 01:51:13 PM
very nice, one question however: where did you get the building with the Coca-Cola sign on it?
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bluesinjid on April 03, 2009, 03:28:14 PM
That is one awesome city right there  :thumbsup: You and your LE skills have made your parks one of the best,and everything blends so well together! :-\
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Dark_Jedi06 on April 03, 2009, 09:52:00 PM
I love what you've done with the two tile length wall leading down to the embankment! ;D Very creative. :satisfied: Also, I was little iffy on the train station at first, but when placing in the context of the entire city it looks fabulous! ()stsfd() My only gripe is that the highway seems a little dead. ;)

Keep up the wonderful work! :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: TheTeaCat on April 04, 2009, 03:18:04 PM
Dustin


Hello yes remember me? Sorry I haven't been here for a while &mmm but I'm back and my oh my
stunning work on everything, there really is too many superb things to mention but I am amazed
by what you have achieved so far  &apls &apls

Got to go back and check some of it out again - just to be amazed once again  ::) :D

:satisfied:
TTC
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Pat on April 04, 2009, 08:53:59 PM
Dustin OMG WOW!!! OK I have totally ran out of other words what I can honestly say here...  I love the over view shot and that park is soo stunning!!!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on April 05, 2009, 01:38:23 AM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies.jpg&hash=f9a404e367cb5e6d84638084803c586e8b151f6e)

Joe (JoeST): Thanks, Joe!

Alfred.Jones: Thank you so much!

mightygoose: Wow! Thanks, my friend! That means a lot to me!

Arthur (art128): Thanks very much, Arthur!

David (Simpson): Thank you, David!

Robin (rooker1): Hi, Robin! I was actually thinking the same thing you were about the long narrow streets with the low-income housing, but the edge of the tile prohibited it in this instance. Don't worry, though, that type of set-up will definitely pop up elsewhere in Marathon. You can bet on it! It's always wonderful to have you here, my friend. Take care!

kimcar: Thank you! I'm so glad that you enjoyed it!

Ryan (burgsabre87): Thanks, Ryan! And yes, I'm headed back to the Lone Star State for another round! I'll get some pictures again this time, too!

bat: Danke!

Battlecat: Thank you, my friend!

Luke09: Not a problem at all, my friend. Thanks for stopping by!

Corey (Nexis4Jersey): Thanks, Corey! Actually, I didn't fly out of LVI (I still think of it as ABE, but that's another story!), I flew out of Philadelphia to Columbus, then St. Louis, then to Love Field in Dallas.

Haljackey: Thank you so much!

metarvo: Thank you, my friend! Trying to variate things, yet keep them unified is something that I often strive for, and feel that can be difficult to attain sometimes. I'm so happy to hear you think I've succeeded thus far! Take care!

Alex (Driftmaster07): Here's one word for you, my friend...Thanks!

kbieniu7: Thank you very much, my friend!

WC_EEND: Thanks! The Coca-Cola building is part of one of the housing packs by marcszar, but I'm not exactly sure which one off the top of my head. I will look into it and get back to you, though. Thanks for stopping by!

bluesinjid: Thank you very much!

Dark_Jedi06: Thanks! I won't lie, I was a bit iffy on the train station myself, even after everything was finished. I was worried that it was going to stick out like a sore thumb, and while it may, the thumb doesn't look too sore! Oh, and you're right on about the highway, too. I tried very hard to get traffic, but couldn't, and forgot to put the traffic generators in my Plugins folder. Next time, though, I'll get some cars on the road! Take care!

Derry (TheTeaCat): Remember you? How could I forget! No worries about not being here for a while, it's easy to get lost in all the wonderful stuff here at SC4D! Thanks for your great comments, and I hope to see you again soon!

Pat: Thank you very much, my friend!




Greetings from...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amiright.com%2Falbum-covers%2Fimages%2Falbum-Bruce-Springsteen-Greetings-from-Asbury-Park-NJ.jpg&hash=692da56b779e19e3845915bbf715c8cd380bc659)

Wait, that's not right...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F082.jpg&hash=259f651d36551d4d4937a07378a2825216b403c8)

There we go!

Actually, I'm no longer in St. Louis, I've made it to my final destination in Dallas, Texas. But I saw that great logo—on the back of a rocking chair, no less!—and couldn't pass up the opportunity, being the sucker for a good logo that I am, of course!

I'll be headed to Austin,Texas, tomorrow for tomorrow night's concert, but despite running around the Lone Star State, I've still got a few little projects up my sleeve that don't require any Internet access. We'll see where they take us.

In a bit!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: tooheys on April 05, 2009, 02:38:44 AM
Oh so sad, I have that in vinyl around here somewhere  /&HiPP/%

Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: dsrwhat316 on April 05, 2009, 06:08:41 AM
Quote from: thundercrack83 on April 05, 2009, 01:38:23 AM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amiright.com%2Falbum-covers%2Fimages%2Falbum-Bruce-Springsteen-Greetings-from-Asbury-Park-NJ.jpg&hash=692da56b779e19e3845915bbf715c8cd380bc659)

I could say the same to you, seeing as this is where I am! (Sort of, my town shares the same zip code  ::))

That overview with the train station is amazing! You certainly didn't neglect to place greenery throughout this quad; the part that caught my eye was the patch of trees nestled in one of the city blocks (something I'll have to borrow....)

Enjoy The Boss, Dustin!

~ Dan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: KoV Liberty on April 06, 2009, 11:45:52 AM
Can't wait till the next update!

Alex
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Pat on April 08, 2009, 09:38:05 PM
Ya know what Dustin if I didnt know anything I would say that logo for the Airport kinda has a MCd effect lol...  At least I hope you had a blast the concert!!!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on April 08, 2009, 11:48:21 PM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies.jpg&hash=f9a404e367cb5e6d84638084803c586e8b151f6e)

Dave (tooheys): Hi, Dave! That's not sad at all, my friend—it's a fantastic album, one of my top three favorites in Bruce's catalogue. I actually have it on vinyl, as well, though my mom got it for me at a flea market probably around 1998. You should break it out and give it a good listen! Take care, Dave!

Dan (dsrwhat316): Hey, a Jersey Shore boy! I knew there was a reason I liked you! Living in eastern Pennsylvania, I've made it to Asbury on pilgrimages more than once since I was 16. Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend, and for your wonderful comments and support!

Alex (Driftmaster07): Thanks, Alex! Hopefully we'll get to a proper update soon!

Pat: Ha! It does have that "golden arches" feel, doesn't it? I guess if McDonald's had a favorite airport, it would be in St. Louis! It's always great to see you here, my friend!




Well, my trip is drawing to a close. We got back from Oklahoma this afternoon, and I'll be flying home tomorrow out of Dallas Love Field to Philadelphia, by way of Houston Hobby. It's been a great trip, and I've got plenty of pictures that I'll share if you'd like!

In the meantime, though, I've had a bit of time to play around...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F083.jpg&hash=70d944637b9b2076df2e05d55d112140dc9a2f52)

I forgot how much fun it was to play with the sunrise / sunset pictures!

Oh, the odometer here in Marathon passed 30,000 views while I was in the Sooner State! Thank you all so very much for your continued interest and support here!

Marathon will be back in full swing as soon as I get home...See you then!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Pat on April 08, 2009, 11:54:50 PM
Dustin its my pleasure to come on down to Marathon!!! OMG Sir that is amazing pic wow!!!!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bat on April 09, 2009, 02:19:48 AM
Nice teaser there! Looking forward to more...
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: darraghf on April 09, 2009, 03:00:06 AM
It's a pity there isn't a proper sunrise in the game. It looks magnificent!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Luke09 on April 09, 2009, 06:32:45 PM
Wonderfull :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Dark_Jedi06 on April 09, 2009, 07:26:53 PM
Dustin is in eastern Pennsylvania, Dan is along the Jersey shore, and I'm smack dab in the middle! $%Grinno$%

New Jersey = best state in the Union :thumbsup:

...anyway, I'm very glad to hear that Marathon will be back in full swing, I'm eager to see what's in store for all of us lucky viewers. ;D
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Nexis4Jersey on April 09, 2009, 08:07:19 PM
ah , ur in Jersey wanna visit me?  $%Grinno$% , anyway great teaser  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: kimcar on April 10, 2009, 06:32:14 AM
 &apls Excellent pic. You are a true artist  ;D
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: dsrwhat316 on April 10, 2009, 08:46:27 AM
Looks like this is a hot spot for us Jersey boys, eh?  ()stsfd()

I really like that little park nestled within the city grid. It looks surprisingly well-kept, since it is near some low-wealth buildings. I'm very interested to see more, Dustin!

~ Dan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on April 10, 2009, 09:20:14 AM
Stunning picture there Dustin, I like the way you use those effects, Very nice.
Generally, I think that park must go in a pleasant rich area, but you use it nicely to go in that ghetto, excellent work.

Looking forward to more with attention,

Arthur.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Simpson on April 10, 2009, 01:52:38 PM
Amazing picture my friend, this is looking superb  &apls I really love the effect in your picture, this park is very nice
I'm looking forward to the next update Dustin !!

Take care,

David
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on April 10, 2009, 10:18:41 PM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies.jpg&hash=f9a404e367cb5e6d84638084803c586e8b151f6e)

Pat: Thanks, my friend!

bat: Thanks!

darraghf: Thank you!

Luke09: And thank you, my friend!

Dark_Jedi06: I'm with you there, the Great State of New Jersey is my favorite state! Thanks for stopping by!

Corey (Nexis4Jersey): Thanks!

kimcar: Thank you for such a wonderful comment, my friend!

Dan (dsrwhat316): Thank you, Dan!

Arthur (art128): Thanks, Arthur! I'm so glad you enjoyed it!

David (Simpson): Merci beaucoup!




Well, I've made it back to Pennsylvania! And I have a little something to share with you all from Tile G that I was able to work on in the airports and elsewhere throughout my travels...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F084t.jpg&hash=ec594e75cabba9dd0fd54d4c555f375f0903af71) (http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o134/thundercrack83/MARATHON/Maps/G.jpg)

Hope you like it!

Oh, and I've got a pile of pictures from my trip that I would be more than happy to share with you all, if you'd like to see them!

More from Marathon to come!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Pat on April 10, 2009, 10:30:47 PM
WOW Dustin that is a amazing Map there!!!


Ooooh and yes I would love to see pics from your trip....
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: projectadam on April 10, 2009, 10:31:49 PM
Dustin,

Good to have you back and I can sense that you had a great time in your travels. The map of Tile G looks AWESOME!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Jmouse on April 10, 2009, 11:09:19 PM
Hey Dustin, sorry for my recent absence. Hope you enjoyed your trip, and glad to know it was a safe one. I'm not even going to try and comment until I can catch up with whatever's going on in Marathon. I did DL the map, though, and at first glance I can tell it's a beaut.

Later, but maybe not so long this time...
Joan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: sebes on April 11, 2009, 02:41:57 AM
 :o

I am totally in awe on that map... without doubt the best ever seen! Splendid Dustin!

&apls
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Sciurus on April 11, 2009, 05:33:22 AM
I didn't come there for few weeks and I'm happy to see the city is still beautiful, and I know I'l never be disappointed ;)

This a very beautiful map you did, and I see you named some things in french, and, for example, Citroën Amphitheater, did you inspire of the Quai André Citroën in Paris? :D
Or for "La Baie des Chrysanthèmes" ... The Chrysanthèmes are very  used in France in ... cemeteries $%Grinno$%
But, it's very beautiful, and I'm very happy to see french names on an american map, but it's odd you mix up french and american names ??? Why? You love France or french? :P

Guillaume :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on April 11, 2009, 08:17:37 AM
Dustin, wow ! Excellent work on that map my friend.
I like the design of it and the way you make it. Also, great work with the mix of names, very creative !

Looking forward to more and Take Care,
Arthur.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bat on April 11, 2009, 08:32:45 AM
Fantastic map there, Dustin! Looking forward to more... ;) :)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: KoV Liberty on April 11, 2009, 02:41:07 PM
Sure! I would love to see your pictures. And I cannot wait to se the finished product on tile G!

Alex
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on April 11, 2009, 10:28:48 PM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies.jpg&hash=f9a404e367cb5e6d84638084803c586e8b151f6e)

Pat: Thanks, my friend!

projectadam: Hi! It's great to see you here again, too! I did have a good time on my trip, and I'm so happy that you like the map!

Joan (Jmouse): Hello, Joan! It's wonderful to see you back, and I hope that all is well, my friend. Please don't worry about catching up or anything like that—just having you around is more than enough for me! Take care!

sebes: Wow! Thank you so much for such a fantastic comment, my friend! Hope to see you again soon!

Guillaume (Sciurus): Hi, there! Glad to see you again! Actually, the name for the Citroën Amphitheatre came from the car manufacturer, though the two may be named for the same thing, as far as I know. As for the use of French, I've always loved the French language and culture, and wanted to incorporate it as best as I could into my North American style city, giving it a bit of a Montréal-like feel, if that makes sense. Perhaps when I get a better grasp on your language, I'll get some more in there for you! Take care, my friend!

Arthur (art128): Thank you, Arthur! I'm happy you enjoyed the map!

bat: Thanks!

Alex (Driftmaster07): Thanks, Alex!




Well, if you don't mind a bit of a detour to the prairies, I'll give you a bit of a lowdown on my trip to Texas and Oklahoma over the past week!

We'll start in...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FTX%2520and%2520OK%25202009%2F006.jpg&hash=00976f353455a1a002afbc693ebd8b3540de109b)

Austin, Texas, where we headed for the first Bruce Springsteen concert.


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FTX%2520and%2520OK%25202009%2F009.jpg&hash=337539e4912ae80763522686b047ef6f242e120b)

The Frank Erwin Center, where the concert was held...


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...and a close up of the Texas State Capitol.


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Above is a shot of the Austin skyline as we were heading back to...


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...Dallas, Texas.


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Here we are crossing Interstate 30 near Dallas, which heads east to Texarkana, Arkansas.

Our next destination was Oklahoma, via...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FTX%2520and%2520OK%25202009%2F014.jpg&hash=7ecabdd1857074993e39837380749bb4990ad385)

...US Route 75. You can also see the Texas Style Traffic Signals (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6716.0), a project that our good friend Ryan (burgsabre87) is working on for our game.


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FTX%2520and%2520OK%25202009%2F015.jpg&hash=6b4d6f0b5fe891ba1f5bc8afdfe35b2c5d18171a)

Crossing the Red River from Texas into Oklahoma...


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...and on our way to Tulsa.

Along the way, we crossed...


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...Oklahoma State Route 3, passed...


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A Sinclair station, as well as...


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Interstates 40...


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...and 44, until we finally made it to...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FTX%2520and%2520OK%25202009%2F022.jpg&hash=2fdb3387b8478522887fc99e05c9da297c806f88)


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FTX%2520and%2520OK%25202009%2F023.jpg&hash=42b01955db864d21624ff48282abbcc2a6c6d69a)

Tulsa, Oklahoma!


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Above is the BOK Center, where the concert was held in Tulsa, and here...

The BOK Center sign...


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and another shot of...


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...downtown Tulsa.

and also saw...


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...this sign on the side of the road on the Indian Nation Turnpike. Peculiar, right? We thought the same thing until we came upon...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FTX%2520and%2520OK%25202009%2F004.jpg&hash=e3c6f090371204a91ced6010ae19f043d22c0c6d)

...this! Unfortunately, brush fires seem to be a problem in Eastern Oklahoma, as we saw several plumes of smoke off in the distance, as well as the tell-tale scent.

Finally, I'll leave you with...

All in all, it was a fantastic trip, and I hope to make it back out to my friends' home in Dallas soon. I hope you enjoyed my pictures, and I do apologize for the bevy of road signs, but that's one of my favorite things to get pictures of when I go somewhere I've never been before.

Oh, and a quick check back with Marathon...


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Something else that I've been tinkering with.

I'd also like to wish a Happy Easter to all of our friends who celebrate it, and a happy and wonderful spring (or fall for the Southern Hemisphere!) weekend to all of our friends who do not!

In a bit!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Sciurus on April 12, 2009, 02:07:32 AM
Beautiful photos of the Oklahoma and Texas &apls But I find the signs horrible than the french signs! There are better ;D like this:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fautorout.free.fr%2F2_Pdf%2Fimages%2Fphoto_index2.jpg&hash=4289d8b6715b9efbb12c73e2ca4ce94bfb5124b6)

And happy Eastern too ;)

Guillaume :thumbsup:

Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on April 12, 2009, 02:51:15 AM
Happy Easter to you too Dustin, I hope you ate a lot of chocolate !  :D :D
These pictures are just excellent my friend, great shots ! :thumbsup: Austin downtown looks great, more that Dallas and Tulsa ones ! I hope the concert was great , and I hope you enjoyed it.

La grande Arche lot looks great, nice choice of textures.

Looking forward to more of Marathon,

Arthur. :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bat on April 12, 2009, 09:48:48 AM
Nice views of that city there!

And Happy Easter to you!

Looking forward to more from that lot! ;)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Pat on April 12, 2009, 03:10:17 PM
Hey Dustin some great pics there and also intresting sign there about not driving into the smoke  ??? Now personally me well U would wonder why that sign is on the reservation lol...  :satisfied:

Anyways I do enjoy the devolpment back in Marthon there!!!

Most of all Happy Easter my friend!!!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: MandelSoft on April 12, 2009, 11:57:14 PM
Great that you shared us your trip trough Texas and Oklahoma. So how was the Bruce Springsteen concert. I hope you enjoyed it. Oh, and how long did it took to drive from Austin to Tusla? (Probably very long in dutch terms) Happy easter to you too!

I'm still lurking around here ::)

Best,
Maarten
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Jmouse on April 13, 2009, 12:37:12 AM
Great photos, Dustin. It's been ages since I saw Austin, but we've been in Dallas many times in the past 10 years - the most recent trip was four months ago. When you saw the Texarkana exit, you were about six hours from where I live, but if you ever get closer than that and want to stop by, we'll feed you and give you a place to spend the night. :) And if you go through Oklahoma again, I'll see if one of my relatives will put you up - or put up with you - for the night! :D

Later...

Joan

Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on April 13, 2009, 10:38:17 AM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies.jpg&hash=f9a404e367cb5e6d84638084803c586e8b151f6e)

Guillaume (Sciurus): Thank you, my friend! I'm glad you like the pictures from my trip. And your French road signs do look wonderful, too! But I have to admit, almost any road sign looks good to me! Thanks for stopping by!

Arthur (art128): Hi, Arthur! I'm still working on the Easter chocolate—you have to pace yourself, right? The concerts, and the trip overall were just great, but it feels good to be back home. It's great to see you here, as always, my friend!

bat: Thanks so much, my friend!

Pat: Hi, my friend! You're definitely right about the sign, too—it had us a bit confused when we saw it. But then, when we came upon a brush fire by the side of the road, things made a bit more sense. Thanks for coming by, and I hope to see you again!

Maarten (mrtnrln): Hi, Maarten! The concerts were great, as usual with Bruce. I've been to over 30 of them, and each time, there's something different to see. The drive from Austin to Tulsa is probably about eight hours, but my friends live in Dallas, which is right in the middle, so we were able to break it up into two four-hour chunks, so it wasn't that bad. From Dallas to Austin, it's roughly 200 mi / 320 km, and from Dallas to Tulsa it is about 250 mi / 400 km. Take care, my friend!

Joan (Jmouse): Thanks so much for the invitation, my friend! Arkansas is definitely on my list of states to get to, right up there with New Mexico, Oregon, and Washington. One of these days I may just have to take you up on it! Thanks for coming by!




Well, I'm still working and plugging away on another project here...


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There will be a bit more to it when it's all finished, but right now this is about as far as I have gotten. I hope to have it wrapped up by the end of the week, but you know how deadlines seem to pass!

In a bit!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Pat on April 13, 2009, 10:48:55 AM
Dustin its always my pleasure to be coming on in here to Marathon!!! I love watching you work with everything from maps to lots and this new is no exception to where as I cant wait to see more!!!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Sciurus on April 13, 2009, 11:12:48 AM
Oh, very good lotting, but I think you should come in France one day, you'll see it's a beautiful land ;) (Especially in Lorraine $%Grinno$%)
And you know, I'm always happy to stopping by ;)

Guillaume :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: jchase79 on April 13, 2009, 02:51:15 PM
Hey love following the development of Marathon... I don't usually reply but I thought I could help you understand the grass burning.  I live in southeast kansas/oklahoma area.  Every spring the prairie grass fields are burned.  It happens every year about this time of year.  The grasses come back greener after the burn off ... not really sure what other benefit other than possibly trying to keep the grasses low so they do not become a problem with brush fires in the summer when it is very dry in this area.  In the area of Kansas where I live, every day there are different sections being burned.  So I hope that helps with an explanation of the sign.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: darraghf on April 13, 2009, 03:12:57 PM
Amazing Map!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bat on April 14, 2009, 01:48:25 AM
Nice LE-work there again! It looks really good!
Looking forward to more... ;)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on April 14, 2009, 01:18:29 PM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies.jpg&hash=f9a404e367cb5e6d84638084803c586e8b151f6e)

Pat: Thank you so much, my friend. With support like yours, it makes it very easy to keep working on Marathon! Take care!

Guillaume (Sciurus): Hi! One day, I would love to come to France. I've never been anywhere in Europe yet, but France is certainly on the top of my list when I get there! Thanks for your wonderful comments!

jchase79: Hello, there! Thanks for stopping in to explain the burning grass. That certainly makes sense to me, and it would definitely explain the road signs. Thanks so much! Hope to see you around again!

darraghf: Thanks!

bat: Thank you, my friend!




Back to the Ol' Drawing Board!


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F087.jpg&hash=00c53c75fee517aef7c7594b0a3870c9e9280962)

After speaking with my good friend and "LE muse" Robin (rooker1), I decided to head back into the LE and play with the "water" areas that I had shown earlier. While I liked the overlay textures that I used, Robin's suggestion of canal pieces looks exponentially better, in my opinion—the water, while a darker shade, looks much more realistic, and I like using the pedestrian bridges for access rather than just the break in the overlay textures. Overall, I think it's a better result!

So, as I am so used to saying here in Marathon...Thanks, Robin!

More to show in a little while, as I start adding back the details.

Stay tuned!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: dsrwhat316 on April 14, 2009, 01:25:23 PM
Definitely much better, Dustin. I always thought the overlays you were using didn't look very realistic. I also like that base texture, too. I don't see anything to critique, really; this just shows your LE skills have been honed very well.

Now back to my LEing, which will be shown very soon...

~ Dan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: KoV Liberty on April 14, 2009, 02:12:24 PM
Wow! I missed 3 updates in just over 24 hours.  :-[ Anyways I can't wait to see the finished product!

Alex
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Jmouse on April 14, 2009, 03:20:52 PM
Agreed, the new treatment is so much better. I don't care much for the "phoney swimming pool" texture, but do like the idea of surrounding the structure with water and using bridges. Gives a more elegant, uptown feel to the lot.

Later...
Joan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: kimcar on April 14, 2009, 05:59:07 PM
Hi Dustin. First i`m happy that you use the canal for water effect . The render is much better  &apls &apls and great idea to use several bridge too. No doubt you got real skill for be a true mayor  ;D :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Sciurus on April 15, 2009, 01:27:54 AM
Very good lotting there, I love, I prefer this as the older ;)
And when you'll comme in France, if you'll come in France, cme in Lorraine, don't forget $%Grinno$%

Guillaume :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: rooker1 on April 15, 2009, 06:41:43 AM
Hey Dustin,
No need to thank me all the time, yet it is very nice.  I'm just the voice in the back of your mind giving you a little advice just before you would have thought it all up yourself. ;)
This new concept does look a million times better!
I can't wai tto see the surrounding areas and how everything blends together.

Robin  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bat on April 15, 2009, 07:40:24 AM
Yes, it looks really better now!
Looking forward to more... :)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Battlecat on April 15, 2009, 10:49:13 AM
Looking good!  It's been a while since I've stopped in, your work continues to be quite impressive.  I thing your latest choice for water looks fantastic.  I like the reflections! 
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: turtle on April 15, 2009, 12:38:06 PM
Super fantalastic improvement. This will fit perfectly into Marathon  :thumbsup: Just a few people and it will be great!

:)
thomas
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Haljackey on April 15, 2009, 01:16:55 PM
Some truly amazing work going on here, Dustin.  I was playing SC4 Vanilla over the weekend, and when compared to what I see here, it looks like a totally different game.  Nice going once again, I loved that huge map and the work on that new cool building of yours!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon [04/15/09]: UPDATE XXXII: Developing Abitibi Square
Post by: thundercrack83 on April 15, 2009, 06:08:28 PM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies.jpg&hash=f9a404e367cb5e6d84638084803c586e8b151f6e)

Dan (dsrwhat316): Thanks so much, Dan! After exploring alternatives, I most certainly agree with you on the overlays. In fact, I'm not sure if I'll ever use them again, and if so, only in small doses. It's always great to see you here, my friend!

Alex (Driftmaster07): Hi! Don't worry about missing things here, my friend—you can always catch up! Thanks for stopping by!

Joan (Jmouse): Thank you, Joan! I definitely like the canals better than the overlay textures, too!

kimcar: Thank you so very much, my friend!

Guillaume (Sciurus): Thanks! And don't worry, if and when I make it to France, I'll be sure to get to Lorraine!

Robin (rooker1): Hello, Robin! Thanks again for your advice and critiques, my friend. Thanks to your help, the lots look so much better! Take care!

bat: Thank you, bat!

Battlecat: Thanks! It's great to see you again!

Thomas (turtle): Thank you, my friend! Hope to see you here in Marathon again soon!

Haljackey: Thanks so much!






UPDATE XXXII
Developing Abitibi Square
15 April 2009

Well, before we get started, I've been doing a bit of math...


[tabular]
[row]
[data]
warm Texas weather
+
confined airplane
+
cool Pennsylvania weather =
[/data]
[/row]
[/tabular]

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252032%2FDSC00200.jpg&hash=fd6800ccafdd0de29702e560ed96e5019770b0ab)

Me with a cold. But that's OK—I've still been able to do some work on Marathon in between coughing and sneezing!

Today, we'll be looking at the development and construction of Abitibi Square on Marathon Island, which will take us to...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252032%2F32001.jpg&hash=fd008bce55886bc063b47de0c0cfd7863ffc369f)

...Tile E, where the square will be constructed. Here's...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252032%2F32002.jpg&hash=69d9d793868043c55d25027610a0593e9d9ba8ae)

...the six-point intersection in question, Prince of Wales Avenue running north-south, Quay Avenue running east-west, and Duke of Gloucester Street running northwest-southeast. First thing we'll do is...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252032%2F32003.jpg&hash=27fdee5442500c74d406bff0cd89a2415eae7e88)

...destroy the intersection, and replace it with...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252032%2F32004.jpg&hash=1229928fdbd7cdce08c587aae870d3e63c830599)

...a giant square! The next step, we'll put in...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252032%2F32006.jpg&hash=56f1ae18127ba353d9bbc43ee90f028ed0f89280)

...our canal pieces that were shown in the teaser pictures earlier.


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252032%2F32005.jpg&hash=b54fb0a2df4641d573d91f4e86d8ffed3f5d3c9b)

Above is the canal pieces completely in place. We continue with...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252032%2F32007.jpg&hash=039faecb32b94b76cffca328e744095e3fd11a7f)

...the FLUPs, which we will place at each avenue intersection, connecting them with one-way roads.


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252032%2F32008.jpg&hash=42218970dc2d6445d06ab516f6d84cff0a1e85b3)

Now, all the FLUPs are in place! At this moment, however, they are only æsthetic, not functional.

With all the transportation sections in place, we need to...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252032%2F32009.jpg&hash=d72fbf0c3ea11b9aa94155cf4c4af931a83b99c0)

...plan out our lots for the square. According to the diagram above, we'll need an 8x8, a 10x4, a 6x4, a 12x1, and a 14x1. Here they are in the LE:


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252032%2F32010.jpg&hash=a74e960e87853b239d90dc073e132ed0706fab20)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252032%2F32011.jpg&hash=11965c740f01215df5b633c6c46a94a528bd081e)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252032%2F32012.jpg&hash=d17484ba63e9fdc954b38c596c91430358b7318c)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252032%2F32013.jpg&hash=0bffba9484df88a83c2eddc28941bfd807c8550b)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252032%2F32014.jpg&hash=7223e3dfc587b0f17d0ab0b087c4b44e5f70e8e7)

Now, we put them in place!

First, our 8x8...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252032%2F32015.jpg&hash=af9a3827701b2c054fd14a42d64dc43268de15d1)

...our 10x4s...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252032%2F32016.jpg&hash=a2be9e07f0d7a6f9d61b3ce62cca28a4639d0c7e)


...the 6x4s...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252032%2F32017.jpg&hash=db962b336e52a7f63e66a314a857ad964cec784e)

...and our 12x1s and 14x1s—


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252032%2F32018.jpg&hash=176fdc08d4ef0d26304f50ccabab19851868af1b)

Finally, here is a closer shot of the entire square!


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252032%2F32019.jpg&hash=f0a1af8967e101e1ef0a0adf614a0ebb4b8c637e)

Hopefully, we'll continue development on the surrounding areas here when we return!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: rooker1 on April 15, 2009, 06:27:53 PM
Sorry to see you have a cold.
Great work in LE, the lot does look alot better and I like how you show us everything in LE and how it all fits together.
Sometimes it's unbeliveable....the number of lots it takes to fill a particular area.  Showing it all like this can give us/others the insight on how to do it themselves.
Always a pleasure to come here and see what's up.
Robin  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Battlecat on April 15, 2009, 07:11:41 PM
Sorry to hear about your cold, spring always seems to be a miserable time of year to be sick.  At least it doesn't seem to be dampening your talent!  That is one amazing update.  I really like how much you pay attention to the details, you certainly do a great job of making multiple lots that add up to a beautiful product.  Get well soon!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: metarvo on April 15, 2009, 08:14:09 PM
Oh, Dustin, I'm so sorry about that.  Remember that your priority right now is to get better.  Of course, it seems like you still feel like doing some LE work.  That is impressive! 

:thumbsup:

Oh, and do get better!  :)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on April 16, 2009, 12:26:29 AM
I'm sorry to hear about your cold Dustin.

Your lotting job is excellent my friend, you've done a fantastic area there.
Looking forward to more.
Take Care, and I hope you get better,
Arthur.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: MandelSoft on April 16, 2009, 01:23:56 AM
Excellent lotting, man! I'm stunned  :o
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: JoeST on April 16, 2009, 02:06:08 AM
Awesome :)

Joe
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Sciurus on April 16, 2009, 04:09:19 AM
Hi Dustin!

I love this lotting, which is just awesome, and so beautiful, I think it demands much hours to do that! Just a precision: the "Grande Arche" is in the Paris' CBD, I don't know if you knew that, but I hope the quarter around the Grande Arche will remind "La Défense" ;)
I see there's a ly flower next to the M of Marathon. But why this?

One of your bigger fan, Guillaume :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: kimcar on April 16, 2009, 11:00:06 AM
 &apls &apls Nice to see the evolution of this bat . You certainly got skill my friend  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Fabian93 on April 16, 2009, 12:37:27 PM
Wow this is fantastic there, I always love updates with the Lots you did shown.  &apls
The lotting looks awesome and the square is well done.
Keep up the great work here,

Fabian
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Luke09 on April 16, 2009, 01:41:23 PM
One word,7 letters,A-M-A-Z-I-N-G :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Jmouse on April 16, 2009, 04:50:15 PM
This is simply stunning work, Dustin. Now that you have my attention and undying admiration, I'm curious about a couple of things. Obviously this level of work is not for the faint of heart - and certainly not for beginners. So how should newbies go about getting started - what did you start out with? When and why? Thanks for showing your work, BTW. It's very inspirational even though far out of my league!

Later...
Joan

Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: KoV Liberty on April 16, 2009, 05:08:04 PM
Fantastic!  &apls &apls &apls &apls :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

Alex
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: carkid1998 on April 16, 2009, 11:55:12 PM

I can only hope, that one day,my MD will be as good as yours

http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=7472.0 (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=7472.0)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bat on April 17, 2009, 01:19:08 AM
Fantastic LE-Work there! Nice pictures of that building and area around it... :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on April 17, 2009, 11:58:15 PM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies.jpg&hash=f9a404e367cb5e6d84638084803c586e8b151f6e)

Robin (rooker1): Thank you so much, Robin! You're right, too—it's amazing how many different lots it can take to put an area together. Thankfully, this one was only five, and there was a 12x1 and a 14x1 in there. In the end, though, it's all worth it. Thanks for stopping by!

Battlecat: Thanks, my friend! I'm feeling much better now! I'm glad that you enjoyed the area and the lots, too! Take care!

metarvo: Thanks so much!

Arthur (art128): Thanks, Arthur!

Maarten (mrntrln): Thank you, Maarten!

Joe (JoeST): Thanks!

Guillaume (Sciurus): Thank you, Guillaume! I was aware that the Grande Arche was in Paris, but I'm not as familiar with La Défense. I'll have to check that area out! As for the fleur de lis in Marathon's logo, it comes from the historical connection between Marathon and the Canadian province of Québec, which I should probably elaborate on at some point! Thanks, as always, for your wonderful comments and support, my friend. It means a lot to me!

kimcar: Thanks so very much, my friend! It's always wonderful to see you here!

Fabian (Fabian93): Thank you, Fabian, for your great comment, and for coming by! Hope to see you again!

Luke09: Thank you so much! Your support is much appreciated!

Joan (Jmouse): Hi, Joan! You as a very good question—how did I get started? Well, since you've been a friend of Marathon's since the very beginning, you've seen my LE beginnings way back in Update 2: See—Walls! (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6190.msg197669#msg197669) I really did not find my LE legs properly, though, until I started working with Robin (rooker1) on the Centennial Quay Sports Complex project. From there, I just parlayed what I was learning there into other things. The best advice I can give is to just start small and please feel free to ask any questions that you may have. If I don't have an answer, someone definitely will! Good luck with your LE endeavors, my friend! I can't wait to see what you create!

Alex (Driftmaster07): Thank you, Alex!

carkid1998: Thanks!

bat: Thank you, my friend. I am always pleased to see your comments here!




Well, as quickly as the cold hit me, it went away! I still have a bit of congestion, but otherwise I'm in good shape. Thank you all very much for your best wishes, I appreciate it very much!

Right now, I am watching Deutsche Welle USA (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deutsche_Welle) that comes on one of the local channels here in eastern Pennsylvania from 2:00-6:00 AM. It rotates each hour from English language to German, and I actually like to watch the German versions better, trying to use my high school German from ten years ago (Wow! I feel old!) to figure out what is being said. Right now, it's the English version, though, so I have to wait a few more minutes.

Anyway, though! I've been working on the preliminary stages of Marathon: Full Region Mode—


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F088.jpg&hash=a9da8472f807f061672e0f6040aaa68f98c5def6)

Here is the hand-drawn additions to the printed map from earlier...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F080.jpg&hash=7184373ccab4264512dbc088f1fbc37deff5fa31)

As is always the case, there is some difference between the hand-drawn and in-game renders. Once the major terraforming is complete, I will begin doing some more detailed work.

Oh, and we're knocking on the door of 1200 comments, too! Will be get there this weekend?

Hope your weekend is going well...More from Marathon to come!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on April 18, 2009, 01:56:02 AM
That is growing fast there Dustin, the region looks great.
Can't wait to see more.

Take Care,

Arthur.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Sciurus on April 18, 2009, 03:17:18 AM
Hi dustin,

Still happy to come there you know. Thanks for the explanation about the fleur de lys. I think you already know, that Québec was a french province, and the Louisiane was a french state, and USA bought it in 1803. I believe there's a fleur de lys on the flag of Louisiane, but I'm not sure.
So, after this little history lesson, I just would like to congratulate you about your city, and this map is beautiful &apls. I'm happy you wink at France, it touches me &kiss

Guillaume, your little french friend :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Simpson on April 18, 2009, 07:01:39 AM
Hi Dustin,

The update 32 is incredible  :o, the intersection is really better now, the places are magnificient. The last picture is splendid, the result is superb  &apls Amazing work on the LE :thumbsup:.
The region is gigantic !! ::) You did an excellent work on it, bravo

I'm looking forward to the next update,

Take care,
David
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Ryan B. on April 18, 2009, 07:11:00 AM
Stunning work, Dustin!  It's always a pleasure to stop by and see what you've done with Marathon.

I like your street sign images, too.   :thumbsup:  Any route markers you use should probably have the fleur de lys on it.   :P
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: KoV Liberty on April 18, 2009, 02:08:04 PM
Can't wait till the new region is finished!  :thumbsup:

Alex
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on April 18, 2009, 10:28:22 PM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies.jpg&hash=f9a404e367cb5e6d84638084803c586e8b151f6e)

Arthur (art128): Thank you, Arthur!

Guillaume (Sciurus): Hello, my friend! Sorry about the confusion about the spelling, too. I looked it up in the dictionary and it said that it can be spelled either way, fleur-de-lis, or fleur-de-lys (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/fleur-de-lis). But, if fleur-de-lys is the preferred French version, I will definitely take your word for it and use it from now on! It is always great to have you here, my great French friend! If I slip up with your wonderful language or culture, please don't hesitate to let me know!

David (Simpson): Thank you so very much, David! Hope to see you here again!

Ryan (burgsabre87): Hey, Ryan! It's great to see you here, my friend. I'm glad that you're enjoying things here, and I will definitely be thinking about the route markers, too. Highways and their corresponding number system is the first step after the region is done! Take care, my friend, and don't be a stranger!

Alex (Driftmaster07): Thanks, Alex! Neither can I!




Well, I'm still working on the region view, but I saw this...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F089.jpg&hash=f4d16b95b260954a418500b57276af93a6e73569)

...over at ST. It is the Underground Car Park (http://www.simtropolis.com/stex/details.cfm?id=21570) by mcdrye, and it caught my eye earlier, so I grabbed it and gave it a quick plop.

Now, I'll be heading back into the game to work on the region end of things again. I should have something to show soon!

In a bit!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: homefryes on April 18, 2009, 11:26:13 PM
Hey there, Dustin. I have been lurking from time-to-time, just so you know! ;) I'm looking forward to seeing the progress on the full region. And that car park is an awesome find. If I were currently doing an urban project, I'd definitely go download it now ... but it'll be another 500 updates on my MD before I'm able to use it! :D

-- Don
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bat on April 19, 2009, 02:26:46 AM
That's a great region there and the newest picture is also wonderful! Nice work! :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on April 19, 2009, 03:03:12 AM
Dustin, Nice to see mcdrye's car park in your downtown my friend.
Your city - and MD of course - looks even more splendid from an update to an over one. &apls
The use of the SAM is excellent into your city my friend.

Looking forward to more.
Take Care,

-Arthur. :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Sciurus on April 19, 2009, 03:20:17 AM
Hi Dustin!

This pic is wonderful, and I knew my knowledge about my language will serve you ;D You can look to me for any translations you don't know, you can PM me, or speak with me on MSN ;)

Guillaume :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: dsrwhat316 on April 19, 2009, 06:08:51 AM
Ooh, thanks for pointing out that BAT; now I'll have to get it!  $%Grinno$%

I'm liking that region view, something I would never have the time to do. The teaser is also nice. I do have a question; have you ever considered using a sidewalk mod? As great as your MD is, a good sidewalk mod would really make your pics stand out more. Hope to see more soon!

~ Dan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: KoV Liberty on April 19, 2009, 07:58:20 AM
Great! I have the car park too and I love it! Also you have the NDEX Parking garage too. I lost my plugins folder when I transferred computers so could you send the Parking Garage file to my email? It is driftmaster07@gmail.com. Thanks!

Alex
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: carkid1998 on April 19, 2009, 08:16:27 AM
Thats a very basic, but very good pic!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Pat on April 19, 2009, 12:05:56 PM
Dustin love the map there and also the new underground parking garage!!!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: warconstruct on April 19, 2009, 12:37:26 PM
beautiful update !!! excellent work  &apls
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon [04/20/09]: UPDATE XXXIII: The Commonwealth...
Post by: thundercrack83 on April 19, 2009, 10:38:22 PM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies.jpg&hash=f9a404e367cb5e6d84638084803c586e8b151f6e)

Don (homefryes): Hi, Don! It's great to see you here, my friend! Oh, and if you've got 500 updates in the pipeline for Ashtabula, I will be getting a good seat to follow along! See you over in your neck of the woods, Don!

bat: Thank you so much, my friend!

Arthur (art128): Thanks, Arthur!

Guillaume (Sciurus): Hi, Guillaume—Marathon's Official Translator! It's always wonderful to have you here, my friend. À bientôt!

Dan (dsrwhat316): Hello, there, Dan! Thanks, my friend. As for a sidewalk mod, I think I actually have one installed, but I must have removed something or other from it. I must admit, though, that I don't particularly care for when the different sidewalk mods clash against each other according to the wealth of whatever buildings are in front of them, if that makes sense. I will definitely be looking deeper into the sidewalk mods, though! Thanks for your input and for stopping by, Dan!

Alex (Driftmaster07): Hi, Alex! You can find the NDEX Parking Garages (http://www.simtropolis.com/stex/details.cfm?id=15455) on the STEX. Just go ahead and follow the link!

carkid1998: Thanks!

Pat: Thank you, my friend!

warconstruct: Thanks so much!






UPDATE XXXIII
The Commonwealth of Marathon Presents...
The Commonwealth of Marathon!

20 April 2009

Well, it's only three pictures, but I do believe that the content warrants its own update. I have officially finished the "macro-terraforming" on the Commonwealth of Marathon region...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252033%2F33001.jpg&hash=88516259247ad0a5fc4a1eca3b222e71f19ec1c4)

Of course, by "macro-terraforming," I mean all the large scale stuff that needed to be done to reconcile and acclimate Marathon Island with the rest of the region. Here is the region, sans-borders—


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252033%2F33002.jpg&hash=e278570b414c6e88e9b4baf3a8153b221e76d730)

The next step is the "micro-terraforming," which will probably be juxtaposted against development of each section. There should probably be a "micro-macro-terraforming" section, too, which will encompass all the stuff from in between!

Finally...Here is an unfettered and unconstrained look...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252033%2F33003t.jpg&hash=c850d920f4daeed1176f0228c8e8ef3deb6a4464) (http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o134/thundercrack83/MARATHON/Update%2033/33003.jpg)

Some lakes and elevation changes would be included in the "micro-" / "micro-macro-terraforming" steps, but if I'm honest, I need to take a bit of a break from the terraforming end of things!

Hope you like it!

More to come...and with a few less prefixes, I hope!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Jmouse on April 19, 2009, 10:55:35 PM
Dustin, you're just too fast for me - you update before I can get around to posting! You've created quite a region map there, but I guess you know you'll still be working on it while you're babysitting with your grandchildren. It has to be one of the largest single-player regions around, and will be quite an accomplishment if and when you finish it. Good luck, my friend!

Later...
Joan

Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: JoeST on April 19, 2009, 11:32:50 PM
Thats looking awesome :) thanks Dustin
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: tooheys on April 20, 2009, 01:58:11 AM
Nice region map Dustin, especially the keys to the south. You certainly have a lot of work to do mate  ;)

Dave
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: rooker1 on April 20, 2009, 04:32:32 AM
 %BUd%
&apls
;)
Robin  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Dark_Jedi06 on April 20, 2009, 07:50:11 AM
That map is absolutely incredible. :o :o
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: carkid1998 on April 20, 2009, 07:58:01 AM
You're gonna have fun filling that map up!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: homefryes on April 20, 2009, 08:52:43 AM
Yes, :o simply massive for a one-player region, I agree! And I think my 30 (land-based) tiles in Ashtabula will be a lot to manage ... I couldn't imagine trying to work on one this size and not get frustrated! Can't wait to see the maps you create from this region!

-- Don
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: JBSimio on April 20, 2009, 09:01:20 AM
Incredible map, Dustin!   &apls  You really did an amazing job pulling it all together and it looks very natural.  I missed a couple updates again, but I'm always happy to see the SHUR Project so well represented in Marathon!  Thanks for all the advertising... :D

JB
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on April 20, 2009, 09:07:25 AM
Fantastic map Dustin, fantastic  &dance

- Arthur. &apls
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Luke09 on April 20, 2009, 09:26:13 AM
Its looking good Dustin  $%Grinno$%
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bat on April 20, 2009, 09:38:13 AM
What a really nice region there! Great work on it, Dustin! :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Battlecat on April 20, 2009, 09:41:20 AM
Excellent work there!  That's going to be an interesting region.  I'm looking forward to seeing how Marathon Island fits into the whole area. 
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: KoV Liberty on April 20, 2009, 02:47:58 PM
Cool region!  :thumbsup: And thanks. Last time I searched I couldn't find it so... Thanks!

Alex
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Orange_o_ on April 21, 2009, 05:08:04 AM
After some furtive visits on your thread, I set today, the time to read since the front page

I liked a lot that you show us the evolution, step by step, of your city. With now, the spectacular increase of your region.
But now I find that the ile is too linear (square) compared with the other banks.


I like the lottage of Arche de la Défense  :thumbsup:


Orange
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on April 21, 2009, 11:58:21 PM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies.jpg&hash=f9a404e367cb5e6d84638084803c586e8b151f6e)

Joan (Jmouse): Hi, Joan! Yes, this region is going to take quite some time to even put a dent in, I believe! Even harder than developing it, though, is trying to envision what will go where throughout it. But however long it takes, I'm sure it will be fun!

Joe (JoeST): No, thank you, Joe!

Dave (tooheys): A lot of work, indeed, Dave! But, hey—it's not like I have anything better to do, right? Thanks for stopping by, my friend. It's always a pleasure to see you here in Marathon!

Robin (rooker1): Hi, Robin! I'm not sure if there's an emoticon for "thank you very much," but if there were, I would use it now! Take care, my friend, and I'll look for you on MSN one of these days. It's been too long!

Dark_Jedi06: Thank you so much!

carkid1998: Yes, indeed I will have fun! Hope to see you back again, my friend!

Don (homefryes): Hi, Don! You're right, it is a big one! Actually, the size of the region never really hit me until everyone pointed it out to me. There are upsides and downsides to large regions, unfortunately. The downside is, as you said, you can get frustrated or bored, but the upside is that you have plenty of room to all the settings—rural, suburban, urban, and all in between. We'll see where things take us, I guess! Thanks for coming by!

Jon (JBSimio): Thank you, Jon! And don't worry, I will always advertise your work. It's like advertising oxygen, everybody needs to have it!

Arthur (art128): Many thanks to you, Arthur, and to our friend, the pink elephant!

Luke09: Thanks, my friend!

bat: Thank you, bat! I'm glad you like it!

Battlecat: Thank you! It will be interesting to see how the island works in with everything. Hopefully how it's fitting in my head will translate, but who knows? Take care!

Alex (Driftmaster07): Hey, no problem! Any time you're looking for something you see here, just feel free to ask and I'll try to get you an answer as quickly as possible. Thanks for coming by!

Orange_o_: Bienvenue à Marathon! It's great to have you here, my friend. I'm glad that you're enjoying things, and I hope to see and hear from you again in the future!




I've headed back onto Marathon Island, and I'm working through another one of the island tiles to try and wrap it up like we did with Tile G earlier. Here's a taste...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F090.jpg&hash=fd9f0373922c3057dbb590132ff534981221dca5)

Low income neighborhoods will probably be thematic on parts of the island, since they are a major part of any large metropolitan area. Plus, they're easy to build—multiple plops of the same building to give it that "mass-produced" feel—and they're fun to look at, in my opinion!

Also, we passed 1200 comments a few days ago, so I'd like to take this time to thank you all so very much for your continued support. To 1300 we go!

And speaking of support, I would like to point you all in the direction of one of SC4D's long-standing and outstanding MDs that is right on the brink of 1000 comments—Capporth City (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=1247.0), by our very good friend bat. If you haven't been there before, you must check out his great animations that are used to supplement his wonderful work in the game. If you've been there before, head over and give it another look. You won't be disappointed!

More to come!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bat on April 22, 2009, 10:54:47 AM
That's a great new teaser there! Nice area around that highway!
Congrats on more than 1200 comments and over 33150 views!!!
(And also thanks for that little advert above!)

Looking forward to more.....
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: rooker1 on April 22, 2009, 10:56:35 AM
Hey Dustin,
You know, I hadn't posted in here yet today because I wanted to see what others had to say about this great teaser pic and to come up with a few new superlatives.  But I still haven't had enough time to get out the thesaurus.  ;) :D
I am always astonished (1st) when I come here.  The work is always incomprehensible (2nd), inconceivable (3rd), incredible (4th), extraordinarly unique (5th) and that's just the pics....the rest of the work is stupendous (6th), phenomenally remarkable (7th).....wait a sec....I need to save some of these for the others.  ::)
This MD is really more than all the above, great work buddy.
Seeya around,
Robin  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Battlecat on April 22, 2009, 03:54:32 PM
Great picture there!  That low wealth area looks quite good actually, very realistic.  The honest truth is that reality isn't always pretty, but you've come fairly close with that shot.  Looking forward to seeing the rest of this area. 
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: metarvo on April 22, 2009, 04:10:50 PM
That's a realistic picture, Dustin.  Not everyone gets to live in fancy homes in RL, so why should SC4 be any different?  It's also great that you've finished the region's map.  Keep up the good work!

&apls
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: KoV Liberty on April 22, 2009, 04:22:45 PM
Are you using the Euro Traffic or American traffic generator? Anyways I never have seen a city as bueatiful as yours are! Great job!  :thumbsup:

Alex
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on April 22, 2009, 11:38:28 PM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies.jpg&hash=f9a404e367cb5e6d84638084803c586e8b151f6e)

bat: Hi, my friend! The advertisement is not a problem at all. With all the support you give to Marathon and to SC4D as a whole, you more than deserve it. And congratulations on Capporth City reaching 1000 comments!

Robin (rooker1): Seven superlatives! Lucky number, eh? Well, technically eight if you count "all of the above," but I'm not picky—I'd take one! Thanks so much, Robin!

Battlecat: Thanks! You're very right about reality, too, which is something that, while unfortunate, I'd like to try and illustrate as best as possible. I'm glad to hear that you think I'm doing a good job with it. Take care!

metarvo: Hi, my friend! I'm happy to hear that you like the map and our teaser shot, too. Hope to see you again!

Alex (Driftmaster07): Hi, Alex! Thank you, my friend! I am not quite sure which traffic generators I use off the top of my head, but I will definitely check it out and let you know! Thanks for stopping by!




There's a few things on Marathon's plate these days! First...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F092.jpg&hash=914fa3325f9b8a774c41d9bd39ee3dc2a168ed57)

...we're looking at a bit of an addition and expansion of the Abitibi Square area shown in Update XXXII (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6190.msg239248#msg239248). And, more importantly...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F091.jpg&hash=265770a9f520b8adce64e31e940d364fd2e02e29)

...development off Marathon Island and onto the mainland is beginning, slowly but surely! Quite the project is on the horizon on this area, so it should be a lot of fun!

I'm also doing some pre-planning and brainstorming on some logistical things for Marathon, "the MD," here on SC4D. With 33—excuse me, XXXIII—updates already, the first post is starting to get a bit cumbersome, so that's one thing to be looked at in this "Spring Cleaning." Think 3RR Quick Finder (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?board=197.0), only with a little Marathon spin!

Much more from Marathon to come!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on April 23, 2009, 06:41:21 AM
That lot looks promising Dustin !
Also, great development on the land.
The last picture with the highway and the high rise looks excellent my friend, I like the pedestrian bridge between little row house and ghetto.

Take care,

Arthur.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: mightygoose on April 23, 2009, 06:47:37 AM
new network expansion looks good and a contents page/quickfinder would be tres cool
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bat on April 23, 2009, 07:18:28 AM
Nice addition on that LOT there! And looking forward to more from the mainland, also to the quick finder! ;)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Battlecat on April 23, 2009, 08:29:17 AM
Very cool to see the first off island highway.  It's going to be interesting to see where they go. 
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: KoV Liberty on April 23, 2009, 06:46:17 PM
It will be so cool to see the new highway! I cant wait! Also which highway will you use? RHW or Maxis Highway?

Alex
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Luke09 on April 23, 2009, 07:45:34 PM
Its looking good Dustin,I like how you did the highway "layout"...33 updates already?wow thats a lot of images,teasers comments,and a very good job :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on April 24, 2009, 12:38:14 AM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies.jpg&hash=f9a404e367cb5e6d84638084803c586e8b151f6e)

Arthur (art128): Thank you so much, Arthur! It's always great to have you here!

mightygoose: Thanks! I'm still working the quick finder-like idea through in my head, but it shouldn't take too long to implement after that. Thanks for stopping by!

bat: Danke schön!

Battlecat: Thanks!

Alex (Driftmaster07): Thank you, Alex! Right now it's Maxis highway. I'm still trying to get the hang of the RHW, but I hope to have it in Marathon at some point. Take care!

Luke09: Thanks, my friend! Yes, I can't believe it's been 33 updates already, and at least 150 pictures, probably more. I'm glad that you're enjoying everything!




Well, I had a bit of an epiphany sitting here...an epiphany for me, anyway—I'm sure that someone else has thought of this before...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F093.jpg&hash=0cdd4a2a2882a3e0eed5b33d7c79da0e89323f56)

Why not replace the above-ground tiles of the underpasses by marrast with the tiles that match Abitibi Square? And it worked! I wish I could eliminate the arrows on the one-way ramps, but I can live with for what I'm getting in return!

More from this area and elsewhere is on the way!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bat on April 24, 2009, 05:55:50 AM
Great work on the Abitibi Square! It looks really beautiful!!! :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Battlecat on April 24, 2009, 08:34:52 AM
Very clever indeed!  That looks excellent!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Jmouse on April 24, 2009, 12:08:46 PM
I really like that texture - glad you thought of extending it, too. Sometimes the simplest ideas are the most effective..

Later...

Joan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: dsrwhat316 on April 24, 2009, 01:40:44 PM
Looking good, Dustin!

I have a question about your use of marrast's underpasses: did you remove the transit from the middle part you replaced? I'm assuming it used to be rail tracks there. If you didn't, you should remove the transit there, otherwise you might start to get some screwy pathing errors (maybe, I'm not an expert on that ::)).

Just use the SC4 Tool (//http://). When loaded, click on the button Visual editor for transit enabling your lots. Open your lot and click on the lot tab. Right-click the tile(s) that have a letter and arrow in them and select remove transit. Click save and exit. Now you should be ready to go!

... or you could try the non-modding way; just make the lot using the underpasses as props. But that's a whole new can of worms right there...  ;D

~ Dan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on April 25, 2009, 12:18:10 AM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies.jpg&hash=f9a404e367cb5e6d84638084803c586e8b151f6e)

bat: Thank you!

Battlecat: Thanks, my friend!

Joan (Jmouse): Hi, Joan! Thank you so much, my friend. I wasn't sure about the texture when I first chose it, but I've really come to like it, and I'm happy to hear that you do, too! Hope to see you again soon!

Dan (dsrwhat316): Hey, Dan! Once again, you visit Marathon, and once again, I am in your debt! Thanks so very much for pointing this out to me, I will take care of it at once. I though about making my own lots using the underpasses as props, but your "can of worms" description popped into my head, too, so I went this route. Thanks for stopping by!




A bit more from the Abitibi Square area...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F094.jpg&hash=56bf9815ef0e30d07a7b07be65feca36090775fe)

Seems as though it's becoming another multi-lot section, which is good and bad—good because they're fun to put together, bad because they have to look right when you put them together!

Tomorrow, it's supposed to be over 80°F / 27°C here in Pennsylvania, so I don't know how much I will be in the house in the afternoon. Hopefully, I'll get back to "all things Marathon" tomorrow evening some time.

Enjoy your weekend, friends!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bat on April 25, 2009, 01:45:16 AM
It looks beautiful there! Nice work on the details! :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: carkid1998 on April 25, 2009, 06:54:19 AM
How many updates have I missed???

I see you're extending of marathon Island!

That Square looks great, if I were building that square it wouldn't just look bad, it would look like there was strong winds and everthing had blown into a big mess!!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: KoV Liberty on April 25, 2009, 06:55:02 PM
Wow! Your cities will always amaze me!

Alex
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon [04/26/09]: UPDATE XXXIV: Expanding Abitibi Square
Post by: thundercrack83 on April 25, 2009, 10:28:27 PM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies.jpg&hash=f9a404e367cb5e6d84638084803c586e8b151f6e)

bat: Thank you, my friend!

carkid1998: Thanks so much! And don't worry about missing updates, either, with all the great stuff that happens here at SC4D, it's easy to get caught up! I'm glad you like the square, too—but don't sell yourself short, my friend, you don't know what you capable of until you try, right? Good luck!

Alex (Driftmaster07): Well, thank you so very much, Alex! Your compliments and support are very much appreciated, my friend!






UPDATE XXXIV
Expanding Abitibi Square
26 April 2009

One of the downsides—or upside, depending how you look at it—of the LE is that, once you get bit by the bug, it's hard to fight it! Which brings us to the expansion of Abitibi Square...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252034%2F34001.jpg&hash=0851182ac78556cd87f7b05f7a4245dd693d796d)

...which, prior to development, looks like the above. Here...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252034%2F34002.jpg&hash=b01c198597f1bdf632abfdd6d4b5b611cc0a0800)

...is the area slated for expansion. Like the last section of the area, we've got multiple lots to fill up a large area. First piece of the puzzle?


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252034%2F34003.jpg&hash=3808c0b5810b0d59a4f803a4e08e8896330524f3)

A 14x13 lot containing Buffalo, New York's HSBC Arena (http://www.simtropolis.com/stex/details.cfm?id=3368) by sargeantcm. And...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252034%2F34004.jpg&hash=8ac987feb8fbbdfd08ff11dfa80e00e125c9d7c8)

...it's in place!

Next...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252034%2F34005.jpg&hash=443c26cbcb4a1cdee154d169f69d107bdcf41220)

...a 3x13...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252034%2F34006.jpg&hash=dada6546b005a9182269ca1817e96354ea578777)

...for in front of the arena. Then, a...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252034%2F34007.jpg&hash=ceedd92a25dc3b906eeb63a8d1b2aa0c03e31463)

...3x10...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252034%2F34008.jpg&hash=31b7eb13ef004787a69658fb9bad4636d0963f39)

...for in front of that! But as we can see, there's a few holes that need to be filled in. One that is...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252034%2F34009.jpg&hash=ab45380224e2105eb071ae4e76585f2a6d1a2b3a)

2x1, and...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252034%2F34011.jpg&hash=be212e1d900bd15949055feeb8027f24048c69f4)

another that is a 1x1.

That brings us...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252034%2F34012.jpg&hash=dd9fd8a2c6ed276d13abbbf4fdce73adeeb4d324)

here—to the one-way road on the north end of the square (Abitibi Square North). As one of our earlier teasers illustrated, now it looks like...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252034%2F34013.jpg&hash=26a7d0d508f4765c030fcbed586d12d2539f5aca)

this!

We then...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252034%2F34014.jpg&hash=7ed4e994d0d7a2725101d8ca209e0a44c7665690)

...reconnect the diagonal avenue...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252034%2F34015.jpg&hash=2d23f4ed76927e2bf58eb6fb4a68559df0cb8426)

...to the square, and we're finished! Here's a few shots of the new area—


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252034%2F34016.jpg&hash=401496f0a2cd6d61aa824c65b9b95ea50e579fd2)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252034%2F34017.jpg&hash=ffdf1751e94f8ff3ebe0b82c2aba6961f994b2ca)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252034%2F34018.jpg&hash=9ec9efecc2c2ef22ee66b332e2e4c6557f29d442)

And a mosaïc...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252034%2F34019.jpg&hash=570c984db4cd7b8de94771ead4b7c679a45bad25)

That's how the Abitibi Square area currently stands.

Hope you like it!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: carkid1998 on April 25, 2009, 11:10:48 PM

Everything fits together!! Even the bus station and carpark!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: kwakelaar on April 26, 2009, 01:16:16 AM
Beautiful work in the LE, very nice combinations of props and textures,
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: io_bg on April 26, 2009, 01:22:18 AM
 :o Wow! How many hours have you been making this?
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Earth quake on April 26, 2009, 01:34:09 AM
Wow.  :o
Wonderfull work on the LE, Thundercrack.  &apls
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on April 26, 2009, 02:58:49 AM
Hi Dustin,
Excellent LE work my friend, that area is just stunning.
All those lots are very well thought and done. Maybe, I'm not a big fan of the texture you used, but if you like it, it's the essential thing !  ;D

Take Care,

Arthur. :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Dino007 on April 26, 2009, 03:12:35 AM
 :o :o :o
&apls &apls &apls
I really have to start (try) using LE...
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: sim-al2 on April 26, 2009, 03:51:47 AM
Amazing stuff you've done here... ::) ...I think I will have to "borrow" some of your techniques. :P :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: metarvo on April 26, 2009, 04:47:29 AM
Nice job, Dustin!  :thumbsup:  The legendary LE work continues, and we get to see another fine stadium.  The effort to fill all of the holes leaving no blank spots or jagged edges is something to truly be proud of, Dustin.  Good work!

&apls
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bat on April 26, 2009, 07:09:24 AM
The Abitibi Square looks really beautiful! Amazing LE-work there!!! :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: KoV Liberty on April 26, 2009, 09:58:01 AM
Amazing! I love what you do here in this CJ! Also could you tell me the dependancies for the NDEX Parking garages?

Alex
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Luke09 on April 26, 2009, 10:55:03 AM
An amazing work again Dustin!I think You Should upload your creations on LEX,They are great!!!Keep it going &apls
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Haljackey on April 26, 2009, 11:00:24 AM
Geesh every time I come here there's something new that blows my mind.  Fantastic work as always Dustin!   &apls

OWR underpass?  You said that was by Marrast, but is it transit enabled like the road FLUP in the NAM or does it just convert to subway like the Big Dig lots?
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Battlecat on April 26, 2009, 11:02:10 AM
Amazing as always.  The mosaic looks great, you're doing a great job of blending all these different pieces together. 
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: darraghf on April 26, 2009, 12:06:26 PM
Wow! That is spectacular. Your LEing is wonderful.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Jmouse on April 26, 2009, 12:18:59 PM
Dustin, getting so many elements to come together in harmony is a miracle in itself, but the pre-planning must be of epic proportions. I'd love to get a look at the plugin folder you use to create one of your monster lots! ;D In fact, there are lots of things I'd like to know about the unseen details since I've been nipped by the LE bug myself lately,

You should consider releasing some of your work because you have an obvious talent for lotting.

Later...
Joan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: mightygoose on April 26, 2009, 12:51:07 PM
HOLY SMOKES. that is sublime, fantastic LE work. that is all i can say... oh apart from give yourself a karma point..
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: dedgren on April 26, 2009, 11:21:23 PM
That's astounding LE work Dustin.  There's a very small contingent of Lot Editor master crafters out there (Cédric/Badsim, Barby/BarbyW and Jim/jmyers2043 come immediately to mind)- you can rightfully, with that effort, take your well-deserved place among them.

Bravo, my talented friend.  Bravo!!


David
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Pat on April 26, 2009, 11:37:34 PM
Dustin I am amazed at your skill sir!! You are right up there with Badsim and also not to forget SAC!!!! BTW where in the world did you find such a great looking HSBC Arena??? I soooooo want that lot for sure, I wish you would start CoM_EX's you know like the 3RREX  ;)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: threestooges on April 27, 2009, 12:15:33 AM
I fully agree with the previous comments about your lotting skill Dustin. Your small filler lots work well, and the custom fitting ones look great. I think the real talent shows when you lot the larger buildings like Abitibi Square and the HSBC Arena. It takes skill to take a massive building (and the resulting massive lot) and make it look busy, vibrant, and full without making it crowded and unfocused. you've suceeded my friend. Even the larger groups of people don't look too repetitive. Judging from the mosaic, it looks like a game has just let out and people are just beginning to make their way to the station (it looks a bit quiet down there now). It would be neat if you found a way to recreate the image of a horde of people streaming down the sidewalks on their way to the trains (and home), but for now, there is so much else to look at that it's not even anything to worry about. Nice work.
-Matt
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Sciurus on April 27, 2009, 11:11:39 AM
Hi Dustin!

But how many updates did I miss? Could you please tell me it? $%Grinno$% Non, I see all the pages I missed (and there's much, I can say), and I see it's just beautiful, nice, and I hope you'll continue to do a city as nice as it. I'm happy to be the official translator of Marathon's country, I'm always glad to serve you my amercian friend ;) Ah, I forgot to explain why I didn't there last week: I had a german correspondent, so I couldn't go there ;)

So, I hope t stop by soon, Guillaume :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: kimcar on April 27, 2009, 01:58:06 PM
Long time that i didn`t post , sorry. Hey another outstanding work that you have done on LE. That`s give a great result Dustin  :thumbsup: &apls &apls
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon [04/28/09]: UPDATE XXXV: Inspiration from...
Post by: thundercrack83 on April 27, 2009, 11:38:22 PM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies.jpg&hash=f9a404e367cb5e6d84638084803c586e8b151f6e)

carkid1998: Thank you, my friend! I'm glad you like it!

kwakelaar: Hello! Thank you so much!

io_bg: Hi! All added up, it probably took about 5-6 hours to put everything together. And that's not counting the time away from the computer I spent trying to piece things together in my head. Thanks for stopping by!

Earth quake: Thanks!

Arthur (art128): Thank you very much, Arthur! I'm sorry to hear that you don't like the texture, but hopefully I can find one you like for the next project!

Dino007: Thank you! And good luck with the LE yourself!

sim-al2: Thanks, my friend! Feel free to use anything you see here!

metarvo: Thanks! Plugging up the holes is definitely something that I make it a point to do. It bothered me very much to see it prior to that. Thanks for coming by, my friend, and I hope to see you here again!

bat: Thank you, bat!

Alex (Driftmaster07): Thanks! And I'll look up the dependencies for the garages and get back to you, my friend!

Luke09: Thank you! I'm not sure I'm quite ready for uploading to the LEX, but thanks for your encouragement!

Haljackey: Thanks! I'm not actually about whether they're like the FLUPs or not, but I'll ask around and let you know what I find out! Take care!

Battlecat: Thanks, Battlecat!

darraghf: Thank you so much!

Joan (Jmouse): Hi, Joan! Strangely, there's wasn't a whole lot of pre-planning that went into the area, aside from figuring out how to fill it in with the least amount of lots as possible. The toughest part was lining up the textures and props from lot-to-lot, but that got easier as I went on. If you get the LE itch and you have any questions, just let me know! Good luck, Joan!

mightygoose: Wow! Thanks so much for such wonderful words, my friend! Hope to see you again soon!

David (dedgren): Hi, David! For you to even mention my name in the same sentence as those legends that you mentioned is probably the greatest compliment that I've even been given. Thank you so much for stopping by and for all your support, my friend. Take care, David!

Pat: Thank you, my friend! Like I said to David, it means very much to me to have you even think to name me in such a class of extraordinarily talented folks. They're head and shoulders above my level, though! As for the HSBC Arena, it can be found on the STEX. You can probably search HSBC and it'll pop up. If you can't find it, let me know, and I'll look around for you. Thanks for stopping by!

Matt (threestooges): Hi, Matt! Thank you so much for your great words, my friend. Making the bigger lots can be a bit tougher since there's much more room to fill up, but I also think it's more fun that way. Plus, I'd rather make one big lot than a bunch of smaller ones, if it's possible. I definitely like your take on how the people are leaving the arena and heading to the station. It certainly does look that, doesn't it? It's always great to have you here in Marathon, Matt! Don't be a stranger, my friend!

Guillaume (Sciurus): Hello, Guillaume! Welcome back, my friend, I've missed you! It's always wonderful to have you here in Marathon, and I'm so happy that you're enjoying things. Take care!

kimcar: Thank you so very much, my friend! And don't worry about posting here, you're more than welcome any time you'd like, no matter when it is!






UPDATE XXXV
Inspiration from the Home of the Trail Blazers
28 April 2009

Wow! The replies may have been longer than the update is! Thank you all so very much for the great support!

I've taken quite a tangent tonight, thanks in part to a map I purchased during my recent trip to Barnes & Noble over the weekend. As the title of our update indicates, that map is...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bgcbp.com%2FImages%2FImages%2Fblazerslogo.gif&hash=811237dcb2d65d8f4f1c47cd73921b00b2b1bdeb)

...Portland, Oregon!

After spending a good amount of the evening looking over the map, I found a rather interesting area of the city...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252035%2F35001.jpg&hash=fca6e70d5809507ec8f4cd8aa83ee194533eff68)

...this park, located east of the Willamette River. Here's the satellite view from Google Maps—


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252035%2F35002.jpg&hash=a2b22d328f5f555ff79a9d62d6dac45b2cca2bea)

When I saw this, my thoughts (as they always do when I look at maps) went right to, "Hmmm, how do you think that would look in SC4?" Well, let's find out! I've chosen...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252035%2F35003.jpg&hash=eb667054766b7100d96ac0f5c5f7d09ece7f4155)

...Tile N on Marathon Island to try it out, since it is the only tile on the Island that is 100% land. The center of this set-up is going to be the roundabout...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252035%2F35004.jpg&hash=df86fd40c0afbe4cdeaa822bcdc49953a8a705ff)

...so, we'll use the intersection in the center of the tile. First, we'll bulldoze...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252035%2F35005.jpg&hash=f5991d04e93dc4826670b8109a6fe3cef955e9ea)

the intersection and replace it with an indicator for our roundabout, then...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252035%2F35006.jpg&hash=3cb70868d46d210e9e30d0267f101e5602f511ed)

...we bulldoze just about everything in sight!

Now...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252035%2F35007.jpg&hash=fb4fe7c75db15cce539a052d5d15545a2a52fe19)

...the roundabout. We begin building the area with...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252035%2F35008.jpg&hash=7df2b39b4a4f72afb0e16cc383a0ef5a2dc33909)

...avenues extending on the four cardinal directions.


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252035%2F35009.jpg&hash=f6c15d7bc698d41b2dec512e9a36e83cd31a6c0d)

Y-Intersections are added at the end of each avenue section, and then...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252035%2F35010.jpg&hash=366323850f67bd972da0b21b0f062de4a22c731c)

...we connect them all into something that resembles a four-leaf clover...well, somewhat, anyway! We...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252035%2F35011.jpg&hash=e1048a195258ff9b62b450159a97624a63fde64a)

...extend things further...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252035%2F35012.jpg&hash=abd19e5b5b0dcdd9573a2fa5281ab6330661f423)

...and further...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252035%2F35013.jpg&hash=5e36962a6300b78c0b9abfbfbe39ca407bb5f2ed)

...and further! Now, we begin connecting the previous bulldozed roads, like...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252035%2F35014.jpg&hash=c956a9e6400bd019488bfda80b511b37403bd543)

...this.

Finally...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252035%2F35015.jpg&hash=9f7d928500d21b2915ab310edc16952e50df399c)

...the final diagonal connections to put everything together again.

Here's a zoomed-out view of the tile...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252035%2F35016.jpg&hash=37d0b54614b123401a14abd214c68ef076a7e4fc)

...but, the region view gives a better look—


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252035%2F35017.jpg&hash=18bdd0f167ea41219be5606a0455ab4442104cf9)

And in traffic view—


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252035%2F35018.jpg&hash=eac6a3399fcb7cabbaa0e7e52873da8ecff1e309)

It's definitely not what I was expecting to undertake today, but after seeing it finished, I like it. The real difficulty, however, will be developing it. Perhaps, a large park? That's what I'm thinking as of right now, anyway.

In a bit!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: JoeST on April 27, 2009, 11:48:57 PM
Looking awesome Dustin :) That's a rather large concentration of Avenue, maybe you could change some of it? I don't know which but maybe...

Joe
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on April 28, 2009, 03:48:20 AM
Nice dog there Dustin ! I know how it's difficult to give a bath to a god dog((https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.toutsimcity.com%2Fstyles%2Fimages%2Fsmilies%2Faie.gif&hash=bc516c3518e802b236ba06b6a606ee39bda1459c)), I have one (labrador)  :D
Ah ? it's not the subject of the update ??  $%Grinno$% $%Grinno$%

Well, that avenue network looks excellent my friend, the reproduction is outstanding ! I think, you'll make this area with houses and not buildings right ?

Can't wait to see the development.
Take Care,

-Arthur.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: emilin on April 28, 2009, 04:09:37 AM
Woaaahhhh!!!! Cute dog! Oh my God, it's adorable! ;D

Once again: really good development. You seem to know just about everything there is to know about this game. It's wonderful to browse around this journal (and that is a good thing since I seem to be having a whole lot of catching up to do.

Keep up the good work! :thumbsup:

-Emil
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: rooker1 on April 28, 2009, 04:41:58 AM
Hello Dustin,

Fantastic update, the dog looks great.  Oh....the SC4 pics are good too.  ;)
Interesting map and well put together in game.  I hope you are able to find enough diagonal buildings to fill the area.  
"Portland"....that sounds like a good name for a city and of course this team would be playing there.  Hmmmm, the ideas that are running through my head now.
Anyways, why would n't your name be included in those other great lotters?  Have you had a look at your recent lots?  I can definately tell you one thing, your skills have improved 100 fold very quickly.
Robin  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bat on April 28, 2009, 05:52:09 AM
Great work on the road layout there! Looking forward to more... ;)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Sciurus on April 28, 2009, 08:18:46 AM
Hi Dustin! ;)

But how did you miss me? I'm unmissable! :D. Your city is ver beautiful, and it's very interesting how you show us the construction of this. But it's too squarred for me, do things more rounded, I don't know, like in European cities, but there, it's a squarre, which looks like nothing. Excuse me if I'm a bit aggressiv, but it's my opinon. :thumbsup: I hope you won't take it bad ;)
And poor dog, he takes a shower, I plains him :D
Alawys glad to see you, your french friend,

Guillaume :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: mightygoose on April 28, 2009, 10:00:03 AM
dustin, as much as i love the layout the avenue may have been used a little bit excessively here unless you plan on having this as a CAM stage 12+ district.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: carkid1998 on April 28, 2009, 11:24:19 AM

That will be rather difficult to develop on!!
Maybe W2W??
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Dark_Jedi06 on April 28, 2009, 11:42:08 AM
Oh my god that dog is absolutely ADORABLE. The sure fire way to get me to always return to Marathon (besides your incredible skill ;)) is to post a picture of that irresistible little scamp. ;D ;D

As for the new development, I envy your ability to meticulously plan out your city so far in advance. :) My only suggestion would be to replace some of those avenues with roads...however, I absolutely love the design it creates, I'm a huge fan of symmetry. :D

:thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Ryan B. on April 28, 2009, 01:06:21 PM
Wow, that's an interesting traffic layout, Dustin.

Skipping back an update, my avatar betrays me here.  It's awesome to see a piece of home in Marathon.  You've really done sargeantcm proud . . . the Arena's never looked better.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: dsrwhat316 on April 28, 2009, 01:51:44 PM
I must say your LE work in the previous update is second-to-none. It's amazing how much you've learned in a few months using the LE. If only I got that good that quick  ::)

As for this update, I think the road layout is interesting. It'll probably be hell for the traffic to drive on, but hey, why not create a little chaos? I'm also glad to see I'm not the only one who uses Google Earth to get inspiration for a city layout.

Nice to hear you're enjoying the weather; it's pretty much the same here at the Shore. Went to the beach yesterday and it was absolutely perfect out. Couple hot dogs and burgers made the day even better. Sorry to ramble on; just remembering one of the least-stressed days I've had in awhile...  :'(

~ Dan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: homefryes on April 28, 2009, 02:05:05 PM
Hey, Dustin. Don't get too used to the nice warm weather. It's barely 50°F here in the Chicago area, and it's probably headed your way! LOL! We only got one day over 80°F, and that was Friday, but we were on the edge of the stationary front, so it stands to reason.

I really like Abitibi Square; beautiful job. I've tinkered around with LE-ing, but pretty much only for items I've BATted. I could get into it ... but at the same time, like BATting, it takes away from my time to actually play in the game!

I also like how you incorporated that part of Portland, Oregon, into Marathon. I'll be watching to see what you do with it later on!

-- Don
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: KoV Liberty on April 28, 2009, 02:24:15 PM
Thanks! And might I say that in a good looking dog!

Alex
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Luke09 on April 28, 2009, 05:18:17 PM
OM*G!!!That was hard isnt?????Wow man,im still stunned :shocked2:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on April 28, 2009, 07:48:23 PM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies.jpg&hash=f9a404e367cb5e6d84638084803c586e8b151f6e)

Joe (JoeST): Thanks, Joe! You're right, there's definitely a lot of avenues going on there, isn't there? Thanks for stopping by!

Arthur (art128): Hi, Arthur! Thanks so much, my friend! Figaro's not bad to give a bath to at all, actually, he just stands there looking as sad as he possible can until it's all over, then he shakes and gets everything wet! I'm glad you like the new area, too, though, I'm not sure how development's going to be yet. Take care!

Emil (emilin): Hi, my friend! It's always a wonderful day when we see you here in Marathon! I hope all is going well with you, and thank you so very much for such kind words. Hope to see you again soon!

Robin (rooker1): Hey, there, Robin! Thanks so much for your wonderful support and comments, my friend. You are much too kind! Oh and Portland does have a bit of a ring to it, doesn't it? Hmmm....

bat: Thanks, my friend!

Guillaume (Sciurus): Bonjour! I don't take your comments as bad at all, quite the opposite! Your opinion means very much to me, my friend! I must admit, though, having never been to Europe, I have a tough time making European cities. But I will definitely take your great ideas into consideration for my future areas! It's always great to have you here, mon ami français (I hope I said that right)! Take care!

mightygoose: Thank you! You are certainly right about the avenues, though. We'll see what we can do, eh? Thanks for stopping by and for your advice!

carkid1998: You're right, development is going to be difficult, I think. I'm actually not quite sure how it's going to end up yet, but I will certainly be looking into your suggestion for W2W, as I think it would look great. Thanks so much for your input, my friend!

Dark_Jedi06: Thanks so very much, my friend! He's such a great dog, he doesn't cause any trouble at all, even in the bathtub. And thank you for your kind comments, too! We'll see what we can do with the avenue/road situation, too. Take care, my friend!

Ryan (burgsabre87): Hey, Ryan! I'm glad you like the use of your hometown team's arena! It's such a wonderful BAT, I had to get it in Marathon somewhere. Hope to see you again soon!

Dan (dsrwhat316): Hi, Dan! The weather has been unbelievably nice, hasn't it? Unfortunately, we're on the cooler end of things now, so I think things will be getting back to normal. I'm glad to hear you had a great weekend at the beach, too! Oh, and thank you so much for your fantastic words of support, my friend. Coming from such a great lotter as yourself, it means all the more to me! Thanks again!

Don (homefryes): Hello, Don! Great to see you here! I think the lower temperatures are on their way to Pennsylvania as we speak, so the fun's over for now, I guess. That's OK, though, I'm more of a cold weather person, anyway. I'm glad to see that you're enjoying things here in Marathon, especially since it means I'm returning the favor for all the enjoyment and sheer awe I feel when I head over to Ashtabula! Thanks for stopping by, my friend!

Alex (Driftmaster07): Hi, Alex! According to the download for the parking garages, there don't seem to be any dependencies. If you're having a problem, though, let me know and I will see if we can't get it sorted out. Hope that helps, my friend!

Luke09: Thanks so much! It was a bit hard to get together, especially with trying to make everything symmetrical. Hope to see you again soon!




Well, we've got good news and bad news today here in Marathon.

The good news...

As our great friends Joe (JoeST), mightygoose, and Dark_Jedi06 had pointed out, the latest symmetrical addition to Marathon was a bit heavy on the avenues, to say the least! I was so excited to work on the recreation in the game that I didn't even think about that as a byproduct, but now that I see it, it is most certainly true.

So...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F095.jpg&hash=2aa417e4278eb6576e313c64c420eb320cad9de5)

...how's this?

I replaced the inner sections with roads to get rid of some of the clutter, having to sacrifice a bit of the symmetry in the process. Despite that, though, I like this much more. It's cleaner and it opens up a bit more room for development. Here's a closeup...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F096.jpg&hash=c8e311d8558acaafefbadadfd9549ed0ad2c11b5)

...and a region traffic view shot—


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F097.jpg&hash=86eb11d6343bf1c94c9dc32dfc28a70e56441a78)

On to the bad news.

Late last night, my grandmother passed away. She was 93 years old, and had been in rather poor shape for a few years now. While our family is sad and sorry to lose her, we are also happy in the fact that she lived a good long life and raised not only twelve children, but also 28 grandchildren (of which I am the youngest grandson), 40 great-grandchildren, and 10 great-great grandchildren. We'll miss you, Gram!

More from Marathon to come...
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: metarvo on April 28, 2009, 07:57:52 PM
Oh, Dustin, I'm terribly sorry to hear about your loss.  ()sad()

On a brighter note, the new symmetrical area is quite nice.  The roads look much better there, and there are still just enough avenues to keep traffic flow realistic and reasonable.  Keep up the good work!

:thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: homefryes on April 28, 2009, 08:27:14 PM
Dustin, I'm terribly sorry to hear of your loss. Sounds like your grandmother was a remarkable woman. My sympathies to you and your family.

-- Don
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Ryan B. on April 28, 2009, 08:49:29 PM
Very sorry to hear about you loss, Dustin.  I'll be thinking about you & your family.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: dedgren on April 28, 2009, 08:59:02 PM
Dustin, I've already sent my thoughts elsewhere, but you hang in there.  Certainly, as others have noted, your grandmother was a remarkable person and she lived a long and I'm sure productive life.  I'm sure she saw many amazing things over the years, and I can't imagine that you were the least of her blessings.


David
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Luke09 on April 28, 2009, 10:10:29 PM
 &mmm...well,93 years...its pretty long,I've lost my grandmother when she was 50...and i was just a little child(almost 8)...Take care Dustin
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on April 28, 2009, 11:21:09 PM
I'm very sorry for you that Dustin..  &mmm My sympathies to you and your family.

As for the development , very nice road layout !

Take Care,

Arthur.  :thumbsup:

Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: rooker1 on April 29, 2009, 06:40:49 AM
My condolences Dustin to you and your family.
Hang in there and you always know where I can be found my friend.

Robin
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: MandelSoft on April 29, 2009, 07:31:07 AM
My condolences to you, Dustin. ()sad()  I hope you have good memories of your grandmother.

I will be lurking this thread, as always. That huge intersection-thingy you made; I'm stunned! Looks like a orderned chaos. ???


Best,
Maarten
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: carkid1998 on April 29, 2009, 07:48:49 AM

I'm so sorry..  :( I to hope you have good memories of her.

Oh a happier note, that city is looking good. I'll be waiting to see how it turns out.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on April 29, 2009, 12:08:41 PM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies.jpg&hash=f9a404e367cb5e6d84638084803c586e8b151f6e)

metarvo: Thank you very much for your kind thoughts, my friend. And I'm glad you like the new set-up, too!

Don (homefryes): Thank you, Don, for your sympathies.

Ryan (burgsabre87): Thanks so much, Ryan. I really appreciate it.

David (dedgren): Thank you, David. She lived through a lot in 93 years, she probably saw things that we'd never see in our lifetimes. Take care, my friend!

Luke09: You're correct, 93 years is quite long! I'm sorry to hear about your grandmother, too, my friend. It's tough at any age, I think.

Arthur (art128): Thank you, Arthur. And I'm happy that you like the development, my friend.

Robin (rooker1): Thanks so much, Robin. I always know where to find you!

Maarten (mrtnrln): Thanks, Maarten. I have nothing but good memories off her. Take care!

carkid1998: Thank you for your condolences, my friend. I appreciate it very much! And I'm happy that you like things in Marathon, too!




I've thanked you all individually, but I'd like to take the time to thank you all collectively for your kind words, condolences, and sympathies for my grandmother. We spend all of our time here at SC4D because of a common bond—our passion for this wonderful game. But, I feel that the more fundamental bond between all of us is something more important, friendship. All of you have been so supportive, not only of Marathon, but of me, and I cannot even begin to express my gratitude for that. You are the best friends that anyone can ask for—thank you all so much!

On the Marathon end, I've added another section to Abitibi Square...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F098.jpg&hash=d127feeea5a278f6166f21e06dd812a835340046)

I used the incredible Canadian Broadcasting Centre (http://sc4devotion.com/csxlex/lex_filedesc.php?lotGET=1765) by our good friend spa. Here's a few more shots...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F099.jpg&hash=2296ca82dc29fa74f02cf28675e2dcbed252fe93)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F100.jpg&hash=dd35ad937e7ea6abad764b06c26637ee2bae6bd2)

...and an overview...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F101.jpg&hash=f62b393ffa7a41e7164c940eaf5fbd8e48dc60da)

In a bit!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Luke09 on April 29, 2009, 12:27:03 PM
Man,if you upload those walkways,parks,trees,and canals,i will be probably the first to DL it,man its amazing,and the broadcasting centre is also beaty...that will be a nice Zone of the city
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: KoV Liberty on April 29, 2009, 05:56:24 PM
Oh... I am a little late but I am too sorry for you and your family. I cannot also seem to have the correct dependancies because th garages are blank textured lots.

Alex
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Pat on April 29, 2009, 07:01:51 PM
Dustin just simply amazing I am so not knowing what to say anymore lol.......
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Dark_Jedi06 on April 29, 2009, 07:37:49 PM
Now the roads are perfect. ;D And I must say I absolutely love what you're doing with this complex of buildings, especially the use of flora and the placement of the roads. :thumbsup:

Not only that, but I just realized how absolutely adorable the name Figgy is... :D
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: JBSimio on April 29, 2009, 09:39:50 PM
Dustin,

I've really enjoyed the last few updates!   &apls  The "planned neighborhood" you've laid out came together very well.  I agree that the change to more roads as opposed to avenues made a world of difference in the overall look.  I'm anxiously awaiting the time when we'll get to see how you fill that area in.  Your work with LE continues to amaze me.  You've taken some buildings that were already wonderful and turned them into true show pieces.  I like the way you've arranged this area into one large cohesive something or other.  (Sorry... the word I'm searching for seems to be out of reach at the moment.)  :D

On a personal note, I'm sorry to hear about your grandmother.  I lost mine this past summer under fairly similar circumstances... her health had been declining for quite some time as well.  While her passing may have been somewhat expected, it still doesn't make things any easier.  I managed to take comfort in the idea that her many aches and pains were finally at an end, but it still takes time.  My condolences and all the best to you and your family as you go through this.

Jon
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on April 29, 2009, 11:18:18 PM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies.jpg&hash=f9a404e367cb5e6d84638084803c586e8b151f6e)

Luke09: Wow! Thank you so much, my friend! Maybe one of these days I'll look into making some stuff available for download. I fear that I lot of work will be needed to make things LEX-ready, though. We'll see what happens!

Alex (Driftmaster07): Hi, Alex! Thank you for your words of sympathy, my friend. It means so much to me to have friends like you. As for the parking garage textures, I would give the NDEX Textures, Set 1 (http://www.simtropolis.com/stex/details.cfm?id=11617) a shot and see if that works for you. If not, let me know and we'll go from there! Don't worry, one way or another we'll get this figured out for you, my friend! Take care!

Pat: Thanks so much, my friend! Hope to see you again soon!

Dark_Jedi06: Thanks! Without your advice and that of others, I never would have thought to use the roads, but now I that I see it, I couldn't envision it any other way. I owe you one! I'm glad you like Figgy's name, too! It's short for Figaro, but we hardly call him that (unless he does something bad). Actually, he gets called "Fig" the most, but Figgy will come out when we want to get his attention. Whatever we call him, though, he's a great pup! Thanks for stopping by, my friend!

Jon (JBSimio): Hey, Jon! Good to see you again, my friend! I'm happy to hear that you're enjoying things here in Marathon, too, especially Abitibi Square. As a matter of fact, a "cohesive something or other" is how I was thinking of it in my head, too, so you hit the nail on the head there, my friend! Thank you, too, for your kind words and sympathies, as well, and I'm sorry to hear you lost your grandmother last summer. Like you said, it is nice to know that she's not in pain anymore, but it's still a sad time. Take care, my friend, and I hope to see you back soon!





Well, I've been thinking about out Portland, OR-inspired symmetry, particularly how development will unfold, and I thought of something...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F102.jpg&hash=8a5a3c85f4934486fac654a87a7d735bf396b4f3)

...Marathon needs another square! You never can have to many, can you?

I've used the absolutely stunning Berliner Dom (http://sc4devotion.com/csxlex/lex_filedesc.php?lotGET=1790) by DebussyMan as a bit of placeholder for the spot, but as I look at there, I think I may re-lot it as a 10x10 and keep it right there!

If anyone else has any other suggestions for the area, please feel free to let me know. Just make sure that it will fit onto 10x10 lot so it will work in the square.

Also, if I'm not mistaken, we should be at our 200th post for the month of April, and we're fast approaching 1300 comments! Wow! I say it so much here, but I have to because it's so true—you guys are the greatest! Thanks so much!

In a bit!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Jmouse on April 30, 2009, 12:11:36 AM
Now that is awesome, Dustin. You're going to have a fit trying to fill all those little diagonal squares, but based on some of the other magic tricks you've pulled off recently, maybe not. Very much looking forward to seeing how this turns out. :)

Later...

Joan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on April 30, 2009, 03:44:50 AM
nicely done there Dustin, the dome looks good here. I think too that you should re-LOT it to fit perfectly.
I think, like in the real area, that will be great if you make that area (Portland) only with little houses and a lot of trees.
Good choice of building for the  Abitibi Square, that spa's building fit really nice there. Also, I like your use of eucalyptus, some time, if they're too much used, they looks like a big forest, but your use of it make it looking likes a great park to walk in !

Take Care,

Arthur. :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: MandelSoft on April 30, 2009, 05:25:53 AM
So, there's another square coming in Marathon... Hmm... very interesting  ;)

Just two more comments to #1300

Best,
Maarten.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Sciurus on April 30, 2009, 11:19:13 AM
Oh, Dustin

Happy for you you didn't take my opinion bad. I believed I was a bit aggressiv, but if you said I'm not, it's right. I understand you can't build european cities, because you never been to Europe. I hope my opinon was benefical for you, and I see it is!
So, after this, I say you to see the contruction of your city is still a pleasure for me, and for you too(I hope! :D).
And for the little sentence in french, you said right. You're very good in french, but somme more little lessons, and you'll speak french a bit ;) You know I always there, so you know it remains to do ;D

Guillaume, your french best friend :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: homefryes on April 30, 2009, 12:39:56 PM
Ooh, ooh! I wanna be 1300!

I love that building the the square; and, yes, I'm sure your lotting work will make it sublime, my friend! I too have often looked at RL neighborhoods and other scenarios and imagined fitting them into the game ... so good luck with this area. I look forward to what you do with it!

(I had a distinct feeling that Fig was short for Figaro ... don't know why, but it just came to me before you posted that! He is a cutie!)

-- Don
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Nexis4Jersey on April 30, 2009, 12:41:47 PM
Excellent Place of the Cathedral in the Square! :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Luke09 on April 30, 2009, 12:46:05 PM
Hum...I Think that will be a beauty square(as always)...Will you start to do hum...residentials updates?I love residential development...but that sqare will be nice too  ::)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: KoV Liberty on April 30, 2009, 03:11:29 PM
I am downloading it now... And that is a nice placeholder too!  :thumbsup: EDIT 2: Have you ever thought about putting an airport into Marathon? The way you design things it would be awesome!  ;)

Alex

EDIT: The parking garages now work!!! Thanks so much!   ;D
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bat on May 01, 2009, 07:04:12 AM
Great new pictures of the Abitibi Square! And nice work on it!
Also nice new square there! Looking forward to more...

Congrats on 1300 replies and more... ;)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Pat on May 01, 2009, 06:49:20 PM
Dustin I am sooo guilty and I am sorry I scrolled pasted the last posting, I usually read but for someone reason I pasted it on the last update.... I am truly sorry that you have lost your grandma and I know words can't describe anything at all or convey emotions... I want to let you know that if you need a friend we're here for ya's and if you need to shout well then shout to your top of your lungs my friend!!!! But most of all cherrish them memories 

:thumbsup:

now on this newest update I would agree that a relot is in order to fill up the square you got there and you have chosen a great cathedral!!! oooh and BTW,

QuoteWell, I've been thinking about out Portland, OR-inspired symmetry, particularly how development will unfold, and I thought of something...

Shouldn't that be "our" cause that didnt seem to read right, it could be that I am just that tired tonight sitting here at work again for the second night in the row lol....

I am old and not used to working 2 nights in the row like this any more lol... I missing my every other days!! 
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on May 02, 2009, 12:08:22 AM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies.jpg&hash=f9a404e367cb5e6d84638084803c586e8b151f6e)

Joan (Jmouse): Hi, Joan! Thank you, my friend! Those diagonals are going to give me some fits, I think, but hopefully, I'll be able come up with something. Hope all is well with you!

Arthur (art128): Thank you, Arthur! I'm happy that you like the new square, as well as Abitibi Square! I agree with you on the eucalyptus trees, too. They are quite big and would make a forest if used too much. Take care!

Maarten (mrtnrln): Yep, another square! Marathon's getting quite square heavy, isn't it! Thanks for stopping by!

Guillaume (Sciurus): Hello, Guillaume, Marathon's French Ambassador! I'm so happy that you like the new idea for the square area, I hope that it will come together as much as the previous ones. Thanks, as always, for your support, my friend, and I'm glad that mon français n'est pas trop épouvantable!

Don (homefryes): And, you got it! Thanks so very much for being our 1300th comment, Don! It's always a pleasure having you here, my friend!

Corey (Nexis4Jersey): Thanks, Corey!

Luke09: Thank you! And don't fret, we'll have residential development, too...I hope! Take care!

Alex (Driftmaster07): Thank you, Alex! I am so happy that we were able to get the parking garages to work out for you, my friend. As for an airport in Marathon, there will definitely be one somewhere, I just have to get it all planned out. Thanks for coming by!

bat: Thank you so much, my friend!

Pat: Thank you for your heartfelt condolences, my friend. But, please don't feel guilty, it's OK! It makes me feel good to know that I have friends like you when times are tough. Thanks so much. And thanks for catching my little mistake there, too! See what happens when you stay up too late? Take care, my friend, and I hope to see you here again!




Well, I've taken a bit of left turn, inspired by our good friend Luke09, who commented on Marathon's residential development...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F103.jpg&hash=d1692579516cafeb0519f38f94c2f7f3cc5fbe49)

Most residential development thus far in Marathon has been low-income development on the island—tenements, rowhomes, etc. With the above picture, I've been thinking about more middle-class residential development, whether it be urban, semi-urban, or even suburban. There's residential complexes like this in the Conshohocken, Pennsylvania (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conshohocken) area, which is in Metropolitan Philadelphia.

Enjoy your weekends, friends!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on May 02, 2009, 01:28:45 AM
Those low-income development looks like an university rooms complex !  :D
This is very nice, the repetition isn't too much and the use of the SAM make it looking great.
Also, congrats for passing the 1300 post mark my friend.

Take Care,
-Arthur.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bat on May 02, 2009, 02:33:59 AM
Great work on that picture! Nice residential development! :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: KoV Liberty on May 02, 2009, 10:47:00 AM
I must say that you do a great job designing your areas!  &apls

Alex
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: kimcar on May 02, 2009, 11:12:57 AM
 &apls &aplsNice pic Dustin. Look very good even if is low residential area.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Jmouse on May 02, 2009, 03:40:10 PM
Once again, not the kind of residential development I'm used to seeing.The photo does look good, though, and and I can certainly understand how an arrangement like that would work well in heavily-populated areas. Now get back to work on that new square of yours!  :)

Later...

Joan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Luke09 on May 02, 2009, 07:45:25 PM
Hi Dustin!I liked your "suburban area",the condos combined perfectely with the red texture of SAM  ;D ,and im prouded that you remembered my request!
I NEED HELP DUSTIN!!!!HOW IN THE EARTH I CAN PUT A USERBAR ON MY PROFILE?LIKE YOU DO WITH MARATHON USERBAR???????
Take care,
Luke
PS:Sorry  about caps...
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: carkid1998 on May 03, 2009, 12:06:37 AM

Oh very nice!!

You might want to upgrade some of those streets soon, there where some small traffic jams strarting! ;D

PS: where'd you get those residential buildings??
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on May 03, 2009, 12:58:43 AM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies.jpg&hash=f9a404e367cb5e6d84638084803c586e8b151f6e)

Arthur (art128): Thank you, Arthur! I thought they looked like university dormitories, too. Maybe they'll find some use as them in future, thanks to you! Take care!

bat: Thanks!

Alex (Driftmaster07): Thanks so much, Alex!

kimcar: Thank you, my friend! Hope to see you again soon!

Joan (Jmouse): Hi, Joan! I'm so glad that you like the latest picture—I'm also glad you're getting a tour of the Northeast, too! Take care, my friend!

Luke (Luke09): Hello, Luke! I'm so happy that you like the residential area, my friend. As for the bar in my profile, it's just a graphic that I made in Photoshop. If that's not what you're talking about, though, let me know, and I'll do my best to help!

carkid1998: Thanks! The streets are pretty jammed up, aren't they? Oh, and the buildings are the Oakendell Lofts (http://www.simtropolis.com/stex/details.cfm?id=11741) by DuskTrooper, over on the STEX. Hope that helps!




Joan (Jmouse), one of Marathon's nearest and dearest friends, said...

Quote
Now get back to work on that new square of yours!  Smiley

Ha! Yes, ma'am...


[I(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F104.jpg&hash=7dadfcb6fe038dcce5cc315e8c54887b52390eea)

It's in the early stages yet, but I saw your comment, Joan, and just had to post something for you! I'm still planning and trying to figure things out for the 10x10 lot, and then the hard part...all those diagonals!

In a bit!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Alfred.Jones on May 03, 2009, 01:03:15 AM
I haven't posted here for a bit Dustin, but i have been lurking ;)

The road layout in the square looks very challenging!!! :D

Look forward to seeing how you tackle those diagonal parts. More fun in LE is assume? ;D
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bat on May 03, 2009, 06:19:40 AM
Nice begin of the LE-work on that church and square!! :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Sciurus on May 03, 2009, 07:48:32 AM
Hello!

Oh, you speak high french, because the word "épouvantable" is a bit used, frenchmen will said raither "Mon français est agréable, joli" or "Mon français n'est pas trop moche", but this is very famliar, particullary the word "moche". So, it's an honour for me to be your french ambassador, I'm very happy &blush. After those little thanks, I wouls say taht your city is very very beauitful, and more again, this is magnificent!!

Guillaume, your french friend :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: homefryes on May 03, 2009, 09:32:09 AM
Dustin, those R§§ apartments are quite nice. I haven't seen them before; can you link to where they can be found? And your work so far on the square has me anticipating what you'll do next!

I may have some help for Luke (Luke09) who posted about signatures:
Quote from: Luke09 on May 02, 2009, 07:45:25 PM
I NEED HELP DUSTIN!!!!HOW IN THE EARTH I CAN PUT A USERBAR ON MY PROFILE?LIKE YOU DO WITH MARATHON USERBAR???????
I had the same question awhile back, and found this information (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=7.msg10#msg10) in a search on the SC4D site. One correction that needs to be made to the instructions:
QuoteFirst and foremost, we host your sig image here at SC4D.
Actually YOU host your image elsewhere (on your own web space, or on an image hosting site such as Photobucket, Image Shack, or whatever you prefer to use). Your "signature" (everything you see below someone's post) is created in your profile; however, there are no editing tools there (like you get when you reply here and have all of the tools available). So what you can do is put it together in a post like you do here ... but DON'T POST IT. Insert the picture you've created and add any text you wish. For example, mine consists of a table that contains 3 columns. You can Preview your signature until it looks just right, and then copy all of your text and code from the editing box over to the area in your profile where you edit your signature. I hope you find this explanation helpful and not too confusing to understand. And my apologies to Dustin for highjacking his thread! Send me a PM if you have any further questions.

-- Don
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: MTT9 on May 03, 2009, 09:46:00 AM
Dustin,
you've done some great work with the LE. Even if this is the first time i make a comment i've been following your work for a long time. Keep uo this awesome work.
The cathedral looks promising, although i don't like that texture so much. Anyway, thats just my point of view. I can't wait to see it finished!
Matt
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: JBSimio on May 03, 2009, 10:25:51 AM
Hi Dustin,

As Joan said, your residential development is not quite what I'm used to, but I really liked the picture.  It took me a while to remember which buildings those were.  The red brick SAM texture sets the area off nicely.  The preliminary relot of the cathedral is shaping up to be yet another fine adjustment.  The only thing that really catches my eye is the lack of space between the planted areas and the side entrance on the right hand side of your picture.  I would consider leaving all four sides open as you did around the back... but that's just me!  ;)  Looking forward to the end results, my friend!

JB
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: KoV Liberty on May 03, 2009, 10:53:17 AM
Wow... I never thought of it but those diagonals will be hard to do! Keep up the good work!  :thumbsup:

Alex
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: dsrwhat316 on May 03, 2009, 01:00:36 PM
Your preliminary shots of the square is looking good, Dustin  :thumbsup:

As for the diagonals, one way of tackling them is to use the resized lot trick. I saw you use it before with your rail yards, so it should work again here. Another solution is to make a small puzzle piece batch of 1x1 lots to blend into the diagonals. This is more time consuming, but it works. I'm curious to see how you complete the square!

~ Dan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Jmouse on May 03, 2009, 02:23:03 PM
Ah yes, the square is going to look terrific when you get through with it. Have you thought of experimenting with a few more base textures? Somehow the current texture doesn't quite fit with the orange-red flowers. And I'm inclined to agree with Jon about the lack of openings near what appear to be doors.

The cathedral certainly was a great choice for that spot, though. In art class, we'd have called the road layout "busy" – that it, it keeps the eye moving endlessly. For that reason, it needed a solid focal point, and you have provided a perfect one.

Really looking forward to seeing how this project turns out...
Joan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Tarkus on May 03, 2009, 11:36:22 PM
Dustin, it's been far too long since I've stopped in here--I don't even know where to begin here.  This is truly world-class stuff here, my friend.  I absolutely loved what you did with the mid/high-wealth residential development there.  I'd say it's a very striking pic, and you've set it off very nicely by using SAM Set 9.  Heck, I might have to start using that one a little more often myself.

The Berliner Dom re-lot looks like it's coming along very nicely.  I don't envy you with those diagonals, but I'm sure you'll figure out something and it will blow us all away.

-Alex
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on May 04, 2009, 12:08:15 AM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies.jpg&hash=f9a404e367cb5e6d84638084803c586e8b151f6e)

Alfred.Jones: No problem, my friend! You're always welcome here in Marathon. The diagonals will certainly be challenge, too! Hope to see you again!

bat: Thank you, my friend!

Guillaume (Sciurus): Thank you so much for setting me straight on my French, my friend! That's exactly why you're the French Ambassador! Unfortunately, my French professor in college did not do a great job teaching the language, so I'm not as proficient as I'd like to be. But with your help, maybe I'll get better! As always, it's great to have you here, Guillaume! Take care!

Don (homefryes): Hi, Don! The residentials are the Oakendell Lofts (http://www.simtropolis.com/stex/details.cfm?id=11741) by DuskTrooper, and can be found on the STEX. Also, thank you so much for helping out with the signature question, you answered it much better than I did! Oh, and don't every worry about hijacking things here, either, my friend—your input is always welcome, no matter what the topic!

Matt (emmotic): Welcome to Marathon, Matt! I'm so happy to have you here, my friend, and I'm happy to hear that you're enjoying things, as well. Hope to see you around again soon!

Jon (JBSimio): Hey, Jon! You're definitely right about the lack of space, my friend—I'll have to get right on that one! I didn't catch it originally, for some reason. I guess that's the price you pay for doing most of my work between midnight and 4:00 AM! Thanks for stopping by, Jon!

Alex (Driftmaster07): Ha! Yes, they're going to be a bit of a challenge. I'm a bit worried!

Dan (dsrwhat316): Hi, Dan! I'm so glad you stopped in with your advice, my friend, I've been doing a lot of thinking on how to tackle the diagonals. Now, you've given me a great place to start from! Thank you so much! The puzzle-piece method was my initial thought, but I will absolutely be trying the resizing trick, too. Take care, Dan!

Joan (Jmouse): Hi, Joan! I never thought about the road layout being "busy," but after your explanation, it makes a lot of sense. With just the NAM roundabout in my original plan, there was really no central focal point for the area. I wonder if, subliminally, I was thinking that when I changed my plan! Oh, and experimenting with textures, eh? Hmmmm...

Alex (Tarkus): Hi, Alex! It's great to see you here again, my friend! That residential shot is actually the first time I used SAM Set 9 in a while, I just chose it on a whim there and it seemed to work out pretty well. I may be using it much more often now! I hope all is well with you, my friend, and I hope to see you here again soon!




So! With the help and input from Jon (JBSimio), who pointed out a space issue between the cathedral and the overlay textures surrounding it, as well as Joan (Jmouse) and Marathon's newest friend Matt (emmotic), both of whom commented on the textures, I've made some adjustments...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F105.jpg&hash=edf77e0ac5e35dcf3590adaec7bb108aee965da9)

I heeded the advice of all three of our friends, adjusting both the space as well as playing around with the textures. Here's a closer shot...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F106.jpg&hash=01e27502ac70f0bef2cabb42f7ff2111b3415fd0)

I think things look much better now! Unfortunately, though, there's no use putting things off much longer—time to get working on those diagonals...

Wish me luck!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Alfred.Jones on May 04, 2009, 12:54:23 AM
Good luck with the diagonals ()stsfd()
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: mightygoose on May 04, 2009, 01:40:49 AM
good luck with the diagonals :P
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on May 04, 2009, 04:10:03 AM
great choice of texture there Dustin ! That make that lot looking like an old European town, great job.
Also, nice choice of props, they fit together well.
BTW, what is those squared trees planter just in front of the dome ? (and the name in LE if possible) because I was searching for those one since a lot of time.
Looking forward to more.

Take care,
-Arthur.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: JoeST on May 04, 2009, 06:52:25 AM
ooooh diagonals  &idea
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: carkid1998 on May 04, 2009, 08:19:34 AM

OOH!!! Can't wait!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: JBSimio on May 04, 2009, 08:25:06 AM
Well Dustin, as I suspected, the end result was definitely worth the wait!   &apls  The square turned out beautifully and I think the new textures are a much better fit as well.  This lot is certainly worthy of being the grand centerpiece to an entire neighborhood.  Oddly enough, that's exactly what you've planned it for... so that worked out alright!  :D  I don't envy your next task either... so I'll join the others in wishing you luck.  I'm sure you'll come up with something incredible... you seem to do that a lot anyway.  ;)

JB
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Battlecat on May 04, 2009, 08:41:18 AM
Wow, you've had a busy week here!  That's a fantastic start to the center of that area.  The diagonals are going to be a challenge, but I'm sure you're up for it.  Looking forward to seeing where it winds up! 
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bat on May 04, 2009, 10:26:55 AM
Nice work on that lot there! And nice work on the textures... :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: metarvo on May 04, 2009, 12:42:12 PM
I really like what you've done with the square, Dustin.  I'm ready for more, and I'm definitely looking forward to those diagonals.

:thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Tarkus on May 04, 2009, 12:44:03 PM
You absolutely nailed it on that re-lot.  I like how you've utilized jeronij's and c.p.'s trees on there, which gives it a nice park-like feel.  The massive amounts of pedestrians make it seem busy and alive.  I'm looking forward to seeing those diagonals--judging by the way you hit this one out of the park, I know you'll be able to pull them off.  Best of luck!

-Alex
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Jmouse on May 04, 2009, 02:09:16 PM
Much, much better, Dustin! The base texture compliments the building, and I love the way you have "extended" the roof color to the edges of the planters around the three trees in front. Whether on purpose or instinctive, that was a very wise move which brought a further sense of coordination to the whole picture.

So what's next? Going to tackle those odd shapes now? :o :)

Later...
Joan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: KoV Liberty on May 04, 2009, 06:08:15 PM
Good luck!!! And don't worry... You'll get through it!  :thumbsup:  &apls

Alex
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Luke09 on May 04, 2009, 07:02:34 PM
Hey Dustin the fillers lots are a way better now  ()stsfd() .And about the userbars...what i want to mean is,ho can i put it on my signature?Userbars are like that things that says:Firefox User,or Nike sux,PS3 player,etc...
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Sheep49 on May 04, 2009, 10:58:48 PM
Oh no! I missed so much fun here! :( Including making some filler lots... And boy do they look brilliant! Good thing that you've listened to the advice from Jon, Joan and Matt! Now they do look seriously amazing. Apart from the lots themselves, I have to admit that it's the first time I see this cathedral, and I already love it! Great work with choosing a BAT and making it even better with those custom lots. :thumbsup:

By the way, I see that you're going to work with diagonals now. Here an advice from the person who loves playing with diagonal buildings: You're almost certainly going to need many filler lots. Though don't make them now, but after you've finished plopping the buildings. Apart from that, it may take a lot of time to get everything look alright, hence the repetition of buildings. But you're a master in masking them! :D I someties think that if you have had build Marathon with only Wren Insurances no one would notice that $%Grinno$%

So, what more can I say? Great work. Good luck with the diagonals. :thumbsup:
Piotr
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon [05/05/09]: UPDATE XXXVI: Six Months!
Post by: thundercrack83 on May 05, 2009, 12:38:19 AM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies.jpg&hash=f9a404e367cb5e6d84638084803c586e8b151f6e)

Alfred.Jones: Thanks!

mightygoose: And thank you!

Arthur (art128): Thanks, Arthur! The big planters are called "Paseo Plantejo," I believe. The "Paseo" part is definitely in the name, though, so if you search for that, you should be able to find it. Good luck!

JoeST: Ha! I'm thinking the same thing!

carkid1998: Nor can I!

Jon (JBSimio): Wow! Thanks, Jon! I'm so happy that you like the new area, my friend! Hope to see you here again soon, my friend!

Battlecat: Thank you, my friend!

bat: Thanks!

metarvo: Thank you! I'm starting to get a bit nervous about the diagonals! Take care!

Alex (Tarkus): Hi, Alex! Thank you so much for your very kind words, my friend!

Joan (Jmouse): Thanks, Joan! And yes...I...did use...the roof edge colors...on purpose! Just kidding, I didn't even notice that! I'm happy that you like it, either way, though! And, I guess there's nothing left but the diagonals! Take care, Joan!

Alex (Driftmaster07): Thank you so much, Alex!

Luke (Luke09): Thanks, Luke! To add things to your profile, just go to "Profile" in the red bar at the top of the forums pages, then under "Modify Profile" in the left menu block, choose "Forums Profile Information," then you can fill in the box under "Signature." If that's not what you're looking for, just let me know, and we'll try and get it straightened out from there!

Piotr (Sheep49): Hello, Piotr! Great to see you, my friend! Thank you for all your wonderful comments and your wonderful advice on the diagonals! I will most certainly be consulting your advice when I begin the actual development. Thank you for your best wishes, and I hope to see you again soon!






UPDATE XXXVI
Six Months!
5 May 2009

Today—May 5, 2009—is the six-month anniversary of the Commonwealth of Marathon. In the past six months, I have had the incredible pleasure of presenting my work to all of you, my friends, and you have embraced my work with such support that "overwhelmed" cannot even scratch the surface of how I feel! In these six months, we've had over 1300 replies and close to 37000 views!

As we did in UPDATE XIV-B: Two Months Down...A Look Back! (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6190.msg212407#msg212407), we'll now present a bit of a statistical analysis of the great support that you've all given here...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252036%2F36001.jpg&hash=c98a213ece801c25b5c1b2d775118b166e1a5fba)

Above is the amount of posts that have been made in Marathon for each month from the opening in November up until April 30, 2009, consisting of the first six months.

And...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252036%2F36002.jpg&hash=605f1fe2673eb3188ced18c64bdfcf034cf553cf)

...here's the big one!

This chart illustrates how many posts have been made by ever person who has posted in the Commonwealth of Marathon—minus me, of course! There have been 99 different people who have posted at least once here, and at the top of the list is our wonderful friend, our Bielefelder bat, with exactly 100 posts here!

And, well, we have to celebrate, too, don't we? Hope you like it!


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252036%2F36004.jpg&hash=f306bc1557e16c379c7b91e1c67465f3505710b5)

Finally, in a nod to our very good friend David (dedgren) and 3RR, we'll declare May 5, 2009, a...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252036%2F36003.jpg&hash=1c2ef410b0f7a49d095687821e51ebbb959d785f)

...to commemorate six months here in the Commonwealth of Marathon! If you're stopping in and read this, drop us a line and help us celebrate! If you're unfamiliar with No Lurking Days, have a look over at 3RR (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=112.msg103639#msg103639)!

In all seriousness, though, thank you all from the bottom of my heart for what have been the six greatest months that I have spent here in the SC4 community. All of you have made the Commonwealth of Marathon what it has become thus far, so this celebration is not about me or about Marathon, it is about you! Give yourselves a big round of applause and toast yourselves—you deserve it!

The next six months begin now!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Alfred.Jones on May 05, 2009, 01:19:04 AM
I always love your stats Dustin :P

Very nice celebratory mosaic as well. It has been a great six months and I know i'm looking forward eagerly to the next six months!

Now stop stalling and get onto those diagonals! jks
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: MandelSoft on May 05, 2009, 02:00:56 AM
Congratulations with six month celebration of Marathon. What kind of party would we have on 5 November 2009? Keep up the excellent work!

Best,
Maarten

EDIT: Oh, I almost forgot to mention that it's Bevrijdingsdag (translation: Liberation Day) in the Netherlands. We celebrate our freedom, because on 5 May 1945, WW2 officially ended here.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: threestooges on May 05, 2009, 02:24:40 AM
Well now, with a no lurker day, I guess I ought to pop back in again and say hi. The diagonal roads were a great addition and all the details on the lots so have have really put that cathedral in its place there. I can only imagine what the rest of the parts will look like when all the diagonals are filled in. You've set quite a challenge for yourself, but I'm sure you're up for it. Nice little mosaic you've shown too. Glad to see some good development going in, and it's also good to see that the station is getting used well after all the work you put into it. Good stuff Dustin. Congratulations on 6 months, and here's to many more such celebrations to come.
-Matt
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Andy2k on May 05, 2009, 02:31:35 AM
thundercrack83 congrats for Six Months my Friend ;)

Your City Works are amazing and I hope you make this 6 Months .. no .. 6 Years more.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: io_bg on May 05, 2009, 03:30:35 AM
Congratulations on the 6 months!  &apls
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on May 05, 2009, 03:37:44 AM
Six month !!  &apls
I'm very honored to be the third poster of your MD my friend. Also, that mosaic is just stunning, excellent downtown (?).
Looking forward to the year of Marathon !  :D

Take care,
-Arthur.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: turtle on May 05, 2009, 03:40:49 AM
Well, Congratz on the 6 months Marathon, Dustin. Everything is coming along nicely. What a great mosaic  :thumbsup:

Here's to six months more...
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: rooker1 on May 05, 2009, 04:09:21 AM
Congrats on the Six great months Dustin.
All I have to say is....."I told you so!"  I knew all along you woul do well, okay, okay....I thought you would and I was right at any rate.  Fantastic work, super tutorials, awesome mosaics and everything...well....is just a great pleasure to always come and view.  
Here's to the next six months and beyond.
Today, I officially lost my voice completely.  Apparently, I have laryngitis says the doctor.  I could have told him that.  I sat in the doctor's waiting room, in the new coughing section, where everyone must wear a mask, including myself with a bunch of other people that looked like they were going to die for just over an hour to find I should go back home and relax and drink alot of warm fluids.  I think I'm in the wrong profession. :P Anyways...now when I talk, I either have a very hoarse voice or nothing comes out.  Kinda cool, I sound like The Big Balbolski from WWE.  "Hello Ladies......"  ()stsfd() :D
* It looks like I need to post just a few more times to move up higher than a certain other person

Robin  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bat on May 05, 2009, 05:28:20 AM
Congrats on over 1300 comments and over 37000 views in just six great months, Dustin!
Looking forward to the next updates....

And BTW, this is my 7000th post in the forum and the 101st in your MD! I think it's one great place for this post!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: metarvo on May 05, 2009, 05:46:51 AM
I guess I had better post today, given the occasion.  Honestly, with a wonderful mosaic like that one, how can I not post?  The variety of buildings in the mosaic alone display a true commitment to the quality of this MD.  Marathon has inspired me to download a fair number of buildings, and I'm sure there will be more as time goes on.  Give yourself a big hand of applause, because you've earned it, Dustin!

&apls
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: JBSimio on May 05, 2009, 07:39:30 AM
Excellent mosaic, Dustin!  &apls &apls

I wasn't actually going to say that, but since it's No Lurking Day...  :D  Congratulations on all your successes here, my friend.  If this is only the six month mark, who knows what you'll have in store by the time we get to your first anniversary!  Here's to the next six months...

JB
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: carkid1998 on May 05, 2009, 07:45:47 AM

Awww no lurking day!!

Ahh who cares!! ;D More posting today!

Very nice mosaic!! It's the train stantion :P
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Battlecat on May 05, 2009, 08:16:54 AM
Nice looking mosaic there!  Nice to see the rail station area again. 
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: darraghf on May 05, 2009, 08:47:29 AM
Wow. 6 months already? Great Mosaic of Marathon. Here's to another 6 months, and another and another.. ;D
-Darraghf
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Luke09 on May 05, 2009, 09:15:25 AM
Hey Dustin,a very impressive mosaic,i love your train station,i already tried to copy it on my city 3 times.I have 20 posts now,i will pass bat you will see  :P .Happy 6 months  &hlp
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Sciurus on May 05, 2009, 09:31:39 AM
Well, Dustin....

Impressive, very impressive, very very impressive mosaic for you did on the latest upadte!! &apls I just can congratulate you &apls
But for the french message you posted, I don't know what you mean, because what you wrote just means nothing!! :P For a bette translation, I think I'll say you to write, I don't know, beacause I don't know what word in english to use to translate your message.... ()sad() Sorry..... The own translation I can propose you is "Aucun jour de cachette", did with Babelfish, but I'm not sure it's right..... I don't know if it's in the sense of furitve or concealed, if you could tell me, so I could do a correst translation, beacause I don't like to see french sentences, which doesn't meann nothing. Sorry again... :'(
And I saw a thing which surprised me: I posted there just 25 times?! I think I'll must stop by there much time ::)
Oh, I forgot one thing, HAPPY SIX MONTH MARATHON &hlp(oh, this city ran a big Marathon... :D)

Your french friend, Guillaume :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: sebes on May 05, 2009, 10:05:05 AM
This no lurking day theme is causing my 4th comment in your MD (that I view almost everyday by the way..).  But instead of commenting every day wow's and good-job-like-comments (it would have been over 150 posts of me, imagine...), I only comment when I am realy with my jaws on the keyboard. You put the standard too high my friend.  ;)

But you know - I enjoy every minute spent here  so this no lurking day is once again  a good reason to let you know that ! :satisfied:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: MTT9 on May 05, 2009, 10:49:42 AM
Congratulations Dustin!
I hope Marathon and you stay here for a long, long time!
By the way, the cathedral looks awesome. I'm waiting to see what do you got prepared for those diagonals.
Matt
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Jmouse on May 05, 2009, 11:40:39 AM
Congratulations on six great months in Marathon, Dustin. Nice mosaic, too - I especially like the area around the train station. But if you think this is going to get you off the hook of filling in those diagonals, think again.

The mouse is watching...
Joan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: evanator on May 05, 2009, 11:46:30 AM
I stop by Marathon whenever i can, but rarely have the time to post a comment, forgive me!

Everything you've done here is supremely superb, and Marathon is definitely one of the best of the best here on SC4D.  &apls

Congratulations on six months, and all you've been able to achieve in that short amount of time. Can't wait for the next six months!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: kimcar on May 05, 2009, 12:25:58 PM
 &apls &apls Congrats Dustin for 6 month of great quality MD. You put so much work and energy that you should go for another 6 :D Btw super mosaic my friend.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: homefryes on May 05, 2009, 02:53:24 PM
Wow ... 69 pages in 6 months. That's quite impressive, for certain! Happy Half-Anniversary, Marathon!! :party:
-- Don
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: mightygoose on May 05, 2009, 03:52:13 PM
great mosaic... er..., hapy sixmonthday, this is me not lurking :P sorry i dont have anymore thoughtful comments....
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: woodb3kmaster on May 05, 2009, 05:50:39 PM
Ah, you caught me, Dustin! I can't lurk today!

Not that I should, though. Your work over these past six months has been truly outstanding! In particular, your superb lotting has inspired me to play around in the LE myself (though I won't try to call attention to my own efforts here, you'll be able to see what I've done in Nyhaven soon enough).

I know I don't need to say it, but keep up the outstanding work! Happy semi-anniversary! (Sixth mensiversary?)

Zack
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: rooker1 on May 05, 2009, 06:41:54 PM
Page 69, congrats.  &apls
* Trying to increase my post count to pass that certain someone.
Keep up the fantastic work.
Robin  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Masochist on May 05, 2009, 06:57:33 PM
I've been faithfully lurking ever since I made my once single comment way back when...but out from the shadows to celebrate No Lurking Day...okay! :P

I've been watching everything as it develops; the Portland square, the quay, the stadium, all of it.  And of all 69 pages of this CJ, there's only been one so far that hasn't made my jaw drop, or my face screw up in awe: this one, because you haven't posted yet $%Grinno$%!

Really...it's amazing the things you're creating in here, and that region!  What an undertaking!   I though my new one would be big at 6x8 large tiles, but 9x9?  That's a task!  I'll be faithfully keeping watch still to see what comes of it; I'm especially excited to see what sort of terraforming you'll do to it (I keep trying to terraform on mine, but the mountains just don't come out the way I want them too...).

Anyways, even if I don't comment as often as I should, know that I'm always faithfully lurking in the background here, waiting for the next update (and the next time my jaw dislocates).  Keep up the amazing work :thumbsup:!

(By the way, I posted a link to this MD in the latest post of [my SC4 blog] (http://www.masofsc4.blogspot.com/)...hope you don't mind!)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on May 05, 2009, 11:48:26 PM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies.jpg&hash=f9a404e367cb5e6d84638084803c586e8b151f6e)

Alfred.Jones: Thank you, my friend! And, small text or not...you caught me! Ha! Ha! Take care!

Maarten (mrtnrln): Thank you, Maarten! I don't know what the celebration will be like come November, we'll have to wait and see! Oh, and gelukkig Bevrijdingsdag!

Matt (threestooges): Thank you for your very kind words, Matt!

Andy2k: Danke schön!

io_bg: Thanks!

Arthur (art128): Thank you so much, Arthur! Without your help, we'd never have gotten this far, my friend.

Thomas (turtle): Thank you so much!

Robin (rooker1): I'm so sorry to hear that you're not feeling well, Robin, especially since you lost your voice! How do your wife feel about that? Now she doesn't have to listen to you! Ha! Ha! Take care of yourself and get a lot of rest, my friend, and thank you so much for all your support, even from when Marathon was a twinkle in my eye! Thanks again, Robin!

bat: There he is—Marathon's top poster! Thank you so much for all your support from the very beginning, and I hope to see you here just as often as you've been for the past six months. Vielen Dank!

metarvo: Thanks so very much, my friend. You've been a faithful supporter and I appreciate it very much! And you give yourself a big hand, too, because without folks like you, we wouldn't be here! Take care!

Jon (JBSimio): Ha! I issued the "No Lurking Day" proclamation just to get you out of the woodwork! Just kidding, my friend—you've always been here for advice, ideas, and support, and I thank you very much!

carkid1998: Thank you, my friend! I'm happy that you like the mosaïc!

Battlecat: Thanks so much!

Luke (Luke09): Thank you, Luke! Good luck with your train station, and with catching our friend bat, too!

Guillaume (Sciurus): Hi, Guillaume! I was afraid that my "No Lurking Day" in French wasn't going to make any sense, that's what happens when you use Google Translate, I'm afraid. Nevertheless, I knew you'd be here to set me straight. Where would I be without you!? Thank you for all your help, both with my French language skills and with Marathon itself, you've been a wonderful friend here, and I look forward to our friendship continuing! À bientôt!

sebes: Thank you so much, sebes! I am so happy that you've been checking things out here on a daily basis, and it makes me feel even better that you reserving for comments for the "jaw-dropping" moments, too! Now, I just have to make sure those jawdroppers happen more often, right? I appreciate your kind words, whenever you post them, and I appreciate your support so very much. Take care!

Matt (emmotic): Thanks, Matt! I hope we're here for a long time, too! And thank you for your kind words about the cathedral, as well!

Joan (Jmouse): Hi, Joan! Boy, everybody's catching my stall tactics on the diagonals! I guess I'll have to get a bit more clever with them! You've been at the top of support list since the beginning of things here, Joan, and your help and words of encouragement have been such an inspiration in all facets of this MD, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart, my friend. Here's to the next six months!

evanator: There's no need for forgiveness, my friend! You're always welcome here, no matter how often you'd like to stop in! Thank you for your wonderful comments, and I hope to see you again soon!

kimcar: Thank you, my friend! You've been another wonderful supporter from the beginning and I'll never forget it! Oh, and don't worry, I'll keep going for as long as I have ideas, whether the energy is there or not! Hope all is well with you!

Don (homefryes): Thank you very much, Don!

mightygoose: Ha! Thanks so much! That was more than thoughtful enough for me, my friend!

Zack (woodb3kmaster): Gotcha! People have been catching me all day, it's time I get someone! In all seriousness, though, please don't worry about posting here, my friend, you're always welcome, whenever it is! I look forward to seeing your LE work, and it makes me feel so good that you've gotten some inspiration from what you've seen in Marathon. Take care!

Robin (rooker1): Thanks, Robin! Wait...I thought you lost your voice! Get back to bed!

Isaac (Masochist): Hi, Isaac! Wow! Thank you so very much for your wonderful words of encouragement, my friend. No matter how often you stop in, your insight is always inspiring and helps me look at things in a different light! Oh, and of course I don't mind that you've posted a link to Marathon in your blog. It's an honor! Hope to see you again soon!




Wow! 25 replies in 24 hours—you folks are absolutely unbelievable! Thank you all for the outpouring of support, both now and for the past six months! I've said it countless times, but without all of you, none of this would have been possible!

And now, to christen our next six months...and to end the stalling...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F107.jpg&hash=b4e44acf3617f144174ec8c67cd68a1554c2287e)

Work on the diagonal sections is officially underway! Stay tuned to see more development!

Tschüss!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Sciurus on May 06, 2009, 06:45:46 AM
Oh Dustin,

I ask myself too, where you would be without me (but just for my french, because other from me doesn't serve you! $%Grinno$%). Just this to say you that your city is beautiful, and I'll continue to stop by there all times I could :thumbsup:.
On thing more, you didn't answer my question: could you tell me in what sense you mean the word "lurking". Concealed or furtive, and I then I could do a correct translation ;)

Your french friend, Guillaume :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bat on May 06, 2009, 08:26:14 AM
Looking forward to more of the diagonals! It looks great! :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on May 06, 2009, 09:56:01 AM
Dustin,
Nice lot there my friend, it looks great with these seasonal trees.
Looking forward to more.

Take care,
-Arthur.

BTW, it's my 2300 post at SC4D and my 80 post in your MD !
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Luke09 on May 06, 2009, 12:27:46 PM
Nice,its loking promissing,and about the train station,well,i just suck on rail,i dont know how many tiles a station need to be far away from other,and they never get used by sims...they prefer my EL-RAIL system.Keep your job Dustin  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Jmouse on May 06, 2009, 03:44:50 PM
The mouse is still watching - and liking what she sees! I was afraid the diagonals would give you trouble because they're uneven, or maybe not. In any event, this is one project that is of much interest, partly because of the challenge, and in part because the finished product has such great potential. So keep after it!  :)

Later...
Joan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: KoV Liberty on May 06, 2009, 05:56:49 PM
Happy 6 months and one day of your CJ!  &apls &apls &apls &apls &apls Congratulations!  &apls

Alex
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon [05/07/09]: UPDATE XXXVII: For All the Girls...
Post by: thundercrack83 on May 06, 2009, 11:28:29 PM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies.jpg&hash=f9a404e367cb5e6d84638084803c586e8b151f6e)

Guillaume (Sciurus): Hello, my friend! Thank you for your wonderful comments, and as always, you are welcome here as often as you'd like! And my apologies for not answering your early question—by "lurking," I meant viewing the thread without posting in it, so a "No Lurking Day" is asking everyone that views to post as well. Therefore, I guess you can use "concealed" in that context, since by lurking, you'd be concealing your thoughts. Thanks for all your help with it!

bat: Thank you, my friend!

Arthur (art128): Thanks, Arthur! And congratulations on your 2300th post!

Luke (Luke09): Thank you, Luke! And don't worry about your work with rails, I'm not all that great with them either. Just keep practicing, though, you'll get there. Oh, and Happy Birthday!

Joan (Jmouse): Hi, Joan! The diagonals are certainly making my brain work a bit sideways, but I think I'm getting the hang of it...at least I hope! Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend!

Alex (Driftmaster07): Thank you so much, Alex! And a belated Happy Birthday to you, my friend!






UPDATE XXXVII
For All the Girls Down at Sacred Heart
Part I: Enough Procrastinating!

7 May 2009

"Enough procrastinating," he said to himself, as he stared for what seemed like the thousandth time at a maze of diagonal roads and avenues, wondering just how in the world he was going to tackle the development.

Well, the procrastination is over, and the hour is now at hand. Here we go! Welcome to the Parc du Sacré-Cœur, or Sacred Heart Park for our Anglophone friends. Development is going to be in stages, since I've been doing a lot of meticulous planning. Here's an overview of our first stage:


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252037%2F37001.jpg&hash=b62c03e438e9661fdea87c23f8f4eae8a73fb44d)

Forgive the crudeness of the map, I did it in Microsoft Excel using the cells as blocks like a piece of graph paper. In retrospect, I should have kept that grid on, but anyway! We go back...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252037%2F37002.jpg&hash=f384efc8e67a5b4ae0704f5e26079de30101c903)

...to Tile N, the tile in question, with our streets labels for orientation. Getting a closer look...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252037%2F37003.jpg&hash=b18d17c6539323f07a2be424eb6c87e2906259aa)

...we see the spot where the cathedral from images past once sat. Here it is...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252037%2F37011.jpg&hash=9812be00405c9519c04a5198aecb2da1f4a1a119)

...in the LE, and...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252037%2F37004.jpg&hash=b48e29bc5cb8e7a6052cdb676e7a15fd7b249977)

...in its place. Nothing new here, but now we move forward! We'll start with...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252037%2F37015.jpg&hash=875d105d6128159766ed524b55ef75ac3ccf52e2)

...the small, but ever so important 1x1, complete with double overlay textures! And...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252037%2F37005.jpg&hash=b9714ac1b7cc42d55b968a8003864a3b3c9a0330)

...plop! We're in place on each side of the cathedral. Now...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252037%2F37014.jpg&hash=1c2014eb8ec70cbe74a2eb9644c2ebc483785293)

...our 2x1...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252037%2F37006.jpg&hash=ad971c0fae832a1e197709ff32d9b5699e19df12)

...now in place, too. Continuing on with...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252037%2F37012.jpg&hash=ca87a0e22bf3dfba6bbd24b0800e3a035c7e2bf1)

...our 3x3, but...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252037%2F37013.jpg&hash=a644e990324c47a7e39908f195293ea554fa4478)

...as the asterisk told us, we need two 3x3s, one for left of center, and one for right. Back we go...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252037%2F37007.jpg&hash=16c44816277c406b34f3cfab8f56ef9cc9ed89f0)

...and we're in place! Finally, our...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252037%2F37016.jpg&hash=28a15e82c990999856b59007ace2ce07b58529c2)

...2x2...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252037%2F37008.jpg&hash=5ab5d7443c1cec9927bd3bf984edd9662c5b6c41)

...and they're in.

Here's an overview...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252037%2F37009.jpg&hash=a0927391fe021ecbd759a6ece7e6b74558cb287d)

...and a close-up...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252037%2F37010.jpg&hash=b68559a97a6aae1c9ea440eccbd07a6253b06bee)

So the initial stage is complete, and with it out of the way, I feel a bit more comfortable with handling the diagonals. The effect that I'm going for is to have all the streets lined with the semi-seasonal trees to give the streets that "tree-lined" effect that is one of my favorite things in real life. So far, it seems to be translating well, to me. Next up, the outer ring!

One last logistical note, one of these days I'll be posting an "Catalogue of Updates," as part of some rearranging I'm planning. Since it is meant to be a stand-alone, I won't be doing any replies in the post, but I'll catch up the next time around. It's not a big deal, but I just want to keep everyone aware, so you don't think I missed any replies.

In a bit!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: dedgren on May 06, 2009, 11:37:21 PM
Magnificent, Dustin!  The only thing I might dare to suggest is that you would remove the trees that are directly in front of the main entrance so that there's a clear line of sight view out to the avenue.  That's like trying to improve on perfection, though, my friend.


David
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: MandelSoft on May 07, 2009, 12:17:38 AM
Excellent, as usual  :thumbsup:! Wonderfull LE work. I think I'm getting jealous of your skills $%Grinno$%

Best,
Maarten
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: rooker1 on May 07, 2009, 04:13:17 AM
Hey Dustin,
I have to agree with David.  At least thinning out the tree in the front of the cathedral.  Also....maybe it's time you learned how to do prop families.  This is a good way to make a lot with a prop family and place it in different locations and get different variations of the props you choose.  All the trees look a little repeatative... I think.  This prop family thing might be the solution. ;)
It looks to me like you are fast becoming a pro at LE.  It looks to me like the sky is no longer your limit!  You seem to have entered the realm only very few have.  Great work  &apls Maybe at some point I can come to you for some lotting.

Robin  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: metarvo on May 07, 2009, 05:54:39 AM
Diagonals have long been considered one of the most challenging subjects of SC4, but you have completed this task in an effective manner.  Way to go, Dustin!

&apls
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: mightygoose on May 07, 2009, 06:10:29 AM
superb dustin, fantastic effort, but i too agree with david as to opening up the trees directly in fron t of the entrance.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Luke09 on May 07, 2009, 06:41:56 AM
Amazing Dustin,its so beatyful!and thanks  $%Grinno$%
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: carkid1998 on May 07, 2009, 07:54:25 AM

Brilliant, just brilliant.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Haljackey on May 07, 2009, 08:11:08 AM
 :o :o :o

Simply outstanding Dustin!  You break away from the grid and then form another grid?  What a centrepiece, amazing!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on May 07, 2009, 08:28:36 AM
Terrific lotting job there Dustin, you're very talented ! A lots of research work on that area, and its looks great. You've certainly past a lot of time on here.
Looking forward to more.

Take care,
-Arthur.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Sciurus on May 07, 2009, 09:38:47 AM
Hi Dustin,

Thanks for the sense, so I propose you to write "N'oubliez pas de poster", but it mens "Don"t forget to post". I don't know if it's the same sense, but I think it compares that you want. If it's not that, PM me, or MSN me (you've got my address), and we'll can deabte about it as well ;)
So, after this little explanation about a simple translation I can't do, speaking about your city. This city is a lot lotted, but it's good, because it embellishs it, and it's beautiful as this. I think it's the better thing we can do for a city ;) So, after this long message, I can you I hope to stop by there on the next time you'll do an update :)

Your french friend, Guillaume :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: kimcar on May 07, 2009, 12:55:29 PM
 &apls &apls Great work Dustin with the diagonals. You got an excellent result. I agree about the tree in front of the cathedral for clear that a bit
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Nexis4Jersey on May 07, 2009, 01:13:59 PM
wow what another simply splendid update Dustin!  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: darraghf on May 07, 2009, 02:25:48 PM
Superb work with the lot editor. I wish I had the patience to do stuff like that
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: KoV Liberty on May 07, 2009, 03:27:32 PM
Thankyou! And might I say you are doing a GREAT job with the diagonals!  :thumbsup:

Alex
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Jmouse on May 07, 2009, 04:28:55 PM
You planned well, did an excellent job in LE and pulled off another amazing coup, Dustin! I knew you could do it, I just couldn't imagine how! :)

Good work...
Joan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on May 08, 2009, 12:48:36 AM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies.jpg&hash=f9a404e367cb5e6d84638084803c586e8b151f6e)

David (dedgren): Hi, David! Thanks so much for your wonderful comments, and also for such a great idea! I wish I would have thought of that! Hope to see you again soon, my friend!

Maarten (mrtnrln): Thanks, Maarten!

Robin (rooker1): Hello, Robin! David's idea is quite a good one, isn't it? Thank you for your kind words, as well as your input on the prop families. I've used them before, but for some reason, I just never think to use them anymore. I do get a bit frustrated using the menu for them, since there's really no rhyme nor reason in it, even with the Prop Family Names file. If I'm honest, too, the repetition of the trees was, in part, deliberate. I am trying to go for something like this (http://a1.vox.com/6a00b8ea06758adece00c11413477922bd-500pi), only in the context of the area, of course! I do agree, though, that they may be too repetitive. So a middle ground between the two is needed! That's on the list to be looked into when next I open the LE. Thanks for stopping by, Robin, and I hope your feeling better, my friend!

metarvo: Hi! I never fully grasped just how challenging diagonals were until this little project, but "challenging" is good, right? I hope it is, anyway! Thanks for your support, and take care, my friend!

mightygoose: Thanks! I'll be exploring David's idea right away!

Luke (Luke09): Thank you!

carkid1998: Thanks so much, my friend!

Haljackey: Ha! I never thought of it that way! Grids are always around the corner, aren't they? Take care!

Arthur (art128): Thank you, Arthur! Your comments are always wonderful, my friend!

Guillaume (Sciurus) Ahh, n'oubliez pas de poster makes much more sense! Now, if we can only find a way to make it N'oubliez pas de poster Jour, or "Don't Forget to Post Day," which would mean the same thing as "No Lurking Day." Would adding jour at the end do that, or just make it mean nothing again? Either way, it's times like this that I'm happy I have my great French Ambassador! Thanks so much for all your help, and also for your kind words on the park, too!

kimcar: Thank you, my friend! I also agree on clearing the front of the cathedral, too!

Corey (Nexis4Jersey): Thank you, Corey!

darraghf: Thanks! I used to think the same thing about not having the patience for the LE, but it's worth it if you can fight through. Good luck!

Alex (Driftmaster07): Thanks, Alex!

Joan (Jmouse): Thank you so much, Joan! I think you had more faith in me than I had in myself!




Have you ever wondered why 3RR is such a hotbed for phenomenal ideas, custom content, etc.?

Well, there's a myriad of reasons, but after reading the message that our great friend David (dedgren) posted here...

Quote from: dedgren on May 06, 2009, 11:37:21 PM
Magnificent, Dustin!  The only thing I might dare to suggest is that you would remove the trees that are directly in front of the main entrance so that there's a clear line of sight view out to the avenue.  That's like trying to improve on perfection, though, my friend.


David


...I believe I have a clue that may aid in answering that question. It's because David has the uncanny ability to recognize how the tiniest of details can translate into immense and magnificent results!

Case in point—the front of our cathedral. Before...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252037%2F37010.jpg&hash=b68559a97a6aae1c9ea440eccbd07a6253b06bee)

...and...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F108.jpg&hash=b6ba2a2d5cf5e0a4dd5ca4c71e7114428d9cc5aa)

...after!

Now, while David's insight there alone is enough to make complete and perfect sense, the true length and breadth of his intuitive powers is in coming up with an idea that not only spawns a better result for the original item, but also spawns inspiration on a larger scale! Of which I speak...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F109.jpg&hash=9c62f98115c6bb42ff3f71b9fc359e6b5e7d7faf)

...Commonwealth Avenue South, which is now mysteriously bulldozed. Thanks to David's suggestion about opening up the front of the cathedral, my thoughts went straight to the Philadelphia Museum of Art, of Rocky fame (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rocky_Steps). More specifically, the Benjamin Franklin Parkway (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benjamin_Franklin_Parkway).

Tweaking the Ben Franklin a bit, I came up with...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F110.jpg&hash=d3237f8ee504afe06203243fd3982c692beef1bf)

...this!

To spice up the area directly in front of the cathedral, and to also give a bit of a focal point...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F111.jpg&hash=1834373a95be131b0b78530c40bd927aa585d924)

...an avenue roundabout, connected to cathedral square.

Here's...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F112.jpg&hash=4e4922681cfc052a4422ef41361eca19261714c8)

...a zoomed-out view.

This new configuration means a shift from my original plans, but also opens up a whole new avenue of options, specifically for the in between the north- and southbound sides of Commonwealth Avenue!

So, thank you, David, for just doing what you do so well, my friend!

More on the way!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: JoeST on May 08, 2009, 02:38:31 AM
Oh classy :)

darn that David for being such an awesome guy *shakes fist* :D

Joe
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Sciurus on May 08, 2009, 02:47:13 AM
Hi!

So, for the translation, if you add the word "jour" at the end of the sentence, its doesn't mean nothing too, yes, french is very complicated!! So, I propose you to write "N'oubliez pas de poster quand vous passez" which gives in english "Don't forget to post when you stop by" ;) I hope it's that! ;D
For the cathedral, your lotting is excellent, I love it, I think you should learn me how you do, and how you choose all your props, to do it superb. Again, congratulations Dustin, and a little adversiting for my city, I invite you to stop by my topic, clicking the banner in my signature ;)

Your french friend, Guillaume :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: sebes on May 08, 2009, 02:58:04 AM
This Benjamin-Franklin-Like-Parkway realy did the trick to give this area the cachet it deserves...

Excellent work Dustin!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on May 08, 2009, 07:28:27 AM
Dustin,
It's sure that with this disposition, it looks more real my friend. You've applied what David said very well. Excellent work with the result.
Good luck with the others lots to come here,
Looking forward to more.

Take care,
-Arthur.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: MTT9 on May 08, 2009, 07:51:32 AM
Awesome Dustin! Your LE work keeps surprising me. As usual i can't wait to see what happens with Marathon.
Matt
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Luke09 on May 08, 2009, 08:35:09 AM
Beauty!That Square is getting the shape...  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Battlecat on May 08, 2009, 08:47:22 AM
Nice modification!  I like the addition of the roundabout.  Keep up the great work! 
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Jmouse on May 08, 2009, 01:59:07 PM
Excellent idea - you and David make a good team! :) Guess one of the easiest mistakes to make is having too many trees - but there's just something about a blank tile that seems to bother many of us.

Nevertheless, I think you have this project nailed now and it's just a mater of...mmmmmm...filling in the blank tiles? ::)

Later...
Joan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: KoV Liberty on May 08, 2009, 02:26:16 PM
Awesome work! The area now looks much better.  :thumbsup: Also if you want to go for a real churchy (not sure if thats a word  ;) ) feel you might want to search for "Alexander Column Roundabouts" (pun with my name not intended! :-[ ) over at the STEX. They have some great stuff! Don't forget to download the dependacies too!

Alex
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on May 09, 2009, 01:38:30 AM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies.jpg&hash=f9a404e367cb5e6d84638084803c586e8b151f6e)

Joe (JoeST): Yes! David certainly is a clever one, isn't he?

Guillaume (Sciurus): Thank you, Guillaume! I had a feeling that just adding that on at the end wouldn't make any sense, but once again, you've given me the right answer! I'm glad that you like the cathedral area, too, my friend! Hope to see you again soon!

sebes: Thanks, my friend!

Arthur (art128): Thanks so much, Arthur! I'm glad you like it!

Matt (emmotic): Thank you, Matt!

Luke (Luke09): Thanks!

Battlecat: Thank you, my friend! I like the roundabout better, too. We'll see how it works out!

Joan (Jmouse): You're definitely right, Joan. Sometimes the best thing is to know when not to add something! Now, onto filling in the blank tiles! Take care, Joan!

Alex (Driftmaster07): Brilliant idea, my friend! It's downloaded as we speak! Thanks, Alex!




A little bit ago, our friend Robin (rooker1) suggested the idea of using prop families in the LE to avoid repetition. Well, when I headed back into the LE to put Robin's suggestion into action, I thought, "Why not take it one step further?" One step further with...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F113.jpg&hash=f864fd9aff7b842feb3f7265c66ea4039c6fe637)

...seasonal trees! And even better, prop families of seasonal trees! And thanks to Alex (Driftmaster07), we've added the Alexander Column Roundabouts (http://www.simtropolis.com/stex/details.cfm?id=20103) by Odainsaker to the roundabout in front of the cathedral.

In the meantime, though, back to the diagonals...
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: darraghf on May 09, 2009, 02:11:15 AM
Great Idea. Nice progress. I can't wait to see it finished.
-Darraghf
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Jmouse on May 09, 2009, 02:58:18 AM
Wow, that looks terrific. Didn't know you could use seasonal trees as props like that - I'll put them in my plugin folder later today when I go back into LE. Jeroni's trees look good in that setting, too. Those light green ones are my favorites. This is really coming together very nicely.

Later...
Joan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bat on May 09, 2009, 04:49:44 AM
Great updates there! Also great work on that new square!!! It looks beautiful! :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: danielcote on May 09, 2009, 07:36:16 AM
Oh I loved that mosaic with the modern, colonial and NYC styled buildings all in harmony with that buissey rail station!

Good luck on the new city.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: deathtopumpkins on May 09, 2009, 07:53:11 AM
Oh, Dustin, that lot is incredible.  :thumbsup:Haven't been commenting recently because I've been too busy just staring at the pics...  :D

Oh, and way to steal your next double-0 post.  :P
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Luke09 on May 09, 2009, 08:13:18 AM
Always good Dustin!Will you zone comercial close this plaza?
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Sciurus on May 09, 2009, 10:35:45 AM
Hi!

I'm glad also to serve you with my translations Dustin, I'm glad to stop by there you, and to see beautiful things!! I just want to congratulate you for the work done in these cathedral, which is wonderful in fall. &apls I hope you'll correct the mistake you did on the banner by my correct translation ;)

Your french friend, Guillaume :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Pat on May 09, 2009, 04:59:02 PM
Dustin OMG WOW!!!! I truly love that pic and wow!!!!!!!!!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: KoV Liberty on May 09, 2009, 05:19:11 PM
Looks TERIFFIC!

Alex
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: JBSimio on May 09, 2009, 08:53:58 PM
I really like the newest views of this square, Dustin!  The "Ben Franklin" avenue is an excellent adjustment and will really serve to set this area off nicely.  My own personal taste is still questioning the roundabout and its large column monument, but I have a feeling it will grow on me.  However, with the column in place, have you considered adding a reflecting pool (maybe using your favorite canal set) down the center of your new parkway avenue?  I'm honestly not sure how it might look, but it was just a thought that popped into my head when I saw the new layout.  Enjoy your diagonals!

JB
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on May 10, 2009, 01:53:02 AM
That new version of the lot with props families is excellent and looks more real that the last one. Also, it's nice to put that column here, looks excellent.
Looking forward to more.

Take care,
-Arthur.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Nexis4Jersey on May 10, 2009, 10:53:37 PM
theres only one word to describe that Lot......WoW....... :) :-\
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on May 11, 2009, 01:48:17 AM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies.jpg&hash=f9a404e367cb5e6d84638084803c586e8b151f6e)

darraghf: Thanks!

Joan (Jmouse): Hi, Joan! The light green "Istrinius" trees are definitely a favorite of mine, too. Oh, and one caveat about using the seasonal trees in LE, make sure that you use all four seasons and that they are plopped right on top of each other. Otherwise, you'll either get trees that disappear depending what season your missing, or they'll skip around with each season if you have them plopped in different places. Good luck, my friend!

bat: Thank you, my friend!

danielcote: Welcome to Marathon! I'm so happy that you're enjoying things here, and I hope to see you again soon!

deathtopumpkins: Ha! Thanks so much! I didn't even realize it was #1400 until after I posted it. I was going to remove it and wait, but then I decided against it. Thanks for stopping by!

Luke (Luke09): Thank you, Luke! Not sure how development around the square will end up yet, but I'm sure there will be commercial somewhere in the vicinity. Take care!

Guillaume (Sciurus): Thanks, Guillaume! Oh, and don't worry, next time it's used, the banner will have the correct French translation!

Pat: Thanks, my friend!

Alex (Driftmaster07): Thank you, Alex!

Jon (JBSimio): Hey, Jon! Actually, you brought up a good point about the roundabout, too. I've been thinking about that a bit more, and I think I may have to come up with a different solution. I also like your reflecting pool idea, too, though I worry that at only two-tiles wide, there wouldn't be room for much else on the lots. I am certainly going to give it a try, though, and if it doesn't work here, I think I have a place elsewhere on the island where something similar will definitely work! Thanks for stopping by, Jon!

Arthur (art128): Thank you so much, Arthur! I'm glad you like the column, too!

Corey (Nexis4Jersey): Thank you, Corey!




Well, I wanted to get a bit more work done tonight, however, my girlfriend and I decided to—at around 9:00 PM EDT, to be precise—to do some pretty ridiculous furniture moving. We switched the bedroom with the computer room since the bedroom is an addition to the house and thus, is not hooked into the central air conditioning system. Now, the bedroom will stay nice and cool this summer. Right now, though, it was not a whole lot of fun taking apart everything and putting it all back in place only 10 feet away! But, it's another story for another day, I suppose...

Once we got everything into place, though, I've managed to sit down in the LE for a while...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F114.jpg&hash=05eb4971eb99dbcc16ee840077fe63898495ffb1)

...and bang out a few more diagonal sections...


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...slowly, but surely.

Oh, and our good friend Jon (JBSimio) commented on the placement of the roundabout on the square—you'll probably notice that it's no longer there in our second picture above. I had been thinking over its placement before Jon commented, and after seeing his post, it cemented it for me! I like the roundabout and the column within, just not where it's located, so I...relocated them!


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I think it works much better here now. What do you think?

Oh, and deathtopumpkins, another good friend of Marathon's, pointed out that, unbeknownst to me, I had made the 1400th post here in Marathon. Well, it seems that I did, but what makes it more remarkable is that the Commonwealth of Marathon has now become the first MD here at SC4Devotion to reach 1400 comments! We're notching the milestones here rather often lately, and I thank you all so much for making it all possible! Thanks again, friends! On to 1500 and beyond!

More to come!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Pat on May 11, 2009, 03:34:14 AM
Dustin you keep producing we'll keep on coming in!!! WOW!!!!!!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on May 11, 2009, 04:04:32 AM
Very nice diagonals lots there Dustin, but one question, how can people  go in these lots ?  :D $%Grinno$% It's sure that they can go on the grass, but I think with some sunken plazas (I think it's from Deadwoods) that will looks great !  :thumbsup:

Take care,

-Arthur.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: deathtopumpkins on May 11, 2009, 04:07:47 AM
Heheh... Congrats, Dustin, that's quite a milestone!  &apls

As for those diagonals, they look spectacular, but what are you going to do if the denser development around that area turns the avenue sidewalks to concrete?
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: metarvo on May 11, 2009, 05:27:35 AM
I would certainly say that you've earned this milestone, Dustin.  The new diagonals look very good.  Keep it up!

:thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: mightygoose on May 11, 2009, 05:44:37 AM
well second MD, just the first MD in the MD section. more superb lot work, the area is expanding very nicely.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bat on May 11, 2009, 05:51:05 AM
Congrats on over 1400 replies and almost 40000 views!
Nice new pictures of that square! Your LE-work looks superb!
Looking forward to more of that square! :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: rooker1 on May 11, 2009, 06:12:44 AM
Hey Dustin,
I'm still very sick.  Can't beleive this cold is stronger than I.  Well at least I have some drugs now, after the second trip to the doctor.
Anyways....I like what I see and as long as everyone is making suggestions for this avenue area, I do have one more.
In the picture below I have circled the area in question.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi278.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk83%2Frooker1%2FDustin116.jpg&hash=27bec2ae05f76b670c803539ee0b2c279d46d116)
What do you think if you were to make a bidge over that section of the avenue?  You know what Dustin.....I always try to be as honest as possible to everyone when I give my opinion.....and well....some of the roads in this area seem a little redundant.  It would be different if there were some biuldings to travel to, but it is just on big park.  On the next ring, will there be some shops or buildings?  If so...maybe I should just sit back and relax.  ;)
I'll look for you later, it looks like you are havinf just as good of a time creating this area as we are watching you.
Keep it up my friend,
Robin  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: carkid1998 on May 11, 2009, 07:57:14 AM

Looking good!!

I keep forgetting to post(I lurk! :P)

I do agree with rooker1 though! maybe some houses or shops? After all, there needs to be sims to enjoy your suberb lots!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: nrmn67 on May 11, 2009, 09:36:32 AM
I am reading your MD from the beginning and like it a lot. A lot of effort goes into your lotting.

I like the new place. I hope you will also place some diagonal buildings, maybe in Paris style?

Ah, and one of your diagonal lots on the right side of the dome is rotated wrong.

Looking forward to the next update!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: homefryes on May 11, 2009, 12:37:03 PM
Hey, Dustin ... Looks like your offline furniture moving has carried over to online lot-and-circle moving! I like the new placement for the round-about and monument; I was afraid that so close to the cathedral the monument would detract. Your new placement is a great choice. I also like the "reflecting pond" or canal idea. That would be a really nice touch.

Meanwhile, I look forward to what's next for the diagonals!

-- Don
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Nexis4Jersey on May 11, 2009, 12:51:00 PM
wow this starting to take shape , slowly but steady , coming together as a nice area  :P
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Battlecat on May 11, 2009, 01:08:40 PM
It's coming together beautifully.  I think the new location for the roundabout fits the area quite nicely! 
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Jmouse on May 11, 2009, 01:49:37 PM
Thanks, Dustin - that's some valuable information about plopping seasonal trees. Symmetry and balance in game is a frequent subject of conversation, and I like the way you're dealing with it here. You still have a few challenges ahead of you, and I know this isn't as easy as you make it look.

I do like the new location of the roundabout, and look forward to seeing how the next series of fill-ins turns out.

Later...
Joan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: dedgren on May 11, 2009, 02:00:10 PM
Robin (rooker1) has a good idea- perhaps one of those FLUP things to take the ring avenue under the twin roads- then you have a straight shot view from the front steps to the obelisk (and vice-versa).  I look at this and keep thinking of Pierre L'Enfant and his plan for Washington, D.C. [linkie] (http://www.nps.gov/nr/travel/wash/lenfant.htm).

Can't wait to see where this heads.


David
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: KoV Liberty on May 11, 2009, 03:43:00 PM
Actually I do like the roundabout where it is because it will not block the church anymore fom view and more people will now see the statue when they drive by which is a big plus. And most statue like that are not right in front of the building either. Also have you taken a look at Pegasus' Ave. Medians? They replace the old ones and look more modern than the Maxis ones. You can get them at Simpeg.com. All you have to do is redraw the Avenues. Anyways I love the new area!  :thumbsup:

Alex
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on May 12, 2009, 12:18:18 AM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies.jpg&hash=f9a404e367cb5e6d84638084803c586e8b151f6e)

Pat: Thanks so much!

Arthur (art128): Thank you, Arthur! Actually, you've brought up a good question! We'll have to look into that! Take care!

deathtopumpkins: Thanks, my friend! I'm not sure what will happen if the sidewalks change to concrete...I never thought of that! We'll just have to see what happens, eh? Thanks for stopping by!

metarvo: Thank you!

mightygoose: Thanks so much! And, yes, you're correct—3RR's definitely the first, I misspoke! Sorry about that, my friend!

bat: Thanks, bat!

Robin (rooker1): Hi, Robin! I'm so sorry to hear that you're still not feeling well, my friend. I do hope that the doctors can get your straightened out soon, as behind under the weather is never fun for any length of time. As for your suggestion? Hmmm...

carkid1998: Ha! Thank you so much! And don't worry about forgetting to post, you can catch up any time, my friend!

nrmn67: Welcome to Marathon! I'm glad that you're enjoying things, and thank you so much for catching my mis-rotated piece! Hope to see you again soon!

Don (homefryes): Hi, Don! Moving furniture, even when done flawlessly, is never a very good time, and it almost never goes flawlessly. This project wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be, though, probably because I didn't have much time to think about it beforehand! I agree with you about the monument, too—it would have detracted from the cathedral, now that you mention it. Hope all is well with you, my friend!

Corey (Nexis4Jersey): Thanks, Corey!

Battlecat: Thanks so much! I'm glad you like it, my friend!

Joan (Jmouse): Hello, Joan! I'm glad that I could be of service to you, my friend. I learned that lesson the hard way. I posted one season, only to go into the game and see them disappear the other three seasons! Thank you, as always, for your support, my friend!

David (dedgren): Hi, David! Robin's suggestion? FLUPs? I like where this is going! Now that you mention Pierre L'Enfant, it's pretty obvious that he's been subconsciously guided my work with this, I think. I've always found Washington, D.C. fascinating, especially since it was planned from the beginning. I guess L'Enfant was the Will Wright of his day. Thanks so much for suggestions, David! Hope to see you again here soon, my friend!

Alex (Driftmaster07): Thanks, Alex! I agree with you on the placement of the roundabout, too. And thanks for the idea for the medians, too! I'll definitely be looking into those, my friend. Take care!




It's great enough when our friend David (dedgren) offers his advice on a situation here in Marathon. But when not just David, but also Robin (rooker1) weigh in? Well, Marathon could not ask for more!

Here's a quick recap...


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Robin and David's suggestions?


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Outstanding! That strip of avenue is gone, replaced with FLUPs!

And to add...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F119.jpg&hash=745e1ce7bd40dbd3a60a693283408d87955447f9)

a massive 2x24 lot, which is still under construction, but I was too excited to wait!

Here's a close-up of my favorite part—


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F120.jpg&hash=9e29d8977cb36a18229f14aaedd8ed550f777d8b)

Stairs leading to a subway station, as well as a bus stop. Unfortunately, as I suspected though, the idea that Jon (JBSimio) had earlier, seconded by Don (homefryes), about a reflecting pool didn't quite work out they way a wanted it to, since the areas is only two tiles wide. No worries, though—I've got another place for that in mind!

Finally...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FOSITM%2F427.jpg&hash=b2f8a69cbac565d9d2eca9046af41441d4bff5ca)

...another milestone on the horizon! Thank you so much, friends!

Oh, and I'd also like to wish our great friend Dan (dsrwhat316) a Happy 22nd Birthday! Enjoy your day, Dan!

In a bit!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: JoeST on May 12, 2009, 01:13:25 AM
Tis looking superb, as always :)

Joe
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: deathtopumpkins on May 12, 2009, 03:54:07 AM
Hmmm... Wouldn't the stairs to the subway station run into the tunnel below? :P they do look pretty nice there though.
As for the tunnul itself, any thoughts about separating one of Marrast's avenue underpasses instead? That should be a functional solution that, IMHO would look better than the FLUPs (no road texture ;) )
But these are just suggetions.   It would still look very impressive without taking them.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: rooker1 on May 12, 2009, 04:20:17 AM
Dustin,
Ever felt so sick that when you start to feel just a little better you feel like a million bucks?  Today's start is pretty good for me, I'm feeling much better today.

The interactiveness of this MD is definately the draw.  I love how you take everyone's suggestions and put them to great use.  As for the area...well it looks great too.

Robin  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Simpson on May 12, 2009, 05:04:48 AM
Hi Dustin  :)

Those pictures are looking really nice, but I would like to suggest something to you (like I'm not really god in english I made a picture)


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg261.imageshack.us%2Fimg261%2F7133%2F119k.jpg&hash=dda34b6c6c31270ac61e648dfc8ea858f7c3c6f3) (http://img261.imageshack.us/my.php?image=119k.jpg)

Black: that's maybe the roads you can remove.
Blue: those crossroads are not looking really nice in my eyes.
Green: you can maybe continue the large avenue here
Also, you can use more often nam curves, this will be more realistic  :thumbsup:

I hope you understand what I'm trying to say  :) This area will be certainly something incredible, as well, at the end  &apls

I'm looking forward to the next update  :)
Take care, my friend

David


EDIT: Also congratulation for more than 1400 replies here   &apls
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: mightygoose on May 12, 2009, 05:32:47 AM
i was unaware that so much of this developement was going to be plaza, and so far i am inclined to agree with simpson, anything more than the 8 large avenues radiating from the centre square seems to be excessive, and i would also agree with extending the main boulevard out the other side of said square.

having criticised there, i would like to say that the boulevard centre lot is magnificent.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: JoeST on May 12, 2009, 05:36:32 AM
Maybe you should turn some of the roads into SAM streets...?

Joe
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Sciurus on May 12, 2009, 07:55:03 AM
Hi Dustin!

Oh, I didn't come there for about 3 days! :D Too long. I missed 2 updates, also too much! ;D So, to I put right. Those 2 upadtes I've missed are beautiful, it's so wonderful in automn &apls I love. I agree with David for some roads. But I also propse you to grow BATs next to the cathedral. It's too empty. Bessides, there's noone on the streets. But I thnik that there will be someone one day, I hope so! ;D You know, in Europe, Cathedrals waere and are always in the middle of cities, and there's a lot of old BATs. :thumbsup:

Your french friend, Guillaume :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on May 12, 2009, 08:05:12 AM
Hello Dustin,
Your LOTting job always amaze me my friend ! - I like the idea to add sunken stair to the subway, great touch of realism. Also, the big green rectangle (don't know how it's called...) along the avenue is excellent. Also, the place you prefer is also my favorite in the strip..
One thing, Did you plan to make all this big hexagon just with plazas ? Because I think too much that didn't looks great..  ;)
Looking forward to more. and.....         excelente trabalho sobre este lote amigo! (Excellent work on this lot my friend ! )

Take care,
-Arthur.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Dark_Jedi06 on May 12, 2009, 08:45:22 AM
While the layout is not wholly realistic, I certainly think it makes a wonderful piece of art and something incredibly gorgeous to look out. ;D

Sometimes that's more important than realism. :) I'm very much enjoying Marathon, as always, I like the way you show things step by step...I'd be abhorred if I showed anything but the finished product. ::)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Luke09 on May 12, 2009, 09:59:12 AM
Hey Dustin great pics  $%Grinno$% ,i liked the avenue divider that u maked,its beauty,and that is a mix of bus and subway station? ()what()
Keep it up
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: io_bg on May 12, 2009, 10:04:02 AM
Great lotting here! :thumbsup: I agree with Simpson about removing some of the roads. One suggestion - I think many people would be happy if you upload these road dividers, they look great! Looking forward to more!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: homefryes on May 12, 2009, 10:12:56 AM
Quote from: Simpson on May 12, 2009, 05:04:48 AM
Hi Dustin  :)

Those pictures are looking really nice, but I would like to suggest something to you

Black: that's maybe the roads you can remove.
Blue: those crossroads are not looking really nice in my eyes.
Green: you can maybe continue the large avenue here
Also, you can use more often nam curves, this will be more realistic  :thumbsup:

David
Quote from: JoeST on May 12, 2009, 05:36:32 AM
Maybe you should turn some of the roads into SAM streets...?

Joe
Dustin, I would combine some of David's (Simpson) suggestions with Joe's (JoeST). Perhaps the two diagonal roads closest to the FLUPs should stay roads, as they serve as links between the avenue and the split avenue, but some of those other roads could perhaps be downgraded to streets or SAM streets (the nice brick streets for those closest to the center, and maybe less fancy streets further out). My 2 simoleons' worth.

While previewing my reply, io_bg chimed in with a great idea I'd like to expand on: how about modular road dividers in varying lengths? Obviously not everyone will have use for a 24x2 divider, but having a few different pieces that all flow together might be quite a hot commodity! That sounds like fun!

-- Don
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bat on May 12, 2009, 10:19:27 AM
Nice new work there on the tunnel! It looks great! :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: kimcar on May 12, 2009, 03:32:34 PM
 &apls &apls Hey great idea this overpass in front  like that. I like it, and also the front of the cathedral is much better now. :thumbsup: Aso congrats for tons of viewers. ;D
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: KoV Liberty on May 12, 2009, 06:22:27 PM
Looking great so far!

Alex
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: sithlrd98 on May 12, 2009, 06:45:53 PM
With all of the updates since my last visit , all I can say is Wow! I think that out of all of the LE work , my favorites have to be these beautiful parks! I like your newest 2x24 lot as well(very good job!), and you have given me a couple of ideas.( Of course the outcome won't be nearly as polished since I don't have enough patience  :D) I also agree with David and Joes opinions , and think that maybe a different crosswalk would be more appealing.

Jayson
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: sim-al2 on May 12, 2009, 08:49:35 PM
40,000 Views! &apls &apls

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg23.imageshack.us%2Fimg23%2F2659%2F400xou.jpg&hash=b05915eafc2bb5082f9223f4082acf189ce704d1)

Congrats Dustin!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on May 13, 2009, 12:48:22 AM

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Joe (JoeST): Thanks, Joe!

deathtopumpkins: Hi! That's a good idea, my friend! I may have to play around with the underpasses by marrast and see what happens! Thank you so much!

Robin (rooker1): Hey, Robin! I'm so happy to hear that you're feeling a bit better today! Just have to take it a day at a time, I guess, right? I agree with you as well on the interactiveness here in Marathon. I think that's one of the most important things, actually. Just because it's my work, doesn't mean that I am not open to other ideas, just the opposite! The more ideas that you folks throw out there open up different ideas in my head and it always seems to end up somewhere new and wonderful! Thanks for stopping by, my friend, and keep getting better!

David (Simpson): Hello, David! Wow! I have to thank you so very much for taking the time out of your day to put some thought into this, my friend. Your suggestions are all excellent ones and they are currently under heavy consideration. Thanks again for stopping in with your input, and I hope to see more from you in the future, wherever we are in Marathon! Take care!

mightygoose: Thanks for your input, my friend! When I think back on this entire endeavor, though, I'm inclined to think that the whole thing is pretty excessive, actually! At least in my eyes, prior to putting the plan into action, I would have never even considered taking something like this on in any city of mine. Then again, you know what they say, "Nothing exceeds like excess!"

Joe (JoeST): SAM! Boy, how did I not think of that! Excellent suggestion, Joe! Excellent suggestion!

Guillaume (Sciurus): Hi, Guillaume! Thanks for your suggestions, my friend! Oh, and don't worry about missing things here in Marathon, you're always welcome, no matter when!

Arthur (art128): Thank you, Arthur! I'm so happy that you like the new dividing lot, my friend!

Dark_Jedi06: Thanks so much, my friend! As I said above, this whole idea seemed excessive and unrealistic in my head, even when I started putting it together, so to have it come together in any fashion at this point is a plus in my book! And to have the advice and support from wonderful friends like you, well, that's what it's all about for me. Thanks again for stopping by!

Luke (Luke09): Hi, Luke! Thanks! To answer your question, it looks like a bus / subway station, but it doesn't actually function like one. I'm not up to speed on that end of things. Take care!

io_bg: Thanks! And maybe I'll look into getting the avenue dividers ready for some kind of release when all is said and done!

Don (homefryes): Hi, Don! Thank you, my friend, for your "2 simoleons' worth," it's worth much, much more than that to me! Joe's SAM idea is a fantastic one, as are David's. I guess we'll all be finding out how things end up together! Take care, Don!

bat: Thanks, my friend!

kimcar: Thank you so much! I'm so glad that you like the new set-up! And thank you for the congratulations, too!

Alex (Driftmaster07): Thank you, Alex!

Jayson (sithlrd98): Hi, Jayson! It's great to see you again, my friend! I'm happy to hear that you like the new lots, and I'm happy that I've been able to give you some ideas, too. I can't wait to see them! And thanks for your thoughts on David and Joe's ideas, too! Take care!

sim-al2: Hey, there it is! Thank you for catching that, my friend!




Well, well, well...All these ideas, my head is spinning!

Let me first say this—the amount of thought that all of you have put into your suggestions is staggering, my friends. For me, the discourse and exchange of ideas is what all of this is about for me. What would be the point of showing your work if you didn't want any feedback, right? If it weren't for suggestions from all of you, things would only be seen from my eyes, and that's only two eyes! If you took all the eyes from that amount of views right now, it would 80,000 eyes! And 80,000 is definitely better than 2! So, please, keep those suggestions and ideas coming, whatever the project going on here! They are gasoline on the fire of inspiration for me! Thanks again so much!

Now, on to those suggestions!

First thing that I want to address is the idea of having the divided avenue continue on the other side of the cathedral, the section in green on the sketch David (Simpson). It helps to see the context of the area to understand why it's only on one side...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F122.jpg&hash=1f260eccb185191fea4c6fdd80bb1d3333e3918a)

As you can see, the cathedral serves as the southern terminus of the divided avenue which will travel north to what is, at this time, and unknown northern terminus. To the south of the square, normal city development will continue until the southern shore. From the way that I've been showing this divided avenue, it gave a distorted perception of where things were located on the island, and for that I apologize. I hope that makes a bit more sense now!

Now, onto the $10,000 question...is this entire thing just going to be parks / plazas? The answer, well...I hope not!

As it stands now, here's my thoughts...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F121.jpg&hash=57c156ddb4b43f217d80ce27a62320e777c5fe8e)

B = buildings / development
P = park
? = Hmmmm...


As illustrated, the outer sections on the "square" borders will be where there is actual development, but it is the "?" parts where I'm actually a bit stumped. While I do like the plaza / park sections as they are at this point, to continue with them out to the next ring of the loop would get a bit redundant, as many of you have thankfully pointed out.

Diagonal W2W buildings are the obvious solution, but there are some issues that I have there, as well—first, there will definitely be a lot of repetition since there's a lot of diagonals to be dealt with and, second, a lot of the diagonal buildings are in styles that, while they look wonderful, may not fit into the style of city that Marathon is. For example, the diagonal Paris buildings are some of the most beautiful BATs available, however, to have a huge section of Paris in the middle of what is an otherwise North American city would seem a bit odd to me, I think. But that's just me!

So, what do all of you think? How do we get those "?" parts filled up? And, should more portions of the sections within the park have the SAM textures? I do believe that the next proper update dealing with this area will have to be entitled, "Biting Off More Than One Can Chew!"

Oh, and as our friend sim-al2 caught, we made it to 40,000 views, notching over 400 views in a little over 24 hours! You are the best, friends!

More to come!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Sciurus on May 13, 2009, 06:02:10 AM
Hi!

For a proposition: I propose you to plop some Parisian buildings, maybe it'll be odd in an american city as you said, but you know, it's SC4, it's not the real life, and you can do a beautiful transition between the Parisian buildings, and the American buildings, all is possible you know ;). Then, you do what you want with my proposition, with my opinion.
So, glad to be stopped by,

Your french friend, Guillaume :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Luke09 on May 13, 2009, 10:05:06 AM
Hummm...Interesting...im curious...i want to know what we will see on "humm..." spaces... :P
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bat on May 13, 2009, 10:33:56 AM
Looking forward to the development of these free spaces! ;)
And congrats on over 40 000 views! :thumbsup: :thumbsup: &apls
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: dsrwhat316 on May 13, 2009, 01:32:43 PM
Looks like you have quite a challenging layout to tackle here, Dustin ;)

The zones labeled with a question mark should have, in my opinion, buildings. I know of some great modern diagonals by Glenni, found on Simtropolis. Just do a search on his name. Preppo's diagonal BATs also would work well here. If you're really ambitious, check out Capital SimCity (http://translate.google.com/translate?prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&u=http%3A%2F%2Fsimcity.capitalsim.net%2F&sl=es&tl=en&history_state0=). The link provided gives you a translated version from Spanish to English. I forget the names of the diagonal BATs I saw there, so you'll have to do a thorough search  ::)

I also agree with David's (Simpson's) opinion on the avenue intersections he highlighted; perhaps some roundabouts would be more pleasing to the eye?

Well, I think I should take heed of your example and fire up that Lot Editor again. It's been collecting dust as of late...

~ Dan

P.S.: Thanks for your birthday wishes!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: KoV Liberty on May 13, 2009, 01:51:38 PM
Congratulations for 40,000 views! Here's to 40,000 more! Also for the idea of the diagonals... Maybe since a lot of cities have different areas ex: ghetto, uptown, downtown, chinatown, koreatown (not well know but its there!), motown :P etc. Maybe you could put in sort of what New Orleans has; a sort of Fench Quarter (even though French Quarter is a building I think) idea. Also since you are in Northeast America (I think); well Canada and some of the Northeastern Seaboard of the USA was colonized by the French so possibly (since Quebec is the closest to the NE US and Quebec is mostly French) you might want to put in the Paris Diagonal W2W lots.

Alex
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: nrmn67 on May 13, 2009, 02:15:38 PM
You could sell repetitive diagonal buildings with the argument that the square was planned and built by one architect. Maybe it was for a world expo or something similar.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: metarvo on May 13, 2009, 02:19:05 PM
I agree with the majority that some W2W districts might add a good flavor to that section of the city.  The only problem would be the transition from the W2W buildings to the surrounding area, but I'm sure you'll think of something.  Good luck on the diagonals, Dustin, and keep up the good work!

&apls
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: sithlrd98 on May 13, 2009, 04:58:52 PM
Yeah , you've got a lot of area screaming "diagonal buildings please"! Along with the CSC link from Dan , and the Parisian buildings , don't forget that Prepo uploaded a bunch of Diags , along with 1 or 2 from Odainsaker,Born78,Spa and Ferox to name a few.And there are a few Japanese buildings floating around , so you really aren't stuck with one theme , but the area could be more of a "World"center. Maybe the areas that have  "?" could be canal or some other type of water feature? I'm sure whatever you choose , it will be very appealing!

Jayson
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Jmouse on May 13, 2009, 05:05:02 PM
Sounds like you're already received several good suggestions, and I can't think of a better one right off hand. It all boils down to just trying something, seeing how it looks then getting some feedback.

I always keep in mind something a journalism teacher said one time.
If you don't get something down on paper, you have nothing to edit. Same goes for the game IMO. I'm bad about sitting and staring at an empty space and wondering what to put in it. Once I finally try something out, thugh, the ideas begin to flow and eventually something right happens.

Good luck with the next part of your project. I'm looking forward to seeing how it develops.

Joan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Ennedi on May 13, 2009, 07:26:53 PM
Dustin,

I'm really impressed of an amount of work and creativity you put in your city development  :) :thumbsup:
Everything you do is not only interesting, but also very instructive. This is maybe the best side of your MD - you have a general idea, show it and then you are trying to make it real. Of course you have troubles with it because of the game and the custom stuff limitations, but it is exactly what all of us meet when we build our cities  :) And just this trials, errors and learning process is something you are showing very good!  :thumbsup:

I was thinking what can be done with an area currently developed by you. I agree with others that you planned a bit too much roads and especially avenues. But I think you have time to change it, and I understand that the symmetrical design is the main idea and you shouldn't destroy it.
Other players suggested you much diagonal buildings and I think you will find enough of them to fill areas marked by "B". But what about these of them marked by "?" ? Looking at various propositions i feel that maybe Jayson's (sithlrd98) one is the best: think about an octagonal canal! It can look great!

Adam
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Simpson on May 14, 2009, 07:00:04 AM
Hi Dustin  ;)

I understand why you can't make another large avenue. The overview is looking nice; better than the last one. I have some new suggestions for your "square (?) "
Here is the picture:

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg526.imageshack.us%2Fimg526%2F6886%2F121j.jpg&hash=b60004fe1c10fdb5a639a7d76d56fa305aecfbf3) (http://img526.imageshack.us/my.php?image=121j.jpg)

Back: the roads that you must maybe remove !!
Blue: those crossroads aren't looking good, they're not really realistic (I think)
Red: This avenue is maybe good, but I don't like it, It seems strange to me. You can replace it by a road?
Grey: The park are looking really nice, you did an excellent work on the LE, but they are too small. Also they are a bit repetitive  ;)


P: I like those places for park, maybe with some fountains and statues ;D
B: I don't think that is a good idea for buildings. They are a lot of diagonals and they are not enough BATs in diagonals, it will be too repetitive
You also can do a little story for this area: It was colonized by Europeans, it's why we see many europeans' buildings.. :)


So, I hope that I helped you. I also hope you understand what I'm trying to say, my friend.

I'm looking forward to the next update

Take care, my friend.

David  ::)

Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: JoeST on May 14, 2009, 11:10:49 AM
Hey, Im back with some wacky pictures :D of realisations of ideas from myself and David (Simpson)

The original layout basicified
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fjoest.arcath.net%2Fsimcity%2Fmarathon%2Fblank.png&hash=22b613195d2140d65f7f1f056a4a25f2b12c1dd6)

Simpson's Idea consisted of removing all the minor tributaries.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fjoest.arcath.net%2Fsimcity%2Fmarathon%2Fsimpson.png&hash=b7ae7510023983aa76b2c794efae17eac8f9b6b9)

My Idea basicly meant, instead of having perfect symmetry (and traffic flow), you go for a "randomised" corruption of the ideal layout laied out by yourself...
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fjoest.arcath.net%2Fsimcity%2Fmarathon%2Fjoe.png&hash=41d896e5ee48b27444ff5f2096d74b9fb2dd4081)

[small]ps: sorry bout the pngs, and the fact that there is no NAM :D[/small]
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Luke09 on May 14, 2009, 11:28:26 AM
i liked the sugestions  ::),but i think the "repetition" of the parks is something necessary,in RL parks,we have some repetition too...
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on May 15, 2009, 01:08:20 AM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies.jpg&hash=f9a404e367cb5e6d84638084803c586e8b151f6e)

Guillaume (Sciurus): Hi, there, Guillaume! You know, you're right—all is possible! Thank you so much, my friend. You've helped to shift my thinking on this!

Luke (Luke09): Ha! I'm pretty curious to see what ends up there, too!

bat: Thank you so much, bat!

Dan (dsrwhat316): Hi, Dan! Thank you so much with you help on finding diagonal buildings, as well as your advice on the area, my friend! I've actually never been over to Capital SimCity, so it's a breath of fresh air! Oh, and you're very welcome for the birthday wishes, too, my friend! I hope you enjoyed yourself! Take care!

Alex (Driftmaster07): That's great thinking, Alex! Why I never put the Marathon / Québec / Parisian buildings connection together prior to this, I don't know! Thank you so very much, my friend!

nrmn67: Hi, there! That's one of my favorite tricks to do! Use one building in multiple plops in the same area to give the feeling of either one big building or a complex. Excellent idea! Thanks for stopping by!

metarvo: Indeed, the transition is what has been vexing me a bit, but I'm getting my head wrapped around things a bit better now, so we'll what happens!

Jayson (sithlrd98): Hi, Jayson! Thank you so much for all those diagonal building suggestions, my friend! I really like the canal idea, too, though I used a similar technique in the Abitibi Square area from UPDATE XXXII: Developing Abitibi Square (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6190.msg239248#msg239248). Maybe I'll give it a shot anyway, and see how it looks! Thanks for all your help, and I hope to see you again soon!

Joan (Jmouse): Good idea, Joan! I think I may be over-analyzing the area a bit and I wasn't even putting anything down to see how it looked! I will definitely be keeping your journalism teacher's advice in the back of my head, not only for this area, but for everywhere. Take care, my friend!

Adam (Ennedi): Hi, there, Adam! It's so wonderful to see you here in Marathon, my friend! I'm happy that you're enjoying what you're seeing, and I also thank you for your fantastic input on our current conundrums! I hope to see you around again soon, my friend, as your advice is always indispensible!

David (Simpson): Hello, my friend! Thank you, again, for your fantastic suggestions! Like I said before, I am overjoyed that you've taken the time to put so much thought into this!

Joe (JoeST): Hi, Joe! It took me a second to figure out what was different about your final picture, but when I found it, I like it! The random asymmetry and controlled chaos is a wonderful concept! Even if it doesn't show up here, I will be keeping it in mind for other projects, too! Thanks again, my friend!

Luke (Luke09): Thanks, Luke! I agree with you, too, on repetition. Sometimes it can be used to give a positive effect. It's easy to go overboard with it, though, so you do have to be careful!




Well, more outstanding suggestions and thoughts on this area, friends! You guys are absolutely fantastic!

I would like to say thank you, especially to our good friends David (Simpson) and Joe (JoeST), for taking the time to illustrate to their thoughts in such wonderful detail. Unfortunately, though, I'm unable to heed your thoughts on the road networks, since the symmetrical "over-the-top" feel of it was a major part of the entire project from the outset. But please don't worry, your ideas and critiques are in my head and will definitely be in my trains of thought on the next area of the city. This entire diagonal bedlam has been a gigantic learning experience for me, thanks to your wonderful thoughts on things!

Also, many thanks to two more great friends of Marathon—Guillaume (Sciurus) and Alex (Driftmaster07)—for their thoughts on one thing that I had been toiling over in my mind, the Parisian W2W buildings. As Guillaume pointed out, anything is possible, which helped me get out of the box that I had previously thinking, and Alex's brilliant connection between the Parisian buildings and the Marathon / Québec connection cemented it for me! Thank you, friends, for your very helpful thoughts!

So! Here's where we stand now...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F123.jpg&hash=383619e07d37bcbccae44a8b5a32c8a9b1506006)

I've filled the previously-marked "?" sections with Parisian W2Ws, leaving only the "B" sections to be filled in.

But how will the "B" section be filled in? My plan is to approach less as "building to the diagonals," as I had been doing in the smaller sections of the inner rings, but more along the lines of how things were conceptualized in the Abitibi Square section with larger-sized lots. I can only handle building three and four 2x3s for so long before my head starts to spin!

That's the latest! There's much more work to be done, but probably not until this weekend as Friday, I'll be headed to Chocolatetown, USAHershey, Pennsylvania (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hershey,_PA)—for the Bruce Springsteen concert at Hersheypark Stadium.

Stay tuned!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: KoV Liberty on May 15, 2009, 03:24:54 AM
Looks Awesme! Cannot wait for more!

EDIT: Have a great time!
EDIT 2: Some of your previous updates (pics) are disapearing. I noticed this when reviewing your previous updates.

Alex
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: nrmn67 on May 15, 2009, 04:10:21 AM
That is a huge square. And I am not sure I like it. There seems to be something missing. All these trees distract from the place and make it look like undeveloped land. The dome looks a bit forlorn in this vastness.

Here some thoughts:
- less trees
- less roads
- more focal points like fountains

- or change it to a park. Now it looks a bit inbetween a park and a square.

But I am sure you will find the perfect solution.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: JoeST on May 15, 2009, 05:05:21 AM
I have to say, its looking good

But I also have to (kinda) agree with nrmn67, in that it looks very gray from that (the picture) high up... rather communist :D

Maybe its just the seasonal trees. You should consider sticking some fountains/other focal points, as he suggests or use different . It might lighten the mood?

Joe
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bat on May 15, 2009, 06:21:53 AM
Great work on that square! It looks fantastic! :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: sithlrd98 on May 15, 2009, 07:56:35 AM
Dustin, I was thinking ...instead of making diagonal areas , since you are knowledgeable in LE that maybe you could just "lot" the NAM curves. It is something that I have done (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6400.msg202889#msg202889) but could not get the TE/pathing correct. I'm not 100 percent sure if this is meant to be just an eye candy area or if it is intended to be functional. That way , it doesn't matter what/how each area around the complex is themed since you could just create full quads in LE.

Just my 2 cents....

Jayson
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Pat on May 15, 2009, 08:11:12 AM
Dustin looking amazing there and BTW wasnt you just at Hersey PA not to long ago lol gezzzs.... I swear your choco addiction is getting to you lol...

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.lifeinthefastlane.ca%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2007%2F09%2Fchocolate_addiction_8sfw.jpg&hash=cbe32edaaf170c8d3c619f5dd692e30586c53864)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: rooker1 on May 15, 2009, 08:24:59 AM
Hey Dustin,
Love the area just the way it is and wouldn't suggest a thing to you.
For the next section, I think I might continue with the W2W and at the ends where no more houses can fit, make some of your great parks.

BTW...my home computer will be down for a week.  The company that made my hard drive says they can retrieve most of the info, if not all.  So I'm just going to wait.

Robin  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Luke09 on May 15, 2009, 10:38:32 AM
Nice,I love those parisian buildings...porkissimo stuff is really cool... :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Battlecat on May 15, 2009, 11:04:43 AM
Nifty addition!  I like the way that area is turning out!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Nexis4Jersey on May 15, 2009, 11:46:33 AM
Ah do I smell a Euro theme brewing in your city?   ::)
The "Boss" is @ Hershey's  &apls  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on May 16, 2009, 01:38:41 PM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies.jpg&hash=f9a404e367cb5e6d84638084803c586e8b151f6e)

Alex (Driftmaster07): Thanks, Alex! And if you could do me a favor and point me toward a specific place where pictures are disappearing, I'd appreciate it. We'll see if we can't get that straightened out for you! Thanks so much for reporting it, my friend!

nrmn67: Hi, there! Thank you very much for your input and suggestions, my friend!

Joe (JoeST): Hey, Joe! Communist, eh? Now that gives me an idea! Ha! Just kidding. You're right on the "grey" feel, though, I think it may be from the concrete textures, not the trees. We'll see what we can do!

bat: Vielen Dank!

Jayson (sithlrd98): Hi, Jayson! On the advice of Dan (dsrwhat316), I had tried this avenue for lotting the area originally, but I kept running into problems with the textures overlapping the roads in different places, as well as trying to get things to line up. I wanted to take that route much more than the puzzle piece one that I employed, since it would have given the freedoms that you described, but unfortunately, it didn't work out as planned! Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend, and for your help! It is always appreciated!

Pat: Ha! I think it's less of a chocolate addiction than a Springsteen addiction for me! Thanks for coming by, Pat! It's always great to have you here, my friend!

Robin (rooker1): Hi, Robin! I'm so happy to hear that the hard drive company may be able to retrieve your information, my friend! That's wonderful news! And thanks, as always, for your support here in Marathon! Hope to see you again soon!

Luke (Luke09): Thanks! I'm a huge fan of the Paris buildings, too. I'm glad you guys talked me into using them!

Battlecat: Thanks, my friend!

Corey (Nexis4Jersey): Well, not so much as a "theme," more of a "hint," perhaps? Thanks for stopping by, Corey!




A bit of an experiment...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F124.jpg&hash=cb36997ef10c8e0c534bcea18360ca18317972a7)

Scaling back on the "park" sections of the inner ring a bit, and mixing things up with some SAM streets running between the two rings. Still a few kinks to be worked out, but I think this will resolve the "Communist conundrum" that Joe (JoeST) mentioned with the overload of grey, as well as the emptiness that seems to be present, too. In addition, by breaking up some of the Paris building sections, it adds some asymmetry to what is otherwise a staunchly symmetrical area.

One of these days, we'll get this section finished, I promise!

In a bit!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: sithlrd98 on May 16, 2009, 02:42:20 PM
Quote from: thundercrack83 on May 16, 2009, 01:38:41 PM
Jayson (sithlrd98): Hi, Jayson! On the advice of Dan (dsrwhat316), I had tried this avenue for lotting the area originally, but I kept running into problems with the textures overlapping the roads in different places, as well as trying to get things to line up. I wanted to take that route much more than the puzzle piece one that I employed, since it would have given the freedoms that you described, but unfortunately, it didn't work out as planned! Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend, and for your help! It is always appreciated!

Not sure what you are talking about , unless you are referring to what Dan does in his MD as it isn't the same as what I'm talking about.Of course , if it is what I'm talking about,then now I know why Dan never did that , although the only problem I ever had with it was the TE aspect since I really stink at it :)

Jayson
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: darraghf on May 16, 2009, 03:09:17 PM
I think you should get rid of the brock street that goes through the back of the parisian buildings. It looks like an eyesore. That's just my opinion
-Rainyday
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: io_bg on May 16, 2009, 03:22:12 PM
^ I think the same, too ^
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: KoV Liberty on May 16, 2009, 03:49:32 PM
I was just searching some of the Centinental Quay and pics mostly on pages 35-43. Although there could be others. BTW not all pics are gone just a few that I am aware of.

Alex
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bat on May 17, 2009, 01:40:41 AM
Nice new pictures of that square! It looks great! :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on May 17, 2009, 01:47:43 AM
Looks great there Dustin, I like the square with the Parisian W2W, it's look very real ! But as you can see, there's no soo much corner buildings to go where we can see the wall of some one, I think try with some Prepo's W2W, It's sure it maybe doesn't looks great, but we can try ! :thumbsup:
Looking forward to more..

Take care,
-Arthur. :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on May 17, 2009, 01:48:10 AM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies.jpg&hash=f9a404e367cb5e6d84638084803c586e8b151f6e)

Jayson (sithlrd98): Hey, Jayson! Hmmm...sorry, my friend. I thought you were referring to the same technique that Dan (dsrwhat316) had employed. I will definitely look at your method, too, as I am sure there is great stuff to learn there as well! My apologies, again. Take care!

darraghf: Eyesore, eh? Well, we can't have that, can we! Thanks for your input!

io_bg: Thank you, too, my friend! And Happy Birthday!

Alex (Driftmaster07): Thank you so much, Alex. I will check those pages out, as well as my Photobucket account to make sure that all is in order, and I will certainly get back to you about it and let you know.

bat: Thank you, my friend!

Arthur (art128): Thanks for your suggestions, Arthur!




Well, I think I've got it...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F125.jpg&hash=bc503b06456adab746319670df15afc61a60a52a)

...What I should have done in the first place! Filled the section in with the diagonal W2Ws, just as many of you had suggested from the beginning! Oh, well, I guess I'll know better for next, eh?

All that is left to do is fill in the holes inside the rings of Parisian buildings, and then it's on to...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F126.jpg&hash=e30ad16531edc8c3a17b1631f41b147fc423dc70)

...the edges!

Oh, and starting today here at SC4Devotion, elections for the Spring 2009 class of MD Hall of Fame MDs have opened and will run until May 22. The Commonwealth of Marathon is a nominee, but no matter who you want to vote for, head over to the ballots (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6300.0) and cast your vote for the next batch of Hall of Famers! With any luck, maybe Marathon will make it!

Stay tuned for more!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: io_bg on May 17, 2009, 01:59:53 AM
Loos much better now! :thumbsup:
And thank you for the greetings (did I use the right word? &blush), Dustin!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Sciurus on May 17, 2009, 04:14:43 AM
It's very beauitful, I love this city Dustin, congratualtions!! &apls

Guillaume :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: nrmn67 on May 17, 2009, 04:53:48 AM
Now it has a more human scale. I like it very much!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: danielcote on May 17, 2009, 08:30:06 AM
Wow its coming along great. You must of put so much effort into this!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bat on May 17, 2009, 09:17:30 AM
Looks really great there, Dustin! :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: JBSimio on May 17, 2009, 10:39:04 AM
The square looks great, Dustin!   :thumbsup:

I'm glad to see that you ended up using buildings a bit more... it was definitely close to what I had pictured when you first started to describe this area.  The Paris style buildings worked out wonderfully.  Then again, how could they not?  They're such a great set that you really can't go wrong!

Congratulations on the Hall of Fame nomination!  I didn't even realize it was that time again... but now that I've stopped in here for my daily fix, I can go and throw some votes around too!

Hope all is well...
JB
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Jmouse on May 17, 2009, 02:05:59 PM
Amazing turnaround, Dustin. This is turning out to be a huge success and has been an interesting project to follow. There's been a lot to see and learn here!

Later...
Joan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: KoV Liberty on May 17, 2009, 03:21:08 PM
This is BY FAR the best MD I have seen in a long time! I am voting for you now! Best of luck.  :thumbsup: ;D

Alex
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: turtle on May 17, 2009, 04:24:13 PM
I think you made the right decision. It looks right and beautiful. Great job!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Luke09 on May 17, 2009, 07:45:19 PM
Hey nice 2 updates  ()stsfd() ,you could create your own parisian set and show to us!  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on May 18, 2009, 01:18:20 AM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies.jpg&hash=f9a404e367cb5e6d84638084803c586e8b151f6e)

io_bg: Thank you, my friend! And that's the perfect word. I hope you had a great birthday!

Guillaume (Sciurus): Merci beaucoup, Guillaume!

nrmn67: Thanks, my friend! I like it much better now, too!

danielcote: Thank you! I'm glad you like it!

bat: Thanks so much, bat!

Jon (JBSimio): Hey, Jon! I'm happy you like the new layout. I should have gone with the buildings in the first place, but sometimes you have to try something that doesn't work in order to find out what does, I guess. And you're right on the Paris buildings, too—they're simply amazing, aren't they? Hope to see you again soon, my friend!

Joan (Jmouse): Thank you, Joan! I've learned a lot from this section, and I'm glad to hear that you have, too, my friend!

Alex (Driftmaster07): Wow! What a wonderful thing to say, Alex! Thank you so much for your comments, as well as your votes, my friend! Take care!

Thomas (turtle): Thanks, Thomas! I think it looks much better now, too.

Luke (Luke09): Hi, Luke! Thanks so much! Though, I didn't make the buildings, I just used them. Take care, my friend!




Gazing around my Photobucket account, I realized that a great deal of the most recent pictures have been dedicated to our diagonal square exploits. So, I thought I'd go back to something a bit simpler...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F127.jpg&hash=561ab4f2224f2da647f85fc5d8adedcb8508f854)

...just an old-fashioned, mid-level, low-income neighborhood with a bit of Photoshopping. It's been a bit since I've played around with one of these, and it felt good to take a break from the square! I hope you like it!

Oh, and Happy Victoria Day (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Victoria_Day_(Canada)) to our Canadian friends!

Back to the grindstone...
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Nexis4Jersey on May 18, 2009, 03:21:32 AM
great small neighborhood update , Happy Victoria Day  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: calibanX on May 18, 2009, 08:33:09 AM
I like the square. I think you made the right decision. Those old American tourists would never have been able to walk it's massiveness. Congratulations on your nomination. You most certainly deserve it.

Geoff
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: KoV Liberty on May 18, 2009, 01:10:49 PM
I like it! That is some pretty great photoshopping as well! It really is nice to take a break from the square.

Alex
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Luke09 on May 18, 2009, 05:00:42 PM
Cool!Wich Photoshop do you use?And can you make some tutorials to do things like you do?
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: sithlrd98 on May 18, 2009, 05:43:09 PM
I must admit...I like Porkissimos buildings just like everyone else , but I think there is a little too much repetition. Of course this is my opinion , but I really think it would be better suited to mix in other styles , at least on a few of the quads. Of course with all of the Parisian buildings , the trees don't quite fit as well. The remainder of the square(Triangles ;D) look very nice . Again , these are my opinions , and I hope that you don't take offense to my "critiquing".

Jayson
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon [05/19/09]: UPDATE XXXVIII: Q&A on Some...
Post by: thundercrack83 on May 18, 2009, 09:48:23 PM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies.jpg&hash=f9a404e367cb5e6d84638084803c586e8b151f6e)

Corey (Nexis4Jersey): Thanks, Corey!

Geoff (calibanX): Hello, Geoff! Great to see you here in Marathon, my friend! Thank you for your congratulations, and I'm happy that you like our square, too. You're definitely right about the tourists, too! Hope to see you back again soon!

Alex (Driftmaster07): Thank you, Alex! I think I needed a bit of a break from the square, too. But don't worry, I'll get back at it soon!

Luke (Luke09): Hi, Luke! I'm using Photoshop 7. As for you're question about tutorials? Hmmm...

Jayson (sithlrd98): Hey, Jayson! Thanks so much for your input about incorporating other styles into the diagonal sections, my friend! I actually tried doing that with some of the great diagonals made by prepo, but I just couldn't come up with a medium that I thought looked right. I guess it's the nagging obsessive-compulsiveness haunting me again! I do appreciate your opinion, and I take absolutely no offense at all to your critiques. They are most welcome! Take care, Jayson, and I look forward to hearing from you soon, my friend!






UPDATE XXXVIII
Q&A on Some Trial and Error
19 May 2009

Above, our good friend Luke (Luke09) asked the following:

Quote from: Luke09 on May 18, 2009, 05:00:42 PM
Cool!Wich Photoshop do you use?And can you make some tutorials to do things like you do?

Well, Luke, as I answered above, I am using Adobe Photoshop 7. As for a tutorial, well...how's this?

Here's a "quick and dirty" on how to create something similar to our last teaser. The obvious first move is...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252038%2F38001.jpg&hash=bb293c12bde3586f4bdbf535add0eec6192a5468)

...to open up the image in Photoshop! When in the program, the first place I head is...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252038%2F38002.jpg&hash=d8e4929bc1e76581310b71b3a9db08eb3ef77c34)

...Image / Adjustments / Brightness/Contrast, where you can make the image brighter, darker, etc. For this particular application, we'll go...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252038%2F38003.jpg&hash=3021f766119323c5ef32d76fa24724b98fca409f)

darker, with a Brightness of -26, and more contrast, with a value of +17, giving us...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252038%2F38004.jpg&hash=af26c77775dd3b05cf9a3c04ba268f666b3a59b1)

...this.

Next, we move to Image / Adjustments / Color Balance, which can also be found by hitting [Ctrl] + B...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252038%2F38005.jpg&hash=320e5a10102d079a2dbca84d8ba431295d1cd034)

...and fiddle with the settings here as well. I added red and yellow to simulate a sunrise or sunset feel, but you can go anywhere you'd like with it.

That gives us...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252038%2F38006.jpg&hash=0e0cb068bcb90e007118125b3c9ab7394670bc66)

...that!

Next, we open a new layer by hitting [Shift] + [Ctrl] + N, then...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252038%2F38007.jpg&hash=a4ecf4418f7aa531758de9aaca4b8af4a3e405ff)

Filter / Render / Clouds, which gives us...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252038%2F38008.jpg&hash=e4037a25fb60b5579214c43e649cc22fb3b924b6)

...a whole screen full of clouds! But not to worry, all we need to do is...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252038%2F38009.jpg&hash=ddeb9c7805a8a4801cff5de3c14aaa6d5f562d91)

...adjust the Opacity, found at the top-right in the image above, to the desired value, giving us our clouds.

For the final step...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252038%2F38010.jpg&hash=9a44f40b1941aa21160cb5a9912a13c7737edeed)

...I always change go to Image / Image Size and change to...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252038%2F38011.jpg&hash=59ed0980c6e7317da9fbd0d93dad7b3d3b3e7efa)

...800x600 so as to keep things within reason for the forums.

As a comparison, here's the original...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252038%2F38012.jpg&hash=04192ce77147580a6e851eab44134f50aba98f57)

...and our enhanced...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252038%2F38013.jpg&hash=eb34dae33a57f2f17a5188af1a2a761a0d0ef8f0)

So, that's the quick and dirty, Luke! It's basically just trial and error using the tools that I've shown as examples, or other ones in the vicinity. If you just play around with things, you'll get the hang of it. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask!

More from Marathon to come!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Pat on May 18, 2009, 09:56:38 PM
Dustin looking real great here wow and I do soo agree its soo a boss addiction there my bad lol!!! Sorry missed abit here busy little bee tonight setting up and trying to get my new paper weight to run lol....
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: rooker1 on May 19, 2009, 05:55:32 AM
Hey Dustin,
I have no computer at home as you already know, but it seems you take this to your advatage and make a bunch of fantastic update and a super tutorial.  I have just spent the last 20 minutes or so going over everything and it all looks great.  I really hope I have my computer back really soon.  I found myself going down to where the computer is suppose to be and than remembering that it's not there.  :-[
I really like the lastest layout of the Parisian square....except for the break in the biuldings.  I sort of wish there was no break, it does look a little out of place and I am no expert in this area, but just my opinion.

Robin  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: JBSimio on May 19, 2009, 09:09:41 AM
Hi Dustin,

Very nice picture in the last update!  I like those rowhouses with the bay windows towards the left hand side of the image.  I'm sure I've seen them before, but I can't place them at the moment.  Either way, they fit perfectly there.   What really caught my eye while studying this one yesterday though was the way you've arranged the city blocks... many of them are "one sided!"  Rather than have a wider block with buildings backing up to each other in the middle, you've run another street along the backsides of all these buildings as well.  The end result is subtle, but very effective in my opinion.  It is still a densely developed area, but those extra streets seem to open it up just a little more... which in turn lets us see a bit more of the buildings than we normally would be able to.  I love it!   :thumbsup:

As for the photoshopping... well, you remain a master.  To be honest, the clouds were done so subtly that I probably would not have ever picked them out had you not given the secret away.  I noticed a softness to the image... but that was all I would have known.   ::)

See you next time,
JB
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: io_bg on May 19, 2009, 09:29:09 AM
Nice tutorial! :thumbsup:
Edit: congratulations on the 1500 comments! I actually didn't notice that until bat wrote this :)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bat on May 19, 2009, 10:13:29 AM
Nice work on that little tutorial there! And that picture looks really great! Nice cloud-effects! :thumbsup:
Congrats on over 1500 comments and over 42300 views! &apls
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Luke09 on May 19, 2009, 10:16:31 AM
Man thanks again...but the photoshop that i have there is CS3 and i just can't do the things like the tutorials that i see on the web
the things on my PS is always different from the others  :'( ,but Good luck with marathon...
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Jmouse on May 19, 2009, 11:57:53 AM
Good tutorial, Dustin. I've often wondered how to achieve unrealistic effects but never took the time to experiment. Guess some are pretty easy, though, if you know which buttons to push.

Thanks...
Joan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: KoV Liberty on May 19, 2009, 02:28:10 PM
Hey great photoshopping technique! Unfortunately I cannot use photoshop for SC4. Since I had a Virus (Trojan Horse  &cry2) it deleted my albums folder. Hopefully I will get it straightened out because you inspired me to make my own CJ (if I could  ;)). Also if I create a folder named "Albums" do you think it would work?

Alex

EDIT: Also where did you get the stadium on the end of the sports complex area? Not the Toyota Center the other one. Thanks!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on May 21, 2009, 12:26:34 PM
Excellent tutorial there Dustin, last time I wanted to make a picture of sunset with a day one, the result wasn't really great. But with the help of your tutorial, That's simply awesome !!  &apls
Can't wait to see more.

take care,
-Arthur.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: rooker1 on May 21, 2009, 12:32:07 PM
Hey Dustin....where are you.
No updates for a two days now....I'm starting to shake and twitch.
Please....I need my fix.

::) :D

Robin  :)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on May 21, 2009, 05:18:18 PM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies.jpg&hash=f9a404e367cb5e6d84638084803c586e8b151f6e)

Pat: Thanks, my friend! And, hey! Don't worry about missing stuff either. You've got a new machine that needs care, right? Good luck!

Robin (rooker1): Hey, Robin! Sorry to hear that you're still waiting on your computer, my friend. That's a tough thing to wait out! Thank you for your wonderful thoughts and your suggestion about the break in the buildings, too. I'll have to look into that! Hope all is well, Robin!

Jon (JBSimio): Hi, Jon! I'm so happy that you enjoyed our last teaser, my friend, as well as the Photoshop tutorial. Though, I don't think I'd call myself a "Master," though! Maybe "intermediate?" Thanks for stopping by!

io_bg: Thanks, my friend!

bat: Thank you so much, bat!

Luke (Luke09): No problem at all, Luke! I hope, though you have a different version of Photoshop, that you can get some use out of things! Take care!

Joan (Jmouse): Hey, Joan! Thanks so much, my friend. Pushing the right buttons is all it's about, I guess. I just hunted and pecked my way through until I figured things out. Hope the tutorial gives you some tips!

Alex (Driftmaster07): Thanks, Alex! I'm not sure if just making a new "Albums" folder will definitely work, but it would be the first thing that I would try. As for the stadium, that can be found here (http://hide-inoki.com/bbs/phpbb2/viewtopic.php?t=505&sid=d25be6162d06a0db1adc122c152359ec). It's in Japanese, but fairly easy to navigate. Just make sure you get the dependencies, though. Good luck!

Arthur (art128): Thanks, Arthur! I'm glad you were able to use the tutorial, my friend!

Robin (rooker1): Ha! It has been a bit of time, hasn't it? How this eases your twitching, Robin!




It's been a bit of a busy week for me. I spent yesterday afternoon in central Philadelphia, then the evening driving home, so I haven't gotten a whole lot of work done, but...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F128.jpg&hash=d0d1db547293dcbd43898b17c877b0d1f55c8b3c)

...we've getting somewhere...slowly.

More on the way!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: rooker1 on May 21, 2009, 05:47:38 PM
Ahhhhhhh, I feel much better now.
Great pic, love the underpasses and the lottong of the building.  But I do hope you aren't finished it.  ;)
BTW...I got my computer back now and I'm waiting on something from you.

Robin  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: KoV Liberty on May 21, 2009, 06:04:08 PM
Cool! What is that building? Can't wait to find out!  ;D

Alex
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Pat on May 21, 2009, 06:17:31 PM
Dustin lovin that Macy's there wow!!!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Jmouse on May 21, 2009, 06:29:44 PM
Dustin, all good and worthwhile things take time. This is an enormous project which requires a lot of trial and error, but I'm sure the end result will be worth the wait. And it's OK to have a life outside of Marathon as long as it doesn't take up too much of your time! :D

Later...

Joan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on May 22, 2009, 01:28:18 AM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies.jpg&hash=f9a404e367cb5e6d84638084803c586e8b151f6e)

Robin (rooker1): Hi, Robin! Whew! I'm glad that helped and that you feel better, my friend! Thanks for your very kind words!

Alex (Driftmaster07): Hey, Alex! The building is Macy's Department Store (http://www.simtropolis.com/stex/details.cfm?id=20989) by seraf. Hope that helps!

Pat: Thanks! It's a great BAT, isn't it?

Joan (Jmouse): Hi, Joan! Thanks so much for your support, my friend. I don't want to rush things, but I don't want to drag my feet either. I think I've got a good pace, though. And you're right about having a life outside of Marathon, too—it does get in the way! Take care, Joan!




Our friend Robin (rooker1) said...

QuoteGreat pic, love the underpasses and the lottong of the building.  But I do hope you aren't finished it.   ;)

Ha! I was thinking about stopping there, Robin! But then, I thought...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F129.jpg&hash=0a281abc880d7b41d26a3158501ae88c7013004f)

...how about this!

I still have to finish up the diagonal section with a few smaller lots, but other than that, I think this section is on the books!

Oh, and I think there may be some news to come here soon...

In a bit!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on May 22, 2009, 01:44:14 AM
Nice new lot there Dustin, I like the diagonal transition between these two texture. Also, the little garden (don't know how it's called in English) just in front of the building is a great touch of realism !  :thumbsup:
Looking forward to more.

Take care,
-Arthur.  :thumbsup:

BTW, congrats for your move to the HOF my friend, it's very deserved!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bat on May 22, 2009, 02:04:44 AM
Nice work on that details of the building! It looks great! :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: threestooges on May 22, 2009, 02:42:45 AM
Wow, it's been a while since I've been here. Glad to see you're still keeping busy though. I like the photoshop tutorial on the previous page. I may have to see if I can mimic that somehow. At any rate, I think I know the news you are talking about, but for now I'll say great work on the previous stuff here (the area around the chapel is looking great). Take it easy Dustin.
-Matt
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: JoeST on May 22, 2009, 03:40:57 AM
Hey Dustin, its looking awesome as always :) Congratulations on the MD HoF appointmentship :) You really deserve it, and in such a short time too :o.

Joe
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: rooker1 on May 22, 2009, 03:50:33 AM
Hello Dustin,
I knew you were going to do more, I was just teasing.
Fantasic work, I too like the garden in front, the diagonal base textures and....and....well, I like it all.  Although, it might be a good idea now to move over the bus station in front of that walk way to Macy's, along with the stair prop.  May look a little more realistic.  Add more buses and a lot of people waiting.  Maybe even a taxi stand.
These are just ideas that I'm spewing out......


Congrats on getting this awesome MD into the MD HoF!
Your MD will be exactly where it belongs....with the rest of the great ones.

Have fun! and I'll see ya around my friend.
Robin  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: metarvo on May 22, 2009, 05:57:57 AM
Congratulations on making the MD HoF, Dustin!  You have most definitely earned this honor with all of your hard work and dedication.  That divided avenue has been done quite well, and the Macy's store and the surrounding lots are very nice as well.  Good job, Dustin!  You have earned a double round of applause.

&apls &apls
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Ennedi on May 22, 2009, 07:34:11 AM
Congratulations Dustin!  &apls

Now our MD HoF group is even stronger! I hope you will continue your work for a long time, it is a real source of inspiration for a lot of people!  :thumbsup:

Adam
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Battlecat on May 22, 2009, 08:07:05 AM
Congratulations on you promotion to the Hall of Fame!  You've really worked hard to earn this one, and it's very well deserved! 
&apls &apls &apls

Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: TheTeaCat on May 22, 2009, 09:26:27 AM
Dustin

Congrats mate on your elevation to the HoF &apls &apls
Very much deserved  :thumbsup:

regards
Derry
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: JBSimio on May 22, 2009, 09:47:21 AM
Congratulations, Dustin!   :thumbsup:  I had little doubt that you would wind up here very soon!

JB
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Luke09 on May 22, 2009, 12:03:33 PM
Incredible Dustin...You always let me surprised!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Andy2k on May 22, 2009, 12:59:38 PM
Nice Version of the Macys you make ;)
I like the very clean Style of your City.

One think ... can I make a CoM-Place in Sinburg ?
Or don´t like use your Name ? ;)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Jmouse on May 22, 2009, 01:42:53 PM
Looking better by the day, Dustin! Congratulations on your election to the HoF. It's always an exciting event, and this time was no exception. Doesn't mean you can sit back and get lazy, though! :D

Later...
Joan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: KoV Liberty on May 22, 2009, 02:26:14 PM
Nice area! oh and thanks for the download! What's the news? Whoops!  :-[ Congrats for being inducted into the Hall of Fame!

Alex
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Pat on May 22, 2009, 05:41:23 PM
Dustin as I told you before congrats on your induction into the MDHOF!!! You deserve it for setting leaps and bonds and going up and out and away!!!! Sweeeeeeeeet!!!!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on May 22, 2009, 07:18:17 PM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies.jpg&hash=f9a404e367cb5e6d84638084803c586e8b151f6e)

Arthur (art128): Thank you, Arthur! Calling it a "garden" works for me!

bat: Thanks!

Matt (threestooges): Thanks so much, Matt! I'm glad you like the tutorial, too—I hope you can get some use out of it, my friend!

Joe (JoeST): Hey, thanks, Joe!

Robin (rooker1): Hi, Robin! Thank you very much, my very good friend! That's a great idea about moving the station down to meet up with the new addition. I'll have to get started on that next! Take care, Robin!

metarvo: Thanks so much, my friend! I couldn't have gotten this far without friends like you!

Adam (Ennedi): Thank you, Adam! It's great to be in such great company with work like yours, my friend. I hope I can live up to that standard!

Battlecat: Thank you!

Derry (TheTeaCat): There he is! Congratulations to you, my friend—you have certainly earned it with all the hard work that you've put into Tales at TeaTime for so long. It's an honor for me to even be mentioned in the same breath as your work, Derry. See you in the Hall of Fame!

Jon (JBSimio): Thank you so much, Jon! I have no doubt that Covington will be joining the ranks of the Hall of Fame very soon, too, and I can't wait for that day! Take care, my friend!

Luke (Luke09): Thanks, Luke!

Andy2k: Thank you so much, my friend! It would be an honor for you to use Marathon's name in such a fantastic place as Sinburg! I just can't wait to see it!

Joan (Jmouse): Hi, Joan! Thank you very much! You're right, the Hall of Fame elections are always a great time, aren't they? I'm already looking forward to November. Take care, my friend!

Alex (Driftmaster07): No problem at all, Alex! And thank you, my friend!

Pat: Thanks so much, Pat!




Um...I really don't know what to say except...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F130.jpg&hash=8d45fcbc6cf4b30455a8810d31b5bbb48ff3eff0)

I simply cannot believe all of you have bestowed such an honor on Marathon. And to be here after over 1500 posts in just over six months is just absolutely incredible. Thank you all so very much from the bottom of my heart. I only hope that I can live up to such an accolade!

Thank you all again!

More from Marathon is on the way!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: sithlrd98 on May 22, 2009, 07:29:50 PM
Although I just started showing up , I can see why you won! Congrats and look forward to more! :thumbsup:

Jayson
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: deathtopumpkins on May 22, 2009, 08:32:03 PM
I'm a little late too, but congratulations!  &apls

And that Macy's lot is just gorgeous...  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: KoV Liberty on May 22, 2009, 08:48:12 PM
Congrats once more and I am SURE you will all ways follow up! By the way are you still working on the island of Marathon or are you getting to the new region yet?

Alex
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on May 23, 2009, 01:18:36 AM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies.jpg&hash=f9a404e367cb5e6d84638084803c586e8b151f6e)

Jayson (sithlrd98): Thank you, Jayson! And don't worry—you're always welcome here, no matter how soon or how often, y friend!

deathtopumpkins: Thanks, my friend!

Alex (Driftmaster07): Thanks, Alex! As for your question, I'm still working on Marathon Island, but I'm always thinking about how to expand things out onto the mainland. We'll see how things turn out, I guess!




Still plugging away at things...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F131.jpg&hash=37bb2eed3a6cf030645d54fbe4b84afee5cc1474)

This time, we're back up north near the Abitibi Square section of the island, where I've been toying around with the Trier Station (http://www.simtropolis.com/stex/details.cfm?id=21666) by Jasoncw, over on the STEX. Detailing still needs to be added, but I think we're on the right track for this one.

Hope everyone is having a great weekend!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: io_bg on May 23, 2009, 01:28:45 AM
Congratulation on your deserved getting into the HOF! &apls
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Tarkus on May 23, 2009, 01:40:41 AM
Dustin, congratulations on making it into the HoF!  You're constantly breaking new ground here and showing absolutely breathtaking visuals here, and I couldn't think of a more fitting MD for such an honor.

The work there with Trier Station is looking fantastic thus far as well.  It looks like a very realistic transit center, to say the least.

-Alex
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bat on May 23, 2009, 02:06:58 AM
Great two pictures there! Nice work with the Trier Station! :thumbsup: It looks beautiful at that place! :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: evanator on May 23, 2009, 05:01:31 AM
Congratulations on making it into the HOF, You truly deserve the honor! Marathon has an interesting mix of European, and American styles, especially with that Cathedral area. I like it!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: KoV Liberty on May 23, 2009, 06:30:40 AM
Ooh! Nice station! I really never wanted to get that station (or liked it) but... I do now!

Alex
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: metarvo on May 23, 2009, 07:20:57 AM
Trier Station looks like it belongs there.  I look forward to seeing what you do with it, Dustin.  Good work!

:thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Luke09 on May 23, 2009, 07:42:17 AM
I think i will dl this station,looks nice.Nice pics Dustin
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on May 23, 2009, 01:18:33 PM
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img923/2347/ORd1D0.png)

(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img924/9871/jPe2oo.png)
We Begin...at the Beginning! (Or, Constructing Marathon Island) (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6190.msg196718#msg196718)
6 November 2008

The first update of the Commonwealth of Marathon. An in-depth look at the terraforming methods and details that were used in the construction of Marathon Island.
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img923/3634/ySaOEQ.png)
See—Walls! (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6190.msg197669#msg197669)
9 November 2008

An examination of different choices for seawalls, as well as how to handle a slope issue.
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img924/8828/e8NhSX.png)
Adventures in Lotting (Or, The Scourge of "Repetitive and Boring")
Part I: A First-Time Foray (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6190.msg198540#msg198540)

13 November 2008

Gauging the temperature of the waters of the LE for the first time in the hopes of making some small lots for Marathon Island's waterfronts.
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img924/6369/E4BtOF.png)
Photoshop, a Mosaïc, and Industrial Disease (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6190.msg199413#msg199413)
15 November 2008

Using Photoshop and a wonderful tutorial to create and manipulate mosaïcs.
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img923/5738/NWP9p2.png)
Sunken Highways, A Tutorial (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6190.msg200188#msg200188)
17 November 2008

A tutorial documenting and illustrating the step-by-step process for making sunken highways.
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img922/7062/8pfopO.png)
The Highway is Alive Tonight
Part I: So, Baby, Do Not Be Frightened (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6190.msg201032#msg201032)

20 November 2008

Highways come to Marathon Island...How they get there, where they end up.
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img923/356/Pu7fbB.png)
45° (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6190.msg202226#msg202226)
24 November 2008

A question is answered on the topic of gradual ground highway curves and their incorporation into the highway network on Marathon Island.
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img923/2958/xVMcyS.png)
The Highway is Alive Tonight
Part II: Nobody's Kiddin' Nobody About Where it Goes (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6190.msg203153#msg203153)

27 November 2008

A continuation of the highway network construction on Marathon Island, begun in Update VI.
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img923/4554/0QDhSp.png)
More About Marathon
Part I: History—From Introduction to War... (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6190.msg205003#msg205003)

2 December 2008

An introductory look at the Commonwealth of Marathon as a geopolitical entity, beginning with a history.
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img924/9581/6qcDPR.png)
You're So FAR(R) Away From Me (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6190.msg205854#msg205854)
5 December 2008

The Commonwealth of Marathon examines the then-newly released Fractional Angle Roads (FAR) and Railroads (FARR).
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img922/2198/qyFSOX.png)
Constructing the Westmoreland Avenue Tunnel (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6190.msg207457#msg207457)
11 December 2008

An in-depth look at the construction of the Westmoreland Avenue Tunnel on the northern shore of Marathon Island, where a highway tunnel navigates beneath Westmoreland Avenue.
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img924/5725/dMPoW3.png)
STR...Simply Tremendous Rails!
(Or, ST—(A)Ren't These Amazing?!!?) (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6190.msg209752#msg209752)

22 December 2008

Trial and error with the then-newly created Single Track Rails (STR).
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img923/1026/O8UMGN.png)
Arteries, Obsessive-Compulsiveness, and Triskaidekaphobia (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6190.msg211329#msg211329)
29 December 2008

Psychoses, neuroses, and the addition of primary avenues to Marathon Island are discussed and constructed.
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img924/8986/CH6eFM.png)
Two Months Down...A Look Back! (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6190.msg212407#msg212407)
3 January 2009

The first update of 2009. A statistical examination of the first two months of Commonwealth of Marathon.
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img922/6536/f9hCdx.png)
On the Tedium, Trepidation, and Eventual Fulfillment of Cartography
Part I: From the Game to the Drawing Board... (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6190.msg213068#msg213068)

6 January 2009

A step-by-step illustration of creating map using the traffic view option from the game and Photoshop.
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img922/2919/rfXeGt.png)
On the Tedium, Trepidation, and Eventual Fulfillment of Cartography
Part II: From the Drawing Board to...You! (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6190.msg213715#msg213715)

10 January 2009

A continuation of Update XV.
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img923/8050/NgDNd9.png)
Westmoreland Tunnel East End, Redux (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6190.msg216199#msg216199)
19 January 2009

Development on the eastern end of the Westmoreland Avenue Tunnel is revisited, with significant changes from Update XI.
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img922/4408/ygUYbr.png)
An Impromptu, Interrogative Intermezzo (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6190.msg216461#msg216461)
21 January 2009

Alliterations abound as a question about how to connect sunken highways to service roads with on-ramps is answered.
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img923/3813/VCbiP5.png)
Hey, Bono—These Streets Do Have Names! (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6190.msg217713#msg217713)
26 January 2009

Creating a full-sized map of Marathon Island and its streets, also naming the streets and explaining the origins of their names.
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img923/8237/FPGxJt.png)
A Complex From a Complex
Part I: Envisioning and Delving (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6190.msg220187#msg220187)

6 February 2009

Conceptualizing and breaking ground on Marathon's first full-fledged, large-scale custom LE endeavour—the Centennial Quay Sports Complex.
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img924/8990/VgIuXQ.png)
A Complex From a Complex
Part II: The Perils of Parking and Access (And an Aside...) (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6190.msg221185#msg221185)

10 February 2009

Parking and street access are pondered for the Centennial Quay Sports Complex and former Philadelphia Phillies centerfielder Lenny Dykstra's birthday is celebrated.
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img922/1796/wBktH3.png)
Don't You Feel Like You're a Rider on a Downbound Train?
Part I: Construction! (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6190.msg223391#msg223391)

19 February 2009

Another large-scale custom LE project opens on Marathon Island, with the foundations laid for the Marathon North Train Station and corresponding North Station Quay.
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img922/7832/stTCzi.png)
Don't You Feel Like You're a Rider on a Downbound Train?
Part II: Completion...For Now, At Least! (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6190.msg224190#msg224190)

22 February 2009

Contuining the construction of the North Station Quay and peeking into the world of non-slope-conforming props.
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img922/7533/RahvSs.png)
A Bridge is Only as Strong as its Supports (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6190.msg226323#msg226363)
1 March 2009

A realism issue is addressed, with the rails for the North Station are adjusted to account for bridge supports.
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img924/2739/xdmhLW.png)
Deep in the Heart of Textures... (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6190.msg226726#msg226726)
2 March 2009

Voting for the textures to be used for North Station Quay begins.
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img923/7886/dJ8VF9.png)
Choosing Textures, Round 2 (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6190.msg227352#msg227352)
4 March 2009

A continuing ballot for the North Station Quay's textures
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img924/1492/NWclq6.png)
The Crux of the Conundrum and a Corresponding Query (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6190.msg227938#msg227938)
6 March 2009

More alliterations, and some texture-switching in order to accommodate a slope issue.
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img922/6163/9jr4Fe.png)
Presenting the North Station Quay (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6190.msg229646#msg229646)
12 March 2009

The North Station Quay is completed and unveiled.
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img923/3070/dWOJck.png)
A Complex from a Complex
Part III: Christening Centennial Quay! (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6190.msg232005#msg232005)

20 March 2009

After a month of planning, building, toiling, revising, re-building, bulldozing, re-planning, and other gerunds, Centennial Quay is shown in its entirety.
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img922/7703/SYeUDP.png)
Wading—Cautiously, Tentatively, and Other Similar Adverbs—Into a Region (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6190.msg233774#msg233774)
26 March 2009

Marathon's Thirtieth (XXXth?) Update takes the Commonwealth of Marathon regional with planning and construction of a region.
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img923/5555/yO9DaA.png)
One Down, Seventeen to Go... (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6190.msg235694#msg235694)
2 April 2009

One of the eighteen medium-sized tiles that makes up Marathon Island is finally developed completely.
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img922/3687/bgg6jn.png)
Developing Abitibi Square (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6190.msg239248#msg239248)
15 April 2009

Neither a cold nor Tax Day (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tax_Day) can derail the development of a new area on Marathon Island.
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img923/6528/odNkOp.png)
The Commonwealth of Marathon Presents...The Commonwealth of Marathon! (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6190.msg240235#msg240235)
20 April 2009

The region officially known as "The Commonwealth of Marathon" is introduced.
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img924/1663/mBxKwI.png)
Expanding Abitibi Square (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6190.msg241644#msg241644)
26 April 2009

Originally developed in Update XXXII, the Abitibi Square area is expanded.
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img922/5392/fEKpQA.png)
Inspiration from the Home of the Trail Blazers (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6190.msg242077#msg242077)
28 April 2009

Portland, Oregon, serves as inspiration for a new section of Marathon.
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img922/6654/3YOZga.png)
Six Months! (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6190.msg243770#msg243770)
5 May 2009

Marathon's six-month birthday!
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img922/2248/a3UXRu.png)
For All the Girls Down at Sacred Heart
Part I: Enough Procrastinating! (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6190.msg244262#msg244262)

7 May 2009

The arduous and challenging dilemma of building around diagonals begins.
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img924/1365/MLvsP1.png)
Q&A on Some Trial and Error (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6190.msg247281#msg247281)
19 May 2009

Tackling the seemingly slapdash method of enhancing, editing, or otherwise manipulating images with Photoshop.
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img923/3333/qnc5Qx.png)
Birthday Wishes for a Great Friend (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6190.msg249547#msg249547)
27 May 2009

We wish our great friend and mentor Robin (rooker1) a happy birthday.
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img922/7369/TKXyf5.png)
TE, or Not TE? That is the Question! (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6190.msg251342#msg251342)
5 June 2009

Answering the age-old Shakespearean question of whether or not to use transit-enabling.
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img923/3249/apHSnu.png)
That Abitibi Square Just Keeps on Growin'! (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6190.msg251931#msg251931)
8 June 2009

Growth continues in the Abitibi Square area of Marathon.
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img924/4222/M2WYkQ.png)
Why Finish One Project...When You Can Start Another!
Part I: Introducing and Planning (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6190.msg258302#msg258302)

21 July 2009

Lack of focus and fragmented thinking dominate as a new project begins.
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img924/6156/CgCTcF.png)
Finally Finishing Something! (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6190.msg268498#msg268498)
19 August 2009

Finally, something is finished.
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img922/2936/wDEdJe.png)
Why Finish One Project...When You Can Start Another!
Part II: Welcome to "The ABQ!" (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6190.msg272330#msg272330)

1 September 2009

Acadie-Bathurst Quay makes her debut in Marathon.
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img923/4595/GaQwVd.png)
Introducing Commonwealth Hall (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6190.msg279766#msg2797696)
7 October 2009

Presenting a new government building by, and for, the people of Marathon.
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img923/8097/K4URfE.png)
To Market, To Market
Part I: Introduction and Background (OSITM 4-in-1, Day 1) (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6190.msg286510#msg286510)

8 November 2009

A look at the inspiration and beginning phases of Marathon's new city market.
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img924/8631/pqd4LR.png)
To Market, To Market
Part II: I Know the Pieces Fit! (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6190.msg292698#msg292690)

3 December 2009

Piecing together our new market.
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img923/6826/s5FOdJ.png)
To Market, To Market
Part III: Welcome to the Grand Opening! (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6190.msg293690#msg293690)

7 December 2009

Grand opening of the Châteauguay Hall Marketpalce.
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img923/1083/ALHZ0S.png)
· · · — — — · · · (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6190.msg307303#msg307303)
5 February 2010

A power outage rocks Marathon, sending distress calls far and wide.
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img922/2668/qgUxjA.png)
Electric Surges Free! (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6190.msg308208#msg308208)
10 February 2010

Electricity returns to Marathon, after an unexpected outage.
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img924/2818/ErQLvP.png)
On the Way to Whitley Bay (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6190.msg310231#msg310231)
18 February 2010

Our maiden voyage off Marathon Island leads to a seaside community.
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img923/1766/v4z28y.png)
Brothers Under the Bridge (And Tunnel)
Part I: Feels Just Like a Piledriver! (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6190.msg314664#msg314664)

12 March 2010

A massive infrastructure project begins, connecting Marathon Island to the regions beyond.
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img924/6890/c0boqS.png)
Brothers Under the Bridge (And Tunnel)
Part II: Where the Beginning Leads to the End... (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6190.msg320258#msg320258)

15 April 2010

Update L's project concludes.
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img923/1738/f2irqD.png)
'Twas Serendipity, Perhaps? (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6190.msg323060#msg323060)
1 May 2010

A catastrophe shines new light on an old tile and reveals new potential.
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img924/2869/v9M0wA.png)
The Highway's Jammed with Broken Heroes! (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6190.msg351570#msg351570)
3 November 2010

Leaving the island again highlights some highway building on the mainland.
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img922/2644/pbP14H.png)
A Not-So-Common, Uncommonly Commons (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6190.msg367224#msg367224)
18 February 2011

Constructing a large memorial common in Central Marathon.
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img924/9877/ZdIm1y.png)
352¼!? (Or, Introducing Telegraph Park) (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6190.msg412980#msg412980)
5 February 2012

Marathon awakes from dormancy after almost a year with a new project.
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img922/130/jHmbjs.png)
First of the Ninth (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6190.msg521704#msg521704)
8 November 2017

After a five-year entr'acte, we observe Marathon's ninth anniversary.
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img924/9163/J0xqok.png)
The Diving Bell and the Butterfly (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6190.msg522202#msg522202)
26 November 2017

We christen a new palace.
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img922/1042/V8SsMQ.png)
R(eally) H(ard) W(ork)! (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6190.msg524115#msg524115)
3 March 2018

Acquainting ourselves with the crown jewel of the NAM Team—the RHW.
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img923/5971/EPgxxf.png)
The Clear Ringing of Silver Asphalt Trumpets (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6190.msg524448#msg524448)
21 March 2018

RHW dabbling continues with interchanges.
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img924/9543/uhPhtv.png)
A New Day (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6190.msg534441#msg534441)
2 April 2020

2020 brings the world to a crawl, and brings a new look to Marathon.
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img924/8071/TE2y24.png)
Nouvelle Abitibi Square (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6190.msg535216#msg535216)
22 July 2020

Reorganizing and re-building Abitibi Square in the "new" Marathon.
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img922/1148/Prxzxw.png)
Tonight, I'll Be on That Hill!
Part I: Remembrance (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6190.msg535715#msg535715)

22 October 2020

Development and construction of consecrated ground on Marathon's highest point.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: kwakelaar on May 23, 2009, 02:20:42 PM
Congratulations on your place in the HoF, well deserved.   &apls And I am quite happy to stumble onto your catalogue of updates, very handy.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: darraghf on May 23, 2009, 03:16:42 PM
Great Table Of Contents. It's an update in it's own right.
-Darraghf
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Pat on May 23, 2009, 05:31:24 PM
Dude Dustin there is no need to apologize whatsoever this is your MD if you want the top of the page its your man and beside with that killer of a TOC its well deserved!!! WOW!!!!!

BTW love that new Trier station from Jasoncw that you have once again did some magic with!!!!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on May 24, 2009, 03:37:23 AM
That's a great Table Of Content my friend, excellent presentation and title of updates !
Looking forward to more.

Take care,
-Arthur.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: KoV Liberty on May 24, 2009, 05:54:13 AM
That is a great Table of Contents!

Alex
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bat on May 24, 2009, 07:21:07 AM
Great work on the catalogue of updates!  ;)
(but update 13 is missing in that list...)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: dsrwhat316 on May 24, 2009, 09:38:11 AM
Congrats on your HOF election!  :thumbsup: &apls A truly amazing feat, given how young this MD is.

You also have an impressive Table of Contents, neatly organizing all of your previous updates. I am anxious to see your latest LE project come to life!

~ Dan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on May 25, 2009, 12:38:28 AM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies.jpg&hash=f9a404e367cb5e6d84638084803c586e8b151f6e)

io_bg: Thank you!

Alex (Tarkus): Thank you so much, Alex! I'm so happy that you enjoy things here in Marathon, and something tells me that, come December, we'll be inducting Tarkusian Cities into the Hall of Fame, too. I know that's where my vote will be headed! Take care, my friend!

bat: Thank you so much, my friend!

evanator: Thanks, my friend! Your words are very much appreciated!

Alex (Driftmaster07): Thank you, Alex!

metarvo: Hi, there! Thanks so much!

Luke (Luke09): Thanks so much!

kwakelaar: Thanks, my friend! I'm happy you like the new catalogue, too. I hope it makes things easier!

darraghf: Thank you, my friend!

Pat: Ha! Thanks, my friend! I just wanted to make sure nobody was trying to steal any honors or anything like that! Take care, my friend!

Arthur (art128): Thank you, Arthur!

Alex (Driftmaster07): Thank you, Alex!

bat: Thanks, my friend! And 13 is missing on the catalogue because there is no 13, there's two 14s to avoid any fears of the number 13. Hope that answers your question!

Dan (dsrwhat316): Thank you, Dan! I have to tell you that, without your help with all things LE, Marathon would be even close to where it is now! I owe you a huge debt of gratitude, my friend! Hope to see you here again soon!




Well, I spent the weekend at my girlfriend's house in the Lehigh Valley (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lehigh_Valley), where we battled some pretty heavy...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F135.jpg&hash=4f8cb8dd6528711412a4edf609bbf8fdde45e48c)

...thunderstorms...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F134.jpg&hash=11ee3dd375d6c6628e9579ab8bfbf4822f6a520f)

...with hail, and intermittent loss of electricity. And as we know, no electricity means no router or modem, leading to no Internet. Not to mention, it also means no charging of the laptop, so I've been hit and miss for the past few days.

That doesn't mean that I've been doing nothing though...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F132.jpg&hash=b68babeb327a49a8b6348004a148563a84c21a77)

Still making and plugging in the puzzle pieces for the cathedral square!

Oh, and I noticed this early today...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F133.jpg&hash=e8f550e0e9752f1d48e7c93b627cfed7e474eea0)

Thanks to all of you great friends, Marathon has become one of the Top 10 Topics at SC4D by Replies! We just crossed the 44,000 view threshold, too! Things just keep getting better and better, and I know who I have to thank...

...

...

...ALL OF YOU!

More to come...Thanks again!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: darraghf on May 25, 2009, 02:07:16 AM
Wow. Every day here, we reach a milestone!
Congrats again Dustin
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Ennedi on May 25, 2009, 04:00:20 AM
No electricity, no router, no modem, uncharged laptop - what a great opportunity to spend a nice weekend with the girlfriend!  :D

The Trier Station look very good! Nothing is overdone, looks very realistic!  :thumbsup:
Very good idea with the Table of Content, it's a must with so much valuable stuff and so many fans  :thumbsup:

Adam

Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Nexis4Jersey on May 25, 2009, 05:34:27 AM
Interesting update :thumbsup: , sorri to hear about ur power loss :'( , the storm that hit you decided to head to southern Jersey spearing me and my relaxing trip yesterday around central Jersey..... $%Grinno$%
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bat on May 25, 2009, 07:30:11 AM
Congrats on over 1550 replies (and for the top 10 topic by reply!) and for over 44000 views! &apls &apls &apls

The textures for the cathedral square are good! Looking forward to more from that square!! ;) ;)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: KoV Liberty on May 25, 2009, 08:40:43 AM
Why... Your welcome! AND Congratulations!  &apls

Alex
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Luke09 on May 25, 2009, 10:28:37 AM
Congratulations about the hall of fame :party:!And keep it up
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: JoeST on May 25, 2009, 11:45:08 AM
Quote from: Ennedi on May 25, 2009, 04:00:20 AM
No electricity, no router, no modem, uncharged laptop - what a great opportunity to spend a nice weekend with the girlfriend!  :D
I was thinking that :D

Its looking superb as always Dustin, and a serious well done about getting into the HoF.

btw, you inspired me to reinstall SC4, (for the second or third time :D) and I had some fun. Then you posted that ToC and that inspired me to go and create a ToC keeping majiggerydodad (shameless plug:) which can be found here (http://joest.arcath.net/simcity/toc/) (instructions [linky] (http://joest.arcath.net/simcity/toc/help.html)).

Joe
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Jmouse on May 25, 2009, 01:42:36 PM
Looking good, Dustin. This project will be finished pretty soon, so I'm starting to wonder where we'll go from here.

Later...
Joan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Battlecat on May 25, 2009, 01:57:08 PM
That plaza is coming along nicely!  Looking forward to seeing the final detailed version! 
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: danielcote on May 25, 2009, 03:12:27 PM
I like the amount of custom loting in this MD!  &apls  &apls
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Pat on May 25, 2009, 09:20:41 PM
Dustin Congrats on becoming one of the top ten boards here on sc4d!!!! looking very well with the puzzle pieces for the cathederal square!!!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: JBSimio on May 25, 2009, 11:14:54 PM
Congratulations yet again, Dustin!   &apls

I actually had no idea that I was one of the top boards until you posted your screen shots... but since I am, I feel the need to welcome you to a rather exclusive club!  :D  You've done so extremely well here that I don't even know what to say anymore.  Neither rain, nor hail, nor dents on the grill can keep you (or me) away from Marathon Island so I'm sure we'll be seeing plenty more of each other!

Until then, I'm looking forward to the latest square you have to offer!

JB

Edit:  Well... I guess I'll welcome us all to PAGE 79 too while I'm at it...  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: carkid1998 on May 26, 2009, 01:03:29 AM

Congratulations! Both on being elected for the hall of fame and having a top ten thread!

I've miss a lot of updates but they were all excellent! :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Simpson on May 26, 2009, 03:38:51 AM
%BUd%    Congratulations for this HOF award. You deserve it, my friend!!    %BUd%

Also, congrats for Marathon, who has become one of the 10 topics in SC4D by replies.
Also the last picture is incredible Dustin!! You did an excellent work on the LE, maybe some peolpe could be ad.

Take care,

David
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: MandelSoft on May 26, 2009, 06:35:25 AM
Congratulations to the Marathon, for making it in the Hall of Fame!  &apls

I also had a thunderstorm last night. Didn't sleep well. We had no electricity failure, but we did have a leaking roof. And since my bedroom is right under the roof... you get the point. Fortunatly I didn't get wet.

But back on topic: let us show your stunning LE stuff in your next update of the Commonwealth of Marathon! With a place in the Hall of Fame, this MD will be one that can last forever.

Best,
Maarten 
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Earth quake on May 26, 2009, 12:22:49 PM
congrulation for this HOF award.  :thumbsup:

Excellent teaser, I really love this bat ( by debussy, no ?) and, I hope like this lotting. $%Grinno$%
Go on this wonderful work
PS: sorry not to have posted since for a long time. ^^

Vivien.

Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on May 26, 2009, 01:16:55 PM
Nice choice of textures in that lot Dustin, these two fit perfectly together well !
Also, congrats on upping in the top 1O of topics in SC4D my friend !
Looking forward to more.

Take care,
-Arthur.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on May 26, 2009, 02:58:08 PM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies.jpg&hash=f9a404e367cb5e6d84638084803c586e8b151f6e)

darraghf: Ha! Thanks so much, my friend. The milestones are piling up around here. I'm starting to get embarrassed! Take care!

Adam (Ennedi): Hi, Adam! You're right about spending time with the girlfriend, too...we cleaned the kitchen. What a way to spend time together, right? Thank you for your kind words, my friend, and I hope to see you here again soon!

Corey (Nexis4Jersey): Thanks, Corey!

bat: Thanks so much, my friend!

Alex (Driftmaster07): Thanks again, Alex!

Luke (Luke09): Thank you, Luke!

Joe (JoeST): Hey, Joe! Thanks so much! And I'm so happy that Marathon has served as an inspiration for you. Take care, my friend!

Joan (Jmouse): Hi, Joan! Where we'll go from here...your guess is as good as mine, my friend! But you'll be the first to know when we get there! Thanks for stopping in, Joan!

Battlecat: Thank you, my friend!

danielcote: Thanks!

Pat: Thanks, Pat!

Jon (JBSimio): Thanks for the warm welcome to the club, Jon! To be mentioned anywhere with wonderful work such as yours is just amazing for me! And thank you for your very kind words, too. Take care, my friend!

carkid1998: Thanks so much, my friend! Hope to see you again soon!

David (Simpson): Thank you very much for your congratulations, David, and for your wonderful comments!

Maarten (mrtnrln): Hi, Maarten! Thank you for your congratulations, my friend, and I'm sorry to hear that you were having thunderstorms, too. It's raining again here right now, but no thunder or lightning, which is good for the electricity! Take care!

Vivien (Earth quake): Bonjour! So glad to see you again, my friend! Thank you for your kind words, and I hope to see your around again!

Arthur (art128): Thanks so much, Arthur!




We're gettin' there...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F136.jpg&hash=fb60cec1f06ab9a32113ed16b853a29130923808)

Just have to...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F137.jpg&hash=401cb418aea44f75c20235e75e8217e3ca6647ee)

...fill in these triangular sections and this end is finished! There's still a lot that needs to be done, though.

In a bit!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: KoV Liberty on May 26, 2009, 04:22:26 PM
Maybe a park?  ??? I have no idea! It is all up to you!

Alex
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: metarvo on May 26, 2009, 05:33:46 PM
The time you have spent on this area has produced results that are both realistic and aesthetically pleasing.  This is one reason why you have both a Top 10 Topic and a HoF MD, Dustin.  Keep up the good work!

&apls
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: kimcar on May 26, 2009, 05:36:51 PM
Oh i miss a couple of great lotting work that you have done.I really like all but the last one is very nice  &apls &apls I like the design that you have done with the floor. :thumbsup: I guess i`m gonna give you my lot to do ;D
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Luke09 on May 26, 2009, 05:52:20 PM
you're getting better on lotting dustin,i really like your...hum..."filler lots".It would be nice if Around that area,be the CBD of the island(that Square is on the island right?)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Jmouse on May 26, 2009, 07:57:00 PM
That's quite a "town square," Dustin. Looks like centuries of work went into it and it has turned out well. You'll have to go a long ways to top this!  :D

Later...
Joan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bat on May 27, 2009, 01:53:45 AM
Great work on that building! It looks wonderful, Dustin!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: darraghf on May 27, 2009, 06:27:50 AM
You surely are getting there. I can'tr wait to see the finished product.

I think a park or a plaza would be nice there. They should be symmetical, like the rest of the area, i think.

Al the best,
-Darra (Darraghflah)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: nrmn67 on May 27, 2009, 07:41:32 AM
Very nice. I like it. Maybe just cut the trees in front of the entrance to the opera, they obscure the magnificent entrance.

Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Earth quake on May 27, 2009, 08:49:05 AM
Wonderfull Update Dustin, I really like your perfect lotting.  :thumbsup:

Vivien.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Battlecat on May 27, 2009, 08:53:36 AM
And lo, it does look fantastic with the completed details as well!  My personal inclination for those two triangular pieces left would be towards expanding the hard surface with a fair chunk of trees.  I'll be interested to see what your choice is! 
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Pat on May 27, 2009, 08:56:19 AM
Dustin amazin!!!!! WOW I am soo still drooling btw I think I soo need a droool rag when I come in here lol
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon [05/27/09]: UPDATE XXXIX: Birthday Wishes...
Post by: thundercrack83 on May 27, 2009, 01:58:58 PM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies.jpg&hash=f9a404e367cb5e6d84638084803c586e8b151f6e)

Alex (Driftmaster07): Hi, Alex! A park, eh? Hmmm...

metarvo: Thank you so very much, my friend, for your kind words!

kimcar: Thanks, my friend!

Luke (Luke09): Thanks, Luke! And yes, this area is on the island. I haven't given much thought to the development around the square, but your idea is a great one! Thanks so much!

Joan (Jmouse): Hi, Joan! It's taken centuries of work, and there's probably a few more centuries left to go! Thank you so much for your support during the process, and for everywhere, my friend! Take care!

bat: Vielen Dank!

darraghf: Hello! Thank you for your suggestions, my friend! I think you're right on the money, too!

nrmn67: Thanks! I was thinking the same thing about the trees in front of the entrance. Perhaps we'll have to come up with something a bit different. Hope to see you again soon!

Vivien (Earth quake): Thank you, my friend!

Battlecat: Excellent idea, my friend! I was thinking something similar, too. Now, all I have to do is actually put it together! Thanks so much for stopping by!

Pat: Thanks, my friend! And don't worry about the drool rag, Marathon's got rubber floors! Take care!






UPDATE XXXIX
Birthday Wishes For a Great Friend
27 May 2009

Well, based on the amount of pictures, this may not qualify as a proper "update," but based on content, I could not think of a better reason to have an update!

Today is the birthday of one of Marathon's best friends, who also happens to be one of SC4D's newest Global Moderator, and a soon-to-be father of a brand new baby daughter. I speak, of course, of Robin (rooker1)...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252039%2F39001.jpg&hash=55cf0eaf066bb091ef6b59747ece569f6e006d2c) (http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o134/thundercrack83/MARATHON/Update%2039/39002.jpg)

You may be thinking, "What a strange subject for a birthday wish," but I know that Robin has a particular fondness for gritty and low-income areas, so I thought it would be a good fit!

Enjoy your day, Robin!

More from Marathon to come!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: darraghf on May 27, 2009, 02:11:34 PM
Happy Birthday Robin (https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.smileycollector.com%2Fimages%2Fsmiles%2Fbirthday.gif&hash=93b5665e031d27f5a403b277c7e94bfef4c4f4ff) and well done on that birthday present, Dustin. I'm sure he'll be pleased with it to say the least. :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Luke09 on May 27, 2009, 06:47:59 PM
Happy Birthday Robin and nice "mosaic"(I LOVE LOW-INCOME RESIDENCE PICS!!!THEY ARE BETTER THAN R$$$[joke])
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on May 28, 2009, 01:18:14 AM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies.jpg&hash=f9a404e367cb5e6d84638084803c586e8b151f6e)

darraghf: Thank you, my friend! I'm sure Robin will appreciate you kind birthday wishes!

Luke (Luke09): Thanks, Luke!




Well, in addition to all the time I've been in the LE lately, I've also been burning the midnight oil, working on the completion of another tile on Marathon Island. This time, it's Tile O, home to the Centennial Quay and the eponymous sports complex. While we still put on the finishing touches, here is...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F138.jpg&hash=7c1611f0aeac95785843ea2e111086eab8c85814) (http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o134/thundercrack83/MARATHON/Maps/O.jpg)

...a map of the tile. I'm also putting the finishing touches on the format for these tile maps, too, so that's another thing to cross of the list, too.

Finally, I have a bit of project for all of you, my friends:


[tabular]
[row]
[data]With Marathon's election into the SC4D MD Hall of Fame (Thanks, again!), part of the induction includes choosing five images from the span of the MD to complement the induction of the MD, like has been done for the previous MDs inducted (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=4856.0).

So! Since your input has been so crucial and instrumental to Marathon's success, I'd love to know what your choices for pictures to be displayed in the Hall of Fame would be. What's your favorite image? If you'd like to do so, feel free to scour through Marathon and let us know which one or ones you think should be displayed. Who knows? Maybe your favorite will be chosen!

Inductions are on June 1, so we have three more days! I'd love to hear your thoughts!
[/data]
[/row]
[/tabular]

More from Marathon on the way!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: MandelSoft on May 28, 2009, 01:50:03 AM
Congratulations on completing Tile O! And also, happy birthday Robin! Nice 'brithday card' you made for him, Dustin.

I've made a selection of five pictures:
Picture 1 (http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o134/thundercrack83/MARATHON/Update%2028/28002.jpg)
Picture 2 (http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o134/thundercrack83/MARATHON/Random/068.jpg)
Picture 3 (http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o134/thundercrack83/MARATHON/Update%2031/31010.jpg)
Picture 4 (http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o134/thundercrack83/MARATHON/Update%2029/29013.jpg)
Picture 5 (http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o134/thundercrack83/MARATHON/Random/127.jpg)

Best,
Maarten
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: darraghf on May 28, 2009, 02:08:33 AM
Great map Dustin, I couldn't fault it.

I'll be back later to edit this post with my five favourites

EDIT: I'm here!

1: http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o134/thundercrack83/MARATHON/Update%2010/10014.jpg
2: http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o134/thundercrack83/MARATHON/Update%204/4003.jpg
3: http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o134/thundercrack83/MARATHON/Update%2011/11014.jpg
4: http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o134/thundercrack83/MARATHON/Random/127.jpg
5: http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o134/thundercrack83/MARATHON/Update%2029/29010.jpg

-Darra(Darraghf)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bat on May 28, 2009, 04:28:36 AM
That's a great map! And also wonderful work on the "Birthday-Mosaic" there! :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: KoV Liberty on May 28, 2009, 12:16:15 PM
Here are four... The rest are up to you though!

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o134/thundercrack83/MARATHON/Update%2028/28002.jpg
http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o134/thundercrack83/MARATHON/Random/068.jpg
http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o134/thundercrack83/MARATHON/Random/068.jpg
http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o134/thundercrack83/MARATHON/Update%2029/29010.jpg
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Pat on May 28, 2009, 03:56:02 PM
Dustin by far my favorite represantation of Commonwealth of Marathon is............

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F008.jpg&hash=76e70b5a6a247a83bbfc7d7c73a3cc131cff4485)


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%25204%2F4003.jpg&hash=744aeb54c77a940eb154c0fadef1cd7e8f0ac18e)

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OK So those are my three selection of pics!!!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: metarvo on May 28, 2009, 06:51:50 PM
Here are my five selections.  They cover various eras of Marathon's construction, displaying the variety and realism present in this wonderful MD.

Quote
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Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Luke09 on May 28, 2009, 07:03:14 PM
Hey Dustin,Nice map,and here the pics...

Pic 1:
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Pic 2:
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Pic 3:
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Pic 4:
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Pic 5:
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Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: JBSimio on May 28, 2009, 08:27:38 PM
Great map, Dustin!   &apls

You want me to pick five pictures out of all the ones you've posted?!?   :o  Are you nuts?  How the oomph am I going to possibly do that?  :D

Alright... I can say for certain that the Jestarr Industrial Mosaic is one of my choices.  It's been picked a couple times already, so I won't show it again.  I'll have to get back to you with the other four though.  I guess I'll be up reliving history for the next couple hours... ;)

JB
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on May 29, 2009, 01:18:13 AM

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Maarten (mrntrln): Thank you so much for your suggestions, Maarten! I like what you chose!

darraghf: Thanks, my friend! Great choices!

bat: Thanks!

Alex (Driftmaster07): Thank you, Alex!

Pat: Thanks for your help, my friend!

metarvo: Excellent suggestions, my friend! I love your thought process on it, too. I may have to steal borrow that! Thanks for stopping by and helping out!

Luke (Luke09): Thank you for your thoughts, Luke! I appreciate it very much!

Jon (JBSimio): Hey, Jon! Thanks so much! That mosaïc seems to be quite the favorite, though, to be honest, I'm not sure what the rule on putting mosaïcs in there is, actually. Who knows? Thanks so much for coming by, and I hope to see you again soon, my friend!




Wow! Thank you all for such great suggestions, I love all of them! We've got a few days left, so anyone else has any thoughts, the polls will stay open until June 1!

In the meantime, I headed back to the LE again...though this time, I traveled north, back to the Abitibi Square section...


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I think this may be my favorite section of the island thus far. And don't fret, we'll get back to our cathedral square in no time! I just need to take a step back and get things straight in my head there!

Oh, and we're ten comments away from 1600, I believe! Did I mention you guys were the greatest?

In a bit!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: tooheys on May 29, 2009, 02:46:48 AM
Hi Dustin, well done on entering the HOF  :thumbsup: Goodluck trying to narrow down the 5 pics though, all the ones nominated so far are great  ;)

Dave
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: KoV Liberty on May 29, 2009, 03:40:03 AM
8 more left! Also... CONGRATULATIONS!

Alex
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bat on May 29, 2009, 07:21:27 AM
Nice work on the LE there! :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

And 7 left for 1600 replies! &apls &apls &apls
Also 3 days left for the HoF-Entry! &apls &apls &apls
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: JBSimio on May 29, 2009, 07:56:51 AM
Looks like the beginning of another great lot, Dustin!   :thumbsup:  Well, it took me a little longer than two hours... but I think I managed to come up with a few suggestions.  It was a nice trip down memory lane either way though.  ;)

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I was wondering about mosaics myself... so if it turns out that they are indeed not allowed, I'd offer this as my alternate suggestion!  :D

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Take care, my friend!
JB
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Sheep49 on May 29, 2009, 11:42:40 AM
Seems like I'm always in time for some fun... Congratulations my friend on CoM being inducted to the HoF! Boy is that deserved! I have to say that I hoped this MD would go there from the beginning, and it seems that it finally came true! Congratulations once again, Dustin. :thumbsup:

Now for the pics... Mhmm... OK, I think i got'em!

Nr 1:
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This one... I don't know... reminds me of some mid-density office district you can find in (almost) any European or European-influenced city. The repetition seems to work here very well, and the SAM streets are a great touch. It also showcases how you always find a place for some green areas, in this example trees, along and between the road, which is I think one of my favourite features of Marathon. :)

Nr 2:
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The custom looking here is simply awesome. Everything seems to be right in place, and looks well planned... And most of all, I can't get enough of this pic!

Nr 3:
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The snow effect here is nice, adds that distinctive atmosphere to the pic. But what really caught my attention are those trains there! I don't know how did you get so many of them there, but it really works! Great work once again!

Nr 4:
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Just as much as I love the European feel of the pic nr 1, I love this one. Here it feels like an US city, with that distinctive red-grey-white colours of the buildings and those two antennas which remind me of some I have seen on some pics of New York's Manhattan island. Plus, I like those red pavement textures with trees along the sunken avenue. :thumbsup:

Nr 5:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F068.jpg&hash=2e93c63efc673888988bf9c6daa493176c870406)
Now here, you just have showcased yourself as one of the masters of lotting! No matter how many times I see that pic I'm always impressed as... darn, no words can describe how I feel when looking at it! :D The great choice of textures, trees, and, of course, there are trains in the pic! I absolutely love this pic. &apls

Uh... finally! That was hard! The MD is so varieted that it's hard to choose the best things... they're all different! But well, variety is a thing that is logical if we're talking about a HoF MD :D

Keep up the great work, Dustin! Can't wait for the update ;)
Piotr
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Luke09 on May 29, 2009, 02:56:31 PM
Hey Dustin,again nice pic,and what is that building?Is a mall?can you post where i can found it?
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: woodb3kmaster on May 29, 2009, 03:47:13 PM
Luke09, that building is torremayor's Opera de Bastille, which is available on the LEX (link) (http://sc4devotion.com/csxlex/lex_filedesc.php?lotGET=1159).

Congratulations, Dustin, on making it into the HoF! So many people have already suggested great pictures, I can't really choose between them all. If I had to choose, I'd go with a selection from metarvo and Luke09's choices. Those are really among the best of the best, IMHO.

Keep up the outstanding work!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Pat on May 29, 2009, 05:57:21 PM
Dustin no problem my friend it was my pleasure!!! BTW liking the square there!!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on May 30, 2009, 12:38:13 AM

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Dave (tooheys): Wow! Thanks so much, Dave!

Alex (Driftmaster07): Thanks, Alex!

bat: Thanks so much, my friend!

Jon (JBSimio): I like your picks, Jon, especially the last one! You got me with that one, my friend―I wasn't expecting that! Thanks for coming by!

Piotr (Sheep49): Hello, Piotr! Thank you so much for all your effort into choosing your favorite images, my friend! Your explanations are especially great. I like to hear how other folks interpret things, it gives me such a different perspective. Hope to see you again, soon!

Luke (Luke09): Thanks, Luke! Our friend Zack (woodb3kmaster) answered your question, but if you have any more, please feel free to ask!

Zack (woodb3kmaster): Hey, Zack! Good to see you again! Thank you for your wonderful comments and congratulations, and thanks even more for helping out our friend Luke (Luke09)! Take care, my friend!

Pat: Thanks!




More fantastic selections, I don't even know where to start! Thank you all for your input thus far, and if anyone has any more suggestions, we still have a bit of time!

Until then, we'll head back up to Abitibi Square again, where our latest addition has been completed!

Here's a few shots...


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I'm not sure where to head next.

Continue here at Abitibi Square? Go back to the cathedral square? Start fresh elsewhere?

We'll end up where the wind takes us, I guess!

Oh, and...1599...

Until then!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Sheep49 on May 30, 2009, 01:08:07 AM
Wow, Dustin... just wow! The Abitibi Square looks truly great (and crowded... $%Grinno$%)! I especially love that small market clearly visible in the 1st and 2nd pic. Good place to buy some souvenirs from the Marathon! I also like the cars along the avenue. But it got me thinking... Wouldn't Abitibi Sq, being a great place to visit, need some kind of parking lot in the area? After all, we don't want the roads to be unpassable with all the cars parked along the way, do we?

And as to what to do now... I'd say let's make hay while the sun shines! You seem to have a lot of inspiration fo this area, so why won't continue developing this area? I'd love to see it finished! ;)

And one question: In your green areas of squares, parks etc. you seem to have some really good looking flower compositions. I was wondering in which prop pack can you find them? Or maybe they come with the game? I didn't see them in LE though...

Keep up the good work, my friend! :thumbsup:
Piotr

EDIT: Congratulations on 1600 replies! Only 400 left to the 2000th one... lol, that MD sure grows fast! :D
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: carkid1998 on May 30, 2009, 01:17:40 AM

Great pics! :thumbsup: I would really like to know where you got those buildings in the first pic and the centre of the second pic!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: KoV Liberty on May 30, 2009, 07:10:49 AM
Nice Square! I love it. I think you should stay at Aribiti Square for awhile too.
EDIT: CONGRATS ON 1602 REPLIES TO DATE!

Alex
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: darraghf on May 30, 2009, 08:03:02 AM
Well Done on 1600 replies Dustin.

-Darra (Darraghf)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Luke09 on May 30, 2009, 08:27:32 AM
Hey dustin amazing pics,and thanks Zack!But that file is more beautiful with Dustin Lots  :P.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bat on May 30, 2009, 09:21:42 AM
Congrats on over 1600 replies and 46000 views! &apls &apls &apls
And that are some great pictures of that wonderful looking square! :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
I looking forward to more from that Abitibi Square! :thumbsup: ;) :)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on May 31, 2009, 12:38:20 AM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies.jpg&hash=f9a404e367cb5e6d84638084803c586e8b151f6e)

Piotr (Sheep49): Hi, Piotr! Thank you so much for your very kind words, my friend! I'm so happy that you're enjoying the area, though, I'm not exactly sure just when it will be finished. Just when I think that I'm done adding custom stuff on, I get bit by the bug again! As for your question, I'm not exactly sure which flowers you're talking about off-hand, but if you give me an example of which ones you mean I can check into it for you. Take care!

carkid1998: Thanks! The building is the Opera de Bastille (http://sc4devotion.com/csxlex/lex_filedesc.php?lotGET=1159) by torremayor, and can be found on the LEX. Hope that helps!

Alex (Driftmaster07): Thank you so much, Alex!

Darra (darraghf): Thank you, my friend!

Luke (Luke09): Wow! Thank you for such a wonderful comment, Luke!

bat: Thank you very much, my friend! I'm glad you like it!




It was a rather busy night for me―doing laundry, running the vacuum cleaner, etc.―but I did have some time to start work on our next addition to Abitibi Square...since that was the consensus on where we should head!

Here goes...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F143.jpg&hash=e91b4f328b4bb7dfc4aa4fbb8ef1241deba106e2)

So far, nothing special, but I like to get the basis down before I start trying to add in all the details. Abitibi Square seems to be shaping up as the cultural epicenter of Marathon Island, though!

I'll be running around for a lot of tomorrow, too, but hopefully there will be more progress!

Enjoy your Sunday!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on May 31, 2009, 01:31:21 AM
Sorry for not being around there the last days Dustin.
First of all, congratulation on over 1600 post on your MD !
Well, this new lot start great my friend, nice choice of texture and the green area are looking really great my friend.   :thumbsup:
Can't wait to see more,

Arthur.  :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: KoV Liberty on May 31, 2009, 06:29:41 AM
Once again... VERY GREAT!  &apls Have you ever considered releasing some of your creations to the STEX or LEX?

Alex
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Luke09 on May 31, 2009, 11:27:26 AM
Hey Dustin Nice addition to the Abitibi Square,the lot combined perfectely with the ground texture!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Pat on May 31, 2009, 12:06:21 PM
WOW Dustin looking real great and I cant wait to see you start to fill in here!!!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Ennedi on June 01, 2009, 02:56:31 AM
Well, I have a pleasure to send you...

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg207.imageshack.us%2Fimg207%2F3139%2Fmarathonplaque.jpg&hash=35615fab2b9d80dbf86c687655b42d2a1e649e61)

Congratulations Dustin! Welcome in the MD HoF section!

The SC4D Mayor's Diaries Hall of Fame Committee
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: KoV Liberty on June 01, 2009, 05:56:34 AM
CONGRATULATIONS DUSTIN!!!!!

Alex
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: rooker1 on June 01, 2009, 06:03:58 AM
Congratulations once again, enjoy your new home.
&apls &apls

Robin  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Sciurus on June 01, 2009, 09:50:04 AM
Waow, Dustin,

Unbilievable, you're in the Hall of Fam of the SC4D's diaries! Congratulions, big congratulations my friend!!! And of course, your upadtes are still fantastic.
When I arrived there, I didn't find your CJ, but it was in the HoF! Congats again &apls
I hope I could stpo by there most times ;)

Guillaume, your french friend :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: woodb3kmaster on June 01, 2009, 01:29:08 PM
Absolutely stunning lotting, Dustin! I wish I had thought of relotting the Opera de Bastille before putting it in my own small cultural center in Kendall (pics forthcoming over at Nyhaven). You never cease to amaze me! Great work, once again!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: darraghf on June 01, 2009, 01:54:14 PM
Great lotting Dustin. I can't wait to see the whole square finished.

-Darra(Darraghf)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Battlecat on June 01, 2009, 03:03:10 PM
Looking good!  Abitibi Square is coming along quite nicely indeed! I like the fountain prop on the new lot, can't wait to see the finished product. 
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on June 02, 2009, 03:30:34 AM
Now it's official Dustin, welcome here in the HOF my friend! Congrats once again !  &apls
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bat on June 02, 2009, 06:09:44 AM
Nice teaser there!
And congrats for the move into the HoF!!! :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: sebes on June 02, 2009, 10:17:15 AM
So the word is out : congratulations Dustin  &apls The majority of the site has spoken.

As there is not any MD that received so many replies (and now on page 82!) in such a relative short time (correct me if I am wrong statistics man) it's no surprise that you end in the HoF in "no time" as well! 

The quality of work shown in your MD is outstanding, so I guess: you deserved your place here, already :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: io_bg on June 02, 2009, 12:11:15 PM
Congratulations, my friend! &apls
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on June 02, 2009, 10:48:39 PM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies2.jpg&hash=caaacd21f4d241ef76081c80d2a7c8f16899680d)

Arthur (art128): Thank you so much, Arthur! I'm so happy that you like it, my friend!

Alex (Driftmaster07):  Thanks, Alex! I've thought about releasing some things to the LEX, but I would have to clean things up a lot in order to make them LEX-ready. Maybe one day, though!

Luke (Luke09): Thank you, Luke!

Pat: Thanks, my friend!

Adam (Ennedi): Thank you so much, Adam, for presenting this plaque on behalf of the Hall of Fame Committee. I am truly honored to be receiving it, as well as being moved to the Hall of Fame. Thanks again, my friend!

Alex (Driftmaster07): Thank you, Alex!

Robin (rooker1): Thank you, Robin, my very good friend! Good to see you here, but get back to your wife's side! She needs you!

Guillaume (Sciurus): Thanks so much, Guillaume, for your wonderful congratulations! I'm so happy to see you here in Marathon again, and I'm glad you found it, too! Hope to see you again soon, my friend!

Zack (woodb3kmaster): Thanks, Zack! I can't wait to see what you have in store for us over in Nyhaven, too. I will be looking forward to that! Take care!

Darra (darraghf): Thanks so much, my friend!

Battlecat: Thank you! I wasn't sure about that fountain at first, but the more I see it, the more I like it. Thanks for coming by!

Arthur (art128): Thanks, Arthur!

bat: Thank you so much, my friend!

sebes: Thank you for your very kind words and congratulations, my friend. A lot has happened here in Marathon in the last six months, it's quite overwhelming! I'm so glad that you enjoy things here, and I thank you so much for all your support! Take care, my friend!

io_bg: Thanks so much!




Well, what can I say? Here we are at Marathon's new home in the SC4Devotion MD Hall of Fame! It's so wonderful to be here amongst the best of the best—AntigOne, Ennedi Plays Shosaloza, Whitefall, Blackwater (with Islas Gemas), Mind Scape, and Tales at TeaTime! I thank all of you, once again, for all the support that not only got Marathon here, but got Marathon here so quickly. Without your support, we wouldn't be anywhere, would we? So thank you all again!

You'll notice, too, that things look a bit different now in Marathon. I thought that, with the big change to the Hall of Fame, it would be time to switch things up. I hope you like it! With that out of the way, back to...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F144.jpg&hash=43448b09bf21e6b495218395e19119717378b7c6)

...Abitibi Square! The latest addition is completed, as shown as above. Here's...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F145.jpg&hash=c5f9a19bea478ce307ab0d818873ec318f32cbac)

...another angle and zoom level. And, also...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F146.jpg&hash=320b8dc0fc631edc178b54373b4d9ac293483399)

...an overview.

Things have spread out quite nicely in the area, I'm really starting to like it! The only question is, "How much more will be filled in, and with what?"

These questions—and many others—will be answered in the next episode of Soap (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soap_(TV_series)) Marathon!

In a bit!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Battlecat on June 03, 2009, 08:09:48 AM
Looking good, the final details on that new lot really do look fantastic! 
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: darraghf on June 03, 2009, 08:26:17 AM
Looking great!. Nice work with the square and thanks for giving us an overview.

-Darra
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: JBSimio on June 03, 2009, 08:34:16 AM
Well Dustin, I see that extraordinary lotting continues to be a trend here... so I guess you haven't switched things up that much, now have you?  ;)

Abitibi Square looks great and has really become the cultural epicenter of Marathon Island!  The overview picture shows just how nicely this all fits together.  (I'm curious about the block near the expressway where the avenues split to go around whatever will be there, but I'm sure you'll clue people in when you're ready)  The first close up really shows off your skills though... so many little details to see and it's obvious just how much thought went into these lots.  Although, with so many people out and about, it does beg the question... Don't any of these people work?!?  What are they all doing just hanging around on a Wednesday morning?  :D

Congratulations once again (now that you're officially home) and I'll see you next time!

JB
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: carkid1998 on June 03, 2009, 09:09:20 AM

Whoa! Very good, excelent lotting.In other words, perfection!!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: kimcar on June 03, 2009, 10:15:39 AM
 &apls &apls Excellent once again, and hey! sorry i forget to congrats you for the HOF. I`m very happy for you my friend . You work hard for it and you got it. :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: KoV Liberty on June 03, 2009, 10:16:28 AM
 :o NICE!!!! In the bottom left of Aribiti Square is that a bus station?

Alex
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Luke09 on June 03, 2009, 10:21:20 AM
Wow,pretty good Dustin,the square is beauty,and the lot is much better with the improvement!
PS:IM CITIZEN NOW!LOL
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bat on June 03, 2009, 10:44:30 AM
That square is looking beautiful! The overviews are also fantastic!
Nice work! :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Looking forward to more here in the HoF-section! ;)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Nexis4Jersey on June 03, 2009, 11:46:39 AM
Great update Dustin, I like your relotting  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on June 03, 2009, 11:51:24 AM
Excellently beautiful Lotting work, Dustin ! I really love the way you created this lot !
Looking forward to more.

Take care,
-Arthur.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on June 04, 2009, 01:48:12 AM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies2.jpg&hash=caaacd21f4d241ef76081c80d2a7c8f16899680d)

Battlecat: Thank you, my friend!

Darra (darraghf): Thanks so much!

Jon (JBSimio): Hi, Jon! Thank you so very much, I'm so happy that you like the Abitibi Square area! There's still some more that needs to be done yet, but slowly we're getting things together, I think. As for that other block you spotted, well...that's part of a plan that I have that isn't really much of a plan at the moment, more of an inkling, perhaps? Either way, when the light bulb officially goes off, you'll see the results here! Take care, Jon!

carkid1998: Thank you! Though I'm not sure if it's "perfection!" Ha-ha!

kimcar: Thanks so much, my friend! I wouldn't have made it this far without your kind words and support since the very beginning. Hope to see you again soon!

Alex (Driftmaster07): Hi, Alex! While that building in the bottom left serves as a bus station in Marathon, it is actually the Warsaw Main Railway Station (http://sc4devotion.com/csxlex/lex_filedesc.php?lotGET=1799), a wonderful BAT by our good friend Feroxx. Hope that helps!

Luke (Luke09): Thank you, Luke! And congratulations on becoming a citizen, my friend!

bat:
Danke schön, my friend!

Corey (Nexis4Jersey): Thanks, Corey!

Arthur (art128): Hey, Arthur! Thanks so much!




It's been a bit of a slow and rainy day here in the Keystone State. I spent most of my time arranging matches (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dress_to_Kill) (not really, of course...or did I? No, I didn't... ... ...or?), but as I was sitting down to do a bit of work, I realized that it had been a while since we got a region-wide shot at Marathon Island.

So...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F147.jpg&hash=8f25a55bd118940327d515d55376af3aedc58ce2)

...there it is—labeled for your orientation and all!

Avert your eyes from the "?!!?" section in the middle of the island...that's a yet-to-be-planned section—one of those "inklings" that I mentioned to our friend Jon (JBSimio) above. Don't worry, though, we'll get there sooner or later, I'd imagine.

In the meantime, I have something else percolating in my cranium.

More on that to come!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: darraghf on June 04, 2009, 02:17:34 AM
Well Marathon Island is coming on slowly but surely. Keep it up.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: threestooges on June 04, 2009, 02:34:41 AM
Always something new to see. It's fun to watch these areas slowly expand over time (and in some instances, such as that area around the cathedral, expand rapidly). Curious to see what the new area will be, but in the meantime, I should have something to send you way here in a bit. Hope all is well Dustin.
-Matt
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: rooker1 on June 04, 2009, 04:41:18 AM
I'm back....
Great updates and I am very curious about this "inkling" in the middle of the map and the percolating in your cranium.  I hope it doesn't hurt.  ::)  I feel left out since we haven't talked on MSN in sooo long.  All my fault of course. ;)  But I think I'm back now, although a little less maybe.  I'll have to see how things go and how demanding Alyssa is going to be. 
I'll look for you later.

Keep up these fantasic updates my friend, they are really enjoyable.
Robin  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bat on June 04, 2009, 05:47:46 AM
Nice overview of Marathon Island and looking forward to more from it... ;)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: KoV Liberty on June 04, 2009, 07:36:03 AM
Thanks! This will go well in my city!

Alex
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Luke09 on June 04, 2009, 09:58:14 AM
Hey Dustin nice map  :thumbsup:!And i have a question...What you do?I mean your job,what is?? %confuso
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Battlecat on June 04, 2009, 11:00:24 AM
Nice to see how all this projects of yours fit into the larger picture!  You've still got a lot of room to grow there.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Earth quake on June 04, 2009, 12:11:54 PM
Impressive overview Dustin, and nice map.  :thumbsup:
Your last update are just perfect. &apls
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon [06/05/09]: UPDATE XL: TE, or Not TE? That...
Post by: thundercrack83 on June 05, 2009, 01:38:40 AM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies2.jpg&hash=caaacd21f4d241ef76081c80d2a7c8f16899680d)

Darra (darraghf): Thanks!

Matt (threestooges): Hey, Matt! I have fun building these areas, one piece at a time, too, because it always allows for something totally new and fresh to pop up. If I had planned everything from the beginning, that spontaneity wouldn't be there. Thanks for stopping by, my friend!

Robin (rooker1): There he is! The proud father of Alyssa, a brand new baby girl! Congratulations, Robin! This is just wonderful news, my friend! I'm happy to hear that everyone is doing well, and don't worry about missing things around here, you just take care of your wife and your new daughter. Marathon will be here when you get back!

bat: Thank you so much, my friend!

Alex (Driftmaster07): No problem, Alex! Good luck!

Luke (Luke09): Thanks, Luke! And as for your question...well, I actually do not have a job at the moment. I'm in the process of applying to graduate schools, since the area where I live doesn't have the largest employment market for people with degrees in political science. Either way, though, I think moving away is going to be on the agenda at some point in the near future. So I'm at a bit of a transitional period, I guess! That's OK, though—it gives me more time to work on Marathon! Hope that answers your question!

Battlecat: Thanks! There's still a ton of room! So much so, that I have to start thinking of more ideas! Take care!

Vivien (Earth quake): Thank you, Vivien!






UPDATE XL
TE, or Not TE? That is the Question!
5 June 2009

Well, that's really not the question—of course TE! I was sitting here, thinking about where to head next and thought of parking for Abitibi Square. With parking came the idea of parking lots, underground garages, and the like, and with those came...transit-enabled lots. For some reason, this was a bit of a frightening concept to me, but after playing around, I think I figured it out the basics. So, in this, our 40th Update here in Marathon, we'll look at the process of transit-enabling a lot. But first, a warning...


[tabular]
[row][data]WARNING: Below is a method that happens to have worked for me. There is a chance that it is not the correct way to do things, or that it may have any effects on functionality. Due to my grossly inadequate base of knowledge in this area, I cannot comment on the functionality end—but I'm sure someone from our friends The NAM Team can! If you're only worried about just attain that TE look, as I was, though, this should get you there.[/data][/row]
[/tabular]

OK, so let's get started!

First...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252040%2F40001.jpg&hash=da09fcaa05fd1d4b5f486dcfa4820fb19fd97d6c)

...get your lot ready to go in the LE, making sure that any building or prop that you are "TE'ing" is properly lined up. I made this mistake and had to go back and forth from the LE to the game, lining things up!

Next, we open up...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252040%2F40002.jpg&hash=b0f39bc9bfe2e840a59016dc1d90b64360c5891a)

...SC4Tool, and choose "Visual editor for transit enabling your lots," as the green arrow has pointed out.

Once that is done...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252040%2F40003.jpg&hash=e8e028fffb943d2f8eab24187506399473b88d4f)

...click the "Open" folder, and choose the lot you'd like to transit-enable.

Now to the actual "TE'ing..."


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252040%2F40004.jpg&hash=d1f468b6241e67146533d13b07f108b892b6410e)

Choose the transportation network you'd like to use (1). In this case, I've chosen "C," or road. Then, choose the direction that the traffic will be traveling on the compass—north, south, east, or west (2)[. In this case, I've chosen both north and south, since roads have two-way traffic.

Now...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252040%2F40005.jpg&hash=5ddc356ad48478c4cfa253dd2c5380c25c293676)

...click on the road icon and drag it over to the appropriate tile that corresponds to where you wanted the transit-enabling to be on your lot.


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252040%2F40006.jpg&hash=bbd217f29c33abba4d7b95be5d42fa6af23fcd1f)

Repeat if necessary (1), then save (2), and...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252040%2F40007.jpg&hash=22dae551a7ff21008390fcb66cefa3a6a877cc81)

...plop it in the game! Just like that, a transit-enabled lot has made it's way to Abitibi Square.

And speaking of Abitibi Square, those of you familiar with it may be wondering...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252040%2F40008.jpg&hash=db00d90e182d5d2d07e0b42dfc73dc9e3ee948d0)

..."Why did he choose such a strange place for that lot?" Answers are to follow!

As always, though, when I tackle a new topic here, if there is anyone who notices something that I've done wrong, or something that can be done better, easier, etc., please don't hesitate to speak up and let us know! Truth be told, the first lot that I have ever TE'd was the dry run of this before I turned it into our latest update, so to say that I'm not proficient at TE'ing is a monumental understatement!

In a bit!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: metarvo on June 05, 2009, 05:28:17 AM
Abitibi Square looks very good so far, Dustin.  I look forward to seeing where you go next with the TE lot.  Keep up the good work!  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: darraghf on June 05, 2009, 05:47:18 AM
Great tutorial for the LE and SC4Tool. The only problem with transit enabling that lot is that instead of automata going down the slope it will stay at ground level. The maker of the lot had the same problem.
I can't wait to see what you have in store for the next update.

-Darragh
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: KoV Liberty on June 05, 2009, 06:00:20 AM
GREAT JOB! Now... You said you have Vista. How did you TE the Lot? When I use Sc4tool it freezes up.

Alex
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Toichus Maximus on June 05, 2009, 07:38:23 AM
Dustin, excellent work as always, and congrats on making it into the HOF!

sc4tool should work with vista straight if you set it to run with compatability mode on (right click and set it). If you want to use texture editing capabilities, you'll need the new DLL that was made for vista, though I'm not sure where that is.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Battlecat on June 05, 2009, 08:10:58 AM
Nice lot editing tutorial!  I'm looking forward to seeing what's going to fill in the rest of that space, probably at least a couple of custom lots coming. 
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Luke09 on June 05, 2009, 10:24:48 AM
Nice job at TE'ing Dustin!your job at Batting is just incredible.Another question now,how old are you?
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bat on June 05, 2009, 11:01:26 AM
Yes, great work on that little tutorial there! :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on June 06, 2009, 01:48:17 AM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies2.jpg&hash=caaacd21f4d241ef76081c80d2a7c8f16899680d)

metarvo: Thank you so very much, my friend!

Darra (darraghf): Thanks so much for your kind words! And thank you, too, for the information about the automata. I actually didn't think of that until you brought it up! See that? I learn something new all the time here at SC4D!

Alex (Driftmaster07): Thanks! I haven't had any problems running SC4Tool on Windows Vista, but I have run into problems with SC4Mapper and SC4Terraformer. Good luck trying to get it to work, though!

Toichus Maximus: Hello! Thank you so much for your congratulations! And thank you for your advice and help on the question that Alex (Driftmaster07) asked above. Hope to see you around Marathon again soon!

Battlecat: Thanks! And you're on the right track, too—I think I might have a few more custom jobs up my sleeve! Take care!

Luke (Luke09): Thanks, Luke! And to answer your question, I am 27. I turn 28 in November. Thanks for stopping by!

bat: Thanks, my friend!




We're still making our way through the latest section of Abitibi Square...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F148.jpg&hash=07fad89a2dee1f00f71a19ca49712c443d8e4755)

The BAT is a fantastic new one that I found on the LEX by MAS71—the SOGO Department Store Building (http://sc4devotion.com/csxlex/lex_filedesc.php?lotGET=2084). All that needs to be done is put the finishing touches on the this lot, then plug up a few holes, and this section will be on the books!

I won't be getting at them until later tomorrow evening, though, as I am heading out for an afternoon of golf tomorrow. It's the first time I'll be getting out this year, so I'm sure the old saying that "golf is a good walk, spoiled," will hold true...at least until the rust shakes off on the first few holes.

Enjoy your weekends, everyone!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on June 06, 2009, 02:28:28 AM
Nice work with the Sogo building my friend, it's wonderful !
Also, the last tutorial is very useful my friend, thanks for sharing it !
Take care,
-Arthur.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Earth quake on June 06, 2009, 03:13:42 AM
Pefect work with the Sogo building.
I love it bats and the lotting is just beautiufl.
This bat of Mcdry (not sur for the writing) be excellent and integrate is splendid.

Your last tutorial is really excellent.

Vivien
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: carkid1998 on June 06, 2009, 03:19:35 AM

It all looks great!

The underground parking is meant to be part of SOGO isn't it??
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bat on June 06, 2009, 05:07:44 AM
Great place for that building, it looks great! :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: darraghf on June 06, 2009, 05:08:55 AM
That building fits in really well there, aspecially when extra lotting is done with it.

Driftmaster07  asked a question that you couldn't completely answer. If you wouldn't mind, I would like to answer it. It was in relation to compatibility problems with the SC4 Tool and Vista. What you have to do is to run it in compatibility mode for windows xp by clicking properties and going to the compatibility tab. The SC4 tool can't run with windows aero, so while you're in the compatibility tab, look at the cheackboxes under settings, make sure that "disable desktop composition" is checked. That setting turns off aero wheneveer you run the program. I hope that this is understandable. I can get a bit carried away with myself sometimes :P.

Sorry for hijacking your amazing MD Dustin ;D

Darragh
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: KoV Liberty on June 06, 2009, 05:56:11 AM
Dustin: Awesome area! I cannot wait to see it finished! Also thanks foryou trying to help answer my question.

QuoteDriftmaster07  asked a question that you couldn't completely answer. If you wouldn't mind, I would like to answer it. It was in relaetion to compatibility problems with the SC4 Tool and Vista. What you have to do is to run it in compatibility mode for windows xp by clicking properties and going to the compatibility tab. The SC4 tool can't run with windows aero, so while you're in the compatibility tab, look at the cheackboxes under settings, make sure that "disable desktop composition is checked. That setting turns off aero wheneveer you run the program. I hope that this is understandable. I can get a bti carried away with myself sometimes.

darraghf: Thankyou very much darraghf.

Toichus Maximus: I had no idea! Thankyou so much!

Alex
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Luke09 on June 06, 2009, 08:28:31 AM
Hey nice pic again.I never though that you were going to put SOGO on Abitibi,i like SOGO and its Cheesy color ::).Keep it up
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: JBSimio on June 07, 2009, 11:45:00 AM
Very nice, Dustin!  I had to skip back and forth between this and the previous update to figure out just where in the square this new section is... but I finally nailed it down!   :thumbsup:  (The angled road is new and threw me off for a minute... cheater)  :D  Nice choice with the SOGO Department Store... it should fit in quite nicely there.  Looking forward to the "finished"  (as if there really is such a thing?) product.

JB
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon [06/08/09]: UPDATE XLI: That Abitibi Square Just...
Post by: thundercrack83 on June 07, 2009, 11:48:52 PM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies2.jpg&hash=caaacd21f4d241ef76081c80d2a7c8f16899680d)

Arthur (art128): Thank you, Arthur! I'm so happy that you like it, my friend! Take care!

Vivien (Earth quake): Thanks, Vivien! I hope that you, and others, can get some use out of it in the future.

carkid1998: Thanks! Actually, I never really put much thought into it, but now that you mention, I guess the parking garage could be part of the building. Good thinking!

bat: Thanks, my friend!

Darra (darraghf): Thank you! Oh, and don't worry about hijacking anything here in Marathon. If you can answer a question better than I did, please feel free to do so! Chances are that you'll teach not only the person who asked the question something, but me, too! Thanks again, and I hope to see you here again soon, my friend!

Alex (Driftmaster07): Thank you, Alex! I hope that our friend darraghf was able to help you out, too!

Luke (Luke09): Thanks, Luke! I'm a big fan of the SOGO building, too. I had to use it somewhere, so I thought, why not in the square? Thanks for stopping by!

Jon (JBSimio): Ha! I was able to sneak one in on you there, eh, Jon? I'm with you, too, on the definition of "finished"—everything is a work in progress for me. There's always so much new and wonderful things popping up around here, "finishing" something seems a bit too permanent! It's always great to see you here, Jon! Come back again soon, my friend!






UPDATE XLI
That Abitibi Square Just Keeps on Growin'!
8 June 2009

Well, I just can't seem to tear myself away from the Abitibi Square section of Marathon Island! Every time I think I'm going to move on, another idea pops into my head for it! In any event, though, I've got all the pieces for the latest section—with which some you are already familiar—ready to go! We have six pieces—an 8x8, two 3x5s, a 2x3, a 2x1 and a 1x1:


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252041%2F41001.jpg&hash=5ee069e63be1f3a612ab17efd70430c85d05ba93)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252041%2F41002.jpg&hash=c3f8c27c7993b1cb539be230e2033039f1676d2e)

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Now, to...


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You have already seen our...


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...underground parking garage lot, as well as the...


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...building lot proper, so the big ones are out of the way. As for the remaining pieces, our first to go in is...


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...the 3x5 piece in the rear of the building that connects this section to the diagonal street. We also have...


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...the side 2x3 lot, with the yellow and red gardens matching up with those on the parking garage lot. All that's left is to fill in the blanks, first with...


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...the 2x1s, and then...


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...the 1x1s. And that's all it took! Here's a few shots of the section, in its completed stage—


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And, finally, an overview for orientation's sake...


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So we've got another section of Abitibi Square done! We're running out of room in the area, so there will probably be three, maybe four more sections that need to be added on before the area is deemed "100% complete." Whether I keep going now, or jump around as I was doing before? Well, that's another question entirely!

More to come!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: io_bg on June 08, 2009, 02:24:03 AM
Abitibi Square looks wonderfully, my friend! :thumbsup: Excellent lotting as always! I'm looking forward to more :)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: darraghf on June 08, 2009, 04:20:39 AM
Whoa! Your lotting is amazing. I wouldn't have the patience to plop all of those props on a tile. Well done.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on June 08, 2009, 08:50:57 AM
Dustin, Your lotting job is, as ever, very clean, great and ingenious ! Also, the general shot of Abitibi Square is excellently fantastic !
Take care,
-Arthur.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Battlecat on June 08, 2009, 09:30:03 AM
Great to see this next section done!  You do a fantastic job of planning those unusually shaped blocks of land, and then following through with your custom lots!  Good choice on that building there, it looks great!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Luke09 on June 08, 2009, 09:42:37 AM
Nice update!I  liked the way that SOGO fit on Abitibi Square.And a thing that i didint saw on Marathon,was a library.Students needs libraries Dustin(lol)!So they can do their homeworks,and study a bit.But nice pics and lots.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bat on June 08, 2009, 10:30:48 AM
That part of the Abitibi Square looks wonderful! Great work!!! :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Earth quake on June 08, 2009, 11:45:12 AM
The Abitibi Square is splendid, I really love the Sogo building.  :thumbsup:

Anyway your works is really nice to look.
Excellent work and update Dustin !

Vivien.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: JBSimio on June 08, 2009, 12:02:19 PM
Well the end result is pretty much what I expected... which is to say nothing short of awesome!   ::)  I really enjoy watching you piece these areas together.  I think the side 2x3 lot is the best example so far, though.  It's very easy to look at the pictures when everything is done and miss the level of detail and planning that goes into getting there.  That particular piece just shows how you completely plan things out in advance.  The continuation of the red flower beds carried over from the next lot over is something that many might miss, but it is exactly that type of thing that creates the seamless look in the end.   &apls

And of course you know I'll continue coming back... but I must admit that the people of North Carolina are beginning to worry about you, Dustin.  (I think they might even miss you a little bit)  ;)

JB
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: nrmn67 on June 08, 2009, 01:16:59 PM
Great work on Abitibi Square. For me it feels like a planned space like a World Expo or La Defense or an urban renewal project. Built to shine.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Jmouse on June 08, 2009, 02:41:59 PM
You've certainly done a good job on Abitibi Square, Dustin. Sorry I've not been around much lately - spending lots of time in GRV - but it's nice to come back here every now and then to see what's going on. That's a very helpful tutorial, too.

Later...
Joan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: KoV Liberty on June 08, 2009, 04:51:48 PM
Great job on Aribiti Dustin!!! It looks so realistic!  :thumbsup:

Alex
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Scarton on June 08, 2009, 07:41:09 PM
Quote from: Driftmaster07 on June 08, 2009, 04:51:48 PM
Great job on Aribiti Dustin!!! It looks so realistic!  :thumbsup:

Alex

It is definitely realistic and also so beautiful! Great piece of work there! Reminds me of some of the features of Ennedi's Shosaloza.  :) :thumbsup: &apls
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: turtle on June 09, 2009, 04:05:07 AM
It seems I missed some updates. Fantastic progress there, Dustin. Even though almost all the buildings hold landmark value in themselves, you put everything together so well. Amazing LE work, especially with the trees :)  :thumbsup:

Thomas
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Nexis4Jersey on June 09, 2009, 04:34:48 AM
Subperb Update , I love your relotting :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: carkid1998 on June 09, 2009, 08:38:20 AM

Abiti square is looking better than ever!

Shame that you're running out of space, I could sit and stare at your creations all day!
Although I can't wait to see what you create when you complete Abiti square......
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Haljackey on June 09, 2009, 10:30:41 AM
I wish I knew how to do custom lots, they look beautiful!

Excellent update!  Very vivid and colourful!   :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: KoV Liberty on June 09, 2009, 03:17:59 PM
What props do you use for the trees and flora? They look AMAZING!!!!  :o

Alex
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: rajacobs on June 10, 2009, 12:35:57 PM
Dustin,

After years of not playing SC I decided to start playing again. Back in '03 / '04 I was a regular at ST so I started looking around there to quickly find that many (most?) SC fans now frequent this incredible website by the famous jeronij. (I was a huge fan of Sculpting Colombia River back then.. who wasn't..  :)) So I decided to check this place out! Looking for inspiration I stumbled upon your MD. And you immediately caught me. For the last week or more I admired page after page of this incredible work of yours, and just now I finished reading the last pages. I compliment you on your great SC skills, LE skills and most of all MD skills. You manage to enthusiast and inspire many people, and have gained a new fan in me.

Keep up the amazing work, I'll be watching your every step! ;)

Regards,
Rogier
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: homefryes on June 10, 2009, 12:49:36 PM
Greetings from your terribly absent (as of late) friend! Vacation and other preoccupations since then have been keeping me away, but I hope to get back in the game soon. Just wanted to wish you a belated congratulations on achieving HoF status! Your MD is certainly deserving of the honor. Don't know if I'll ever make it that far, as I'm having trouble maintaining focus right now, but maybe some day. Regardless, best wishes to you and to Marathon!

Don
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: dsrwhat316 on June 10, 2009, 03:08:59 PM
Wow, this is something else...

I'm still extremely impressed by how rapidly your LE skills have come along. Just the level of detail used is amazing. The amount of trees and greenery you use is what really stands out. If you want some good flora props, Simgoober has some in his dependency packs. An alternative to the Maxis dirt circles you use for your trees is one made by Simgoober; if you have his prop packs, you can find it by searching for "border". Jeronij also has some that are incorporated in his street side add-on mod. Just some friendly advice for you  :thumbsup:!

I listened to the latest podcast and heard your voice for the first time! I have to thank you for giving me special mention; I'm glad to hear that those tutorials have given you help along the way.

As always, I look forward to more from Marathon!

~ Dan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on June 10, 2009, 11:58:11 PM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies2.jpg&hash=caaacd21f4d241ef76081c80d2a7c8f16899680d)

io_bg: Thank you, my friend!

Darra (darraghf): Thanks! It can definitely try the patience, though, I'll admit.

Arthur (art128): Thank you, Arthur!

Battlecat: Thanks, my friend!

Luke (Luke09): Libraries, eh? That's good thinking! I never thought about them. We'll get some in there for you, don't worry! Take care!

bat: Thanks, bat!

Vivien (Earth quake): Thank you, Vivien!

Jon (JBSimio): Hi, Jon! Thank you so much for your very kind words, my friend! I'm glad that you noticed the small details and planning that go into all of these areas. It's those things that actually trip me up at first, too! I'll build something, then go into the game and realize that it doesn't line up, so I have to go back and forth, and back and forth, and...we'll you get the idea! Oh, and of course, give my regards to all my friends in North Carolina! I will be down again very soon. Take care, Jon!

nrmn67: Thank you so much! I never thought of the area as a planned section like you mentioned, but I love the idea. Thanks!

Joan (Jmouse): Hi, Joan! No problem, my friend—there's so much to see here at SC4D, you can get lost! No matter how often, it's always wonderful to have you here! Thanks for coming by!

Alex (Driftmaster07): Thank you, Alex!

citycapitalizer: Wow! Thanks for such a wonderful compliment! To have my work mention in the same breath as my friend Adam (Ennedi) is fantastic! Thanks for stopping in!

Thomas (turtle): Hi, Thomas! It's great to see you! I'm so happy you're enjoying things, and I hope to see you again very son!

carkid1998: Thanks! And don't worry about running out of space, there's always more!

Haljackey: Thanks so much!

Alex (Driftmaster07: Hey, Alex! There's a few different trees that I use, but if you let me know which ones I use that you're looking for, I'll do my best to help you out! Take care!

Rogier (rajacobs): Hello, Rogier! Welcome to Marathon—it's so fantastic to have you here, my friend! Thank you so very much for your very wonderful comments and compliments, they mean very much to me! I hope to see you around here more often! Take care!

Don (homefryes): Hi, Don! Don't worry about being absent, my friend! I hope that you enjoyed your vacation, we need them from time to time, right? Thank you for your congratulations, and the second that it's eligible, Ashtabula will bet my vote for the Hall of Fame! You've got something great going over there in the Buckeye State! Hope to see you again soon, Don!

Dan (dsrwhat316): Hey, Dan! Thank you so much for such great compliments, my friend, and for the advice, too! I will be checking out your suggestions next time I fire up the LE! Oh, and it's my pleasure mentioning you in the podcast, you've been a huge help to me! Take care, my friend!




So, I've still been concentrating on the Abitibi Square region, though, I've taken a step back from the LE for a bit, and I'm trying to fill in some other sections in an effort to complete the entire tile...one of these days, of course! Here's how it looks right now...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F149.jpg&hash=111febe1ecd3911d2d6473116192b991ec801b82)

...complete with the new Sky Background Mod (http://sc4devotion.com/csxlex/lex_filedesc.php?lotGET=2080) by your good friend and mine, Adam (Ennedi)!

As for the development thus far, the custom section of Abitibi Square is supposed to be a cultural section nestled amongst a commercial section, hence all the wonderful NDEX buildings surrounding it right now. None of the new development has been customized by me, they're just plopped, and I'm actually quite happy with how it looks!

For those of you that are fond of the custom work, don't fret, though—there's still a few sections that need filling in, and I have a couple of tricks up my sleeves yet!

Also, if you haven't already, head over to the June 2009 Edition of the SC4Devotion Podcast (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=8073.0), hosted by our good friend Matt (threestooges), where "yours truly" is in the hot seat! Thanks again to Matt and Pat for their work with the Podcast, and for giving me the honor of being interviewed this month.

More from Marathon to come!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: woodb3kmaster on June 11, 2009, 12:38:04 AM
Looking good as usual, Dustin! NDEX skyscrapers are definitely among the best, I think, and you've managed to arrange them quite nicely around Abitibi Square. I'll have to go hunt for some of the ones I don't recognize and add them to my collection...

Keep up the mind-bogglingly great work!

Zack
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: JBSimio on June 11, 2009, 01:01:11 AM
It's coming together well, Dustin!   :thumbsup:  I'm hoping for some closer looks in the future, but I definitely like where this is headed.

Oh yes... I completely understand the back and forth syndrome when it comes to this game.  I don't know how many times I've exited to the region (thinking I'm about done for the day) only to spot that one little thing that "I really should fix."  Next thing you know, I'm right back in the tile I just left for another hour or more!  :D  (And I'm even worse when it comes to the BAT... so we won't even go down that road!)

I heard the podcast earlier today (I guess yesterday, now) and really enjoyed it.  It's always nice to hear the voices and, even more, the thoughts behind the scenes.  I just really love getting that inside look into the people I've come to know around here.  Also, like Dan, I really (and by that I mean REALLY) appreciate the mention at the end there.  Flattering to say the least!

See you next time!
JB
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: darraghf on June 11, 2009, 01:59:31 AM
Wow. I can see you're a big fan of Il Tonkso's BATs :P. It looks a lot better when there's something to take up the empty space. Good luck with the next update, I'm waiting eagerly for it.

-Darragh
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bat on June 11, 2009, 03:21:59 AM
Nice new overview there, looking forward to more...
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on June 11, 2009, 03:26:07 AM
Fantastic overview there Dustin, the skyscrapers district in the south and north looks excellent my friend !  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: KoV Liberty on June 11, 2009, 05:09:55 AM
Hey Dustin! Great update. I need the trees (and flower things) that are in the sort of red flower area.
Like the ones on the Underground Parking lot of yours in Aribiti Square. Thanks,  Alex

EDIT: Also Dustin... I have a favor to ask of you. Could you lot JUST the dock from this link for me? my LE doesnt work, and you are the only person I can think of at the moment who uses the Lot Editor and SC4Tool extensively. Thanks, Alex
http://simpeg.com/forum/index.php?action=tpmod;dl=item868
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: rooker1 on June 11, 2009, 06:05:42 AM
Hey Dustin,

Love how this tile is coming along.  Although I am not one for large grandiose parks and plazas in my cities, yours is looking pretty good.  I always figure, if I am trying to do a realistic city than the land would be worth too much too place so many parks and plazas.  Just my way of thinking.  Anyways, you know me and my style....dirty with very few parks.  ;)  Most of the buildings downtown Toronto place parks/plazas on thier own properties and are obviously responsible than to take care of it themselves.  There is enough City owned parks, and some fairly large ones too.  But I wonder if it was a mandate or something like that for the buildings to have so much park/plaza area.  If it is, great idea.
I also had a listen to the podcast....great interview.  Great to hear your vioce.  Now we know the face and the voice.  And you gave me way too much credit.  I was just there nudging you along.  It was you that took all the steps....and very big ones they were.
BTW, I just got something. ;)
Have a great day and I'll look forward to your next update and I'll look for you on MSN.

Seeya,
Robin  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: rajacobs on June 11, 2009, 01:38:11 PM
Hi Dustin,

Thanks for your kind welcome. Love the new development! Are you planning of filling up the entire island eventually? I'm curious to see your next steps. Hopefully there'll be some more open spaces, I really like how you create open space in your cities.  :thumbsup:

Regards,
Rogier
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Luke09 on June 11, 2009, 03:18:48 PM
Nice pic Dustin,Abitibi Square is looking really nice.Will you make mass transit there?i mean to people go to the centre of the island(Abitibi is the centre right?).And about the libraries,if you could,would be nice  ::)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: calibanX on June 11, 2009, 08:33:24 PM
Very nice city planning going on there Dustin in the Abitibi Square region. Don't worry about finishing quickly. Your process is quite enjoyable to watch.

Take care.

Geoff
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: JoeST on June 12, 2009, 01:18:54 AM
Fantastic stuff here Dustin, thanks :)

Joe
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on June 13, 2009, 08:38:11 AM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies2.jpg&hash=caaacd21f4d241ef76081c80d2a7c8f16899680d)

Zack (woodb3kmaster): Thanks, Zack! There are so many fantastic NDEX buildings that it's tough to get all of them! Good luck on your hunt, though, and if there's any that you that you see here that you can't identify, let me know and I'll help as best I can!

Jon (JBSimio): Thank you, Jon! That back-and-forth syndrome gets you every time, doesn't it? Sometimes it's a lot of fun, especially when you finished something and you want to see how it looks, but other times it can get a bit frustrating. Oh, and it was my pleasure to mention you and your work in the podcast, my friend! I should be thanking you for all the wonderful work you do! And here it is...THANK YOU! Take care, Jon!

Darra (darraghf): Thanks, my friend! Yes, his BATs are fantastic, aren't they?

bat: Thanks!

Arthur (art128): Thank you, Arthur!

Alex (Driftmaster07): Hi, Alex! Thank you so much for your wonderful comments! As for your lotting request, I am flattered that you would ask me! As you can see here on a regular basis, I've got my hands full with Marathon-related stuff, but I will definitely see what I can do for you and get back to you. Hope to see you again soon!

Robin (rooker1): Hi, Robin! Good to see you, my friend! You're right about all the open space, too—with real estate at a premium in urban areas, it's tough to get a balance. That just means that Marathon will have to build up instead of out! Oh, and thanks for the kind words about the podcast, too, though you most certainly did more than "nudge" me along. In fact, I think I didn't give you enough credit! I hope all is well with your family and little Alyssa! Take care, my friend!

Rogier (rajacobs): Hi, Rogier! I'm so happy you like the new development, my friend! To answer your question, the entire island will absolutely be filled up, however, the caveat lies in your final word—"eventually!" But don't worry, everything that I do will be documented here, so you can follow along with each step! And I'm sure there'll be more open spaces, too! Thanks for stopping by, Rogier!

Luke (Luke09): Thanks, Luke! As for mass transit, the large station at the bottom is meant to be a central bus station, and there are sections of some of the lots designed to look like subway station entrances, too (though not modded to actually be subway stations, unfortunately...), so there's definitely mass transit in the area. Abitibi Square is a bit north of center on the island, but since it's a cultural center, mass transit is a must! Take care!

Geoff (calibanX): Hi, Geoff! Thanks for your kind words, my friend! And, I don't think I could finish quickly! Some of the lotting can be a bit time consuming. It's OK, though, it's all worth it in the end! Hope to see you again here soon!

Joe (JoeST): Thank you, Joe!




Wait one moment here...it's a bit past 11:30 AM here in Pennsylvania (GMT -4)...and...I'm awake?!!? What's next, a blizzard in June? Anyway...there's been some great new stuff added to the LEX in the past few days, and I've been playing around, as usual...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F150.jpg&hash=55e9ddde58f03d35d80a22dea07d24efb4f6a51c)

Case in point—Set Three of the New York City Housing Projects (http://sc4devotion.com/csxlex/lex_filedesc.php?lotGET=2092) by our good friend and master creator, marcszar. These housing project buildings are so wonderful, I could fill an entire tile with them and not bat an eyelash! If you haven't played around with them yet, any of the sets, head over to the LEX and check them out!

In the meantime, more from Marathon will be coming shortly! I have a few ideas that I'm tossing around in my head, though nothing set in stone yet. We'll see where things take us!

In a bit!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Earth quake on June 13, 2009, 09:01:31 AM
Nice update dustin. :thumbsup:
I see that you are quick to install the new bats of LEX.

Vivien.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Luke09 on June 13, 2009, 09:26:30 AM
Yea Dustin,those NY sets are unbeliavable,but as im going to...how can i say this in english...i will reinstall all the programs in my pc,and i will dl all the nic stuff for SC4,as i dont have it now(i only have CAM,NAM,RHW,JBsimio schools,Allianz arena,marrast sea walls ,peg and jeronij stuff).Keep it Going my friend

Please do not discuss using file sharing systems to distribute game files.  It's not acceptable.  -Alex (Tarkus)/Admin

Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bat on June 13, 2009, 10:28:10 AM
Great work with these buildings there, Dustin!
Looking forward to more...... ;)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on June 13, 2009, 10:34:06 AM
Nice ghetto there Dustin, it really looks like the Bronx's one ! The fog effect added is a great touch to the realism.  :thumbsup:
Take care,
-Arhtur. :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: KoV Liberty on June 13, 2009, 11:01:56 AM
Great update! I love the projects division too. You are very good a designing neighborhoods. I understand you are full of Marathon related stuff as well. Thank you for accepting the request. Edit: No need for the request. Friend fixed my LE and it now works. Sorry for any inconvenience.

Alex
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Shingure on June 13, 2009, 10:43:15 PM
Looking good there!
Also Pennsylvannia , I live in PA too!
Must love the weather we are having up here!   :P
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: darraghf on June 14, 2009, 07:12:12 AM
Those towers look amazingly well. The small touches in photoshop make it look a lot more realistic too.

-Darragh
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Toichus Maximus on June 14, 2009, 11:21:21 AM
good ol' PA... I go to school in Gettysburg.

Nice work on the tile, i like how the denser stuff breaks up nicely for the plazas. Interested to see what else is going to happen there ^^
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: kimcar on June 14, 2009, 12:44:05 PM
Yep your right , those building are just so great looking &apls &apls. And specialy when they are well diposed  :thumbsup: Have fun.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Pat on June 14, 2009, 12:58:20 PM
Dustin simply amazing here wow!!! Love the apartments complex shot there...  oooh hey BTW you did a fantastic job on your podcast interview!!! You and Matt was great and it was a real treat to add a voice to you!!!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: carkid1998 on June 15, 2009, 07:50:09 AM

Yet another great piccy! :thumbsup: That photoshopping is perfecto as well!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Ryan B. on June 15, 2009, 11:02:08 AM
Great work, Dustin!

Say, I was re-reading CoM, and I was wondering if another round of Jeopardy! was going to be starting up anytime soon.  I can't believe I missed it earlier.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: rajacobs on June 15, 2009, 01:52:01 PM
Looking good as always!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on June 16, 2009, 12:18:18 AM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies2.jpg&hash=caaacd21f4d241ef76081c80d2a7c8f16899680d)

Vivien (Earth quake): Thank you, Vivien! I try to stay on top of the new stuff that comes out!

Luke (Luke09): Thanks, Luke! I'm so glad that you're getting back into playing the game, my friend! Good luck!

bat: Thank you, my friend!

Arthur (art128): Thanks, Arthur! And congratulations on Maroanestra (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=5171.0) making it to the Classics!

Alex (Driftmaster07): Thank you, Alex! And good luck with your projects!

Shingure: Hey, a fellow Pennsylvanian! Welcome to Marathon, my friend! Hope to see you around again!

Darra (darraghf): Thank you so much!

Toichus Maximus: Another resident of the Keystone State! Thanks for stopping by, and I'm happy that you like things here. Hope to see you again, and good luck down there in Gettysburg!

kimcar: Thank you so much, my friend!

Pat: Thanks, Pat!

carkid1998: Thank you, my friend!

Ryan (Ryan B.): Thank you, Ryan! And who knows...maybe there will be another round one of these days! The only way to find out is to stay tuned!

Rogier (rajacobs): Thanks so much, Rogier!




Well, I've been doing a bit of thinking on where to take things in Marathon next. Perhaps...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F151.jpg&hash=3b35ae7c1a82c032836364809d455cada8d34efe)

...there?

Well, not there exactly—don't worry, pure forests of skyscrapers like that are not really my thing, that was just an exaggerated example!—but a bit of a "tip-toe" in that direction.

Oh, and we've recently passed 1700 comments and 50000 views here in Marathon! Those numbers keep going up, thanks to all of you! Thank you all so very much!

More to come!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: io_bg on June 16, 2009, 03:16:49 AM
Nice mosaic! And congratulations on the milestones! &apls
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: rooker1 on June 16, 2009, 03:42:37 AM
Hey Dustin,
Fantastic milestone....and I love forests of skyscrapers.  Why can't we go in that direction?  That mosaic looks like a great start.

Robin  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: darraghf on June 16, 2009, 03:48:19 AM
I agree, that's very dense, too dense. Some parks and trails are on the agenda for the next update so.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on June 16, 2009, 03:54:16 AM
How many windows are there on this mosaic ?? :D That's a big modern forest here Dustin, but It looks great and I like it, it's like LA or Chicago.
Also, I see that you used my favorite building of Monréal, nice !
take care,
-Arthur.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: KoV Liberty on June 16, 2009, 05:34:50 AM
Congratulatios! I had just noticed the 1711 comments! Keep up the good work!  :thumbsup: EDIT: Hey Dustin, I have just started a MD and now have a extra XP computer too. So how do you transport regions from that computer to my Vista? You told me you did a while back so...

Alex
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: carkid1998 on June 16, 2009, 08:31:18 AM
Blimey that buildings big! Where did you get it??

We could have some highways... 
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Battlecat on June 16, 2009, 08:45:52 AM
A well built urban core can be quite beautiful even if it is a bit of a forest of skyscrapers.  And with the amount of money it would have cost to build the artificial Island there, high density would be a necessity.  Particularly since the transport infrastructure has been designed for large volumes of people.  I'm certainly looking forward to seeing what your plans are! 
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: JoeST on June 16, 2009, 08:47:02 AM
Carkid: That is Bashnja na Naberezhnoj C (Embankment Tower C) by Simfox [linky] (http://www.simtropolis.com/stex/details.cfm?id=19696)

(I think, correct me if I am wrong :D)

And it looks fantastic, as usual :)

Joe

Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Luke09 on June 16, 2009, 10:47:22 AM
Wow Dustin amazing mosaic!Nice Skyscrapers!I love those
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on June 17, 2009, 08:58:40 PM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies2.jpg&hash=caaacd21f4d241ef76081c80d2a7c8f16899680d)

io_bg: Thank you!

Robin (rooker1): Thanks so much, Robin! Skyscraper forests, eh? We'll see what happens, my friend!

Darra (darraghf): Definitely very dense, you're right! Don't worry though, things won't be that dense. It was just me playing around!

Arthur (art128): Wow! I never thought of how many windows are there! It's a quite a large number! And that's my favorite building from Montréal, too! Take care, my friend!

Alex (Driftmaster07): Thank you, Alex! All I did to switch my region over to Vista was make a copy of my "Regions" folder and bring it to the other computer. If that doesn't work, let me know and we'll see if we can figure something else out. Good luck!

carkid1998: As our good friend Joe (JoeST pointed out, it is the Bashnja na Naberezhnoj C (Embankment Tower C) (http://www.simtropolis.com/stex/details.cfm?id=19696) by SimFox, and can be found on the STEX.

Battlecat: I like your thinking, my friend! I love skyscrapers, and certainly want to incorporate them, but I also want to avoid that "wall of buildings" feel that can happen quickly with really tall buildings. We'll figure it out, though! Thanks for stopping by!

Joe (JoeST): Indeed, you're correct, Joe! Thanks for your help, and for your great comments!

Luke (Luke09): Thanks, Luke!




Well, I'm still messing around with the third set of New York City Housing Projects by marcszar...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F152.jpg&hash=7147a7b5ad47f62966873202a1df14f24d18bb11)

Man, do I love playing with low-income neighborhoods!

In a bit!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on June 17, 2009, 11:50:21 PM
Great mosaic, Dusitn ! I really love the W2W line between the waterfront and the ghetto.
Take care,
-Arthur. :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: rooker1 on June 18, 2009, 03:58:53 AM
Hello Dustin,
Not sure which one of us loves the low income more, you or I?  At any rate, I think I would have done an area very simliar to what you have above.  Marc's stuff is amazing, isn't it? 
See you around,
Robin  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bat on June 18, 2009, 05:09:49 AM
Fantastic two new mosaics there! And congrats on over 1700 comments and around 50700 views!!! :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: io_bg on June 18, 2009, 06:00:06 AM
Looks great as always! :thumbsup: BTW I spotted a graphic bug on the left side of the waterfront - there's some water missing :P

Welcome to page 87!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: KoV Liberty on June 18, 2009, 06:15:10 AM
You do very well with R$ sims! EDIT: Thanks! The region transfer worked!

Alex
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Luke09 on June 18, 2009, 09:59:14 AM
Nice Dustin,it fit really good on that area!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: dsrwhat316 on June 18, 2009, 12:14:08 PM
Well, those ghettos look like... ghettos  ::)

The area looks good, as good as ghettos can get. I'll have to try my hand at making ghettos again; it's been awhile...

~ Dan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Haljackey on June 18, 2009, 12:42:41 PM
Excellent mosaics Dustin!  I loved the skyscraper one!

You just keep chugging along, don't you?  Keep up the excellent work!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: JBSimio on June 19, 2009, 03:56:28 PM
Hi Dustin,

Been a busy week here, but I've been dropping by to look and the pretty pictures when I can.  It looks as if Marathon Island is experiencing quite a building boom these days.  Oddly enough (as my typing voice drips with sarcasm), the results of said building boom look pretty darn good! (notice how the sarcasm dropped away from my typing voice after the comma there?  inflection... damn useful conversation tool!)  The downtown area is amazing... excellent choices for the buildings!  They really fit together well.  It's nice to see that, even as dense as it is, there are still a few areas open enough to let the sun through.  As for the housing projects, well... nobody makes them better than Marc so how could you possibly go wrong?  The block long parking alley is a great touch.  I also really like the way the buildings along the waterfront are a bit shorter... proving that even the under-privileged (I probably spelled that wrong) can have a nice view from time to time.  ;)

Take care, my friend!
JB
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on June 19, 2009, 11:28:19 PM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies2.jpg&hash=caaacd21f4d241ef76081c80d2a7c8f16899680d)

Arthur (art128): Thanks, Arthur!

Robin (rooker1): You're right, Robin—the low income stuff that marcszar has made is incredible! I just simply can't get enough of it! Hope all is well with you, my friend!

bat:
Danke schön, bat!

io_bg: Ha! I didn't see that bug! Thanks for catching it! Take care!

Alex (Driftmaster07): Hi, Alex! I'm glad to hear that the transfer went well! Thanks for your kind words, too!

Luke (Luke09): Thanks, Luke!

Dan (dsrwhat316): Hi, Dan! Thanks, my friend! Ghettos are one of those things that I find fun to play around with. There's not a whole lot of work involved, especially since marcszar made it so easy for us with his wonderful creations. Hope to see you again soon!

Haljackey: Thanks!

Jon (JBSimio): Hi, Jon! Thank you for your very kind words, and for the inflection behind them! That's hardest part about non-verbal communication, sarcasm (something of which I am a big fan) doesn't translate well! I'm so happy that you're enjoying things, and I hope to see you around very soon, my friend! Take care!




Thanks to Robin (rooker1), I'm...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F153.jpg&hash=c0715ad012fb5edd0e1b9fd4828567bcd2dddc84)

...contemplating a Plugins Folder Reorganization! Note that I used the word "contemplating"—it's not a small task at all. We'll how things turn out I guess.

In the meantime, I'll be spending the weekend working on other things as well...What other things? I'm not quite sure...yet!

Enjoy your weekend!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Glowbal on June 20, 2009, 05:07:41 AM
I must admit, that you give me lots of inspiration for my own regio.  ;D

Btw, I'd like to see a regional overview of Marathon.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: KoV Liberty on June 20, 2009, 07:37:36 AM
A regional overview would be nice! The region transfer did go well but I can't change the region name. Oh well!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Luke09 on June 20, 2009, 07:56:25 AM
I agree,regional overview ftw :P big folder dustin,lol
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on June 20, 2009, 10:25:00 AM
If my plugins folder will be that...  :D But it's isn't...
Take care,
-Arthur.

(Oh and BTW, yes an overview of Marathon will be nice (maybe take an overview of each tiles and make a panorama with photoshop ! ))
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on June 20, 2009, 01:18:22 PM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies2.jpg&hash=caaacd21f4d241ef76081c80d2a7c8f16899680d)

Glowbal: Hello! Welcome to Marathon! I'm so glad that you are finding inspiration from things here, that's probably the best compliment I can get! Thanks so much!

Alex (Driftmaster07): Hi, Alex! To change the name of your region, go to your "Regions" folder, open up the folder of the region you want to change, then click on the file named "region." It should open up in Notepad, giving you the regional settings. Once there, just change the name after "Name =" and save. Open up the game, and your region should be renamed. If you run into a problem, just let me know! Take care and good luck!

Luke (Luke09): Hey, Luke! Yes, my folder's gotten pretty big! As of right now, it's 1.60 GB, but I've got a lot of other stuff that's not in there, so it can grow even bigger. Thanks for stopping by!

Arthur (art128): Ha! Thanks, Arthur!




Our newest friend to Marathon, Glowbal ask for a region shot, which was also requested by all of our other friends today as well! So...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F154.jpg&hash=a21addccd1f43e2bcb1023deb518e5001af91671)

...there's Marathon Island! It will take a bit of time to put together a full region shot with the mainland for you, but until then, you can check out UPDATE XXXIII: The Commonwealth of Marathon Presents...The Commonwealth of Marathon! (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6190.msg240235#msg240235), which has some older shots of the entire region. That's a good place to start! In the meantime, I'll try and put one together for you!

In a bit!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: rajacobs on June 20, 2009, 04:49:26 PM
Some nice teasers over the last days!  $%#Ninj2

I see there's plenty of space left for new and amazing projects. I'm curious to see what's next.

Regards.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: darraghf on June 20, 2009, 05:32:42 PM
Wow! You realy do like to plan ahead, don't you!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: KoV Liberty on June 20, 2009, 06:57:38 PM
Cool!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: sithlrd98 on June 20, 2009, 08:16:46 PM
Man. you went from parks to a jungle...Skyscraper that is! Looks real good though, looking forward to some more!

Jayson
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: calibanX on June 20, 2009, 10:06:27 PM
Great mosaics as usual Dustin. I love the glass skyscrapers and the ghetto. Nice contrast there.

Good luck with the plugin folder reorginization. Be very careful  ;)

Geoff
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on June 20, 2009, 11:58:17 PM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies2.jpg&hash=caaacd21f4d241ef76081c80d2a7c8f16899680d)

Rogier (rajacobs): Thanks so much, my friend! We've still got plenty of space to work with, you're right! I hope I have enough ideas to fill it all! Take care!

Darra (darraghf): Indeed I do! Thanks for stopping by!

Alex (Driftmaster07): Thanks, Alex!

Jayson (sithlrd98): Ha! I didn't think of it like that, Jayson! Great thinking! I'm glad you're enjoying things. Hope to see you again soon!

Geoff (calibanX): Thank you, Geoff! And I will be very careful with the reorganization, too—if I undertake it at all. The urge is subsiding a bit. We'll see what happens, though!




Well, Abitibi Square called me back into her clutches again! Here's the latest...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F155.jpg&hash=00834c6953dc5b636b2abb88b6bb5d52e999cd2d)

Part of me wants to finish this area and move on, and another part of me hopes that it never ends! We'll strike a balance between those, too, though, don't worry!

Oh, and a HAPPY FATHER'S DAY to all our fathers out there! Enjoy yourselves!

More from Marathon is on the way!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on June 21, 2009, 01:40:24 AM
The overview looks great Dustin, we can see that a lot of things are planed. Also, nice start on Beaubourg lot.
Take care,
-Arthur. :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: KoV Liberty on June 21, 2009, 07:02:52 AM
Looks great! By the way... What buiding are you lotting?

Alex
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bat on June 21, 2009, 08:14:18 AM
Welcome to page 88! &apls

That region overview is nice! Wonderful work on that island!
And looking forward to more from your work... ;)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: carkid1998 on June 21, 2009, 09:45:26 AM

MMMmmm.. That views nice $%Grinno$%.

If You Are in need of some development ideas, how about some hotel resorts??
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Luke09 on June 21, 2009, 10:38:51 AM
Nice Pics again Dustin,and what was that?lol
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: sithlrd98 on June 21, 2009, 10:24:41 PM
That looks to be the  Beaubourg by Choucass  (http://www.simtropolis.com/stex/details.cfm?id=21667)

Hey Dustin , ambitious project! I've seen a couple of variations on this one , and I'm sure yours will be just as good!

Jayson
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on June 21, 2009, 11:28:09 PM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies2.jpg&hash=caaacd21f4d241ef76081c80d2a7c8f16899680d)

Arthur (art128): Thanks so much, Arthur!

Alex (Driftmaster07): Thanks, Alex! The building is the Centre Georges Pompidou / Beaubourg (http://www.simtropolis.com/stex/details.cfm?id=21667) by choucass, and is available on the STEX. Thanks to Jayson (sithlrd98) for supplying the link, too!

bat: Thanks, my friend!

carkid1998: Hmmm...Hotels, eh? Sounds like a good idea! I will keep that one in mind for sure! Thanks, my friend!

Luke (Luke09): Thanks, Luke!

Jayson (sithlrd98): Hi, Jayson! Thanks for the link, my friend, I hope everyone gets some use out of it! And thank you so much for your kind words and your encouragement, too. Hope to see you again soon!




Well, you can consider me one of the late ones here at SC4D. Here, a new NAM was released right under my nose and I missed it! See what happens when you spend all afternoon and evening watching the second season of Dexter (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dexter_(TV_series)#Season_2)?

Well, I've just gotten everything downloaded, and the first thing I noticed was a fantastic fix for something that had been bothering me for quite a bit...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F156.jpg&hash=273f777d1a7d22558e179600689c8212b138b565)

...Avenue FLUPs!

It's only a cosmetic fix, but it just goes to show how much detail goes into everything that The NAM Team does! I haven't even scratched the surface of the new release either! So, a thousand thanks go out to The NAM Team for their tremendous hard work and dedication to such an extraordinary and indispensable project! Thanks so much, friends!

In a bit!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on June 22, 2009, 01:16:55 AM
You too you watch Dexter ? I love that TV series, I've see all the 3 first seasons !
As for the picture, you're right this is much better now with the avenue underpass my friend.
Looking forward to more.
Take care,
-Arthur. :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Speedbump Joey on June 22, 2009, 07:20:59 AM
I have enjoyed watching this progress, thanks for some inspiring moments.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: KoV Liberty on June 22, 2009, 09:20:51 AM
That is a good looking fix! And thanks for the link!

Alex
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: carkid1998 on June 22, 2009, 09:32:34 AM

Now that's better! :thumbsup:
And Thanks for taking my idea into consideration! ()stsfd()
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Luke09 on June 22, 2009, 10:12:27 AM
Nice!Now its easier to make avenue tunnels...and i think that hotels are really a nice idea!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on June 23, 2009, 12:08:12 AM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies2.jpg&hash=caaacd21f4d241ef76081c80d2a7c8f16899680d)

Arthur (art128): Thanks, Arthur! I am quite a fan of Dexter, too—I finished up watching the second season, but I have to wait for the third season to come out DVD to catch up there. It's a great show! Thanks for stopping by!

Speedbump Joey: Welcome to Marathon! I'm so glad you enjoy things, and I hope we'll see you back again!

Alex (Driftmaster07): No problem, Alex! Thanks again!

carkid1998: I agree 100%! And thank you for such a great idea!

Luke (Luke09): Thanks, Luke!




Working, working, working...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F157.jpg&hash=1f29b0704c0976714dddb59a57c9b7ab6658c94e)

In a bit!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on June 23, 2009, 12:49:00 AM
Nice textures and overlays used there Dustin, I really love the idea of the path. Ans also great work with the big wheel...  ;)
Take care,
-Arthur. :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: carkid1998 on June 23, 2009, 02:05:52 AM

Looking Good!

I can't wait to see these lots progress! :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: KoV Liberty on June 23, 2009, 07:04:35 AM
Cant wait to see what happens next! EDIT: Also you forgot to switch the two roads underpass with the avenue in the top right of the pic.

Alex
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: rooker1 on June 23, 2009, 07:55:04 AM
Hey Dustin,

I'm starting to get jealous....your LE skills, but mostly the time you seem to have.  These days I don't have very much time, but I am trying to find some time for myself. 
Anyways, enough about me.
The last two updates are fantastic.

See you later my friend,
Robin  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: dsrwhat316 on June 23, 2009, 11:33:40 AM
I agree with Robin; where do you find the time to do all this masterful work? I barely have enough time to type this message!  :bomb:

I see you are enjoying the new bells and whistles thanks to the latest release of the NAM. I have a suggestion regarding your latest work; you should get rid of the grass textures next to the diagonal roads. Using the Lot Editor (what else?), the resized lots trick and the adding props to resized lots trick you can extend the base textures you are using for the new square underneath the roadway. All you need is the diagonal road overlay texture, which is included in the Osturland Chancellory BAT (http://sc4devotion.com/csxlex/lex_filedesc.php?lotGET=802) by yoder7652. I don't remember exactly where I found the overlay textures for the diagonal avenue, so I'll have to get back to you on that one...

Hopefully that'll give you a little challenge; you make all the LEing work done here look so easy!

~ Dan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Luke09 on June 23, 2009, 12:00:17 PM
Wow nice texturing,but whats that?and is that london eye?
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: darraghf on June 23, 2009, 02:11:15 PM
Hey Dustin. Great work so far. I however, don't think that beaubourg, as nice as it looks, fits in there. That's just my opinion on it. What do you think?
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Battlecat on June 23, 2009, 02:43:27 PM
Interesting building!  I'm looking forward to the final look of this area and seeing how you plan to fit that building in. 
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Glowbal on June 24, 2009, 02:16:38 AM
Been away for a few days, and come back to discover a few beautiful updates. :)
Plus the regio overview! thanks.

The underpass is a huge improvement, imo.  :thumbsup:
That's a canal it goes under, correct?
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: KoV Liberty on June 24, 2009, 06:01:50 AM
Also where did you get the ferris wheel? I could sure use it in my MD!

Alex

EDIT:

Welcome to page 89 and 1760 posts of this GREAT MD!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on June 24, 2009, 06:39:43 AM
Driftmaster07 -> The ferris wheel is the London eye by Yoder7652 on the STEX (http://www.simtropolis.com/stex/details.cfm?id=17555) and on the LEX (http://sc4devotion.com/csxlex/lex_filedesc.php?lotGET=648)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on June 25, 2009, 12:48:08 AM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies2.jpg&hash=caaacd21f4d241ef76081c80d2a7c8f16899680d)

Arthur (art128): Thanks so much, Arthur!

carkid1998: Thanks, my friend!

Alex (Driftmaster07): Yes, I did! Thanks for catching that one, Alex. I'll get it fixed immediately!

Robin (rooker1): Hi, Robin! I do have a lot of time on my hands, don't I? It's that dangerous combination of unemployed and insomniac! It's always great to see you here, my friend! Take care!

Dan (dsrwhat316): Hello, Dan! I have to tell you, my friend—you always get me thinking with the suggestions you give. I love it! I'm going to have to do some serious thinking about this one, though. Just from trying to apply your explanation got my head a bit confused! Thank you so much for your input and, please, keep it coming! Your ideas are always fantastic! Hope to see you again soon!

Luke (Luke09): Thanks, Luke! And yes, it is!

Darra (darraghf): Thanks, my friend! And thank you for your input on the Beaubourg building, too—I think that may be one of those buildings that, since it's such a different-looking structure, will stick out like a sore thumb anywhere you put it. Then again, I may be wrong! Thanks again for you opinion, my friend, and for stopping by!

Battlecat: Thank you so much!

Glowbal: Thanks, my friend! I agree with you on the underpass, it looks so much better now! And yes, they go under canal pieces. Hope to see you again soon!

Alex (Driftmaster07): Hey, Alex! Our friend Arthur answered your question directly below your question. Hope that helps!

Arthur (art128): Thanks for answering Alex's question, Arthur!




Well, I'm still plugging away at this new area in Abitibi Square, but I've run into a bit of a pickle. For some reason, one of the overlay textures...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F159.jpg&hash=323043586431b2cab741127b3d170f3afcc0fefe)

...doesn't seem to match like it does in...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F160.jpg&hash=e2b631c6c73246c161ef2ac22c3efa687100de4c)

...the LE. I thought, at first, that it was a result of have double overlays on one tile, but the example above is just one of them, so I'm at a loss. If anyone has an explanation, I'd be eternally grateful!

Oh, and just to prove that the aforementioned pickle hasn't impeded progress...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F158.jpg&hash=a360dab3af46ec2519c663be5ab0353124219895)

Sorry about the view—those pesky unpaid interns are back in the dark room, developing these pictures. Who knows how they ended up making look like a burlap sack, though!

More to come!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: io_bg on June 25, 2009, 01:22:47 AM
Hey, Dustin, I think you can hide those textures by putting bushes, flowers or other stuff over them ;)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: rooker1 on June 25, 2009, 04:24:54 AM
 Damn those interns.  You should stop paying them....oh yah, you already don't.  Fire them than....
As for the LE problem, I'm not too sure.  I would need to look at the file itself and see what was used.  There might be a conflict with the ID numbers of that particular piece.  Is it a double overlay?  If so that could be the problem.  It won't be an issue in LE, but once brought into game it could be.  A good idea might be to just ask Barby to have a look at it.

See you later,
Robin  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: CasperVg on June 25, 2009, 04:51:36 AM
Looks like you've been doing well here, Dustin. I've been silently following the progress here, and I still like it a lot. I'm looking forward to the results of your lotting.

I'm pretty sure the issue with the texture is caused by it being a wealth-dependant overlay, meaning that it will chance it's colour according to the wealth of the lot. In the Lot Editor, it doesn't show this, and just uses the High Wealth texture (bright green), but in-game it may change to a less bright (almost brownish) green. An easy way to solve this is by setting the wealth of the lot to High Wealth, using ILive's reader.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi424.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fpp328%2FCasperVg%2FHW10000.jpg&hash=4ed1bf85b0675fbc8d621532c47bad93b50d0374)
First of all, open the building description in the Reader, and double-click the Wealth property, that now shows Medium Wealth (or Low Wealth)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi424.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fpp328%2FCasperVg%2FHW10001.jpg&hash=5f024c1b2d274aba02a1ef2430196779070bf436)
You will end up in this window, where you should change the 0x02 down below to 0x03

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi424.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fpp328%2FCasperVg%2FHW10002.jpg&hash=1d071589b8c824cdfcbc8dd157697aaa5b9ac61f)
Thus, it will look like this. Now, press Apply twice (first on the right, then at the bottom)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi424.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fpp328%2FCasperVg%2FHW10003.jpg&hash=6d87ac4554e99b2ee93a403f5d000434423c0806)
In the end, the Reader will have changed the property from Medium Wealth to High Wealth, and, after you've saved, the texture should look fine.

Hope it works,
Casper
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: KoV Liberty on June 25, 2009, 04:53:25 AM
Quote from: io_bg on June 25, 2009, 01:22:47 AM
Hey, Dustin, I think you can hide those textures by putting bushes, flowers or other stuff over them ;)

This might be a good idea... As for other fixes, I'm not quite sure  &mmm.

Alex
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bat on June 25, 2009, 10:44:27 AM
Great work there on the previous teasers there! (Sorry for missing some...)
Looking forward to more... ;)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: JBSimio on June 25, 2009, 10:57:56 AM
Hi Dustin!

It looks as if I've missed a couple fine updates here again.  Things continue to look very good indeed!   &apls

I would agree with Casper as to the source of your texture problems.  It definitely looks like a wealth dependent overlay that you're using.  I'm not sure if his solution is necessary, though.  Quite a few of these reverse overlay textures have versions that are not impacted by the lot wealth.  I can't be certain about this particular one until I get a chance to look at home... but I'll take a look and edit this later if I can find the "right" texture.   :thumbsup:

JB

Edit:  I stand corrected... I'm guessing that the overlay texture you've got there is 0x59433000, which is indeed the high wealth version of a wealth dependent "family."  There is no independant version of this particular texture that I could find.  Sorry... back to Casper's suggestion!  ;)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: dsrwhat316 on June 25, 2009, 01:58:32 PM
Yes, it appears you are using one of the wealth-dependent overlay textures on your lot. Looks like Casper beat me to an explanation on how to fix this, though  :P

If my explanation about applying the resizing trick to your square was confusing, sorry. Just go back to when you put a base texture underneath the rails in one of your train station updates (sorry forgot which one). It's basically the same thing, except here since there is a base texture (the grass) underneath the roads, the one you use when lot-resizing will replace it (the grass) with whatever you choose for a base texture. Then using the link I provided before, will net you the diagonal road overlay textures so that your base texture won't show through the roads. Hope that was a little more clear; if not, drop me a PM for more help.

And damn your cryptic pics! I'm always curious to see what you are up to that I make Marathon one of my first stops whenever I check into SC4D. Until next time, Dustin...

~ Dan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on June 26, 2009, 05:08:26 PM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies2.jpg&hash=caaacd21f4d241ef76081c80d2a7c8f16899680d)

io_bg: That's a great idea! Thanks so much!

Robin (rooker1): Hey, Robin! Those interns do always find new and wonderful ways to screw things up, don't they? Even when they get fired, a whole new batch comes in and messes up all over again. At least they're not paid, though! Thanks for your help on the texture issue, too—some are double-overlays, some are not—we'll get it figured out. Take care, my friend!

Casper (caspervg): Hi, Casper! So great to see you again, my friend! And with such a fantastic explanation! I've never used the Reader before, but we'll see how it goes. Thank you very much for your help!

Alex (Driftmaster07): I like that idea, too! Quick and easy! Thanks for stopping by!

bat: Thanks so much, my friend! And don't worry about missing things, it's OK—you're always welcome here!

Jon (JBSimio): Hi, Jon! Thanks so much for all your help, especially in tracking things down like that. I appreciate it very much! Hopefully we'll get things straightened out! Take care!

Dan (dsrwhat316): Hello, Dan! Your explanation wasn't confusing at all, my friend. It's just my head getting itself all tied in knots trying to figure things out! That's what happens when you do most of your work in the wee-wee hours of the morning! Thanks for the more detailed explanation, though. I'm sure it will be even more helpful! Hope to see you again soon!




Well...thanks to our great friend Casper (caspervg)...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F161.jpg&hash=2056fec47a350f55ef73e65476b77a3ece055faa)

Our texture problem is solved! For the most part anyway, there's one or two that are double-overlays that probably need to either be re-textured in the LE, or hidden with the "creative prop placing" technique that our friend io_bg suggested! Either way, though, I think we're in good shape and ready to get started with adding props!

It's going to be tough this weekend, though, as my girlfriend and her dad are having a yard sale and I've been conscripted volunteered to help out with sorting, pricing, disposing, etc... Hope your weekend is much more fun than mine!

More to come!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: rooker1 on June 26, 2009, 05:14:14 PM
Hey Dustin,
Good to hear you have it figured out.
Hope you have a great weekend.
Johana and I invited her cousin from Chile to stay with us for a while a few months back.  Everyhting has all come together finally and he is now on a plane on the way here.  I pick him up at the airport tomorrow morning.  So we all will be having a great weekend. ;)

BTW.....the park is coming along great, but it seems to be missing something still.  ;) ::) :D

See you around,
Robin  ;D
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: KoV Liberty on June 26, 2009, 06:38:28 PM
I would rather be in your position right now! I must move heavy furniture to my parents new house all weekend! /wrrd%& Your job is waaaaaaaaay easier! Plus I will be without TV or internet till Tuesday. :'( Good luck with your garage sale!

Alex
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: sithlrd98 on June 26, 2009, 10:37:50 PM
This is probably going to sound real dumb , but is the ground level in that Ferris wheel pic? the winding sidewalk kinda gives the illusion of hills , or maybe I'm just really tired!
Looking good! Have fun with the yard sale... ;D

Jayson
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on June 27, 2009, 01:41:40 AM
Nice job with these paths Dustin, looks nice. However, I don't really love what you done at right of the big wheel, the paths goes to a place but without exit to the street, but it's not your fault, its because of the game.  ;) (I hope you'll understand what I mean.)
Also, i'm glad you solved the texture problem !
Take care,
-Arthur.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Glowbal on June 27, 2009, 02:50:47 AM
Nice to see you've solved the problem you had.  :)

Good luck with the yard sale.  :thumbsup:

cheers!
- Glow
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bat on June 27, 2009, 05:14:21 AM
It's great that you solved this! And looking forward to more... :) ;)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Luke09 on June 27, 2009, 08:50:16 AM
London Eye is looking good  ;)
PS:brazil will beat US by 3x0.if you dont know what im talking about just ask me $%Grinno$%
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Pat on June 27, 2009, 10:32:20 AM
Dustin fantastic here for sure wow!!!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: kimcar on June 27, 2009, 02:07:59 PM
Very good news about the texture problem. It`s nice to know that trick or issue. Your project still on the right way.  &apls &apls A lot of work that you have done and still a lot to do. ;D Have fun my friend :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on June 28, 2009, 06:58:39 PM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies2.jpg&hash=caaacd21f4d241ef76081c80d2a7c8f16899680d)

Robin (rooker1): Hi, Robin! I hope that you had a wonderful weekend with your family, my friend! Thank you for the encouragement, and I hope to see you again soon!

Alex (Driftmaster07): Sorry to hear that you spent all weekend moving furniture, Alex—I hope everything went well!

Jayson (sithlrd98): Ha! It's OK, Jayson! That's happened to me before! The ground is level, so it's just an illusion. Hope to see you again soon!

Arthur (art128): Hi, Arthur! I know what you're talking about and I'm a bit bothered by it, too. Perhaps we'll find another solution for it, though! Take care!

Glowbal: Thanks, my friend!

bat: Thank you, bat!

Luke (Luke09): Thanks, Luke! And I know what you're talking about, though you're were off on the score a little bit! I thought that the United States was doing OK with a 2-0 lead, but Brazil pulled it out! Congratulations, my friend! Take care!

Pat: Thanks!

kimcar: Thank you so much, my friend! But you're right, there's a lot of work that still needs to be done!




Well, I have to say one thing...if you're thinking about having a yard sale ever in your life...DON'T! All the work is not worth it at all. I was awake for 23 hours straight from Friday into Saturday, then spent all day today moving all the junk that didn't sell back to where it was before the sale! Overall, it wasn't that bad, but I would never participate in one again.

Anyway...needless to say, I wasn't about to get a whole lot done this weekend, but...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F162.jpg&hash=c41f8a8f400866c48a7263b190eb907a1848a242)

...I did manage to pull off a shot of the area surrounding our park-in-progress. For now, though, I think I need to relax for a while.

In a bit!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bat on June 29, 2009, 02:03:01 AM
Nice new teaser there! Looking forward to more... ;)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on June 29, 2009, 02:06:04 AM
Excellent teaser Dustin, I like the concentration of tower in this part ! Also, nice work with the diagonals..  ;)
Looking forward to more.
Take care.
-Arthur. :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: rooker1 on June 29, 2009, 04:57:03 AM
Hello Dustin,
Totally agree about the yard sale fiasco.  I can't think of too many times for others or myself where it worked out for the better.  I suppose though if one were to keep this junk in one area of their garage/storage than it may be alright.  I have a little problem with saving junk as my mother was a pro at keeping junk that I now have a sort of phobia.  If I haven't used it in two years, it is gone.  Whether it goes to a friend for free, or I sale it on the internet, or it just goes to the garbage.  This has bite me in the butt a few times, but you'll never see me having a yrad sale.  ()stsfd()

That angle for your pictures looks great.  Try to take a few pics in a row from the same spot as you add more and more details to that area and than turn it into an animation. ;) If you don't have a program to do that, look for me on MSN and I'll find the free DL link for you.

See you later my friend,
Robin  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Tomas Neto on June 29, 2009, 08:56:00 AM
Yeah, nice teaser!!!  &apls &apls &apls
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Luke09 on June 29, 2009, 01:14:15 PM
The city is fiting good...hum...nice pic,and :party: BRAZIL WON! :party:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: KoV Liberty on June 29, 2009, 05:43:39 PM
You are doing a great job! And have a good long rest.

Alex
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Nexis4Jersey on June 29, 2009, 11:59:04 PM
great update, i love the thought of skyscrapers coming to Marathon, it makes my skin tingle in excitement :thumbsup: $%Grinno$%
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: rooker1 on June 30, 2009, 03:55:18 AM
What?!?!?
No update?
Well you must be catching up on the lost sleep from the Yard Sale. ::)
It's good to see even Dustin the Great needs a break.  :D ;D :D

Robin :P
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on July 01, 2009, 01:28:11 AM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies2.jpg&hash=caaacd21f4d241ef76081c80d2a7c8f16899680d)

bat: Vielen Dank!

Arthur (art128): Thanks, Arthur! I'm happy with how the towers have turned out so far, and I'm even happier to hear that you are, too! Thanks for coming by!

Robin (rooker1): Hey, Robin! I won't even waste any more energy thinking about that yard sale catastrophe, but suffice it to say that I was pretty wiped out! As for the angle on that last shot, I was just playing around in Photoshop and forgot about the old "Flip Canvas Horizontal." I tried it, and that's what happened! I think that tall and thin structures take to the technique quite well, and I may use that to my advantage in the future. Oh, and your animation idea's a great one! I'll be looking for you for answers there, too! Take care, my friend!

Tomas Neto: Thank you, my friend! And welcome to Marathon!

Luke (Luke09): Thanks, Luke! And congratulations again on Brazil's Confederation Cup win!

Alex (Driftmaster07): Thank you, Alex!

Corey (Nexis4Jersey): Thanks so much, Corey! It's great to finally be playing around with skyscrapers again. Take care!

Robin (rooker1): Ha! What can I say, my friend? That yard sale did what no doctor or medicine had done before—knocked the wind out of my sails! And I don't think "Dustin the Great" is the operative term either! Perhaps, Dustin the Persistent? Either way, though, hopefully I'll be able to get back to pace!




Well, I'm at one of those transitional junctures that have come up before in Marathon—a few projects that are started but need finishing up, and a few ideas that need to be turned into projects! One thing that I've been thinking about on the back-burner, though, is...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F163.jpg&hash=265bcdc75a1280d7d422870e13e6f5098377442a)

...the region that is the Commonwealth of Marathon. I do believe that, in my down times or when I'm brainstorming, planning, or otherwise thinking about other things, that I am going to do some tinkering around with the southwestern section of the map. There will definitely be some coastlines added in, and probably a few smaller waterways, but as of right now, nothing really screamed out at me...yet.

So, be on the lookout for that—and other projects as well!

Oh, and...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.joshmcconnell.net%2Fpics%2Fcanadaday.gif&hash=4dfa9b45331ad58d3a44b686206a079cc9a23870)
HAPPY CANADA DAY!
JOYEUSE FÊTE DU CANADA!

Happy Canada Day to all our Canadian members here in the community! Enjoy yourselves, friends! I'll be wearing my Team Canada hockey jersey (it's been a tradition of mine for about 10 years now, no matter what the temperature) and thinking of you all throughout the day!

More from Marathon to come!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: CasperVg on July 01, 2009, 03:27:13 AM
Glad to see that my small tutorial seems to have fixed the texture issues. Judging from the region picture, it seems you still got a lot of work to do there, but that's a good thing; the more you work, the more beauty we get to see. That's some good usage of the Flip Horizontal command as well, it gives the picture an extra touch.

Looking forward to more,
Casper
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on July 01, 2009, 04:03:02 AM
Marathon growin' fast Dustin, it's great to see that. Also, happy Canada Day to all Canadian !
Take care,
-Arhtur.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: KoV Liberty on July 01, 2009, 08:38:21 AM
Yeah, Marathon is growing real fast! Great job so far!

Alex
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: darraghf on July 01, 2009, 09:13:27 AM
Well happy Canada Day to you too! (even though neither of us live there there)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bat on July 01, 2009, 09:16:55 AM
A really fantastic region shot there! And nice start of the development.
Looking forward to more of Marathon... ;)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: beutelschlurf on July 01, 2009, 11:31:02 AM
moin thundercrack83,
good to see a development on the region ...  :thumbsup:
it looks terrific! ... you can't even guess where the former coast line was!
well done ...

b_schlurf
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Luke09 on July 02, 2009, 08:56:50 AM
Nice overview,but what is the canada day ()what(),can you explain to me?
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on July 02, 2009, 09:18:10 AM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies2.jpg&hash=caaacd21f4d241ef76081c80d2a7c8f16899680d)

Casper (caspervg): Hi, Casper! Good to see you again, my friend! Thanks so much again for all your help with that texture issue. Your solution was perfect! Hope to see you again soon!

Arthur (art128): Hey, Arthur! Yes, Marathon's growing more rapidly than I'd anticipated, but I guess that's a good thing! Thanks for stopping by!

Alex (Driftmaster07): Thank you, Alex!

Darra (darraghf): Ha! Thanks, my friend!

bat: Thank you so much, bat!

beutelschlurf: Hello! Thank you for your very kind words, and I hope to see you here in Marathon again very soon!

Luke (Luke09): Thanks, Luke! According to Wikipedia, Canada Day (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canada_Day) is "Canada's national day, a federal statutory holiday celebrating the anniversary of the 1 July 1867 enactment of the British North America Act, which united Canada as a single country, which was in turn composed of four provinces." Since I'm not Canadian, I can't really give you much more than that, I do apologize. Perhaps one of our Canadian friends can fill in the blanks? Take care, my friend!




As I said last time, I've got a lot of ideas bouncing around in my head! And since I've been up since about 4:00 AM today (I went to bed around 1:00 AM, so I'm running on about three hours of sleep), I've had some time to play around!

I've been contemplating...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F164.jpg&hash=cd9ea78db152c3715e61c7f372bc25f581de0f4a)

...this. So, I decided to fire up the LE and make a few test lots with nothing on them on them to see how things line up...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F165.jpg&hash=2fdd8afd64cb7ba9981cf0bb86e7905cb67925b6)

And it worked out exactly how I wanted it to! The base texture is up in the air at the moment, and I may play around with the overlays to get some straighter edges, too. More importantly, though, I have to figure out what I want to put in there! That's what's next, I suppose!

Now, do I go take a nap, or do I stay awake? I'm thinking...nap.

In a bit!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on July 02, 2009, 09:25:29 AM
that's a pretty big plaza Dustin, i think you will place some buildings on it .... ?!
Looking forward to more..
Take care
-Arthur :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Glowbal on July 02, 2009, 11:14:41 AM
Can't wait to see what you're going to make from that plaza.
I expect some buildings, also?

Btw, do you use a streetside mod or something?

Cheers!
~ Glowbal
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: sithlrd98 on July 02, 2009, 11:34:48 AM
This I gotta see! I know whatever it becomes will be cool!

Jayson
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: JBSimio on July 02, 2009, 12:31:41 PM
Quote from: thundercrack83 on July 02, 2009, 09:18:10 AM
Now, do I go take a nap, or do I stay awake? I'm thinking...nap.

Nap?!?  You wuss!   $%Grinno$%

This latest square looks very interesting to say the least.  I'll be anxious to see where this goes.   :thumbsup:  The region overview from the previous update is also very welcome.  I see you've started toying with the "regional" transportation layout... and fortunately for all of us (as your fans), you still have a long ways to go!  :D

JB
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Luke09 on July 02, 2009, 02:29:54 PM
Looks interesting... so,good luck with that
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: KoV Liberty on July 02, 2009, 07:11:42 PM
Yes. He used Sithlrd98's textures at simtropolis to texture curves. Also Dustin... Maybe you could use Sithlrds T-21
sidewalk modd. They look a little empty. But you always surprise me! Good luck!

Alex
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: sithlrd98 on July 02, 2009, 07:29:31 PM
(Alex)Driftmaster07 : If he is using what I think he is , we are all in for a treat! My T-21 mod is a little cluttered and at this time I have a few other things to do , but plan on re-addressing the curves.

Jayson
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: KoV Liberty on July 03, 2009, 05:45:27 AM
Ok. And Dustin: Congrats for passing 1800 comments!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Battlecat on July 03, 2009, 11:20:21 AM
Cool, looking forward to seeing what goes into that plaza. 
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: TheTeaCat on July 03, 2009, 12:38:44 PM
Dustin,

Just managed to catch up on everything you've done, wow there's just so much.
I don't know where to start so I'll shut up and just continue to be amazed :D :D

Looking for to what you do with the "square" and I'll try to pop in more often too :thumbsup:

regards
Derry
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on July 03, 2009, 11:28:56 PM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies2.jpg&hash=caaacd21f4d241ef76081c80d2a7c8f16899680d)

Arthur (art128): Thanks, Arthur! And don't worry, there will be something else on it, my friend!

Glowbal: Thanks so much! And yes, I am using a street mod, as our friend Alex (Driftmaster07) has pointed out above. Take care!

Jayson (sithlrd98): Thanks, Jayson!

Jon (JBSimio): Hi, Jon! You're right, I am a wuss. I probably should have toughed it out and stayed awake, but I just didn't quite feel like it! Thanks so much for your encouragement, my friend, and I hope to see you again soon!

Luke (Luke09):
Obrigado, Luke!

Alex (Driftmaster07): Thanks for answering that for me, my friend! Very much appreciated!

Jayson (sithlrd98): Good luck re-addressing your T-21 mod, my friend! I can't wait to see what you come up with! Oh, and...Ha-ha!

Alex (Driftmaster07): Thanks, Alex!

Battlecat: Thank you, my friend!

Derry (TheTeaCat): Hi, Derry! So good to see my fellow Hall of Fame Classmate! I'm glad to hear that you're all caught up and enjoying things here, and I hope to see you around again soon, my friend. Hope all is well!




It's after midnight here in the Eastern United States (GMT -4), so...



HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!

...to all my fellow Americans! I wish everyone a happy and safe holiday!

Oh, and lest we forget...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F166.jpg&hash=220abb816b1db3d8f6327251de38eab3e5c7d58e)

...I think we've come across the final draft of coastlines and major terraforming for the Commonwealth of Marathon region. There will be, of course, smaller waterways and elevation changes to be added in, but I need to think about those a bit more before proceeding.

Have a great weekend, friends!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: darraghf on July 04, 2009, 01:29:31 AM
Happy Independence Day Dustin, have a good one!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: kwakelaar on July 04, 2009, 01:46:18 AM
Always wonderful to take a look at what is going on here. The map is fantastic, looks very natural.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: KoV Liberty on July 04, 2009, 09:34:17 AM
As always... A fantastic region veiw!  :thumbsup:

Alex
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on July 04, 2009, 09:36:23 AM
i can just agree with the people above Dustin, I can just agree !  &apls
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: calibanX on July 04, 2009, 01:51:16 PM
That's a great region you're playing Dustin. Or should I say a great big region. It's nice to know you'll be playing it for a looooong while  :)

Happy Independence Day.

Geoff
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: carkid1998 on July 05, 2009, 12:11:37 AM

Someone's been lurking.... :o :o


Great updates though! I can see some highways on the latest view, and can't wait to see what you make to go around them! :thumbsup:

That square also looks interesting!

Ryan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Luke09 on July 05, 2009, 12:42:21 PM
Nice Dustin!and Happy 4th July for all american folks
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Pat on July 05, 2009, 12:54:49 PM
Dustin amazing map here wow!!! The build up is stunning quality and detailed!!!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: rdrdrdrd on July 06, 2009, 07:43:07 AM
Is there anyway you could post that region on the LEX?
I love your work &apls
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: threeswept on July 06, 2009, 07:21:10 PM
Absolutely superb terraforming!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on July 07, 2009, 12:38:21 AM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies2.jpg&hash=caaacd21f4d241ef76081c80d2a7c8f16899680d)

Darra (darraghf): Thanks!

kwakelaar: Thank you so much!

Alex (Driftmaster07): Thanks, Alex!

Arthur (art128): Thanks so much, Arthur!

Geoff (calibanX): Hi, Geoff! It is pretty big—probably bigger than it should be—but that's OK! I'm sure we'll figure out what to do with all of it, right? Thanks for stopping by!

Ryan (carkid1998): Hey, Ryan! It's great to see you! I'm glad you're enjoying things, and I hope to see you around again soon!

Luke (Luke09): Thank you, Luke!

Pat: Thanks!

rdrdrdrd: Hello! Thank you so much, my friend. Unfortunately, I don't think that I am able to post the region to the LEX, since I modified a pre-existing map by Troy (blade2k5) in order to make it. I'm not completely sure what the etiquette there is, but I would definitely give more of the credit to Troy because it was such a fantastic map to begin with—I just messed it up a bit here and there! Sorry I couldn't be more help! Hope to see you back here in Marathon!

threeswept: Thank you so much!




Well, I must apologize for the lack of activity here in Marathon for the past few days. It was a bit of hectic holiday weekend, and I was pretty wiped out in between picnics and other assorted projects that included staining a bookcase. Anyway, I am truly sorry for my absence, friends! I'll try no to let it happen again!

In the meantime, though, I've been slowly planning the props for the park in Abitibi Square...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F167.jpg&hash=3a90a819b84f5974d09fd253d80f82fcf531272e)

I have a few ideas bopping around in my head, so we'll see what happens!

Until then!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on July 07, 2009, 01:30:31 AM
Hey Dustin, as usual you done an amazing work on the LE my friend. Nice mix of floras there, and good use of parkings.
Looking forward to more.
take care,
-Arthur.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: rooker1 on July 07, 2009, 04:29:28 AM
Hey Dustin,
Good to know that you really are human.... ::)

Robin  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: carkid1998 on July 07, 2009, 08:27:56 AM

Nice work!

I especialy like the roadside parking,and nice work with the flower beds too! :thumbsup:

Ryan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: KoV Liberty on July 07, 2009, 08:43:33 AM
Looks cool with the roadside parking!  :thumbsup: I just hope my MD will end up in the HoF at some point! And have you joined the Cities XL beta test? You would make great cities for XL!

Alex
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Luke09 on July 07, 2009, 09:11:46 AM
Nice, i liked your flora!Are you going to put that on the london eye area?
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: physicsguy981 on July 07, 2009, 03:57:32 PM
Hello Dustin!  I've been lurking around for a couple days, working my way through the entire journal, and I have to say this is the greatest combination of inspirational city planning and informative tutorials that I've seen anywhere for SC4!  Keep up the excellent work, and I'll be back often to keep tabs on everything!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on July 07, 2009, 11:28:34 PM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies2.jpg&hash=caaacd21f4d241ef76081c80d2a7c8f16899680d)

Arthur (art128): Thank you, Arthur! I'm glad that you like it so far, my friend1

Robin (rooker1): Ha! Indeed, I am, Robin! Indeed, I am! I hope you had a great weekend, my friend!

Ryan (carkid1998): Thanks, Ryan! The roadside parking is my favorite part so far, too. It had a finer detail of which I am quite a fan!

Alex (Driftmaster07): Thank you, Alex! I haven't joined a Cities XL Beta Test, though. My time is pretty consumed by Marathon at the moment, so I don't think I would be any help to the testing. Thanks for the vote of confidence, though!

Luke (Luke09): Thanks, Luke! Will the flora be in the London Eye area, you ask? I'm not quite sure yet, but as soon as I know, you'll know, too! Take care!

physicsguy981: Hello! Welcome not only to Marathon, but to SC4Devotion, too! Thank you so much for such wonderful comments, I am so happy that you're enjoying things here. I hope to see you back again very soon!




Have you downloaded...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F168.jpg&hash=c97062af4db9ce373db25c7426e48279fc7a5928)

...the new Hunter-Dulin Building (http://sc4devotion.com/csxlex/lex_filedesc.php?lotGET=2120) by our very great friend Jon (JBSimio)? If you haven't, you probably haven't seen it yet, because one look at it, and your brain automatically tells your body to commence downloading from the LEX immediately. It's called the JBSimio Syndrome! I would say that I "suffer" from it, but it's definitely not "suffering," I'll tell you that! Excellent job on another excellent creation, Jon!

More from Marathon soon!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Andy2k on July 08, 2009, 12:32:15 AM
Hi Thundercrack

Very nice Image, I like the tight architecture  ;)
And of course I have download this Building  ;D
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: rooker1 on July 08, 2009, 05:11:32 AM
Hello Dustin,
I suffer a lot of different syndromes, if that's what you want to call them. :D ;)
That picture is great....but....I wish you would wait a few moments for some life to come.  No vehicles, no people.... &mmm... and I think that avenue is begging to be changed to GLR in avenue. ;) That is of course if you are up to a challenge.  If you can't do it I understand. ::)

See you later my friend,
Robin  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: KoV Liberty on July 08, 2009, 07:42:54 AM
That building makes a great addition to Marathon!

Alex
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: rdrdrdrd on July 08, 2009, 09:58:38 AM
great cityscape, are those streets diagonal?
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Luke09 on July 08, 2009, 12:30:39 PM
Nice Dustin,and Jbsimio creations are fantastic,i agree with you,its Jbs syndrome  $%Grinno$%
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on July 09, 2009, 12:58:30 AM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies2.jpg&hash=caaacd21f4d241ef76081c80d2a7c8f16899680d)

Andy2k: Thank you so much, my friend!

Robin (rooker1): Hey, Robin! I'm with you on the syndromes, my friend. I'm a walking hospital when it comes to them! You're right about the lack of "life" in that picture, too. I just threw it together quickly because I wanted to show off Jon's fantastic new creation, but I should have waited for some cars and stuff! As for the GLR-in-Avenue, that's a great idea! That's something that I haven't actually played around with very much. Perhaps I'll start now! Thanks for stopping by, my friend!

Alex (Driftmaster07): Thanks, Alex! And looking like it does, I think it makes a great addition to all cities!

rdrdrdrd: Thanks! The streets are not diagonal, I just used a Photoshop trick to reverse the image horizontally. Sorry for the confusion!

Luke (Luke09): Thanks, Luke! It seems that the syndrome is spreading! I'd say that's good news, though. Take care!




Progress is coming to the latest sections of Abitibi Square, albeit slowly...much, much slower than I would like it to, if I'm honest. Here's the latest...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F169.jpg&hash=58c5ff2a1cb21b40f9c82ab5e1532fcd8568d820)

And a quick close-up...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F170.jpg&hash=fbc3e1c1c482ae290c6dd35f58695884f8f8242d)

...of Quay Avenue heading toward Abitibi Square.

I'm still plugging away, don't worry! I've also got another project on my mind that needs some attention, too, though. Maybe we'll see if that one turns up!

In a bit!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: MandelSoft on July 09, 2009, 05:40:56 AM
Nice lotting, Dustin. I like those roadside parking lots and the little gardens in front of the buildings.

Oh, and guess what: I've got the results of my exams today!
- English: 7/10
- Social Studies: 8/10
- Informatics: 7/10
Looks like I did an excellent job (and you too with your excellent lotting skills  ;))

Best,
Maarten
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Tomas Neto on July 09, 2009, 06:10:33 AM
I love this building of the Center Georges Pompidou! Nice update, with excellent landscaping!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: KoV Liberty on July 09, 2009, 06:21:35 AM
Nice lotting even if coming along slow!  :thumbsup:

Alex
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Luke09 on July 09, 2009, 11:37:59 AM
Amazing flora and road sides.I loved the bus stops
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: peter007 on July 09, 2009, 11:46:11 AM
amazing work
nice trees and good relottes I see &apls  &apls  &apls
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on July 09, 2009, 12:31:44 PM
Nice work with these parkings lanes there Dustin, they looks splendid ! Also, excellent lotting job with the Beaubourg building. And the last picture with big building is fantastic too !  &apls

Take care,
-Arthur. :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: JBSimio on July 09, 2009, 02:01:25 PM
Hi Dustin,

Looks to me like a fair bit of that area "suffers" from JBSimio Syndrome.   ;)  JBSS?  or maybe JBSimSyn?  I don't know...  The flipped picture actually threw me off for a second too.  I looked and thought, "Hey... wait a minute!  Why is the fountain on that side of the building?!?"  Obviously, I haven't had enough time to play the game lately!  :D  Either way, I really like the looks of that area... and not just for the "obvious" reasons either.  It all fits together very nicely.  Thanks again for the free plug!  ;)

Abitibi Square is also growing nicely.  I like the new lotting and it's always fun to watch you piece this area together.  Even if you feel it's taking too long I think many here will agree that the results are well worth the wait.   :thumbsup:

See you soon!
JB

Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon [07/10/09]: UPDATE XLII: Why Finish One Project...
Post by: thundercrack83 on July 09, 2009, 11:38:41 PM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies2.jpg&hash=caaacd21f4d241ef76081c80d2a7c8f16899680d)

Maarten (mrtnrln): Thanks so much, Maarten! And excellent job on your exams, too! Thanks for stopping by!

Tomas Neto: Thank you! I'm a big fan of that building, too!

Alex (Driftmaster07): Thanks, Alex!

Luke (Luke09): Thanks so much, Luke!

peter007: Thank you so much! Hope to see you again soon!

Arthur (art128): Thanks, Arthur! I'm so glad that you like it, my friend!

Jon (JBSimio): Hi, Jon! If the syndrome were malaria, you'd be the mosquito, my friend! Excellent work with all of those buildings, as I've said so many times (though, it needs to be said a thousand times more!)—they are all absolutely fantastic work! Thank you so much for stopping by, Jon, and take care!






UPDATE XLII
Why Finish One Project...When You Can Start Another!
Part I: Introducing and Planning

10 July 2009

Well, as the title stipulates...we're moving away from Abitibi Square for a bit, and not to anywhere that I recall venturing to prior to now—Tile R...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252042%2F42001.jpg&hash=6bdde73bc4ec0b25c3664077f7cf11eef1f810ec)

...more, specifically...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252042%2F42002.jpg&hash=11a53529d677ae171c12c1c8eb960b43455758ad)

...here.

Now, I've got a lot that is...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252042%2F42003.jpg&hash=b8f7830437739a7a0697a3bc126bb65572171c59)

...20 tiles wide, so we'll be doing what we've done a few times already in Marathon...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252042%2F42004.jpg&hash=09cea5709b533dd549522b484b731024c1034fbc)

...land reclamation for a new quay! Throw on a coat of paint, and...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252042%2F42005.jpg&hash=5e6132b1462b79a9c7f83658cab351095a98d42c)

...that's what we have! We still have to add the apron that surrounds the island, here...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252042%2F42006.jpg&hash=aa9bc9d8443533ba0e9a501df36d8e0a959c3971)

...and here...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252042%2F42007.jpg&hash=607e39b75989cc93ae38f36f8ece1e3c1975ea96)

...to get...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252042%2F42008.jpg&hash=73db8ec2863f1ef7b0ab2b509513c262219f6f30)

...this!

So, now what is this mystery lot? Well, say "Hello," to...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252042%2F42009.jpg&hash=a6440cc6c6748dde3a4c135fa842fdca2f02b31f)

...our friend the transit-enabled semi-circle!


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252042%2F42010.jpg&hash=2f7c8e406dc94ef559d87bf7ad83738979891a00)

But what will go inside? And around it? And did I just make a quay for a semi-circle? And do I want a bowl of cereal? And if I do, should I eat Wheaties or Cocoa Puffs? And...well, you get the idea—there's a lot of questions! Don't worry, answers will soon follow!

Stay tuned!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: peter007 on July 09, 2009, 11:53:45 PM
You have so much rails and highways why did you do that. I like it but it is to much space isn't it ()what()
And what do you think about a shopping mall in that semi-circle. ;)
but it's your choice.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on July 10, 2009, 12:08:44 AM
Dustin, I think there's will be a beautiful convention center here no ?? Anyway, good work with semi-circle transit enabled friend, it's sure it's a good friend !  :D Also, nice texture used and good work with that quay.
Looking forward to more of it,
take care
-Arthur.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: sebes on July 10, 2009, 03:27:31 AM
mmmmmm.... axiously watching this space for an update....

Looking very promissing there  ;)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: rooker1 on July 10, 2009, 04:12:15 AM
Dustin,
That's actually a little problem I have of starting a project and than going to another without finishing the pervious one. ::) Not too sure if it's because I get bored with the first or I'm just too anxious to start the new idea.
At any rate your projects seem to be going very well and don't seem to take too long to get finished.
I'm very impatient to see what will be going in that space.

See you around,
Robin  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Sciurus on July 10, 2009, 05:07:09 AM
Hi Dustin! ;D

I begin my visit on your topic, the main for me of course. I read all pages since I quit SC4D (since the 81th page I belive $%Grinno$%). And I can remark you have still this talent of LOTer! Your LOTs are fantastic, I don't imagine the time you spend to do it :o
A detail, on the page 82, I've seen you wrote "La place de Sacré-Cœur", or it's "La Place du Sacré-Cœur" ;) I saw on the page 90, that it was the Canada Day. So, joyeuse fête du Canada, a bit late! $%Grinno$%
In France, the France Day is the 14th July, with the "Défilé du 14 juillet", on the "Champs-Élysées", in Paris. I don't know if you have french channels, but you should watch this, it's so beautiful :thumbsup:
So, I think I've finished my little sppech ;)
Oh no, I forgot the main thing to say about your region, your lotting and your city: It's just FANTASTIC!!! Great!! All words it exists in english (and in french $%Grinno$%) to say that.
I hope to stop by more times there, because it's the holidays for me, and during two month, so I hope :thumbsup:

Guillaume, your french friend :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: ecoba on July 10, 2009, 05:53:25 AM
Hi Dustin,

I've been watching your MD for a long time. I might have posted once before. (did I? &Thk/()

Anyway, your work is truly amazing. I, if I had to take a test on doing anything with the LE, would Fail With Flying Colours.

Thank you for inspiring us with your marvelous work.

P.S, I have trouble uploading pictures, so you're really lucky.

Best,
        Ethan

Ethan, I just wanted to jump in for a second here.  Have you tried LE?  I think everyone should give it a try.  It's actually very easy to use.  If you have any problems, just drop me a PM nad this goes for anyone!  Robin  ;)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: rdrdrdrd on July 10, 2009, 06:58:30 AM
if I remember from page 1 arn't those tunnels the only way off the island, or are there other ways now?
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: KoV Liberty on July 10, 2009, 07:04:24 AM
I'd go for the Wheaties.  :P But what will it be? I am very interested!

Alex
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Luke09 on July 10, 2009, 10:46:52 PM
Looks interesting...hum...a sports arena?
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: JBSimio on July 11, 2009, 06:27:31 AM
Hi Dustin,

Well first of all, I think that may be one of the strangest compliments I've ever gotten... thank you!  :D

Like everyone else, I'm certainly intrigued by your next big project here.  I must admit, however, that I'm almost equally (if not more) curious about the large section requiring all those rail tunnels.  I'm guessing there is a pretty significant plan going on there as well.  I guess I'll just try to be patient until you let us in on the big secret...  ;)

JB
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: sithlrd98 on July 11, 2009, 07:43:17 PM
I am eagerly waiting to see what you have planned for that area....whatever it is I'm sure we will not be disappointed!

Jayson
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on July 12, 2009, 07:58:11 PM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies2.jpg&hash=caaacd21f4d241ef76081c80d2a7c8f16899680d)

peter007: Thanks, my friend! All the rails and highways are there because that is one of the main access points for entering and leaving the island. It takes up a lot of space, but those are the breaks, I guess! Thanks for stopping by!

Arthur (art128): Thank you, Arthur!

sebes: Thanks!

Robin (rooker1): Hey, Robin! I'm the same way. I think I get too excited when I think of something else to do that I have to move on and try it out. Now I've got about three or four of those going on, so hopefully, I can finish them up before moving on to something else...but, I doubt it! It's always great to see you here, my friend! Take care!

Guillaume (Sciurus): Hello, Guillaume! It's so wonderful to have you back, my friend! I was wondering where you went! Enjoy your holidays, and I hope to see you around again soon!

Ethan (ecoba): Hi, Ethan! Like Robin (rooker1) said, all you have to do is give the LE a try, and you might surprise yourself! And of course, feel free to ask questions whenever your run into trouble, whether it be here in Marathon, or to anyone at all. Good luck, and I hope to see you back here in Marathon again!

rdrdrdrd: Yep, that's one of them! There's a few of them, though. Good eye!

Alex (Driftmaster07): Oh, that's a pity! I went with the Cocoa Puffs, this time. That's OK, we'll hit the Wheaties next time! Thanks for stopping by, Alex!

Luke (Luke09): I like the way you think, Luke! Great suggestion!

Jon (JBSimio): Hi, Jon! That was definitely a weird compliment, wasn't it? Though, it kept with the theme! However it's said, the sentiment holds true, my friend! Your work is just extraordinary! Oh, and as for those rail tunnels, I've been thinking about those, too, so we may have to get into that as well. Thanks for stopping in!

Jayson (sithlrd98): Hi, Jayson! You see what you did to me with the TE'd curves? Just kidding, of course! Thanks again so much for everything, my friend. This is just amazing stuff, and it's all thanks to you! Hope to see you again soon!




Well, after spending a lot of time in the yard with a rather large brush-elimination project, I've been able to work a bit on our latest area...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F171.jpg&hash=6ee57917ac8bd04f8842fdc17ce747bd32b3a367)

Of course, we're nowhere near finished...but it's a start!

More to come from Marathon!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: sithlrd98 on July 12, 2009, 08:07:07 PM
Oooh....see , I knew you could get use out of those! No problem and I can't wait to see the finished product!

Jayson
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Jmouse on July 12, 2009, 11:11:54 PM
Hey Dustin, sorry I've been AWOL for a while. GRV II has been eating my spare time in huge chunks lately.

Glad to see you're still on track with LE. When you-know-what is finished (see above! :) ), maybe I'll have time to get back to normal. Anyway, I enjoyed taking a quick look around Marathon and hope to be more of a regular visitor soon.

Later...
Joan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: io_bg on July 12, 2009, 11:24:20 PM
Great lotting as always, I'm looking forward to seeing more! :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: peter007 on July 13, 2009, 12:14:13 AM
Great stuff
beautiful lotting
but take extra look at the trees before that building with yellow nearly the flags maybe you can pot them because they're standing now in the stones
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on July 13, 2009, 01:59:09 AM
Great job with the Globe arena Dustin, the lot looks wonderful !  &apls
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: darraghf on July 13, 2009, 02:42:32 AM
Sorry, I've been missing for a while Dustin. I just looked at the updates I missed since I've been gone. Well done. You've done a spectacular job!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: KoV Liberty on July 13, 2009, 06:37:59 AM
Thats a pretty good start! Is that the Mais globe arena I see? It looks pretty well placed there!

Alex
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Luke09 on July 13, 2009, 08:02:21 AM
Yes,i'm right lol...i really knew that you're going to put a arena there...and nice loting there...
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: CasperVg on July 13, 2009, 09:05:15 AM
Looks like you've made a head start lotting the Globe Arena. I like the positioning of those ponds and the fountain, it makes things look very smooth, the trees and bushes you've placed along them fit in there perfectly. I'm looking forward to see more of that quay.

The progress on Abititi Square looks pretty good as well, I like the colourful flora's and base textures that you've chosen, they blend in nicely. The abundance of people milling around, cars parked on the sidewalks, buses picking up passengers and the overall busyness of the lots make those lots look extremely lively and attractive.

Waiting impatiently for more,

Casper
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Battlecat on July 13, 2009, 11:16:07 AM
I've missed a number of updates here recently.  That new area looks interesting so far, I'm looking forward to seeing the results here! 
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: M4346 on July 13, 2009, 11:30:45 AM
Quote from: thundercrack83 on July 12, 2009, 07:58:11 PMOf course, we're nowhere near finished...but it's a start!

And what a great start it is indeed! I'm lovin' it!  $%Grinno$%

Looking forward to the final product!  ;D
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on July 13, 2009, 11:58:16 PM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies2.jpg&hash=caaacd21f4d241ef76081c80d2a7c8f16899680d)

Jayson (sithlrd98): Thanks again, Jayson! I only hope I can do your wonderful work justice, my friend! Take care!

Joan (Jmouse): Hi, Joan! It's great to see you again, my friend. We've missed you terribly here in Marathon! I'm glad to hear that all is well, and we'll look forward to your return!

io_bg: Thank you!

peter007: Thanks so much!

Arthur (art128): Thanks, Arthur!

Darra (darraghf): Hi! No worries about missing things here, my friend—you're always welcome! Thanks for you kind words!

Alex (Driftmaster07): Yep, that's the Maxis Globe Arena. I've always been a fan of it, and now that I've gotten the hang of the LE a bit more, I can play around with it even more! Thanks for stopping by!

Luke (Luke09): Right on the money, my friend! Great guess!

Casper (caspervg): Hi, Casper! Thank you so much for such wonderful and details comments, my friend! Your encouragement means so much to me! I hope to see you again soon!

Battlecat: No worries, my friend! The light is always on for you here in Marathon! Thanks for stopping in!

Marius (M4346): Thanks so much, M!




A quay with...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F172.jpg&hash=5b64fbc8995a4a0c9d7b9758b194017af971fd7d)

...only one building on it? Why in Marathon, that is...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F173.jpg&hash=45922d70f81ae16ce40bae7712ed791329f7aedf)

downright...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F174.jpg&hash=bdd070003ce0936e13dc6e4cf5bde2cb56626253)

—blasphemous! What will be added on? Only time will tell!

I saw this the other day, too...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F175.jpg&hash=24d1fdc80eb0e5d904a6926b2581f851debb5aee)

Looks like Marathon is climbing those Top 10s...thanks to all of you! Have I mentioned how you guys are the best? Just ask Shaquille O'Neal—he's knows about being the best! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tw--OEanLBQ)

Oh, and...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FOSITM%2F136.jpg&hash=ebc8be14c5a938acd5032d5d67086332bc2f88dd)

We're countin'em down!

In a bit!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: peter007 on July 14, 2009, 12:23:11 AM
Great stuff. It looks pretty professional   :thumbsup:
But it's guessing what is coming in that long strip ()what()
i think ?
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: KoV Liberty on July 14, 2009, 06:03:46 AM
Ooh! What will be in that long stip of land?

Alex
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Luke09 on July 14, 2009, 06:37:54 AM
We are already close to 2000?Thats big...will you make rails on that?(ka-cha)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: rdrdrdrd on July 14, 2009, 07:04:22 AM
will that be a cruise ship port perhaps?
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Sciurus on July 14, 2009, 07:40:19 AM
Hi!

It's veru very beautiful!! Yur lotting is nice, but I don't really like this texture, it's damage &mmm. I'm interresting by the little foutains you put in front of your BAT (in the page back). Could you give me the name please? Thx ;)

Guillaume :thumbsup:

PS: I remind you it's the national day in France today!! :party:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: calibanX on July 14, 2009, 08:06:46 PM
Well Dustin, I'm intrigued to see what you have in store for that arena. I'm equally intrigued to see what you have planned for those rail tunnels and that sunken highway. Cool stuff.

Take care.

Geoff
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Tomas Neto on July 15, 2009, 05:12:36 AM
I´m curious on your next update, it seems that you are planning something fantastic!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on July 15, 2009, 10:18:22 AM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies2.jpg&hash=caaacd21f4d241ef76081c80d2a7c8f16899680d)

peter007: Thank you, my friend!

Alex (Driftmaster07): Only time will tell, my friend! Only time will tell! Thanks for stopping by!

Luke (Luke09): Hi, Luke! Yes, we're getting close. Things move pretty fast here! As for the long strip—unfortunately, there will not be rails going there, since they leave the island on the southern side. Great guess, though!

rdrdrdrd: Hi! That's a great idea, too! Thanks!

Guillaume (Sciurus): Hi, Guillaume! I hope you enjoyed
le quatorze juillet, my friend! As for the fountains, I will check on the name and get back to you on it, since I don't know the name off-hand. Take care, my friend!

Geoff (calibanX): Hello, Geoff! Thanks so much for your kind words, and hopefully, we can get your questions answered soon, my friend!

Tomas Neto: Thanks!




I'm still trudging away with some yard work, but I did manage to catch...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F176.jpg&hash=54fac8f4da94d6d9b27f18791e159ede65e3ed87)

...the sunrise in Marathon this morning!

And—


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FOSITM%2F128.jpg&hash=99988c2a9f2e4071127b0902c9f2433a3ab17730)

For now, it's back to the yard for me, though!

More to come!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on July 15, 2009, 11:43:53 AM
128 !  :D 
What a sunrise there Dustin, i like the mix of old with the Parisian W2W development and the new with skyscrapers and buildings. The market at the bottom looks nice and also, great work on the effect.
Take care,
-Arthur. :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: KoV Liberty on July 15, 2009, 01:40:04 PM
Well... If you ever want to have a cruise ship port (Commonwealth would attract A LOT of tourists). You can use this as a point of reference from my MD if you want.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi587.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fss315%2FDriftmaster07%2FAbidJakartin-Jul1291247506530.jpg&hash=34870027aa6342bfde0b3be2f9a44d9373641f5a) (http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss315/Driftmaster07/AbidJakartin-Jul1291247506530.jpg)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi587.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fss315%2FDriftmaster07%2FAbidJakartin-Jul4291247506548.jpg&hash=b28979214ca755f52729c3e940d90e5b69ee18a2) (http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss315/Driftmaster07/AbidJakartin-Jul4291247506548.jpg)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Utvaw on July 15, 2009, 03:59:57 PM
Although I follow this MD I don't think I have ever posted here.

I just wanted to say that you do fantastic work, one of the best here in my opinion, and this diary is a lot of inspiration to do things to my own cities.  Your LE skills are great, and I might start looking at the LE as well.

So keep up the great work and here is one more post towards 2000.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: sithlrd98 on July 15, 2009, 04:43:55 PM
Quote from: thundercrack83 on July 13, 2009, 11:58:16 PM
Jayson (sithlrd98): Thanks again, Jayson! I only hope I can do your wonderful work justice, my friend! Take care!

Dustin,my friend...I did nothing more than try to create a small canvas for yourself and other MD'ers to paint their imaginations on! I can only visualize a fraction of what you and others can put together as I do not have the skills nor the patience to create such cool things! Also,if it wasn't for David (Dedgren) creating the originals and Ebina san , helping enormously with the pathing, I would not have been able to have seen you do exactly what I was thinking when I started doing them! (of course I do think they need a few trees and a light or 2 :P) Thank you for using them!

Jayson
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Pat on July 15, 2009, 04:47:16 PM
Dustin wow you are soo blazing a trail here!!! missed a bit but now all caught up lol
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: peter007 on July 16, 2009, 12:15:58 AM
Awesome
I is looking very nice especially that market
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Sciurus on July 16, 2009, 01:49:36 AM
Hello Dustin!!

Ho, you know, each year I enjoy le 14 juillet, the parade was very very nice, and this year, the indian army paraded. I think you can find this parade on internet, or a video with a speech of ou president, or etc..
And on the image, I can catch sight of the french flag, next to the eglish flag, thank for this honnour Dustin ()flower()
So, I think that's all,

Guillaume, you french friend :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: darraghf on July 16, 2009, 02:53:21 AM
That is probably the best sunrise I've ever seen Dustin. No Kidding. Well done. And congrats on almost...2000 posts!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Luke09 on July 16, 2009, 07:09:05 AM
Great Sunrise Dustin!I loved it.Aw im not right this time...so that will be a marina  ()stsfd()
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Glowbal on July 17, 2009, 06:10:56 AM
Well well, nice ships there. Nice port. Where can I find those cruise ships?
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on July 17, 2009, 10:38:12 AM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies2.jpg&hash=caaacd21f4d241ef76081c80d2a7c8f16899680d)

Arthur (art128): Thank you so much, Arthur!

Alex (Driftmaster07): Thank you for the great suggestions, Alex! I will definitely keep them in my mind, my friend!

Utvaw: Wow! Thank you so much for such incredible words, my friend! I hope to see you back here very soon! Good luck with the LE!

Jayson (sithlrd98): Thanks again, Jayson! Without folks like you and those you mentioned, we wouldn't be even close to all the great breakthroughs that we've had with our fine game. Thanks for stopping by!

Pat: Thanks, my friend!

peter007: Thanks!

Guillaume (Sciurus): Thanks, Guillaume! I'm so happy that you enjoyed your holiday, my friend1

Darra (darraghf): Thank you so much!

Luke (Luke09): Hmmm, a marina, eh? We'll see!

Glowbal: Actually, those pictures weren't taken by me, but by our friend Alex (Driftmaster07)! Perhaps he would be able to answer your question. Thanks for stopping in, my friend!




Still working along with our latest project with the Globe Arena...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F177.jpg&hash=2f9ace2e104bcbbe2e42ed45eefe52036a666ce5)

Things are moving along, slowly but surely!

And...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FOSITM%2F117.jpg&hash=cfb314b58b36e9b63c056a9b3ceeded67dfe76cc)

In a bit!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: sithlrd98 on July 17, 2009, 10:59:43 AM
I couldn't have done better my self with T-21ing those curves! Much easier when its one large piece versus individual slices! I do have a few other ideas that I've been tinkering with...I'll let you know if they work. Great LE work my friend!

Jayson
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: KoV Liberty on July 17, 2009, 11:18:31 AM
Getting better every second!

Alex
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on July 17, 2009, 12:52:39 PM
This lot is coming better better and betteriest ! ! (yeah, i know I found a new word.. )  :D
Take care,
-Arthur.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Luke09 on July 17, 2009, 03:08:08 PM
Beauty,but I just guessed that some spots are a little empty,but its fine  ()stsfd()
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: carkid1998 on July 17, 2009, 11:18:14 PM

I haven't had time to post here for a while, but I've been having a look every so often!

Personally I think, a marina, cruise terminal, or a little complex of resturaunts and posh shops with a boardwalk and possibly a pier!
Can't wait to find out!

Ryan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Sciurus on July 18, 2009, 02:13:43 AM
It's excellent Dustin congratulations!! If you want a video of the "Défilé du 14 juillet", you can go on Dailymotion.com ;)

Guillaume :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on July 18, 2009, 11:58:16 PM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies2.jpg&hash=caaacd21f4d241ef76081c80d2a7c8f16899680d)

Jayson (sithlrd98): Thanks so much, Jayson! I can't wait to see what other ideas you're working on, too. When you're inspired, I'm inspired, my friend! Thanks again!

Alex (Driftmaster07): Thanks, Alex!

Arthur (art128): Ha! I like your new word, my friend! Thanks!

Ryan (carkid1998): Hello! It's great to see you again, Ryan! Thank you so much for your kind words and suggestions, and I hope to see you again soon!

Guillaume (Sciurus):
Salut, Guillaume! Thanks so much, my friend! I will certainly look for videos of the celebration, too! Take care!




Well, I have a bit of news...but before we get to that, I've been revisiting an older project in Marathon—the area around the Parc du Sacré-Cœur...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F178.jpg&hash=fafe0ce7c38ce9d57e04f8f112489642cd5dfdb2)

...slowly building up the area around it. I like the mix of the old-style Parisian buildings juxtaposed with the more modern ones. There's a nice contrast, I think, without really sticking out like a sore thumb.

And here...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F179.jpg&hash=1956b271ab9cda7acc55327d8fc47ef5a5873eb9)

...is a close up of one of the intersections.

And, of course...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FOSITM%2F110.jpg&hash=cb0aaaf77ad5095a1237565b80122a64ca9a1c65)

...we're getting close to breaking the one-hundred mark! We're also edging closer and closer to 60,000 views, too—less than 700 to go there! You folks are the best!

Finally, for my news...

After over a year, I have finally found a job! As of Monday, July 27, I will begin work as a counselor at a boot camp for delinquent teenagers. The first two weeks are training, with my shift from 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM. After training, I will start 5:00 AM - 1:00 PM shifts. As of right now, I am not sure how it will affect my time spent not only here in Marathon, but at SC4Devotion as a whole, so if things slow down quite a bit around here, you'll know why. But don't worry, friends—Marathon won't be going anywhere at all! We may just have to move along a bit slower. I hope that's OK!

Either way, though, there is more to come!

Stay tuned!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: projectadam on July 19, 2009, 12:14:53 AM
Let me be the first of your many SC4Devotion friends to wish you the best and congratulations on the new job Dustin! I have not posted for a while but have been following along and every update is a great thing to see.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: JoeST on July 19, 2009, 12:58:34 AM
Congratulations on your job, I hope you enjoy it lots :)

also, that juxtaposition is looking great :)

Joe
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on July 19, 2009, 02:06:08 AM
Dustin, congratulations on your job my friend, I hope you'll enjoy it.  &apls
As for the update, I really love the transition between old and new with buildings and Parisian with that church. That complex intersection looks nice and the transition is goodly done.
Take care,
-Arthur.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Sciurus on July 19, 2009, 04:04:35 AM
Ho Dustin!

I'm happy for you that you found a job, I open the bottle of champagne to celebrate that!! Once again, congratulations ;). For the city, it's simlpy beautiful, very nice. I hope you'll continue like that. Ah, just a precision for the transistion between the modern buildings and the Haussmanien's building, I find it nor very nice, I think you should chnage some things, beacause the Haussmanien's buildings have beauitful corners, and the moderns building are squarred, without corners for diagonal roads, it's damage &mmm.

Guillaume, you french friend :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: dsrwhat316 on July 19, 2009, 06:03:28 AM
Congrats on finding a job, Dustin! It seems you'll have the same hours that I work, so hopefully you'll have more time to play than I do  :P

I do like the mix of old and new buildings. Even with the Parisian buildings, it sort of reminds me of London.

~ Dan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: KoV Liberty on July 19, 2009, 07:01:28 AM
104 to go! And I love what you did there! Plus congrats on the job!

Alex
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Tomas Neto on July 19, 2009, 09:55:00 AM
Congratulations Dustin, and good luck in your work as counselor!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: io_bg on July 19, 2009, 10:16:29 AM
Congrats on your new job!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Nexis4Jersey on July 19, 2009, 08:16:18 PM
nice update , i love your historic Downtown &apls :thumbsup: , is the boot camp, Kidspeace  ()what()
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bat on July 20, 2009, 02:28:47 AM
Some nice pictures of your great work and great projects on the last two weeks!! ;)
Looking forward to more...

BTW 100 comments left for 2000!

Edit (21.07.09): And congrats on 60000+ views and 1900+ replies! :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: jsc on July 20, 2009, 10:15:27 AM
weeeellll, i've been lurking for a while on not only this site, but also this md. after i finally got around to registering, i gave a sort of 'thourough skim,' to marathon. and i must say that this is absolutely incredible!! waiting. for. more. i even took the liberty of bookmarking it.  ()stsfd()
&apls  &apls  &apls

only 99 more views until 2000!!!!

Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: woodb3kmaster on July 20, 2009, 12:01:53 PM
First of all, congrats on your new job, Dustin! I'm sure those teenagers will keep you on your toes all morning, once you've finished your training.

As for the Parc du Sacre-Coeur, I think the juxtaposition you've got going is just spectacular! It really looks like a real city with that mix of old and new buildings.

Looking forward to more!
Zack
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: kimcar on July 20, 2009, 12:28:57 PM
 &apls &apls Congrats for your new job. As the time you gonna have we will follow you anyway  ;D
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: sithlrd98 on July 20, 2009, 12:40:51 PM
Wait, you mean you got a job...man that sucks :P Naw, seriously, good for you! Maybe you can "mold"those young minds into something good! Good luck on your job , and don't forget about Marathon!

Jayson
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: KoV Liberty on July 20, 2009, 05:28:51 PM
We have 42 veiws to go to reach 60000! EDIT: Now 60086. Congrats Dustin!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: rdrdrdrd on July 20, 2009, 08:08:15 PM
maybe, you could use sim city 4 as a tool to "reeducate" these kids, oh, and a 9 foot whip ;)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: io_bg on July 21, 2009, 12:44:21 AM
Congratulations on the 60'000 views! (I was the 60'012th, see the attachment below) &apls &apls &apls
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: metarvo on July 21, 2009, 05:34:08 AM
Congratulations on getting a job, Dustin.  As for Marathon, I'm sure you'll find time once in a while.  The last picture of the Parisian district is very nice.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Luke09 on July 21, 2009, 07:03:33 AM
Congratulations on 1900 posts Dustin!And i liked the mix of old and new
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: peter007 on July 21, 2009, 08:43:39 AM
looks very good really I love the old style of Paris and it's good to see what you made of it
Very Nice  &apls

Congrats with your almost 2000 posts
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Battlecat on July 21, 2009, 10:39:57 AM
Nice job on the historical downtown, it looks very cool.  You're absolutely right, the contrast there isn't too bad at all! 
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: carkid1998 on July 22, 2009, 12:16:28 AM

Very nice!

I, like many others like the mix of old and new! It gives the impression that the centre is historical! :thumbsup:

Ryan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on July 22, 2009, 12:38:23 PM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies2.jpg&hash=caaacd21f4d241ef76081c80d2a7c8f16899680d)

projectadam: Hello, my friend! Thank you so much for your congratulations! And I'd also like to wish you a happy belated birthday, too—I hope you had a great day! Take care!

Joe (JoeST): Thanks, Joe! I hope so, too, my friend!

Arthur (art128): Thank you, Arthur! I'm so happy that you like the transition, my friend! Hope to see you again, soon!

Guillaume (Sciurus): Hello, Guillaume! Thank you for the bottle of champagne! I'm so happy that you're enjoy things, and I thank you for your opinion on the transition between the older and modern buildings, too. It's a tough transition to make, I think, which I why I was worried about it in the first place. I'm sure we'll get it all figured out, though, right? Take care, my friend!

Dan (dsrwhat316): Hi, Dan! Thanks for the congrats and for your wonderful comments! Hope to see you soon!

Alex (Driftmaster07): Thanks, Alex!

Tomas Neto: Thank you, my friend!

io_bg: Thanks so much!

Corey (Nexis4Jersey): Thanks, Corey! No, it's not a Kidspeace, it's a private company, I believe.

bat: Thank you so much, my friend!

jsc: Hello, there! Welcome to SC4D and to Marathon! I'm honored that you would bookmark it here, thank you so very much! You're always welcome here, and I hope to see you here again very soon!

Zack (woodb3kmaster): Hi, Zack! Thanks for the congratulations, my friend! Hopefully, they won't be too hard on me! And thank you for the kind words, too!

kimcar: Thanks so much, my friend!

Jayson (sithlrd98): Ha! I feel the same way a bit, I have to admit! But, it's also a good thing, I guess! Thanks for your best wishes, and don't worry, I'd never forget about Marathon, my friend! Take care!

Alex (Driftmaster07): Thank you so much, Alex!

rdrdrdrd: Ha! That's a good idea! The SC4 one, I mean, of course!

io_bg: Wow! Thanks for catching that, my friend! And thank you for the congratulations!

metarvo: Thanks! I'm not too worried about not having time for Marathon either. We may just have to take things a bit slower. Either way, it should be fun!

Luke (Luke09): Thank you, Luke!

peter007: Thank you so much, my friend! Hope to see you soon!

Battlecat: Thanks!

Ryan (carkid1998): Thanks so much, Ryan!




Well, I'm counting down the days until my first day of work, but I've also been keeping things moving along in Marathon, as well. Here's our latest addition to the new project...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F180.jpg&hash=3b691d6ee69aefdca3018f7e205e1eaaba940187)

I'm still putting the finishing touches on, but we're getting there!

And...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FOSITM%2F87.jpg&hash=9cb00c1b5f07de762db7764719199ecd6be952ec)

...we're down to double digits!

We've also crossed over 60,000 views, too! Thank you all so very much for your continued support, friends. You've made Marathon what it is today!

In a bit!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: peter007 on July 22, 2009, 12:45:48 PM
Lovely work  :D
very nice  &apls (what is it ?  :P)
And congrats with your 60000 views
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Luke09 on July 22, 2009, 12:48:42 PM
86 now i think  ;D ,is that a underground mall?(im good on gessing  ()stsfd() )
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: KoV Liberty on July 22, 2009, 01:00:15 PM
Actually now I think its 84! Congrats Dustin! And a underground mall I see?  ???
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: darraghf on July 22, 2009, 01:51:09 PM
No Alex, I think it's 84 now, I think. All is looking good in Marathon Dustin. Kep it up
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Splime on July 22, 2009, 02:37:52 PM
I'd hate to get in an argument about subtraction, but Driftmaster is right. This is reply #1918, meaning there must be 82 more replies after me (2000 - 1918).

Anyway, Dustin, your custom lotting skills never cease to amaze me. Now your modification of frogface's underground subway plaza thing looks great! The texture immediately surrounding frogface's BAT almost matches (aside from color) the tiles in the BAT itself... is that intentional? Because it looks great!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: rdrdrdrd on July 22, 2009, 04:02:08 PM
Can you post your stuff, it is great!
:thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: rooker1 on July 22, 2009, 08:06:23 PM
Hey Dustin....the Marathon updates better not slow down or we (I) might have to ask you to quit work.  ::) ;) $%Grinno$%
Interesting LOT.

Robin  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: carkid1998 on July 23, 2009, 12:36:30 AM

Lookin good!

I think, after that peek, if it is a cruise port, it would be a posh, busy one!

Ryan :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on July 23, 2009, 02:05:28 AM
Dustin, fantastic lotting job as well as usual my friend, you've done a nice work with frogface's BAT, the textures used make the BAT looking very well. I think there's nothing to add to this outstanding result, everything is here !
bom trabalho (= good work ) and Take care,
-Arthur. :thumbsup:

1922 - only 78 more to 2000
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Sciurus on July 23, 2009, 02:25:05 AM
Hi Dustin!
You're welcome for the bottle, we've got so much here, in France :D And wine too ;). For the otting, I like the place you've done, beacause there's life on it, it's not empty like cities I can see on other sites or forums. And it'll be a big city you want to do, beacause there's much people, it's good, but too much is not good. I think you should reduce the number of Props with people. I've the same problem with this on my city, beacause it's tough to do, a citry where there's people, but nor too much. For the transition, I've also the same problem :D. Because I'm doing the CBD, but I've dutch BATs on Oldenburg, and go from dutch BATs to buildings built in the 60's, 70's, it's tough too. As you ploped Parsian buildings, why don't you inspire of "La Défense", the Paris' CBD? It's just an advice of course ;)

Guillaume, your french friend ;)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Leodido on July 23, 2009, 02:35:22 AM
Very nice MD, I've read it all. You motivated me in starting my own MD!

Good job :)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Battlecat on July 23, 2009, 10:16:01 AM
That's shaping up to be an interesting lot.  I really like how you bring your city to life by putting crowds of people everywhere!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: NaliLeader on July 23, 2009, 04:27:10 PM
Three letters-WOW
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on July 24, 2009, 12:08:23 AM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies2.jpg&hash=caaacd21f4d241ef76081c80d2a7c8f16899680d)

peter007: Thanks! What is it? Well, we'll see!

Luke (Luke09) Hi, Luke! It may be an underground mall. Only time will tell!

Alex (Driftmaster07): Thanks, Alex!

Darra (darraghf): Thank you, my friend!

Splime: Hello! Thank you so much for sorting out the countdown conundrum, my friend! And thank you for your very kind words, too! As for the texture match-up, I'd love to say I did that on purpose, but...it was just serendipity, I guess! Take care!

rdrdrdrd: Thank you so much for such a nice request, but I don't think that my work would pass the stringent scrutineering standards that make the LEX as fantastic as it is today. One day, though, maybe I will!

Robin (rooker1): Hi, Robin! Ha! I don't think my new employer—not to mention my girlfriend and my parents—would go along with that one, but I love the way you think, my friend! Hope all is well with you and the family!

Ryan (carkid1998): Hey, Ryan! A cruise port, eh? I like that idea!

Arthur (art128): Thank you so much, Arthur!

Guillaume (Sciurus): Hello, Guillaume! I think you may be right about the amount of people—I try to make it look full of life, but I think sometimes I may go overboard! Thank you so much for your suggestions and your input, my friend, and I hope to see you back soon! Oh, and I will definitely be looking at the mix of older and newer buildings in
La Défense, too! Take care, Guillaume!

Leodido: Hi, there! What a wonderful thing to say! I do hope we'll see you again here in Marathon!

Battlecat: Thank you, my friend, for your very kind words and you continued support!

NaliLeader: Thank you so much! And welcome to Marathon!




Well, it is a bit after 3:00 AM here in Pennsylvania (7:00 AM UTC, if I did my math right...), and I will be leaving for Washington, D.C. around 7:30 AM for the weekend, spending my last weekend before my first day of work checking out the nation's capital. I've been there before, but not since I was about 10, and let's face it—no 10-year-old really cares about monuments and things like that! Of course, we'll also be taking in a Washington Nationals (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Washington_Nationals) baseball game on Saturday night, too (I don't go anywhere without trying to catch a ballgame!), so it should be a fun trip. And of course, I'll be taking plenty of pictures, not only for your enjoyment, but also for inspiration! I'll have my computer with me, so I won't be completely out of the loop, so don't fret!

In the meantime, though, here is an artist's rendering of Abitibi Square. Enjoy!


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F181.jpg&hash=317cd657e1c8d93bed37b982641340a1610ee673)

And our countdown...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FOSITM%2F73.jpg&hash=d048e4295d9cda2be455c28193793fd54b451321)

Enjoy your weekend, friends!

Lots more from Marathon to come!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on July 24, 2009, 12:35:02 AM
Dustin, interesting effect you done there my friend, looks like a rainy day with a blue filter, I thought the photograph didn't have the form, because he forgot to put off the blue filter of his camera !  :D
I hope you'll enjoy your trip Dustin, and it sure, if I will be in the USA and go on trip some week, I'll go to see a baseball match ! (yeah, I like baseball ! )
take care,
-Arthur.


72 more to go...
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: KoV Liberty on July 24, 2009, 06:05:44 AM
Good job! Have fun at Washington. Thinking of establishing a capital for Marathon, eh?

-Alex
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: kimcar on July 24, 2009, 06:17:45 AM
Great work at the small plaza . I like what you did  , surronding with tiles. :thumbsup: Countdown go down  ;D
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bat on July 24, 2009, 07:47:13 AM
Nice work on the effects on that picture, looking forward to more... (69 replies left for 2000)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: peter007 on July 24, 2009, 08:28:19 AM
WoW very nice picture I like it very much  :thumbsup:
nice  &apls  &apls  &apls
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: rooker1 on July 24, 2009, 08:51:14 AM
Well Dustin,
You must know me by now....always thinking outside the box, whether wrong or right. ::) ;)
As for the picture...love the setup first of all, second the effect is unique.....very well done.
It looks like you are fast approaching the 2000 reply mark, fantastic!  Who would have thought that you would climb so quickly to the top.  Well let me tell you that with posts like your past ones, it is of no surprise!  I don't think you are the type of person to do things half ass'd anyways, so I think it is expected. :P

Seeya,
Robin  :thumbsup:

-oh, BTW, you should MSN me some time soon.  I am to something that should really surprise you.  It surprises even me!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: rdrdrdrd on July 24, 2009, 09:06:40 AM
Yay coming to my area, cheer for the nats, my friends dad owns 15% of them, seriously, he does, behind home plate seats and a box  :), have fun, which part of PA, I am going away to school there this fall :)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Sciurus on July 24, 2009, 09:20:55 AM
Hi Dustin!

I'm happy that you'll try to follow my advices with La Défense, it's an honnour for me you know, that a main personn like you follows my advice ()stsfd().
The pic is special, but nice, with this blue effect, which looks like a rainy day, as Art said ;). But he's right about the filter on the camera, he forgot to put it off :D
Well, I wish you good luck for the following Dustin ;)

Guillaume, you french friend :)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: calibanX on July 25, 2009, 01:55:08 PM
I enjoyed the artist's rendering. It's nice to see those kinds of artistic pics mixed into an MD. Your lotting of that sunken square is a great piece of work as well. Nice job as usual Dustin.

Have a blast in D.C.. I've been there a couple of times and it's a unique city. You just might get some city building ideas.

Take care.

Geoff
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: io_bg on July 26, 2009, 01:34:23 AM
Nice effects, I really like that pic! :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: emilin on July 26, 2009, 03:04:05 PM
1938 and counting. Good stuff as always, mate. And remember "My heart's wood, she's a carpenter
She's an angel in the night, what she does is alright"
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on July 26, 2009, 10:58:24 PM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies2.jpg&hash=caaacd21f4d241ef76081c80d2a7c8f16899680d)

Arthur (art128): Hi, Arthur! Thanks so much, my friend! I'm glad to hear that you're a fellow baseball fan, too! Do you have a favorite team? Take care, my friend!

Alex (Driftmaster07): Thanks, Alex!

kimcar: Thank you, my friend!

bat: Thanks, bat!

peter007: Thanks!

Robin (rooker1): Hello, Robin! Thank you so much for your very kind words, my friend. And you are certainly right, if anyone thinks out of the box, it's you! Hope you had a great weekend!

rdrdrdrd: Thank you! And you're coming to Pennsylvania to go to school, eh? Where are you headed?

Guillaume (Sciurus): Hi, Guillaume! You and Arthur have the right idea about the picture and the photographer's filter! Ha-ha! Thanks for stopping by, my friend, and I hope to see you again soon!

Geoff (calibanX): Thank you, Geoff! You would have to be blind not to be inspired by Washington, DC, I think. The layout and structure of everything is very unique, like you said. Here's to Pierre L'Enfant! Hope to see you soon, my friend!

io_bg: Thank you!

Emil (emilin): Hello, my friend! Thank you so much, and of course, I don't have to tell you how much I love that quote! Take care, Emil!





Well, my weekend is over, and it was a very hot and muggy, yet quite enjoyable weekend in Washington, DC! I haven't been there for a long time, so it was great to go back and see things that I actually cared to see this time around! If you don't mind, I have a few photographs to share with you from the trip!

First, we have...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FDC%25202009%2FDSC00747.jpg&hash=b11e85661734a978a541148d9fd6a83abb6d6ada)

...Union Station, which was much bigger than I was anticipating, actually. We spent most of the first day walking around the National Mall, starting at...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FDC%25202009%2FDSC00753.jpg&hash=ef65157d8afeffe46a3c20048f2d9b2ab95f01fb)

...the United States Capitol. Here...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FDC%25202009%2FDSC00752.jpg&hash=aef1b9f94b15a3d3c2681e2ccc2c516c56a3ad27)

...is a picture of the National Mall from the Capitol, with the Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial in the background.

And...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FDC%25202009%2FDSC00759.jpg&hash=db9cebd59cb91acc5574728524237ab7203e5693)

...the Capitol from the middle of the National Mall.

We also spent some time at the National Aquarium, where we saw—among other things...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FDC%25202009%2FDSC00767.jpg&hash=ec51e2d8e364fbe372cd447ee0df908660155bbd)

...this little seahorse!

Of course, we saw...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FDC%25202009%2FDSC00778.jpg&hash=ff73b5b3cca847354141705581ac5cc8c92fa3d9)

...the White House, and also...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FDC%25202009%2FDSC00780.jpg&hash=5d33b0a25c547b385e529fdf70916be4e0fb86a3)

...Pennsylvania Avenue, looking down from the White House to the Capitol.

We drove behind...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FDC%25202009%2FDSC00784.jpg&hash=6331541f34f8c6941e95a76226369fd85a9b7ef1)

...the Lincoln Memorial, so unfortunately, we did not get a shot of the President Lincoln's statue, but we did see...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FDC%25202009%2FDSC00786.jpg&hash=ee84e2a1c9a1efbe9e2e5f7e305f852cfac282c0)

...the Pentagon, from the Potomac River.

Also from the Potomac, we saw...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FDC%25202009%2FDSC00790.jpg&hash=edc24764b6e64638d28723d05d82db92839a96d8)

...the sign for U.S. Route 1 and Interstate 395, as well as...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FDC%25202009%2FDSC00793.jpg&hash=d6bce3ebc4e8a6e57f52b7a5477adfebad7fadeb)

...a plane leaving Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA).

Back on dry land, we also saw...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FDC%25202009%2FDSC00797.jpg&hash=3e73b86b294880eb45b9c97fafbf5575bd1cff77)

...the Jefferson Memorial with the Washington Monument in the background.

On Saturday, we toured the museums of the Smithsonian Institution, beginning with...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FDC%25202009%2FDSC00803.jpg&hash=4096398878ee32c11757eb82ee1d2b19b85a5da4)

...the National Air and Space Museum, which holds the Charles Lindbergh's plane, the Spirit of St. Louis, as well as...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FDC%25202009%2FDSC00807.jpg&hash=e27ae7aa038ede60e4169618c102045105bbcd8f)

...the plane used by the Wright Brothers in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, in 1903.

The museum also featured...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FDC%25202009%2FDSC00811.jpg&hash=d810742d403203a22428c3458fd6c5308c9f4b29)

...an actual lunar module from the Apollo Space Program to commemorate the Fortieth Anniversary of the first man on the moon, and...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FDC%25202009%2FDSC00812.jpg&hash=66f2c306887eb0f96d80216ea81022a1c4ea5715)

...the spacesuits of both American astronaut John Glenn and Russian cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin, who was the first human in outer space.

Next we moved to the Museum of Natural History, which has...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FDC%25202009%2FDSC00828.jpg&hash=4f5c3b4fe5065dea34fc811018058c99f6bc7073)

...dinosaurs!

It also has...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FDC%25202009%2FDSC00833.jpg&hash=989350a48f97eb9e8c3630ae75c824d0fc4d02af)

...the Hope Diamond, and...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FDC%25202009%2FDSC00844.jpg&hash=7cf8e9d6dc66bdbba9546a7ab82e8cc4476df930)

...a butterfly garden.

We then moved on to the National Museum of American History, which has such exhibits as...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FDC%25202009%2FDSC00848.jpg&hash=3a9d2c86ef09e90480146d141f1861c7022bc6b4)

...road signs from cities named after American Presidents...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FDC%25202009%2FDSC00851.jpg&hash=94e787a6582ff1136c0fcca558632ea0a5002a40)

...a pair of Muhammad Ali's boxing gloves...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FDC%25202009%2FDSC00852.jpg&hash=091ba996f78047a5908a232f04aa57cbad1d12eb)

...the original Kermit the Frog and...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FDC%25202009%2FDSC00853.jpg&hash=fad381af95b488efb86368d5a7adea61fc7e55e0)

...Oscar the Grouch, and also...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FDC%25202009%2FDSC00855.jpg&hash=71e020090509dbac1522576d309173ba4594e98e)

...the original Bob Campbell doll from the 1970s TV show, Soap.

Later that night, we took the Washington Metro from...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FDC%25202009%2FDSC00859.jpg&hash=4bd7c9f15d42dfe8f48ef9998497b3f11eba9d8a)

...the Foggy Bottom/GWU Station to...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FDC%25202009%2FDSC00861.jpg&hash=bab660f1c87a293abb1f7c833019e81bdcf5eb61)

...Nationals Park, home of the Washington Nationals, currently the worst team in Major League Baseball.

Playing the San Diego Padres, the game started out great, with Nationals' third-baseman Ryan Zimmerman...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FDC%25202009%2FDSC00863.jpg&hash=7023b7af17c9254c5590b2a815f8594cdb172384)

...hitting a two-run home run in the bottom of the first inning. Then...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FDC%25202009%2FDSC00867.jpg&hash=2f133659a08d929f6e222fb5ffd13af404358a4f)

...a storm came, and...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FDC%25202009%2FDSC00868.jpg&hash=9b42aef19f43c51efa3f870183addde45c8546df)

...out came the tarps. The game would eventually resume after a three-hour rain delay, but unfortunately, we left after about 90 minutes or so, since it was still raining quite steadily.

Finally, I saw a bit of an distinctly named street...


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...Taxation Without Representation Street. This phrase, made famous by Patrick Henry during the American Revolution, is also on the Washington, D.C. license plates, and refers to D.C. residents having to pay taxes without having equal representation in the United States Congress like the 50 states have. For more information on that, you can read here (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/District_of_Columbia_voting_rights), if you'd like!

Certainly, it goes without saying, but I spent almost all of the trip saying to myself, "How can I incorporate this into Marathon?" Well, I figured that I would have to start small, with...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F182.jpg&hash=03b49fbc6b6f98b23f4857ecdbb41599f66217a0)

...just a simple Washington Metro Post, which will now be used for all Marathon Metro stations henceforth. Don't worry, though, I have other inspired ideas to work with, too!

And of course, we have...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FOSITM%2F60.jpg&hash=19169a51b58e838bb9cacaabea8be90c79701074)

...our current count!

Well, I'm off to bed, only about six more hours until I get up for...my first day of work!

In a bit!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on July 27, 2009, 02:09:56 AM
PAGE 98 !! (2 more to 100 !!! )

hey Dustin, great pictures of Washington my friend, they're some good angles there and nice caption of the city, but a real shame for the rain and the storm. As for me, I'm a fan of the Pittsburgh Pirates who was in the past at the Three River Region errr sorry, stadium.  :P
As for the LOT, good choice to take the Capital's metro sign for Marathon, I guess it goes really well with the city style who looks like Washington.
Take care,
-Arthur.  :thumbsup:

59 to go
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Sciurus on July 27, 2009, 02:34:44 AM
Hi Dustin!

Like Art, you offer us great photos of Washington. I'm fascinated of Washington DC, and America, beacause it's so huge!! Did you know that the "Maison Blanche" (as we call it in France) is a reproduction of a french castle? And did you know that the architect of it was a french too? And did you also know that the original color of the White House is yellow? Because there was a fire in the 18th century I believe, and they repaint the house in white. And after, they called that the White House...
So, I'm impressed by the size of the Capitol. I thought it was more little. Because the "Palais Bourbon" in France (the palace where the deputies are), is very little than that! $%Grinno$% But we've got a little land, so little buildings... ;D It's damage that you didn't see the "Blériot XI" in this museum, this is the first plane which crossed the Channel islands in 1909. We spoke about that in France on the 25th july (date of my birthday $%Grinno$%).
So, I hope you spent a good moment in Washington, and I wait for you in my french country ;D

Guillaume, you french friend; ;)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: rooker1 on July 27, 2009, 04:07:53 AM
Hey Dustin,
Great pics.  It is sometimes reall cool to see pics of other cities, even if it's just to compare familiar and unfamiliar sites with your own city.  I like to see how different cities differ.  The street name is kind of funny. ::)
As for the LOT...you say small....well at 8x4 isn't small in any of my books.
Did you see my hidden message last post?  I'm guessing not.
Anyways....have a great first day at work.

Robin  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: carkid1998 on July 27, 2009, 04:09:33 AM
Hi!

Nice pics of washington, looks like you had a good time!  Shame about that baseball game though.

Good use of the metro(or Underground, as I would say) sign! Lots of people are facing one way..... Hmmmmm, mabye something will be over there...

Ryan :thumbsup:

Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: KoV Liberty on July 27, 2009, 06:18:36 AM
WOW! You sure took a bunch of pics! Awesome work there!

56 to go!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: kimcar on July 27, 2009, 09:13:41 AM
Thanks for sharing those pics Dustin. Not sure i will go there some day, but we never know
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: rdrdrdrd on July 27, 2009, 10:26:19 AM
nice, you had fun it sounds like, I am going to school at mercersburg academy  ;D
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: hooha47 on July 27, 2009, 11:29:06 AM
As part of my ongoing mission to stop being a lurker, I must post here to tell you how much I've enjoyed reading and learning from your MD.

You're city is spectacular.  The thought you put into everything, and your attention to detail is just amazing.  I love the way you've shown us what you're doing as you experiment with the Lot Editor, and it's inspired me to try to do more with it.  And you're map making tutorial helped me make my first street map for my city.

I wanted to give you a bit more information on the Portland neighborhood that inspired your diagonal section (did you ever come up with a name for it?).  I live in a suburb of Portland, and used to live 2 blocks from that neighborhood.

The neighborhood itself is called Ladd's Addition, and, according to wikipedia, "The neighborhood is known in Portland for its diagonal street pattern, which contrasts markedly with the regular grid of the surrounding areas. This unconventional street layout can be disorienting to drivers."  I can vouch for that!  It can be disorienting to walkers as well.  It's a great little neighborhood, with rose gardens (Portland is the Rose City after all) in the squares.  You can learn more about it here:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ladd%27s_Addition (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ladd%27s_Addition)

Thanks for your great MD, and I look forward to future developments.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Scarton on July 27, 2009, 03:35:11 PM
That is a nice Metro sign. I hope you release it, as it brings memories of when I visited Washington... (I used the metro quite a lot).
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bat on July 28, 2009, 08:12:17 AM
Nice work on that sign there!
And looking forward to more...

51 replies left for 2000! ;)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: dedgren on July 28, 2009, 08:57:02 AM
1950!

Looks like you had a great trip to D.C., Dustin.  Wondering how we wound up with Gagarin's space suit.


David
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Albus of Garaway on July 28, 2009, 10:17:48 AM
I've been following this MD for quite a while now, and have only just gotten around to commenting...!

Some great pictures of DC there. The Metro posts will certainly fit in nicely with Marathon's stations. :)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: calibanX on July 28, 2009, 07:53:19 PM
That was a great presentation of your pics from D.C. Very entertaining I must say. I'm looking forward to seeing your inspiration turn up in Marathon.

Take care.

Geoff
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: M4346 on July 29, 2009, 01:34:53 AM
I'm really, really envious!  :bomb: I love DC and would've loved to be there too! :P LOL! But I hope, and it seems like it, that you had a great time!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Luke09 on July 29, 2009, 11:29:14 AM
Hi Dustin!Youre close to 2000 post and 100 pages!nice!Beauty pics you have  :)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: KoV Liberty on July 29, 2009, 11:56:01 AM
Hey Dustin I wont be around for a while so just a heads up... Congrats on 2000 comments! That is in case I can't be online to congratulate you. My computer has troubles so I cant be online, or play Simcity.  &cry2 Hope to comment here soon!

-Alex
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on July 29, 2009, 08:48:22 PM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies2.jpg&hash=caaacd21f4d241ef76081c80d2a7c8f16899680d)

Arthur (art128): Thank you so much, Arthur!

Guillaume (Sciurus): Hello, my friend! Thanks for the so much wonderful information! I learned a lot that I didn't know before! I hope to see you here again soon, Guillaume! Take care!

Robin (rooker1): Hi, Robin! I'm glad you liked the pictures from Washington, my friend! It was a great trip, minus the heat, of course. It's always fantastic to have you hear, my friend! Hope all is well!

Ryan (carkid1998): Thank you, Ryan, for such great comments!

Alex (Driftmaster07): Thanks, Alex!

kimcar: Thank you so much, my friend!

rdrdrdrd: Thanks! Good luck at the Mercersburg Academy, too—I've been around that area on my travels down Interstate 81. It's a nice area!

hooha47: Hello! Welcome to Marathon, my friend! I'm so glad you chose here to ease out of lurking...or should I say "bust out" with all the fantastic information you gave us! Thank you very much for that, it makes using that area so much better, knowing the background behind it. I hope that you'll come visit again here soon! You're always welcome!

citycapitalizer: Thanks! The DC Metro Signs (http://www.simtropolis.com/stex/details.cfm?id=12324) are not mine though, they were made by scipio and can be found over on the STEX. Hope that helps!

bat: Thank you, my friend!

David (dedgren): Hi, David! You got 1950, eh? It doesn't matter what number you get here, it's always great to have you! I was a bit curious about how we got Yuri Gagarin's suit, as well. I guess diplomacy really does go a long way! Take care, my friend, and don't be a stranger!

Albus of Garaway: Hello! Thanks so much for stopping by and commenting—it's always great when we have newcomers! Hope to see you again soon!

Geoff (calibanX): Thank you, Geoff! I'm glad you enjoyed the pictures, my friend!

Marius (M4346): Hi, M! I did have a great time. Washington is such a very unique city and I hadn't been there for quite a while, so it was great to see things again. I'd like to get back when I have more time to spend there...and when it's not so hot! Take care, my friend!

Luke (Luke09): Thank you so much, Luke!

Alex (Driftmaster07): Sorry to hear that you're having some computer troubles, Alex! But don't worry, my friend—Marathon will be here when you get back! We'll miss you here, and await your return! Good luck!




Well, the new job is going quite well for me in the first three days! We've been doing a lot of training so far, and I've learned a lot that not only did I not know before, but also will be very helpful in trying to help the kids that I'll be working with. Overall, I'm just taking things one day at a time!

Back to Marathon, though...the real reason we're here! I've been slowly working with our diagonal park area (thanks to such a great and informative post by our new friend hooha47)!

Here's where we are now...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F183.jpg&hash=3a80ffa91167749175c998919dd9305dfa8c8059)

The idea that I am working with is that on the north end of the park area, following the split Commonwealth Avenue, there will be the central commercial-like area as shown so far. On the southern end, it will transition from commercial-like areas as it is now into more residential as we move south towards the edge of tile and beyond. There is still a lot of work to be done, but as a concept, I think (hope!) it will work well.

Also, as you can see, there's another square—a diamond, actually!—to the northeast of the park area. I'm not sure where I'll go with that yet, but I like the network with it in there!

Finally...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FOSITM%2F44.jpg&hash=c6a7f7ee903e1140a046812ea4f21f7fe0c0dc60)

...we'll be there soon! Thanks for all the support, my friends!

In a bit!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: sithlrd98 on July 29, 2009, 08:51:42 PM
Excellent news Dustin! I hope that it continues to go well for you! So , with that...43 more comments to 2000!

Jayson
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Nexis4Jersey on July 30, 2009, 02:08:18 AM
Looks like you had fun in DC , i'll be there in a few weeks as well as Virgina visiting my ant & uncle  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Glowbal on July 30, 2009, 04:16:28 AM
That sure looks good. Great work.
And good to hear your new job is going quite well. I hope it continues to go well for you. :thumbsup:

Cheers!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: carkid1998 on July 30, 2009, 07:45:14 AM

40 To Go!

Abiti Square is developing nicely, can't wait to see those residential areas! And I wonder about that other mystery area..... $%Grinno$%

Ryan :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Battlecat on July 30, 2009, 10:39:20 AM
Glad to hear the new job is going well so far.  Good luck with it! 

I like the way that area is starting to develop, I'm looking forward to seeing where it will be going. 
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Luke09 on July 30, 2009, 11:19:45 AM
Nice Skyline  :thumbsup: .Is possible to put Hsbc building(hong kong)on the commercial sector?That building is just amazing,and a bank is all that a commercial district needs  $%Grinno$%
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on July 30, 2009, 12:18:50 PM
Nice overview there Dustin ! Looks really great with Parisian W2W and big building !  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: ecoba on July 31, 2009, 03:09:59 PM
WOW!

Marathon Has Never Looked Better, Dustin!

36 to 2000!

Hope To See More Soon!

--Ethan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: kimcar on July 31, 2009, 04:37:53 PM
 &apls &apls Excellent overview Dustin . No doubt , there a lot of work overe there  ;D
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: KoV Liberty on July 31, 2009, 05:00:32 PM
I'm back! And a nice little update there!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: peter007 on August 01, 2009, 01:56:10 AM
It is looking great  &apls very nice
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Sciurus on August 01, 2009, 02:51:22 AM
Hi!

I just can say you're welcome for the information, I do my job $%Grinno$%. It's still wonderful, I just find that the cathedral is too distant as the others buildings. In Europe, cathedrals are very very closed together ;).

Guillaume, you french friend :thumbsup:

32 before 2000!!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bat on August 01, 2009, 08:30:55 AM
Great overview of that area! Nice work!!!!!!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: MTT9 on August 01, 2009, 10:25:38 AM
Great work Dustin. I love those parisian buildings.
Keep it up.
Matt
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Albus of Garaway on August 01, 2009, 08:49:10 PM
Almost to 100 there, Dustin! :)

Just wanted to stop in and say not only congratulations on reaching this milestone, but also to say that I'm absolutely loving those diagonal parks and buildings. They look absolutely phenomenal! It sets a new standard for me in my cities, which are largely diagonal as well.

As always, I'm looking forward to more!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: io_bg on August 01, 2009, 10:20:44 PM
Wonderful picture, Dustin! ... and we're getting closer to the 2000 comments ;)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on August 02, 2009, 09:08:17 PM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies2.jpg&hash=caaacd21f4d241ef76081c80d2a7c8f16899680d)

Jayson (sithlrd98): Thanks, Jayson!

Corey (Nexis4Jersey): Thank you, Corey!

Glowbal: Thanks so much, my friend!

Ryan (carkid1998): Thank you very much, Ryan!

Battlecat: Thank you for your kind words and support, my friend!

Luke (Luke09): Thanks, Luke! And I can guarantee that the HSBC building will pop up somewhere in Marathon! Where, though, I'm not sure yet! Take care!

Arthur (art128): Thanks, Arthur!

Ethan (ecoba): Thank you so much, Ethan! Great to see you again!

kimcar: Hey! Thanks so very much!

Alex (Driftmaster07): Great to see you back here, my friend! Thanks for stopping by!

peter007: Thanks!

Guillaume (Sciurus): Thank you so very much, Guillaume! It is indeed wonderful to hear from you here in Marathon! I don't know where we'd be without you, my friend! Take care!

bat: Thanks!

Matt (emmotic): Thank you, Matt!

Albus of Garaway: Hello! Thank you for your very kind words and support, my friend! Hope to see you again soon!

io_bg: Thank you, my friend!




Well, well, well...It's been a bit of a hectic weekend for me! In addition to having my first week of work on the books, there has been a new addition to my household! Meet Vienna—


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FVienna%2FDSC00894.jpg&hash=1816b8c02e316f86a8ce4f8b43f2d08765c36832)

Our brand new, 13-week-old papillon puppy! Here she is with her older brother Figaro...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FVienna%2FDSC00897.jpg&hash=58a9435922321a6184528b2b1ddd74d34b45a3fb)

Needless to say, we've had our hands full with her so far. We've got just about the entire living room carpet covered in plastic, but still, she manages to find those little bits that aren't covered! It's OK, though, she more than makes up for it, I think!

On the Marathon end, though, I thought I'd drop in with a region shot...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F184.jpg&hash=75426f91d452cc8f390dc6cf7d983e1be4ec5f14)

...to see how our progress is going. As you can see, the southern shore of Marathon Island is progressing a bit with some development and a few piers as well. Hopefully, we'll be able to wrap up the middle and eastern tiles on the southern shore soon and start working our way north!

And...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FOSITM%2F27.jpg&hash=f55f6bd22273f26b8c01edfb2838a1d0c92935a5)

We're getting really close! I can almost taste 2000!

More from Marathon to come, friends!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Sciurus on August 03, 2009, 02:48:22 AM
Oh, nice dogs, they're so cute $%Grinno$%
Good luck to urbanize the rest of the map, because you have so much work! :o
Oh, i ofrgot to say that I hope to be the first to post the 2000th comment :party:

Guillaume :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Glowbal on August 03, 2009, 02:58:39 AM
haha such a cute dog. :D

only 25 to go. Great :)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: M4346 on August 03, 2009, 03:13:05 AM
Yay Vienna!  ;D
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bat on August 03, 2009, 05:32:09 AM
Looking forward to more from Marathon!

And great overview there!  ;)

23 Comments left for 2000! &apls
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: KoV Liberty on August 03, 2009, 09:07:25 AM
22 left! Like the new puppy! :) Those piers... What could they be???
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: rdrdrdrd on August 03, 2009, 09:47:39 AM
great &apls
at least your doggy dosn't always find your room to mess in, like mine  ::)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: KoV Liberty on August 03, 2009, 10:56:39 AM
100th page! Congrats Dustin!!!!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: JoeST on August 03, 2009, 11:25:17 AM
Super congrats on the 100 pages Dustin :) and ofcourse, congrats on the upcoming 2000 (of which there is now less than 20 to go)

Cant wait for more of your awesome.

Joe
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Tomas Neto on August 03, 2009, 12:27:32 PM
Wow!!! 100th page!!!!  &apls &apls &apls
Congrats my friend!!!  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on August 03, 2009, 12:31:43 PM
Hey Dustin, congrats for passing the page 100 my friend, you deserved it !
Your new dog seems to be sympathetic with his big brother. Also, great overview there, looks like Marathon growin' fast !
Take care,
-Arthur.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: beutelschlurf on August 03, 2009, 12:33:07 PM
moin thundercrack83,
%%Order?/ ... wow, everyone is geting so exited, cause of your upcoming 2000th post! ... guess what: me too! ;) i'm so curious what you present to us ... as an anniversary-special!  :P
btw. concrats to your 100th page, mate ...

cheers
b_schlurf
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Luke09 on August 03, 2009, 02:37:35 PM
Its getting close Dustin...pretty close to 2000 posts.Nice pics and beauty overview  &apls
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Utvaw on August 03, 2009, 09:31:28 PM
Great region view, a lot of space and a lot of potential.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: tooheys on August 04, 2009, 02:09:36 AM
Come on Dustin, speed it up a bit. I'll be dead by the time you finish that region  ::)

Seriously though, well done on the 100 pages and almost 2k posts. :thumbsup:

And love the pup, although older brother looks like he needs a break from his new sibling.

Keep up the great work mate.

Dave
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: io_bg on August 04, 2009, 06:27:45 AM
What a cute puppy :P ... we're getting closer and closer to the 2000 comments...
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: citymax on August 04, 2009, 07:48:34 AM
Good job ;) , your dogs are nice  ::)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: rdrdrdrd on August 04, 2009, 08:54:34 AM
wow 100th page ()stsfd()
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: darraghf on August 04, 2009, 10:04:56 AM
Nine more to go Dustin, good luck!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Nexis4Jersey on August 04, 2009, 05:44:56 PM
Congrats on the 100th Page and i love those Cute Small Dogs  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: ecoba on August 04, 2009, 06:14:13 PM
You Got A Dog Too!

Basically Everyone I Know Has A Dog!

...but I have 3 cats...

-- Ethan

7 to go...
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: sithlrd98 on August 04, 2009, 07:15:19 PM
Congrats on the 100 pages! Looks like you do have your hands full with that little pup...kinda cute (hey , guys can say cute!)

Looks like you've got a whole 6 more replies to go! Great job!

Jayson
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: emgmod on August 04, 2009, 08:06:14 PM
I guess this would be a good time to stop lurking. I cannot say anything about the dog though.

5 comments left...
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: danielcote on August 04, 2009, 08:27:45 PM
I like the regional view! I hope you finish that aria soon. I'd like to see what its like.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: darraghf on August 05, 2009, 02:01:02 PM
Only 3 more posts, Dustin. I've bitten all of my nails off with all of the exitement  :P
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: M4346 on August 05, 2009, 03:51:59 PM
I wanted to steal the big 2 000, but alas, I have to go to bed :P congrats to you, in advance! Worthy achievement indeed!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: rdrdrdrd on August 05, 2009, 04:02:14 PM
1999 post, this topic is great, have you ever considered making a PDF file of all the updates as like a journal of marathon or something? :)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Bobbi on August 05, 2009, 04:36:08 PM
Great regions &apls

Bobbi :thumbsup:

Edit: Hey, this is 2000th reply. :)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: KoV Liberty on August 05, 2009, 06:14:36 PM
Aren't 2001 replies better?  :P Congrats Dustin!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Glowbal on August 06, 2009, 05:32:44 AM
Congratz on 2k replies. :)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Sciurus on August 06, 2009, 05:48:44 AM
Congrats Dustin for those 2000 comments &apls

Guillaume :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: io_bg on August 06, 2009, 07:53:51 AM
Congratulations on the milestone, Dustin! &apls
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: MandelSoft on August 06, 2009, 08:14:38 AM
2005 replies!  &apls  WOW! That's a real milestone! Up to #3000!

Just got back from holiday in Luxembourg. I had a good time there   ;D

Best,
Maarten
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: ecoba on August 07, 2009, 06:21:46 PM
Congrats on 2000 Repies, Dustin!!

Can't Wait For More Marathon!

Ethan

- That Deserved 2 Explamation Points? Is that how you spell it? Is that even the word?
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Luke09 on August 08, 2009, 01:25:14 PM
2k of post and +3 views for 65600.Nice Dustin  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Albus of Garaway on August 09, 2009, 05:13:56 PM
Congratulations on 2,000 posts, Dustin! There's a reason people like to comment on this CJ: It's because your work is simply incredible. Really, your extensive Lot-Editing has really inspired me!

I was going to write a longer comment, but the thunder is getting louder...I better dash and check the weather. Can't wait to see what you cook up next!

-Jason
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: metarvo on August 10, 2009, 06:51:43 AM
The 2,000 comments is yet another display of the superb quality of Marathon.  Some say "Build it and they will come," and in this case it's most certainly true.  Congratulations, Dustin!  Here's to 2,000 more!

&apls
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: carkid1998 on August 10, 2009, 11:13:42 AM

A dog's biscuits, 100 pages, 2000 replies!! What could be better!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: anandus on August 11, 2009, 09:40:05 AM
Finally! The end!  ;D

I stumbled upon this MD last friday and have, almost non-stop, been reading it since!
It was a tour de force, but I made it and it was worth every hour it took.
(You could almost say it was like a... dare I say it?... Marathon  :P )

Dustin, I really love your approach to Marathon (like the small semi-tutorials and the spotlighting of some lots and bats, incl linkies) and how it is developing so far  :thumbsup:
It gave me some nice ideas for my own cities.

I'm really curious how things will develop from here on.
Rest assured, you've gained another trusty follower!  ::)

(PS. Sorry if my English isn't all that good)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Shingure on August 11, 2009, 12:07:27 PM
Happy 2k Replies!

Sorry for not replying in a while. Marathon's progress is going well. Also I'm still in love with alot of the lots that are here!

~E.Hall
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: djvandrake on August 11, 2009, 03:22:51 PM
*picks jaw up off floor*

As someone who has recently become addicted to the Lot Editor, I have to say that your MD is just spectacular!  :thumbsup:  I read the whole thing from start to finish in about 6 days (at lunch) and it's been a very enjoyable ride.  I hope you don't mind if I get comfy here and follow along from now on.  :P  I've already learned so much from here and I want to see what happens next.

Outstanding work Dustin.  Very, very impressive.  &apls  &apls  &apls  &apls  &apls

Congrats on 2000 replies!  ;D

DJ
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on August 11, 2009, 08:18:15 PM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies2.jpg&hash=caaacd21f4d241ef76081c80d2a7c8f16899680d)

Since we've had a huge amount of replies since my last post (so sorry about the length of time between posts!), I decided to just do one big THANK YOU to everyone! So thank you to Guillaume (Sciurus), Glowbal, M (M4346), bat, Alex (Driftmaster07), rdrdrdrd, Joe (JoeST), Tomas Neto, Arthur (art128), beutelschlurf, Luke (Luke09), Utvaw, Dave (tooheys), io_bg, citymax, Darra (darraghf), Corey (Nexis4Jersey), Ethan (ecoba), Jayson (sithlrd98), emgmod, danielcote, Bobbi, Maarten (mrtnrln), Jason (Albus of Garaway), metarvo, Ryan (carkid1998), anandus, Shingure, and djvandrake!

Well, we made it to 2000 comments! I do apologize for being away for so long, but my new job has been taking up a lot of my time, especially since I've been working different shifts each day. But, I did have time to put together a little celebratory picture!


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F185.jpg&hash=2b278c0771fb7bd7b12eb52d34c501e7d4bf9d2f)

I'd like to thank you all so very much for bringing Marathon to such an auspicious honor, friends! I never would have thought that we would be this far in a million years, let alone in less than one year! You folks are the best friends that a person can have!

In honor of the occasion, I'd like to request a...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252036%2F36003.jpg&hash=1c2ef410b0f7a49d095687821e51ebbb959d785f)

If you stop by in the next 24 hours or so, please take a second to let us know!

Thanks again, friends! Here's to 2000 posts and to 2000 more!

More from Marathon to come!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: sithlrd98 on August 11, 2009, 08:21:28 PM
I was here!  :P Congrats Dustin , hope it slows down a little for you!  Awesome Mosaic!

Jayson
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Battlecat on August 11, 2009, 08:24:46 PM
Since I haven't had a chance to post my congrats yet, congratulations on passing 2000 posts, it's a great achievement!  I like that celebration shot there!  Hope your new job doesn't eat up to much of your time going forward!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: kimcar on August 11, 2009, 08:26:13 PM
 &apls &apls &apls Congrats my friend. With an interesting MD no doubt that you achieve this. Miss only 1000 more for 3000  :D
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: shaylan221 on August 11, 2009, 08:26:38 PM
Your sign is making me feel guilty. Nice Update, keep up the good work.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: meinhosen on August 11, 2009, 08:27:48 PM
Well, if you're not going to let me lurk, than I'll have to pass along a message:

Congratulations on reaching 2000 replies!   &apls  &apls  &apls

Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: woodb3kmaster on August 11, 2009, 10:01:47 PM
I'd say you're right in calling for a no-lurking day, Dustin - getting over 2000 comments is something no MDer has ever done at SC4D before, and you deserve to celebrate that accomplishment! Congratulations, and here's to another 2000 comments!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: CabraBuitre on August 11, 2009, 10:04:16 PM
Congrats on 2k!!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: emgmod on August 11, 2009, 10:29:02 PM
Hey look, a no lurking day.

Congratulations again on reaching 2000 comments.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: allan_kuan1992 on August 11, 2009, 10:35:49 PM
No lurking!? =O

Things around here seem nice... but as much as eyecandy is good I'd like to see some functional things as well (which I haven't really but sometimes you have to pick and choose...)

- Allan Kuan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: hooha47 on August 11, 2009, 11:05:26 PM
I'll post to that.  Congrats on 2,000 (or more accurately, 2,024) comments.  Your MD is most definitely worthy of the honor. 

If you haven't come up with a name yet for your section of Marathon based on Ladd's Addition, may I recommend incorporating either "Ladd" or "Addition" in the name.  Perhaps "Name of some historical Marathon figure's Addition".  Just a thought.

Do I hear 3,000?
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: JoeST on August 11, 2009, 11:41:58 PM
is it still no lurcking day? :D

a post-humerous congratulations to add to my previously one :D

Joe
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: MandelSoft on August 12, 2009, 01:29:43 AM
Stopping by again  ;)  Comment #2026, if it's going this fast, we have 2500 replies in no-time!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: anandus on August 12, 2009, 03:40:59 AM
Oh, and a big tip for the people who can't afford the very expensive Photoshop, like me:
There is a great free alternative, called Paint.NET (http://www.getpaint.net/)!

About everything you can do with Photoshop, you can do with this program (and I find it easier to use than Gimp).
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: metarvo on August 12, 2009, 05:48:19 AM
It's no lurking day, so I guess I'd better post.  ;)  Dustin, you have shown a broad variety of concepts, from sunken highways to railroad stations, and from diagonal districts to sports stadiums, all while explaining how you built these fine additions to the region.  This makes Marathon a true learning experience.

&apls

I'm ready for more Marathon.  :)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: KoV Liberty on August 12, 2009, 06:37:01 AM
You know I never lurk! $%Grinno$% :D Congrats on the 2020+ posts!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Splime on August 12, 2009, 07:47:22 AM
If it's no lurking day, what's the punishment for lurking?  :D

Congratulations on getting 2000 replies! That's an amazing achievement.  &apls
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Bobbi on August 12, 2009, 07:55:37 AM
No lurking day?! :D

Congratulations on 2000 &apls

Bobbi :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: rooker1 on August 12, 2009, 08:09:12 AM
I am truly happy you and your MD have done so well.  But to tell you the truth, I'm glad to see that now you have a job even the Great Dustin can't update his MD everyday, even every other day.  ::) So you are really human after all, it's great to know. ::) ;)  I look forward to the coming 2000 posts which I'm sure you'll hit!

&apls

Robin  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Luke09 on August 12, 2009, 10:24:29 AM
Congratulations  :thumbsup: and nice mosaic
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: freedo50 on August 12, 2009, 10:48:17 AM
Aw, it would be no lurking day the one time I actaully decide to take a look through the MDs section wouldn't it!? Nice stuff, Dustin, and congrats on the success of this MD, it's a long time since I last commented in here, and I think you'd only done a few (very good) updates back then - now look at you, 100 pages and counting!

Good luck until the next 100 pages! :P

Fred
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Scarton on August 12, 2009, 11:00:58 AM
Congrats on 2000 comments!  &apls &apls
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on August 12, 2009, 11:12:07 AM
Congratulations, again Dustin ! And what a fantastic mosaic !  &apls &apls
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: carkid1998 on August 12, 2009, 12:47:36 PM

Mmmm, that mosaics great!

P.S: I didn't know you posted another update, I was freaking out thinking there wasn't going to be any updates (silly me!::) ::))
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: io_bg on August 13, 2009, 04:58:35 AM
Wow that's a great mosaic! :thumbsup: I wish you more free time so that you can work on your region more frequently ;)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Albus of Garaway on August 13, 2009, 06:35:00 AM
I love this No Lurking Day, Dustin! If I remember correctly, David joked about doing something similar about a week ago. Maybe he'll go through with it after seeing this. ;)

I really love that celebration picture, especially the SC4 work in the background!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Tomas Neto on August 13, 2009, 06:51:58 AM
Great mosaic Dustin, and congrats again!!!  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bat on August 13, 2009, 07:45:31 AM
Congrats on over 2000 comments!!
And wonderful mosaic for this number! :thumbsup:

Looking forward to more...
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: calibanX on August 13, 2009, 04:29:31 PM
Congratulations on 2000 Dustin. Here's to the next 2000!  &apls  &apls  &apls

Geoff
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: ecoba on August 13, 2009, 04:29:46 PM
If This Is Still Part Of No Lurking Day...

No Lurk!

Ethan

I Would Have Posted Above calibanx but, they posted while I was typing
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on August 14, 2009, 06:58:19 PM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies2.jpg&hash=caaacd21f4d241ef76081c80d2a7c8f16899680d)

Once again, thanks to such a fantastic outpouring of support, we've had an absolutely wonderful amount of replies, so I will just say thank you to everyone for your such gracious comments and support! It makes me feel so great that, since things have begun to move slower here in Marathon since I started working, there has been just as much, if not more support than ever! I thank you all so very much, and I hope to see you all here very soon!

In the meantime, I've been working on a new lot...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F186.jpg&hash=c3e81baf4037a9a46448769eeb4c950e1010d962)

It's not quite finished yet, but we're on the right track, I think!

Thanks for stopping by!

In a bit!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Luke09 on August 14, 2009, 07:03:42 PM
THATS AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!I really want to have something like that Dustin!!nice lotting,you have future on that  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: KoV Liberty on August 14, 2009, 07:56:41 PM
Ooh! The Commonwealth Gate! $%Grinno$%
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on August 15, 2009, 02:59:24 AM
OOOooooh  !! the Brandenburg errr no the Commonwealth gate looks wonderful Dustin, nice work the LOTting and the effort of the diagonals.  :thumbsup:
Take care,
-Arthur.  :)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Sciurus on August 15, 2009, 06:56:01 AM
Hi Dustin!
A big time you didn't do an update, but nice to see you do one. The lotting is very very very nice, I love it, but it doesn't looks like the reality ::) The place around the Brandeburg's Gate isn't like that. But it's you who sees :) But also nice :thumbsup:

Guillaume :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on August 15, 2009, 07:18:33 AM
Err Guillaume, I know it's the afternoon here in France, but I think you need to take a coffee cup, this isn't Robin's MD bur Dustin's one !  :P
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bat on August 15, 2009, 07:48:32 AM
Nice new Lot there! It's great!
Looking forward to more from that lot... ;)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: dedgren on August 15, 2009, 07:55:35 AM
100 (and now 100+) fantastic pages of Marathon, Dustin!  That's just icing on the cake, though.  There are so many reasons you've given us to follow your work- to look and not comment here just feels somehow out of place.

You are becoming the SC4 Monument Master.  Your grasp of monumental architecture appears instinctive- you may have missed your calling, my friend.

Here's to the next 100 97!  I bet we get there sooner than one would think.


David
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: djvandrake on August 15, 2009, 11:25:46 AM
Oh!  That looks great.   :thumbsup:  I'm struggling a bit with some diagonal lots at the moment so I can't wait to see what you do with this one.   :)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Sciurus on August 16, 2009, 02:01:00 AM
Quote from: art128 on August 15, 2009, 07:18:33 AM
Err Guillaume, I know it's the afternoon here in France, but I think you need to take a coffee cup, this isn't Robin's MD bur Dustin's one !  :P
Yes thank you, and I took it :P

Guillaume
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: sithlrd98 on August 16, 2009, 07:15:35 AM
Hey Dustin, looking pretty good! Your eye for detail is awesome! Looking forward to more!

Jayson
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: kimcar on August 16, 2009, 10:32:59 AM
 &apls Great use of building for this one. Great work
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Simpson on August 17, 2009, 01:54:22 AM
Hi Dustin,

Many times here since my last post in your MD and in SC4D, some problems in RL  &mmm. Your MD is my first visit here.
Also I'm a bit in late but I want to congrats you for 2000 posts in your MD, my friend. This is incredible.

I can't comment each update but I can say that this is excellent, as well my friend. The last picture is superb, the work on the LE is as always incredible.

Take care Dustin,

David
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Battlecat on August 17, 2009, 09:28:33 AM
That new lot is looking great.  You're doing an amazing job on creating your own custom lots for this! 
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Leodido on August 18, 2009, 04:10:21 AM
I really love your MD, great work. I'm going to start my own soon, you motivated me to do it :)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: ecoba on August 18, 2009, 04:14:49 PM
Oh My, Dustin!

That's a wonderous lot.

Ethan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Albus of Garaway on August 18, 2009, 07:45:39 PM
My favorite thing about that lot is the way you blended the grass on the side of the roads with the grass on each corner of the lot. Diagonal edges are ignored far too often, so thank you so much for for taking them into consideration, Dustin!

-Jason :)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: woodb3kmaster on August 19, 2009, 12:03:07 AM
Dustin, the fact that replies keep pouring in despite it having been four days since you last posted an image is a testament to the incredible staying power of Marathon, thanks to the great caliber of work you do here. I'm sure it must be a wonderful feeling to have this much support from the community - and you deserve it. Pat yourself on the back, my friend - whenever you get a breather from your job, of course!

Quote from: Sciurus on August 15, 2009, 06:56:01 AM
Hi Dustin!
A big time you didn't do an update, but nice to see you do one. The lotting is very very very nice, I love it, but it doesn't looks like the reality ::) The place around the Brandeburg's Gate isn't like that. But it's you who sees :) But also nice :thumbsup:

Guillaume :thumbsup:
I'm sure Dustin isn't trying to recreate the RL settings of the Brandenburg Gate in Marathon. Regardless, this new lot looks fabulous! Your lotting just keeps getting better, Dustin! I'm curious, though - what flower props are you using on those planters?

Looking forward to more!
Zack
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon [08/19/09]: UPDATE XLIII: Finally Finishing...
Post by: thundercrack83 on August 19, 2009, 07:28:38 PM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies2.jpg&hash=caaacd21f4d241ef76081c80d2a7c8f16899680d)

Once again, we've had a barrage of great replies! Thank you all so very much, friends!






UPDATE XLIII
Finally Finishing Something!
19 August 2009

Just a simple little update to prove that, here in Marathon, projects do actually get finished...sometimes!

We start...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252043%2F43001.jpg&hash=68ebe89ad93c874bb7aaec7bccba30a84013983f)

...with the blank area, as well as...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252043%2F43002.jpg&hash=e0bd0383041a0bf6eaa90f61c73cfa5b06732e1f)

...the previous lot of which you have all become acquainted.

Now, we just add in...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252043%2F43003.jpg&hash=ec772395f4d30d61e68306c048f7d457a5cef5c8)

...a 2x2 lot, and finally...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252043%2F43004.jpg&hash=27e512e367c8cc3e0d2ec2de78f780d2eeb3bb1d)

...a small 1x1, and we're all good to go!

Here's an overview of the area...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252043%2F43005.jpg&hash=fd52d97b94cbf681e1f648fb2b74b314dd892bdc)

...which is currently under construction.

Also, we've got another milestone on the horizon, it seems...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FOSITM%2F1247.jpg&hash=7301dc68592c443fc3c1f9fb1da0d0afdff8ea69)

We're inching closer with every day!

I apologize for the size of this update, but I do hope that you enjoyed it!

More to come!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: JoeST on August 19, 2009, 10:31:43 PM
Fantastic update Dustin, cant wait for more :)

Joe
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Battlecat on August 20, 2009, 09:12:33 AM
That square looks great!  I'm really enjoying seeing how you're filling in the little gaps with all these custom lots. 
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: djvandrake on August 20, 2009, 09:46:41 AM
Quote
...this update, but I do hope that you enjoyed it!

More to come!

Yes indeed.  :thumbsup:  Nice lot that came together quite well.  I'm very much looking forward to seeing more of that area, as I'm quite curious about the blueish building in the upper left.  ;D
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: KoV Liberty on August 20, 2009, 04:57:44 PM
 NICE!!!! I predict you will reach 70000 views by Saturday no later than Tuesday!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: calibanX on August 20, 2009, 07:51:22 PM
Fantastic as always Dustin. No worries about the size of the update. The size isn't important. It's the quality of the update that counts. Regarding quality updates, you have it nailed.

Geoff
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Sciurus on August 21, 2009, 02:03:56 AM
Just great great, great, great and great again!! &apls &apls

Guillaume :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Tomas Neto on August 21, 2009, 04:35:08 PM
Great Job, Dustin!!! Fantastic!!!  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: hooha47 on August 21, 2009, 06:43:00 PM
Those lots are outstanding.  Once again, I appreciate not only the quality, but the way you show us how you did it.  Thanks for more inspiration. &apls
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: meinhosen on August 21, 2009, 09:25:53 PM
Amazing work!  That square is going to look nice once the rest of the area fills in. 


Out of curiousity, where did you get that fountain... I've seen it but I can't put my finger on what lot or plugin pack it's from (I know I've seen it somewhere else).
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Albus of Garaway on August 22, 2009, 07:34:11 AM
Looking great as always, Dustin! I love the sidewalk texture you used in the park. :)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Bobbi on August 22, 2009, 07:39:51 AM
Great plaza &apls

Bobbi :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: ecoba on August 22, 2009, 06:23:32 PM
I want it, Dustin, I want it...

Ethan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bat on August 23, 2009, 05:57:02 AM
Great work on that plaza there! It looks really beautiful! :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: kimcar on August 23, 2009, 06:19:32 AM
Great result my friend  &apls &apls
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Scarton on August 23, 2009, 06:24:36 AM
Fabulous job on the plaza! :thumbsup: Now it's only over 300 views to 70,000!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: MTT9 on August 25, 2009, 09:52:45 AM
It's been a long time since i last commented.

And now i came in and...

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Femmotic.googlepages.com%2Fmarathon.jpg&hash=19531eed67fc224c21d0c87cd953b44cac3c058d)

Congrats on the 70000 views and the 2k comments

Keep it up Dustin! ;D
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: peter007 on August 25, 2009, 10:26:10 AM
Congrats with your 2000 replies an 7000 views I was in France when you passed 2000
and very beatifull buildings
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: KoV Liberty on August 25, 2009, 04:04:24 PM
Congrats on 70088 views Dustin!!!!!!!! Edit: And 2080 coments/105 pages!!!! &apls &apls &apls &apls &apls &apls
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on August 25, 2009, 07:08:19 PM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies2.jpg&hash=caaacd21f4d241ef76081c80d2a7c8f16899680d)

Joe (JoeST): Thank you, Joe!

Battlecat: Thanks so much, my friend!

djvandrake: That blue building, eh? Hopefully we'll be able to get more of an overview of the area soon! Thanks for your great comments!

Alex (Driftmaster07): Saturday or Sunday! Wow! That's pretty quick, my friend! We'll see if you're correct!

Geoff (calibanX): Hi, Geoff! Thank you for your very kind words and support, my friend! It's always wonderful to see you here!

Guillaume (Sciurus): Thank you, Guillaume!

Tomas Neto: Thanks!

hooha47: Thank you for such a great comment, my friend!

meinhosen: Hello! Thanks so much! As for the fountain, I'm not sure off-hand where I got it from, but I will definitely check on it and get back to you! Thanks for stopping by!

Albus of Garaway: Thank you!

Bobbi: Thanks, my friend!

Ethan (ecoba): Ha! Thanks, Ethan!

bat: Thanks, my friend!

kimcar: Thank you so much!

citycapitalizer: Thanks!

Matt (emmotic): Wow! There it is! Thanks so much for catching that and being out 70,000th view, Matt!

peter007: Thank you!

Alex (Driftmaster07): Thank you so much, Alex!




So, it seems that we made it! As our friend Matt (emmotic) posted, Marathon has reached 70,000 views! I simply cannot believe it, my friends! All the support here is, as always, just overwhelming, and I thank you all so very much!

In the meantime, one of our friends (forgive me, but I don't remember who at the moment!) asked what the area around the latest Gate project would look like. Well...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F187.jpg&hash=a97ae05260e0a32a8f05dfda333dca06400e04f4)

...does this look OK?

More from Marathon on the way!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: KoV Liberty on August 25, 2009, 07:29:40 PM
Perfecto!!!!!! :D ;D ;D Very good Dustin! And I was wrong... Lol! It was Tuesday but I wasn't too far off, eh?
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: peter007 on August 25, 2009, 11:31:52 PM
WoW that's a nice downtown you made it very cool   :satisfied:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Sciurus on August 26, 2009, 01:08:29 AM
Very nice, but why so many towers, if you want to do a European city, that's not the style! Around monuments, there's not so may towers, there's more little BATs, like in Paris, or Berlin. CBDs are not so near from old old monuments.
But it looks very very good &apls

Guillaume :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: MandelSoft on August 26, 2009, 01:56:36 AM
Does it look OK? OK is an understatement here. Good is a better description. It looks nice, but it's not perfect. Here are some critics from me:

- The one-way roads around the center square could be connected to each other to make a giant roundabout around the square. This will improve the traffic flow. But that's just me, a dutch roadgeek  ;).

- Like Guillaume said, skyscrapers are usually not placed that close to old monuments. Usually, these monuments are surrounded by parks or an old city center. Not that the current CBD looks very bad, but an usual setup just looks better. Xannepan's Parisian buildings will look better around this monument (and how about some canals?)

- If you still want to keep the skyscrapers around the monument, then I would add at least some extra props (like trees, lights, people, etc.) on the lot in the upper left corner. It looks so empty!

I hope you can use some of these tips.

Best,
Maarten
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on August 26, 2009, 02:13:19 AM
Great work Dustin, that plaza looks wonderful ! And conversely of what Guillaume's said, I like the omni presence (not sure it that is English...  &Thk/( ) of the buildings around that monument, it looks wonderful.
Guillaume -> I think Dustin isn't creating an European city, the commonwealth of Marathon is located somewhere around the United State, so I guess Dustin is creating an American city.....
Take care,
-Arthur.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Bobbi on August 26, 2009, 02:19:23 AM
I feel the CBD area is busy. :)

Bobbi :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: gottago on August 26, 2009, 02:43:01 AM
Very handsome composition of towers, but your main axis is a bit lost--why not widening the approach avenue from the gatehouse at the bottom to the Brandenburg gate?

Also I agree it would likely be a traffic circle about the main gate/monument. The eclipsed old monument feels right if this is a US-based city--just think of Wall street and Trinity Church in Lower Manhattan, or the John Hancock tower in Boston, looming over an old church. But since you have such an old central monument, and very modern towers, it wuold also be nice to see some older, early 20th century towers mixed in as well--the jump in eras is too neat and too large.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Battlecat on August 26, 2009, 08:35:43 AM
Looking good!  Not surprising that an old monument like that would be nearly lost in the urban jungle!  There are so many other historical sites like that in the middle of our urban centers.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Fabian93 on August 26, 2009, 09:04:47 AM
I also think that the placing of the monument is totally ok here, since Marathon is not laying near to Europe, at all.
It would be pretty unusual for European citys, but that's probably also, because Europe doesn't have too many Skyscrapers (at least not as much as the USA for example).
Just look at the list of the highest buildings in Germany:
List of highest buildings in Germany (german wikipedia) (http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liste_der_h%C3%B6chsten_Geb%C3%A4ude_in_Deutschland)
Most of them are around 130 meters (and standing in Frankfurt am Main), which is not really that huge.

Here's an example i've found... the Trinity Church in the middle of New York (for me it's a monument..) It's totally hidden by the massive skyscrapers.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg151.imageshack.us%2Fimg151%2F3631%2Funbenannt1sis.jpg&hash=e3932e1acdb19ef2f30b01c90de4657f06406dab) (http://img151.imageshack.us/img151/3631/unbenannt1sis.jpg)
(Click on the picture for a higher res.)

(just my two cents).

Anyway... a great update again, the CBD is looking really good, Dustin  :thumbsup:  &apls

Fabian
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: djvandrake on August 26, 2009, 09:46:21 AM
I think it looks great.  From a street perspective it would be fantastic to happen upon that gate.

I really like your attention to the diagonals.  They always drive me batty and I work to clean them up, but I've got a way to go to get to your level of integration.  &apls
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: ecoba on August 26, 2009, 02:13:31 PM
OK? That word should never be used in Marathon. It's outstanding, Dustin.

Ethan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Tomas Neto on August 26, 2009, 05:16:16 PM
Nice work again Dustin!!!  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: io_bg on August 27, 2009, 12:14:29 AM
Quote from: ecoba on August 26, 2009, 02:13:31 PM
OK? That word should never be used in Marathon. It's outstanding, Dustin.
Ethan
I agree completely! &apls
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Leodido on August 27, 2009, 02:14:10 AM
Very nice I love what you do :)  &apls
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: jimbo_jj on August 29, 2009, 11:49:17 AM
The past few hours I read through about the first 30 pages of this MD and I ... well ... just cannot believe what you've been able to do! There are just so many great pics and I have whole ... comprendium of new ideas for how to plan my new region. I wish I had noticed this MD much sooner than I had but I will follow it now as long as it is still going.

In relation to the most recent pic, nice skyscraper shot. Always a fan of downtown pics. Awesome work! &apls &apls &apls
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bat on August 30, 2009, 10:45:32 AM
Great new picture of that wonderful looking plaza! Nice work on the Commonwealth of Marathon!!! ;)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon [09/01/09]: UPDATE XLIV: Why Finish One Project...
Post by: thundercrack83 on September 01, 2009, 08:28:27 PM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies2.jpg&hash=caaacd21f4d241ef76081c80d2a7c8f16899680d)

Alex (Driftmaster07): Thank you, Alex!

peter007: Thanks!

Guillaume (Sciurus): Hello, my friend! Thank you for your input, as always! You are definitely correct about European cities, too. Though Marathon is based more on cities in the northeastern United States, it never hurts to have more than one influence! Thanks again and take care!

Maarten (mrtnrln): Hi, Maarten! I love your ideas, thank you so much for sharing them with me, my friend! I will most certainly be looking at the area with more detail and keeping your ideas in mind for revisions! Thanks so much!

Arthur (art128): Thank you, Arthur! I'm so happy that you like it, my friend!

Bobbi: Thank you!

gottago: You hit the nail on the head with your Boston and New York references, my friend! Excellent eye! Colonial Philadelphia is always in the back of my mind, too, being from Pennsylvania. Also, I like your idea of widening the avenue at the bottom of the gate, too! Great thinking! Thanks so much for stopping by, and I hope to see you again soon!

Battlecat: Thanks, my friend!

Fabian (Fabian93): Wow! Thank you for your comments and your handy information, Fabian! You were thinking the same thing that I was with the area! Take care, my friend!

djvandrake: Thanks so much! Diagonals can be a bit of a pain, but nothing that a bit of time and patience can't overcome. Good luck!

Ethan (ecoba): Ha! Thanks, Ethan!

Tomas Neto: Thank you!

io_bg: Thank you, my friend!

Leodido: Thanks!

jimbo_jj: Hello and welcome to Marathon! I'm so happy that you are finding things helpful and interesting here, my friend! I do hope that you'll stick around for more, and that we'll see you here often! Thanks again for coming by!

bat: Thank you so much, my friend!






UPDATE XLIV
Why Finish One Project...When You Can Start Another?
Part II: Welcome to "The ABQ!"

1 September 2009

For those of you who can remember all the way to UPDATE XLII: Why Finish One Project...When You Can Start Another?, Part I: Introducing and Planning (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6190.msg258302#msg258302), you will recollect that there was a quay project started in Marathon before yours truly began employment (what I like to refer to as "The Great Denouement!"). Well, after almost two months, this project is now complete! Ladies and gentlemen, allow me to introduce "The ABQ"—Acadie-Bathurst Quay!

Located on the southeastern shores of Marathon Island, appropriately between Acadie and Bathurst Avenues, the centerpiece of the ABQ is...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252044%2F44001.jpg&hash=cc687d0616165b45743f0fcdd3eda6ba635b00a1)

...the Marathon International Monetary Exchange (MIMEX), one of the largest stock exchanges in the world...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252044%2F44002.jpg&hash=0d7d425b7bfa96a33c20aee2c0a4305b4008d7df)

...with 2,337 listings and $788.4 billion (US) in 2008.

The Acadie-Bathurst Quay / Int'l. Monetary Exchange Metro Station sits between the Exchange...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252044%2F44003.jpg&hash=983bb02f694e59dd917e72be5a57bea56f253c38)

...and...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252044%2F44004.jpg&hash=d98ccee5e4fd39d9f9d1fb803f57ad8bf1f8f6ba)

...the Jean-Raphaël Gaumont Museum of Art.

Finally, here is a look at the entire area, with the cityscape fitting in behind the quay:


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252044%2F44005.jpg&hash=0cc06c6f449c8a7ae7c2f8635c5f2fabbaa8cd60)

So, there is another quay quomplete complete here in Marathon! I do hope that you like it, friends! As for where we will be headed next in Marathon, I do not know. Only time will tell!

Until next time!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: woodb3kmaster on September 01, 2009, 09:41:21 PM
Dustin, you've put together another winner. The ABQ is marvelous, just like everything else you've built in Marathon! You've combined top-quality lotting with innovative uses of special buildings, and I have to say, I really like it. I do have one question, though: What's that large glass building in the top-right corner of the mosaic, with the wall that seems to be facing the camera directly?

Looking forward to more,
Zack
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: JBSimio on September 01, 2009, 10:30:06 PM
Hi Dustin!

I've been away for a while... again... but I refuse to apologize this time.  (Mostly because you never let me anyway!)

Your lotting continues to impress!   &apls  &apls  &apls  I've been following along even if I don't say much.  I could pick out things to mention during the past month, but they all looked so good that I wouldn't know where to start anyway.  You keep doing so well here that I simply run out of original comments to leave.  I guess that may explain why this is such a successful MD!  I'll try to keep up more in the future and leave more of my more typical detailed thoughts...

JB
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Leodido on September 01, 2009, 11:02:33 PM
Very nice update as always, great work ;)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on September 02, 2009, 07:58:44 AM
Excellent Dustin, that area looks wonderful as always ! Your lotting job is as ever impressionant my friend, excellent work on making those lots alive.
Can't wait for more,
-Arthur.  :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: rooker1 on September 02, 2009, 10:03:10 AM
Wow Dustin,
You have impressed me very much with this one.  Just when I think I have seen your best work you come up with something better.  This area looks incredible and extremely believable.  I have no suggestions what so ever.  You have plenty of life in the pics, great setup, awesome choices of BATs and the LOTs are top notch, what esle is there?
Super work my friend.

Robin  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: djvandrake on September 02, 2009, 10:04:50 AM
  &apls  &apls  &apls

Marvelous!  I really like the wide curved avenue running through the lot with the trees in the median, and the fact the textures don't miss a beat.  :thumbsup:  Excellent!

That sunken metro station is quite something too.  Is it functional or eye candy?

If you get an itch to post a night shot of the quay, you'd have an eager audience for it in me.  :)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: jimbo_jj on September 02, 2009, 11:28:21 AM
Incredible! Everything looks just as it should in reality, or better. You have a great selection of BATs and LOTs. I have to say, your custom lotting skills are something to admire, and I started trying my hand at it.

I headed off now to page 46, trying to catch up here. Keep it going, and I'll be back! :thumbsup:

-James
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: KoV Liberty on September 02, 2009, 01:15:58 PM
Magnificent!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Couldn't have done it better myself (not that I could do as well as you did!)! Hey we both did a sort of plaza update for our MD's! $%Grinno$%
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: io_bg on September 02, 2009, 01:25:22 PM
Stunning update! The downtown is great as well. May I ask which is the glass building on the top of the mosaic?
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Battlecat on September 02, 2009, 02:19:59 PM
Superb work!  Nice to see another project finished up here!  Even better to see how much further along you're getting with the actual city development.  I'm looking forward to seeing another overview of how the island is coming along! 
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Andy2k on September 02, 2009, 02:23:26 PM
Great Update my Friend  :)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Albus of Garaway on September 03, 2009, 05:09:58 AM
I simply adore the quay! I really love when you split the avenues between buildings. It creates a wonderful affect.

I do have one question for you. What is the name of the prop that has a group of people standing around talking to each other? I can never seem to find it. You used it a lot in the quay. I believe it's an original Maxis prop, no?

-Jason
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bat on September 03, 2009, 08:09:55 AM
Wonderful work on these pictures! These are looking fantastic!  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: jmyers2043 on September 03, 2009, 09:47:09 AM
QuoteWhat is the name of the prop that has a group of people standing around talking to each other?

If I'm thinking what you are ... in the LE click on props then search using the word "mill" ... there is a group of four Sims standing around talking and also a group of three.



Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: rdrdrdrd on September 03, 2009, 02:36:46 PM
great, I wish I had all your buildings &apls
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: ecoba on September 03, 2009, 04:29:58 PM
I noticed that I've received the same comment here in Marathon twice. As people where I live say: wazupwidat, yes that is known as one word here. But, seriously, Dustin, these were some awesome updates, and sometimes Marathon grows so fastly it's hard to keep up with it.

I hope to see more from you soon,

Ethan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: tooheys on September 06, 2009, 02:57:24 AM
Now that is a nicely planned and constructed area. And there's even an Aussie flag flying  :thumbsup:

Dustin, your lotting just gets better and better, about time you released a few, I'm sure you have plenty of spare time  $%Grinno$%

I know you don't, but we can only hope, perhaps one day.

Dave
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Bobbi on September 06, 2009, 03:01:25 AM
Good update and looks great! &apls

Bobbi :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: carkid1998 on September 06, 2009, 04:29:10 AM

I know , I've lurked,I'm naughty...

A lovely mosaic with some beautiful buildings, and outstanding lots make a great combination! Well done! &apls &apls
You'll run out of roman numerals soon, the amount of great updates you've done! ;)

Ryan :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: dsrwhat316 on September 06, 2009, 03:45:40 PM
An excellent update, Dustin! The traffic by the MIMEX better be careful, with all those people piling onto the avenue there  :D It almost makes me think, that there is a ton of people in your plaza and promenades; when (or where) do these people work?

I do have a question; what is that building in the last mosaic, the diagonal one in the avenue split? I'd like to get my hands on it  ;D Again, great update, Dustin!

~ Dan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: sithlrd98 on September 06, 2009, 04:17:23 PM
You have amazed me yet again! What you did with the curved ave , was exactly what I had in mind! Everything is so seamless , and the choice of buildings is perfect! This is my favorite update!  &apls

Jayson
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on September 08, 2009, 07:18:16 PM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies2.jpg&hash=caaacd21f4d241ef76081c80d2a7c8f16899680d)

Zack (woodb3kmaster): Hi, Zack! Thank you so much for such a wonderful comment, my friend! As for the building in the top-right, it is by Mozukuss and can be found here (http://sc4devotion.com/csxlex/lex_filedesc.php?lotGET=2099). Hope that helps!

Jon (JBSimio): Hello, Jon! It's great to see you again, my friend! I'm so glad that you're still enjoying things here in Marathon, and you're correct, indeed—there's no need to apologize. Hope to see you here again soon, Jon!

Leodido: Thank you!

Arthur (art128): Thanks so much, Arthur!

Robin (rooker1): Hi, Robin! Wow! Thanks for such magnificent thoughts, my friend—for you to say that you wouldn't change a thing, well that may be the best compliment I've ever received! I hope that all is well with you and your family!

djvandrake: Thanks!

James (jimbo_jj): Hello, James! Thank you! I'm glad you're finding Marathon to your liking, and I hope to see you again soon!

Alex (Driftmaster07): Thank you, Alex, so much!

io_bg: Thanks! That building can be found here (http://sc4devotion.com/csxlex/lex_filedesc.php?lotGET=2099). Enjoy!

Battlecat: Thank you for your very kind words!

Andy2k:
Danke!

Jason (Albus of Garaway): Thanks, Jason! I'm a big fan of splitting the avenues, for some reason. I just like the way it looks! As for the people prop, I'm not exactly sure which prop it is, but I just type in "1E98," and hit enter until I get to props with "medium," "small-medium," etc. Hope you can find it! Good luck!

bat: Thanks!

jmyers2043: Thanks so much for your help on the prop search, my friend!

Ethan (ecoba): Hi, Ethan! Sorry for the double comment, my friend! It's hard, sometimes to reply to all the great things that you and others say here in Marathon, but I will keep doing my best to try! It's the least I can do for my friends. Thank you again, for your support, and take care!

Dave (tooheys): Hello, Dave! That Aussie flag on the lot is just for you, my friend! As for any future releases, we'll just have to see what happens!

Bobbi: Thanks!

Ryan (carkid1998): No worries, Ryan! Lurking is always welcome here in Marathon...except on No Lurking Day, of course! It's always great to see you here, my friend!

Dan (dsrwhat316): Hey, Dan! Those people are piling up all over the place, aren't they? Sometimes, I get a bit overzealous with the "liveliness" on my lots! And that building on the diagonal? Here (http://sc4devotion.com/csxlex/lex_filedesc.php?lotGET=2099) you go! Take care, Dan!

Jayson (sithlrd98): Hi, Jayson! I'm so happy that you like the area, my friend. Without you, it never would have been possible! Thanks so much again!




So, I've been thinking about where to head next with Marathon, but in the meantime, I thought...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F188.jpg&hash=36b8fc568f157a941a44e9f6f510c20d949ba5a4)

...why not another low-income shot? It's been quite a while!

More to come!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: alan_vzla on September 08, 2009, 09:20:03 PM
Hey Dustin, long time no see :D Let me say that your previous updates have been wonderful, your lotting habilities are exceptional.
This last picture is just awesome, very very realistic, specially with that building with the big neon advertisement.

Anyway, looking great as always, and I hope to see more of your wonderful creations!

Alan

EDIT*: Oh by the way, congratulations on your 2100+ comments and your almost 75.000 views, cheers! %BUd%
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Glowbal on September 08, 2009, 11:55:49 PM
Nice picture.

I would like to see more of these kind of pictures from Marathon.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: threestooges on September 08, 2009, 11:59:10 PM
Nice work Dustin, and sorry I've been a bit scarce lately. Good job on the ABQ, but I think the cityscape behind it really shines. The tall building in the foreground there... whose is that? Also, the build you have that fits between the diverging streets is excellently placed. I can't tell if the building was made for thr space or if the space was made for the building. Either way, they work well together. I like the little teaser, though I'm not sure about Oregon choosing to advertise there. Whatever their reason, it's a nice sign in a quinessential Marathon-type neighborhood. Have you recently installed a new crosswalk mod?
-Matt
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: jmyers2043 on September 09, 2009, 04:53:13 AM
Hello T'crack

I like how you altered the picture and I almost can't say enough about it. It is colorful, cheerful, and makes me feel happy just looking at it. I guess you used a color pencil brush in your paint program?

Thank you for giving me a good start to my day.

Jim Myers

Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Battlecat on September 09, 2009, 10:02:21 AM
Nice job on that latest shot!  Thats a classy old low wealth neighbourhood.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: djvandrake on September 09, 2009, 10:07:09 AM
Quote...why not another low-income shot? It's been quite a while!

More to come!

Those shots are always welcome, and I'm looking forward to what's to come.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: carkid1998 on September 10, 2009, 08:47:37 AM

Lovely! To be honest, you're a master of Md'ing! Great use of Buddybud's Walls. If I were a judge in a MD Competition I've give that Picture 11 out of 10.... or maybe higher $%Grinno$%

Ryan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: threeswept on September 10, 2009, 08:55:24 AM
This last shot of the low-income intersection is quite inspirational in the use of the walls. Brilliant!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: rdrdrdrd on September 10, 2009, 10:50:31 AM
GREAT,  I am installing sc4 on my laptop at school right now, hopefully it will work, I brought my 4 gigs of plugins on an external drive, lol
i love what you have done with the place ;D
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: jimbo_jj on September 10, 2009, 01:08:28 PM
Somehow, that low-income shot looks ... how should I put this?  &Thk/( ... not-so-low-income. That's how good it looks. Just from the photoshopping, it looks like a nice area of town! Who says low-wealth means low-quality? No one here for sure. Great job! :thumbsup:

-James
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: io_bg on September 10, 2009, 01:24:00 PM
Great teaser, Dustin! :thumbsup: And thanks for the link  ;)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: KoV Liberty on September 10, 2009, 04:54:54 PM
Love the way the highway looks!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Ryan B. on September 11, 2009, 10:31:44 AM
Dustin, you're one of the few who can make low-income look like high-class.

Ten bells to you, good sir!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Sciurus on September 11, 2009, 11:15:35 AM
Oh! I missed so much things, it's too for me! :o
But what I missed, I watched it of course, and I must say: what a city, what a lotting, what a... a man! a work! It's so impressive, all the work :o :o :o

Guillaume :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: ecoba on September 11, 2009, 04:24:54 PM
Oh, well, there's nothing wrong with your, replies Dustin, I just found it funny! ;D

Great shot Dustin! I love Marathon, and I can't wait to see what you do with the rural areas!

Ethan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Luke09 on September 11, 2009, 05:37:05 PM
Hey Dustin,long time i dont post there huh?Nice pic,and i would like to know where can i found the "old town" building
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: warconstruct on September 12, 2009, 06:10:57 AM
very beautiful job !
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Tomas Neto on September 16, 2009, 01:31:19 PM
Nice update Dustin!!!  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: theturtlemonkey on September 16, 2009, 08:38:27 PM
wow! talk about a marathon.  i just stumbled upon your region and ran through it, beginning to end, in the last few hours.  your work is simply jaw dropping.  i love how you are so particular and pay attention to the smallest details.  all in all, this is the best work i have seen to date on simcity.  just a couple things i was thinking throughout all this though like what is your current population look like?  it seems that the only residential buildings are found in your low income neighborhoods. regardless, i cant wait to see whats in store for the future of marathon!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on September 17, 2009, 10:18:15 PM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies2.jpg&hash=caaacd21f4d241ef76081c80d2a7c8f16899680d)

Wow! Another fantastic amount of responses for all of my friends here! Thank you all so much—Alan (alan_vzla), Glowbal, Matt (threestooges), Jim (jmyers2043), Battlecat, djvandrake, Ryan (carkid1998), threeswept, rdrdrdrd, James (jimbo_jj), io_bg, Alex (Driftmaster07), Ryan (Ryan B.), Guillaume (Sciurus), Ethan (ecoba), Luke (Luke09), warconstruct), Tomas Neto, and theturtlemonkey—for all you wonderful thoughts, comments, and support! I apologize for forgoing the usual individual replies, but I'm having trouble keeping my eyes open at this point!

Meanwhile, though, we've headed back to the Abitibi Square part of Marathon (imagine that!), where I've been doing some further thinking and brainstorming. Here...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F189.jpg&hash=4de3329448c93dd8e0a8d047342cfb8fee16a175)

...is a quick shot looking at the eastern end of Duke of Gloucester Park. Hopefully, in the coming few days, I will have some more and newer stuff to show from this area.

Stay tuned!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: ecoba on September 18, 2009, 04:45:09 AM
Oh, that is a wonderful Ferris Wheel, Dustin. I would love to ride it and look out over Marathon.

Good to see you back,

Ethan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: jimbo_jj on September 18, 2009, 09:15:16 AM
Looks like a great addition to the area! If I'm not mistaken, that's the London Eye (or now, the Marathon Eye ;D).

Marathon's looking great as always. :thumbsup:

-James
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: djvandrake on September 18, 2009, 09:43:42 AM
I'm staying tuned and looking forward to it.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Battlecat on September 18, 2009, 09:52:56 AM
Looking great as always!  That park really came together nicely!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Luke09 on September 18, 2009, 10:45:08 AM
I really like the london eye lot...its one of my favorites.nice pic  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: KoV Liberty on September 18, 2009, 01:21:24 PM
Looks pretty good!!!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: warconstruct on September 18, 2009, 02:50:52 PM
very good picture ! très beau  $%Grinno$%
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: JBSimio on September 18, 2009, 09:40:27 PM
Well this looks interesting.... ;)

Looking forward to what you have in store for us, Dustin!

JB
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Sciurus on September 19, 2009, 12:49:20 AM
Very beautiful "grande roue" &apls

Guillaume :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on September 19, 2009, 03:43:48 AM
Quote from: Sciurus on September 19, 2009, 12:49:20 AM
Very beautiful "grande roue" &apls

Guillaume :thumbsup:

It's a ferris Wheel..  ;) :D

Nice work, Dustin, that ferris wheel looks quite nice here !  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bat on September 19, 2009, 08:40:16 AM
Great two new pictures there, Dustin! Nice work on them! :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Bobbi on September 19, 2009, 08:46:15 AM
Looks good!

Bobbi :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Tomas Neto on September 21, 2009, 10:32:32 AM
Yeah, looks good!!!  &apls
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: rdrdrdrd on September 21, 2009, 04:13:25 PM
I would revise that intersection there, looks like you would have to :-\ to get through it
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: citymax on September 22, 2009, 04:27:23 AM
very nice :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on September 23, 2009, 09:08:24 AM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies2.jpg&hash=caaacd21f4d241ef76081c80d2a7c8f16899680d)

Ethan (ecoba): Thanks, Ethan!

James (jimbo_jj): Indeed, that's the London Eye! Good...um...eye, James!

djvandrake: Thank you!

Battlecat: Thanks so much!

Luke (Luke09): Thank you, Luke!

Alex (Driftmaster07): Thanks!

warconstruct:
Merci beaucoup!

Jon (JBSimio): Thank you, Jon!

Guillaume (Sciurus): Thanks, my friend!

Arthur (art128): Thanks, Arthur!

bat: Thanks!

Bobbi: Thank you!

Tomas Neto: And thank you!

rdrdrdrd: Hmmm...I may have to look into that! Good thinking!

citymax: Thanks!




Well, we've got a bit of an addition to the Abitibi Square section...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F190.jpg&hash=0007399deab2ff1921996618bd4d04bcf432127c)

Hope you like it!

Also, today—September 23—happens to by the 60th birthday of New Jersey's favorite son, Bruce Springsteen! Happy birthday, Bruce!

More from Marathon to come!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Battlecat on September 23, 2009, 09:24:44 AM
I certainly like what I see here!  Great choice of a building!  I really like the stone texture you've used for the sidewalks in this area! 
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Sciurus on September 23, 2009, 09:40:39 AM
I really like it, &apls but it's damage there's no cars on the avenue :thumbsdown:

Guillaume :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: djvandrake on September 23, 2009, 09:50:21 AM
I do really like it, and the lots surrounding it are fantastic!  &apls
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Glowbal on September 23, 2009, 10:32:56 AM
just wow! :O Beautifull! What is that building with the helipad? It looks very nice.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: rdrdrdrd on September 23, 2009, 11:22:27 AM
love it, but why the underpass
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on September 23, 2009, 12:07:01 PM
Nice mosaic there Dustin, the buildings you used fits in well perfectly together. The plaza behind the one with the "helipad" on the roof is nicely done my friend. Also as Guillaume said, the lake of cars make the picture less good, but it's not really important and it don't put out the beautifulness of it. Maybe it was a "No Cars Day" for helping the environment ?! (and if no cars appear, try to use the traffic generator..  $%Grinno$% :D )


Oh and Happy B-Day Bruce ! 

Take care,
-Arthur.

lol my 2727th post ! :D
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: KoV Liberty on September 23, 2009, 02:29:10 PM
Quote from: rdrdrdrd on September 23, 2009, 11:22:27 AM
love it, but why the underpass

So no one gets killed by passing cars. If that is a fairly lage slip ramp than many cars will use it. ;)

AND a great job lotting Dustin!

AND happy birthday Bruce!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: JBSimio on September 23, 2009, 02:50:13 PM
Great addition to one of my favorite areas, Dustin!   &apls

Abitibi Square has looked amazing from the beginning, but I'm glad to see that the areas around it are starting to fill in.  I look forward to how it all comes together in the end.  I guess we both know that I'm a sucker for the "big picture" though, don't we?  :D 

Until next time, my friend...
JB
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: ecoba on September 23, 2009, 03:34:00 PM
That is an amazing picture, Dustin!

I really can't wait to see more of Abitibi Square, it has become one of my favourite areas in Marathon.

....and happy birthday Bruce Springsteen....

Ethan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bat on September 24, 2009, 07:36:15 AM
Great mosaic of the Abitibi Square there! Really nice work!!!!!!!! :thumbsup: :thumbsup: ;)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: tooheys on September 27, 2009, 01:08:29 AM
Dustin, you are certainly putting the LE to great use, nice work as always.

Only one complaint, the writing on the tower is back-to-front  ::) Well I had to find something  :D

Dave
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: TheTeaCat on September 27, 2009, 04:33:45 AM
Well I just managed to catch up on all the stuff you done so far. ;D
Impressive to say the very least.
Your skill with the LE is right up there with the very best and is evident by all the little details you put in.
Its even given me a few ideas - thanks mate :thumbsup:

Hopefully it wont be too long till I pop back for more  :D

regards
Derry
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Tomas Neto on September 27, 2009, 03:51:41 PM
Another great update, ... and happy birthday to Bruce Springsteen!!!  :party:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: metarvo on September 28, 2009, 06:00:32 AM
I really like the progress on Abitibi Square.  The grounds surrounding the buildings are full of life, and the buildings themselves look nice.  Keep up the good work, Dustin!

:thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on September 30, 2009, 09:38:09 PM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies2.jpg&hash=caaacd21f4d241ef76081c80d2a7c8f16899680d)

Thank you so much, Battlecat, Guillaume (Sciurus), djvandrake, Glowbal, rdrdrdrd, Arthur (art128), Alex (Driftmaster07), Jon (JBSimio), Ethan (ecoba), bat, Dave (tooheys), Derry (TheTeaCat), Tomas Neto), and metarvo, for all your very kind words and support!

Here's our latest endeavour in Marathon...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F191.jpg&hash=e80b88e8e02aa1169896341663e02202529fc71a)

I'll be working all weekend, but hopefully, I'll be able to get some time in here and there to get some more work done.

Stay tuned!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Pat on September 30, 2009, 09:44:17 PM
Dustin looking very great there and have a great weekend at work!!!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: JoeST on October 01, 2009, 04:59:59 AM
wow... you havent lost your touch :D


Joe
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: rooker1 on October 01, 2009, 08:18:10 AM
Hey Dustin,
Looking great.  Where did you get that large round circle for a base texture?
It seems to me that your work place has you working to hard.  I am truly missing you and your larger updates.  I think you should quit! :D $%Grinno$%
I hope to see you around,
Robin  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: djvandrake on October 01, 2009, 09:43:13 AM
Looks quite nice.  I like the building in the pic.  IMO the Buckingham fountain needs a bigger lot to do it justice though.  I'm baised because I love Chicago.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Battlecat on October 01, 2009, 10:26:47 AM
Nice looking plaza!  You really have an amazing eye for landscape design. 
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on October 02, 2009, 09:50:48 AM
This is a nice plaza for sure, Dustin ! You've done a great effort with the aligned trees my friend. Although, I think something is missing... maybe with one ore two (well more eh) flowers on that blank grass area, it will make the LOT more alive. Also, the place need some more details like trashcans, bench, lamp post etc.. but I think you've already thought about this, right ? And to finish my two cents, I think, but it's just my opinion, with one trees at every corner of the fountain it will look nice, maybe or not.. we'll never now if we never try ! And (oops I forgot to finish  :P ) I think some railing where the withe pavement stops to let the bricks appear, in front of the sunken highway just if you don't see of where I'm talking about, it will make it better !
Take care,
Arthur.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Masochist on October 02, 2009, 02:19:27 PM
The things you create in here, Dustin, are nothing short of jaw-dropping.  Well, maybe awe-inspiring.  Whichever one you might rank higher on the "Daaaaayyyyuuuummm!" scale. ;)

It's the realism that really draws me in--I could truly picture driving by these places on the road.  It's the meticulous detail you put into every single lot; the perfect spacing of the trees, the very specific choices of base textures...it's not something that everyone would have the patience for.  If there was one thing I might suggest, perhaps give a bit more space between the off-ramps and the avenues (as in the latest picture you posted)...if you can that is, upon closer inspection it looks like there's very limited space there.

Anyways, you know I always lurk about, even when I'm not so active.  Keep going; I'll keep watching! :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Sciurus on October 03, 2009, 04:34:08 AM
This a wonderful place Dustin! But does the building serve?

Guillaume :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: citymax on October 03, 2009, 02:35:20 PM
I'm amazed  &apls &apls
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: KoV Liberty on October 03, 2009, 07:42:12 PM
O_O The Marathon Capital Building? ;D Looks to fit the spot!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Bobbi on October 03, 2009, 09:34:26 PM
It looks good. ;)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Tomas Neto on October 04, 2009, 07:30:52 AM
Fantastic update, Dustin!!!  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: CabraBuitre on October 04, 2009, 06:34:15 PM
I love the rounded plaza... are those with base textures or overlays?  And are they yours, or already available?

It's a bit hard for me to see Buckingham without any spray...  but it looks great in that setting none the less!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bat on October 07, 2009, 10:54:52 AM
That's a really nice place there! Nice work, Dustin!! :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon [10/07/09]: UPDATE XLV: Introducing...
Post by: thundercrack83 on October 07, 2009, 07:08:26 PM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies2.jpg&hash=caaacd21f4d241ef76081c80d2a7c8f16899680d)

Pat: Thanks, my friend!

Joe (JoeST): Thank you, Joe!

Robin (rooker1): Hello, my friend! It's been quite a while since we've spoken—far too long, in fact. It's always great to see you here in Marathon, and hopefully, my work schedule will allow me some time to get in touch with you and see how you and your family are doing! Take care, my friend!

djvandrake: Thank you! I'm glad you like it!

Battlecat: Thanks!

Arthur (art128): Hi, Arthur! Thank you so much for your input, my friend. You've given me some great suggestions, and I will definitely try them out! Take care!

Isaac (Masochist): Hello! It's so wonderful to see you again, my friend! Thank you so much for such wonderful comments, and I hope that we'll see you hear in Marathon again very soon!

Guillaume (Sciurus): Thanks, my friend!

citymax: Thank you!

Alex (Driftmaster07): Thank you, Alex!

Bobbi: Thanks!

Tomas Neto: Thank you so much, my friend!

CabraBuitre: Hello! The rounded plaza was made from base textures that are available somewhere. Where, though, I am unsure. Sorry! Hope to see you again aoon!

bat: Thank you, my friend!






UPDATE XLV
Introducing Commonwealth Hall
7 October 2009

Well, every place needs a seat of government, right? And now...Marathon has one as well! Here is where...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252045%2F45001.jpg&hash=fc7d2b9f17462126e4a9a05ef7c1e6533f901946)

...it will be located.


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252045%2F45002.jpg&hash=9cf3f0798d52092d838aa9629cc8ae8f31cb9289)

Above is a close-up of the area. First thing to be put in place is...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252045%2F45003.jpg&hash=3ec5d03743d5ef516579877bea4fe09206189587)

...our rounded plaza area from the most recent teaser. Next...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252045%2F45004.jpg&hash=5e8614ddb10002d0cbd873fa05922295ca13fa03)

...Commonwealth Hall, itself, home to the national government of the Commonwealth of Marathon. And to the west of the building...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252045%2F45005.jpg&hash=3c1445d9c2cb8d7352f7f7b03d00f122d4f94041)

a smaller garden area. We fill in...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252045%2F45006.jpg&hash=c5f7ec392430bd4a7fe162e98c760be83cabc652)

...the diagonals in the northwestern corner, and...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252045%2F45007.jpg&hash=ef45bff12e582b5b8e2f50ce411b98d929a910f6)

...there she is! Finally...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252045%2F45008.jpg&hash=c3a324033c51865a9f9d564eb6231a5ecd7a17ad)

...a bit of a close up!

So, for all of you who've been wondering what the square was going to be fill with for the past few months, there's your answer! I hope it was worth the wait!

Also, I'd like to extend my most heartfelt gratitude to everyone for getting Marathon over the 80,000 view mark! Thank you all so very much for continuing to be so supportive, despite my slowing down here! You folks are the best!

More from Marathon is on the way!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: joelyboy911 on October 07, 2009, 08:35:09 PM
Very nice update, Dustin. You have done a nice job with that lotting of the Commonwealth Hall.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: rooker1 on October 08, 2009, 04:25:43 AM
Hey Dustin,
You are far too right, it has been a long time. 

Your LOTting is coming along great but I can't help but think that this new LOT is still missing something.  The easiest thing to do to bring life to a LOT is to add people, but is not the only thing.  And even when one does this and this only I think it can actually take away from the LOT.  The LOT looks too perfect and clean.  Try to add some bus stop and buses along the roads, and where do all the cars in your city park?, paper boxes, garbage cans and light poles.  All things can be along the road side but also remember to add them to the LOT.   I think all buildings have thier good sides and the one bad side.  By this I mean the area where a few cars can park in emergencies, especially fire and ambulance as well as the place where the garbage bin and recycling bins are.  A little fenced in section so the outside world usually doesn't even notice it day by day.
Anyways, just a few things to think about.

See you around my friend!!
Robin  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Sciurus on October 08, 2009, 06:01:14 AM
Very nice LOT Dustin. The own thing I'll reproach you is the stones one the floor. They're too big, and don't have a nice quality. &mmm

Guillaume :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Tomas Neto on October 08, 2009, 07:36:47 AM
Wow Dustin, really another great lot!!! Very nice update my friend!!!  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Bobbi on October 08, 2009, 07:52:42 AM
You made a very very good lot!!! :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Glowbal on October 08, 2009, 07:57:12 AM
Looking good!  ;)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on October 08, 2009, 08:00:12 AM
This area looks excellent, green, urban and really well designed. The fillers, parks, places and even buildings fits in well perfectly with the american ambiance. BTW, first in the teaser I was wondering it was a maxis building, but hey surprise ! it's a Yoder's one ...  $%Grinno$%
Take care,
-Arthur.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: jimbo_jj on October 08, 2009, 02:41:59 PM
Once again, your lotting is extraordinary! All the new lots really round out the area around Commonwealth Hall very well (and quite literally with the rounded plaza area  ;D).

It's not a big deal that you've slowed down lately. You've really been running a ... well ... marathon here! (Yeah, I know. Cheesy joke. ::))

Excellent job!

-James
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: KoV Liberty on October 08, 2009, 03:57:43 PM
VERY VERY VERY cool! I love it! I wil the surrounding area as it surely fits the spot. Also I do suggest to move the two one-way-roads at the bottom left of this picture:

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252045%2F45006.jpg&hash=c5f7ec392430bd4a7fe162e98c760be83cabc652)

Over maybe a couple tiles so that they line up with the steps of the capitol building. You could put some REALLY cool stuff in the middle of that. Great work and looking foreward to more!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Fabian93 on October 08, 2009, 04:39:40 PM
Great update Dustin  :thumbsup:
Love the surroundings of that Commonwealth Hall  &apls
QuoteOver maybe a couple tiles so that they line up with the steps of the capitol building. You could put some REALLY cool stuff in the middle of that.

That's a pretty cool idea! Maybe you [Dustin] could do something like the National Mall in Washington? It could be called "Marathon Mall"  :D
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fupload.wikimedia.org%2Fwikipedia%2Fcommons%2Fthumb%2Fe%2Fe8%2FWashington_DC_view1.jpg%2F520px-Washington_DC_view1.jpg&hash=70fb93669ee9ecc1c0d62356ffdef6ac860f76ab)

Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: metasmurf on October 08, 2009, 06:07:33 PM
Clearly some quality lotting going on here  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: ecoba on October 08, 2009, 07:24:53 PM
You know- that does seem to be an excellent idea- The Marathon Mall.

This decision, of course is completely up to you, Dustin. I know whatever you do decide to do it will be perfect, and will make Marathon even better than it already is, although I am forcing myself to believe this- as Marathon is already pretty perfect.

This was quite a wonderful update, my friend. I have never made a large governmental centre before, I'm not sure I will ever get the chance to. I am, now after being greatly inspired by your work on Commonwealth Hall, greatly considering building a central government building in Saybrook.

Disagreeing with Guillaume on this point, I love the large stone tiles around the Commonwealth Hall. (Slate, is it?) I find this fairly realistic, as from what I have seen of the Forbidden Palace in Beijing, China, the courtyards are paved with large slabs of stone, marble I believe. Yet, I have only seen many television programmes about China, never actually been though. From my observations, these stones seemed to have faint differences in colour as well. This could be completely wrong though.

Did I not see the update featuring that circular LOT with the fountain? I know I must have. This is one of my favourite LOTs to be produced out of Marathon so far. I am also very fond of the garden LOTs used on the other side of the government facilities.

Well that was a long reply,

Ethan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Dreamcat on October 08, 2009, 08:12:01 PM
Excellent work!  I'm liking what I'm seeing.  Where did you get those white stone filler tiles though?  Very nice~!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: carelo91 on October 09, 2009, 05:56:55 PM
Hey Dustin, I just stayed up late the past two days after I saw your Region as it really caught my attention, and soon after, my heart...

I've been in a downward spiral of motivation for SC4 and just couldn't pick up the reigns.. I was desperate, clinging to CJ's here and in ST... They made me "feel" a need  to play, but it wasn't enough of a push to get me to double click the shortcut to the Executable... Then yours got me, and as soon as I got finished reading (about 3 minutes ago) I picked up my ipod, brought out some grid paper, and begun the LE which I never thought could do so much. ;D

Well now I hope outdo everything I thought I could do, I also will Embark on helping you when I come to that point. And maybe even rivaling you. ;]

But enough of that, you can sure add me to your list of fans ;3 !!

Keep up the Excellent Masterpiece !!!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: djvandrake on October 09, 2009, 06:55:26 PM
One of my favorite buildings and some of my favorite props.  Very unique and fits in the space well.  Well done.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: imacie on October 09, 2009, 07:27:12 PM
I've got the textures you used for the semi-circle plaza, i think they come from the niagra monument on STEX http://www.simtropolis.com/stex/details.cfm?id=3724 (http://www.simtropolis.com/stex/details.cfm?id=3724).
Love your work with this stuff.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: KoV Liberty on October 10, 2009, 05:56:22 PM
Hey Dustin, I was wondering where you got that capitol building? I was going to use it for my MD. Thanks. Got it. Never mind. ;) Looking foreward to the update!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Sheep49 on October 11, 2009, 10:50:50 AM
Ooh, an update so impressive that I actually opened the SC4 the first time in 5/6 months :D

But seriously Dustin, that's what I understand when I hear the term 'MD update.' The Commonwealth Hall looks great. The BAT itself is amazing, kinda reminds me of The Capitol building in Washington DC. It is based on San Francisco City Hall, isn't it? Either way, it looks gorgeous. But then we have that custom lots...

OH. MY. GOD. How do I adore them! The park, plaza, or whatever you'll name it on the right is really realistic with that big, majestic fountain in the middle. The trees and the light poles seem to be placed just right, too. And in my opinion the thing that really sets you apart from the other custom lotters - the sidewalk transitions. I think they are your true trademark. I wouldn't come up with such a lovely whitish pink/brown transition. You have a great taste in colours, my friend. ;)

Those great sidewalks bring us to the Hall's lot itself. Again, very nice play on colours in the sidewalks area. I would personally expect some more brown there on the ground textures, but white is really good and fits in very well. Those huge jrj's trees in the green areas of the lot add a feel of... OK, I guess I'll have to use that word again, majesty to the building. They don't irritate and look right when placed next to some mid-height structure (like the Hall's dome), and you used that fact nicely. I also love the fact that this lot is symmetrical. In other words, awesomeness in pure form.

Finally, we have some diagonals. Well made, good use of flowers and trees, the plazas look good. Oh, and have I ever told you how much I adore those flower compositions in your parks? Geez, if your backyard looks as great as your lots, I'm so going to you just to get some gardening tips! :D In other words, the parks are top notch, but I think that it's partly because of the fact that there are diagonal lots there. I think if it weren't for them, I wouldn't write a whole paragraph about them ;)

I think that there might be a problem though... A little one but still. The building is in the middle of the CBD, sorrounded by all the tall buildings. There is still some open space in front of it, but what if there wasn't any? The Capitol, ans well as SF's City Hall doesn't have that problem, since they're in a (relatively) low-density areas. I think that if I were to fill those empty spaces, I would consider putting some shorter (eg. low-density) buildings. Because it would be a pretty huge mistake to hide such a gem, no?

All in all, great work. Oh, and I see that there is a bit of a slowdown here? Well, don't worry my friend. I think that everyone of us (or at least most of us... *looks at himself ::)) has a life which he must, well, live to put it simply. So don't worry if you'll only be able to update later than usual. We all want you to take your time and don't feel rushed about this MD. After all, playing SC4 and every other game should be fun, shouldn't it?

Keep up the great work with lots, planning and inspiring others, my friend. You are truly 'The Boss' when it comes to the custom lot based MDs ;)
Piotr

Edit: Darn, I wish I was writing so much in my English essays ::) ;)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Nexis4Jersey on October 12, 2009, 04:26:27 AM
wow , thats an impressive Government center and i like how you re lotted it. &apls
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: citymax on October 12, 2009, 01:53:17 PM
Bravo !! The Government building is very good lotted !!! &apls


Maxime.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Tomas Neto on October 14, 2009, 04:11:02 AM
Fantastic again, Dustin!!!  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: tooheys on October 28, 2009, 01:31:08 AM
Hi Dustin

What elses is there to say but  &apls

The area around Commonwealth Hall is beautifully lotted, I'm not sure how long that took you, but it was certainly worth it. A great result mate  :thumbsup:

Dave
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: adroman on October 28, 2009, 04:02:23 AM
Simply the best!

A wonderful, wonderful Government center there... You're Lot Editing verges on absolute perfection... Well done! :thumbsup:

Havva good one...
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Earth quake on October 29, 2009, 01:33:21 PM
Splendid work a the Lot Dustin. :thumbsup:
Your governement building is really beautiful.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: kimcar on October 29, 2009, 02:12:08 PM
Excellent work as always Dustin &apls &apls . You raise yourself over the top  :D But i`m not afraid cause you got a lot of imagination . Keep it up :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Luke09 on October 31, 2009, 09:20:42 AM
Nice Dustin!Your hall is amazing  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: threestooges on November 08, 2009, 02:48:58 AM
Our first week of the 4-in-1 brought us Tale at Tea Time by friend and long standing member Derry. This week we're proud to bring you a second entry from the MD Hall of Fame created by a long time member of the site, friend, as well as one of it's most devoted statisticians:

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FOSITM%2F2009-11-Four.jpg&hash=d9f64a3ecd659bed35ef07b3fd04f19486731fb2)

Congratulations Dustin! Hope your week is a good one!

-SC4D Staff
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: TheTeaCat on November 08, 2009, 04:52:59 AM
Wonderful to see you in OSITM Dustin &apls
It's excellent that You take up the baton in our little relay Dustin. :thumbsup:

Congratulations mate , you certainly deserve it and I really look forward to what you have in store.
Amazing skills with the LE you have and this is especially reflected with Marathon Mall &apls

only nitpick? Benches. where do all the sims get to sit and eat their lunch? Such wonderful features like the garden and the fountain would have some benches scattered around . Other than that 10/10


Till the next time

regards
Derry
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Earth quake on November 08, 2009, 07:19:00 AM
Wow, congratulation for your OSTIM Dustin.  &apls &apls &apls
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: ecoba on November 08, 2009, 08:20:10 AM
Oh, congragulation, Dustin. I was thinking you might get the second 4-in-1.

Hope to see some excellent work from you this week!

Ethan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: JBSimio on November 08, 2009, 11:48:31 AM
Welcome back Dustin!  I guess it's no big surprise to see you spending a week here in OSITM, but I'm certainly looking forward to whatever you have up your sleeve.   :thumbsup:

I noticed that, even though I saw it a while ago, I failed to comment on your government center... oops!   &ops  I really like the lots you made for this area (and, yes, I did notice that it's one of the spots I asked about at one point)... especially with the large fountain.  I would however echo Derry when it comes to adding some benches.  Someone else mentioned centering the building more along the wider avenue you have leading up to the square.  Personally, this would have been my choice as well... but I'm a sucker for symmetry in formal areas like this.  I think it's more of a personal taste than anything else and it looks great regardless of how you choose to position it.

Hope to see more soon,
JB
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: kimcar on November 08, 2009, 11:59:38 AM
 &apls &apls Congrats mate for your second OSITM .Still appreciate your work , even if i don`t come often as i would like :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Tomas Neto on November 08, 2009, 01:26:28 PM
Dustin, my friend, congratulation for your OSITM!!!  &apls &apls &apls
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: dsrwhat316 on November 08, 2009, 01:54:18 PM
Congrats on your OSITM, Dustin!  :thumbsup:

The Commonwealth Hall square looks excellent with all the shrubbery and trees. I, personally, would've rotated the building (if it would fit, not sure ::)) so that the steps are leading down to the fountain plaza. I read that you are getting a lot of opinions on how to change the area and although I did see some benches surrounding the planter trees in the fountain plaza, there should be more. Those Sims deserve to have a seat on a nice day and soak in the beautiful scenery after all!

Also, a very nice selection of buildings. All of the glass-clad skyscrapers look out onto the square, giving those office workers a nice view. Those NDEX buildings are a great fit there.

Just out of curiosity; any plans on small towns or farmlands? That's something I'd like to see from Marathon, whenever you get the chance...

~ Dan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon [11/08/09]: UPDATE XLVI: To Market, To Market...
Post by: thundercrack83 on November 08, 2009, 07:58:06 PM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies2.jpg&hash=caaacd21f4d241ef76081c80d2a7c8f16899680d)

WOW! Well, it's been sooooooooooooooo long since there's been any activity in Marathon, I feel so very disappointed in myself. I would like to thank the OSITM Committee—a wonderful group of friends of which I have been a member in name only lately—for giving me this week-long opportunity to try and get back into the swing of things a bit!

So, what do we have planned for this week? Despite my hectic schedule, I simply wouldn't be me if I didn't have a few ideas tucked up in my sleeve...






UPDATE XLVI
To Market, To Market...
Part I: Introduction and Background (OSITM 4-in-1, Day 1)

8 November 2009

We'll start with a question: How many of you have been to...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252046%2F46001.jpg&hash=17c135a05cfdbe451e20306a53b4ac0504dc4081)

...Boston, Massachusetts?

If you answered "Yes" to that question, I have a follow up: Did you visit the...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252046%2F46002.jpg&hash=b3d654cd8492a0d46cb63bb459be65c8d5346778)

...Faneuil Hall Marketplace in your travels?

If you answered "Yes" to that, then you'll have a bit of a frame of reference for what I'm planning for this week! If you answered "No," that's OK, too! Just follow along during the week and hopefully, you'll enjoy yourself anyway!

Let's jump to...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252046%2F46003.jpg&hash=9987a48c47d947cb0ebf56670fc2407b374c825c)

Tile R, which will be the site of our future marketplace! Here...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252046%2F46004.jpg&hash=913bd438e6b7c661efead96f4ef40cad1e68d1e3)

...is a close-up of where we'll be working.

The plan for this week is to show one LOT each day for the entire week, putting them all together at the end to make up the Châteauguay Hall Marketplace! For today's lot?


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252046%2F46005.jpg&hash=ee48ce9dde54d6a346cf1c96d58cf5a6dadd19b7)

That's it? THAT?!!? What can I say? We've got to start somewhere right? Don't worry, though—things will all come together by Sunday, which, incidentally, happens to be my 28th birthday!

Finally, another treat for Day 1...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252046%2F46006.jpg&hash=79e7be327c1be020c7a39852b41fd8544b5b6abe)

...a daily mosaïc!

See you tomorrow!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Bobbi on November 08, 2009, 08:21:33 PM
Congragulation, Dustin. And nice mosaics. :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: woodb3kmaster on November 09, 2009, 01:10:47 AM
First off, Dustin, let me give you the congratulations you deserve for getting into OSITM twice in the same 12-month period. It's really a testament to the amazing work you do here in Marathon!

Speaking of which, today's update, as modest as it may be, is another example of that work. If this first lot is a sign of things to come, I can't wait to see the finished Châteauguay Hall Marketplace!

Looking forward to more, as always!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Sciurus on November 09, 2009, 01:11:22 AM
Waow, very nice update &apls

Guillaume :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: rooker1 on November 09, 2009, 05:00:55 AM
Hey Dustin,
Congrats on getting the second week of OSITM.  It was the only way we could get you to do a bunch of updates.  You know some of us are really hurting....going from so many regular updates to very few.  I'm sure some people understand, but I don't.  $%Grinno$% ;) Just kidding.
It's really great to see you back at it, I know the next week with you will be a lot of fun.

Robin  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: ecoba on November 09, 2009, 05:12:19 AM
Ah, a very good comeback indeed, Dustin.

I've never been to Boston, but I've seen pictures of that marketplace, and I know that you'll do a good job on yours.

Ethan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Battlecat on November 09, 2009, 08:19:25 AM
Congratulations on your latest OSITM!  I'm glad to see your enthusiasm for the game hasn't waned despite your busy life of late!  I haven't ever been to Boston, but my sisters is in Amherst working on her PhD.  She's been down to Boston a couple of times and I believe she did mention this marketplace! 

I took a peek on Google Streetview, it looks like some pretty classy architecture in that area, I'm looking forward to seeing how you're going to incorporate it into Marathon! 
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: djvandrake on November 09, 2009, 10:30:02 AM
Congrats Dustin!  :thumbsup:

I've not been to Boston, so I'm very much looking forward to this week here.  I'll get to visit in a different way.  :)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: JBSimio on November 09, 2009, 11:15:55 AM
Very nice choice, Dustin.  I'm definitely looking forward to this one!

JB
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on November 09, 2009, 07:18:21 PM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies2.jpg&hash=caaacd21f4d241ef76081c80d2a7c8f16899680d)

Bobbi: Thank you so much, my friend!

Zack (woodb3kmaster): Hi, Zack! Thanks very much for your very kind words! I hope that the week won't disappoint!

Guillaume (Sciurus): Thanks!

Robin (rooker1): Hello, Robin! Thank you, my very good friend! I figured that only you wouldn't understand about the lack of updates, there's no pleasing you! Ha-ha, only kidding! You've been such a great friend and supporter of everything here and elsewhere, it makes me feel very good inside, my friend. Hope to see you again soon, Robin!

Ethan (ecoba): Thanks, Ethan!

Battlecat: Thank you, my friend!

djvandrake: Thanks!

Jon (JBSimio): Hey, Jon! Glad to see you here, my friend, and I hope you enjoy things this week!




DAY 2!

First...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F192.jpg&hash=2be80ea87fc4c3a381656cd87a0afdd83c5b5f81)

...today's mosaïc! And...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F193.jpg&hash=5464a921b6728812584a1530c2a7af455a4ecb8d)

...our puzzle piece for Tuesday! Not much more of a big reveal, more of a hint, really!

See you tomorrow!

Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: metarvo on November 09, 2009, 07:25:57 PM
Congratulations on OSITM, Dustin!  &apls

Of course, the mosaic looks great, but I'm also looking forward to seeing the progress that is made on the marketplace.  It looks good so far.  Keep up the good work!  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Bobbi on November 09, 2009, 08:17:20 PM
Great mosaic and lot. &apls
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: djvandrake on November 09, 2009, 08:37:36 PM
Can't wait to see what this lot is a part of.  :)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Battlecat on November 10, 2009, 08:47:08 AM
Nice mosaic and an interesting looking puzzle piece!  I'm looking forward to seeing how this will all fit together.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Tomas Neto on November 10, 2009, 12:13:29 PM
Really awesome work, Dustin!!!  &apls
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Earth quake on November 10, 2009, 12:15:56 PM
Wonderfull picture Dustin. &apls
Great work at Lot Editor.
And congratulation for your OSTIM.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: rooker1 on November 10, 2009, 12:46:46 PM
Hey Dustin,

Damn right there is no pleasing me and don't you forget it and keep the updates coming. ::) Will that work to keep you posting more often than not?  Just kidding....it's always great to visit your MD!

A very nice busy scene.... I love it and don't think I could have done better....well I would have....just kidding. ;D

Robin  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: TheTeaCat on November 10, 2009, 12:57:40 PM
Dustin,

Very nice work indeed. Great mosaic - I really like that one &apls
Nice TEAser too. You really do have a knack with the LE :thumbsup:

Looking forward to your next installment ;D

regards
Derry
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: KoV Liberty on November 10, 2009, 01:18:46 PM
Great update Dustin!! Fantastic work! Hey Robin (and any other moderater/site admin), any chance we could have the posts by Dustin (and about everyone with pics in their sig, board, MD, etc.) fixed? They appear off the topic boundaries and when you try to right something long (like an update for an MD or something) every time you type the screen will jerk up and down as you write and you cannot see what you are typing as well. Because as soon as you start to type, the screen will jerk up and you cannot see it. I am not trying to be pushy or mean mind you, just curious on what causes this? And does anyone else have the problem?

Edit....I'm unsure what the problem is that you are having, everything seems to be working fine for me.  Robin  ;)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: JBSimio on November 11, 2009, 09:24:47 AM
Another fine mosaic, Dustin!   &apls  The first puzzle piece teaser has certainly got me intrigued and waiting for more...

JB

PS... Driftmaster:  My guess is that you're using IE8... somewhere in the upper tool bar is a button you can click for "Compatibility Mode" which should probably solve your problem.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Sciurus on November 11, 2009, 09:43:52 AM
Dustin,

Nice update you've done it, but one thing, on the latest image, where you show "Les Halles", I find that pavement doesn't go with the BAT. ;)

Guillaume :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: KoV Liberty on November 11, 2009, 02:02:22 PM
Quote from: JBSimio on November 11, 2009, 09:24:47 AM
PS... Driftmaster:  My guess is that you're using IE8... somewhere in the upper tool bar is a button you can click for "Compatibility Mode" which should probably solve your problem.  :thumbsup:

Yay! It worked! Thanks! What I couldn't figure out is why this happend only a few times and not all the time.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on November 12, 2009, 01:22:40 PM
Hey Dustin !
First of all, all my congratulations on getting the second four in one !
Secondly, it's good to see you back at updating your MD my friend !
Now, the critics on the updates.
the daily mosaic (the first, with the Châteauguay Hall Marketplace first lot) is well done, I like how you putted that church behind the buildings in the prolongation of the avenue, it's nicely done ! Also, all those buildings, skyscrapers or everything else fit perfectly in that place.
The day two mosaic is wonderful, as the first one, really well done. I like that subway station just in front of the skyscraper, what a nice place to put it ! Also, behind the three blocks and the what-seems-to-be-a-underground_rail-station is a good place, strategic to get more passengers and also nice looking.
The lot is wonderful too, from what we are able to see, I can only say that it's started quite well !
take care,
-Arthur. :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: ecoba on November 12, 2009, 06:21:20 PM
Oh, a nice puzzle piece it appears to be.

Ethan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: rdrdrdrd on November 14, 2009, 08:37:51 PM
I want your pluggins folder soooooo bad, lol, nice to see everything here going great, I love the market area and especially the second mosaic :thumbsup:, I have thanksgiving vacation coming up so i should be able to get some sc4 time in, i need to start playing again when I find time between my many activities :-\

ps:  where did you get the buildings in mosaic 2, and are they plopables or growables?
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: threestooges on November 14, 2009, 09:02:50 PM
Nice moasics Dustin. What's the building (I'm guessing a subway station or something) with the stairs going down into it in the most recent mosaic? You do a great job with your city layouts, and the transit options shown are excellent: buses, trains, cars, seemingly everything. Very well done as always.
-Matt
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: dsrwhat316 on November 15, 2009, 08:05:27 AM
@ Matt: I believe you are looking for Trier Station (http://www.simtropolis.com/stex/details.cfm?id=21666) by jasoncw. It is a subway and bus station.

The mosaic looks excellent, Dustin! I like how you LE'd the subway station. Your latest project looks good, as well. I hope you add some overlay textures to give it more color, though. Looking forward to your next update, Dustin!

~ Dan

EDIT: Almost forgot; Happy Birhday, Dustin!!!  :party: &dance
EDIT 2: Fixed broken link; thanks rdrdrdrd
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Cyclone1001 on November 19, 2009, 06:28:28 PM
I have spent the last 3 hours reading this entire diary and, wow. Just wow. I absolutely love the island, and I have started working on my own island nation because this offers so much inspiration. I only have one question: Are you planning on building an airport on the island? I don't really think it matters, but I personally think it would be pretty cool if you did. Thanks and keep up the great work!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: rdrdrdrd on November 22, 2009, 07:58:54 AM
Quote from: dsrwhat316 on November 15, 2009, 08:05:27 AM
@ Matt: I believe you are looking for Trier Station (http://www.simtropolis.com/stex/index.cfm?p=results) by jasoncw. It is a subway and bus station.

The mosaic looks excellent, Dustin! I like how you LE'd the subway station. Your latest project looks good, as well. I hope you add some overlay textures to give it more color, though. Looking forward to your next update, Dustin!

~ Dan

EDIT: Almost forgot; Happy Birhday, Dustin!!!  :party: &dance
Broken link
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: emgmod on November 22, 2009, 05:39:26 PM
http://www.simtropolis.com/stex/details.cfm?id=21666
Try now.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: rdrdrdrd on November 22, 2009, 07:50:16 PM
Quote from: dsrwhat316 on November 15, 2009, 08:05:27 AM

EDIT 2: Fixed broken link; thanks rdrdrdrd
no problem :)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on November 27, 2009, 09:18:19 PM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies2.jpg&hash=caaacd21f4d241ef76081c80d2a7c8f16899680d)

Well, it's been quite a while again, friends! Work has been as hectic as always, so my scheduled plan for OSITM fell by the wayside, unfortunately. I've still be working diligently on our marketplace project, though...


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Things are coming together, I think. Hopefully, with a little luck, we'll be able to get things put together soon!

More to come!

When? Hmmm...we'll see!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: djvandrake on November 27, 2009, 09:25:33 PM
It looks splendid!  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: ecoba on November 28, 2009, 07:04:18 AM
My gosh, that lot is looking really good, Dustin.

Keep up the good work, and don't worry about your schedule, we'll be here when you have an update.

Ethan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Cyclone1001 on November 28, 2009, 10:07:28 AM
Not bad! I also noticed this thread had exactly 91,000 views! Then I posted this so...
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Earth quake on November 28, 2009, 11:37:39 AM
Excellent teaser, Dustin. :thumbsup:
I want can see more.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: rdrdrdrd on November 28, 2009, 01:47:05 PM
looking a little too Parisian, but it fits
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Battlecat on November 30, 2009, 09:56:02 AM
Nice building!  It really looks great, and the details around it look quite nice as well. 
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: threestooges on November 30, 2009, 05:23:10 PM
It's been too long since I've posted here. It's amazing the amount of work you're able to get done with the way that job keeps you running Dustin. Very impressive. The marketplace looks great, and the building in particular is very nice. Where'd you happen across that, if you don't mind my asking?
-Matt
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Tomas Neto on December 01, 2009, 03:40:53 AM
Awesome again, Dustin!!!  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: calibanX on December 01, 2009, 10:22:58 PM
Great teaser Dustin. I'm looking forward to the marketplace.

Geoff
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Sciurus on December 02, 2009, 08:53:14 AM
Very nice :thumbsup:, but same remark as the latest time: the pavement don't goes with Les Halles, but it's my opinion ;) Free to do what you want ;)

Guillaume :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on December 02, 2009, 09:47:01 AM
Nicely done, Dustin !
I like all the details you put there, like the tree line with porkissimo trees, who looks really nice there. Also as the emergency truck passing in the middle of the cars' lanes, in emergency.. In one word, this market place is Fantastic...  !

Take care,
-Arthur. :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: KoV Liberty on December 03, 2009, 05:03:58 PM
Very cool! But on that road.... Try using different props for it. ;) Much more diverse. :)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon [12/03/09]: UPDATE XLVII: To Market, to Market...
Post by: thundercrack83 on December 03, 2009, 08:58:06 PM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies2.jpg&hash=caaacd21f4d241ef76081c80d2a7c8f16899680d)

djvandrake: Thanks!

Ethan (ecoba): Thank you, Ethan!

Cyclone1001: 91K+ views! Wow! Thanks for catching that one, my friend! And thanks for stopping by!

Vivien (Earth quake): Thank you, my friend!

rdrdrdrd: I does look a bit Parisian, doesn't it! Thanks for coming by!

Battlecat: Thanks!

Matt (threestooges: Hi, Matt! Thanks so much for you very kind words, my friend! It's always wonderful to see you here in Marathon. The building "Les Halles," and can be found on the STEX, though I forget exactly whose creation it is. Good luck, and hope to see you again!

Tomas Neto: Thank you!

Geoff (calibanX): Thanks, Geoff!

Guillaume (Sciurus): Thank you, my friend!

Arthur (art128): Hey, Arthur! Thanks for you wonderful comments and support!

Alex (Driftmaster97): Thanks, Alex!






UPDATE XLVII
To Market, To Market...
Part II: I Know the Pieces Fit!

3 December 2009

Remember way back during the second week of November when I was going to (supposedly...) present one new lot a day for a week to complete our marketplace? Do you also remember how I failed to follow through on that promise? Well, I'll just apologize quickly for that move forward (Sorry!), since we've got a few pieces of the puzzle to show! Here we go...

We have 12 different lots that will make up our marketplace area: two 2x2s, and one each of 3x2, 14x, 10x11, 14x4, 14x2, 4x2, 4x3, 3x3, 3x1, and 1x1. For this update, we'll just focus on the pieces as they appear in the LE...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252047%2F47001.jpg&hash=608c1ce4a67a1ca5fd1ac48c060f596fabb8e628)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252047%2F47002.jpg&hash=f5d0d46312f783a74632085b72d52b6ad074597d)

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(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252047%2F47012.jpg&hash=8e37eb471393b5adaa1249e26697f502e0fe8c84)

Of course, the next step is to put the puzzle together, right? That's where we will head next!

Stay tuned, and have a great weekend!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: canyonjumper on December 03, 2009, 10:54:57 PM
That looks good! I guess when the pieces come together the whole thing will look great. Can't wait!

                                  -Jordan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: rooker1 on December 04, 2009, 04:31:13 AM
Hey Dustin,
Good to know you are still alive and playing the Game.
The LE work does look great and a few of those Lots look like they took a very long time.  The fifth one looks like you are very close to the max for props.  It all looks great and I can't wait to see it put together.

Robin  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: ecoba on December 04, 2009, 04:43:22 AM
Quite an assortment of puzzle pieces, Dustin. But, I know you'll find a crafty way to put 'em together, or you probably already have.

Ethan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Bobbi on December 04, 2009, 05:50:17 AM
Great LE works! I think they took you a long time to finish them. :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Battlecat on December 04, 2009, 08:44:21 AM
Nice stuff!  Looking forward to seeing these pieces in place!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Sciurus on December 04, 2009, 09:40:44 AM
Nice work on LE, I particullary like [ur=http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o134/thundercrack83/MARATHON/Update%2047/47010.jpg]the LOT[/url] where there are trees. I find it very good. I wait to see them in the game :)

Guillaume.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Earth quake on December 04, 2009, 11:02:44 AM
Splendid work at the lot editor and teaser, dustin. &apls
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Cyclone1001 on December 04, 2009, 01:21:37 PM
You're too good! Haha, but really, you make even the best people seem bad. Great job! &apls
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Tomas Neto on December 04, 2009, 03:52:15 PM
Fantastic update again!!!  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: calibanX on December 05, 2009, 05:43:55 PM
They look great Dustin. I'm looking forward to your marketplace.

Geoff
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: djvandrake on December 05, 2009, 08:32:08 PM
A lot of good quality work there.  I know how much effort those lots take!  I can't wait to see them all assembled.  ;D
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: kwakelaar on December 06, 2009, 02:09:36 AM
A very nice collection of different lots, I very much look forward to see how these will make your market place. From looking at the crowds it will be a busy place. :)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon [12/07/09]: UPDATE XLVIII: To Market, to Market...
Post by: thundercrack83 on December 07, 2009, 12:18:08 PM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies2.jpg&hash=caaacd21f4d241ef76081c80d2a7c8f16899680d)

Jordan (canyonjumper): Thank you! And welcome to Marathon!

Robin (rooker1): Thank you so very much, Robin! It's always great to hear from you, my friend! Hope all is well!

Ethan (ecoba): Thanks, Ethan!

Bobbi: Thank you, my friend!

Battlecat: Thanks!

Guillaume (Sciurus): Thank you so much, my friend! It's always great to see you here!

Earth quake: Thank you!

Cyclone1001: Wow! Thank you for your very kind words!

Tomas Neto: Hello! Thanks so much!

Geoff (calibanX): Thanks, Geoff!

djvandrake: Thanks! Your wait is soon over, my friend! I hope you enjoy it!

Gjermund (kwakelaar): Thank you, Gjermund! It's always wonderful to have you here in Marathon!






UPDATE XLVIII
To Market, To Market...
Part III: Welcome to the Grand Opening!

7 December 2009

Well! It's been quite a wait for construction to finally be complete, but we've made it! Welcome to the Grand Opening of the Châteauguay Hall Marketplace! First, we're going to try something a

bit new here in this update to demonstrate the construction of the area—an animation!


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252048%2F48001.gif&hash=15b95b1362f089befa3a6dd0459c05f5dbe84c5f)

And with everything in its place, we'll spend the rest of this update taking a bit of a tour! Enjoy!


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252048%2F48002.jpg&hash=db75ee0db06578f5332ed47dde2c8bd06b3b948b)

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(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252048%2F48007.jpg&hash=3487e66ae6c31a455f01e1ca7553991afa3f7275)

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So there it is, my friend! Sorry that its unveiling took such a long time! But with this project finished, it begs a new question...what's next?

In a bit!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Battlecat on December 07, 2009, 12:24:18 PM
Very cool!  The animation was a neat way to present the changes!  As always you've done a great job with the layout of this area! 
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: io_bg on December 07, 2009, 12:29:03 PM
Wow, you've done a great job on this update &apls The animation is really nice, I like highway layout (although the highways are a bit empty $%Grinno$%) The GLR line and it's surroundings are great looking!
Keep up the great work!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Tomas Neto on December 07, 2009, 01:51:23 PM
Wow, awesome work!!! Everything very impressive!!!  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: mightygoose on December 07, 2009, 02:35:34 PM
all i'll say is woah....
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Cyclone1001 on December 07, 2009, 03:29:52 PM
Wow, nice work!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: canyonjumper on December 07, 2009, 04:43:24 PM
Wow! Awesome marketplace! I like the highway layout too, I couldn't think of that. Good work Dustin!

                                           -Jordan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Delecto on December 07, 2009, 04:50:25 PM
Amazing work Dustin...  &apls no other word comes to my mouth (at least in English).  ???

DEL!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: KoV Liberty on December 07, 2009, 04:59:35 PM
Nice job Dustin!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: dsrwhat316 on December 07, 2009, 05:05:59 PM
An "animated" update, Dustin? Now you're getting too savvy for me  :P!

The highway setup is interesting; reminds me of the East and West Spurs of the New Jersey Turnpike. The central plaza looks good, though to me it seems to be a bit too much brick and not enough greenery. I do like the lot you made that consists of the GLR-in-Avenue. Hope to see a new update soon!

~ Dan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: calibanX on December 07, 2009, 05:20:33 PM
I love the marketplace Dustin. Nice job. What really caught my eye though was that most excellent highway you have running through the city. Very nice indeed.

Geoff
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: rooker1 on December 08, 2009, 05:18:09 AM
Dustin, Dustin...Dustin,
It's always great to see one of your updates and this one was no exception by any means.
I love the GLR in avenue section and you were able to get the subway cars in the pic too.

Robin  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Bobbi on December 08, 2009, 09:28:14 PM
Awesome work! :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Sciurus on December 09, 2009, 12:23:21 AM
Waow, this is really really good, congrats Dustin! &apls
The own thing I find a bit crazy, this is on the first image, the roads which overpass the highways, we could believe they fly :D

Guillaume :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: kimcar on December 09, 2009, 11:30:52 AM
 &apls &apls Very nice my friend . I like to see the evolution with your LE pics. A lot of work aroud there. &apls &apls Sorry for the lack of post. See u :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: rdrdrdrd on December 10, 2009, 02:58:52 PM
you really should release your le plaza and wonderful filler pieces, great work
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Nexis4Jersey on December 10, 2009, 05:01:48 PM
Interesting update, love the marketplace :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on December 25, 2009, 08:48:16 PM

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Thank you all so much for your wonderful support, friends! It is very much appreciated!

I'm really running the gamut a bit (there's only about 10 minutes left here in the Eastern United States!), but...


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Christmas Day itself is always a hectic one, but when you add in a 1:00-9:00 shift at work, then things really start to pile up! I hope all of you and your families have had a wonderful and safe holiday!

Happy Holidays!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: JoeST on December 26, 2009, 02:51:19 AM
Happy Hol's to you to Dustin :)

Joe
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on December 26, 2009, 09:01:10 AM
Agree with Joe, happy holidays too, Dustin !  :)

And nice rainy picture from marathon there my friend, thought I'm sure it's not the best to start holidays with the rain.. Here it was the snow first, and now the rain everyday..
Anyway I hope the weather get better in marathon, just for the poor little children, they don't have school they have to play fun !  :P

Take care,
-Arthur. :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: emgmod on December 26, 2009, 10:40:51 AM
Now that Christmas is over, Happy Holidays!

Everyone knows that the Christmas snowstorm is subjective in the SC4 world. In some places, it's snowing at Christmas. In others, there is not a snowflake to be found.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: calibanX on December 27, 2009, 08:17:34 PM
Merry Christmas. Don't work too hard :sleeping:

Geoff
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: ecoba on December 28, 2009, 07:11:57 AM
Merry Happy, Dustin!  :D

Great work going on here in Marathon!

Ethan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: rooker1 on December 28, 2009, 06:07:29 PM
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year Dustin.
I hope you are having a great holiday.

Robin  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: KoV Liberty on December 28, 2009, 06:10:56 PM
Merry Christmas Dustin! And a happy New Year!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Nexis4Jersey on December 28, 2009, 10:53:59 PM
Happy New Years :-\ Dustin &hlp
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: metarvo on December 29, 2009, 04:59:39 AM
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, Dustin!  I hope everything's going well for you.  :)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: sithlrd98 on December 29, 2009, 01:47:50 PM
As I am slowly making my way back to familiar places , and seeing some new ones...I had to come back and see what you've been up to the last few months. Looks like you haven't missed a beat! I still love your LE skills..this is one of those MD's that I have to keep going back and trying to figure out the secrets! A very late congrats on the OSITM!  Look forward to seeing whats next!

Jayson
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bat on December 30, 2009, 08:06:55 AM
Nice work on your city there in the last time! Great pictures!
And happy holiday to you, too...
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: canyonjumper on December 30, 2009, 01:53:17 PM
Nice progress! Happy Holidays to you, and Happy New Year!

                   -Jordan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on December 31, 2009, 01:08:12 PM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies2.jpg&hash=caaacd21f4d241ef76081c80d2a7c8f16899680d)

Not much to say...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F196.jpg&hash=5083e117507cfcdeaef3ac53a202f5bb260d3522)

Oh, and, for the holiday's sake...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252036%2F36003.jpg&hash=1c2ef410b0f7a49d095687821e51ebbb959d785f)

Have a safe and Happy New Year, friends! See you in 2010!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: JoeST on December 31, 2009, 01:13:04 PM
HAPPY NEW DECADE Dustin, :D and to the rest of this md's second year :)

Joe
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: canyonjumper on December 31, 2009, 02:41:13 PM
2010!! Happy New Year (Decade)!! :party:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: TmiguelT on December 31, 2009, 02:42:28 PM
Oh man !! You got me on this one.... i'm always hiding in the shadows  $%#Ninj2 but today is no lurking day  :D so i make my post :D ....

I have always admired your work with the updates and the LE  &apls
May you and your family have an awesome Christmas and a spectacular New Year   :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: rooker1 on December 31, 2009, 03:19:14 PM
Hey Dustin,

Super work on the collage my friend.
I hope your holidays this far have been great and I hope your New Year brings you everything you want.
Christmas for me has been great.  The kids are totally different than last year.
I finally got my 55" Toshiba, surround sound and Blueray player and a great sectional to relax on.  Now the kids aren't allowed in the living room. ;)
Tonight I'm going to take it down a notch from previous years and make dinner for the family (14 people) and than spend the night talking about old times with a few drinks.

Happy New Year Dustin!

Robin :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Cyclone1001 on December 31, 2009, 04:56:26 PM
Happy new year! Even though for me there is still 5 hours till 2010...
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: rdrdrdrd on December 31, 2009, 09:18:45 PM
just curious, what water mod do you use, happy new year
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: KoV Liberty on December 31, 2009, 09:24:26 PM
Well, it took me a few times to finally be able to read the lettering but since it is no lurking day I have to post this...




HAPPY NEW YEAR DUSTIN AND ALL OF SC4DEVOTION!!!!!!!!!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Scarton on December 31, 2009, 10:51:03 PM
Aw, man, caught by No Lurking Day! $%#Ninj2

I wanted to save my 200th post for a special occasion (like starting an MD) but what better time than this!

HAPPY NEW YEAR OF 2010

To all at SC4Devotion!!!

:)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: MandelSoft on January 01, 2010, 02:57:45 AM
A happy and healthy 2010 everyone!!!

Best,
Maarten
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: warconstruct on January 01, 2010, 06:27:55 AM
Happy new year my friend !

Bonne année mon ami !
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: mightygoose on January 01, 2010, 06:43:33 AM
happy new year no lurking day, good luck with your resolutions and i wish you a productive, rewarding and fruitful 2010
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on January 01, 2010, 08:31:41 AM
Hey Dustin,
that's a nice mosaic you've done there my friend, it's nice to re-see all these fantastic pictures !
Happy New year my friend !  :party: &dance
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: daryl7478 on January 01, 2010, 09:04:32 AM
This is my first post here at the Marathon forum and Marathon is so very cool! I have been reading it for the past couple weeks. Anyways, Happy New Year from sunny (and foggy) California! ;D
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Nexis4Jersey on January 01, 2010, 07:12:31 PM
Happy New Year Dustin
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bat on January 03, 2010, 03:08:02 AM
Happy New Year, Dustin! And looking forward to more in this year 2010... ;)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Nanami on January 03, 2010, 10:54:32 PM
This is my first post on this section of forum.
Amazing MD!!
Also Happy New Year.

976
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on January 08, 2010, 05:48:10 PM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies2.jpg&hash=caaacd21f4d241ef76081c80d2a7c8f16899680d)

Thank you all so very much for the wonderful New Year's wishes! I hope your New Year has started off as fantastically as mine has!

As for Marathon in 2010—well...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F197.jpg&hash=7ac2c453b3668db1f6f0ce5f1bd2c6a7f817e446)

...how about we leave Marathon Island for a bit?

Stay tuned!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: canyonjumper on January 08, 2010, 06:16:38 PM
Great stuff there Dustin! I'll stay tuned!

               -Jordan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: daryl7478 on January 08, 2010, 07:34:16 PM
Keep making Marathon one of the best Mayor Diaries in SC4D! You make really awesome cities! I love Marathon. Keep up the good work.
   - daryl7478
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: woodb3kmaster on January 08, 2010, 07:42:02 PM
If the areas outside Marathon Island look this good, I'd love to take a road trip around the Commonwealth! Looking forward to it!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: mightygoose on January 08, 2010, 08:54:53 PM
schaweet, more marathon than marathon.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Nanami on January 08, 2010, 10:53:21 PM
Sweet!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bat on January 09, 2010, 02:43:43 AM
Great looking picture of that little lighthouse! Also nice area around it... :thumbsup:
Looking forward to more...
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: djvandrake on January 09, 2010, 09:40:55 AM
That's a first rate image of the lighthouse, and I love it.  &apls

We're leaving Marathon Island?  Well now I'm intrigued.  ;D
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Nexis4Jersey on January 10, 2010, 03:03:53 PM
Jumps into a Boat and starts rowing away   :P
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Battlecat on January 11, 2010, 08:30:29 AM
Rock on!  Glad to see something completely new and equally awesome here in Marathon!  Nice little piece of coastline you've got there, I"m looking forward to seeing more of this!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: kimcar on January 11, 2010, 12:41:53 PM
 &apls &apls Nice one and Happy New Year my friend
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on January 12, 2010, 09:16:43 AM
Nice little preview there, Dustin !
I really enjoyed to watch this nice picture my friend. Good job with the flora.

take care,
-Arthur. :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: tooheys on January 15, 2010, 01:19:44 AM
Nice teaser Dustin. Not that us viewers need it, but nothing like a bit of a change to keep the author sane  ;)

Looking forward to see what you come up with.

Cheers

Dave
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: ecoba on January 15, 2010, 02:42:11 PM
Rural Marathon, interesting. I knew we'd get here someday, it's just interesting to see some of the first shots.

That lighthouse really was one of the best teasers I've ever seen, too.

Ethan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: daryl7478 on January 18, 2010, 05:12:51 PM
One thing, I think you should use a highway re-styling mod to make your freeways look much better. There are some on the STEX but I don't think there is any on the LEX. It is just for decorating your freeways. Just a preference. You can take my advice if you want. Just search "highway re-styling mod" on the STEX. Good luck! ;D
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Tomas Neto on January 19, 2010, 12:21:19 PM
Very nice work!!!  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on January 22, 2010, 06:48:28 PM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies2.jpg&hash=caaacd21f4d241ef76081c80d2a7c8f16899680d)

Jordan (canyonjumper): Thank you, Jordan!

daryl7478: Thanks so much!

Zack (woodb3kmaster): Hi, Zack! Thanks, my friend!

mightygoose: Ha! I never thought of it like that.

976: Thanks!

bat: Thank you, bat!

djvandrake: Thank you so much!

Corey (Nexis4Jersey): Thanks, Corey!

Battlecat: Thanks so much, my friend!

kimcar: Happy New Year to you, too!

Arthur (art128): Hi, Arthur! Thank you so much for your support!

Dave (tooheys): Hello, Dave! You're right about the sanity factor, my friend. A change of pace is always a good thing! Take care!

Ethan (ecoba): Thank you, Ethan! I knew we'd get here eventually, too. Now, we'll see how it turns out!

daryl7478: That's a great idea! I'll have to look into it! Thanks so much!

Tomas Neto: Thanks!




So...remember when...I...said that...we were...leaving Marathon Island... ... ...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F198.jpg&hash=68800f4b9ad032a7ec88f08bef128c0a488da77a)

Sorry, my friends—I just can't HELP MYSELF!!! I saw this fantastic BAT by dmscopio and got a bit of inspiration. But don't fret...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F199.jpg&hash=0ec1e04d583caafec19e6f14be2690eb2fe88a2a)

...I'm still doing a whole lot of planning and such for elsewhere in Marathon! Oh, and it looks like we're knocking on the door of 100,000 views here soon, too! When will it be???

More to come!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: rooker1 on January 22, 2010, 06:52:37 PM
100,000 views....wow....tomorrow morning is my guess.
Great to see another update Dustin and yes dmscopio is one great BATter.
I hope everything is going well for.  It has been quite some time since I last talked with you.
You keep us intrigued as always my friend.

Robin  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: canyonjumper on January 22, 2010, 07:36:49 PM
Looking good Dustin! Can't wait to see what this turns out to be.

              -Jordan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Battlecat on January 22, 2010, 07:39:25 PM
Well that is a pretty awesome looking model.  There's room for lots of different stuff here in Marathon! 
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: mightygoose on January 22, 2010, 07:43:13 PM
great work, the map looks intriguing.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: KoV Liberty on January 22, 2010, 08:15:31 PM
Nice wrk Dustin! You sure are good at ruralness (if that's a word ;)). I do suggest, to get a smoother line on the shore, maybe use the smoothing tool? Keep it up!

Alex
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: dedgren on January 22, 2010, 08:58:23 PM
Whoa, Dustin- tomorrow's the day, for sure!

I can't look at Marathon without smiling to myself at some point and thinking, "I knew this was going to happen."  You've shown yourself to be a master of the craft, my friend.  I remember your first posts on 3RR, and I'm really proud to be be able to say that I knew you when.

The 23rd is circled on my calendar- what a great accomplishment!


David
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: ecoba on January 23, 2010, 11:24:38 AM
We're in the 999s, my friend. But, anyway, it's okay to stay on Marathon for a little while longer.

Ethan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Ryan B. on January 23, 2010, 04:33:40 PM
I see you have a milestone coming up, Dustin - congratulations on 100,000 views!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Tarkus on January 23, 2010, 04:52:00 PM
Been far too long since I've stopped by Marathon.

Dustin, my congratulations on this huge milestone here--it's very easy to see why this MD has racked up views in the 6-figure range.  I'm curious to see what's going on with that planning map and the dmscopio re-lot as well! :thumbsup:

-Alex
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: dedgren on January 23, 2010, 04:55:27 PM
100K!!!

Every one well-earned, Dustin.

On to a quarter million, I'm sure.

EDIT:  Here's the screenshot.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg39.imageshack.us%2Fimg39%2F5682%2Fmarathon100k.png&hash=d4eeb3c73942ce843c911e2e48c8ff56bfa4feb0)

Just a few seconds after 4:55 p.m. Alaska Time.


David
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: mayorfabz on January 23, 2010, 05:01:10 PM
HEY !
I am viewer 100009! Congratulations on the big 100K!
Fabien
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Nardo69 on January 23, 2010, 05:18:16 PM
Congrats!

Take all Urland views from all three site together and I am still far away from that after almost 5 years!

Anyway: That's kind of special, enjoy the moment!


Bernhard  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: dsrwhat316 on January 23, 2010, 05:31:24 PM
Congrats on 100k views!!!  :thumbsup: &apls &apls

An amazing accomplishment you have achieved, Dustin! (As you can see by David's screenshot, I was here when it happened  ()stsfd())

~ Dan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: canyonjumper on January 23, 2010, 06:19:57 PM
Lol, it looks like you guys were just sitting here waiting for 100000K views. Congrats Dustin on this major accomplishment!  &apls &apls :thumbsup:

                 -Jordan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: threestooges on January 24, 2010, 01:24:10 AM
Looks good Dustin; both the number of views Marathon has, as well as the hint of the BAT you've selected. Sorry I don't post here more often, but I'm curious to see what building this is, and what you'll end up doing with it. Congrats on 100,000 views.
-Matt
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: TheTeaCat on January 24, 2010, 02:18:04 AM
Hey Dustin,
See I do keep an eye on what you are up to and just wish I could have been in for the 100000k party.
Was out getting the TEA for it but I is here now ;D

Its always fascinating to see what you can achieve with the LE and I'm sure that on this occasion
you'll do dmscopi's BAT justice ( just as you do to all the BATs you relot)  :thumbsup:

I'll be back before the next milestone - have no fear
till the next time  ;)

Derry

Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: mightygoose on January 24, 2010, 04:50:55 AM
well there is most definitely need for congratulations... you have 100 times the views i have..
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: skyhigh on January 24, 2010, 06:06:18 AM
Congrats on the 100K views  &apls &apls Great Milestone for an awsome cj.

Can't wait to see the re-lot, looks promising!! :D
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: kimcar on January 24, 2010, 06:53:37 AM
 &apls &apls Congrats my friend . Ready for another 100k  ;D :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bat on January 24, 2010, 08:56:02 AM
Congrats on over 100000 views!!
Looking forward to more from Marathon.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: ecoba on January 24, 2010, 11:18:06 AM
Congratulations, Dustin! Well deserved...

Ethan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: dragonshardz on January 24, 2010, 03:07:40 PM
Congrats, Dustin!

I just spent the weekend reading through this fantastic MD, and your setup has given me quite a lot of ideas to put into practice myself. Can't wait to see more!

Patrick
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: daryl7478 on January 24, 2010, 06:05:49 PM
 Congratulations about having 100,000 views! How awesome is that! I don't think any MD in SC4D has had that many views. I think this is a one of a kind MD. Good work and keep doing this to get mabe even 200,000 views! Also, I think you should do that stat thingy again, you know, the one with the graphs of how many posts people had in this MD etc. It has been a while since you have done that. Also, have you taken my advice about the highway re-styling mod?
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: djvandrake on January 24, 2010, 10:01:32 PM
Congrats on such a huge milestone!  100K!  &apls
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Tomas Neto on January 25, 2010, 04:47:38 AM
Congratulations Dustin!!!  :thumbsup:

100.500 views now!!!  :D
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Battlecat on January 25, 2010, 10:39:03 AM
Congratulations on 100k views!   &apls &apls
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Nanami on January 30, 2010, 05:31:13 PM
Wow, very many readers! :thumbsup: Congratulation!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Snitchie on February 05, 2010, 05:31:09 AM
There I had my own Marathon :D

I read through every page during the 2 last days ( @ work, so some work didnt get done   ??? )  But Thats ok  hehe..

This MD deserved it!   Looking forward to follow ur work    :thumbsup:   $%Grinno$%
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon [02/05/10]: UPDATE XLVIII½: · · · — — — · · ·
Post by: thundercrack83 on February 05, 2010, 08:58:04 PM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies2.jpg&hash=caaacd21f4d241ef76081c80d2a7c8f16899680d)

Thank you all so very much for the wonderful support, and for helping Marathon reach such a huge milestone! We couldn't have made it to 105 views without all of you! Thanks again for being the best friends a guy could have!






UPDATE XLVIII½
· · · — — — · · ·
5 February 2010

SOS!

CQD!

· · · — — — · · · !

We're taking on water...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fupload.wikimedia.org%2Fwikipedia%2Fcommons%2F5%2F5f%2FEdmund_Fitzgerald_NOAA.jpg&hash=fe5a8ea454d8a53aee7497ae614e508a25ddab5e)

...OK, it's not that bad! (Sorry, the song (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Wreck_of_the_Edmund_Fitzgerald) has been in my head!)

Just a tiny bit of an issue, folks...the AC Adapter for my laptop is on the fritz, which means that my battery is at roughly "6% remaining." I've already commandeered my parents' computer so I can be on the Internet, but  unfortunately, all my SC4-related stuff—Photoshop, Plugins, the game, etc.—now only have 6% remaining! 'Twas ever thus, things may slow down a bit (slow down? You mean they've been moving so swiftly for the past six months?!!?), since my off-line action is...well, off-line until my new AC Adapter gets here!

See you soon, friends!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: calibanX on February 05, 2010, 09:02:29 PM
A belated congratulations to you on a well deserved 100,000 views. The name Marathon seems to be quite appropriate.

Onward toward the next 100,000.

Take care.

Geoff
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: djvandrake on February 06, 2010, 11:01:53 AM
Aggh!  Now that song will be in my head for the rest of the day!  :D  Luckily it's a good one.

Good luck with your computer issues....
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: KoV Liberty on February 08, 2010, 05:33:36 PM
Dang, oh well! Hope you get a new one soon! And congratz on 100K views!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon [02/10/10]: UPDATE XLVIII¾: Electric Surges Free!
Post by: thundercrack83 on February 09, 2010, 10:38:18 PM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies2.jpg&hash=caaacd21f4d241ef76081c80d2a7c8f16899680d)

Geoff (calibanX): Thank you so much for your congratulations, Geoff!

djvandrake: Ha! Sorry, my friend! It was in my head for a while, too, for some reason or another. Thanks for stopping by!

Alex (Driftmaster07): Thanks, Alex!






UPDATE XLVIII¾
Electric Surges Free!
10 February 2010

Well, we're back! You don't realize how dependent on something you become until it's taken from you in some manner! Anyway, my new AC Adapter has arrived, and things have already begun to move along in Marathon! Here's a taste...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F200.jpg&hash=4f0a40a20e306a40dbd214836b97ab20004a0030)

I still have a few finishing touches to put on yet, but things are almost "ready for prime-time" here!

Also, I'd like to take this time to thank my very good friend David (dedgren) for another humbling tribute to me and to Marathon over in 3RR (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=112.msg307991#msg307991). If you haven't taken a trip to "Marathon Bend" yet, I suggest you get there now because once you do, you'll never want to go home! David, thank you so very much for being such a great friend all these years. I'm truly touched and honored to be a part of the 3RR universe, and more touched to have such a great friend. Thanks again, David!

More from Marathon on the way...along with between 8-13" of snow here in northeastern Pennsylvania!

In a bit!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: mightygoose on February 10, 2010, 05:34:26 AM
anothr interesting glimpse
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Battlecat on February 10, 2010, 09:15:26 AM
Very cool looking shot, that's a funky building. 
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: rooker1 on February 10, 2010, 09:25:16 AM
 Great pic, awesome tribute to you over at 3RR and I am very jealous with the amount of snow you are recieving.
I hope to hear from you one of these days.

Robin  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: djvandrake on February 10, 2010, 11:51:53 AM
That looks great!  Very nice plaza and I really like the GLR station that serves it.  Good work with the flags too.  I've had challenges with those so I'm impressed with what you've done.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bat on February 10, 2010, 12:31:38 PM
Your newest shot is wonderful! Great work on it! Looking forward to more... ;) ;)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Tomas Neto on February 10, 2010, 01:00:51 PM
Wow my friend, awesome work!!!  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: dragonshardz on February 10, 2010, 07:17:27 PM
Ooh...what building is that? I like!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: canyonjumper on February 10, 2010, 08:38:10 PM
Quote from: dragonshardz on February 10, 2010, 07:17:27 PM
Ooh...what building is that? I like!

Ditto! About the snow...Maybe VANOC (http://www.montrealgazette.com/sports/2010wintergames/Vanoc+winning+battle+with+snow+starved+Cypress+Mountain/2542967/story.html) could borrow some of it ;D!

              -Jordan :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: woodb3kmaster on February 11, 2010, 12:00:55 AM
Quote from: dragonshardz on February 10, 2010, 07:17:27 PM
Ooh...what building is that? I like!
That happens to be dmscopio's Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, available at his website (http://www.davidluart.com) (and possibly the STEX as well).

Dustin, your setting for that museum is absolutely fantastic, up to par with the rest of your work! I look forward to seeing more soon!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on February 15, 2010, 12:58:10 PM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies2.jpg&hash=caaacd21f4d241ef76081c80d2a7c8f16899680d)

mightygoose: Thanks, my friend!

Battlecat: Thank you! The building is quite unique!

Robin (rooker1): Hey, Robin! Thanks for your kind words, my friend! We ended up getting about 21" of snow by the end of everything, and we're supposed to get another 3-6" inches overnight tonight. It's been fantastic! Take care, my friend!

djvandrake: Thanks so very much! I'm glad you like it!

bat: Thanks, my friend!

dragonshardz: Hello! Our friend Zack (woodb3kmaster) answered your question above! Hope it helps!

Jordan (canyonjumper): Ha! Looks like they're finally getting some better weather in Vancouver for the games! Thanks for stopping by!

Zack (woodb3kmaster): Hi, Zack! Thanks for that answer and link, and also for your wonderful comments, my friend! Hope to see you soon!




Well, remember way back when I said that we were going to venture off Marathon Island? Hmmm...


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...perhaps the voyage is getting ready to set sail! We'll be doing some more in-depth exploration as time passed, so stay tuned! Also, can anyone name a certain song that specifically mentions "Cullercoats and Whitley Bay?"

More to come!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: io_bg on February 15, 2010, 01:01:09 PM
That's a great looking region shot, Dustin! &apls Definitely looking forward to the next update! :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Ryan B. on February 15, 2010, 01:08:49 PM
Passing through this 'Tunnel of Love' has me in 'Dire Straits'.

;)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Battlecat on February 15, 2010, 01:09:32 PM
Very cool, looks like suburbs are ready to roll in Marathon!  Can't wait to get a closer look!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: daryl7478 on February 15, 2010, 01:15:46 PM
Even though i said this last time but you didn't reply to me, did you take my advice for a highway re-styling mod? Also, I think it's about time that you can make the chart and data thingy.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: KoV Liberty on February 15, 2010, 01:16:37 PM
Very good job!!! I can't wait! Edit: You may want to fix those flags from  the update before this one, not sure if there are two winds. ;) :P
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: kimcar on February 15, 2010, 02:10:33 PM
I agree a great region shot and well develloped  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: ecoba on February 15, 2010, 03:22:05 PM
Looks like a nice smaller city, Dustin. I've been wanting to do a region on a bay for a while, but, not yet.

Ethan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: canyonjumper on February 15, 2010, 05:21:28 PM
Looking forward to this ;D

               -Jordan :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: djvandrake on February 15, 2010, 05:57:02 PM
Oh!  That looks great.  &apls  Eagerly anticipating more.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Nanami on February 15, 2010, 07:23:47 PM
Wonderful!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on February 15, 2010, 09:28:46 PM

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io_bg: Thanks!

Ryan (Ryan B.): ... ... ...

Battlecat: Indeed, there's some suburbs growing up out there, you're correct! I'm glad you like it! Thanks for stopping by!

daryl7478: Hello! Forgive me for not replying to you, my friend. I assure it was not done on purpose, and I do apologize. As for the Highway Re-Styling Mods, I've thought about using them on more than one occasion, but I'm not quite sure what direction to head. Perhaps you have a favorite or can shed some light on where would be a good place to start looking? Any help you can give would be greatly appreciated! Hope to see you soon!

Alex (Driftmasater): Ha! You're right! I'd better fix that right away! Thanks for catching it!

kimcar: Thank you so much, my friend! It's always wonderful to see you here in Marathon!

Ethan (ecoba): Hi, Ethan! Thanks a lot, my friend!

Jordan (canyonjumper): Thanks!

djvandrake: Thank you so much for your kind words!

976: Thank you!




So...Above, our good friend Ryan (Ryan B.) said...

Quote from: Ryan B. on February 15, 2010, 01:08:49 PM
Passing through this 'Tunnel of Love' has me in 'Dire Straits'.

;)

...in answer to my question about what song mentions "Cullercoats and Whitley Bay." Very cleverly, I might add--Ryan was correct in naming "Tunnel of Love" by Dire Straits (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tunnel_of_Love_%28Dire_Straits_song%29). Great job, Ryan!

Of course as we all know, Ryan is our resident Buffalo Sabres fan here at SC4D, so, with that in mind...


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...I present the LaFontaine Channel, named in honor of Hall-of-Famer Pat LaFontaine (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pat_LaFontaine) who played for the Sabres from 1991-1997. I hope you like this small treat, Ryan!

More from Marathon on the way!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Ryan B. on February 16, 2010, 07:35:11 AM
Thanks, Dustin!

Of course, no mention of LaFontaine is complete without this:

http://www.youtube.com/v/6TZL4BCePwA

Once again, thank you for the honour!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bat on February 16, 2010, 08:52:49 AM
That looks really nice, Dustin! Looking forward to more...
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Tomas Neto on February 16, 2010, 10:19:44 AM
Nice work, Dustin!!!  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: JBSimio on February 16, 2010, 10:47:34 AM
It seems I've regressed into lurking mode, Dustin.  I've been keeping an eye on things here, but once again failed to make any comments lately.  Normally I would apologize right about here... but you always tell me not to anyway, so I won't!  :D

It looks as though you've been doing quite a bit of behind the scenes work with the expanded region and I'm very excited to see how the suburbs are shaping up across the LaFontaine Channel.  (I must admit that, as a native Detroiter, it was very hard for me to type that name just now)  While I wait for the close up pictures, I can't help but notice a number of great things in your region view here.  The shorelines look fantastic, for one thing!  Very natural looking barrier islands, especially around Whitley Bay and the small inlets off of Lower Marathon Bay.  I'm sure you spent a lot of time terraforming those and the result is most impressive.  I also imagine it was a lot of fun to then build around those shorelines which, even from this distant view, looks very well done.  I see a lot of trees around the edges and even throughout the developed areas too, lending a very convincing "random" effect so common in suburban development.  (Common, but misleading... most American suburbs, while horribly ineffecient, are anything but truly random)

You've managed to show a lot in just one teaser, Dustin.  I can't wait for the details!

JB
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: canyonjumper on February 16, 2010, 03:44:42 PM
Looking great Dustin! The teaser is excellent and leaves me wanting more ;D!

                     -Jordan :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: ecoba on February 16, 2010, 06:29:45 PM
Very appropriate for Marathon, Dustin. In multiples senses, too. I'm guessing it was partially a reward for Ryan, correct. But, also Marathon's presences near French Canada could also explain the name.

Hope to see some more soon!

Ethan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: MTT9 on February 16, 2010, 09:24:31 PM
Wow Dustin! It's been a long time since i last commented...

First of all, congrats on the 100k!!!! ( i'm quite late on that right :-[)

Also, long time since you were able to update this often, and i should say its great to see you back here ()stsfd()

I love that region shot, and looks like we will have quite a tour of the Cullercoats and Whitley Bay area...

I was just wondering if you could put the TOC once again, just if possible...

Looking foward to see more from my favourite MD ;)

Matt
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on February 18, 2010, 10:58:36 AM
Nice region view so far my friend, it almost looks like a Google plane view pictures of some American spot. I hope i'll see a nice bridge there on the channel...  ;)

Take care,
-Arthur.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon [02/18/10]: UPDATE XLIX: On the Way to Whitley Bay
Post by: thundercrack83 on February 18, 2010, 08:58:43 PM

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Ryan (Ryan B.): Great video, Ryan! I'm so happy you like the tribute!

bat: Thanks!

Tomas Neto: Thank you, my friend!

Jon (JBSimio): Hi, Jon! Thank you so much for all the wonderfully kind words, my friend! Coming from a master of the randomness of the American suburb, it means a great deal to me! Hope to see you again soon!

Jordan (canyonjumper): Thank you!

Ethan (ecoba): Hey, Ethan! You caught on to a bit of my logic there, my friend! Great thinking!

Matt (emmotic): Hi, Matt! Thank you for the congratulations, my friend! I'm glad you like the new area, too! Oh, and the table of contents can be found here (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6190.msg248494#msg248494), though I haven't had a chance to update in sometime. That's another project... Hope to see you again soon!

Arthur (art128): Thank you, Arthur!






UPDATE XLVIX
On the Way to Whitley Bay
18 February 2010

Welcome to Whitley Bay, part of the amalgamated municipality of Cullercoats and Whitley Bay...

Enjoy!


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More on the way!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: daryl7478 on February 18, 2010, 09:08:36 PM
As for your first suburb, it looks awesome! You have really realistic nature pics! Good luck! Also, for your streets try using a cul-de-sac mod. There is one on the STEX. It is one of the most popular modds there. It is on the first page on the modds area. I use it in my cities and looks really great.
- daryl7478
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: djvandrake on February 18, 2010, 10:01:44 PM
Very nice burb Dustin.  &apls Great waterfront, very good looking lots and those retaiing walls are neat.  :thumbsup: 
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: ecoba on February 19, 2010, 04:40:42 AM
Beautiful suburbs, Dustin. The town looks like a perfect smaller city for Marathon, and the mix of BATs is really intriguing.

Ethan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bat on February 19, 2010, 08:20:16 AM
Wonderful work on that new update!!! :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Battlecat on February 19, 2010, 08:31:20 AM
Fantastic update!  Great to get a closer look at your suburbs.  You've got as many great details here as you do in the city.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: rooker1 on February 19, 2010, 09:43:58 AM
Very nice looking suburbs my friend.

Robin  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Tomas Neto on February 19, 2010, 11:08:03 AM
Great update again!!! Nice work!!!  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: canyonjumper on February 19, 2010, 04:07:10 PM
Gotta love the 'burbs! Excellent job, Dustin!

                    -Jordan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: kimcar on February 19, 2010, 05:47:05 PM
 &apls Excellent update, nice suburb
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: KoV Liberty on February 19, 2010, 07:14:32 PM
Looking sweeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeet Dustin! :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: &apls &apls &apls &apls &apls &apls &apls &apls &apls &apls &apls
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on February 19, 2010, 10:08:13 PM

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daryl7478: Hmmm, my friend...you may be on to something!

djvandrake: Thank you so much!

Ethan (ecoba): Hi, Ethan! Thank you, my friend!

bat: Thanks!

Battlecat: Hey! Thanks so much!

Robin (rooker1): Hi, Robin! Thanks for your support, my friend, as always!

Tomas Neto: Thank you!

Jordan (canyonjumper): Thanks, Jordan!

kimcar: Thank you, my firned!

Alex (Driftmaster07): Thank you!




Our friend daryl7478 suggested a cul-de-sac mod...


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...and what an extraordinary suggestion it was! And the mod is brought to us by another great friend to Marathon, that being Battlecat and his Cul-de-Sac Mod (http://www.simtropolis.com/stex/details.cfm?id=22951) over on the STEX!

Thanks so much, daryl7478 for a great suggestion, and thanks to Battlecat for his fantastic work!

In a bit!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: daryl7478 on February 19, 2010, 11:07:51 PM
I would like to thank you SO VERY MUCH for getting the cul-de-sac mod. Thank you also featuring me on your update. I put you on my buddy list. Also, while I read your update, I ended up smiling. Also, you can call me Daryl.
Cheers!
- Daryl
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: kwakelaar on February 20, 2010, 02:02:47 AM
A very nice looking waterfront in your earlier update, and the cul-de-sac mod is working perfectly in your suburbs.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: warconstruct on February 20, 2010, 04:05:42 AM
splendid work  &apls
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Cyclone1001 on February 20, 2010, 06:37:21 AM
Very nice, I love your work. Looking forward to more 'burbs.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on February 24, 2010, 08:48:10 AM

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Daryl (daryl7478[): No, thank YOU, my friend! Without ideas and suggestions like yours, I don't know where we'd be here! Thanks again, Daryl!

Gjermund (kwakelaar): Hello! So wonderful to have you here, my friend! Thank you for your very kind words, and I hope to see you around again soon!

warconstruct:
Merci beaucoup!

Cyclone1001: Thanks!




Here's a quick overview of Cullercoats—the more populous municipality in the amalgamation of Cullercoats and Whitley Bay...


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I have some more substantive ideas in my head...hopefully, I'll be able to bring them to fruition over the next few days!

In a bit!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Battlecat on February 24, 2010, 09:50:50 AM
Hey, glad you like the mod!  Looks great in your city. 

I really like that old factory building at the top of this shot, great job on the surrounding town as well.  Glad to see more regular updates, apparently I haven't been paying close enough attention lately!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Sheep49 on February 24, 2010, 09:51:42 AM
Wow, that's what I call a superb suburb, my friend! ;) Very good work with the transition between the higher rowhouses and lower family homes. I see I'm not the only fan of Mattb's houses around here... They're just so great that you just can't help but eager for a moment when they finally grow out of that green zone you've just made. Also, I would add that in the last update your work with the shore is great. Very good use of Peg's kit. Oh, and splendid work on that lighthouse (at least I think it's a lighthouse... hehe, I guees you can never be 100% sure with all those great BATs) on a little hook shaped peninsula. It looks very nice, and, if it's not a problem, I'd love a close-up pic of it. :) Regarding the newest picture, which is lovely, nothing is very much to be improved there. The only suggestion I really can think of is probably to choose some lower trees along the road curve, more or less in the middle of the pic. While I totally adore these plants and how they hide the curve behind from the viewer, I think that it looks a bit too much like woods now, and quite "out of context", since they just grow up from nowhere. Unfortunately, I can't figure out any propositions for substitute trees from top of my head, but I think there are some pine-trees that are lower than those and may look as good as those.

On the different subject, yesterday I decided to spend my precious money on my first Bruce Springsteen's album that isn't a compilation - Born To Run. Great stuff I should say. Now I see why he's The Boss in music! :thumbsup:

Keep up the great work, Dustin! Can't wait for more ;)
Piotr
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on February 24, 2010, 11:19:52 AM
Dustin, awesome picture my friend, I really love the effect you used with it.

As Piotr just said, the transition between the row houses district and the small familial houses is extremely goodly done. I like how the river goes though the suburbs it's a nice touch to break the repetition of the houses. Great job with the industrial sector, that big factory fits quite well there - Can you link me to it ? I never saw it..

Can't wait for more !

Arthur.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: daryl7478 on February 24, 2010, 02:23:25 PM
Do you have any plans on naming all the streets and roads in your suburbs like you did on Marathon Island? Also, this is my 40th post.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: canyonjumper on February 24, 2010, 03:50:45 PM
Waiting eagerly for more! Great pic!

              -Jordan :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: ecoba on February 24, 2010, 04:43:16 PM
A great overview, Dustin. Cullercoats looks interesting in that it will have some higher-rise buildings than Whitley Bay, which seems to be smaller town of the municipality.

Ethan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: penguin007 on February 25, 2010, 09:41:10 AM
Great overview picture there, I love the mix of suburbs and low rise buildings you have there

Will
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: djvandrake on February 25, 2010, 12:04:36 PM
Agree with the comments above.  A very nice layout and mix of zoning.  Looks great.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on February 25, 2010, 10:28:21 PM

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Battlecat: Hello! I should be thanking you for such a great mod, my friend! I don't know how I didn't have it earlier. It's just perfect. Thanks again!

Piotr (Sheep49): Hi, Piotr! Such very kind and insightful words from you, as always, my friend. I'm so glad to have your thoughts and ideas here in Marathon again! Oh, and
Born to Run is fantastic, isn't it? "Jungleland" is one of my all-time favorite songs! Take care, Piotr!

Arthur (art128): Thanks, Arthur! As for the big factory, I'm unsure exactly which one it is, but it's definitely one of the many great works of Jess (jestarr), and can be found on the LEX. Happy hunting, and thanks for stopping by!

Daryl (daryl7478): Not to worry, my good friend—on the way...eventually! Thanks again for your great suggestions. I think you can read my mind! Take care!

Jordan (canyonjumper): Thank you, Jordan!

Ethan (ecoba): Thank you, Ethan! You're right, too—Cullercoats is more of an urban setting than Whitley Bay. Hope to see you again soon!

Will (penguin007): Thanks, Will!

djvandrake: Thanks!





So, tomorrow was supposed to be a day off for me...supposed to be—now I'm going into work at 1:00 PM. Oh, well! How about an full-tile view of Cullercoats and surrounding areas?


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It's not quite complete yet, but we're getting there!

More on the way!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Cyclone1001 on February 26, 2010, 03:26:48 AM
Very nice! I love the golf course! Can't wait for more.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Battlecat on February 26, 2010, 08:20:01 AM
Nice one!  Love the huge golf course there! 
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: calibanX on February 26, 2010, 09:16:53 AM
Excellent looking view of that whole tile Dustin. I will echo others by saying that golf course is a beautiful addition.

Geoff
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: djvandrake on February 26, 2010, 09:25:00 AM
Same comment here.  Love the golf course and the layout looks great.  I especially like all the trees you've kept in the mix.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on February 26, 2010, 10:21:43 AM
Now that is an awesome overview there, Dustin !

The golf course is perfectly placed there, between the existing houses area and the to be developed ones. I can also see that you're building a park at the top, it's in the good place I think. Also, your houses settings and the development you're doing there remember me the housing estates along the coasts of Florida or nearby Corpus Christi.

Great work man !

Arthur.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: ecoba on February 26, 2010, 03:21:27 PM
Yay! The overview looks wonderful, Dustin. Looks like there might have been some former logging on the east side of town.

Ethan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: io_bg on February 27, 2010, 02:45:19 AM
Looking great, Dustin! Can't wait for more close-ups from this amazing suburban area! :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bat on February 27, 2010, 08:27:33 AM
Two great new pictures! The newest overview of that city is fantastic! Nice work, Dustin! :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: KoV Liberty on February 27, 2010, 08:51:06 AM
Nice work Dustin! I really like the golf course!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Ryan B. on February 27, 2010, 09:26:07 AM
Fore!

*ducks*

As always - great work, Dustin!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: warconstruct on February 27, 2010, 11:57:35 AM
very beautiful view ! great job ! beau travaille mon ami  ;)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: penguin007 on February 28, 2010, 08:33:28 AM
Wow what a little area there!!! the golf course looks great there btw

Will
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: nedalezz on March 01, 2010, 01:45:29 PM
Great aerial shot! The area looks absolutely amazing; the golf course looks amazing as well. And the way everything blends in with the sea...just wow.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: canyonjumper on March 01, 2010, 03:02:43 PM
Great shot, Dustin!

              -Jordan :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: armagin on March 07, 2010, 05:52:48 PM
Hello! Im a long time lurker (really really really long, as in, since your page 20 long) I've confined myself mostly to Simtropolis and I come over here mostly to browse the LEX and check out a few CJs (mostly yours), however I felt guilty for never saying anything especially since I want to start becoming a bit more active on this forum... So here it is:

Great job, love the work you're doing Dustin!!! You've been an inspiration to me for well over a year now and when I do start something up in the next few weeks here's hoping you can come on down and let me know what you're thinking about some of my work! (feel free to have a gander at the link in my sig  :P)

PS. I am really sorry for never making my presence known for so long... please don't be angry...
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Nanami on March 11, 2010, 10:59:42 PM
Fantastic!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon [03/12/10]: UPDATE L: Brothers Under the Bridge...
Post by: thundercrack83 on March 12, 2010, 07:08:39 PM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies2.jpg&hash=caaacd21f4d241ef76081c80d2a7c8f16899680d)

Cyclone1001: Thank you!

Battlecat: Thanks so much!

Geoff (calibanX): Thanks, Geoff!

djvandrake: Thanks!

Arthur (art128): Hi, Arthur! Thank you so much for your wonderful comments, my friend!

Ethan (ecoba): Thank you, Ethan!

io_bg: Wow! Thanks so much!

bat:
Danke!

KoV Liberty: Thank you, my friend!

Ryan (Ryan B.): Ha! Thanks, Ryan!

warconstruct: Thank you so very much for those kind words!

Will (penguin007): Thank you, Will!

nedalezz: Hello, my friend! Thank you so much for your lovely comment! Coming from someone with such great skills like you, it means a lot! Thanks again!

Jordan (canyonjumper): Thanks, Jordan!

armagin: Hello! Wow! I'm so touched that you took so much time to check things out here in Marathon. And to read everything--that's fantastic! I hope to see you here more often, and I'd like to thank you so

very much for saying such kind things! Take care!

976: Thanks!






UPDATE L
Brothers Under the Bridge (and Tunnel)
Part I: Feels Just Like a Piledriver!

12 March 2010

Welcome to the Fiftieth Update here in Marathon! Sixteen months, 2400 posts, 110,000 views, and now fifty updates...And I feel like we're just getting started!

And, as luck would have it, the subject of this update starts by taking us all the way back to the beginning. Remember this?


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%25201%2F1023.jpg&hash=0fdf0d0d9bf4298eee7728688330ccbe31c44a6a)

All the way back from our very first update! Now, forty-nine updates later, it looks like...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252050%2F50001.jpg&hash=73a65ea9732f657a50af032cdaff268346ae6a39)

...this!

Our focus, however, is on the bridge...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252050%2F50002.jpg&hash=08659e1d4b949f1f3664376257cca690ac19ce48)

...and where it heads! But of course, it doesn't lead anywhere yet, so we have to build it!

So...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252050%2F50003.jpg&hash=d450b6ab9a0c3bd933fa9d79e2ecc03bb6cf1f20)

...we begin by building the pilings to support the structures.

Next...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252050%2F50004.jpg&hash=7b5c2f0869bfbfcaed9d1e9e7c26857658b48bc3)

...we adjust the heights accordingly, and...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252050%2F50005.jpg&hash=30626b6761dc4907a1a32f0a3d854eb2853b927f)

...repeat.

Now, a few more adjustments...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252050%2F50006.jpg&hash=b19e6f2896be9e22ffc0c947d971b5f7655f77d6)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252050%2F50007.jpg&hash=1a6a56381c084de7051a53a3a55b3c89c2403cee)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252050%2F50008.jpg&hash=7eb6718631faaf4a35d140b2b317fcc24bd4257e)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252050%2F50009.jpg&hash=370f90bc4c549ef0d2aa5c70c626e685df2e15c9)

...to put a short Under-Truss Bridge in place.

Now, with that section in place, we move on to the tunnel phase, starting with a large reclamation of land—


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252050%2F50010.jpg&hash=6453d6247a7f8c850334c49c6db58f7d87e33425)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252050%2F50011.jpg&hash=5ed6641b4e68ea96b90a5395b453c2b2a9c58707)

Using the Ground Highway 45° Curve...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252050%2F50012.jpg&hash=5252049ea800fc4e38a7286c8048dce2c8e69a94)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252050%2F50013.jpg&hash=f5652c199ac796e89bbbe9ff84953d59973bdf6d)

...we descend the slope that will lead to the tunnel entrance, which is...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252050%2F50014.jpg&hash=a73f2145c0bf510400a087e2a0a92b72596caaa4)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252050%2F50015.jpg&hash=81969c0bf2eb56eac75e286398728546ad8046c0)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252050%2F50016.jpg&hash=ab6d23565c2c025d9bc17efe2c6cc607cd65bd92)

...put in place after more land is reclaimed for the tunnel.

Now, we...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252050%2F50017.jpg&hash=cd15b76a9de1f1dcce72a7dc0b4efeb256349185)

...un-reclaim the land...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252050%2F50018.jpg&hash=a48610dae5f6b9cc50d13221c843c510a3b026d1)

...and begin sculpting the bridge-to-tunnel transition.


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252050%2F50019.jpg&hash=e7a84a0bbfb1a04f0de9f6e788dc7f2167be64d6)

With that finished, we stand here!

Where does the tunnel lead, you ask? Well, to Part II, of course!

Stay tuned!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: ecoba on March 12, 2010, 07:20:57 PM
A really nice construction update, Dustin. It's good to see some new work from Marathon.

That bridge is absolutely beautiful, I think the idea of a major bridge-tunnel on and off of the island is a good one and it certainly is a landmark for Marathon. The question of where it leads to (other than Part II) is a mystery to me, I do realize that this is off of Marathon's northwest coast... wonders...

Ethan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: djvandrake on March 12, 2010, 08:53:20 PM
Quote
Where does the tunnel lead, you ask? Well, to Part II, of course!

Stay tuned!

Great update. I'm definitely staying tuned.  ;D
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: calibanX on March 12, 2010, 10:18:13 PM
A cliffhanger of sorts. Nice work on that tunnel. I'm intrigued at your lead-in to part 2.

Geoff
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: kimcar on March 13, 2010, 07:18:02 AM
 &apls Great to see how you build your road . Very nice to see it. Have fun
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Masochist on March 13, 2010, 10:49:38 AM
Hahaha, very nice tunnel!  Anytime I see that method for underwater tunnels being used, I can't help but harken back to SC3K where it was conceived.  Good times, those...()stsfd().

Marathon keeps growing!  The other side of the channel holds promise...I can't wait to see what develops!

(Forever the faithful lurker $%#Ninj2)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Haljackey on March 13, 2010, 10:55:47 AM
huh.  That's in interesting way to make a tunnel Dustin.  Nice highway too, I like the slope and the curves!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: canyonjumper on March 13, 2010, 09:05:15 PM
Cool method, Dustin! I'll have to try that soon ;D

                 Your friend,
                                Jordan :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on March 14, 2010, 03:45:12 AM
A very nice update there Dustin. Terrific job on the terraforming there, the new result is really great. Can't wait the part II !  :thumbsup:

Arthur.  :)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: daryl7478 on March 14, 2010, 09:40:13 AM
Nice update Dustin! Even though I can't play Simcity anymore due to viruses, nice work! I am super happy today (March 14) that I'm getting Pokemon SoulSilver (It says in my sig that I'm also a die-hard Pokemon fan.)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: io_bg on March 14, 2010, 09:54:56 AM
Great construction pics! Can't wait till the next update! :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: JoeST on March 14, 2010, 06:02:02 PM
SCHWWEEEEEEEET!!!!!


awesome stuff, and congrats on 100k views :D
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bat on March 15, 2010, 12:23:40 AM
Nice work on the tunnel and bridge! Great pictures.
Looking forward to more... ;)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Battlecat on March 15, 2010, 08:35:05 AM
Fantastic update, I really like what you've done with the tunnel there!  Can't wait to see whats on the other side of the bay!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Tomas Neto on March 15, 2010, 09:24:36 AM
Really fantastic update Dustin!!!  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: armagin on March 16, 2010, 06:18:22 PM
Reminds me of the connection between Venice and the mainland!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: KoV Liberty on March 16, 2010, 07:01:55 PM
Nice work! Although, I do sense something in the pics. Trying to save some space on photobucket? They seem a bit pixelated. Anyways, great work! Alex
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on March 18, 2010, 12:08:15 PM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies2.jpg&hash=caaacd21f4d241ef76081c80d2a7c8f16899680d)

Ethan (ecoba): Hi, Ethan! Thanks so much, my friend! I never thought of the bridge-tunnel being a landmark for Marathon, but that's a really cool idea! Great thinking!

djvandrake: Thanks!

Geoff (calibanX): Thank you, Geoff!

kimcar: Thank you so much!

Isaac (Masochist): Hey, Isaac! It's always great to have you here in Marathon, my friend! Thank you so much for your very kind words, and I hope to see you again soon!

Haljackey: Thank you!

Jordan (canyonjumper): Thanks, Jordan! And good luck trying things, my friend!

Arthur (art128): Thanks, Arthur!

Daryl (daryl7478): Hello! Sorry to hear about your virus problems, my friend. I hope you can get that straightened out soon. Thank you for stopping by, though! Take care!

io_bg: Thanks!

Joe (JoeST): Thank you, Joe!

bat: Thank you, my friend!

Battlecat: Thanks for your very kind words!

Tomas Neto: Thanks!

armagin: Thank you! I'll have to look at the Venice connection to see the similarities! Take care!

Alex (KoV Liberty): Hi, Alex! You noticed that, eh? I tried something a little different with resizing them using the "Batch Conversion" feature in IrfanView, rather than doing it one at a time in Photoshop. Needless to say, I won't be doing that again! Thanks for stopping by!




What are we putting together in this section here...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F206.jpg&hash=476c7211b81b9c298eb6e474b2f95489263af52d)

...Can you guess?

In a bit!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: JoeST on March 18, 2010, 12:38:56 PM
Something awesome, no doubt :D
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on March 18, 2010, 12:48:20 PM
A nice couple of great landmarks there, Dustin ! I love what I see in this picture my friend, great work with the layout of the roads and avenue. The only thing that seems a bit odd to me is the "roundabout" with the building which seems to be a national archive.. (at the left of the picture) .. lets say I'm going to the top of that avenue from the bottom, I came to that roundabout and I'm not able to drive around the building, but I have to take the diagonal avenue and then take some roads to get to my goal. Why not making a real roundabout (a close one) with the one way streets and then attach the avenue to it ?

Anyway, without that detail, great work ! And as Joe said, Something awesome - like all your creations - is in the work. $%#Ninj2

Take care,
-Arthur. :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: citybuilder12 on March 18, 2010, 01:06:12 PM
Is this possibly the historical center of the city?
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Battlecat on March 18, 2010, 02:16:28 PM
Very cool looking preview. Looks like a slightly older section of the city is on the way!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: canyonjumper on March 18, 2010, 03:20:19 PM
Well, I'm going to go with the flow here and guess the historical area of Marathon. It looks great anyhow! Curious to know what will be in the center of all those 90-degree curves ;D!

               Your friend,
                             Jordan :thumbsup:

PS: I succeeded in doing the underwater highway ;D
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: djvandrake on March 18, 2010, 09:24:36 PM
Don't know what's going on here, but my hunch is something snazzy will be in the center of that avenue circle.  :)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bat on March 19, 2010, 06:51:38 AM
Looking forward to the "final" / "finished" version of that section... ;)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: calibanX on March 20, 2010, 10:44:40 PM
I'm going to guess a stadium. I can't imagine what else would go into a spot that big.

Geoff
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: threestooges on March 21, 2010, 02:19:51 AM
What will go into that spot... hmm... something round?

Sorry I haven't stopped by in what seems like ages, but it's good to see the recent updates. Your attention to detail is still top notch, and that bridge/tunnel combination was nicely done. Still curious to see what you're planning for that circular area (and if it will bear any relation to the rectangular area just up the roads top right). Somehow I expect to see a ring of buildings, with a second, circular building inside it. I'll have to stop by for a more detailed comment later, but for now, it's looking good. Always good to see an update from you Dustin.
-Matt
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: penguin007 on March 21, 2010, 07:43:59 AM
Awesome development shots there love the choice of landmark buildings

Will
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: i_love_lamp on March 21, 2010, 05:32:13 PM
O
M
G
This is nice! 5 clappy hands for u
&apls  &apls  &apls  &apls  &apls
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: KoV Liberty on March 21, 2010, 06:12:16 PM
Sweet work! Another park?  ;D ;D ;D ;D &apls &apls &apls &apls &apls &apls :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: citybuilderx on April 04, 2010, 02:02:19 AM
It seems like the old part of a city, perhaps its a concert hall? GOOD WORK &apls
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: armagin on April 04, 2010, 11:49:17 AM
Just out of curiosity, how much of your cities are plopped vs. grown?
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on April 07, 2010, 08:58:13 AM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies2.jpg&hash=caaacd21f4d241ef76081c80d2a7c8f16899680d)

Joe (JoeST): Thanks, Joe!

Arthur (art128): Hey, Arthur! You just picked up an interesting quirk that I've found with splitting avenues like I've done. Unfortunately, it's the old "form vs. function" battle, and in this instance, I usually let form win. I like the way it looks like that, rather than having intersections at each corner, so I just leave it go. Hey, you have to leave some things to the imagination, right? Thanks for catching it, though, my friend! Very perceptive!

citybuilder12: Hmmmm...partly!

Battlecat: Thanks!

Jordan (canyonjumper): Hey, Jordan! I'm glad to hear that you had some success with the underwater tunnels, my friend! Excellent job! Take care!

djvandrake: Thanks, my friend!

bat: Thank you, bat!

Geoff (calibanX): A stadium, eh? That's actually not a bad idea, Geoff!

Matt (threestooges): Hi, Matt! So great to see you again! Thank you so much for your fantastic comments and I hope to see you again soon!

Will (penguin007): Thank you, Will!

i_love_lamp: Thanks!

Alex (KoV Liberty): Thank you!

citybuilderx: A concert hall's a good idea! Thank you!

armagin: Plopped vs. grown? Well, let's just say that I like to have a bit of control of what goes where! Hope that answers your question!




Just a quick little teaser that I'll share with you this midday...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F207.jpg&hash=54c622a4c086036de9faab74f6b46187d6a809d7)

I've got a plumber coming this afternoon to plumb (is that a word?), then a...dentist appointment... ... ...

More from Marathon to come!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Battlecat on April 07, 2010, 09:30:01 AM
That's a neat looking shot.  Love the color treatment, and there are some great details tucked in this shot.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: rooker1 on April 07, 2010, 10:07:47 AM
Great looking city as always my friend!

Robin  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: kimcar on April 07, 2010, 11:01:15 AM
 &apls Can`t wait for see more my friend
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: JBSimio on April 07, 2010, 11:14:58 AM
Well color me intrigued... ;)

You've had some nice teaser shots, Dustin... I'm itching for a full update!  (In your own time, of course)

JB
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: i_love_lamp on April 08, 2010, 06:30:04 PM
OH MY SWEET JESUS!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: djvandrake on April 08, 2010, 06:37:05 PM
Nice teaser, can't wait to see more of that.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: canyonjumper on April 09, 2010, 04:15:11 PM
Nice pic Dustin! The PS'ing in that shot really makes it great!

             Your friend,
                            Jordan :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: KoV Liberty on April 09, 2010, 05:13:56 PM
Ummm...


...



...



...



...


Wow...



...


Alex :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: dedgren on April 10, 2010, 02:59:06 PM
A great set of pics showing the making of your underwater tunnel, Dustin.  Marathon has become one of those "sacred text" MDs that anyone who really wants to get the most out of playing the game needs to read before trying to do anything more than starting the game up.  RL may have slowed down your output, my friend, but it hasn't put the smallest nick in the quality.


David
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bat on April 11, 2010, 10:33:01 AM
The teaser is really great! And only 12 more replies for 2500! :thumbsup: &apls
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: penguin007 on April 11, 2010, 02:34:56 PM
Lovely teaser can't wait for an update

Will
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on April 12, 2010, 02:42:15 AM
Nice sunny and shiny picture there, Dustin ! It's funny, the colors of the cars are very flashy with this effect.
Arthur.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon [04/15/10]: UPDATE LI: Brothers Under the Bridge...
Post by: thundercrack83 on April 14, 2010, 09:58:37 PM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies2.jpg&hash=caaacd21f4d241ef76081c80d2a7c8f16899680d)

Battlecat: Thank you so much, my friend!

Robin (rooker1): Thanks, Robin!

kimcar: Thanks!

Jon (JBSimio): Hi, Jon! It's always great to see you here, my friend! Thanks for stopping by!

i_love_lamp: Ha! Thanks so much!

djvandrake: Thank you for stopping in!

Jordan (canyonjumper): Hey, Jordan! Thanks for you very kind words!

Alex (KoV Liberty): Umm... ... ... ... ... Thanks, Alex! Ha-ha!

David (dedgren): Hi, David! It's always a wonderful day in Marathon when you pop in! Thank you so very much for such humbling words, my friend. Your support and encouragement always has a special

place in my heart. Hope all is well with you, and I hope to see you again very soon!

bat: Thank you!

Will (penguin007): Thanks, Will!

Arthur (art128): Thanks for your great words, Arthur!






UPDATE LI
Brothers Under the Bridge (and Tunnel)
Part II: Where the Beginning Leads to the End...

15 March 2010

We shall pick up where Update L (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6190.msg314664#msg314664) left off (last month!)...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252050%2F50019.jpg&hash=e7a84a0bbfb1a04f0de9f6e788dc7f2167be64d6)

We see the small island with what would be the northern end of the tunnel on the right hand side of the photo. Where does that lead?


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252051%2F51001.jpg&hash=70d45e02c674985428d189badc1fe0fddd05a40c)

Here! To another artificial island that...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252051%2F51002.jpg&hash=deaa6b11aff8bb6d3662dc5799338b3ffb533f20)

...carries the highway to...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252051%2F51003.jpg&hash=266b1b1b9d480f47f49b1ceb99b9141c22afdc3a)

...where another artificial island is prepared for...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252051%2F51004.jpg&hash=58389041d4dbb9a369122d2d1cf524ba1cb92485)

...a bridge! Now, on our second artificial island, we place an...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252051%2F51005.jpg&hash=076b7f881c7905a17461fabea2eba05b0e297bce)

...interchange. But we'll get to that in a bit. First we build...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252051%2F51006.jpg&hash=08d2abf725e8951a06060e71c5dbcb22a9368745)

...another bridge that leads to the mainland. This brings us back to the interchange, and...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252051%2F51008.jpg&hash=3abea80141f3ff45dfdc76545dbf5ae6d35e7cca)

...where it leads! Well, it leads to another tunnel, so...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252051%2F51009.jpg&hash=da31d6ce7247264a4a4d885b4464f59cce8101b2)

...we prepare the island for a slope down...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252051%2F51010.jpg&hash=6f94ac58922a0bb11fff85e9c6ffce4189da7a02)

...to the tunnel entrance. For the tunnel, we...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252051%2F51011.jpg&hash=254f84eb161a1f09da4dad9e395ecd94ed89584f)

...follow the method for making an underwater tunnel, and...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252051%2F51013.jpg&hash=804587316f2b59affa0955fdfc9b60cdfc3ca527)

Voila! We have our underwater tunnel! Now all that is left to do is clean up the islands. Here...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252051%2F51016.jpg&hash=bfad0d12097685e6a81a0b79a8001de439bdb9db)

...and...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252051%2F51017.jpg&hash=41fee3cb993c027e6e1c8d10ddc2eac747f60b49)

...here...and...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252051%2F51018.jpg&hash=b3fa33435a306646db47d6ce89452154c2b80949)

...there! Finally, an overview:


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252051%2F51019.jpg&hash=3755e0a6f63193bd598e445686aa0a089dd4e721)

Well, where do these bridges and tunnels lead? Those questions yet remain unanswered, but don't worry...there will be answers!

More from Marathon to come!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: i_love_lamp on April 15, 2010, 04:05:37 AM
Oh my sweet jesus... (takes pics for adaptation into his cities)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Battlecat on April 19, 2010, 09:48:54 AM
Great to see things on the move here!  Nice looking batch of highway work!  Can't wait to see what's going to be here.  Also I'm looking forward to seeing where that massive railway system is going to show up on the mainland!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on April 19, 2010, 11:48:17 AM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies2.jpg&hash=caaacd21f4d241ef76081c80d2a7c8f16899680d)

i_love_lamp: Thanks!

Battlecat: Thank you so much, my friend!




Well, with so much "off-island" development going on around Marathon lately, I guess a region shot is in order, eh?


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F208.jpg&hash=3849c99759eb0b12745fbcf5b5a78c4528b65c6c)

I've got two days off coming up, so with any luck there will be some more development somewhere in Marathon!

Stay tuned!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: rooker1 on April 19, 2010, 12:08:22 PM
Hey Dustin,

Nice regional shot. 
Have you ever shown us anything from the island in the bottom right corner?  If so....hmmm....I must be loosing it.
I hope all is well with you.


Edit...I went back and looked at those updates that Arthur pointed out and now I remember.  Hmmmm must be getting old....or something. HA!

Robin  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Battlecat on April 19, 2010, 12:13:52 PM
Great regional overview!  Looks like it's going to be an interesting region, I'm looking forward to seeing what's up in that corner.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on April 19, 2010, 12:18:57 PM
Robin -> Yes he has, all the updates where we can see suburbs and big forest were taken in that island. (Reply 2420, 2429, 2404, 2415  and much more for example)..  ;)

Anyway, that's a fantastic region view so far my friend, I love the look of it. Nice mix between Marathon central island the big amount of small islands. I really love how the island at the bottom right corner is looking from far ! (PS - You should open the central top tile of the downtown island, the water texture is a little bit different...  ;D )

Take care,
-Arthur.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: kimcar on April 19, 2010, 01:08:28 PM
 &apls &aplsGreat region shot my friend. Can' t wait for an update
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: canyonjumper on April 19, 2010, 07:48:39 PM
Great region view! So the project in the last update is leading onto the mainland?
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: i_love_lamp on April 20, 2010, 05:58:51 PM
thats impressive! God knows what magic you have in store for us? (thats what they (shes) said)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: daryl7478 on April 21, 2010, 05:43:32 PM
Hello Dustin! Nice job! My birthday was yesterday.(4-20)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: KoV Liberty on April 21, 2010, 06:10:09 PM
Nice work! I cannot wait to see more development!

Alex
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Nanami on April 22, 2010, 09:09:58 PM
Awesome, a nice update!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon [05/01/10]: UPDATE LII: 'Twas Serendipity, Perhaps?
Post by: thundercrack83 on May 01, 2010, 11:28:24 AM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies2.jpg&hash=caaacd21f4d241ef76081c80d2a7c8f16899680d)

Please forgive me for the lack of individual replies this time around, friends. I'm a bit pressed for time at the moment as I have a wedding to go to in about an hour or so. I do apologize, and I thank you all so very much for your continued support!






UPDATE LII
'Twas Serendipity, Perhaps?
1 May 2010

Back on April 19, our great friend Arthur (art128) posted—

Quote from: art128 on April 19, 2010, 12:18:57 PM
Robin -> Yes he has, all the updates where we can see suburbs and big forest were taken in that island. (Reply 2420, 2429, 2404, 2415  and much more for example)..  ;)

Anyway, that's a fantastic region view so far my friend, I love the look of it. Nice mix between Marathon central island the big amount of small islands. I really love how the island at the bottom right corner is looking from far ! (PS - You should open the central top tile of the downtown island, the water texture is a little bit different...  ;D )

Take care,
-Arthur.  :thumbsup:

Note the red postscript.

Well, Arthur...the other night, I was taking you up on your suggestion and opened up the tile...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252052%2F52001.jpg&hash=61b410e22d6d75e709be6e55a417a1f65595f3ff)

...Or did I? Halfway through loading, I got... ...BANG! A crash. So, after my heart began beating again, I realized that the tile which was now "unloadable" was a tile with which I was not particularly happy...

'Twas serendipity, perhaps? Aye, 'twas!

So we delete the tile and open...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252052%2F52002.jpg&hash=895ab65828e32ae634655805b3d5ef71c0ce2c2b)


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252052%2F52003.jpg&hash=53766d9b0f30bed1376ef0172e81879ad28c9afc)

...a new city.

Now, if you'll recall how the tiles were created way back in Update I (//http://), then you will recognize...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252052%2F52004.jpg&hash=00806b66e115dbe96642a96519b212fa71a05b44)

...how the tile is constructed. First, the boundaries are put in with avenues, then...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252052%2F52005.jpg&hash=41154fb734a6cee7cd4a64eee8543c5d48d5cd03)

...in goes the highway. But these are only for placemarkers...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252052%2F52006.jpg&hash=8162e511e8ac7292a8e3c71bfe7d7d1943c66e0a)

...because we have to use the traffic view to mark so we can...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252052%2F52007.jpg&hash=4de7e8a1e529bd71127cc639befec3248a5ec9f9)

...adjust the elevations accordingly to match the surrounding tiles. Next we...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252052%2F52008.jpg&hash=65ff8fa443ecc314397db79e56bb52e7ad654db0)

...soften the terrain and create slopes using rails...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252052%2F52009.jpg&hash=8c0278a56a123f8a3373da074ba102feb6d9668c)

...and begin carving the coast, with one notable exception...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252052%2F52010.jpg&hash=6deae998ba7b55b99a968c9b621dc6d50377821c)

...the land bridge for an underwater tunnel! Now, we clean up...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252052%2F52011.jpg&hash=2d2b84eb23cc9b1503230f01ffc66465fe90ffc1)

...the top end of the tunnel, leaving the tile looking like...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252052%2F52012.jpg&hash=f58bbcbb1e9188bc9ed737545f834c0609a20df3)

...this! A bit of meticulous cleaning on the coast gives us the final product...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252052%2F52013.jpg&hash=27cbd8b10f00539f74374757059faf4813eac31d)

...ready for prime time!

I have to say that I'm much happier with this tile than with the original one, and I can't wait to start putting ideas together to fill it up...which is at the top of my agenda for the next project, I think!

More from Marathon is on the way!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: armagin on May 03, 2010, 11:51:35 AM
Nice! I used this method of making a region recently and the results were excellent! Thanks for the tips way back what seems like a century ago... always nice to revisit old work and make tweaks, glad it worked out for you!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on May 12, 2010, 11:58:12 AM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies2.jpg&hash=caaacd21f4d241ef76081c80d2a7c8f16899680d)

armagin: Thanks, my friend! I'm so happy that the method worked for you! Take care!




Here's a snippet of the latest...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F209.jpg&hash=e6e8696a8222030afee01cb219b2aa4b4f9d91b1)

Props are next, then on to the next section...

More to come!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: i_love_lamp on May 14, 2010, 04:04:22 AM
Bill Clinton Memorial?
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: rooker1 on May 14, 2010, 04:23:11 AM
I'm intrigued.

Good to hear from ya Dustin.

Robin  :)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on May 14, 2010, 05:57:12 AM
Nice start with that lot, Dustin ! Can't wait to see more of it !
Also, i'm glad you find the new version of the tile better my friend. I also like what you did with it !

Arthur. :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: KoV Liberty on May 19, 2010, 03:55:47 AM
Nice! Your plugins must be HUGE!

Alex
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Nardo69 on May 19, 2010, 05:43:01 AM
Interesting way to carve your coasts! In Urland I there's a place where I could use that technicque given that a) I am going to have a new pc sometime that is capable to run Sc4 and b) I am going to go back to Urland I.

Nice and huge map. You do love coastal strips, that's for sure!

Take care!

Bernhard  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: canyonjumper on May 19, 2010, 04:31:58 PM
Looking great Dustin! Curious as to what your BAT looks like!

                      -Jordan :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Nanami on May 19, 2010, 10:42:58 PM
Looks very good! Great job!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: rdrdrdrd on May 22, 2010, 09:21:31 AM
reminds me of the Washington monument
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: daryl7478 on June 27, 2010, 10:14:01 AM
Nice job Dustin! Even though that is not much, still interesting. One reason I posted here is that so people will refind(a word?) it and keep posting. I wonder why it's been a very long time since your last update,
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: djvandrake on June 30, 2010, 01:22:19 AM
Impressive as always.  I bet that was quite a shock to loose that tile but glad it worked out to your liking. *whew*
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: rooker1 on June 30, 2010, 04:15:41 AM
Wow Dustin, it's been a while. 
You are truly missed around here.  I trust everything is going well for you.  I hope we hear from you soon.

Robin  :)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on July 01, 2010, 10:48:20 AM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies2.jpg&hash=caaacd21f4d241ef76081c80d2a7c8f16899680d)

Whew! It's been so long. I apologize so very much to everyone for the hiatus (unintended, I must assure you), my life has been a bit hectic. But, I don't plan on ending, retiring, or any of that stuff, so if you were worried about that, please don't be. I'm still tinkering in the game, just not nearly as often or for as lengthy a time as I'd like. Here's a bit of proof...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F210.jpg&hash=e26dd8bbe9884535e0215bf2f6ee204c59a1913d)

I've actually got a large project in mind that may take quite some time to get together, but we'll see how that goes.

Oh, and Happy Canada Day!

Hope all of my great friends are doing well, and I look forward to hearing for you all!

Greetings from Marathon!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Cyclone1001 on July 01, 2010, 11:26:45 AM
Wow, that looks spectacular.  &apls &apls &apls
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: rooker1 on July 01, 2010, 11:38:44 AM
It's really good know that you are still around, just busy.
I'm interested to hear about this big project.
See you around and hopefully soon again!
Robin  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Luke09 on July 01, 2010, 11:47:51 AM
Long time i dont post here in marathon!Well,time has passed,but the quality continues high  :thumbsup: .Very nice pic Dustin.Hope to see you soon
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: ecoba on July 01, 2010, 01:21:50 PM
Good to see you around, Dustin! I'm glad to know you're still around :)

Hope to see some more of your project soon, sounds interesting !

Ethan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: daryl7478 on July 01, 2010, 09:07:51 PM
  Happy to see you back Dustin! I have been waiting FOREVER for a new update! But my wait ends on your next update.
See ya!
-Daryl
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: darraghf on July 02, 2010, 03:01:02 AM
Great to see you back! Looking good as always
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Tomas Neto on July 02, 2010, 03:29:14 AM
Great see other fantastic update here again!!!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: RickD on July 02, 2010, 07:24:26 AM
Very nice pic. I like the El rail with the shops under it. Haven't used that set in a while. I'm looking forward to the next update.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Speedbump Joey on July 05, 2010, 05:45:30 PM
Why are you teasing us?! Great stuff!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: nedalezz on July 08, 2010, 11:26:56 PM
Ohhhh, nice teaser shot! Dont keep us waiting too long for the next update!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: daryl7478 on July 30, 2010, 11:58:04 AM
Wow, it has been a while since you last posted an update Dustin! Also, I don't think I have seen newspapers in this MD. I've seen them in the Newspapers thread. Also, why has it taken so long?
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: threestooges on July 30, 2010, 12:04:11 PM
Good to see you around again Dustin, and glad to see you've had time to fiddle with the game a bit too. I know you've been rather preoccupied lately, but glad to see a glimpse of what you're up to.  Looking forward to seeing where it leads.
-Matt
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on August 12, 2010, 06:38:23 PM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies2.jpg&hash=caaacd21f4d241ef76081c80d2a7c8f16899680d)

Cyclone1001: Thank you so much!

Robin (rooker1): Hi, Robin! It's always great to hear from you, my friend!

Luke (Luke09): Thanks, Luke!

Ethan (ecoba): Thank you, Ethan! Hope to see you again soon!

Daryl (daryl7478): Thanks!

darraghf: Thank you, my friend!

Tomas Neto: Thanks so much!

RickD: Hello! Thank you for such wonderful words!

Speedbump Joey: Ha! Someone has to, don't they? Thanks for stopping by!

nedalezz: Thank you, my friend! I'll try not to!

Daryl (daryl7478): Sorry for the long wait, my friend. I've been busy with work and some remodeling around the house. There are newspapers here in the Marathon thread, but I'm not sure exactly where they can be found. We may have to troll through and find it! Take care!

Matt (threestooges): Hi, Matt! It's always great to have you here, my friend! Hope to see you around again very soon!




Just a glimpse into Marathon's past...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F211.jpg&hash=1d2283b1951d3acfcc8ccad58bbf8baab386e8d3)

More on the way...eventually?
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: rooker1 on August 12, 2010, 06:46:38 PM
Hey Dustin,
Really nice to hear from you.  I hope we can have more of your time one of these days, soon. ;)  I trust your new stage in life is treating you well.
Great pic....as always.

Hope to hear from you again very soon.
Robin  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on August 13, 2010, 03:03:32 AM
Nice picture there Dustin ! This comeback in the past is really well done ! Can't wait to see more !

Take care,
-Arthur. :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Sciurus on August 13, 2010, 05:18:32 AM
Very beautiful pic Dustin, albeit I find it a bit too yellow ;)
But when will we have a return of french in your city? With the fleurs de lys... $%Grinno$%

Guillaume :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Battlecat on August 13, 2010, 08:04:12 AM
Glad to see you're still keeping your foot in!  Interesting treatment on this image.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: i_love_lamp on August 13, 2010, 09:08:24 AM
Hmmm... It seems my childhood belief that the world used to be black and white have again been proven wrong. In fact, the world was actually yellow
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: canyonjumper on August 23, 2010, 07:49:25 PM
lol, It's El Dorado :P Looking great Dustin!

                Your friend,
                               Jordan :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on October 14, 2010, 09:38:12 AM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies2.jpg&hash=caaacd21f4d241ef76081c80d2a7c8f16899680d)

Robin (rooker1): Hi, there, Robin! Thank you, as always, for your kind words and countless amounts of support, my friend!

Arthur (art128): Thank you, my friend!

Guillaume (Sciurus): Thanks, Guillaume! It's always great to see you in Marathon, my friend!

Battlecat: Thanks!

i_love_lamp: Ha! I think you may be right! Thanks for stopping by!

Jordan (canyonjumper): Thank you, my friend!




I am trying desperately to ease back into things around here...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F212.jpg&hash=9916335f9c23860cecf2a4f5ef146aeb7090eb67)

With any luck, my easing will prove fruitious!

Stay tuned!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: rooker1 on October 14, 2010, 09:59:53 AM
I hope you can "ease" a lot faster, some of us around here miss your updates.
Good to hear from you Dustin.

Robin  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on October 14, 2010, 10:08:09 AM
Quote from: rooker1 on October 14, 2010, 09:59:53 AM
some of us around here miss your updates.

And i'm one of them !  :thumbsup:

That's a nice teaser to come back, Dustin, I like the photoshop-editing you made. Looks like a quite busy road there, can't wait to see where it leads and fro where it comes.  ;)

And take your time to come back my friend, work is always More important than a video game ! :thumbsup:

Take care,
-Arthur

Ahahah, Welcome to page 128 ...  ;D ;D
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: daryl7478 on October 14, 2010, 03:50:27 PM
Welcome back Dustin! Great update!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: RickD on October 15, 2010, 02:41:39 AM
Bridges + Train = I love the pic. ;)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: mightygoose on October 15, 2010, 05:06:48 AM
you efforts are noted XD
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Sciurus on October 15, 2010, 10:34:18 AM
Fantastic! And you know that's also a pleasure for me to see your images &apls

Guillaume :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: canyonjumper on October 15, 2010, 09:44:47 PM
Eagerly awaiting the moment when you finish 'easing' :P

                        Your friend,
                                      Jordan :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bat on October 17, 2010, 09:45:02 AM
The pictures are nice!
Looking forward to a new update... ;)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: i_love_lamp on October 17, 2010, 01:52:35 PM
that picture is more interesting than the Most Interesting Man in the World. Stay awesome my friend
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on October 19, 2010, 07:28:18 PM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies2.jpg&hash=caaacd21f4d241ef76081c80d2a7c8f16899680d)

Robin (rooker1): Thank you, Robin! I've been looking for you on MSN here and there recently, but have yet to catch you. Hopefully, I can do that soon! Hope all is well!

Arthur (art128): Thanks so much, Arthur, for your wonderful comments and support!

Daryl (daryl4748): Thank you!

RickD: Thanks, my friend!

mightygoose: Ha-ha! Thanks for stopping by!

Guillaume (Sciurus): Thank you so much for your great words, my friend!

Jordan (canyonjumper): Thanks, Jordan!

bat: Thanks!

i_love_lamp: Wow! Thanks!




I've found that I can squeeze in a bit of time here and there for a few random shots...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F213.jpg&hash=7d587c60e982f406e59a06ea65603d288bb825d0)

I've been playing with the new version of Photoshop that I recently acquired...subtle differences, but overall, I think I'll get the hang of it!

Something more substantive soon, perhaps? I hope so!

More to come!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: peter007 on October 19, 2010, 11:18:33 PM
WoW Looks fine great
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: teddyrised on October 19, 2010, 11:50:17 PM
Lovely photo of the city! I didn't know an elevated version of the highway overpass is possible :D woohoo!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bat on October 20, 2010, 01:45:30 AM
Great new shot of your nice city there!
Looking forward to more... ;)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on October 20, 2010, 03:05:58 AM
You get CS5 ? If yes, you'll see it is wonderful !

Did I spot some double highway there ?  ;) And two nice publicities for Counter Strike and Halo 2...  ;D

Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: rooker1 on October 20, 2010, 03:50:56 AM
 Nice pic indeed!
Do you use goofyguy's stuff?  If I remember correctly you do.  At what point does his stuff stop looking cartoony.  I DL'd some of his stuff but started with the old......maybe that wasn't the best idea. ::)
As for the MSN, I'm on a ll day at work and on in the evening as well, just pop me a small "Hello" message and I'll get there eventually.  Johana is working now and I need to pay closer attention to the kids. ;)

Seeya later,
Robin  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Sciurus on October 21, 2010, 08:23:39 AM
Wonderful pic, as always! &apls

Guillaume :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: djvandrake on October 21, 2010, 12:23:58 PM
Very nice pic.  :thumbsup:  Those buildings are packed in tight next to the highway.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on October 21, 2010, 07:58:12 PM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies2.jpg&hash=caaacd21f4d241ef76081c80d2a7c8f16899680d)

peter007: Thank you!

teddyrised: Thanks, my friend!

bat: Thank you, bat!

Arthur (art128): Hi, Arthur! Yes, it is CS5, and you're correct...it is wonderful!

Robin (rooker1): Hey, Robin! I do use those, but I don't recall where I started and how far back. The ones that I have by him, though, I am quite happy with! Hope to talk to you soon!

Guillaume (Sciurus): Thanks!

djvandrake: Thank you so much for your kind words!




From Ottawa...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F214.jpg&hash=8760a38c7f7b00232136dc077b58ee64b2ac7872)

...to...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F215.jpg&hash=15b701b415e6479e564d40c6e153964719fd1070)

...Marathon?

Stay tuned!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: threestooges on October 21, 2010, 11:54:54 PM
Good to see you back around again Dustin! Seems like there are big things in store.
-Matt
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on October 22, 2010, 12:53:06 AM
Looking forward to this one, Dustin !  ;)

Take care,
-Arthur. :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: djvandrake on October 22, 2010, 01:44:16 AM
Oohh!  Looks like a very exciting project.  :)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: calibanX on October 22, 2010, 01:50:24 AM
Wow, this should be very interesting indeed Dustin. Looking forward to seeing this.

Geoff
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: i_love_lamp on October 22, 2010, 03:02:41 PM
Awesome! now take that awesome Parliament building, put it somewhere in the city, and take pictures so we can stare at them while picking our jaws up off the floor. Kthxbai!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: marsh on October 22, 2010, 03:10:33 PM
Looks awesome. Can't wait to see the whole thing!  ;D

,marsh  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: daryl7478 on October 23, 2010, 06:51:03 AM
Well, I'm glad you're back on your thing Dustin! And no, I'm not daryl4748.  $%Grinno$%
-Daryl
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on October 23, 2010, 07:38:10 PM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies2.jpg&hash=caaacd21f4d241ef76081c80d2a7c8f16899680d)

Matt (threestooges): Hey, Matt! It's great to see you, too, my friend! Thanks for stopping by!

Arthur (art128): Thank you, my friend!

djvandrake: Hi! Thanks!

Geoff (calibanX): Thank you for your kind words, Geoff!

i_love_lamp: Ha! I'll do my best!

marsh: Thank you!

Daryl (daryl4748): Thanks, my friend!




I'm still playing around here and there...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F216.jpg&hash=40aba4eaea9f11bb7a2462b3ad43400d81daeca9)

Still working on the Parliament Block project, too.

Keep an eye open and an ear out!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on October 24, 2010, 03:40:30 AM
Hmmm, very nice blocks there Dustin. Although, i'm not quite fan of the open walls up against streets, but you can't do much on that... Maybe by using buildings with windows all around the four walls ?

Take care,
-Arthur. :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: io_bg on October 24, 2010, 03:45:39 AM
Looking good! I agree with Arthur about the windowless walls though :P
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: ecoba on October 24, 2010, 02:36:10 PM
Wow !

Very nice to see you back around, Dustin, as well as creating some beautiful work. Hope to see more soon ! :)


Ethan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: canyonjumper on October 24, 2010, 08:42:36 PM
Awesome stuff here Dustin! Can't wait for a full update!

                      Your friend,
                                     Jordan :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: rooker1 on October 25, 2010, 04:00:09 AM
 Interestin pic Dustin.  I'm not too sure I would have put that res and comm building so close together.  Is there any way you can move them apart, even if just a little.  Also what about adding nob's tire markings over lay texture to the parking/walking area between the res buildings.  Other than that, sweet pic.
I too look forward to seeing a full update, especially after what I saw the other day ::) ;).

See you around my friend,
Robin  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bat on October 25, 2010, 07:38:35 AM
Nice work on these houses!
Looking forward to more... :)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Tomas Neto on October 27, 2010, 02:31:24 AM
Very nice again, great work!!!  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on October 28, 2010, 09:38:10 PM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies2.jpg&hash=caaacd21f4d241ef76081c80d2a7c8f16899680d)

Arthur (art128): Thank you, Arthur! I like your idea, too. I'm going to try that out next time!

io_bg: Thank you, my friend!

Ethan (ecoba): Thanks!

Jordan (canyonjumper): Thanks so much!

Robin (rooker1): Hi, Robin! Hmmm...You pose some interesting ideas, as always! Things to think about and experiment with for next time! Thanks!

bat: Thank you for your kind words!

Tomas Neto: Thank you!




Meandering back into the cartographic end of things...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F217.jpg&hash=1f2dca27ee501336fb51ef98cbc287e2c0d52a7a)

As you can now see on this map, the national borders of the Commonwealth of Marathon have been drawn! You can see where Maine, United States, and New Brunswick, Canada, border the Commonwealth.

More on that...and more...to come!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: rooker1 on October 29, 2010, 04:29:44 AM
Hmmmm, interesting map.

Robin  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: TiFlo on October 29, 2010, 04:53:00 AM
This looks really good from afar! I'd be curious to see what you do with your more backwater areas. When you get there of course.  ;)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on October 29, 2010, 05:08:59 AM
It's nice to finally see the borders of Marathon, Dustin ! Looks like you've plenty of space to build things we haven't seen yet !
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Tomas Neto on October 29, 2010, 01:19:51 PM
Wow..., fantastic map!!!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: i_love_lamp on October 29, 2010, 05:59:14 PM
I cant a write a comment about this! I'm too busy picking up my jaw
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: djvandrake on October 29, 2010, 07:50:52 PM
Are those large tiles?  9x9! Wow.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: daryl7478 on October 29, 2010, 09:07:59 PM
Nice map Dustin! That is Corpus Christi, TX, where apparently one of my uncles live. Looks like you still have a lot to do.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on October 29, 2010, 09:38:47 PM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies2.jpg&hash=caaacd21f4d241ef76081c80d2a7c8f16899680d)

Robin (rooker1): Ha! I thought you'd like it, my friend! Thanks so much!

TiFlo: Hello! Thank you for your kind words!

Arthur (art128): Hi, Arthur! I'm glad you enjoyed the borders, my friend! Hope to see you again soon!

Tomas Neto: Thanks!

i_love_lamp: Ha! Thank you!

djvandrake: Yep, it's a big map...but I have nothing better to do, right!

Daryl (daryl7478): I do have a lot to do, my friend! But we've got time!





An artistic digression...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F218.jpg&hash=3b52c54264506195624d20a7e0c22f813e03a358)

Enjoy!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: kwakelaar on October 30, 2010, 01:03:41 AM
Really a very interesting map, with some very distinct islands and waterways.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on October 31, 2010, 07:19:58 AM
Nice artistic work there, Dustin ! Looks like a painting..  :)

-Arthur. :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon [11/03/10]: UPDATE LIII: The Highway's Jammed...
Post by: thundercrack83 on November 03, 2010, 08:38:33 PM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies2.jpg&hash=caaacd21f4d241ef76081c80d2a7c8f16899680d)

Gjermund (kwakelaar): Thank you, my friend!

Arthur (art128): Thanks, Arthur!






UPDATE LIII
The Highway's Jammed with Broken Heroes!
3 November 2010

With another highway update comes another Springsteen reference...Today, in our first true update in QUITE some time. I want to look at...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252053%2F53001.jpg&hash=c9efa13fcb0f3db913e967679f9a10376e845826)

...well, highways!

In particular, though, I want to zoom to...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252053%2F53002.jpg&hash=474071545cededa93dcb26f95fc84a40cd229ffe)

...here, and even more particularly, to...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252053%2F53003.jpg&hash=4c58ffd1ea8c7666baac39e1862d2daf162b0649)

here.

I've been thinking about highways in a less urban capacity of late, so I thought I would try my hand at some highway embankments. We start by...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252053%2F53004.jpg&hash=21fcc4fed687508d3b1a1de8a96d7fde133a5cc4)

...raising the ground and connecting the elevated highway to the ground highway. First a bit, then...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252053%2F53005.jpg&hash=ecb920dc807309c9881bd4bb7cafcf1b52a8fe32)

...the entire length!

Now, we stretch the ground highway on the embankment...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252053%2F53006.jpg&hash=9af56ad07d82d57e4680e6dfe95d02af9f9b1119)

...across the entire stretch. But, I don't want to have such a steep and abrupt slope, so...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252053%2F53007.jpg&hash=fd1c405a1b17ac5e35984503d252351f09983bdc)

...we bring the embankment out a bit using some roads, then...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252053%2F53008.jpg&hash=b51d90f3e721ba6141fe3a671d1af4cc3ac7df0b)

...give the embankment a grade, this time using Elevated Rail to find a medium-sized slope. Now...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252053%2F53009.jpg&hash=cabd9555447962e6df939f058ced82598f2297ab)

...the other side! Bulldoze the rail tracks and...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252053%2F53010.jpg&hash=d40f5bf416b366ffaef8fe21730101f4f436d5e9)

...we have ourselves a highway embankment! Do some more grading...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252053%2F53011.jpg&hash=a23dde5eda73bdcad12867a4ebc480f667df21d8)

...and there we have it from a different angle. Of course, though, not all highways run uninterrupted throughout the countryside, do they? Nope! Which means...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252053%2F53012.jpg&hash=a42aa470180a7c5bf24ac160f3f5815221d2ba7c)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252053%2F53013.jpg&hash=d35acfdf28fc4a02b9e8e1834e630ff30a54d812)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252053%2F53014.jpg&hash=7b1edb2433ca8bcfa5ba8b22c264f4a7bf5692c0)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252053%2F53015.jpg&hash=1d8523d45b3fc818578c5557919b285afb117c11)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252053%2F53017.jpg&hash=1e2526d326e778c676a4e5525274bd0ba0e455ff)

...interchanges! Not to mention...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252053%2F53018.jpg&hash=0e8518f944659fc491551ad51cbea0299982be56)

...railroad crossings, too! Here's an overview...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252053%2F53019.jpg&hash=23c800c7bdfcae0a259d886ff5f7a0f0a13e01ed)

...And finally—


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252053%2F53020.jpg&hash=ded55d1e14b7731d41bbafb92518961c44c0e82b)

A more "ready for primetime" shot!

There are many different ways and options with this method—longer slopes, different interchanges and crossing, etc.—but I think this irons out the basics!

See you soon!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: travismking on November 03, 2010, 09:27:16 PM
wow those highways look fantastic :) nice update
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: djvandrake on November 04, 2010, 01:24:28 AM
Awesome "how-to" on highways.  I learned quite a few new tricks.  Thanks!!  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Girafe on November 04, 2010, 04:11:18 AM
nice "tutorial" about highways and transport ways thanks  ;)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: rooker1 on November 04, 2010, 04:42:14 AM
 All that work is definately out wieghed by the end results.  Although I am surprised with you that you did not go into LE and try to move those girders over to better fit the highway.  I know for a fact that that there is some room to do this as I have been playing with those same pieces recently.  I have also managed to change the base to jeronij's brick texture and I have used Mas's under bridge details.....just have a look at my recent updates.
Anyways great work.

BTW-how many traffic generators did it take to produce that much traffic? ::) ;)

Robin  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: daryl7478 on November 04, 2010, 04:52:03 PM
Nice freeways Dustin! Are these in the mainland side of Marathon? I don't remember any freeways in the island.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on November 04, 2010, 09:08:10 PM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies2.jpg&hash=caaacd21f4d241ef76081c80d2a7c8f16899680d)

travismking: Thank you so very much, my friend!

djvandrake: Thanks! I'm glad you were able to get something out of it! Hope to see you again soon!

Girafe: Thank you, my friend, for stopping by!

Robin (rooker1): Hi, Robin! You're always one step ahead of me, my friend! Next time, I will most certainly be in the LE playing with those girders. You always have a fresh outlook on things, it's so great to have your eyes looking at things here! Thanks, as always for your very kind words!

Daryl (daryl7478): Thank you, Daryl! Yes, it's on the mainland, but where? That's anyone's guess at this point!





(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F219.jpg&hash=146a0996d91b015710f9083e19394624e47d37fb)

It's after midnight, so it's official Marathon's second birthday! Many thanks to all of you who, over these past two years, have given so much support and friendship here, both in the light-speed early days and in today's more snails' pace. Without all of you, this venture would never have lasted as long as it has! Here's to two years down, and with hope, many more! Thank you all so very, very much!

And like the newspaper said...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252036%2F36003.jpg&hash=1c2ef410b0f7a49d095687821e51ebbb959d785f)

Let me hear from all of you, who've made this such a gratifying and fulfilling experience!

Thanks again and keep on the lookout for more!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Haljackey on November 04, 2010, 09:08:17 PM
Fantastic end result on your latest update Dustin! Although I have to agree with Robin that the spans don't really work there. I believe they were intended for avenues which only have 2 lanes per tile opposed to Maxis highway that has 3.

You always seem to have the ability to make everything look pretty. Excellent progress in this MD, I've missed a lot!

Edit: Looks like you updated while I posted this reply. Happy 2nd birthday CoM!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: rooker1 on November 05, 2010, 03:58:27 AM
Happy 2nd Birthday!

Nice newspaper.....I was going to lurk today  ::) but now I see I'm not aloud.

Robin  &apls
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: mightygoose on November 05, 2010, 05:28:00 AM
that newspaper is brilliant, i went back and revisited alot of pages today. congratulations on surviving for at least 63 million seconds.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: MandelSoft on November 05, 2010, 05:42:42 AM
Gosh, I'm always lurking and now I have to leave a reply here  $%Grinno$%

Two years already?!  :o Wow! Up to the next to years.

And a nice tutorial you have there, although I don't use Maxis Freeways anymore...
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: i_love_lamp on November 05, 2010, 06:30:27 AM
Wonderful update! And,
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi633.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fuu51%2Fironicepitome%2FLogo7.jpg&hash=6e73aee2dd97946ded4a25ca08c0aad22b0b3786)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Ryan B. on November 05, 2010, 06:49:53 AM
Happy Birthday, Marathon!  I LOVE that newspaper!

Anyone know how to embed YouTube videos here at SC4D?
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: daryl7478 on November 05, 2010, 07:06:55 AM
Happy birthday, Marathon. Let a good MD go well in the future.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: kj3400 on November 05, 2010, 07:30:12 AM
Alright. You got me. with that much expended on today, I guess I'll have to come out. :P

Happy birthday. Two years is a long time and you've done awesome things in that time. Here's to more years to come! :thumbsup:

*raises glass of water for toast*
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on November 05, 2010, 09:50:15 AM
Happy second birthday Marathon !  &apls
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Utvaw on November 05, 2010, 11:40:29 AM
Congratulations on 2 years of amazing updates from Marathon.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: BigSlark on November 05, 2010, 02:07:46 PM
Happy Birthday, Marathon!  %BUd%
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: djvandrake on November 05, 2010, 09:50:58 PM
Happy Birthday Marathon!  :thumbsup:  :)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: carkid1998 on November 06, 2010, 04:57:22 AM
Why haven't I been on these forums for so long?

I know it was no lurking day yesterday, but with an update like that I just can't lurk! Loving the attetion to detail on those embankmets! :thumbsup:

Looking forward to catching up on what I missed, Ryan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Tomas Neto on November 06, 2010, 04:23:12 PM
Yeah...!!! Happy Birthday!!!  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: canyonjumper on November 06, 2010, 08:03:37 PM
Dustin, congrats on keeping Marathon going for two years!

             Your friend,
                            Jordan :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bladeberkman on November 06, 2010, 09:17:30 PM
Dustin,

This will be my first time to comment on your Mayor Diary after over a year of following your work. Your creativity, ingenuity, and eye for detail have been a source of inspiration for me and, I am certain, many others. Thank you for setting aside time to share your vision with the SimCity community. I, too, look forward to many more years of your work.

-Blade
A "Lurker" 

Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Sciurus on November 07, 2010, 02:44:31 AM
I'm late &ops But Happy Birthday Marathon, or Bon anniversaire Marathon, it's as you like! $%Grinno$%
I really like your latest update, and I saw some things which still interests me a lot..

Particullary this "No lurknig Day", which I can't translate $%Grinno$% I don't understand the principe of that day? Because your french translation is wrong &mmm (It doesn't mean anything ::)) I made some research about it... and I understood that this "No Lurking Day" is day where you shouldn't lurk you, maybe to do a celebration? So in french should it be "Jour de fête" (Celebration's day)... but it's not really that. Or I propose you to write "Jour d'ouverture" (Opening's day but  think you'll not undertsand as a french understand that. A french should understand that as a day where you're opened to the people, still in the idea to celebrate somthing, with other people). So I think in that case, that the second expression is the best, for me in fact.

I'm also interested by "Les Épées", the name of the hockey team of the city? Can you explain where does it come from? It should be interesting $%Grinno$%

Well, a last word to end my post: CONGRATULATIONS!!!! &apls &apls &apls :party:

Guillaume :thumbsup:

Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: TiFlo on November 07, 2010, 06:25:29 AM
A "no lurking day" is a day where you shouldn't just come, read the topic, admire the pictures in the new update, and leave silently without taking the time to post something.

Un "lurker" est quelqu'un qui est tapis dans le coin, qu'on ne voit pas et qui fait bien attention à n'être pas découvert. Sur un forum internet, on considère quelqu'un qui passe son temps à lire les posts sans jamais commenter comme un "lurker". Ça n'est pas forcément péjoratif, mais ça peut être parfois mal vu.
(English: A lurker is someone who stays hidden in the corner, and who takes particular care in remaining unseen. On an internet forum, someone who only reads posts without ever commenting is considered a lurker. It is not necessarily derogatory, but sometimes it can be seen as such).

PS: Bon anniversaire Marathon!!  &apls
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Sciurus on November 07, 2010, 06:42:03 AM
Quote from: TiFlo on November 07, 2010, 06:25:29 AM
A "no lurking day" is a day where you shouldn't just come, read the topic, admire the pictures in the new update, and leave silently without taking the time to post something.

Un "lurker" est quelqu'un qui est tapis dans le coin, qu'on ne voit pas et qui fait bien attention à n'être pas découvert. Sur un forum internet, on considère quelqu'un qui passe son temps à lire les posts sans jamais commenter comme un "lurker". Ça n'est pas forcément péjoratif, mais ça peut être parfois mal vu.
(English: A lurker is someone who stays hidden in the corner, and who takes particular care in remaining unseen. On an internet forum, someone who only reads posts without ever commenting is considered a lurker. It is not necessarily derogatory, but sometimes it can be seen as such).

PS: Bon anniversaire Marathon!!  &apls

Ah d'accord je vois, mais dans ce cas là, en français, on ne peut pas traduire mot à mot. On est obligé de traduire une expression. Dans ce cas, je verrai plus "Ne vous cachez pas!" ou "N'hésitez pas à poster!" ou quelque chose dans le genre... Mais faut dire que ce n'est pas très esthétique comparé à l'anglais :D Tu m'apprends quelque chose là TiFlo! :)

Ah ok I see, but in that case, in french, we can't translate word by word. We must translate with a phrase. So I would see "Ne vous cachez pas!" or "N'hésitez pas à poster" or something like that... But it's not very aestethic as in english :D You learn me something TiFlo! :)

So now, I let you choose between my 3 propositions Dustin :P


Guillaume :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on November 09, 2010, 07:48:22 PM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies2.jpg&hash=caaacd21f4d241ef76081c80d2a7c8f16899680d)

I'd like to thank all of you for the wonderful words of support for Marathon's Second Anniversary! There were so many, that I thought I'd give a big blanket THANK YOU!

And to begin Year Three...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F220.jpg&hash=082dc3172e85adf670e6f1bfc7a906e3cddfc35b)

I just downloaded and began to play around with the Sunken GLR pieces that are now available on the LEX! They are, in a word, excellent!

More is on the way!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: mightygoose on November 09, 2010, 11:49:28 PM
did you get the NAM elevated road network reskin? thats new from japan too, i linked in the jap bat gallery, i think you will enjoy it.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on November 10, 2010, 03:27:29 AM
Nice work with these wide avenues there, Dustin ! I love how they blend well with those buildings, and also with the sunken metro.

Take care,
-Arthur. :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Sciurus on November 10, 2010, 04:59:53 AM
It's excellent, I really like the sunken tram &apls

Guillaume :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: rooker1 on November 10, 2010, 05:42:38 AM
Hello Dustin,

I had a look at your post first thing this morning and I thought to myself that there was something wrong, but I could not really pin point it so I left to come back later.  I have figured it out.  The two buildings on the top side top the pic are too close to road.  The stairs on the building on the left side almost touch the road itself, or at least it looks like the car is parked on the stairs.  I would love to see, if possible of course, you add one extra tile between the road and the buildings and in this space use SFBT Parking Lots (http://sc4devotion.com/csxlex/lex_filedesc.php?lotGET=1726) and change the road to a street.
I haven't had the chance to try the improved Sunken GLR pieces, but iwill in the next few days or so.  Looks like you have a handle on it though.

Great works as always Dustin.

Robin  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: i_love_lamp on November 10, 2010, 01:34:13 PM
While I am a tad bit disappointed that you didn't reply personally to the banner thing that took me five seconds to make, you made up for it by this picture. I think I might just download those sunken rail pieces and try to make them look as good as you do. I will probally fail miserably.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: carkid1998 on November 10, 2010, 01:46:49 PM
It'll be interesting to see how the Commonwealth of Marathon put these pieces to use!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: daryl7478 on November 10, 2010, 05:48:07 PM
Another great update by Dustin.........
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: marsh on November 10, 2010, 10:46:35 PM
Very nice. That intersection looks great.  &apls

,marsh  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Sheep49 on November 14, 2010, 04:17:08 AM
It's been 2 years already? Wow, that IS the huge landmark! Great to see Marathon being up and well, with new ideas every now and then. A real treat for our eyes it is.  :thumbsup:

The picture is great, but I didn't really pay attention to the building this time (well, sorry!), rather than being shocked that there exists the next best thing since the sliced bread - Sunken GLR! Oh, the possibilities it brings along! Now I wonder whether will we see the London Underground-styled metro system in Marathon, with more tracks on the land level and sunken, rather than in real underground. Either way, can't wait what will you be able to make up with it! ;)

Oh, and is that the Prudential building I see in the top right? Nice use of it, although I do agree with Robin, I wouldn't mind a small parking in front of it.

Thanks for 2 years of constant awesomess, and let's hope for at least next 2! :)

Goo luck with Marathon!
Piotr
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Battlecat on November 15, 2010, 10:21:41 AM
Since I'm running a few days late, let me give you  belated congratulations on 2 years of Marathon!  I'm really glad to see you're able to spend more time on this project these days.  Everything looks great as always, you can rest assured I'll be stopping in a bit more regularly in the future!  The sunken railway in your latest update is quite cool!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: canyonjumper on November 15, 2010, 03:46:57 PM
Awesome pic! I like the use of the new sunken rail. Looking forward to a full update ;D

               Your friend,
                              Jordan :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: RickD on November 17, 2010, 08:01:47 AM
Great picture. The sunken rail looks perfect in this setting. And the selection of buildings is also good.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on November 26, 2010, 08:38:18 AM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies2.jpg&hash=caaacd21f4d241ef76081c80d2a7c8f16899680d)

Unfortunately, as I am again constrained for time (I have to leave for work shortly...), I will hold off on individual replies for now, and just say again, thank you all so very much for your wonderful comments and support! Without all of you, Marathon would have never made it as far as it has, and I am so glad that, after two years, all of you still stick around to see what kind of nonsense I have to bring you! Thank you all again so much!

Speaking of thanks...it's a bit late, but to all of my friends here in the United States...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F221.jpg&hash=da7f1fb2bd1e32a29c505808679f4cc0bf1aeb63)

And for all my international friends...Happy (Belated) Thursday!

More from Marathon is on the way!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on November 26, 2010, 08:58:03 AM
Happy (belated) thanksgiving to you too, Dustin !

And what a nice picture to celebrate this, i love the orange ambiance of this one. &apls

Take care,
-Arthur. :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Battlecat on November 26, 2010, 09:50:51 AM
Great looking shot!  The color makes it feel quite warm!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Girafe on November 26, 2010, 10:12:51 AM
yep, beautiful colors  ::)
hehe it remembers me that I have maples and birches to finish  :D
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Ryan B. on November 26, 2010, 10:21:05 AM
It's not too late, Dustin - I'm still in a Tryptophan-induced coma myself.  I hope your Thanksgiving was awesome!

You've done an awesome job here in Marathon - why, if I was a Sim, I'd think living in Marathon was pretty swell.  I also like what you've done with the NWM and NOB's SLR there. 

Keep up the awesome work!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: noahclem on November 26, 2010, 03:37:32 PM
Happy Thanksgiving thundercrack83 and everyone! Beautiful autumn picture with nice warm colors  :thumbsup: I wish it still looked that warm here in South Dakota where I'm spending the holiday but the weather here still beats what I'll be dealing with next week when I return to Finland  :'(
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: i_love_lamp on November 26, 2010, 05:46:39 PM
Happy Thanksgiving to you too! And keep up the good work! Now if you exuse me, i need to go to the hospital to get my stomach pumped
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Masochist on November 27, 2010, 09:46:41 AM
...And a happy (even more belated) Thanksgiving to you, as well :)!

Also, congrats on two years of Marathon!  I've enjoyed all 750-or-so days of it, too!  Here's to another 1000! &apls
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on December 11, 2010, 09:08:08 PM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies2.jpg&hash=caaacd21f4d241ef76081c80d2a7c8f16899680d)

Arthur (art128): Thank you so much, Arthur!

Battlecat: Thanks!

Girafe: Thanks so very much, my friend!

Ryan (Ryan B.): Hi, Ryan! Thanks for stopping by, and I hope you had a great Thanksgiving!

i_love_lamp: Ha! Thanks!

Isaac (Masochist): Hey, Isaac! It's always great to see you here, my friend! Thanks so much!




I've been practicing my cartographic skills...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F223.jpg&hash=85336f185f24c55a9fbd4a0f0ec4b4486a0832ca)

...and also...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F222.jpg&hash=2b8bee5c9633cbdd86cb6e8f0c84da2b56a31b75)

...my vexillographic skills, too!

Introducing the official Flag of the Commonwealth of Marathon!

More to come!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Sciurus on December 12, 2010, 01:39:51 AM
Wonderful map Dustin! &apls

And the flag... what can I say about it? $%Grinno$% Oh! A fleur de lys in the left corner... and blue... but what's this yellow? Why not bleu, blanc, rouge for your flag's coulours? ::) I joke of course, but I would be interested by eplainations about the coulours :thumbsup:

Guillaume :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: io_bg on December 12, 2010, 02:19:55 AM
Very nice map, Dustin. Marathon has quite an interesting location. The flag reminds me of the Ukrainian one a lot :P Hoping to see more soon!
Hoping you'll stop by Pirgos some day ::)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on December 12, 2010, 03:08:47 AM
Nice flag and maps there Dustin. The flag reminds me of the French flags during the Middle Ages. Looks fine anyway with two nice colors. About the map the borders are looking great and not too straight, that's nice.

Take care,
-Arthur. :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Girafe on December 12, 2010, 04:07:08 AM
As said before, the flag is really good, and makes reference to Quebec's one according to me. Anyway it's well designed  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: daryl7478 on December 12, 2010, 07:12:40 AM
Nice flag there Dustin! Looks very neat and professional.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: i_love_lamp on December 13, 2010, 04:09:38 PM
puis-je détecter une influence française à Marathon? Toujours à la recherche de bons là-bas (PS, je suis entièrement utilisé un traducteur pour cela)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on December 13, 2010, 06:58:24 PM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies2.jpg&hash=caaacd21f4d241ef76081c80d2a7c8f16899680d)

Guillaume (Sciurus): Hi, my friend! I'm glad you like the flag! About the colors, I will have to delve into that at a later time, I think. Thanks for stopping by!

io_bg: Thank you so much, my friend! And don't worry, I've been following Pirgos in the background! Take care!

Arthur (art128): Thanks, Arthur!

Girafe: Hi! Thanks so much for your wonderful words, my friend!

Daryl (daryl4748): Thanks!

i_love_lamp:
Merci!




Working on another new project...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F224.jpg&hash=5e1073d315e71f7e9a486dbf30e7ed71eaff9e40)

Still in the growing stages, as you can see. There will be a lot more to see very soon!

Stay tuned!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: noahclem on December 13, 2010, 10:25:22 PM
Looks a promising start to a new development. Nice textures on those paths and your seawalls look great at that elevation (I think I've been making mine raised to far above sea level because they certainly don't look as good). Well-made map and flag in the previous update as well  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on December 14, 2010, 02:10:18 AM
Hmmm, looks like the Sears (or Willis) Tower for me...  &Thk/(
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: daryl7478 on December 14, 2010, 07:56:38 PM
Nice Willis Tower recreation (or taking the real Willis Tower from Chicago and plopping it in Marathon)  :P  Guess we're back on the island again.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: i_love_lamp on December 14, 2010, 08:21:02 PM
It's a building of some sorts
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Battlecat on December 15, 2010, 08:50:20 AM
Looking forward to seeing that tower finished. 

Lovely work on the map, the green texture turned out quite nicely!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Sciurus on December 15, 2010, 08:58:52 AM
Nice picture :thumbsup: And ok, I'll wait for the explanations! $%Grinno$%

Guillaume :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Badsim on December 15, 2010, 12:51:29 PM
Hello Dustin ,

So long I haven't put any word in Marathon , my friend , but as LE addict I can't miss any of your post . $%Grinno$%

Most of all I can feel how you're busy in RL , how you would like to spend more time with SC4 & with us more generally . Considering all what you have done for this site and what you're capable of in that great MD Marathon is , that's a pity for us as well ...  :thumbsdown:

Marathon is coming slowly but nicely , maybe a little too much strict ( I mean too much clean & well organized ) but at least with a great coherence . &apls &apls &apls

We stay tuned . ;)

Cédric.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on December 16, 2010, 06:38:33 PM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies2.jpg&hash=caaacd21f4d241ef76081c80d2a7c8f16899680d)

noahclem: Hello, my friend! Thank you so much for your very kind words!

Arthur (art128): Hmmmm...you may be right!

Daryl (daryl7478): Thank you, my friend!

i_love_lamp: That it is!

Battlecat: Thanks so much!

Guillaume (Sciurus): Thanks!

Cédric (Badsim): Hello, my friend! It is always fantastic to see you here in Marathon! Your comments are very much appreciated, and if you have any tips, tricks, or advice, I would love to hear it from the master! Hope to see you again soon!




I've just been doing a bit of dabbling here and there between projects...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F225.jpg&hash=f90963adbe76cc478fe01dfd0dca65f448190947)

More to come!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Sciurus on December 17, 2010, 02:17:50 AM
Nice picture! :thumbsup:

Guillaume :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: daryl7478 on December 17, 2010, 07:08:06 AM
What is going on here.....
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: i_love_lamp on December 17, 2010, 03:26:10 PM
Odd, Marathon doesn't strike me as a baseball playing nation. But who am I to judge a nation purely upon my made up on the spot unsupported assupmtions?
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on December 18, 2010, 03:18:19 PM
I may be, I may be....  ;D
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Battlecat on December 20, 2010, 09:28:07 AM
Nice block of apartments!  That scene looks great!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: ecoba on December 20, 2010, 11:45:18 AM
It's been a while, Dustin. :)

Marathon is growing at it's amazing pace, as ever, and your work is still jaw-dropping. I like this block of apartments, a nice architectural style that gives another piece of Marathon away.

Simply fabulous !


Ethan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: canyonjumper on December 20, 2010, 11:01:04 PM
Awesome pic Dustin! I love the sunken highway!

                  Your friend,
                                 Jordan :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on December 23, 2010, 10:08:18 PM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies2.jpg&hash=caaacd21f4d241ef76081c80d2a7c8f16899680d)

Guillaume (Sciurus): Thank you!

Daryl (daryl7478): Ummmm...I'm not sure! You tell me!

i_love_lamp: Oh, the citizens of Marathon love their baseball! Thanks for stopping by!

Arthur (art128): Ha! Yes, you may! It's always great to see you here, my friend!

Battlecat: Thank you so much, my friend!

Ethan (ecoba): Hi, Ethan! Thank you for your wonderful words, my friend! Hope to see you again very soon!

Jordan (canyonjumper): Thank you, Jordan!




So, I've been preparing for Christmas by putting in a floating laminate floor in my hallway! In the meantime, I've also been pondering...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F226.jpg&hash=b6206c78be406c4f80ac652e9ede6d2860368be1)

...the RHW!

I've always been a huge fan, but have always been a bit intimidated by the length and breadth of its scope!

More from Marathon on the way!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: cubby420 on December 23, 2010, 10:34:32 PM
RHW is indeed quite intimidating. But well worth the investment...  ;D
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: mightygoose on December 24, 2010, 12:47:46 AM
the right hand MIS AVE intersection piece is round the wrong way, look at the yellow line stubs... the RHW is a challenge, but you are up to it, just take your time and double check everything.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Sciurus on December 24, 2010, 12:58:51 AM
It's very nice :thumbsup: I wait for more with the RHW!!

Guillaume :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on December 24, 2010, 05:44:54 AM
Look very nice there Dustin, but as Goose' pointed, the right MIS-AVE4 piece is in the wrong way !! And merry Christmas, Joyeux Noel !  &apls
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Battlecat on December 24, 2010, 10:15:20 AM
Looking good!  The RHW is a huge challenge but the detail level is well worth it!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on December 24, 2010, 01:38:20 PM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F227.jpg&hash=6444918937889ead33f130cb901b9660a7557f5d)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: MandelSoft on December 24, 2010, 01:52:30 PM
You forgot "Vrolijk Kerstfeest!"  $%Grinno$%

Anyway, Happy Hollidays  ;)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: i_love_lamp on December 24, 2010, 07:22:55 PM
Twas the Night Before Chrishannakwanzahmas and all throughout Marathon,
not a citizen was stirring, not even Fat Don
the stockings were hung by the manorah with care
in hopes that Kwanzahbot soon would be there
and to what should my wandering eye appear,
but an update from thundercrack, to cap off the year!

Merry Christmas Marathon!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: mightygoose on December 25, 2010, 02:00:28 AM
i *facebook like* the above coment
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Tomas Neto on December 26, 2010, 05:08:03 AM
Nice mosaic, Dustin!!!
Happy new year!!!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: noahclem on December 26, 2010, 08:50:48 AM
Nice mosaic and cool PS effect there! Hyvää Joulua!  ;)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: daryl7478 on December 26, 2010, 09:07:33 AM
Nice mosaic there Dustin! Now I know how to say "Happy Holidays" in 10 different languages.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on December 26, 2010, 09:55:15 AM
Happy holidays to you too Dustin !  &apls
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on January 11, 2011, 10:18:17 PM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies2.jpg&hash=caaacd21f4d241ef76081c80d2a7c8f16899680d)

Thank you all for the wonderful holiday wishes, friends! I hope that everyone had wonderful times, too!

Just doing some more playing around...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F228.jpg&hash=8d396ca33ca1dc03c71dd44efe02cb92fc65602c)

Stay tuned!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Tomas Neto on January 12, 2011, 01:52:44 AM
Very cool this pic, Dustin!!!   :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: rooker1 on January 12, 2011, 04:49:07 AM
 Always nice city pics, I just wish sometimes I could see more.  I would have liked to see some parking along the canal, maybe the SFBT ones.
I hope your holidays went well and I wish you and your family all the best.

Robin  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: ecoba on January 12, 2011, 08:49:01 AM
Very interesting, Dustin ! Shall be fascinating to see what you do what this area.


Ethan :)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: noahclem on January 12, 2011, 09:34:25 AM
Looks good! I haven't seen the Merchandise Mart turn up in a while! The buildings go well together and the Cal-canals look great!  &apls
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on January 13, 2011, 10:08:11 PM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies2.jpg&hash=caaacd21f4d241ef76081c80d2a7c8f16899680d)

Tomas Neto: Thank you so much!

Robin (rooker1): Hey, Robin! Parking, eh?

Ethan (ecoba): Thanks, Ethan!

noahclem: Thanks!




Our great friend Robin (rooker1) mentioned parking by the canal (it's less a canal and more a "reflecting pool," but that's neither here nor there!), so...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F229.jpg&hash=bd54e85c30712d7757ff733d8ad825912fba924d)

...construction has begun on ample parking canal-side! As always, I have Robin to thank for another fantastic idea!

More to come!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: rooker1 on January 14, 2011, 07:25:46 AM
Aahhhhh......I still have some good ideas, thanks.
I can't wait to see that lot in place.

Robin  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bat on January 14, 2011, 08:00:49 AM
That's a nice picture for the first in year 2011! :)
And looking forward to see more from your work... ;)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: JoeST on January 14, 2011, 08:51:42 AM
It's great to see you still going, fantastic as always.

Joe
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: ecoba on January 14, 2011, 01:54:43 PM
Your lotting is always fantastic, Dustin ! Especially along this streetside gives me some ideas for one of the roads in my cities. :)


Ethan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on January 16, 2011, 08:58:07 AM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies2.jpg&hash=caaacd21f4d241ef76081c80d2a7c8f16899680d)

Robin (rooker1): Ha! You've never steered me wrong in the past, Robin! Why would I not take your advice again!? Thanks, as always!

bat: Hi, bat! Thank you so much!

Joe (JoeST): Thanks, Joe!

Ethan (ecoba): Hey, Ethan! Thank you for your kind words!




Here's the latest!


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F230.jpg&hash=c560f1eea8100535a5eedce36bf9a4ad0e8d5074)

There's still a bit of tinkering to do (cars parked the opposite way!), but we're getting somewhere.

Keep your eyes peeled!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bat on January 16, 2011, 10:00:10 AM
Wonderful new teaser, thundercrack83!
Looking forward to more... :)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: RickD on January 17, 2011, 01:15:38 AM
Very nice lotting. It makes the scene much more lively and convincing.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: rooker1 on January 17, 2011, 09:43:01 AM
 Now that's what I'm talkin about!
How many LOTs are there?  Your trees and bushes are all facing the same way, don't forget to alternate them.  And if there are several LOTs, maybe add different trees.  Otherwise, it looks a million times better.

Robin  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on January 20, 2011, 10:18:08 PM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies2.jpg&hash=caaacd21f4d241ef76081c80d2a7c8f16899680d)

bat: Thank you, my friend!

Rick (RickD): Thanks so much!

Robin (rooker1): Hi, Robin! I'm glad you like it! I'm much more happy with the area now, myself. It is one lot (23x1), so I have to go back through and randomize the trees, bushes, etc., to give it less of a uniform feel. Thanks for another great tip, there, too, my friend! Keep'em comin'!




A quick "sunset" snippet of another area under construction...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F231.jpg&hash=752beea6cce97f07e2df68d7a4e0e9c371a8a6c9)

Confound those vehicles going the wrong way! I can't seem to get them going in the correct direction when I plop them in the LE. Oh, well. More attention to detail, I assume. It looks like I got the DeLorean (http://en.wikipedia.wiki/DeLorean_DMC-12) right, though!

I hope to have a more concrete (Get it? Under construction, concrete? Eck! I know...) update in the works soon. I just need to get a few more ducks in a row.

More from Marathon to come!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Terring7 on January 21, 2011, 03:18:44 AM
Ahh, DeLorean. One of the most beautiful cars ever made :) . I wish that somebody will make an automata of this beauty.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cartype.com%2Fpics%2F3368%2Ffull%2Fdelorean_brochure3_81.jpg&hash=71e4ae59320c7f8218ca8547f266f7f4eb1158a8)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ft0.gstatic.com%2Fimages%3Fq%3Dtbn%3AANd9GcSP7zEQBe7o7FyxdQjNAQBcYQDH5lEjFJ67O1uvKxmBvSznx8hGnQ%26amp%3Bt%3D1&hash=0abfabd7e80c684a127bca5c5bcaeb9d12c351d1)

The concept looks interesting. Can't wait for it :)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: i_love_lamp on January 21, 2011, 11:18:39 AM
Where's Marty McFly?
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bat on January 22, 2011, 08:36:59 AM
Another nice view! :thumbsup:
Great work!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on January 22, 2011, 09:00:43 AM
Looks like the "Marathon Mall" ....  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: kwakelaar on January 23, 2011, 12:46:43 AM
You are very good at making those one image updates, leaving me wanting more of the same every time. The last picture from "Marathon Mall" is another example of that.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: daryl7478 on January 23, 2011, 09:17:26 AM
Good job there on the "Marathon Mall" Dustin! My first post here this year. I hope it doesn't end up as an exact copy of the National Mall in DC.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Battlecat on January 24, 2011, 09:57:06 AM
Gorgeous shot!  That mall area looks great. I like the canal from earlier as well.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: rooker1 on January 25, 2011, 04:29:35 AM
 Very nice shot.  &apls
If I were you I wouldn't add vehicles to that LOT in LE, just transit enable it and the automa will travel over it.  And if that isn't enough find a traffic generator and add it to your LOT.  ;)

Robin  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: canyonjumper on January 30, 2011, 11:25:33 AM
Oh wow Dustin! Marathon is looking amazing! Keep it up!

           Your friend,
                          Jordan :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on February 10, 2011, 10:48:48 AM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies2.jpg&hash=caaacd21f4d241ef76081c80d2a7c8f16899680d)

Terring7: Wow! That's an interesting concept car! Thanks for posting that, and for stopping by!

i_love_lamp: Hmmm...1955, maybe!?

bat: Thanks!

Arthur (art128): Ha! That it does, my friend!

Gjermund (kwakelaar): Hi, my friend! Thank you so much for your wonderful comments and support! Hope to see you again soon!

Daryl (daryl4748): Hello! I hope that it won't turn out that way, though, there's a bit of inspiration from Washington in there! Thanks for stopping by!

Battlecat: Thank you, my friend!

Robin (rooker1): As always, another great idea from you, my friend! I will definitely go back in and make those changes with the TE'ing! Thanks again for the tips...for over two years now!

Jordan (canyonjumper): Thanks!




Another project I've got in the works (I can't seem to keep my mind on one!)...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F232.jpg&hash=f14a04d8f6a75ffb479770fd8a1090855c6856e5)

I'd also like to extend my biggest and best congratulations to Battlecat and Yan077 for being inducted into the SC4D MD Hall of Fame! Can't wait to have you guys join us here, it couldn't have happened to two better people!

More from Marathon on the way!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: peter007 on February 10, 2011, 11:08:23 AM
Nice update
Keep it on , I sure like your work
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: rooker1 on February 10, 2011, 12:13:45 PM
 This look like an interesting Lot.  Is that a bus station on the back side? 
Some of these larger buildings you should get them on the LEX, hopefully you are modding with PIM-X and they are above stage 8. ;)  They would be very worth while.

Robin  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bat on February 11, 2011, 12:53:24 AM
Looks nice from what we can see...

Looking forward to more from that lot... ;)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon [02/18/11]: UPDATE LIV: A Not-So-Common...
Post by: thundercrack83 on February 18, 2011, 07:08:41 PM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies2.jpg&hash=caaacd21f4d241ef76081c80d2a7c8f16899680d)

Peter (peter007): Thanks!

Robin (rooker1): Hi, Robin! That is a bus station in the back...good eye! One of these days I'll get a lot or two LEX-ready! Thanks for stopping by!

bat: Thank you so much!






UPDATE LIV
A Not-So-Common, Uncommonly Commons
18 February 2011

It's our first official update here in Marathon for 2011! And what are we looking at today? This...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252054%2F54005.jpg&hash=4163b1148ffc0a47eaeeaefa588dd75cbb1640ea)

And with what shall this be filled, you ask? Well, these, of course...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252054%2F54001.jpg&hash=f6468628186de8542843e981f8ed8532b422379e)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252054%2F54002.jpg&hash=580450e6ee77a302345df8078e26036dd9a99ee5)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252054%2F54003.jpg&hash=e03fa6eb32e175843e671c0c6e0f59b087a1b017)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252054%2F54004.jpg&hash=b2d322d54a58977fb387b51740c8ab95e890005e)

We've got four lots that are going to make up the Towamensing Commons! So let's go back...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252054%2F54005.jpg&hash=4163b1148ffc0a47eaeeaefa588dd75cbb1640ea)

...and put the lots in place!


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252054%2F54006.jpg&hash=6491ea86a8d8b9ba0458b02271d3ae4026dec318)

1...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252054%2F54007.jpg&hash=57bc755b88232dc43035934375a2ca9a17ce8c72)

...and 2...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252054%2F54008.jpg&hash=2f184c95d040bee9d767f9793d21f57d6e6922b0)

...now three....


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252054%2F54009.jpg&hash=c75f64e83f1a9466acca146c48e3e9a66cb89499)

....and 4! Here we are with the foliage in bloom...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252054%2F54010.jpg&hash=c0469bcf55d1ebae80c3ea885518995dba366130)

And now, so exploratory photos for your viewing pleasure...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252054%2F54011.jpg&hash=fc0a49369056150fd94c6376044406b4ac3a5b66)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252054%2F54012.jpg&hash=457b6f1626bd823707a3650203600d191af2f5de)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252054%2F54013.jpg&hash=963299d228c9b87ba6f832fa44b0f285c856f319)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252054%2F54014.jpg&hash=f33fb739b0eca5b7e87e468a92a3838e6d458966)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252054%2F54015.jpg&hash=9a25c47e83b0184e158220aafd6358c5eb52d7e9)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252054%2F54016.jpg&hash=d9f4771fa6e1f39952d32543110fa9953ec0161a)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252054%2F54017.jpg&hash=dd5715f1b53e83e1843653d66865d6635a2b4700)

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I hope it didn't turn out too much like the National Mall in Washington, D.C. (despite using both the Washington Monument and Jefferson Memorial)!

Hope you enjoyed it!

More to come!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: travismking on February 18, 2011, 07:20:00 PM
thats absolutely beautiful mate, nice lotting :)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Battlecat on February 18, 2011, 09:33:13 PM
Superb lotting there!  With your choice of buildings it is reminiscent of the Washington Mall but I think you've done an excellent job of creating something appropriate for Marathon. 
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bat on February 19, 2011, 04:41:46 AM
Wonderful lotting there! It is looking beautiful! :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on February 19, 2011, 04:51:06 AM
Absolutely fantastic lotting work with the marathon mall my friend. Although, i'm not really fan of it I must say. I know you don't want it to looks like the National Mall in DC.. But I think, in my opinion, that your Marathon Mall is too stuck between the buildings. I think If you put two or four open grass/park tiles between the side buildings and the mall itself it would look better IMO. But anyway, it is already wonderful, and the work you've put in it is also colossal.

Take care,
-Arthur.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: io_bg on February 19, 2011, 05:32:18 AM
Great lotting! Marathon is looking superb as always :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: dedgren on February 19, 2011, 07:53:43 AM
More superb lotting, Dustin!  And your whole cityscape is so thoughtfully worked out- no duplicate growables, that sort of thing.

Always a pleasure to spend time at Marathon.


David
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: i_love_lamp on February 20, 2011, 09:00:25 AM
Oh my god I belive are the words I'm looking for.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: samerton on February 20, 2011, 11:10:26 AM
Amazing! That looks brilliant.  &apls
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: marsh on February 27, 2011, 12:13:18 PM
Very nice work! It looks great.  :)

,marsh
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: noahclem on February 27, 2011, 01:13:17 PM
Wow amazing lotting!!  &apls   I hope I eventually develop the talent (and time) to accomplish anything close to that!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: aragornjdl on February 27, 2011, 02:32:02 PM
Very nice! Unfortunately I don't usually have time to lot custom parks but this has proven the value of it! Btw, it doesn't look too much like DC. The mall in DC is usually not nearly that nice looking, with rich grass and blooming flowers and trees :-)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: canyonjumper on March 06, 2011, 01:24:04 PM
Absolutely amazing! Great LOTing Dustin! It looks excellent!

                      Your friend,
                                     Jordan :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on March 09, 2011, 01:38:10 PM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies2.jpg&hash=caaacd21f4d241ef76081c80d2a7c8f16899680d)

travismking: Thank you!

Battlecat: Hello! Thank you very much for your very kind words, my friend!

bat: Thanks so much!

Arthur (art128): Hi, Arthur! Thank you for those lovely tips and ideas! I think I'm going to have to try them out. Hope to see you again soon!

io_bg: Thank you!

David (dedgren): Hello, David! It's so wonderful to see you here in Marathon. Thank you, as always, for stopping by and for your support!

i_love_lamp: Ha-ha! Thank you!

samerton: Thanks!

marsh: Thanks for stopping by, my friend!

noahclem: Hi! Wow, thank you for the wonderful compliment, my friend. Good luck with your lotting endeavors!

aragornjdl: Hello, there! Thank you for your very kind words, and I hope to see you in Marathon again soon!

Jordan (canyonjumper): Thanks, Jordan!




So, I've encountered a problem...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F233.jpg&hash=65b656ae3093a62f059dceaf2de931787b28795b)

...no night lighting!

I don't know...Am I missing something? A dependency? A mod? Just overlooking something?

If anyone can help out, I'd be eternally grateful!

Thanks in advance!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: samerton on March 09, 2011, 01:49:30 PM
&mmm The only thing I can think of would be the official SC4 patch and the official update for BAT...
I'm not sure if you already have them, but I certainly hope that the problem will be fixed soon and that we can see more great updates from Marathon!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: cubby420 on March 09, 2011, 07:07:08 PM
In all likelihood samerton is right. All official sc4 patches and the bat night lighting patch will correct your problems. I got it here (http://simcity.ea.com/coolstuff/bat/index.php) I believe, though you need to be signed in (I think...its been a while since I downloaded this one)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on March 10, 2011, 04:58:11 PM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies2.jpg&hash=caaacd21f4d241ef76081c80d2a7c8f16899680d)

samerton: Hmmm...that might be the ticket! I'll check it out!

cubby420: Thank you for the link, my friend!




Well...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F234.jpg&hash=11b8872218f245c1b792dfbdaf66d9d3466d3e97)

...it worked!

Thank you so much, samerton and cubby420!

More to come!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: travismking on March 10, 2011, 04:59:27 PM
also, if you use a no-cd patch so you dont have to put the cd in everytime you start the game, night lights will not work. (I'm not condoning this, just stating that if its the case, that may be why)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: mave94 on March 11, 2011, 01:21:09 PM
Great work, Dustin!
It looks very nice with those nightlights ;D

-Matthijs
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Battlecat on March 13, 2011, 01:14:06 PM
Gorgeous!  Love the lights on that building!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: threestooges on March 13, 2011, 02:22:47 PM
Nice work on the Towamensing Commons, Dustin. The lots are very stately, and it's a nice mix of old and new pieces that put it together. The one thing I'm curious about is why the paths don't carry all the way across. The gap is the paths makes it feel like these were two parks that were eventually combined into one. What was the inspiration for the design?
-Matt
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bat on March 13, 2011, 02:27:43 PM
That is looking really good. :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: samerton on March 14, 2011, 09:11:45 AM
Wow.. that's a fantastic night shot! I'm glad to see the problem is fixed!  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: ricardomiranda on March 25, 2011, 08:08:22 PM
You have an amazing talent Dustin, congratulations! Beautiful Diario, had the pleasure of reading it all and really enjoyed it. Please update whenever possible!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: 2557+Cards on March 28, 2011, 06:03:50 PM
I am curious as to where I can find the parking garage in the center of the photo on reply #2708 on either the STEX or LEX.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on April 05, 2011, 07:34:45 AM
A nice tiny picture you made there Dustin ! Can't wait to see more !  &apls
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on April 14, 2011, 11:18:09 AM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies2.jpg&hash=caaacd21f4d241ef76081c80d2a7c8f16899680d)

travsimking: Thanks for the tip!

Matthijs (MrMAvE94): Thank you, Matthijs!

Battlecat: I know! They are outstanding! I'm so happy I was able to get them working finally!

Matt (threestooges): Hi, Matt! I'm glad that you like the Commons, my friend! As for the inspiration, I've always been a fan of the row of trees next to the street, and I was just looking for a different way to portray it...and that's what came out! Thanks for stopping by, you're support is always very much appreciated!

bat: Thanks!

samerton: Thank you, my friend!

ricardomiranda: Wow! Thank you so much for taking the time to read Marathon! I'm so happy that you're enjoying things! Hope to see you soon!

2557+Cards: Hi! That can be found here (http://www.simtropolis.com/forum/files/file/15455-ndex-parking-garages-by-dusktrooper). Enjoy!

Arthur (art128): Thank you, Arthur!




I've been playing around with some of the new (and unbelievably fantastic) Mayor Mode trees on the LEX by our great friend Girafe...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F235.jpg&hash=f179eaa7e76477f025c6425e329b3ba87603751e)

What can I add? Those trees speak volumes by themselves!

More to come!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: kelis on April 14, 2011, 11:43:45 AM
Stunning shot !!  &apls &apls
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Reikhardt on April 14, 2011, 12:15:57 PM
That is a great shot indeed! Great presentation of those trees!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: noahclem on April 14, 2011, 12:49:12 PM
The trees look great! I think I'll go play with them right now....  Nice nice shots as well!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: rooker1 on April 14, 2011, 02:35:19 PM
 &apls

Wow....just wow.

Robin  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Battlecat on April 14, 2011, 03:12:16 PM
Gorgeous!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: MandelSoft on April 14, 2011, 03:14:59 PM
You've just redefined the word awesome! That picture is just gorgeous

You should consider to put this Picture Competition (we are currently looking for a challenger for Kelis' picture  ;D ).
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: travismking on April 14, 2011, 05:29:52 PM
yes, I love these trees as well, and the fact they are seasonal makes them even better. Great work putting them into your city as well, that shot is really nice
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on April 14, 2011, 08:18:23 PM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies2.jpg&hash=caaacd21f4d241ef76081c80d2a7c8f16899680d)

kelis: Thank you so much!

Reikhardt: Thanks!

noahclem: Good luck with the trees, my friend!

Robin (rooker1): Wow, thanks so much, Robin!

Battlecat: Thank you!

Maarten (mrtnrln): Thank you for such kind words, Maarten!

travismking: Thank you so much!




More from the seasonal trees by Girafe...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F236.jpg&hash=58d940bb3afd38b7476005b24fbb79925d11007c)

...they are so fantastic!

Stay tuned!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: mave94 on April 14, 2011, 10:58:37 PM
Oh I love those trees of Girafe's!
You've made a very nice rural scene, but it seems like the train will hit some trees, especially because there is a tree on the track. How have you done that $%Grinno$%?
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: MandelSoft on April 15, 2011, 01:58:19 AM
Another nice picture, although you should clear the trees under the power line (one of my creations  ::) ). You don't want the wires to get stuck in the trees there?
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: rooker1 on April 15, 2011, 04:18:19 AM
The trees are great and you have truly done them justice.
&apls

Had to pop back in again and just sya that the power line finishes of the area perfectly.

Robin  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Nanami on April 15, 2011, 12:31:36 PM
Awesome pictures! I like those scenery! &apls
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Girafe on April 15, 2011, 01:13:16 PM
Amazing scenes, what a better add for these trees  &apls &apls &apls
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on April 15, 2011, 01:23:07 PM
Amazing two pictures on this page, Dustin !  &apls But you should follow Maarten's advices about the power line, also I hope that train got though the tree...  :)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bat on April 18, 2011, 01:46:16 AM
Great pictures of these trees there!
Looking forward to more...
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: samerton on April 18, 2011, 01:24:52 PM
Very nice picture!
Incredibly realistic!  &apls
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Morganite on April 22, 2011, 09:17:41 AM
Hi, I am new to joining this forum, but not new to the SC4 Mod Experience and love.
I am looking for a useful tutorial on how to mod parks and BATs as you have done. As you have done, especially in the Abitibi District.

Thank you, reading this MD for the past two days from "cover to cover" has been really interesting and useful,

Morgan
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: ricardomiranda on April 26, 2011, 07:52:22 AM
Dustin really beautiful photos! When you have time take a read in Red Sea in Section Newbies and leave your suggestions, will be an honor!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: canyonjumper on April 27, 2011, 08:34:44 PM
Excellent use of girafe's trees, I'm sure he's pleased ;D

         Your friend,
                         Jordan :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Exla357 on May 15, 2011, 11:42:34 AM
Hello there,

I am new to this MD but I am hooked already. That terraforming bit you did in the beginning was simply stunning, and those trees make the pics look surreal!
I will be checking back here often.

-Alex
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Ol.S / Benoit on May 15, 2011, 04:50:50 PM
Hi,

I love the way you show us your work, and what an amazing work, i'm a fan !  &apls
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: vinlabsc3k on August 26, 2011, 05:52:32 AM
Great job thundercrak83 &apls , I love your mastery and patience in LE!! :-\
I hope that you continue this marvellous MD!! &hlp

257 to 3000 post
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on December 05, 2011, 11:08:08 PM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies2.jpg&hash=caaacd21f4d241ef76081c80d2a7c8f16899680d)

Well...it has been quite some time for Marathon, hasn't it!? I've become very busy lately with my work, unfortunately, but I'm hoping to make some more time for things around here...hoping...

In the meantime, though, I was just doing some doodling earlier...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F237.jpg&hash=745ae322f77a4278a789fe6c01499035fc852df6)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F238.jpg&hash=fa42ac5e2d3d85b8e748479836dd3e7ce135f51e)

I'd like to get the LE fired up, too, and see what kind of trouble I can get into there...so we'll have to wait and see.

Hope all of my friends here are doing well!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on December 05, 2011, 11:21:29 PM
Woke up in the morning for a very long boring day.... See marathon updated, fall on the floor crying.

Two very nice pictures, Dustin! Seems like a nice area with beautiful buildings. One thing though, the trains are quite long for the platforms... :D

Edit, to answer Robin and Pat, the picture is mirrored. I can tell that firstly by the cars, but mainly by the shadows that are not aiming the right of the picture.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Swordmaster on December 06, 2011, 04:08:53 AM
I didn't realize they switched to left-hand driving over in Marathon.  ;D

I'm not sure - this my first post here? If it is, sorry for taking so long - I've been on and off reading through the thread over the past months. Yours is a splendid MD.

Cheers,
Willy
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: rooker1 on December 06, 2011, 04:14:21 AM
 I have to agree with Arthur......I was prepared for a long and slightly boring day as well and here youare with a new update to brightin everyone's day. ;)
I too have always enjoyed your updates, I just sometimes wish that you would show higher zooms to get a better feel for your city.  BTW, great use of Matt's train station....Mattb325 Sunken Railway Station (http://sc4devotion.com/?loyGET=2702).  I have been trying to find/make the perfect place for this station since it's inception.
Good catch Swordmaster, I was just going to mention that as well.  The first pic is right handed and the second is left, it must depend where in the city you are driving. $%Grinno$% Either that or Dustin has flipped the pic. ;)

Great to see you around and I hope to see you and more updates in the near future.

Robin  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: noahclem on December 06, 2011, 05:41:14 AM
Great pictures Dustin, perfect selection of bats and great night shots. I love the way Mattb325's sunken railway station fits in too   &apls

I hope you find time to show us more soon  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Yan077 on December 06, 2011, 06:43:26 AM
What a come back !
Glad to see you around Dustin, the second picture is just excellent !  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Pat on December 06, 2011, 07:32:38 PM
Dustin looking good there and I agree left hand driving in Marathon? This is gonna be good to see, cant wait to see more!!!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: threestooges on December 06, 2011, 11:06:16 PM
Great to see some new stuff around here Dustin. I particularly like the rail station there, though the platform does seem just a bit short for the length of the trains. In the first pic though, what happens to the rail lines on the left side of the picture? They just seem to disappear at the tile edge. Fancy tunnel entrance? Looking forward to seeing what you cook up with the LE.
-Matt
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Sciurus on December 07, 2011, 05:53:35 AM
Nice pic for a nice coming back! :thumbsup:

Guillaume :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Battlecat on December 07, 2011, 08:39:04 AM
Great to see you're still keeping your hands in.  A lovely update as always!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: rooker1 on December 31, 2011, 06:37:47 AM
Happy New Year my friend.  I wish you and yours all the best in the coming year.
I do have one wish of my own and that is we may get a few more updates and see you more often in the coming year.

Robin :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bat on January 04, 2012, 02:52:25 PM
It's great to see you back here.
And two nice images... Looking forward to more in this year...
Happy New Year. :)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on January 05, 2012, 11:28:31 PM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies2.jpg&hash=caaacd21f4d241ef76081c80d2a7c8f16899680d)

Thank you all for the warm welcomes back and the New Year's pleasantries! I hope everyone's holidays were as fun as mine (I worked both Christmas and New Year's Day)!

I've been doing some streamlining and tweaking with my laptop, so I haven't been in the game as much in the past week or so, but in my boredom, I present...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F239.jpg&hash=fa95c1f45cf063c81b5a1cb62c39da59ad1d4858) (http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o134/thundercrack83/MARATHON/Monopoly.jpg)

It took a bit of time, but I'm happy with the results. Hope you're happy with it, too...if you're into this sort of thing, of course!

More to come!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: rooker1 on January 06, 2012, 03:36:17 AM
lol
Good one, I like that.  When does the first game start.

Robin
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bat on January 06, 2012, 03:38:33 AM
Nice work on that Monopoly version... :thumbsup:
But looking forward to more pictures... ;)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on January 06, 2012, 06:45:34 AM
What a surprise! ;D
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on January 10, 2012, 08:48:05 AM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies2.jpg&hash=caaacd21f4d241ef76081c80d2a7c8f16899680d)

Still doing some tinkering in Photoshop...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F240t.jpg&hash=10a45b7b89b67f183c6095e500b9e67dcb932ed3) (http://imagizer.imageshack.us/a/img673/5766/PCSnim.jpg)

I have a route in my where I'd like to go...going to try to get some real game-playing done very soon!

Stay tuned!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: MTT9 on January 10, 2012, 05:35:31 PM
Brilliant as always Dustin!!! I'll can't wait to see whats next for Marathon
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: dedgren on January 10, 2012, 06:09:44 PM
That map will likely retire the category for regional maps this year, my great friend.


David
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: noahclem on January 10, 2012, 07:39:23 PM
Great to see more! Your boredom does not go unenjoyed  :D
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on January 10, 2012, 10:32:19 PM
Yet antother excellent job using Photoshop, Dustin! This map surely looks great. I also enjoyed reading the names of the areas, some of them sounded funny! ( like Passamaquaoddy, Lac Octoraro instead of Ontario! :D ( I think ) )
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: RickD on January 11, 2012, 12:39:13 AM
Excellent map.  &apls
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bat on January 15, 2012, 10:29:23 AM
That's a great map!
Looking forward to more...
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Battlecat on January 16, 2012, 09:23:50 AM
That is a gorgeous regional map! 
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on January 17, 2012, 10:58:05 PM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FBanner3.jpg&hash=e397e64980a7efbdf4fbd66a3f59f6aceeef4e81)

Marathon's graphics have gotten a bit of an upgrade for 2012! Simple stuff, I know, but nothing's hurt by a new coat of paint, eh!?

Also, just a bit of tooling around...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F241.jpg&hash=bbdbcc1c57a9b4dfc4a91cc66711005fbb832951)

...More simple stuff, but I'm easing my way back into things.

I've got some other stuff brewing right now, too. With any luck, some of it will come to light by the end of the week.

More from Marathon to come!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: dedgren on January 17, 2012, 11:02:05 PM
Great new graphics, Dustin, and I really like the effect you've applied to the teaser pic.  I should know what filter it is, but for the life of me I can't put my finger on it.


David
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: threestooges on January 17, 2012, 11:20:20 PM
It almost looks like a few quick passes with a large sharpening brush. Nice work on it Dustin. Only thought I have would be the frequency of the bridges. Given their price in real life I would think they would be reserved for the major streets with a few dead ends. However, what's the fun of a game if you can't build to suit your tastes? I think they look a bit tight together like that, but it gives a neat effect too. Looking forward to seeing what it looks like at a distance too.
-Matt
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Yan077 on January 18, 2012, 02:15:59 AM
Excellent picture Dustin, I like the traffic jam  &apls
Looking formwaed to more  ;)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: noahclem on January 18, 2012, 03:29:05 AM
Great picture Dustin  &apls  Perhaps such frequent bridges aren't realistic but it's very pleasing visually  :)  I'd love to see the same picture with RHW instead of the Maxis highways though....
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: rooker1 on January 18, 2012, 04:08:02 AM
Quote from: dedgren on January 17, 2012, 11:02:05 PM
Great new graphics, Dustin, and I really like the effect you've applied to the teaser pic.  I should know what filter it is, but for the life of me I can't put my finger on it.
David

Nor can I David.  But I am wondering if it is the Marathon logo that got a face lift. ()stsfd()

Quote from: noahclem on January 18, 2012, 03:29:05 AM
I'd love to see the same picture with RHW instead of the Maxis highways though....
Now there is an idea....I'd love to see that, but Dustin has never done a RHW before.  Let's all peer pressure him. :P

Nice pic Dustin.  I wish there were fewer bridges nd your blocks could be a little bigger.....IMHO.  Other than that, awesome choice of buildings and I can never get enough of buddybud's highway walls.

Robin :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Battlecat on January 18, 2012, 08:19:37 AM
Beautiful!  I love sunken highways!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: sim_link on January 18, 2012, 03:47:47 PM
Great teaser, love the sunken highway and buildings around it. Nothing like a new coat of paint, either.  :)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Schulmanator on January 21, 2012, 06:11:10 AM
Looking good! And you map is very professional looking.  :satisfied:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bat on January 21, 2012, 07:05:51 AM
Nice new graphics and nice new image!
Looking forward to more...
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Aaron Graham on January 21, 2012, 01:42:58 PM
Lovely work here, I like the neighborhood.  &apls
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Ryan B. on January 21, 2012, 03:20:04 PM
That map is awesome, Dustin . . . I haven't heard a certain county name since the last time I watched Pete's Dragon as a kid.

Oh, and a question regarding Acadie-Bathurst . . . the region in Quebec does have a QMJHL (Canadian major junior) hockey team known as the Titan . . . might we see such a minor league barn out that way for a team of the same name?  :P

Hope you are well, and keep up the good work!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon [02/05/12]: UPDATE LV: 352¼!? (Or, Introducing...
Post by: thundercrack83 on February 04, 2012, 09:38:25 PM


UPDATE LV
352¼!? (Or, Introducing Telegraph Park)
5 February 2012

It's almost been a year—352¼ days approximately—since the last "According to Hoyle" update here in Marathon. Boy, I remember when I used to have to wait on them, just to space them out so I didn't lose anything! How the times have changed.

Anyway, we can wax nostalgic later. Lets go...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252055%2F55001.jpg&hash=e1f6a7dbc6c8135a5a6fb2cbd57c165ce379e3cb)

...here, to Tile C. See that empty spot? We're going to fill it, I s'pose. With...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252055%2F55002.jpg&hash=5c0c234fac34b202f74a90fd4551f51888e529cf)


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252055%2F55003.jpg&hash=dd286746a49a25ddb8f5efda19930b6cce5ca411)


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252055%2F55004.jpg&hash=ac35794a55989ad120b40613d27f3bbe0f4b8898)


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252055%2F55005.jpg&hash=f4e62fba2cbd1365119aed7eb092689ae93a660d)


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252055%2F55006.jpg&hash=6df0389f48674fd10e4fa9186edb629f31d83dd8)


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252055%2F55007.jpg&hash=875277c98a6df8c4a009d455bb07d40b0fced06d)


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252055%2F55008.jpg&hash=d3030ddd5efa82f89feea551cc5fc2f97ed0fc92)

...these!

Let's go back for a second...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252055%2F55001.jpg&hash=e1f6a7dbc6c8135a5a6fb2cbd57c165ce379e3cb)

...to these lots' new homes, and start plopping them down...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252055%2F55009.jpg&hash=7b8d7ca9a9e92400580ee2aa8169ab947d54f467)


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252055%2F55010.jpg&hash=52a6432f677631afeeb80c48fc37c855ff19be27)


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252055%2F55011.jpg&hash=c61465da6081f0d13e1005fd69cd7e0dc5efa96b)


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252055%2F55012.jpg&hash=1880a3c73de6aa768de3700a25f6fe341eeb9f5c)


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252055%2F55013.jpg&hash=74376165209fbbfae141b6f30d837148a378c2a1)


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252055%2F55014.jpg&hash=6ce9371d7954280e0f7b36c32e6e54dd9bd7ac57)


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252055%2F55015.jpg&hash=d6480b76004872cb40895eb6d91f2c8aef06e9ac)

And for a closer look at some places...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252055%2F55016.jpg&hash=e0169e0466d089221e2afa3ca018dc79458c5430)


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252055%2F55017.jpg&hash=58f6dbed9b3b95bffc00de9ddeecfd5362eb1fa1)


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252055%2F55018.jpg&hash=387356b515beac372f018db9ea852cf1c3b7938a)


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252055%2F55019.jpg&hash=2a8917a7efd0167c7020d38c0ca78efe79026cf3)

Finally, a night shot...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FUpdate%252055%2F55020.jpg&hash=2ba887ffd8d1ca584233b5e4fce35216b1a6a65f)

...because the lighting on the Allianz Arena is outstanding!

I have more planned for places around this area, henceforth known as Telegraph Park, so keep your eyes peeled!

More from Marathon!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: dedgren on February 04, 2012, 10:03:22 PM
Oh man!

...I'm gonna go enjoy this and come back...

That's a gorgeous update, and a worthy return.  You've take some really exotic stuff, my friend, and made it work, no... sing together.  I can picture myself standing outside the arena.  That's pretty amazing.

What's next, Dustin?


David
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Battlecat on February 04, 2012, 10:48:17 PM
That is a stunning update!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: nbvc on February 04, 2012, 11:53:51 PM
Great work. It is always fascinating how all details your Lots fit together. &apls
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on February 05, 2012, 02:06:03 AM
Excellent update, Dustin!

I really liked this part of Telegraph park. wonderful work with each of these lots, they blend really well to each other.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: JoeST on February 05, 2012, 02:17:48 AM
sweeeeeet you certainly are a master of custom-lot-ploppery :D *avidly waits for the next update* :p
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: apeguy on February 05, 2012, 06:14:24 AM
Been lurking here for a while, and I'm very impressed by what I've seen lately. ;D ;D The stadium and its surroundings fit perfectly together, your lotting work is incredible. :o :o

Also, I was wondering - where did you get that wedge-shaped building? I've never, ever seen it before, and I'd very much like to get hold of it. :)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: RickD on February 06, 2012, 04:23:23 AM
Now this is awesome.  &apls Too bad, there are no real reflections in SC4. Wouldn't it be great if the Allianz Arena's nightlighting would actually reflect in the shiny office towers?
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Sciurus on February 06, 2012, 05:01:49 AM
Amazing and wonderful!!  &apls &apls


Guillaume :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: noahclem on February 06, 2012, 05:18:35 AM
Stunning!  :o  The way that neighborhood flows together seems so realistic and beautiful. Excellent job on the custom lots and composition.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: rooker1 on February 06, 2012, 08:50:54 AM
Hey Dustin.
I love it when you show all the LOTs that you made and than plop them in place.  Great choice of BATs and great LOTting.  And great idea over hanging those escalators that go below ground, it helps break up the grid lines.  You should remember that trick more often than not.

Robin &apls
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Grneyes on February 06, 2012, 11:15:03 AM
Is that circular road thing an underground parking lot? Is that on the LEX somewhere?
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on February 06, 2012, 12:28:00 PM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FAcknowledgements.jpg&hash=c2826c20161c7f14016c810e757d4f6b79ba6822)

David (dedgren): That's how I feel every time I stop over to 3RR, my friend! Thank you so much!

Battlecat: Thank you!

Arthur (art128): Merci beaucoup, Arthur!

Joe (JoeST): Ha! Thanks, Joe!

apeguy: Welcome to Marathon, my friend! That building is 122 Leadenhall Street (http://www.simtropolis.com/forum/files/file/16008-122-leadenhall-street/) by warpedone, and can be found on the STEX.

Rick (RickD): Wow! Thanks! It would be great if the reflections were real! There'd be a lot of light flashing all over the place! Hope to see you again soon!

Guillaume (Sciurus): Thank you, mon ami!

noahclem: Thank you so much for your kind words!

Robin (rooker1): Hello, Robin! Like I said to David, thank you so very much for your years of support, my friend. Without you, there would be no Marathon...literally! Your advice and critiques always make me ponder and tiptoe outside the box!

Grneyes: I looked all over the place, and I cannot seem to find out where I got that, my friend. I will keep searching, though, and let you know what I come up with. Thank you so much for stopping by, and I wish I had an answer for you! Sorry!




Sometimes, even something a seemingly monotonous as building a wall, one road tile at a time, can be relaxing...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F242.jpg&hash=853d5effa00c7979530629794345d663c21ba5b4)

Just building a wall and listening to the Soundtrack from Final Fantasy VI (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Music_of_Final_Fantasy_VI); it's almost therapeutic!

More to come!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Lowkee33 on February 06, 2012, 01:29:33 PM
Hi,

Just stopping in to soak up some pictures :).  Do you know that your terrain is very tiled?
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on February 19, 2012, 07:48:09 PM
I saw these on the STEX (http://www.simtropolis.com/forum/files/file/27291-ms-parking-lots-road-set-car-props/) this afternoon...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F243.jpg&hash=5d3d0a24a036c9308ca8c61e55da2b2ac690c572)

I'll be doing so restructuring around Marathon now, I know that much!

Stay tuned!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: rooker1 on February 20, 2012, 05:37:56 AM
Always nice to see you stop by, especially with your new findings.  Is the other end of that TE'd?  I think I may have to check out that DL for myself, does look very, very interesting.

Robin &apls
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on February 20, 2012, 05:56:42 AM
Ah, i'm not a fan of these parkings personally, I don't like them because they don't blend very well with the transit enabled lot.

But it's a nice picture anyway. ;)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Swordmaster on February 20, 2012, 02:05:07 PM
Good to see this great city still alive and kicking, Dustin. Great glass buildings there.

Cheers,
Willy
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Sciurus on February 23, 2012, 06:59:08 AM
That's great! &apls  Oh... but I downloaded it too! :D
Always a pleasure to see that you write some words in french ;)
Guillaume &apls
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Speedbump Joey on April 21, 2012, 07:54:58 PM
Hello,

Long time lurker. One of the first MD's I first viewed was your project, The Commonwealth of Marathon. My my what a wonderful lurk it has been!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on May 14, 2012, 07:28:04 PM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FAcknowledgements.jpg&hash=c2826c20161c7f14016c810e757d4f6b79ba6822)

Hello, friends.

I'd just like to stop in and say that life has been quite the buzzsaw, lately. I've been working almost non-stop, only having three days off since February 10. Needless to say, Marathon has only been in my thoughts lately, not in the game or here at SC4D, unfortunately. I am never short of ideas or inspiration, but always short on time!

So, I just wanted to let all of you here know that, while I may not always be around, I'm always thinking about you guys here, and will keep things rolling here as much as life allows! In the meantime, here's...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F244.jpg&hash=c4839ceb59ef788c10737c56b9c6e7aa8f02a949)

...a little neighborhood shot that popped up on my hard drive.

I hope all of you are doing well; please stop in and let me know how you are doing!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on May 18, 2012, 08:42:37 AM
Oh! Great to see an update here!
Hope you'll find time sooner or later for Simcity. Also, I hope your work doesn't treat you badly.

The picture you've shown us is great, Dustin! Both the Library and the small office building fits greatly in this neighbourhood which is in fact very nice.

Take care!

-Arthur
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Tokugawa on May 18, 2012, 09:20:16 AM
Oh wow, that looks niiice  &apls
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: vinlabsc3k on May 18, 2012, 11:13:18 AM

It's fantastic Dustin! &apls &apls &apls
I'm happy that you take still care of your MD :thumbsup: and don't worry, we will await your updates with trepidation. &hlp
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: apeguy on May 19, 2012, 07:42:26 AM
That's a very nice neighborhood you have there, and a perfect selection of buildings. :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: noahclem on May 19, 2012, 08:32:04 AM
Lovely little neighborhood  &apls  Best of luck with work and life and I hope you're able to find a bit more time to yourself soon  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: kelis on May 19, 2012, 09:49:05 AM
Beautiful scene !! I like so much this American style with all those houses, Great job  &apls
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: sim_link on May 19, 2012, 07:48:37 PM
Nice picture you have there, everything fits together nicely!  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on August 22, 2012, 08:28:04 PM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FAcknowledgements.jpg&hash=c2826c20161c7f14016c810e757d4f6b79ba6822)

Hello, all!

Well, I think I may have stumbled onto what was supposed to be an update of some sorts, but...I don't remember what the theme was supposed to be! Perhaps it was a follow-up to our most recent (if you can use that word) update, UPDATE LV: 352¼!? (Or, Introducing Telegraph Park) (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6190.msg412980#msg412980), but I really cannot remember, unfortunately.

But, theme or update or what have you, I'll share them nonetheless! Here's more of the area in and surrounding Telegraph Park—


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F245.jpg&hash=843b69a6752db01449608f6b41ace24583f38c1e)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F246.jpg&hash=8fab9b21a1e7fc6462763b155cc46b11958ee0c4)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F247.jpg&hash=fbeb71877a9455697917249fe03bb8f11af64163)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F248.jpg&hash=4c7e882715af78e6bb3bb6523cb128558e077908)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F249.jpg&hash=c96d6382c784da2d0380a3ffe590dc5d7cc00e70)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F250.jpg&hash=66122c63d9b8b297f52fc5ed9fa31517e0b88b07)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F251.jpg&hash=bc3d9e0a0e3e71c334879abdd0f418ca7caec192)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F252.jpg&hash=80ee0d1fde10dde10b19678a3eadb019321247e0)

I'll refrain from any more empty promises of "more to come," or "things on the horizon"—for now, I'll just say that I miss you all very much and I hope you enjoy!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: nbvc on August 22, 2012, 09:13:12 PM
Fantastic update. &apls
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: threestooges on August 22, 2012, 11:37:22 PM
Time between updates doesn't seem to have dulled your skill, or my enjoyment of what I'm seeing. Good to see you around more Dustin, and nice update.
-Matt
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: noahclem on August 23, 2012, 04:15:55 AM
Fantastic work again  &apls  The way you lot and create these great plazas and city spaces is really an inspiration. It'd be great to see a little RHW in the area....

Looking forward to more  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on August 23, 2012, 04:22:50 AM
Nice to see an update here, in one of my favorite MD, Dustin!

Very nice pictures of that area around telegraph park. All the buildings you choose fit well together, and you did a good job with the plazas.

Looking forward to more, no matter how long it will take. ;)

-Arthur
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: rooker1 on August 23, 2012, 05:07:21 AM
The update, no matter the theme, was great!  It's always nice to hear from you and see what you are up to.
Don't forget to rotate your trees when making your LOTs. ;)
Hope to see more from you real soon.
Robin :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Swordmaster on August 23, 2012, 05:51:03 AM
Great to see any kind of update here - they're always of the best quality.

That monorail station sits perfectly right next to the midrise.

Cheers
Willy
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Terring7 on August 30, 2012, 11:05:15 AM
Looks like a historic city goes futuristic ;)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: MTT9 on September 01, 2012, 05:05:26 PM
Yay!!! An update of some sort!!!  :D
I love how Telegraph Park looks and the contrast between the new york or chicago building on the back and new the modern highrises near the stadium. And the highways and avenues look great too. Just a perfect mixture  :)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: benedict on September 02, 2012, 12:42:21 PM
The modern cube-shaped building with the round windows is stunning (and looks perfect in your setting). Is it a bat based on a real-world building?
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: vinlabsc3k on September 04, 2012, 10:39:42 AM

That's a fantastic update thundercrack83!! :thumbsup: Your mastery of lotting dazzles my eyes!! :o

Where did u find the building on the left of the stadium?
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: M4346 on January 16, 2013, 10:17:33 AM
QuoteWarning: this topic has not been posted in for at least 90 days.
Unless you're sure you want to reply, please consider starting a new topic.

Yes, yes, yes! I know.

But I am sure I want to reply, in part because I just spent the better part of two days going through all 141 pages of this spectacular, award-winning Mayor's Diary, but also because I wanted to - yet again - convey what an inspiration its pages and pages of content, tips, tricks, tutorials and showcases have been, and continue to be.

Please don't forget about us, your fans, or the people of Marathon  ;D

I hope all is well old friend!  :)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: rooker1 on June 09, 2013, 02:22:04 PM
It's great to hear from you Dustin. I hope all is well...enough. Life can be tough and it should always come first. If you decide to come back, I'm sure most of your old supporters are still around and would love to see some new work from you. Remember you can always find me online if you ever need to chat.

Take care my friend and I hope we hear from you again real soon.
Robin
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Swordmaster on June 09, 2013, 02:25:46 PM
Dustin, I'm probably one of those names you don't really know, but this one knows you ;)  Hearing from you is great. There's no reason you need to apologize for anything at all - Marathon remains a wonderful MD even in its slumbering state. Of course it's easy to assume that you, having shared so many amazing things with us in the past, should continue doing so in perpetuity, but as you've said there's this thing called life. I hope it's treating you reasonably well, and if not, will start doing so in short order. We'll all be here when you return. Until then!


Cheers
Willy
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: MandelSoft on June 09, 2013, 02:26:49 PM
No hard feeling, Dustin, it can happen to the best of us ;)  At least you stopped by here and let you hear from yourself that you are still there. We'll always be there if you need us. We'll invite you with open arms ;)

Best,
Maarten
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on June 09, 2013, 02:33:22 PM
Hi Dustin
I've never been great with long words etc, so I'll make it short...

Hope all will be doing well soon for you, man!


-Arthur
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: vinlabsc3k on June 10, 2013, 02:35:33 AM

Glad to read you again Dustin, I hope that's all well. :thumbsup:
Life can be unfair to us, but, with the support of the people you know, you can recover yourself.
You will always welcomed here between us!! &apls
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on July 13, 2014, 07:48:58 AM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FAcknowledgements.jpg&hash=c2826c20161c7f14016c810e757d4f6b79ba6822)

Still kicking...

Another year has passed in Marathon, but I was looking at the map earlier, and it made me want to stop by for a quick second...Remember this?


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FRandom%2F253t.jpg&hash=9d86f2cfefbb4a3cd4067614ff5b7b4f952a76b6) (http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o134/thundercrack83/MARATHON/Random/253.jpg)

Miss you all! Hope everyone is doing OK!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on July 13, 2014, 08:06:56 AM
Hi Dustin,

Nice yo see you're still playing the game from time to time.
Of course I remember this. How could we forget about your fantastic mapping style? ;)

Hope you're doing well!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: benedict on July 23, 2014, 11:05:40 AM
Great to see you back with an MD update.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on November 05, 2017, 03:08:19 PM


UPDATE LVI
First of the Ninth
8 November 2017

Nine years ago, on this very day (at this very minute, actually!), the Commonwealth of Marathon began. Like a supernova, she exploded and faded into the darkness. It's been 3287 days since then, but it's also 2130 days since the last update; 1231 since the last post here at all. Nine years is a long time...

I won't bore you with comings and goings of my life in the past 1231 days since we last had action here in Marathon, but I've been tinkering here and there quite regularly and thought I would use this anniversary as a chance to share with you some of the comings and goings in Marathon...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimageshack.com%2Fa%2Fimg924%2F8103%2FAIpwsI.jpg&hash=e1b3cee6267b581994a81d1f47d9aaf999d872e3)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimageshack.com%2Fa%2Fimg923%2F7564%2FRm9Fng.jpg&hash=5b3b210b57d4d2fa1a6fb403ddab270490e01dc1)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimageshack.com%2Fa%2Fimg924%2F3000%2FqVAL2e.jpg&hash=24faa15c62dc6214138e5333a01adc07f022100f)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimageshack.com%2Fa%2Fimg924%2F4009%2FuhXWY2.jpg&hash=48e2ae54e8d3d6abb230b4152547e8defeb35556)

I hope to return with more for everyone, and I hope that everyone is doing well!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on November 05, 2017, 03:48:46 PM
I actually had to check twice my eyes because i couldn't believe what i saw. AN UPDATE IN MARATHON? WOW.

It's a pleasure to see you are still doing some things here and there, Dustin. Looking forward for more.... :)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bladeberkman on November 05, 2017, 09:03:47 PM
You're back! Your MD was/is a huge source of inspiration for me! And most of your pictures are still around, thankfully. Can't wait to see what you have in store for us.  :bnn:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Tarkus on November 06, 2017, 02:26:43 AM
Dustin, welcome back--it's a pleasant and awesome surprise to see you back here with a Marathon update.  The images here are quite impressive, too--the lotting on that molecule-like structure is spectacular, and definitely looks like something I could see a city doing as part of their waterfront.

-Alex
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: noahclem on November 06, 2017, 04:12:46 AM
Wow, what an awesome birthday surprise  :bnn:  I was just saying to Alex the other day that usually we end up with some great surprise for the birthday month and Christmas season and you definitely proved me right! Amazing work there with your city--I'm definitely thinking of working with those canals now after seeing your work and immediately went searching for those yellow-sided, green-roofed buildings (found them). Rail station is another highlight. Really hope there's more in store as even though I feel like I've been around for a long time I've never been active while you were. Just great stuff  :thumbsup:

EDIT: 3 active HoF MDs?! Can't remember the last time that was the case....
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: 911Diva on November 06, 2017, 05:48:40 AM
Welcome back!!!  Your Marathon is wonderful!   &apls &apls
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: JoeST on November 06, 2017, 01:06:29 PM
Nine years?!!?!  it's wild to consider how long these awesome stories and worlds have been going... NINE YEARS :o
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: metarvo on November 06, 2017, 03:53:05 PM
Welcome back, Dustin! When I saw the name "Marathon" appear in the recent posts, I had to jog my memory a little because the name sounded familiar, and the best way to do so was to come in here and check it out!  :D

The underwater "tunnels" produce an interesting twist on the typical bridge concept (tunnels, plural, because I see more than one).  Lots that include people are always a nice touch, too; it makes the cityscape seem that much more alive.  I'm looking forward to more.  Our MD section is springing to life these past two weeks.

&apls
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Swordmaster on November 07, 2017, 06:04:07 AM
Lovely to see you back Dustin!! Great views there.

Cheers
Willy
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: siemanthepieman on November 24, 2017, 01:36:28 AM
Dustin, it's taken me a while to comment because, having not been around when your MD was more active, I had 142 pages of great updates and comments to read. But I've made it through, inspired to jump into the LE more often myself (I've always wondered how all the most amazing cities in all my favourite MD's are created and thanks to your insightful MD I have a little bit of an idea - lots and lots of custom lots! Your menus must be nightmare to navigate) and keen to see what the next 9 years holds for Marathon (can this game even last that long - probably, at least as long as our outdated PC's keep running to allow us to play it).
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: brick_mortimer on November 24, 2017, 08:23:30 AM
D*mn, I missed the return of Marathon.
Stupid IT security blocking SC4D at work :angrymore:

Beautiful waterfront, I find your use of FLUPS inspiring :thumbsup:

Quote from: Tarkus on November 06, 2017, 02:26:43 AM
...that molecule-like structure is spectacular, and definitely looks like something I could see a city doing as part of their waterfront...
That molecule like structure is in fact the unit cell of an iron crystal with its atoms, but enlarged several billion times.
It's called the Atomium and dates from the 1958 Brussels World Fair (smack in the middle of the "Atom Age") and is a vision of the bright future after WWII (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atomium (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atomium)).

Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: kelis on November 25, 2017, 01:44:11 AM
Lovely city, I like the small tunnel and the CBD !! Great job  &apls &apls
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on November 26, 2017, 08:38:15 PM


UPDATE LVII
The Diving Bell and the Butterfly
26 November 2017

Back at it quickly here on Sunday evening. Just a small showing of the area around Papillon Quay, and Le Palais des Papillons...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimageshack.com%2Fa%2Fimg924%2F7281%2FP78dvo.jpg&hash=29277fb397caa71a81a4f412ff14b4dfc734bd5b)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimageshack.com%2Fa%2Fimg924%2F9287%2FYtp7Ls.jpg&hash=d9b24ba3753cb7bc8be9722931691e35974f1180)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimageshack.com%2Fa%2Fimg922%2F2750%2FAPuCCe.jpg&hash=adea2d201e5d4d59756adb66429d2783af412076)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimageshack.com%2Fa%2Fimg924%2F9222%2FaXdBCZ.jpg&hash=771de2e99d6589a72cb77ba5f349a52a1ea26eb0)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimageshack.com%2Fa%2Fimg924%2F9356%2FKCyiBX.jpg&hash=ca5ce28637dad13e0fcdb7eba89444e178cddc41)

More to come...I hope!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Nanami on November 27, 2017, 05:20:45 AM
Wow this became unseen to me for some reason. but Its glad to see older MD here.. Great return here.. hope to see more!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on December 27, 2017, 07:48:19 PM
I was playing around a bit with the actual "region" of the Commonwealth of Marathon for the last bit, and some changes emerged...

From 2014—


(https://imageshack.com/a/img922/5325/YYeflZ.jpg)

This region was 9x9 large tiles, with the Island of Marathon and adjacent western coastline in medium tiles, to the tune of 4x6.

Now, almost in time for 2018—


(https://imageshack.com/i/pnNEXyYVj)

The region has significantly expanded to the west-southwest. The northeastern part of has remained relatively untouched, but I decided to make things larger to add some elevation changes that I always felt that Marathon's region lacked.

I'm working on a new regional map with first-level administrative divisions now, hopefully, it will be done soon!

Enjoy!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on December 28, 2017, 12:32:50 AM
That's a very nice looking expansion of the region! Which tools did you use to make it? Specially the mountains, they're very well made.

Would be nice to see some reworked transports infrastructures in marathon, like using the RHW and RRW too. :)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: feyss on December 28, 2017, 07:09:47 AM
I would need more than a life to fill all that map  :D

I like it, it looks quite realistic  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Seaman on December 28, 2017, 11:17:10 AM
Quote from: feyss on December 28, 2017, 07:09:47 AM
I would need more than a life to fill all that map  :D

It's something I would plan for when I retire...

anyway, the mountains look great! I wonder how the Marathonians connect their highway system to the continent? An alpine pass perhaps? Or a bold tunnel?
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: kbieniu7 on December 28, 2017, 01:14:29 PM
Hi Dustin! I missed your first comeback post, but I'm really happy to discover that you decided to post there anew  :thumbsup:

Regarding updates: region expansion... well, I repeat feyss and Seaman, seems for me like one would need to spend their entire life to fulfill it with such roads, buildings and stuff. Anyway, I'm waiting to see your developements there. More downtowns and suburbs? Or maybe more of such miracles like "countryside versions" of butterfly palaces? ;)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on December 30, 2017, 10:38:43 AM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies2.jpg&hash=caaacd21f4d241ef76081c80d2a7c8f16899680d)

Arthur (art128): Thanks! I downloaded a few different regions and then just roughly arranged them in the game how I wanted them, then used the Terraformer to get everything uniform. It took some time, but I think I got something that I'm happy with! The transportation networks will definitely be one of the top priorities—but first I have to learn how to use the RHW/RRW properly! It's a little overwhelming for me, to be honest! But, I'll get there!

feyss: Thank you! It will definitely take a lot of time to fill up, but at least it keeps me busy! Hope to see you again soon!

Seaman: I'm still trying to work out how the highways will connect and where! Just another one of the fun challenges the game presents!

kbieniu7: I'm sure that I can get some more butterfly palaces in there throughout, there's more than enough room! I have some ideas for expansion in my head—more downtowns, suburbs, farmlands. We'll see where things take us!




Well, just when I thought that I was happy with the new region map, an accidental bump of the counter-clockwise button later, and I had an epiphany...


(https://imageshack.com/i/pmDlPDTOj)

It was a little confusing at first, because I was so used to the original orientation, but now, I like it! Of course, it's merely cosmetic. Redoing the entire region so it matches in the game is a project that does not sound like much fun to me at all! Then again, stranger things have happened!

More on this to come!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on February 24, 2018, 09:28:16 AM
So, I have been trying my best to acquaint myself with the intricacies of the RHW...


(https://imageshack.com/a/img922/6926/uiQapb.jpg)

I have to say, it is much more daunting and intimidating than I had originally thought! Just that simple little interchange I made above took me about 40 minutes to make!

I'm not even sure what a lot of the pieces are, let alone how they fit together, so it is going to be a looooong journey and a steep learning curve, I believe.

We'll see what happens!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: brick_mortimer on February 24, 2018, 12:44:37 PM
RHW does have steep learning curve, I nearly always draw out a diagram on paper before I start (and try out some parts in my most used city called "Test" :D)
But once you start creating awesome interchanges, it's totally worth the effort and time.
Have fun experimenting!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: mattb325 on February 24, 2018, 12:55:09 PM
Looking good! RHW does take some practice, but it's straightforward once you get the gist of it.
If you have a tablet/i-pad; there are some great how-to you-tube videos put out by the NAM team that I would watch concurrently while running SC4 on my desktop until I got the hang of them, or you can just run them in back-ground and toggle between the two.
The 'show us your intersections' threads are always a good source of inspiration....although I have yet to get to that level!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Sciurus on February 25, 2018, 12:56:55 AM
Nice ! And I undertsand your "fight" with the RHW... I got the same ! All these pieces... they scare me... :-\
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: feyss on February 25, 2018, 04:09:54 PM
Well, there is a beginning to everything and it's a good one  ;)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on March 01, 2018, 09:18:10 PM
I think I'm starting understand things a little bit more...

Tried my hand at a local-express situation—


(https://imageshack.com/a/img924/7103/zpewhd.jpg)

With the transition into one carriageway...


(https://imageshack.com/a/img924/3779/jIf9RV.jpg)

I'm sure that there is a better, more realistic, and/or more eye-pleasing way to accomplish this, but I'm learning as I go!

And tips, tricks, changes, suggestions, scoldings, etc., are more than welcome!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: dedgren on March 01, 2018, 11:30:07 PM
Well, well, well...

Excellent!


David
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on March 02, 2018, 12:57:12 AM
Quote from: thundercrack83 on March 01, 2018, 09:18:10 PM
I'm sure that there is a better, more realistic, and/or more eye-pleasing way to accomplish this, but I'm learning as I go!

May I suggest using the FAR RHW to do these ramps?

Still great to see you try your hand at the RHW. If there was one thing from Marathon i didn't personally like was that you still used the Maxis Highway System. :D
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: woodb3kmaster on March 02, 2018, 03:05:40 AM
Quote from: art128 on March 02, 2018, 12:57:12 AM
May I suggest using the FAR RHW to do these ramps?

That would require some Type C1 Inside ramps, which don't currently exist. I'm sure someone on the team has them on their agenda, though...

Glad to see you're still at it in Marathon, Dustin! Your recent foray into the RHW is up to the same high standards that I remember from this MD's youth.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: kbieniu7 on March 02, 2018, 01:58:33 PM
I keep my fingers crossed for your "lessons" of RHW ;) It could be quite a headache, indeed. Personally, I have never build any wider highway than RHW-8, I'd probably lose my mind if I tried to do some more wider and complicated setups!

If I could give you a hint after looking at your first junction, remember, that now there are also 7.5m-high viaducts!  :)
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on March 03, 2018, 01:18:26 PM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies2.jpg&hash=caaacd21f4d241ef76081c80d2a7c8f16899680d)

David (dedgren): Hello, old friend! It's always great to hear from you! I hope all is well! Thank you for your encouragement!

Arthur (art128): I agree, I'm not a fan of the Maxis Highway either! Thanks for your tips and support, as always!

Zack (woodb3kmaster): Thank you so much, my friend!

kbieniu7: You're right! The RHW can make your brain start to hurt, but I definitely mean that in a good way!!!



UPDATE LVIII
R(eally) H(ard) W(ork)!
3 March 2018

I am starting to get a better grasp on the RHW, but it's still a lot of trial and error. But, finally, I think I've got the first interchange that I can actually incorporate into a highway network for Marathon.

I'd like to give a quick thank you to Haljackey, whose work I have been studying for days now!

Anyway, here goes—


(https://imageshack.com/a/img924/7914/pUT027.jpg)

(https://imageshack.com/a/img922/3496/ZwMEmM.jpg)

(https://imageshack.com/a/img923/2849/RYApjy.jpg)

(https://imageshack.com/a/img923/7439/NgPbqm.jpg)

(https://imageshack.com/a/img922/1449/c3o5H1.jpg)

Things are still in the early stages, but I am starting to get more comfortable with everything. We'll see how things go!

Let's continue!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Badsim on March 04, 2018, 09:27:41 AM
Hi Dustin , :)

How experienced I am , I've been unable so far to find the patience to build something with these puzzle pieces  $%Grinno$% , for sure it requests some kind of mathematical/geometrical/logical ( call it as you want ) aptitudes that I haven't ... so to see how you're progressing is interesting . &apls  Great to see you're able to devote some time to SC4 and your MD again , :thumbsup: ,  and great too to get there a sign of life from David ! ;D

C.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: kbieniu7 on March 04, 2018, 12:26:24 PM
Nice to see next steps  :thumbsup: Another tip would be to use flex-fly-overs, so you could compact the entire interchange by placing a MIS-curve just aove the lower carriageway ;) They're for MIS and RHW-4, as far as I remember.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: tooheys on March 05, 2018, 01:10:33 AM
Well, well, well. Stick my head in to see whats up at SC4d and what do I find, an old master back at it again. :thumbsup: Great to see you still have the bug Dustin. May have to have another go myself. Now where did I put that CD.  &mmm
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on March 10, 2018, 01:58:22 PM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies2.jpg&hash=caaacd21f4d241ef76081c80d2a7c8f16899680d)

Cedric (Badsim): Hello, my friend! It's always great to have you here in Marathon! Believe me, I wish I had the patience and skill that you should on a constant basis here! Hope to see you again soon!

kbieniu7: I think I know what you mean! Check out below! Thank you for your help!

David (tooheys): Hello, old friend! Great to see you back and thanks for stopping by. Now go find that CD!




OK, so I am getting the hang of things just enough to become incredibly dangerous with the RHW...


(https://imageshack.com/a/img923/2987/bNclLu.jpg)

(https://imageshack.com/a/img922/4006/fkP7xd.jpg)

(https://imageshack.com/a/img924/7435/VEocsb.jpg)

(https://imageshack.com/a/img924/6100/VhKTYH.jpg)

I have to admit that the RHW is addicting, now especially that I'm understanding things more and more.

As always, if you have any tips or tricks, or something I'm doing doesn't look right, please let me know!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: noahclem on March 11, 2018, 08:22:22 AM
Quote from: thundercrack83 on March 10, 2018, 01:58:22 PMI have to admit that the RHW is addicting, now especially that I'm understanding things more and more.

I know exactly what you mean :D It was a while ago now but I vividly remember both how incredibly frustrating and exciting it was to figure out how to use RHW. Once I got into it...I just couldn't really stop  $%Grinno$% You're city-building style, along with promising developments already, suggest exciting things to come--you may end up having to change you're replies banner!

For suggestions, the biggest thing I would recommend is increasing your use of FARHW to smooth things out to the maximum and increase aesthetic appeal a little. And it's a matter of taste, but I'd suggest lengthening the ramps on the regular diamond interchanges, both because they tend to be a little longer in real life and because that will make them look more in place alongside those complex, monster interchanges. Best of luck and keep up the great work  &apls
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on March 21, 2018, 07:38:53 PM

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo134%2Fthundercrack83%2FMARATHON%2FReplies2.jpg&hash=caaacd21f4d241ef76081c80d2a7c8f16899680d)

Noah (noahclem): Thank you so much for your input, my friend! And you're definitely right about the banner, I may have to put a new one together!



UPDATE LVIX
The Clear Ringing of Silver Asphalt Trumpets
21 March 2018

Just a quick look at some new RHW stuff...


(https://imageshack.com/a/img923/2177/UOZqPt.jpg)

(https://imageshack.com/a/img923/858/rEIkeC.jpg)

More to come!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: PaPa-J on March 25, 2018, 11:14:57 PM
I think you do great work with the RHW. Unfortunately I am still trying to figure out how it all works.  I can't seem to figure out how to get them to connect together.  Love what you are doing.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on April 08, 2018, 11:08:04 AM
A quick region view of where the RHW is getting placed in Marathon thus far...


(https://imageshack.com/a/img924/5140/MJtk0l.jpg)

Making more progress!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Ryan B. on June 19, 2018, 12:06:59 PM
Dustin, I know it's been years . . . but my offer to make signs for Marathon stands.  Let me know what you might be looking for, and I'm happy to do my best.

I'm trying to ease my way back into BATing and SC4 overall - what better place to start than an outstanding MD?
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: PaPa-J on June 19, 2018, 12:21:37 PM
Nice!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on December 31, 2019, 11:58:13 AM
Only about nine hours away here in the Eastern United States! Just teasing some happenings in Marathon for 2020...


(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/xq90/924/9pHkn0.jpg)

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on January 01, 2020, 09:35:02 AM
Nice to see you're still doing some sc4 stuff here and there. Looking forward to what you have in store for us. :)

Happy New Year as well.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on April 02, 2020, 09:58:15 AM


UPDATE LX
A New Day
2 April 2020

Hello!

Well, 2020 seems to be off to a less than desirable start. I hope everyone is safe and healthy! Working from home has provided me with some extra time to get into Marathon a bit, so I finally completed the rather massive undertaking I alluded to on New Year's Eve...

Before...


(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/xq90/923/q5vMpO.jpg)

This is Marathon Island, circa 2017. 18 medium tiles, with Maxis highways throughout. Now...


(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/xq90/921/4AN4nW.jpg)

Marathon, 2020! I rebuilt the entire island from scratch on 6 large tiles rather than 18 medium. The main reason for that is, as you can see, I also re-constructed the highway using the RHW.

Here are the traffic views...


(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img921/565/vicFlB.jpg)

(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img924/4763/Qm8HxN.jpg)

You can see the dramatic effect the RHW has on the island, in a good way, I believe. As I continue rebuilding things, I will be posting here, so keep an eye out if you'd like to follow along!

See you soon!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on April 02, 2020, 12:06:44 PM
Hehe, yeah RHW takes considerably more space than the maxis highway... But the result looks much better honestly.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: bladeberkman on April 04, 2020, 12:36:21 PM
Wow! You scrapped the entire region and started over? Huge undertaking. Looks like you're mastering the RHW. Eager to see some closeups soon. You were an early inspiration for me when I first discovered SC4Deviotion, so I'm eager to see what you have in store for us.  :popcorn:
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on April 15, 2020, 10:18:58 AM
Halfway through the month of April already?!!? Working from home has really thrown my internal clock way off...

Anyway, just thought I would stop in and give a quick before and after a section of Marathon Island...

Before...


(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img921/4200/nOw6VX.jpg)

...and after!


(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img921/7241/7Oa4LG.jpg)

Some areas are really starting to come together, I think, and it's actually a lot of fun re-visioning areas after seeing it one way for so long.

Stay tuned for more!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on April 20, 2020, 11:38:14 AM
Greetings!

So, it seems that I've run into a little hiccup while rebuilding. When I attempt to go into underground mode, or place a subway station or something that triggers underground mode, strange things happen.

This...


(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img923/4029/zCYPao.jpg)

Becomes this!


(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img923/1866/zLIi8r.jpg)

If anyone could help point out the culprit on this, I would greatly appreciate it! It's only happening to lots I create in the LE.

Many thanks in advance!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on April 20, 2020, 11:45:18 AM
Could be wrong but do you have a "z-data view" file (something like that) in your NAM plugin folder? Try to remove it to see.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: YouBet on April 20, 2020, 02:14:04 PM
I sometimes get that effect when the lots are modded without base textures (particularly when they have overlays without base textures). When i change the zoom the lots reappear as intended.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on June 05, 2020, 10:08:11 AM
Hello!

Hope everyone is doing well! Just a few quick shots of a renovated area, as I am rebuilding and revamping Marathon Island. This is the area surrounding Station Cymraeg (Welsh Station)...I'm not sure if I've ever shown that area before here; I'll have to look around for a comparison picture.


(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img922/9468/KyCvjl.jpg)

(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img923/5800/BR3AGe.jpg)

See you all soon!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on July 22, 2020, 12:08:35 PM


UPDATE LXI
Nouvelle Abitibi Square
22 July 2020

Hi!

I can't believe how time is flying, July is almost over already...I hope everyone is safe and well; I continue to work from home while the United States is still in the throes of the pandemic.

But! It's given me the opportunity to work on Marathon a whole lot more (despite the fact that I haven't posted any of the progress here and, for that, I am sorry!). So, I decided to stop in and document a bit of the "re-Marathoning" that I've been doing.

Some of you will remember the pre-2020 Abitibi Square...


(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img922/8963/zf42BK.jpg)

(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img923/6685/QW9PTm.jpg)

(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img924/7374/EFHArD.jpg)

Well, I've placed the lots in the "new" Marathon. They're in the same configuration, it's just that the surrounding area is much different, and there's been some addition. Take a look...


(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img923/9086/yFoHmv.jpg)

(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img923/2500/LZKwLF.jpg)

The core of the area is still the same lots in their previous locations, but I removed the park area with the observation wheel (I feel like that would be better suited in a different place in the city). Also, I've added some taller buildings to surround the area to make it more of an area of importance, if that makes sense.

In addition, I've branched off the main area...


(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img922/3969/hXWxv1.jpg)

(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img922/2122/fe6ttT.jpg)

And, as you will see below, there is some more expansion that is in the planning stages, as well. Previously, the area where expansion is heading was not available, as it was part of a different city tile in the "old" Marathon.


(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img923/8055/XvWkcf.jpg)

Lastly, a night time shot with all the building shining brightly in the darkness!


(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img922/6928/7JbLgu.jpg)

We'll visit here again when the expansion plans are finalized and construction begins.

See you soon!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on July 23, 2020, 03:46:09 AM
Great couples of update Dustin! New development looks good.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: metarvo on July 23, 2020, 11:47:13 AM
Nice update!  The presence of all those parks and plazas makes it look like a particularly pleasant city center.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: Badsim on July 25, 2020, 07:46:31 AM
Hi Dustin, :)

Nice, original and inspiring new urban layout.  &apls



Quote from: thundercrack83 on July 22, 2020, 12:08:35 PM

We'll visit here again when the expansion plans are finalized and construction begins.


Hope to see that area again indeed... with traffic on roads and the marathonians crowd on plazas and sidewalks. :thumbsup:

Most of all, that's comforting to see a veteran coming back, we can feel how much you love the game and how much you missed it - free time becomes a luxury - so, the pandemic has finally some bright sides.  ::)

Take care. ;)

C.
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on October 22, 2020, 12:48:07 PM


UPDATE LXII
Tonight, I'll Be on That Hill!
Part I: Remembrance

22 October 2020

Hello all!

So, we're back here with a proper update in Marathon! Today, we're going to take a look at the northeastern tip of Marathon Island—and a hill that sits atop it, actually...


(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img924/8083/NdUIkX.png)

Surrounding the hill is the an older neighborhood in Marathon, known as Brothers & Sisters (Frères & Sœurs in French). It's named this because all of the streets in the neighborhood are named after Saints of the Catholic Church, both male and female.

The avenue that splits at the foot of the hill is Boulevard-de-la-Croix-de-Fer, which is named after the hill itself, which is the Col de la Croix-de-Fer, or "Hill of the Iron Cross." (I'm a big fan of the Tour de France, hence borrowing the name of one of the climbs...)

It is atop this hill that we're going to develop today, and in keeping with the saintly theme, the first thing we're going to build is...


(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img923/9114/PmobU4.png)

...a cemetery! Appropriate for Halloween, right?

Anyway, here's another section...


(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img922/3495/n1cHYF.png)

...and another...



(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img924/8743/Uc24bk.png)

...and also, a mausoleum at the foot of the hill.

We keeping growing (boy, people are dying to get into this place, aren't they!?)...


(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img923/9114/PmobU4.png)

(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img923/1268/1a3in5.png)

(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img923/571/sLn6XE.png)

Until we have this:


(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img922/7857/aYaGYX.png)

Fill in the blank tiles and we're now here...


(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img923/4323/lOtc2T.png)

Before we go further up the hill, let's go around it for a second...


(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img923/7760/Nz48bu.png)

(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img922/7559/fZKuLr.png)

(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img923/7195/eUaONk.png)

...with a walking path, which follows the northeastern edge of the hill. We'll skip over the large slope for now and add more pathway...


(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img924/5341/LvQp1U.png)

Until we come back and think about what we're going to do with the rest of this hill. First, we'll add some more walkways and...


(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img923/2254/KPGzes.png)

...a small market area. I know what you're thinking, "A market in a cemetery? That's a little strange, isn't it?" Well, I suppose it is, but stay with me! Next, we climb...


(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img924/6422/K3YOFy.png)

...the stairs and we are at the top of the hill. So, now what? Well, first, we'll fill in the blank spots.


(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img924/105/7L0WuQ.png)

And then...


(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img923/5407/CHHyBV.png)

...welcome to autumn on the Col de la Croix de Fer! Still, it seems like something is missing. What about, maybe a...


(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img923/9314/IOUcHh.png)

...cathedral? The Cathédrale de la Croix de Fer, to be exact! Here it is in autumn—


(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img924/6950/KQfOak.png)

And spring—


(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img924/4677/lrlOeU.png)

I'll leave with a few shots of the cathedral and the hill for now, I hope you enjoy it!


(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img922/6228/o6Hzb1.png)

(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img922/3232/7RInG7.png)

(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img923/6082/oSSkjR.png)

(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img922/2789/TVE2FZ.png)

(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img923/9830/N7HjkU.png)

But what about this slope?


(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img922/5815/i9lFWy.png)

Yes...what about that? Maybe that's what Part 2 is for?

Hope everyone is doing well!

See you soon!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: gn_leugim on October 24, 2020, 07:27:09 AM
now that is a big graveyard! great job

Regarding the slope, here in Portugal we like make stairs cases out of them, so the faithful may climb them as an act of faith..  If you google images of " Bom Jesus Braga" or "Lamego Senhora dos Remédios" you will understand what I mean  :D
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on October 24, 2020, 07:43:54 AM
I must say I was not expecting a cemetery there.
Still great spot for xannepan's Antwerp Cathedral!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: thundercrack83 on November 05, 2020, 12:38:08 PM

(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img924/5559/Lo0yO6.png)

Feast your eyes on the new 2020 banner for Marathon! Amazing, isn't it!? OK, not really, I'm just teasing! The real reason I've posted today is that on this date, twelve years ago, the Commonwealth of Marathon began here at SC4D.

12 years...

I was looking back through the years at everything we've done together here and I have to say, sincerely, that I got a bit emotional while paging through. I grew up here in Marathon; here at SC4D, really, where I joined in 2006. I made some very great friends here, whose contributions,  camaraderie, and inspiration here I miss a great deal...Robin (rooker1) and David (dedgren), just to name two. I was 25 years old then, still in college, and it would be another two years until I finally started Marathon here on November 5, 2008.

There have been a lot of ups and a lot of downs in the past 12 years. Marriage and divorce, loss and mourning, starting and maintaining employment, building a house, a pandemic...a real life. But throughout all of it, SC4D and Marathon have always been with me. Whenever I drive on a highway, or walk through a park, or look at a map, or visit a new place, it is there.

"How could I make this in Marathon?" I ask myself. "What would this look like in SC4?"

In paging through the elder days, I decided to update the Catalogue of Updates (https://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6190.msg248494#msg248494). If you would have told me in 2009 that I would go five years without posting an update in Marathon, I would have called you a liar! Sure enough, though, from 2012 to 2017, things were quiet here.

I know that things here are different now, but it still feels good to come here and not only reminisce, but to continue this little piece of me that I've shared with you all for so long. I hope that we're all still here, still healthy, and still enjoying SC4.

Enough blathering now! Here's a few random pictures that I took while messing around last night. Just a small commemoration of today.


(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img922/4066/GOhgzR.jpg)

(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img923/3920/0vZX3v.jpg)

(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img924/3108/Ci3MiN.jpg)

I'm still actively working on things, so hopefully, I can get some more updates and such going here on a regular basis (Boy, hasn't he said that before!?)

Take care, everyone! See you soon!
Title: Re: Commonwealth of Marathon
Post by: art128 on November 06, 2020, 08:03:27 AM
It's great to see you use the RHW and RRW. Really makes a difference compared to how you used the Maxis highway in the past. The snow scene is really cool.  ;D  (pun intended)