SC4 Devotion Forum Archives

City Showcase (All games welcome) => Mayors' Diaries => Inactive Classics => Topic started by: RickD on March 12, 2010, 07:09:13 AM

Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: The End.
Post by: RickD on March 12, 2010, 07:09:13 AM
Welcome to Santa Barbara County!

Foreword

This is my fictional County of Santa Barbara located in an alternate universe USA. It is in no way a recreation of the actual Santa Barbara. It is just the map of Santa Barbara by blade2k5, available on the LEX. I am really unimaginative when it comes to making up names so I decided to use some of the actual ones.

I am also not a big storyteller. If you expect an extensive storyline, this is the wrong place to be. At first this will probably be more of a showcase for my creations. But I will try to mix in some background information and maybe some short stories.
I was long thinking about how to start but I decided to just get going and see how it develops. So please bear with me while I try to improve my MDing skills learning by doing style.  ;)

Finally I would like to encourage you to criticize me. There is absolutely no need for false politeness. If you like something then tell me, if you do not like it tell me also! Criticism is a good way to improve my skills and get new ideas.

Background

Santa Barbara has long been a rural region. The countryside was dominated by huge apple and orange plantations. But in the mid 20th century things began to change rapidly. It all started with the completion of Interstate 5 from LA to San Francisco through Santa Barbara County. Suddenly the once remote region was easily and quickly accessible by car. The beautiful countryside and low land price attracted many people from the big cities that where fed up with city life or simply could not afford building their house there.
Within 20 years the face of the region changed forever. More and more plantations where built over with suburban sprawl. Nowadays only a few signs of the regions rural past remain. Almost everything was swallowed by greedy real estate brokers.

This is the pessimistic view. On the other hand Santa Barbara has become a vibrant and exciting city. It is a great place to live. With good job opportunities and affordable housing in the suburbs.
And there are so many exciting things to do in your free time. You have the Pacific Ocean coast with its beaches, warm climate and great waves to surf. Downtown Santa Barbara is known for its (sometimes) excessive and diverse night life.

I will show and tell you more about the different aspects of the city in the course of this MD.

But what is an MD without pictures? First let me show you the unbuilt region. This is where I started about a year ago:

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg444.imageshack.us%2Fimg444%2F8869%2Fsantabarbararc01.jpg&hash=9c0b90ba04fd61aa0a11c4357c2026b37eb9dd34)

And this is where I am now:

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg391.imageshack.us%2Fimg391%2F2184%2Fsantabarbara800.jpg&hash=69bf8e9e07ab38db83a0c6190e16a66e9d1bd62b)
Click here for full size (http://img641.imageshack.us/img641/5938/santabarbara.jpg)

You can see that I already built very much before I decided to start this MD. I am sorry that I can not show you how the region developed. I did not do any Screenshots. But there is plenty of space left to build on (and so many things to fix  ::) )

Ok, that's it for the first post. Please comment!  :)
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County
Post by: rooker1 on March 12, 2010, 07:29:09 AM
Hello RickD,
Very nice map and regional shoots. 
You may not be able to show us how the region was built but I would sure be happy if you showed us lots of close up shoots of what you already have done. ;)

Robin  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County
Post by: Connor on March 12, 2010, 08:13:47 AM
Nice start  :thumbsup:, looking forward to seeing how this develops...
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County
Post by: ecoba on March 12, 2010, 08:16:16 AM
Wow, Raphael.

You've created some great work on a very nice region. I do like the look that your terrain mod gives to the map, and the plop water rivers are also a really good touch. The large city you've developed near the coast seems excellent. I, like Robin, would like to see some close ups.

Ethan
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County
Post by: Battlecat on March 12, 2010, 08:28:29 AM
Very nice, I like the terrain mod you switched to!  Looking forward to seeing a closer look at what you've built so far!
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County
Post by: nedalezz on March 13, 2010, 07:26:31 AM
Well there is definitely no false politeness when I see that is a great region shot. My favorite part about it is the CBD that seems to have developed so naturally. It must be lovely sitting on top of that mountain looking out onto the sea.
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County
Post by: ldvger on March 13, 2010, 11:24:06 PM
Well, I will have to stop by and see what you've done with this region, having lived in Santa Barbara for most of my teenage years and into my early adulthood.  I gave serious thought to developing an SB region, too, last year but instead did San Francisco.

Good thing, too, that you made it clear this is an "alternative universe" your SB is in, otherwise I'd have to correct your statement concerning Interstate 5, which does NOT go through SB...US 101 does, though.  And the snow covered hills?  Hmmm, only in an alternative universe!

I'd love to see some detail pics of what you have done so far.

Lora/LD
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County
Post by: kwakelaar on March 14, 2010, 01:03:47 AM
The map looks excellent, and I look forward to see some shots of your work.
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County
Post by: armagin on March 14, 2010, 09:36:23 PM
Brilliant work and excellent topography!! Hope to see some more!
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County
Post by: canyonjumper on March 14, 2010, 09:51:12 PM
Looking forward to seeing what you've done!

             -Jordan :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County
Post by: bat on March 15, 2010, 12:51:14 AM
Your region looks really great! Looking forward to more from it... Great start. :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County
Post by: Tomas Neto on March 15, 2010, 09:17:35 AM
Very nice region, and great start!!!  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County
Post by: RickD on March 17, 2010, 05:10:02 AM
Replies:

rooker1:
My first comment! Thanks! Credits for the map go to blade2k5, the map making genius.

Connor:
Thanks mate. I hope you keep following my MD.

ecoba:
Thanks. I hesitated to show the region view  because it is far from finished. I still have to connect all those rivers. I just roughly plopped them down so that i do not forget to leave space for them. It will probably take some time till I will show close ups of the rivers. I haven't done any detailing yet.

Battlecat:
I switched the Terrain Mod recently. I just felt it looks better for this region.

nedalezz:
Thank you. You know, initially I intended the region to be much closer to the real Santa Barbara without high rises. But one night I got carried away and developed a CBD. I decided to keep it because I like how it turned out. I still do not want those mega skyscrapers, though.

ldvger:
Welcome to my MD. Maybe it was a mistake to use the actual name. It might lead to confusion for people that did not read the introduction. I will try to explain the differences to reality in my future updates. But I can not do a recreation. I just need my artistic freedom.

kwakelaar:
Thanks for visiting my MD.

armagin:
Hi, you will see more right in this post. ;)

canyonjumper:
Good to see you here.

bat:
Thanks. I hope yu like this update, too.

Tomas Neto:
Thanks Tomas.




Traveling Santa Barbara County

In the next couple of updates I'm gonna show you the major transportation networks in the Region. We will start with Interstate 5. In reality of course I-5 does not go through Santa Barbara. But I wanted to have an Interstate in my region so I decided that in my parallel universe it would.

Read more about the real I-5 on Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interstate_5)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg59.imageshack.us%2Fimg59%2F6518%2Finterstatecalifornia5.gif&hash=fc72f7595c7120ac501e653ee1ac5e76d26d407a)

I-5 is the main route between Los Angeles and San Francisco and also the main freeway in Santa Barbara County. It traverses the region in east-west direction.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg718.imageshack.us%2Fimg718%2F5938%2Fsantabarbara.jpg&hash=e366b7fb1a442bc3388878aa4f9a3b29212f2d70)
The numbers indicate where the following pictures were taken.

It was opened to traffic in 1959. Since then only a few major upgrades were made. Most parts are still only 4 lanes which is pretty substandard for todays traffic volumes causing heavy congestion. What once was a fast and convenient connection between two metropolises is now a bottleneck. I-5 is almost constantly congested during weekdays. Commute times from the suburbs to the CBD and also travel times through the region are ridiculously high.

Plans for upgrading I-5 exist since the early seventies. But due to the freeway revolts (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freeway_revolts)  they were postponed. In the mid-eighties several projects to improve I-5 were finally started. Several Interchanges were upgraded for a future widening of I-5 to 6 lanes. Unfortunately the widening project quickly ran into funding problems. At that time the green party was in charge and diverted money from road construction projects to mass transit.
Recently there has been a change in political climate. So expect to see some improvements of the Santa Barbara road network in future updates.

Let me now show show you some pictures of I-5 through Santa Barbara County as it stands today. We are travelling from west to east towards LA.

1
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg59.imageshack.us%2Fimg59%2F1976%2Fkfjgdlfkf12jul161126850.jpg&hash=70d8c191284c9600ec3d68983f6edfcf8872cbbb)

I-5 <-> state route 154 (San Marcos Pass Road)
We will travel San Marcos Pass Road in a future update. It is the only road in the region that passes over the mountains. Right before the intersection with I-5 it widens from 2 to 4 lanes and continues as a divided expressway south to the coast.

2
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg202.imageshack.us%2Fimg202%2F5408%2Froundabout.jpg&hash=1f7ba301587f2ce5a7b123283df9f74348ddcddd)

I-5 <-> W Turnpike Road
This roundabout interchange has already been built wide enough to enable expansion of I-5 to six lanes. On the top right is an artificial rain retention basin. It is full because it has been raining alot in the days before the picture was taken.

3
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg710.imageshack.us%2Fimg710%2F5535%2Fkfjgdlfkf20sep162126850.jpg&hash=b565873a28cc1ed11a90cefc10eb6290d715fa66)

I-5 <-> S Patterson Ave
Although this exit was built only a few years ago it is substandard. There was just not enough money available to build a fancy intersection. It is not even wide enough to allow for a widening of I-5. So it will have to be rebuilt anyway. But this exit was badly needed to relief congestion on Turnpike Road. So it was built quick and cheap.

4
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg411.imageshack.us%2Fimg411%2F5818%2Frigjnerogj12jan35112685.jpg&hash=6a3d2023d150ed394dda1da929c4514494b21040)
I-5 <-> Las Positas Rd
On the top left you can see the county jail.

5
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg714.imageshack.us%2Fimg714%2F3719%2Frigjnerogj14jan35112685.jpg&hash=1f2b8c35ea430014a12f53a41c84387ea2c62d06)
Some of the few remaining farm fields in the region. Here you can get an idea of how the region looked 50 years ago when Santa Barbara was famous for its fruit plantations.

6
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg682.imageshack.us%2Fimg682%2F7448%2Frigjnerogj21jan35112685.jpg&hash=1159304b4196e209c246007c8ecae8b5071d5429)
I-5 <-> E Turnpike Rd.
A few services are available at this exit: supermarket, gas station, fast food and a motel.

We will continue traveling along I-5 through the CBD in the next update. Thanks for reading and please comment.
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update I-5 Part 1
Post by: Nexis4Jersey on March 17, 2010, 08:02:20 AM
Very nice start and photos :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update I-5 Part 1
Post by: Battlecat on March 17, 2010, 08:30:31 AM
Very cool showcase of your highway and surrounding areas! 
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update I-5 Part 1
Post by: canyonjumper on March 17, 2010, 12:29:58 PM
Great pictures, Rick! Your use of RHW is excellent!

                   Your friend,
                                  Jordan
:thumbsup:
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update I-5 Part 1
Post by: penguin007 on March 18, 2010, 09:45:18 AM
I love the map and the highway is looking the most realistic I have ever seen!!

Will
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update I-5 Part 1
Post by: nedalezz on March 18, 2010, 11:18:01 AM
Great update, it was really interesting to read about I-5, and also great to get some close up pictures of YOUR Santa Barbara :)

So are you modeling this I-5 after the actual real life highway?
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update I-5 Part 1
Post by: ldvger on March 18, 2010, 02:46:41 PM
Very nice and very interesting.  I like especially your use of the RL names of the region's avenues, names I grew up with and which ring so many memory bells for me.  My high school alma mater, San Marcos High School (Class of '72) is located immediately west of the Turnpike/"I-5" intersection and in fact one can see the football stadium lights from the freeway as one drives by. 

In RL, the crossing avenues run Patterson, Turnpike (no w. or E. Turnpike), San Marcos Pass/154, and then Las Positas, west to east, although us SB folks would think of them as north to south simply because the highway's general overall direction is north to south, just east/west across SB area.  And in RL, the County Jail is on the north side of the highway between 154 and Turnpike, as are the local State Patrol offices.  Also in RL, SB stops being the City of Santa Barbara just west of 154 and becomes Goleta.  There is a train trestle crossing that is the dividing line between the two cities.

Lora/LD
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update I-5 Part 1
Post by: Nardo69 on March 18, 2010, 04:05:32 PM
Nice start for your CJ. Your first Post reminded me of how I started Urland almost 5 years ago ...  :satisfied: (Even though I had only 4 to 6 months of building the region behind me when I start CJing ...)

Good idea on moving along the highway. A railway line ( ;D) would have been an option but you mentioned something about money moving from highway to mass transit ... ;) and as Lora said there is railway in RL SB.

Take care my friend! (and NEVER forget to make backups!)


Bernhard  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update I-5 Part 1
Post by: ecoba on March 19, 2010, 03:03:49 PM
A really nice showcase of the interstate through Santa Barbara. I like your attention to realism and it seems like you're doing a quasi-recreation similar to Adrian (adroman).

Ethan
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update I-5 Part 1
Post by: blade2k5 on March 19, 2010, 04:03:09 PM
Quote from: RickD on March 12, 2010, 07:09:13 AMThis is my fictional County of Santa Barbara located in an alternate universe USA. It is in no way a recreation of the actual Santa Barabara. It is just the map of Santa Barbara by blade2k5, available on the LEX. I am really unimaginative when it comes to making up names so I decided to use some of the actual ones.

;D ;D  Nice to see how someone else would imagine my hometown should, could or would look like from what's actually there and so far, I'm really liking what I've seen so far.  I look forward to seeing what you have in store for us next.  Keep up the good work :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update I-5 Part 1
Post by: Tomas Neto on March 21, 2010, 11:53:12 AM
Wow, fantastic update my friend!!!  &apls
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update I-5 Part 1
Post by: RickD on March 21, 2010, 03:50:20 PM
Thanks for all the really nice comments.

I don't know how to say this so I will be straight forward: Santa Barbara is doomed. On friday I discovered that the tile with the CBD on it has been infected with the prop pox (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=7066.0). This means that step by step all props disappear from the lots. Sooner or later this fate will happen to all the cities in the region. Apparently there is no way to fix this. Ultimately this means the death to my oh so young MD.

I am very shocked and sad at the moment. Of course I know that this is only a game. But I have spent a great amount of my free time on creating this region. And I am especially disappointed that I cannot keep up to the commitment I made by publishing this MD.

I will probably post a few more updates to show you some highlights of the region. But I will not continue to play on it. It just makes no sense anymore. I consider the next updates to be a memorial service for the region.

I do not know yet if I will find the motivation to start another region. Maybe it is time to quit SC4 once and for all. It has been a fun time but this is just frustrating.
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: the prop pox
Post by: Nardo69 on March 21, 2010, 04:58:18 PM
Not necessarily. Only if they cross the border of the specific subfilesize.

I do have such a pox mine in my plugins, too, that I wasn't able to find. But untill now "only" one town (of course the biggest with the highest effort in the old region) was infected. Funny thing I even have a bigger one in the recent region.

Don't let this steal your enthusiasm and the joy paying the game. As an early victim of the pox I do know how you feel, but hey, Kop hoch, manchmal sind kleinere Brötchen schmackhafter .... ;)

Take care my friend

und lass dir von sowas nicht den Schneid abkaufen!


Bernhard  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: the prop pox
Post by: Battlecat on March 22, 2010, 09:31:21 AM
That's terrible to hear!  Don't let it get you down about the game, your work is very impressive!
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: the prop pox
Post by: ldvger on March 22, 2010, 11:13:05 AM
I had never heard of Prop Pox until last night when I read your most recent post, then I followed your link and read about it.  What a terrible affliction!  Still, there is some hope for your region, from what I read, although it would mean a lot of work on your part, granted. 

From what I read, if you have a backup of your original region, one made BEFORE you started building, you can start over.  For that matter, you could re-download the region map, being as it is available.  Also, sounds like you need to do some housecleaning in your plug-ins folders, as extensive research appears to have been done into what causes this problem (Prop Pox) and removing (or fixing) offending files BEFORE one starts is about the only way to avoid it.

Speaking for myself, I plan to read the rest of the thread about Prop Pox and then take steps to avoid the situation myself.  I know I have a couple of the known bad files in my plugins...

So your loss becomes an object lesson for the rest of us.

Later edit:  You may also want to post your discovery to the Prop Pox thread you linked us to, as there is ongoing research into this issue and your city may be of value to those doing the research.  BarbyW has been looking at poxed cities and thier attendant plug-in files, so she may be interested in seeing yours, as well.  Think of it as donating the body of a loved one to research (or maybe not, depending on how you feel about such things...).

Lora/LD
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: the prop pox
Post by: RickD on March 25, 2010, 06:32:55 AM
Hi all, thanks for stopping by. First an update on the prop pox. The current situation is that I have one city, the CBD, that is definitely infected. I had feared that three other tiles would soon be poxed, too. But I could verify that this most likely will not be the case. This means if I want to keep playing this region I have to completely rebuild the tile with the CBD. I think it is worth it. I'll open it on a second screen and just copy the street layout etc. to the empty tile, plop major landmarks, etc. This should enable me to come close to the original. It should be doable in two or three weekends.
Of course it won't be exactly the same. So don't be irritated when the CBD will look a bit different in future updates to what it looks now.

Public service announcement:
If you do not yet know about the prop pox and how to avoid it, I strongly suggest to read this thread (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=7066.0) . It can save yourself a lot of trouble.





Replies:

Nexis4Jersey:
Glad you like it.

Battlecat:
Thanks for the compliment.

canyonjumper:
Thanks for visiting my MD again.

penguin007:
Welcome to my MD!

nedalezz:
Well, in reality Interstate 5 bypasses Santa Barbara. The main freeway through the region is US-101. I would say I based my freeway more on US-101. I looked at it on Google Streetview and Bing Aerial View quite a lot.

ldvger:
Hi Lora, I appreciate your comments very much. It is cool to have someone here who knows the real region and can tell some anecdotes and point out differences between fiction and reality. I have never been to SB myself. But the company I work for works together with another company from Santa Barbara. Maybe one day I will find a reason to justify a business trip. ;)
The thing with Turnpike road is that I realized only seconds before posting that I had named two roads Turnpike Rd. So I decided it would be a ring road divided into East and West section for easier navigation.
There will be more fictional names for places in the future, though.

Nardo69:
Hi Bernhard, it's an honor to see you here. Don't worry, there is railway in my SB, too. We will see it in the near future. I am planning a similar series of updates. However, I am not sure if you will like it that much. As my MD is american themed I also built the railway american style, purposely ignoring your tutorials about level crossings. But this leaves the posibility to show improvement projects in future updates. ;)

ecoba:
Thanks again. I like Adrian's MD, too.

blade2k5:
Hey, great to have you here. I didn't know you where from Santa Barbara. Thanks for creating this map!

Tomas Neto:
Thank you.

RickD:
This is so sad to hear.  :P

Nardo69:
Thank you so much for the encouraging words. Nah, I can't quit SC4. I'm an addict. I was just so frustrated when I discovered this. And I had three other tiles close to the limit. If those would have developed the pox, too it would have been to much. But as it turns out I seem to have Glück im Unglück.

Battlecat:
Thanks for your support. I appreciate it.

ldvger:
Thanks for your kind words. Yes I will rebuild this tile. I am glad that at least my tragedy did raise some awareness to this problem and maybe prevents it from happening to some others. I am still doing my own research on the poxed city. Without any positive results so far. But I don't want to give up yet.




Traveling Santa Barbara

Today we will continue our trip along I-5 where we left off last time.

This are the locations where the pictures where taken:

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg411.imageshack.us%2Fimg411%2F3553%2Foverviewupd2.jpg&hash=ad4f2ac84ba848b13b21d6d61ccd9aee5bbe3eb1)


2.1
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg211.imageshack.us%2Fimg211%2F316%2F1achgbncdxfh27jan262126.jpg&hash=85c6367effdde849cf0df6881b7798630f33f65e)

The high-speed bypass railline crosses the Interstate.


2.2
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg91.imageshack.us%2Fimg91%2F8017%2F1bchgbncdxfh28jan262126.jpg&hash=36714b46d0155f4ba9de86cfb04a747b04680915)

Traffic from the exit in the next picture often backs up onto the Interstate here. That is why there is a very long exit lane.


2.3
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg51.imageshack.us%2Fimg51%2F8070%2F1cchgbncdxfh7feb2621269.jpg&hash=df703836628170755af1a4da3b4c400412ec0fc5)

This exit serves the northern suburbs, a large industrial area, a hospital, suburban office towers and the central cemetary. It is very congested in the morning and evening.
Sorry about the missing prop. I noticed this too late. Guess I am missing the flag prop.


2.4
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg98.imageshack.us%2Fimg98%2F7939%2F1dchgbncdxfh16feb262126.jpg&hash=96a78bbad87f3dff478ca2354f4aeb43fb45b102)

This exit has been built recently to relief congestion on the exit in the next picture. Till here I-5 has been widened to 6 lanes. Then the budget was cut. The CBD is to the top of the picture.

2.5
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg714.imageshack.us%2Fimg714%2F3294%2F2avdfgbhksdjfsadf28jul6.jpg&hash=dd74e81b23ef0fb4f01f5b9793dfc1974d919a32)

Only a few hundred yards down the road is already the next exit. You can also see the local rail line cross the Interstate on its way to the central train station.


2.6
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg690.imageshack.us%2Fimg690%2F6569%2F2bvdfgbhksdjfsadf21jul6.jpg&hash=d47d4e9cfba9eb064a291c25824623ffe7e5b0c8)

This is the major interchange in the region (up to 250,000 AADT). It is right next to the CBD. I-5 comes from the top and continues to the right. The road to the left will soon convert to a surface avenue. The road to the bottom is US-101. It runs at the western flank of the CBD as a freeway and then continues as an expressway along the coast to the airport until it eventually reaches I-5 again.

This is the tile with the prop pox that I'll have to completely rebuild. I will take this chance to completely redesign this interchange. I am not very happy with it as it is now. The slopes are too steep and the merge lanes too short. When I built it I did not want to demolish too much of the CBD so I cramped it in there.


2.7
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg194.imageshack.us%2Fimg194%2F1917%2F2cvdfgbhksdjfsadf29aug6.jpg&hash=1754ec550d050c6a11f749747337d407b9802098)

I-5 cutting through the city at night. Still heavy traffic.


2.8
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg532.imageshack.us%2Fimg532%2F8745%2F2dvdfgbhksdjfsadf9nov60.jpg&hash=3e67c732d2368c70e7533ded7d765434c23ffbd8)

This is the main exit from I-5 to the CBD, AMTRAK station and the stadium. The cloverleaf is to the right. I-5 is up to 8 lanes wide here.


2.9
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg194.imageshack.us%2Fimg194%2F7595%2F3acnbjgcxjhxgh22jul1691.jpg&hash=74d8f985879b47ff349a6833b9519671521392ac)

Now we are driving into the eastern suburbs. This is where the CBD gradually transforms into urban sprawl again. The CBD is to the left. This exit is split into two halves. You can see the other ramps in the next picture.

2.10
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I-5 is elevated for about 2 miles. Originally it was planned as a normal ground level freeway because this is the cheapest to build. But the people living there protested as it would have cut off access to the beach which is just at the right of the picture. The DOT promised to build several pedestrian over- or underpasses. But this still was not acceptable for the people. Eventually the DOT gave in. As it was not possible to build a sunken road due to the  ground water level and unstable soil an elevated alignment was chosen.


2.11
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I-5 along the infamous Nelson Muntz Housing Project. You'd better not have a car breakdown here.


2.12
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A trumpet interchange connects US-101 (from the top of the picture) to I-5. I-5 and US-101 are co-signed from here to the interchange at the CBD where they split again. Part of the interchange is built on reclaimed land.

I hope you enjoyed this update. Thanks in advance for commenting.

Disclaimer: This is not a recreation of the actual Santa Barbara.
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: I-5 part 2
Post by: threestooges on March 25, 2010, 10:09:02 AM
Glad to hear you've decided to stick with it. I know the game can be frustrating (losing your entire session of developments due to a CTD because you forgot to save is one of my favorites) but I'm glad you decided to stick with it. Besides, as you noted in 2.6, you now have the opportunity to give things a second shot. Actually, as far as the short merge lanes and cramped quarters go, it reminds me quite a bit of the real life Santa Barbara. There's even one on-ramp (Cabrillo Blvd on US 101) where you get to drive up a rather steep, really short ramp and merge in from the left, right into the fast lane. So I think the setup you wedged in there is fairly true to life, and something city planners must work with on a daily basis. That being said though, it'll be fun to see how you choose to redevelop it. Also, I feel compelled to laugh (in a high-pitched whine of course) at picture 2.11. What prompted the projects there? They seem like they're in rather close proximity to the beach, so it can't be too bad. Again, nicely done, and I'm glad to hear you'll be keeping up with this. It's great to see someone's take on a terrain/city area I'm familiar with, and see how they use the area for themselves.
-Matt
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: I-5 part 2
Post by: rooker1 on March 25, 2010, 10:45:19 AM
Raphael,
I, too am so glad you have decided to continue on.  I don't think you will regret your decision, I know we won't with work like you have been showing us so far.

Robin  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: I-5 part 2
Post by: ldvger on March 25, 2010, 02:06:29 PM
Great work and I share Matt's thoughts about your deciding to continue with your region, despite Prop Pox.  Raising community awareness about this isse, especially how to avoid it (as there seems to be no way yet to fix it) is very important (IMO) and I plan to devote some space in my own MD to spreading the word.

It's interesting that you bring into your MD the issues of the Freeway Wars and the raised/lowered freeway debate.  This really happened, to some degree, in RL Santa Barbara.  My family moved to SB in the fall of 1964 and even then the debate about what to do with US 101 (which in your MD is I-5) was raging.  101 crossed several major streets that ran from downtown to the beach.  The intersections were originally built with stoplights, if you can believe that, and even in the 60's traffic would back up several miles as folks made thier way through the several blocks of stoplights.  While a terrible pain for through drivers, the stoplights were a boon for local businesses, as the lights provided drivers the opportunity to pull off the freeway and gas up or grab a bite to eat or even visit the beach.  So of course the business owners were adamantly against removing the stoplights, despie numerous studies that revealed that the huge majority of through drivers who stopped at the lights did so solely to find a public restroom.  Rasing the freeway above the major cross streets was opposed as creating both a physical and visual barrier between the downton and the beach, as well as fears of creating a "wrong side of the tracks" area on the beachward side of the freeway.  There was also the major issue of noise pollution a raised freeway would create.  Lowering the freeway to allow the cross streets to pass over it seemed the obvious solution except that, like you pointed out, the soil is very sandy and porous, which meant keeping the sunken freeway dry/unflooded would be very difficult.  There were then (and still are now) a couple of sunken on/off ramps to 101 both before and after the stoplights, and they all flood on a regular basis whenever it rains.

This debate raged for at least 20 years, maybe longer.  I lived in SB from 1964 until 1976 and the debate was raging still when I left.  Meanwhile, traffic at the lights got worse and worse.  There had also been lights on 101 on a scetion near Salinas, about 150 miles north, but those got fixed back in the 70's.  Eventually, those 3 stoplights in SB were the only ones left on 101 between the Mexican and Canadian border. 

I don't know what the time frame was when they eventually got rid of the lights and sunk the freeway.  It's been a while now, but my family was still living in SB during the construction and wow did I get an earful every time I called home.  It took years to build the new freeway and in the meantime, all of downtown was torn up and folks couldn't drive anywhere. 

I rarely visit SB anymore, now that most of my family has left, but it seems like every time I do, I end up walking down State Street to the beach and it always seems so strange to me to not have to cross the freeway at the lights anymore. 

Nice work and I hope you do get to visit the real Santa Barbara some day.  It really is a very beautiful town...every time I visit I wonder why I ever left and I think about moving back.  But after 3-4 days with the family, I can't wait to get out of there....

Lora/LD
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: I-5 part 2
Post by: canyonjumper on March 25, 2010, 03:55:29 PM
Great pictures! I especially like your highway setups, the exits are something I'll have to incorporate into my MD ;D

         -Jordan :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: I-5 part 2
Post by: ecoba on March 25, 2010, 05:55:39 PM
A really great tour of the interstate. I must compliment you on having the bravery to continue your region despite the prop pox, this persistance is really nice.

I like the design on the interchanges and the surroundings are really beautiful. I like the suburbs, although I might recommend a Maxis Blocker as you seem to have enough Custom Content to do so, and the maxis rom shacks somewhat detract from the appearance; I would also suggest a street side mod. I also really do like the housing projects, most cities have these, and you've made them in a really suitable area.

Keep up the great work, hope to see some more soon!

Ethan
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: I-5 part 2
Post by: Battlecat on March 26, 2010, 08:23:18 AM
Great to see you continuing!  You've got a great selection of work!  Interesting to hear about the issues with freeway construction.  You really do a great job building nice looking highways!
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: I-5 part 2
Post by: Tomas Neto on March 26, 2010, 12:01:01 PM
Awesome update again my friend!!! Fantastic!!!  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: I-5 part 2
Post by: dedgren on March 27, 2010, 09:19:03 AM
[tabular][row][data]Disclaimer: This is not a recreation of the actual Santa Barbara.[/data][/row][/tabular]

Well, if you had'na told me...

Great work, Rick.  The trumpet interchange is the best implementation of RHW I've seen for that style yet- I know (from sad experience) how hard you have to work to get to that level of perfectness.

The prop pox thing is pretty discouraging.  Maybe it's the game's way of saying that, no matter how well you think you've done with a quad, you can do even better by starting again from scratch.  I don't know, but best of luck, and thanks for hanging in there.


David
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: I-5 part 2
Post by: RickD on April 02, 2010, 05:29:25 AM
Replies:

threestooges:
QuoteThere's even one on-ramp (Cabrillo Blvd on US 101) where you get to drive up a rather steep, really short ramp and merge in from the left, right into the fast lane.
Oh yes, I remember seeing that one on aerial photos. I had to look twice to believe it.

QuoteWhat prompted the projects there? They seem like they're in rather close proximity to the beach, so it can't be too bad.
They are close to the sea. But the coast becomes quite steep and rocky in the east. So no real beach. And hey, you are never far away from the beach in Santa Barbara and the poor people have to live somewhere, too.

rooker1:
Thanks. It is worth the work knowing that there are people out there that enjoy it.

ldvger:
It is very interesting to hear about the real story. I read about the freeway revolts on wikipedia. I don't think we had somethin similar happen in Germany.
I have one question you might be able to answer. Santa Barbara is built very close to the ocean shore. Aren't there many problems with floodings in general? In Germany we have to build huge dikes to prevent our coastal areas from being flooded during storms. It would not be advisable to build a city so close to the water without protection.

canyonjumper:
Thanks, glad you like it.

ecoba:
Thanks for your suggestions. I appreciate constructive criticism. Actually I don't think all Maxis buildings are ugly. There are some R§ and R§§ houses I quite like. So I don't want to use a Maxis blocker. What really annoys me are the big mansions. But you are right. The suburbs still need a lot of work. Being a roadgeek I focused more on the freeway. But I will revisit the suburbs and grow some better looking buildings.
I have been using a streetside mod but removed it because there where too many too large trees for my taste. Now that you mention it I agree that my suburbs look a bit boring with completely empty sidewalks. I will look into the streetside mods again and maybe I will find a solution that I like.

Battlecat:
Thank you so much.

Tomas Neto:
Thanks.

dedgren:
Quote
QuoteDisclaimer: This is not a recreation of the actual Santa Barbara.
Well, if you had'na told me...
Just playing it safe. My sources tell me there is at least one lawyer reading. $%Grinno$%




In Memoriam

I made some random shots of downtown before deleting the tile. Several props are already missing and I forgot to turn the grid off. But I hope you enjoy anyway.

3.1
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3.2
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3.3
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3.4
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3.5
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3.6
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3.7
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3.8
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3.9
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3.10
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3.11
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3.12
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3.13
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3.14
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3.15
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3.16
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3.17
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3.18
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3.19
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3.20
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3.21
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That's it for now. If you have any suggestions on what to improve during rebuilding, now is the best time to tell me. ;)

Disclaimer: This is not a recreation of the actual Santa Barbara. ;)
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: The CBD before destruction
Post by: ldvger on April 03, 2010, 12:35:01 AM
Raphael-

Very nice update, it must be heart wrenching to hit that DEL key and watch all that work disappear.  But, you'll do better next time around.

In RL, SB faces mostly south and the majority of storms come from the north, traveling down the coast along the Humbolt Current (I think, not sure that's what it's called).  The mountains behind, to the north, of SB protect it from a lot of the severe weather.  In fact, if you look on Google Earth, you can see a spur of land that sticks out into the Pacific Ocean north of SB called Point Conception.  This spur of land also protects SB from the worst of the winter seas that plague the SoCal coast (and which the surfers love).  The big waves that winter storms generate via wind and ocean currents are "broken" by Point Conception.  If you have any interest in wave dynamics or stream cynamics, you'll know that there is always a calm spot of water directly downflow of a major obstruction in the water...and SB is built in that little protected area. 

Santa Barbara also has addition protection to the south, which is where the rest of the storms come from.  About 20 miles offshore from SB is a chain of mountainous islands called the Channel Islands.  On clear days they are very plainly visible from SB and they are quite easy to boat over to.  There are no towns on the islands, I am pretty sure they are all state parks, very protected.  There is a big seismic fault line that runs down the middle of the ocean area between mainland SB and the islands, which is how the islands formed in the first place. 

Most of the coastline along SB is cliffs.  There are few actual sandy beaches.  This high coast helps prevents flooding.  However, SB does experience coastal flooding during winter storms, especially in the areas where the low sandy beaches are.  A bad storm combined with high winter tides can create a lot of road closures along the beaches and make a big mess.  But, with all the natural protections SB enjoys, flooding is actually fairly rare.  The climate is also fairly mild, even in winter, not anything like what you experience in Germany.  You are much further north and subject to completely different weather patterns.  Santa Barbara is pretty warm year round...they almost never have snow and when they do, it's in the mountains behind the town, not down in the flats.  No snow days for school kids! 

So...take a tour of the area on Google Earth, now that you know a little more about how the weather works there and I think you'll be able to see for yourself why it doesn't flood much.

Lora/LD

Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: The CBD before destruction
Post by: iGod on April 03, 2010, 03:15:28 AM
Wow, nice update. Really like the downtown night shot (3.13?). Keep the good work up!
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: The CBD before destruction
Post by: kwakelaar on April 03, 2010, 07:17:43 AM
A great looking series of images from SB, and such a pity you have been hit by the prop pox. Hope even after this you will be able to continue with this MD.
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: The CBD before destruction
Post by: citybuilderx on April 07, 2010, 07:51:43 AM
This MD is great. I love it when you follow a route, as it shows the location change aswell. Keep it up! &apls
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: The CBD before destruction
Post by: Battlecat on April 07, 2010, 09:18:44 AM
Great work on that downtown.  Sorry you've got to hit the delete key, but it'll be interesting to see you rebuild!
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: The CBD before destruction
Post by: Nardo69 on April 09, 2010, 04:50:59 PM
Yes is a pity. Sometimes on the first try the best developement can be achievened and no matter how hard you try you cannot recreate it anymore - unless you let your mind open for new ideas. Then the second or even third try can be really delightful.

Having made the same experience I fell with you. These things are one of the hardest things a SC$player can do.

Viel Glück!


Bernhard  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: The CBD before destruction
Post by: canyonjumper on April 09, 2010, 07:27:04 PM
Nice pics! It's unfortunate that you've got to delete the tile, but hopefully you can rebuild it to the same awesomeness ;D

          -Jordan :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: The CBD before destruction
Post by: RickD on April 11, 2010, 11:25:41 AM
Replies:

ldvger:
Thank you for the sound answer. I studied Santa Barbara on Google Earth but strangely enough I never really noticed the islands. Maybe I will expand the region one day to include them.

iGod:
Thanks, glad you like it.

kwakelaar:
Thanks for your sympathy. I will continue my MD. I found out that it is fun wo write this.

citybuilderx:
Glad you like it. I try to let my readers know where things happen. But sooner or later I will have to learn how to make decent maps to keep an overview.

Battlecat:
I will show the detailed process of reconstruction in a series of updates soon.

Nardo69:
Hmm, I think I will stick pretty close to the original layout of the tile. It did several big rebuilding projects on it already everytime i got better ideas. I think this is what triggered the Pox. All the destruction and rebuilding of large parts of the tile.

canyonjumper:
Thanks, I'll do my best. :)

All:
From now on many of my pics are clickable for full size.




(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg18.imageshack.us%2Fimg18%2F7408%2Froadwork.jpg&hash=a268db929e724edfb175d90e0a31b5f4906f1cd6)

In todays update we will take a look at some road improvement projects the Transportation Division of the Santa Barbara Public Works Department  and Caltrans did in the following tile northwest of downtown.

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4.1
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The highway on the top of the picture is Hollister Avenue which parallels I-5. The problem here is that people try to shortcut through the residential streets when the road is congested. This is a major annoyance for the residents. The city has to take action.

4.2
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The easiest solution is to block parts of the streets for cars. Bollards are installed and only pedestrians and bicycles are allowed to pass.

4.3
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Only a bit to the east there is the same problem. Instead of staying on Hollister Avenue. many people drive on the marked local street.

4.4
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The solution is the same. Blocking out car traffic.

4.5
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Several more of those reworks where done. Now the residents have their quiet side streets back. But there is one drawback. Traffic on Hollister Avenue is even worse. All the cars that were shortcutting through the streets are now back on the highway. Unfortunately there is no budet for widening the road, yet.

4.6
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The only improvement that can be made at the moment is the installation of traffic lights and turning lanes at the intersection of Hollister Avenue and Las Palmas Drive.

4.7
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Another set of traffic lights was installed at the intersection of Hollister Ave. (from the bottom) and Las Positas Rd. (from left to right). A roundabout was discussed but dismissed. It would not work well here because a great amount of traffic is turning left (the interstate is only a bit to the left of the pic).

4.8
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One of the bigger projects this fiscal year was the improvement of Northridge Road. The only access road to this small subdivision in the hills. As you can see it is over capacity.

4.9
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg130.imageshack.us%2Fimg130%2F6572%2Fc2a800.jpg&hash=f3b94a7caad453f33b205c0cce44baee421302d9) (http://img200.imageshack.us/img200/1963/c2ab.jpg)
The first stretch is easy to build. Here is the upgraded road along Bayview Nursing Home.

4.10
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg190.imageshack.us%2Fimg190%2F9702%2Fc3800.jpg&hash=7dd33136c03dbdaed883b0b4731687d7b8379b1d) (http://img248.imageshack.us/img248/6078/35119616.jpg)
It gets more interesting here. The cheap solution would be to improve the existing streets through the residential area. But this would be a major inconvenience for the residents. So it was decided to build a new bypass road.

4.11
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg217.imageshack.us%2Fimg217%2F672%2Fc4800.jpg&hash=f4f86f97c7eb6f4f5c4d0d04a3ce9d7e2abec066) (http://img441.imageshack.us/img441/4584/40925511.jpg)
After only a few month of construction time the new road was opened to traffic. The mayor was pleased to announce that the budget was met.

4.12
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg525.imageshack.us%2Fimg525%2F1087%2Fc5800.jpg&hash=73fdd45860f67fa70ab198c29aec73ee2a6eeac3) (http://img689.imageshack.us/img689/2725/91016565.jpg)
The other major projects were the imrovement of some stretches of road in the northeast corner of the tile. The roads between the markings were normal streets before. The highway running left to right in the picture is Turnpike Road.

4.13
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg7.imageshack.us%2Fimg7%2F368%2Fc6800.jpg&hash=908ebe390327aabd0a1d7e78e440085940209d04) (http://img37.imageshack.us/img37/3346/91544118.jpg)
Two new traffic lights were installed at East Turnpike road. This is another small step in upgrading the road to an expressway.

4.14
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg191.imageshack.us%2Fimg191%2F1809%2Fc7800.jpg&hash=6515239ab12c93cddad76d676e55d70f75ccaf20) (http://img13.imageshack.us/img13/9696/97860781.jpg)
But there is still much to do before this dream will become reality. Only a few hundred yards to the west, Turnpike road transitions to a 2 lane road and stays like that for most part. It will have to be widened sooner or later.

4.15
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg151.imageshack.us%2Fimg151%2F5241%2Fd7800.jpg&hash=bcfd2b6ec3fd200f04b790dc6c49b968f38a29ed) (http://img340.imageshack.us/img340/1377/31341653.jpg)
Turnpike Road is not the only expressways project that is on the backburner due to funding problems. Here you see Charles Francis Harper Expressway ending in the middle of nowhere. CFH Expwy is supposed to be one of the major bypasses for I-5 once it is finished.

Ok, this update was yet another fit of roadgeekery on my side. Hope you liked it anyway. ;)
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Road Work
Post by: canyonjumper on April 11, 2010, 12:06:57 PM
Roadgeekery is my favourite ;D. Interesting solution to the Hollister Avenue problem. I wouldn't have thought of that. Great update!

        -Jordan :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Road Work
Post by: Nexis4Jersey on April 12, 2010, 06:13:28 AM
very nice updates , i like your highways and light rail.
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Road Work
Post by: RickD on April 24, 2010, 12:23:40 PM
Replies:

canyonjumper, Nexis4Jersey:
Thanks for stopping by, guys.




East Beach

For this update I downloaded some beach sets. I am still not entirely happy about the variety, though. There is too much repetition in props for my taste (especially the blue blanket). If you have any suggestions for beach related downloads that I may have missed I would be happy to hear about them.

Oh, and I switched to rivit's coastal mod (http://www.simtropolis.com/stex/details.cfm?id=22358). It allows countless combinations of different offshore, foreshore and inshore textures.


Most of the Regions coastline consists of rocky beaches and steep cliffs. There is only one major stretch of nice sand beach. It stretches from the CBD to the eastern suburbs. It is constantly endangered by erosion so the city invests a significant amount of money into coastal protection. But it is worth the money because tourism is one of the region's major businesses and generates big tax revenue.

There are many activities offered for the whole family. You can do sports (surfing, sailing, volleyball, diving, ...) or just relax in the sun and go swimming. Snack Bars offer affordable food directly at the beach and many fancy restaurants are within walking distance. Parents that need some alone time can drop off their kids at one of the two child care facilities where they will enjoy an exciting day with other kids under the supervision of professional child care workers.
For your safety the beach is patrolled by lifeguards and even a special police unit.

In this update I will show you around East beach, the eastern part (hence the name) of Santa Barbara Beach. It is conveniently accessible by car and light rail. From the CBD, just take the  eastbound "A"-Train and get off at one of the two stations directly at the beach.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg686.imageshack.us%2Fimg686%2F713%2Fsantabarbara.png&hash=6d75c0522a6174eec5aee9a9b781f3c6a5fb1e5f)

5.1
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg717.imageshack.us%2Fimg717%2F5985%2Ffluss800.jpg&hash=7dd478f9455a8c902045613ac42fde8eb71adb13) (http://img708.imageshack.us/img708/7793/fluss.jpg)
This is where East Beach begins. You wonder where the water from the culvert comes from? You'll see in the next picture.


5.2
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg444.imageshack.us%2Fimg444%2F8587%2Fkanal800.jpg&hash=89467d4aab5d6363e57fdbdfd6216b8c973f5dda) (http://img227.imageshack.us/img227/6781/kanal.jpg)
This river originates in the foothills and is channelized through the suburbs. Here it has been put underground for a short stretch before it meets the ocean.


5.3
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg301.imageshack.us%2Fimg301%2F7157%2Fhotelday800.jpg&hash=2019765e0f86fea6912f210645cb47e4b8b6357a) (http://img227.imageshack.us/img227/7449/hotelday.jpg)
Four fancy Art Deco Hotel buildings. This stretch of beach belongs to the hotels. The blankets are neatly arranged in file and have to be reserved in advance.
I would prefer to have sun beds here instead of the blue blankets but I could not find any. If you know of anything better, please let me know.


5.4
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg9.imageshack.us%2Fimg9%2F5043%2Fhotelnight800.jpg&hash=10d27f0066ecab2a7566be59eedda9248a17f05e) (http://img52.imageshack.us/img52/1087/hotelnight.jpg)
At night the hotels are lit in different colors.


5.5
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg683.imageshack.us%2Fimg683%2F5043%2Fcnbjgcxjhxgh6aug2021271.jpg&hash=d4c2a6d7c1579c8067fff581791bf15394196854) (http://img682.imageshack.us/img682/5043/cnbjgcxjhxgh6aug2021271.jpg)
Of course there are other hotels at the beach.


5.6
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg686.imageshack.us%2Fimg686%2F6070%2Fcnbjgcxjhxgh6nov2021271.jpg&hash=6b1b0b978ef825dd46cd7f715cd0fce184d49174) (http://img146.imageshack.us/img146/6070/cnbjgcxjhxgh6nov2021271.jpg)
This is the Surfside Inn.


5.7
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg706.imageshack.us%2Fimg706%2F8422%2Fcnbjgcxjhxgh16aug202127.jpg&hash=a3efd079e009a23d3081466847c127c56cd57ddb) (http://img208.imageshack.us/img208/8422/cnbjgcxjhxgh16aug202127.jpg)
In the foreground is the new luxury hotel tower that will be opened in only a few weeks. In the background is the good ol Days Inn.


5.8
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg256.imageshack.us%2Fimg256%2F6682%2Fcnbjgcxjhxgh25aug202127.jpg&hash=ffb1612d1e65645d3c4896c880a02b86151c11ab) (http://img263.imageshack.us/img263/6682/cnbjgcxjhxgh25aug202127.jpg)
And finally the Courtyard Mariott.


5.9
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg90.imageshack.us%2Fimg90%2F8242%2Fcnbjgcxjhxgh25nov202127.jpg&hash=d891ef14b8076192504d063e169680ca34411f83) (http://img651.imageshack.us/img651/3035/cnbjgcxjhxgh25nov202127kfk.jpg)
The hotel area at night.



5.10
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg682.imageshack.us%2Fimg682%2F5545%2Fvolleyball800.jpg&hash=f22cccb7e467e538607c49898f4821a8883fae61) (http://img101.imageshack.us/img101/7218/volleyballo.jpg)
A Beach Volleyball court. Official tournaments take place here.


5.11
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg705.imageshack.us%2Fimg705%2F63%2Fpier800.jpg&hash=69f6ad0e778215f21ef2675782bdd2a0e9ac249e) (http://img80.imageshack.us/img80/1893/pierb.jpg)
The pier. This is a great place for fishing.
I would love to show you the whole pier. But there is a big, ugly no road acces Zot on it and I don't know how to get rid of it. When using the tastyzots cheat the waterbug strikes and the beach looks all weird. If you do not mind the Zot then proceed to the picture on your own risk by clicking here (http://img227.imageshack.us/img227/7661/pierzot.jpg).


5.12
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg697.imageshack.us%2Fimg697%2F132%2Fnightparty800.jpg&hash=c0a0aba64cdbde053ea3c16b3fecfb13510a5981) (http://img245.imageshack.us/img245/2549/nightparty.jpg)
At night the area around the pier is a famous spot for wild parties. This is inofficially tolerated by the authorities while on the rest of the beach strict no open fire, no loud music and no excessive drinking rules are enforced. Allowing the party crowd to assemble in one spot keeps them away from the rest of the beach and it is easier for the police to keep an eye on them.


5.13
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg72.imageshack.us%2Fimg72%2F8145%2Fmorning800.jpg&hash=91e847265794c8a20e79721045d37c3520ceb17f) (http://img88.imageshack.us/img88/462/morningx.jpg)
Sunday evening at the beach.

Thanks for reading and please let me know if you like it or not.  ;)
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: East Beach
Post by: ecoba on April 24, 2010, 01:02:31 PM
I love it, Raphael. I really like Rivit's mod in this setting (thinking about getting it myself, sooner or later...) You've certainly got a variety of hotel and store lots that make this area look wonderful. I also like all of the parking lots and the retaining walls.

The roadgeek update that you showed us two days ago was also very nice. I like the improvements in the local road network that you show us, feels like as you're showcasing the overall region, you're also showing us how it grows at the same time.  :)

Ethan
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: East Beach
Post by: ldvger on April 25, 2010, 12:20:56 AM
Raphael-

Your updates and pics are always so evocative to me of my years growing up in SB, you never fail to trigger all kinds of memories.  And, I am always tempted to run over to Google Earth and capture a bunch of screen shots of the RL area you showcase and post them here, so show both the manner in which you are developing your version both differently and, in many ways, very much the same.

SB's beach is indeed divided into East Beach and West Beach, with The Pier at the end of State Street being the dividing line between the two beaches.  To the east of East Beach is a fairly large promontory and cliff which protects the beaches and harbor (and marina...don't forget the marina!) from the southward flow of waves and storms.  In the lee of that cliff the waves curl in towards shore very nicely and it's a favorite surfer spot.  Just west of the cliff and still on the much higher land is Santa Barbara City College, overlooking the shore and sea.  It's a hard place to go to school and be a diligent student, with the sunbaked beach such a short walk away!  I should know, because when I was (briefly) a student there, I spent many a day on the beach rather than in class.  Just across the street from the beach and below the college is La Playa Stadium, which was the largest football stadium in the area until UCSB was built.  Back in the day, there were only 2 high schools in SB and the rivarly between them was very fierce.  The annual football game betwen the two schools was always held at La Playa, as my school, San Marcos High School, didn't even have a stadium and the stadium at Santa Barbara High School was too small for the crowd the cross-town rivarly game drew.  When I was a senior in high school, the annual game moved out to the UCSB stadium.

There is a long and wide sidewalk promenade that runs almost the entire length of both East and West Beach.  On weekends for most of the year, there is an Art Show set up along the promenade, with local artists and crafters selling thier works in little stalls all along the sidewalk.  There is a fairly wide lawn area between the promenade and the beach itself, scattered with picnic tables and bar-b-que stands, before the actual sandy beach begins.  There used to be a rather large group of folk dancers that danced on the West Beach side of the lawn every weekend, but I don't know if they still do or not.  The waterfront has changed a lot since the years I lived there.

Back then, there were few hotels and most were small, two, maybe 3 stories tall at most.  There are still a lot of motels between Hwy 101 and the beaches and none of the newer and bigger hotels are actually on the beach itself, they are all across the street.  Most of that land was empty fields when I was growing up there...or old and abandoned industrial. 

This last summer my nephew got married on West Beach...it's a popular destination for weddings, very scenic if you don't mind the oil platforms on the horizon out to sea.  The sand of the beaches is not blonde, either, but is actually a medium brown, due in part to the oil that naturally seeps up out of the ocean floor in the channel between the mainland and the Channel Islands.  Niether of the beaches are recommended for barefoot walking, as the oil congeals in the ocean into thick tarry globs and then washes up on the beaches.  The only thing that gets it off the bottoms of your feet (or snadals) is gasoline.  The oil was on the beaches long before the drilling platforms showed up, though...that's why the platforms are there. 

Every year there is an unofficial ceremony that takes place along the beaches...the Grunion Run.  Some folks actually are serious about staying up until 3 am to catch the little fish that flop onshore to lay thier eggs, but my memories of the Grunion Run is that it's really just an excuse to make a bonfire on the beach and party all night long.  Fireworks are shot off shore and near La Playa Stadium at 4th of July every year and that's another time when the beach is loaded with bonfires and partyers.  Otherwise, I'm pretty sure the beach is pretty much off-limits after dark.  There were a series of very grisly murders committed on West Beach back in the 60's that kinda put a squash on night-time beach walking.  But I remember that during storms we used to go out and walk along the breakwater that closes the marina off from the rest of the ocean.  We'd get soaked from the waves splashing up and crashing into the rocks, but there is a large sandspit at the end of the breakwater and it's a nice quiet part of the beach to visit.  FYI, the SB marina, as a human construct, is constantly battleing sand that the waves puch down from the north and around the end of the breakwater...the channel into the marina has a permanently moored dredging machine pumping sand out.  Years ago I saw a program on TV about wave dynamics and the SB marina and breakwaters was used as an example of how and where NOT to build a marina! 

You make me homesick for SB, which doesn't happen very often.  As beautiful as it is, it's not really a very good place to live unless you have LOTS of money...and we didn't.  There really isn't that much industry other than tourism, so jobs are few and usually don't pay much.  Homes and rents are very, very expensive, so the disparity between the rich and the poor is very wide and very strong. 

But it is very pretty and the weather is very good. 

Lora/LD
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: East Beach
Post by: kwakelaar on April 25, 2010, 01:10:56 AM
Nice work on your beach area, I am quite certain there are more beach props out there, but I can really not recall who made them. Sorry, I can't help you any further.
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: East Beach
Post by: citybuilderx on April 25, 2010, 03:31:00 AM
WOW! Your citys look great. Keep it up! :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: East Beach
Post by: canyonjumper on April 25, 2010, 11:54:05 AM
Looking great Rick! I don't have alot to say (unlike Laura ;D) but I can say that this MD is well though out, and well executed (inspite of the prop pox), and I will be reading  for a while yet  &apls

                        Your friend,
                                       Jordan
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: East Beach
Post by: rooker1 on May 01, 2010, 08:23:29 AM
It gives me great pleasure to move your MD to OSITM .
Great MD, great pics....I think this will be a great month following your MD.
&apls

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg260.imageshack.us%2Fimg260%2F4012%2Fsantabarbaramay2010.png&hash=134a6414068dd445197aab27e247d7da553bdaf4)

Congratulations from myself and The SC4D Staff.
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: East Beach
Post by: Nardo69 on May 01, 2010, 08:52:28 AM
Nice beach. I do like the Tramway that connects the beach!  ()stsfd()

The four Art Deco next to each other is a great example for nice repetitive buildings! For the beach props, why don't you have a look at our way too early died friend Suico's Copacabana Beach Set (Linkie1 (http://www.simtropolis.com/stex/details.cfm?id=3519), Linkie2 (http://www.simtropolis.com/stex/details.cfm?id=3559))? Quite old but still my favorite!

And:

Congratulation for being Of Special Interest This Month!  &apls

Bernhard  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: East Beach
Post by: dedgren on May 01, 2010, 12:21:58 PM
Excellent!  Raphael, every time I look in here I see something that really leaves me impressed.  It's about time we had a "California coast" MD, and you've done a great job catching the ambiance.


David
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: East Beach
Post by: Tarkus on May 01, 2010, 12:25:54 PM
Raphael, this is my first time stopping by here . . . and I am absolutely floored by what you've done here with this MD.  I immensely enjoyed the roadgeekery you've put in, and I think you've done a great job getting that "California" feel to things.  Your region looks just absolutely gorgeous, not to mention very realistic.

Congratulations on the OSITM, too . . . it is most certainly well-earned! :thumbsup:

-Alex
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: East Beach
Post by: ecoba on May 01, 2010, 02:34:34 PM
Congragulations, Raphael. You really did earn a spot in OSITM, you've worked very hard to give us an excellent MD to enjoy.  :)

Ethan
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: East Beach
Post by: RickD on May 02, 2010, 02:18:36 PM
Oh, wow. This came totally unexpected. I haven't even prepared a speech. ;) So let me just thank Maxis for creating this wonderful game, the OSITM committee for this great honor, my mother for being my mother ,and most importantly all of you who read and enjoy my MD. I have some updates in the works that I hope are worthy for the OSITM.

From now on the replies to the comments will be at the end of each update. This is not to debase your comments. I appreciate them very much. But I just feel like the pictures are the most important part of an MD. Without pictures there would be no reason to comment, right?

Ok, let's get started.




Into the wild

Santa Barbara County is not only the big city and suburban sprawl you saw in the last updates. In fact, urban development is mainly limited to the southern half of the region. The northeast of Santa Barbara county is a part of the Los Padres National Forest (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Padres_National_Forest). In this update we will make a road trip (sorry, can't help it ;) ) into the forest.


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg718.imageshack.us%2Fimg718%2F7113%2F1klein.jpg&hash=344681165419f084aca9ee5daab82a1602c8628c) (http://img15.imageshack.us/img15/583/41232592.jpg)
Our trip starts in the early morning at this crossing of two rural roads. We are already high up in the mountains. We will not drive over the covered bridge here. Maybe in another update. Today we will follow the road in the opposite direction. Our destination is Gibraltar lake further up in the hills.


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg248.imageshack.us%2Fimg248%2F5606%2F2klein.jpg&hash=19e274576cfa1fe96a4d747c0eff23876009f936) (http://img684.imageshack.us/img684/2294/62879880.jpg)
The road sneaks through the Santa Ynez River valley. There are usage restrictions in effect here. A National Forest Adventure Pass (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Forest_Adventure_Pass) is required to drive on this road and may be obtained from local merchants, visitor centers, or online.


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg693.imageshack.us%2Fimg693%2F9913%2F3klein.jpg&hash=2d128c0ed8850f3564afed2aad4d2f44f326ed3a) (http://img202.imageshack.us/img202/4734/62553364.jpg)
A covered bridge takes the road over Santa Ynez River. The dirt road leads around the other side of the lake where several cabins are located. We will see them later.


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg256.imageshack.us%2Fimg256%2F722%2F4klein.jpg&hash=69430b2140454227a446e029664140a71fc9f49e) (http://img25.imageshack.us/img25/461/62490088.jpg)
A forest road leads into the woods with a small parking space. A pile of gravel and machinery has been delivered here to repair the road after heavy rainfall.
The forest roads are important for the forest rangers and firefighters to access the woods. Commercial logging is prohibited in the national forest but some trees have to be taken down to keep the wood healthy.


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg153.imageshack.us%2Fimg153%2F117%2F5klein.jpg&hash=4b9664537714995c2da85157fc31c403f87e9b64) (http://img217.imageshack.us/img217/803/71403419.jpg)
The forest roads are maintained by the U.S. Forest Service. Only USFS vehicles are allowed to drive here. But they are open and very popular for hiking as they are ususally comfortable to walk on and well signposted.


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg690.imageshack.us%2Fimg690%2F5624%2F6klein.jpg&hash=69bc32e7a554b7679fead24ee4f6d8f90d87e0ea) (http://img146.imageshack.us/img146/466/68028593.jpg)
A river bend. The water is very shallow here.


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg32.imageshack.us%2Fimg32%2F6118%2F7klein.jpg&hash=f2d042380f803a746d7b41f95f540c440a198097) (http://img222.imageshack.us/img222/3276/61168289.jpg)
A rockslide next to the road.


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg695.imageshack.us%2Fimg695%2F4969%2F8klein.jpg&hash=689cc82c8cb0a3fefa68ad3ae6d897d20a704db9) (http://img526.imageshack.us/img526/5798/42238368.jpg)
The road follows the north shore around Gibraltar lake. A small stream is coming from the mountains and flows into the lake.
In reality Gibraltar Reservoir, impounded by Gibraltar Dam, is one of three reservoirs on Santa Ynez River. It supplies water to the City of Santa Barbara via the Santa Barbara Water tunnel under the Santa Ynez Mountains.


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg293.imageshack.us%2Fimg293%2F1554%2F9klein.jpg&hash=359a8d52696ef11d5c466e8f8d50afe68e733a40) (http://img63.imageshack.us/img63/7350/98946337.jpg)
Rock slide area ahead! No stopping next 1/4 mile.


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg243.imageshack.us%2Fimg243%2F8742%2F10klein.jpg&hash=29e848534acce0bbc04645a9adc4ed6ed72a60b3) (http://img64.imageshack.us/img64/5503/12831114.jpg)
On the oppsite side of the lake are some cabins. You have to be a real outdoorsman to rent one of those because this is far away from civilization here. They are not accessible by car, there is no electricity, no phone (not even cell phones work here), no running water. You have to chop your own firewood and it is almost 20 miles to the next convenience store. The forest ranger visits twice a week to check if everything is allright.
The cabins are very popular with fishermen, hunters and authors with a writer's block. Several horror movies have been filmed here. The creepy atmosphere when the early morning mist covers the sea is an ideal setting.


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg406.imageshack.us%2Fimg406%2F7453%2F11kleini.jpg&hash=bf9951a1ea38677434553468f239d0249796c6c5) (http://img534.imageshack.us/img534/373/60443624.jpg)
Some more cabins.


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg20.imageshack.us%2Fimg20%2F6109%2F12klein.jpg&hash=2d661876c46c9508dd2e5e1fc79bc6478f1ffb4e) (http://img708.imageshack.us/img708/7945/33414745.jpg)
The boat house. Once there was a small shop and bar here. But it closed when the owner died and no successor was found. It is a hard and secluded life here in the wilderness.


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg265.imageshack.us%2Fimg265%2F3439%2F13klein.jpg&hash=e55581b026d67498876b8d95ecaf2bdc6f94e53b) (http://hhttp://img293.imageshack.us/img293/9756/64002119.jpg)
A few hiking trails lead even further into the mountains. But be careful, it is easy to get lost here and there are wild animals out there. Survival equipment, including a signal pistol in case you need help is strongly recommended. It is also advisable to let the forest ranger know if you plan a trip so that he can look for you if you do not return at the expected time.


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg130.imageshack.us%2Fimg130%2F9725%2F14klein.jpg&hash=4d798432bae7ffb8d72b6f39dd0e2503da395f7d) (http://img32.imageshack.us/img32/272/94493188.jpg)
An overview of the lake.


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg169.imageshack.us%2Fimg169%2F1653%2F15klein.jpg&hash=5d0239e8101c83c2640c0a6c39795fd3fba21886) (http://img23.imageshack.us/img23/5397/25977600.jpg)
This is it for today. It is getting late and the sun will soon vanish behind the mountains leaving nothing but darkness and the infinite, starry sky above the lake.

Thank you for your attention and for commenting!

This is not a recreation of the actual Santa Barbara.
Most images clickable for full-size (~1.5 Mb per pic)!





Replies:

ecoba:
Thanks my friend. I have already built a big portion that I want to show. But there is much space left for development. And I keep on playing. You can sometimes spot my progress on the region views I post. ;)

ldvger:
I spend much time in google earth looking at the region and I have read almost everything on wikipedia about it. However, it is still my fantasy region. I also talked to people from Santa Barbara and heard about the high rents and that it is mainly a a place for the rich people.

I do not mind you posting images from Santa Barbara here if you want. It is very interesting to read your stories about SB and I probably will pick up some of it and integrate it in my MD. :)

kwakelaar:
Glad you like it. :)

citybuilderx:
Thanks man.

canyonjumper:
Don't worry you don't have to write a lot. It is good to know you are reading.

rooker1:
Wow, thank you so much. It is a great honor for me.

Nardo69:
I hoped you'd like the Tram. The railway update is still in the works. ;)
Thanks for the suggestion, this is very close to what I wanted. I'll have to revisit the beach someday.

dedgren:
This is quite a compliment coming from you. Thank you, David.

Tarkus:
Cool you like it. I am eagerly waiting for your new projects to be released. I have so many roads waiting to be upgraded with RHW 4.0, Tuleps and NWM. But don't rush it, I will be patient until it all works.

ecoba:
Thank you. I am very excited about my first OSITM.
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Into the wild
Post by: scott1964 on May 02, 2010, 08:06:40 PM
I want one of the cabins on the lake.  :P
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Into the wild
Post by: superhands on May 02, 2010, 08:41:52 PM
Very Good Md RickD :thumbsup:

every detail is accounted for! especially the water ways.

-Dave


edit: welcome to page 4! and congrats on 60 replies.
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Into the wild
Post by: Battlecat on May 03, 2010, 08:57:29 AM
Congratulations on OSTIM!  Love your work in the last couple updates, your work with the natural details looks fantastic! 
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Into the wild
Post by: Nardo69 on May 03, 2010, 12:48:47 PM
Great work. As always I might say. Love the river shores. So easy, so simple, so empty, so convincing. Mine are always kinda full. Might try to use a little bit less of everything. Just the bigger white rocks look a bit too systematic, the green ones, in a smaller amount, may look better there.

Glad I could help you with the beach props. Now I just need to find my boat to reach the other shore until the night falls.  :-[ Hey, that person over there, wasn't that Jasons's Mama?

Take care my friend


Bernhard :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Into the wild
Post by: EDGE4194 on May 04, 2010, 05:55:36 PM
Raphael- congrats on the OSITM  &apls Not sure if I have commented here yet, but I have been following your MD and must say you have done fantastic work here. There is a great attention to detail and you've really captured the essence of the real SB.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Into the wild
Post by: Neofita on May 04, 2010, 06:00:30 PM
Congratulations on the OSITM
I really like  &apls
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Into the wild
Post by: ManuelR on May 05, 2010, 08:00:46 AM
Wow, this MD is really a treasure! :) I love the realism and you're playing style. And it all looks pretty alive, because of all the traffic. :D
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Into the wild
Post by: Haljackey on May 05, 2010, 05:00:06 PM
Wow RickD, this MD is great! Very OSITM worthy. Glad I found it!

Fantastic use of the RHW too, that's a huge quantity of custom interchanges. I like it!  :thumbsup:

And those nature shots in the last update... just awesome.

I'll have to keep my eye on this one from now on.  ::)
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Into the wild
Post by: nedalezz on May 06, 2010, 05:57:04 AM
Santa Barbara looks great! I was wondering where in terms of the region map is the forest park located?
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Into the wild
Post by: RickD on May 09, 2010, 02:04:54 PM
OMG, the new NAM is out! This will delay the next update a few days. I can't possibly publish a new roadgeeking update without utilizing the new NAM.  :P
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Into the wild
Post by: RickD on May 12, 2010, 01:39:16 AM
Charles Francis Harper Expressway - Part 1


A plan for a major highway connecting the City of Santa Barbara's western suburbs and eventually the city of Goleta (which I have not completely built yet, but let's pretend, ok? ;) ) to downtown Santa Barbara has been proposed by Charles F. Harper in 1967, about 15 years after completion of I-5. He was head of the Public Works Department's Transportation Division at the time and a very passionate and foreseeing planner but infamous for his hot temper. It was evident to him that I-5 would not be able to handle future traffic levels caused by rising population numbers and the urban sprawl in the region and he should be proven right.

After some back and forth about the routing between Charles Harper and the city council which got very emotional at times (including a temporary suspension of Charles Harper and and a big fine for insulting the mayor and several members of the city council), an agreement has been reached. Mr. Harper wanted the road to begin right at the city center of Santa Barbara but this area was already built up densely. He had to finally accept that it was virtually impossible to gain a right of way through this area. It would have meant to relocate many people, buy privately owned land for horrendous prices and tear down many buildings.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg20.imageshack.us%2Fimg20%2F5938%2Fsantabarbara.jpg&hash=9da3e2bc17d46e83e09d89ba69b59aa3fc5a12dc)
Numbers indicate where the following pics where taken.

Construction of Phase 1 started in 1971. The last stretch opened to traffic in February 1977. Phase 2, however was never even started. In the 80s most road construction projects were cancelled and the budgets were diverted to public transport projects. But Phase 2 is still included in the countie's regional transportation and infrastructure masterplan. The right of way is still reserved. In fact, the Transportation Division is currently competing for state money for this very project. (hint hint)

1
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg32.imageshack.us%2Fimg32%2F9687%2F1800b.jpg&hash=0037e67aa12294879b5898c62382e53cda24197e) (http://img64.imageshack.us/img64/5058/53055905.jpg)
CFH Expressway starts/ends right at the western border of the area that is officially defined as the city center. The Mall benefits immensly from all the traffic.


2
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg193.imageshack.us%2Fimg193%2F7435%2F2800m.jpg&hash=2d11c3e1ab78cad575309c40a3cccc7f35cf69cc) (http://img69.imageshack.us/img69/3850/91121197.jpg)
The first major intersection. CFH Expwy. is running up/down in the picture. The other stretch of avenue connects to an industrial and commercial area and to I-5.


3
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg63.imageshack.us%2Fimg63%2F444%2F3800o.jpg&hash=7a98f3490961c592f84ebec32c46e7b6df5496f6) (http://img266.imageshack.us/img266/7592/31478288.jpg)
We will sidetrack here a bit and leave the expressway to follow the short stretch of avenue in northern direction. It cuts through a hill with a wealthier part of suburbs.


4
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg163.imageshack.us%2Fimg163%2F5194%2F4800a.jpg&hash=ac8a215b9b6836fe8de72474cfde9b646eaf0aca) (http://img580.imageshack.us/img580/4774/53146852.jpg)
A major intersection. which has been upgraded recently. Well turn around here and get back on CFH Expwy.


5
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg27.imageshack.us%2Fimg27%2F2139%2F5800md.jpg&hash=58f0232ff8921c38f14b3dcbb0d67985cdc1f40f) (http://img522.imageshack.us/img522/4927/22112381.jpg)
Back on the Expressway at night. The suburbs have grown immensly after the road was completet. There is little room for expansion. A soundwall protects the houses from traffic noise.


6
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg18.imageshack.us%2Fimg18%2F7097%2F6800w.jpg&hash=27bebfc8c9cfca84bcec591f834f28a6e8660028) (http://img683.imageshack.us/img683/8239/19579979.jpg)
This used to be the center of a once independent town that has been swallowed by the ever growing suburbs.
I love the night lighting of the little Shell station.


7
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg696.imageshack.us%2Fimg696%2F6486%2F7800.jpg&hash=7a001c88ca5647e34f27f5b36ad5ee2febadb54c) (http://img504.imageshack.us/img504/5723/87731658.jpg)
And a day shot of the same area.


8
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg404.imageshack.us%2Fimg404%2F5661%2F8800.jpg&hash=b675ca09e0407afad387b07c03c3961c3647e609) (http://img704.imageshack.us/img704/8518/52507909.jpg)
Towards the end of Phase 1 construction it gets more rural. Somewhere around here is the border between the City of Santa Barbara and the City of Goleta. Traffic levels are low here because this stretch of road basically leads to nowhere.


9
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg695.imageshack.us%2Fimg695%2F9629%2F9800n.jpg&hash=6640242ced5c424d970c8f9add4b7d533f813eb3) (http://img268.imageshack.us/img268/4158/93141485.jpg)
And this is the abrupt ending of Charles Francis Harper Expressway.


10 (Bonus Pic)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg52.imageshack.us%2Fimg52%2F9207%2F10800f.jpg&hash=f91a41ed81c8f12f3c5d0cbc1e2b7bcaf318031b) (http://img163.imageshack.us/img163/694/81814758.jpg)
I love the new NAM!

Thanks for reading and remember: This is not a recreation of the actual Santa Barbara. ;)




Replies:

scott1964:
Me, too.  :P

superhands:
Thanks! I'm glad you like it.

Battlecat:
Thank you my friend.

Nardo69:
;)
I am still working on my shoreline technique. I try not to plop too much but sometimes I get carried away with it. I agree that the white rocks are too uniform. But I wanted to have those bright withe rocks there because I have a picture in mind of a river in the alps where I used to go for holiday when I was a kid. There is not much variety in white rocks available. Everything else is grey, brown or green.

EDGE4194:
Thank you.

Neofita:
Thanks for the compliment.

ManuelR:
Cool to hear this from you considering that your MD is a great inspiration for me. ;)

Haljackey:
Welcome! Great to have you here.

nedalezz:
It is in the upper right tile. I did not show a region shot because I cheated a bit. I pretty much only detailed the areas where I took the photos. I am hand plopping eveything there, even the trees. It is much work.
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: CFH Expressway - Part 1
Post by: ManuelR on May 12, 2010, 04:21:03 AM
Great work, with the new NAM and good choice of Bats. The only problem is now that you have a grey sidewalk-mod and the NAM pieces have white sidewalks.;)  I also really like the name of the highway, it somehow reminds me of a series I use to watch all the time. :D :) And also Malibu isn't that far away...
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: CFH Expressway - Part 1
Post by: Nardo69 on May 12, 2010, 04:28:28 AM
Great work that is indeed!

About the Sawtooth with the grey sidewalk mod, maybe two oneways would like better?

And your roadgeekery makes me wish I could fire up SC4 - NOW!

Take care my friend!

Bernhard  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: CFH Expressway - Part 1
Post by: Haljackey on May 12, 2010, 08:34:35 AM
Nice!

Excellent use of the new NAM components, especially the TuLEPs! Fantastic job!
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: CFH Expressway - Part 1
Post by: marsh on May 12, 2010, 05:01:38 PM
Sounds great! never read this MD before, guess i better start! *bookmarked*

:thumbsup:

,marsh
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: CFH Expressway - Part 1
Post by: ecoba on May 12, 2010, 05:38:41 PM
Great update, Raphael. The chronicles of the expressway are really interesting, and of course the surrounding suburbs are beautiful as well. Your showcasing of the new TuLEPs and the NWM is excellent as well.

Ethan  :)
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: CFH Expressway - Part 1
Post by: Nexis4Jersey on May 12, 2010, 05:39:31 PM
nice update , good to see the New NAM pieces in use. :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: CFH Expressway - Part 1
Post by: io_bg on May 13, 2010, 06:38:49 AM
Great work here, I love Tulep and the NWM usage! :thumbsup: Can't wait till the second part!
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: CFH Expressway - Part 1
Post by: nbvc on May 13, 2010, 08:07:00 AM
Great update. :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: CFH Expressway - Part 1
Post by: TmiguelT on May 13, 2010, 10:36:39 AM
The work that you put in your MD is phenomenal !! &apls
I was one of the many that when they look at an MD, they just see the pictures and that's it. Somehow you caught my attention with your big paragraphs and hook me into reading.  :thumbsup:

Keep up the good work and i expect to see more of this magnificent MD :)

PS. Congratulations on your OSITM :)... It took me a while to find your MD.. 1 hour to be honest  ;D
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: CFH Expressway - Part 1
Post by: canyonjumper on May 13, 2010, 05:17:48 PM
Rick! I love your use of the new NAM! The TuLEPS look great, and the TLA-5's are used well ;D. I can't wait to see what you've done with RHW 4.0!

                          Your friend,
                                         Jordan :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: CFH Expressway - Part 1
Post by: planetechef on May 13, 2010, 07:30:19 PM
First post here for me, never too late  :P great job on your traffic and congratulation of course of the OSITM, well deserve  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: CFH Expressway - Part 1
Post by: threestooges on May 14, 2010, 01:23:28 AM
Now that's a fine advertisment for the new NAM. The TLAs look great in that application, very true to life around those parts (and also around here). Picture 8 of yours gave me an idea for a scene involving the GLR. I'll have to see how well it comes together, but it hearkens back to the days of the Pacific Electric to the south in early Los Angeles, and the orange fields of what is now referred to as the Inland Empire. I'm curious how you've been choosing to develop the area, if there's a particular vision you have in mind, of if you've just been building what seems to suit the area for the time. Either way, it's looking great.
-Matt
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: CFH Expressway - Part 1
Post by: Tomas Neto on May 17, 2010, 12:53:09 PM
Hi my friend, congrats on the OSITM!!!

Nice suburbs and rural area too!!!
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: CFH Expressway - Part 1
Post by: RickD on May 18, 2010, 12:31:52 PM
Charles Francis Harper Expressway - Part 2

Good news, the State of California has granted a budget to finally extend CFH Expressway!

9.1
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg515.imageshack.us%2Fimg515%2F2338%2F1overview800.jpg&hash=549addd13a8d7caeed25da92bc7c4bd8deee9dea) (http://img175.imageshack.us/img175/8340/1overview.jpg)
This is the right of way for the new stretch of highway. An intersection with Las Palmas Drive will be built. This will be a big relief for traffic on Hollister Avenue. I have shown you how bad the situation there was in Update Nr. 4 (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=10396.msg319700#msg319700) .


9.2
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg295.imageshack.us%2Fimg295%2F9758%2F2vorher800.jpg&hash=0de8cd10402a1a3750651a1ebf20d1d4394432d7) (http://img7.imageshack.us/img7/1927/2vorher.jpg)
Construction will start right here where the existing part of CFH ends at the intersection with Las Positas Road. Some houses and streets have been built in the Right Of Way here. They will have to be demolished. It seems someone didn't pay attention here but of course no one wants to be responsible.  :P


9.3
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg139.imageshack.us%2Fimg139%2F9852%2F3baustelle800.jpg&hash=26a1351581dfff56c73588e4aa36a5bdf4ab499b) (http://img130.imageshack.us/img130/5825/3baustelle.jpg)
Caltrans started as soon as possible and didn't hesitate to tear down anything in the way. But don't worry, the people have been paid good compensations.


9.4
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg121.imageshack.us%2Fimg121%2F2770%2F4vorher800.jpg&hash=67ea31b9bc98d09d5c0ef6521442e4eaeea85299) (http://img29.imageshack.us/img29/7296/4vorher.jpg)
Here will be the Overpass over Las Palmas Drive.


9.5
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg30.imageshack.us%2Fimg30%2F4521%2F5baustelle800.jpg&hash=f0f0bb3bdaa30cfd78e440a44ee4803a3a52e2f4) (http://img31.imageshack.us/img31/5792/5baustelle.jpg)
Construction of the overpass.


9.6
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg59.imageshack.us%2Fimg59%2F2739%2F6overviewbaustelle800.jpg&hash=327f421f1f1fca357fd93f59df2c3ffdff662fcb) (http://img339.imageshack.us/img339/7272/6overviewbaustelle.jpg)
An overview of the new alignment under construction.


9.7
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg683.imageshack.us%2Fimg683%2F8146%2F7overpassfertigmitonram.jpg&hash=2d29de9483ed0314facb916a8f579ce590139b43) (http://img25.imageshack.us/img25/8146/7overpassfertigmitonram.jpg)
Construction of the onramp. It will be connected to Las Palmas Rd with a roundabout.


9.8
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg17.imageshack.us%2Fimg17%2F6596%2F8neuekreuzung800.jpg&hash=4b01e52e5b32c60ef00c2fdcfeea92fffacb9e4b) (http://img193.imageshack.us/img193/4598/8neuekreuzung.jpg)
The first stretch is finished. A new fancy intersection with Las Positas Road has been built. The only small flaw is one missing slip lane. The old man living in the little house refused to sell his land. Not even a very generous compensation could change his mind. But lets see how long his stubborness lasts with rising traffic levels.
The only task left here is to reconnect Hill Street.


9.9.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg443.imageshack.us%2Fimg443%2F4117%2F9rerouted800.jpg&hash=3b82fedcc9d0c5957a43756ea5ab099d8fa3060b) (http://img193.imageshack.us/img193/4598/8neuekreuzung.jpg)
It was simply rerouted through the village. There was no need for a fancy and expensive new alignment because traffic levels on Hill Street will drop significantly with the completion of the new Expressway.


9.10
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg29.imageshack.us%2Fimg29%2F3006%2F10overpassfertig2800.jpg&hash=43510843fce9c5ea13ac8640d7973b9f19e610cc) (http://img413.imageshack.us/img413/3476/10overpassfertig2.jpg)
The overpass and onramp are finished, too.


9.11
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg718.imageshack.us%2Fimg718%2F9664%2F11overviewfertig800.jpg&hash=1137c4ba955e4123da34e39d326efbe3bcbab8e7) (http://img59.imageshack.us/img59/752/11overviewfertig.jpg)
And here is the overview of the new road in this tile.


9.12
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg179.imageshack.us%2Fimg179%2F8953%2F12overviewfertig800.jpg&hash=d9b1ec17a32e4acef3321c6db8bd7fe05a26bdea) (http://img6.imageshack.us/img6/2775/12overviewfertig.jpg)


9.13
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg94.imageshack.us%2Fimg94%2F4259%2F13fertig3800.jpg&hash=5ae4f703ccdea024cba40ef47bae3b1f83b1a2fc) (http://img153.imageshack.us/img153/954/13fertig3.jpg)


9.14
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg41.imageshack.us%2Fimg41%2F661%2F14fertig4800.jpg&hash=363bf82aad272322e32feb2711acb6e45ed11991) (http://img594.imageshack.us/img594/1240/14fertig4.jpg)


9.15
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg704.imageshack.us%2Fimg704%2F8409%2F15fertig5800.jpg&hash=8bb4456724d6242ce1b2a638c653d0747f96525d) (http://img225.imageshack.us/img225/7531/15fertig5.jpg)
Some more impressions of the new expressway.


9.16
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg109.imageshack.us%2Fimg109%2F1188%2F16vorher800.jpg&hash=b620dd57a11943f17f3a54c6a8254bf4ff60ab39) (http://img705.imageshack.us/img705/4674/16vorher.jpg)
Construction continues in the next tile through the suburbs of Goleta.


9.17
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg140.imageshack.us%2Fimg140%2F8225%2F16overview800.jpg&hash=9d809e1275c6a7e4a6ca2aae04b7f412773851e5) (http://img72.imageshack.us/img72/7420/16overview.jpg)
Wow, that was fast. It is already finished. ;) (Don't want to bore you with too many generic construction pics.=


9.18
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg26.imageshack.us%2Fimg26%2F9118%2F17develop800.jpg&hash=81cf434c47f3b8ddc6784c2f34cd6b79c636a9c0) (http://img37.imageshack.us/img37/4228/17develop.jpg)
This undeveloped land is designated for commercial development. Jobs are badly needed in this part of the city. But we will leave this for a future update.


Thats it. Looking forward to your comments. And please keep in mind that this is not a recreation of the actual Santa Barbara. ;)




Replies:

ManuelR & Nardo69:
Oh, the sidewalks. One of the most annoying things in SC4 to date. I love the asphalt sidewalks in the city center. But they sure look odd in rural areas. I will try to use it more selectively by removing it temporarily from my plugin folder when taking pics in certain areas. I hate it that I don't have detailed manual control over the appearance of sidewalks. They have a mind of their own and seem to never do what I want.  ::)

Haljackey:
Thanks, Hal! I'm especially glad that you like it.

marsh:
Hey marsh, nice to see you here.

ecoba:
Thanks, Ethan.

Nexis4Jersey:
Thanks. Yeah, I am so excited about the new NAM.

io_bg:
Hope the second part was no disappointment. :P

nbvc:
Thanks!

TmiguelT:
Good to know that some people are actually reading my humble tries at establishing a background story. Well, I am certainly not a writer but at least I try to give reasons why things are how they are in my Santa Barbara. :)

canyonjumper:
Thanks, Jordan. In my opinion this is the best NAM release ever.

planetechef:
Welcome and thank you!

threestooges:

QuoteI'm curious how you've been choosing to develop the area, if there's a particular vision you have in mind, of if you've just been building what seems to suit the area for the time.
A bit of both, I guess. I do have a vision for the whole region in mind. But that can change when I get new ideas when building. Sometimes I even bulldoze large areas to completely rebuild them. And I follow the top-down approach. I build things rough and not very detailed first, then I revisit the area several times to make changes and work on the details.
You will probably learn more about my building style when I am finished with the first "season" of updates. When I run out of stuff I have already build I will have to change my style to showing how I develop empty tiles.

Tomas Neto:
Thanks Tomas!
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: CFH Expressway - Part 2
Post by: marsh on May 18, 2010, 04:46:09 PM
Thats a great idea for the interchanges. Thats how alot here are. There isnt much traffic so major interchanges are not needed. You made them quite nice too.   :P

,marsh  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: CFH Expressway - Part 2
Post by: ecoba on May 18, 2010, 06:28:16 PM
Wow, my friend. Beautiful update. The expressway really is a nice touch, and the way that you have shown us the construction and expansion of it is really interesting and just there are just gorgeous pictures. :)

Ethan
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: CFH Expressway - Part 2
Post by: io_bg on May 19, 2010, 09:55:36 AM
I just love the way you've used the RHW. So inspiring $%Grinno$% makes me fire up SC4 again (although I haven't finished my homework ;D )
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: CFH Expressway - Part 2
Post by: canyonjumper on May 19, 2010, 04:31:14 PM
Wow Rick! I wasn't sure where RHW ended and Avenue began! Nice blending! I also like the intersections; we have those here in BC too, where a full-fledged interchange isn't needed yet. Great work!

                        -Jordan :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: CFH Expressway - Part 2
Post by: Nanami on May 19, 2010, 10:28:53 PM
Great MD!
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: CFH Expressway - Part 2
Post by: ManuelR on May 20, 2010, 10:16:12 AM
Hey RickD, great update again! I love the way you put everything together so realistic and still leave a lot of open space. It's always my problem to build everything together to close, and then I have no open areas left.
In 9.17 You have some big condos with 4 residental buildings on it (between avenue and highway). Where did you get these, they look awsome.:)
Also I wanted to ask you what terrain mod and tree control you are using, just out of curiosity. I was playing the Santa Barbara map before with the Italia Terrain Mod and Italia Tree Controler, but it somehow looked different, with a lot of stupid red bushes and yellow flowers...
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: CFH Expressway - Part 2
Post by: turtle on May 20, 2010, 01:35:49 PM
Wow, great work! I love how you've taken the new NAM into play, it looks amazing.
Congrats on the OSITM - it's well worth it :)
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: CFH Expressway - Part 2
Post by: Tarkus on May 20, 2010, 02:03:47 PM
Raphael, what a great update here--I really like what you've done with all the new NAM stuff.  I knew you'd make excellent use of it! :thumbsup:  I really like the planning and construction bits you worked into the project as well.  Being a "roadgeek" myself, I always really enjoy seeing that, and it seems like you've chosen a good alignment for the CFH Expressway.

And I got a kick out of the "Two and a Half Men" reference, too. :D

-Alex
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: CFH Expressway - Part 2
Post by: Nexis4Jersey on May 20, 2010, 04:50:54 PM
Very nice , i like the detailed added into this really impressive :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: CFH Expressway - Part 2
Post by: art128 on May 21, 2010, 07:17:19 AM
Nice update there ! I like the new look of that highway.
Your works seems to be well done. The RHW fits in very well and the farms you used are just perfect here.

Take care,
-Arthur. :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: CFH Expressway - Part 2
Post by: Battlecat on May 21, 2010, 09:21:53 AM
Great job on this update!  I quite enjoyed seeing that new highway come together. 
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: CFH Expressway - Part 2
Post by: Nardo69 on May 23, 2010, 01:17:00 AM
Nice roadgeekery. Even though as a middle European infrastructure engineer I would prefer exits for such a street that do not require to turn left ...

Nice touch with the railway line - I love how it limits the residential aria! It's just a pity that there are no FA cables for the high voltage lines ...

Take care my friend!

Bernhard  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: CFH Expressway - Part 2
Post by: daryl7478 on May 27, 2010, 09:15:12 PM
Nice job!!! I like it that you used the great state of California for this! This is my home state. Anyways, I-5 is actually US-101 in real. Just hope to see Goleta. Once when we were going to LA, we stopped at a gas station in Goleta. Also what's next? Malibu? Ventura? Even LA?
Good Luck!
daryl7478

Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: CFH Expressway - Part 2
Post by: RickD on May 29, 2010, 04:40:14 PM
Hi all,

I planned on getting out another update during my OSITM but RL prevented it. My moving from Kaiserslautern (http://maps.google.de/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=de&geocode=&q=kaiserslautern&sll=51.151786,10.415039&sspn=20.175322,45.395508&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Kaiserslautern,+Rheinland-Pfalz&ll=49.45786,7.769051&spn=0.162908,0.354652&t=h&z=12) to Mainz (http://maps.google.de/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=de&geocode=&q=mainz&sll=49.444691,7.769051&sspn=0.162952,0.354652&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Mainz,+Rheinland-Pfalz&t=h&z=12) proved to be more elaborate than I estimated (can't believe how much stuff I collected in the past few years), taking up most of my free time. And then my neighbour in the old apartment started a fire and almost burnt down the house (before I moved out my stuff) and when I arrived in the new apartment I found the kitchen to be under water. The hose of the dish washer leaked. The whole floor had to be torn out. We are living on a construction site at the moment. It will take another week until everything is dry and the new floor can be installed. The worst thing is that probably I will have to pay for it. :(
The good thing of course is that I am finally living together with my girlfriend again. She had to move out 1.5 years ago when she got a job in Frankfurt (http://maps.google.de/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=de&geocode=&q=frankfurt&sll=49.995123,8.267426&sspn=0.161115,0.354652&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Frankfurt+am+Main,+Hessen&t=h&z=11). Now we met again in the middle between my workplace and her workplace.

Anyway, I hope you enjoyed my updates and you will keep on following my humble MD in the Recently Published (and hopefully soon in the Best Sellers) section. If you do not like roadgeekery please hang on and rest assured that there also will be non-roadgeek updates in the future. :)

Thank you for all the kind comments, a new update will be ready soon!




Replies:

marsh:
Thank you, Marsh!

ecoba:
Thanks, my friend.

io_bg:
I could see in your MD that you are using the new NAM very well, too. ;)

canyonjumper:
Thanks, Jordan! Maybe I will need to build some interchanges in the future.

976:
Thank you, glad you like it.

ManuelR:
Thanks! I have to force myself to keep clear areas. It is always so tempting to build more and more zones.
I did not have time to search for a download link but the query tool says the buildings are called "CAL_Mariners_QuayBlock". I hope this helps you finding them.
My terraind Mod is Missouri Breaks, the Tree controller is Cycledoggs Meadowshire River Tree Controller. But in some places I place selected trees by hand. The ones in the National Park Update for example are all hand plopped. I could provide download links quite easily, let me know if you don't find those mods.

turtle:
Glad you like it!

Tarkus:
Thanks for the compliment.

QuoteAnd I got a kick out of the "Two and a Half Men" reference, too.
I love that show and I was watching it when building the road. ;)

Nexis4Jersey:
Thanks. BTW, your Youtube Channel is pretty cool. Next time I am in NYC I will visit Jersey City, too.

art128:
Thank you, Arthur.

Battlecat:
Thanks! :)

Nardo69:
Thanks Bernhard. I tried to recreate those Expressway type of road I have seen on Youtube roadgeek videos. They are multi-lane roads but with traffic lights. They are not common in Germany, I think. Maybe I will have to upgrade the road to freeway standards when traffic levels rise.
I would love to see the rail line electrified, too and I love Royal's catenary set. But there are some important parts missing that prevent me from using it.

daryl7478:
Welcome to my MD! You are right, there is no I-5 through real Santa Barbara. But my version of it is fictional and set in an alternate universe USA.
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: CFH Expressway - Part 2
Post by: ecoba on May 29, 2010, 05:21:50 PM
Sorry to hear about your RL troubles, my friend. Hope that everything will be sorted out soon, and hopefully you won't have to pay for the floors. :)

Ethan
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: CFH Expressway - Part 2
Post by: Tomas Neto on June 03, 2010, 11:31:47 AM
Hi my friend, many troubles...  I expect that everything improves quickly!!!  :thumbsup:

Fantastic update again!!!
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: CFH Expressway - Part 2
Post by: daryl7478 on June 03, 2010, 03:56:30 PM
Hi there! Nice update! Happy to be your 100th post.
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: CFH Expressway - Part 2
Post by: seminole_fan93 on June 07, 2010, 06:51:42 PM
This MD is absolutely amazing. The one thing that I really like about your MD is that you show the construction process of the roads/highways. I can't wait to see your next update.

Cameron, the Weather Freak of FWB
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: CFH Expressway - Part 2
Post by: rooker1 on June 08, 2010, 10:23:04 AM
It gives me great pleasure to move your MD to the next level, a very well deserved move for sure.
Welcome to "The Best Sellers" section!!
&apls

Congrats from myself and The SC4D Staff!

Robin  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: CFH Expressway - Part 2
Post by: Nanami on June 11, 2010, 02:03:42 AM
Congratulation!
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: CFH Expressway - Part 2
Post by: Tomas Neto on June 11, 2010, 06:21:53 AM
Welcome to The Best Sellers !!!     &apls &hlp &apls
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: CFH Expressway - Part 2
Post by: seminole_fan93 on June 11, 2010, 10:00:56 AM
Congrats on your MD being moved to the Best Sellers!  &apls  &apls
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: CFH Expressway - Part 2
Post by: citybuilderx on June 12, 2010, 02:19:40 PM
Great update as usual, keep it up. You have a very good use of the new NAM components & congrats to your best sellers entry!  :)

Just out of interest, what terrain mod are you using?
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: CFH Expressway - Part 2
Post by: RickD on June 12, 2010, 02:24:21 PM
Yay! I had some play time again! Not much but enough to revisit this industrial area. When I first built it I did not pay much attention on how it looked. I needed to provide jobs quickly. But now it is time to revisit the area and pay more attention to detail.

Here is where the area is located:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg704.imageshack.us%2Fimg704%2F911%2F56641177.jpg&hash=84d82815e8af6553758c0bf1a3a7d1b40d3efc06)

10.1
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg205.imageshack.us%2Fimg205%2F2452%2F18725006.jpg&hash=20e5913b54747a58f5123956f27f83f9e713c473) (http://img18.imageshack.us/img18/1802/79035988.jpg)
This is how the lower section (south of the rail line) looked before.


10.2
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg155.imageshack.us%2Fimg155%2F1244%2F27853696.jpg&hash=fb52dcde5b81c93e2225ffedc541adedd1336506) (http://img341.imageshack.us/img341/9594/73948887.jpg)
I bulldozed everything and levelled it for easier placement of larger lots.


10.3
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg203.imageshack.us%2Fimg203%2F5161%2F54022038.jpg&hash=90c0ec3e0377dcf7dabb2d9c88e8f3cf2bc75d95) (http://img46.imageshack.us/img46/6158/11543728.jpg)
And here is the result. What do you think? Better or worse?


10.4
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg19.imageshack.us%2Fimg19%2F7305%2F65229811.jpg&hash=1712848ab93d1bfc6913c93bafb012d38f1d7d5c) (http://img193.imageshack.us/img193/2459/45746014.jpg)
This is the before picture of the upper part of the industrial area. This is also where I cheated chuted the trash away.
Now bring on the bulldozers!  %BUd%


10.5
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg339.imageshack.us%2Fimg339%2F248%2F92223695.jpg&hash=16c362150455d64496f278ec05ae189f480858cd) (http://img39.imageshack.us/img39/3316/98341938.jpg)
Oops, seems like I bulldozed the power lots. Need to get that fixed before hitting the unpause button.


10.6
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg706.imageshack.us%2Fimg706%2F5408%2F17089799.jpg&hash=1a4aa9068bb5a5041dc9e5c00eba0492cc73b2db) (http://img197.imageshack.us/img197/2384/40362963.jpg)
But first let's get things nice and level, eh?


10.7
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg16.imageshack.us%2Fimg16%2F2957%2F53244932.jpg&hash=71c218ce735b41565a180cb77f3108f698e870b3)
Reconnecting the main roads. I also bulldozed the shops along the avenue. They did not fit in there.


10.8
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg714.imageshack.us%2Fimg714%2F2484%2F14466555.jpg&hash=2c64f672a7fe8f183edf6499611b66ba2800d458) (http://img715.imageshack.us/img715/1756/76966781.jpg)
Overview of the rebuild area.


And now some close-ups:

10.9
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg706.imageshack.us%2Fimg706%2F9554%2F23428391.jpg&hash=8ccf5d1da89f2a87a20e0dbda044a7f1762b3c9c) (http://img153.imageshack.us/img153/7894/26298671.jpg)


10.10
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg821.imageshack.us%2Fimg821%2F6272%2F10pv.jpg&hash=21f8215ab82dea831b1fa2d79e24ace0b3a67d03) (http://img171.imageshack.us/img171/4725/57705458.jpg)
The rebuild commercial strip.


10.11
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg29.imageshack.us%2Fimg29%2F4789%2F11pqg.jpg&hash=f557669c22c361b3d070acb35f203f93a2dc786e) (http://img507.imageshack.us/img507/1743/25976825.jpg)


10.12
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg18.imageshack.us%2Fimg18%2F9422%2F12p.jpg&hash=13cea255e2508e48d54fc6ffa89d31d6c3b57fa9) (http://img199.imageshack.us/img199/7933/91770485.jpg)


10.13
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg690.imageshack.us%2Fimg690%2F2504%2F13pa.jpg&hash=fe81a069c3ab5046f21684c2badd62451f205333) (http://img5.imageshack.us/img5/8481/40876192.jpg)


10.14
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg205.imageshack.us%2Fimg205%2F5688%2F14p.jpg&hash=63ad200885ff44762c117c618eb388a9016c01cc) (http://img37.imageshack.us/img37/5027/51858708.jpg)


10.15
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg715.imageshack.us%2Fimg715%2F5666%2F15p.jpg&hash=3b47db92b0351c8e1578e489094d3afe2baf9b17) (http://img18.imageshack.us/img18/7137/12539563.jpg)


10.16
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg685.imageshack.us%2Fimg685%2F2461%2F16pa.jpg&hash=a01cd7e9217fc25cc4d8b78dd179a92051c9d3dd) (http://img337.imageshack.us/img337/586/58865727.jpg)




Replies:

ecoba:
Thanks for your support, Ethan.


Tomas Neto:
Thanks for your kind words.


daryl7478:
Hey Daryl, glad you like it. And thanks for making the 100th post!


seminole_fan93:
Thanks, man. I try to put everything into perspective to give the viewer a sense where everything is located. Good to hear that this is appreciated.

rooker1:
Wow, Best Sellers. Way cool!


976:
Thaaaanks!


Tomas Neto:
Woohoo!


seminole_fan93:
Thank you! :)

citybuilderx:
Hey, you sneaked in there while I was preparing the new update! ;)
I am using the Missouri Breaks Terrain Mod with Ennedi's Sandstone HD Rock Mod.

Thanks to all commenters for bringing my MD to Best Sellers!
&bis&
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Industrial Area Revisited
Post by: ecoba on June 12, 2010, 04:31:50 PM
Beautiful, just beautiful, Raphael. The industrial sector definitely looks much, much better now that you have revisited it.

The whole area is actually quite, well, nice now. I wouldn't mind living near it as I would the ugly Maxis industry. :)

Ethan
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Industrial Area Revisited
Post by: Tomas Neto on June 13, 2010, 04:13:44 AM
Interesting development of your city, very well done!!! Great update!!!
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Industrial Area Revisited
Post by: canyonjumper on June 13, 2010, 01:03:40 PM
Great industrial area Raphael! You really improved it ;D

          -Jordan :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Industrial Area Revisited
Post by: seminole_fan93 on June 13, 2010, 01:19:28 PM
Your city is coming along very nicely. I like the industrial complex and the way your transportation is set up. Very nice! :)
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Industrial Area Revisited
Post by: threestooges on June 13, 2010, 09:59:44 PM
Nice re-work of your industrial areas. I like that you left plenty of room for parking. If you're interested, there is a quicker way to level large areas of land rather than staggering the road plops like that. just plop a line of tile down the length of the area you want levelled, then drag a road parallel to that strip. It'll auto level the whole bit, and will do so strip by strip down the line. It's a nice time saver. I like the relot of the freight station in 10.13 too, and the lone diesel engine is a nice touch.
-Matt
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Industrial Area Revisited
Post by: io_bg on June 14, 2010, 01:09:30 AM
Nice reconstruction shots! The industrial area looks great now! :thumbsup: Just of curiosity, what terrain mod are you using?
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Industrial Area Revisited
Post by: Haljackey on June 14, 2010, 12:20:39 PM
Looking good! I like all the road and highway improvements. Excellent use of TuLEPs!
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Industrial Area Revisited
Post by: EDGE4194 on June 15, 2010, 04:25:26 AM
Raphael- Fantastic updates! My only suggestion is that you should fill in the empty tiles between the industrial lots and the freeway with some generic 1x1 growables or parking lots. Congrats on moving to the Best Sellers.
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Industrial Area Revisited
Post by: Nexis4Jersey on June 15, 2010, 05:33:03 AM
Very Nicely done. :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Industrial Area Revisited
Post by: sumwonyuno on June 18, 2010, 08:04:38 PM
Heh, it's my first time here!  The region view is amazing!   &apls

Be careful with that bulldozer!  I think the rebuilt industrial areas are better.  I have the same situation in my regions where all those filler lots take up space instead of larger industrial buildings and lots.
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Industrial Area Revisited
Post by: Nardo69 on June 19, 2010, 09:35:43 AM
Hello Raphael!

Congratulations for Santa Barbara County being a Best Seller now!  &apls

Now to today's Update: Especially industrial areas are rather thankful if you redo them!

Nice idea to place that first industrial in the triangle between highway and the two railway lines. I also love that tramway line on the grey street crossing the avenue - I usually do them quite the other way round but it looks really fine here!
I just would could shorten those dead end streets at the RHW by one tile maing them end with the factory lots. These prolonged cul-de-sac just disturb my eyes a bit.
I also don't like the water tower in the loop, I would have placed some scrubs there. But that's my personal preference.
Those bigger lots do suit better to the second area. And they are the kind that usually don't depend on a rail connection. For curiosity: Is the avenue connected to the RHW by an interchange, exit ramps etc? If not you should connect the industrial area to the RHW at the road bridge.

Take care

Bernhard :thumbsup:

Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Industrial Area Revisited
Post by: RickD on June 25, 2010, 10:53:22 AM
Welcome to Goleta!

Like the real County of Santa Barbara my fictional county does not only consist of the city of Santa Barbara. To the west there is also the City of Goleta (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goleta,_California). The approximate city border is marked with an orange line in the region view below. As you can see I have not built much of Goleta, yet. But this is gonna change now. Usually I prefer to build my cities inside-out, from center to suburbs. With Goleta I am doing this the other way round.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg198.imageshack.us%2Fimg198%2F4708%2Fsantabarbarapre.jpg&hash=c3a5e9fab04dc0f126b25dca06dbf5b63c81ab4e) (http://img31.imageshack.us/img31/451/santabarbarac.jpg)
Warning! Full size is about 3 Mb.
The yellow line (I don't know how to make arrows in Gimp  ::)) points to the area I will develop in this update.


11.1
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg256.imageshack.us%2Fimg256%2F1583%2F1pre.jpg&hash=7b79f902047e0d23d04bd4d2cfeb03cc94ead7a6) (http://img411.imageshack.us/img411/3391/46372877.jpg)
A closer look at the area. I will rebuild the whole stretch between San Marcos Pass Rd., W Turnpike Rd., Interstate 5 and the rail line to the south.
This involves finding a final route for the little stream that I only roughly plopped down. The industial area will be bulldozed and rebuild. And Caltrans is finally widening I-5 to six lanes. A badly needed upgrade. When asked why this wasn't done before, a representative mumbled something about "new puzzle pieces being available". Whatever that means.  %wrd


11.2
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg337.imageshack.us%2Fimg337%2F583%2F2pre.jpg&hash=36c45ad56aba9c294c89f7dd4e468099c0120cea) (http://img18.imageshack.us/img18/8094/21751840.jpg)
Legal disclaimer: May not be actual dragons. Could be rail yard. ;)

I called my good friend Mr. Dozer and he went right to work. The river has been straightened and the new thoroughfares are in place.


11.3
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg709.imageshack.us%2Fimg709%2F2488%2F3pre.jpg&hash=20947a500cc4bcae0e42d458f19a0eb51abf6716) (http://img692.imageshack.us/img692/5702/41535209.jpg)
Placing some railside industry along the short spur line. I wanted to place more but my slope mod does not allow a steeper grade up the plateau.


11.4
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg526.imageshack.us%2Fimg526%2F1815%2F4pre.jpg&hash=27564444c27dcaecbd7ab9f33ccab26c75330bb2) (http://img535.imageshack.us/img535/481/17465477.jpg)
The industry (and some commercial) moved in.


11.5
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg85.imageshack.us%2Fimg85%2F2185%2F5pre.jpg&hash=5501922b4cf965be5ef10e80f9c67c5c50086fd3) (http://img704.imageshack.us/img704/7435/99848684.jpg)
I'd like to have some more of those houses there. Let's see if the simulator is kind to me.
San Marcos Pass Rd. is now an MAVE-6 instead of a RHW-4.


11.6
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg256.imageshack.us%2Fimg256%2F7937%2F6pre.jpg&hash=2b4ffd7431eafc379523d94a3d629b25e3bc8c30) (http://img713.imageshack.us/img713/2408/18417931.jpg)
While I am waiting for the houses to grow I placed some more big box stores to get some badly needed jobs. My R§§ demand is in the negative here.


11.7
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg153.imageshack.us%2Fimg153%2F1585%2F7pre.jpg&hash=8e8c0cc1ab1239dfb2e34655c4a937f25a7f13fe) (http://img293.imageshack.us/img293/7835/85802034.jpg)
Adding more housing, commercials, and a indoor sports center.


11.8
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg820.imageshack.us%2Fimg820%2F8920%2F8pre.jpg&hash=1318b0510d874fb52a4ab84810a734d65772b89a) (http://img31.imageshack.us/img31/6695/28716781.jpg)
Even more zoning going on. This neighborhood also has an elementary school and a fire station. No tenements have grown yet. :(

The main roads are arranged in a grid. But within the grid I was inspired by New Urbanism (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Urbanism) with its Filtered Permeability (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Permeability_%28spatial_and_transport_planning%29) and Fused Grid (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fused_Grid) approach.
In short: Do you see those paths where the streets end? Cars can not drive through there, making the neighborhood unattractive for through traffic. But pedestrians and byciclists can pass and have short direct ways of getting around. This makes walking and biking more attractive also for the people that live there. Instead of having to drive through all those streets to the shops, they can take the shorter direct route and leave their cars at home.
This does not work in game as the paths are not transit enabled for pedestrians.


11.9
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg10.imageshack.us%2Fimg10%2F3733%2F9pre.jpg&hash=d01f8a86d79281f6840bdb3c5d12d2cf8161a7a7) (http://img80.imageshack.us/img80/2175/59943716.jpg)
Letting the simulator do its magic. Meanwhile I expand the neighborhood to the rail line. I also built a High School and a football field for the high school team.


11.10
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg205.imageshack.us%2Fimg205%2F9769%2F10pre.jpg&hash=d3c29b5c9dbfcc6e119273064b71935b622f1df2) (http://img12.imageshack.us/img12/4156/68222252.jpg)
And here is the finished product. I needed quite some patience until those tenements grew.


11.11
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg153.imageshack.us%2Fimg153%2F4208%2F11pre.jpg&hash=9b351ebac468fa4e8b1262609a0c8d7c6d367b4d) (http://img9.imageshack.us/img9/9484/35826750.jpg)
And this is the complete area. You can compare it to the first pic, if you like. :)

But there is still so much to do. I need to detail the stream up in the hills, and in one of the next updates I am going to improve the area to the west, behind the shopping centers. I already have several ideas for it. And the rail yard will come soon!

I saved the close-up pics for the next update. I think it would be too much for one update. And I need to stretch things a bit because I probably won't play much during summer but I do not want to put my MD on hiatus. ;)




Replies:

ecoba:
Thank you for your kind words. What always bothered me about maxis industry is that it is too dirty. In reality many people live near industrial areas and don't mind it.


Tomas Neto:
Thank you!


canyonjumper:
Glad you like it.


seminole_fan93:
Thanks, Cameron.


threestooges:
Hi Matt, thanks for the tipp with the faster levelling method. In this case I was not shure how many levels I'll have to make so I did it tile by tile to see how it works out.
The diesel engine was an accident. I didn't notice it until you mentioned it. ;) I should really pay more attention to show some more trains instead of empty tracks.


io_bg:
Thanks, the terrain mod is Cycledogg's Missouri Breaks. It is on the LEX.


Haljackey:
Thank you!


EDGE4194:
QuoteMy only suggestion is that you should fill in the empty tiles between the industrial lots and the freeway with some generic 1x1 growables or parking lots.
Good idea. I'll do that when I widen the freeway.


Nexis4Jersey:
Thanks!


sumwonyuno:
Welcome to my MD! Great to have you here.


Nardo69:
Thanks!

QuoteI just would could shorten those dead end streets at the RHW by one tile maing them end with the factory lots. These prolonged cul-de-sac just disturb my eyes a bit.
I will widen the freeway to six lanes. Maybe I will have to move it down one or two tiles. This is why I did not complete the tiles near it. I probably would have to bulldoze them anyway.

QuoteI also don't like the water tower in the loop, I would have placed some scrubs there. But that's my personal preference.
I wasn't sure about it, too. Probably you are right.

QuoteFor curiosity: Is the avenue connected to the RHW by an interchange, exit ramps etc? If not you should connect the industrial area to the RHW at the road bridge.
It is not directly connected. But the next interchange is not far. If you want to see it, take a look at pic 2.3 (and the ones above) in this update (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=10396.msg316874#msg316874).
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Welcome to Goleta
Post by: threestooges on June 26, 2010, 01:27:41 AM
First off, though I'm not familiar with GIMP, you can also do what I do and just make another two lines at the end of the big line to make your arrow. It generally works pretty well. Next, I'm glad to see you're widening the road through the area. CalTrans has been trying to do that for what seems like years now. Not sure how far they've gotten, but I wish it was easy as finding a new puzzle piece, heh heh. As for dragons, perhaps a few steam engines breathing fire up through their stacks would be enough to deter anyone from getting too close to your planned rail yard. I don't think there are too many models out there just now for steam, but the way you wrote it, it just conjured up that image in my mind. Gives me an idea for when I have some free time again though.

Your use of box stores out through Goleta is very true to life. Santa Barbara proper seems to have some sort of zoning ban on the boxes, so everyone just heads out to Goleta if/when they need to make a Costco run. It helps keep that nice small town feel though, as odd as it may seem sometimes. Interesting discussion about the filtered permeability too. I'm curious what your thoughts on it are in real life. Certainly it does promote biking and walking (which are certainly pluses for a residential neighborhood) but what about the loss of efficiency using a car may have brought if the paths were unfiltered? Either way, it's an interesting concept and it looks like you implemented it well.
-Matt
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Welcome to Goleta
Post by: RickD on June 29, 2010, 06:33:47 AM
Hi Matt,

QuoteI'm curious what your thoughts on it are in real life. Certainly it does promote biking and walking (which are certainly pluses for a residential neighborhood) but what about the loss of efficiency using a car may have brought if the paths were unfiltered? Either way, it's an interesting concept and it looks like you implemented it well.

Actually I am in favor of this filtered permeability approach. It has been done in many european cities. And I  am affected by it on my daily commute home from work. When I lived in Frankfurt a main road through the inner city was closed to create a larger pedestrian area which caused some controversy but worked out well in my opinion.
Now that I live in Mainz I can not take the direct route home from work past the main train station because only busses and light rail is allowed through there. I have to drive a loop through several smaller streets. The advantage for me is that the street I live in is much quieter than it would be with all the through-traffic.
Of course one could argue that closing those roads only distribute traffic from one road to others. This is why careful planning is necessary. There need to be enough thoroughfares to handle the through traffic. But on the other hand there will be less through traffic because it is not attractive to drive into or through the city by car.

But maybe it is just my european socialization that I believe cars should not go into the city center. In Germany the main shopping areas in the city are located in pedestrian-only zones. That is quite opposite to the US (at least judging from what I have seen on my few visits to the US). Within the city usually only minor shops are located directly at main roads. It is just not attractive to go there with all the traffic.
I prefer walking into the city or taking the light rail or the bus. If it wasn't for my commute to work, where no train connection is available, I would sell my car because I would not need it.
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Welcome to Goleta
Post by: kelis on June 29, 2010, 07:10:28 AM
Your work is amazing my friend ! I Like the region views  &apls
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Welcome to Goleta
Post by: io_bg on June 29, 2010, 07:21:40 AM
Another great update! :thumbsup: However, it seems there's something wrong with one of the ramps on pic 11.3 ;D
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Welcome to Goleta
Post by: ecoba on June 29, 2010, 12:01:48 PM
Another wonderful update, Raphael ! Your industrial areas are simply gorgeous  :o I really wish I could achieve that effect in my areas.

Can't wait to see some more of Goleta!  :)

Ethan
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Welcome to Goleta
Post by: Nanami on July 01, 2010, 10:17:45 PM
 :thumbsup: Pure nice updates!
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Welcome to Goleta
Post by: Tomas Neto on July 02, 2010, 06:32:30 AM
Very nice update my friend!!!
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Welcome to Goleta
Post by: sumwonyuno on July 04, 2010, 04:43:50 AM
I really like how the area has built out!   :)
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Welcome to Goleta
Post by: nedalezz on July 05, 2010, 10:47:30 AM
I am in LOVE with that region shot! I feel like im in a plane taking an actual photo of a real area!

Your update on the city of Goleta was perfect, as per usual.
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Welcome to Goleta
Post by: RickD on July 07, 2010, 04:56:21 AM
Welcome to Goleta! - Part 2

In todays update I show you some close up shots of the area I built in the last update.

12.1
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg94.imageshack.us%2Fimg94%2F4236%2F1960z.jpg&hash=d279417e42043ab0c9af7e413f160e173d9e0a9b) (http://img824.imageshack.us/img824/6268/55011264.jpg)
A large strip mall along San Marcos Pass Road. To keep traffic flowing on the Expressway it is accessed via a frontage road.

12.2
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg62.imageshack.us%2Fimg62%2F1681%2F2960.jpg&hash=4e58ebfc1c2019f2f1de474449c80096ef87d263) (http://img52.imageshack.us/img52/3634/33707325.jpg)
Some shady businesses opened up behind the mall.

12.3
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg155.imageshack.us%2Fimg155%2F8207%2F3960w.jpg&hash=2ace4ee08f123511cacf73858498a574efb91786) (http://img193.imageshack.us/img193/1348/34058419.jpg)
Suburban offices and more big box stores along the Expressway. The residents in the neighborhood accross where very happy when the sound wall was built.

12.4
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg683.imageshack.us%2Fimg683%2F1382%2F4960ws.jpg&hash=edeb91967406dc9d9af88215e750055e89f5761b) (http://img685.imageshack.us/img685/2739/98365249.jpg)
Tenement housing and a run down football field.

12.5
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg820.imageshack.us%2Fimg820%2F7579%2F5960.jpg&hash=69e4f0a18d2b860041956e779597da81b1040ee2) (http://img576.imageshack.us/img576/5189/62966268.jpg)
Chalmers Elementary School.

12.6
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg816.imageshack.us%2Fimg816%2F1816%2F6960.jpg&hash=f75e35c7d5ff32d78ffe21664fac77ca499d34ae) (http://img690.imageshack.us/img690/1065/23053592.jpg)
The fire station protecting the neighborhood.

12.7
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg28.imageshack.us%2Fimg28%2F670%2F7960f.jpg&hash=64ace9d6d758ba733d12a38ace59b86606153a3f) (http://img811.imageshack.us/img811/1833/30955655.jpg)
San Marcos Senior High

12.8
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg810.imageshack.us%2Fimg810%2F626%2F8960.jpg&hash=736d49574cfc82cb3f0f82850571faabea60643b) (http://img14.imageshack.us/img14/407/64112498.jpg)
The high school's football field is located above the rail yards.

12.9
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg709.imageshack.us%2Fimg709%2F507%2F9960.jpg&hash=3472d973c1b51996c9ade4b24e8d2d1cff95ee6d) (http://img52.imageshack.us/img52/182/13867018.jpg)
Hollister Avenue crosses the small stream connecting the residential neighborhood to the industrial area.

12.10
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg31.imageshack.us%2Fimg31%2F8978%2F10960.jpg&hash=99fcdf88d7e943da56c16534e911b70cf48eb834) (http://img641.imageshack.us/img641/373/15392517.jpg)
The residents like to take their dogs for a walk along the stream.

12.11
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg517.imageshack.us%2Fimg517%2F496%2F11960.jpg&hash=aa2a08e6e5b53c1767a41402f99bd5850c1a4c46) (http://img695.imageshack.us/img695/1006/31446128.jpg)
It is actually quite nice there since the industry stopped dumping their waste into the river.

12.12
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg269.imageshack.us%2Fimg269%2F1628%2F12960.jpg&hash=24414f09af794e956f421b8cfc12c3958c9d7e9d) (http://img810.imageshack.us/img810/1083/50866574.jpg)

12.13
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg80.imageshack.us%2Fimg80%2F3159%2F13960.jpg&hash=b84785f03c44723e9dac05fbc39938842e6edf27) (http://img202.imageshack.us/img202/2199/49771911.jpg)
Hollister Avenue through the industrial area.

12.14
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg694.imageshack.us%2Fimg694%2F7617%2F14960.jpg&hash=9b93221d4eee5ee3dedee5eb2f2b3f2a6a543da7) (http://img714.imageshack.us/img714/4737/43819056.jpg)
The industrial area is connected to rail via a short spur line. The height differences get lost in the pics. The industry is actually a few meters above the main rail line)

12.15
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg248.imageshack.us%2Fimg248%2F5379%2F15960.jpg&hash=0160c7f2cd17bf21335bee43c418df4505324ab2) (http://img340.imageshack.us/img340/6426/65042537.jpg)
The near interstate highway and the rail connection make the location attractive for logistic centers.

12.16
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg130.imageshack.us%2Fimg130%2F1530%2F16960.jpg&hash=f5c5e4a7a387c53bf5c6ff75ad92216f15e89584) (http://img709.imageshack.us/img709/9279/78280952.jpg)
The intersection of Hollister Avenue and West Turnpike Road.

12.17
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg31.imageshack.us%2Fimg31%2F7533%2F17960.jpg&hash=703750dc37e18fd78173afa4be5b9f1986a106a4) (http://img693.imageshack.us/img693/9444/92461374.jpg)
Goleta at night.

12.18
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg155.imageshack.us%2Fimg155%2F3726%2F18960.jpg&hash=144f2f7f804cbd94d55c0b6ebf4c3a99269593b9) (http://img514.imageshack.us/img514/6218/17124211.jpg)
And another night shot just for the fun of it.


That's it. I hope you liked the update and looking forward to your comments. :)




Replies:

kelis:
Thanks, glad you like it.


io_bg:
QuoteHowever, it seems there's something wrong with one of the ramps on pic 11.3
You got me there. I didn't think people would look that closely at my pics.  :P
Apparently something went wrong when switching slope mods. But I fixed it already.


ecoba:
Thanks for the compliment.


976:
Thanks!


Tomas Neto:
Thanks, Tomas.


sumwonyuno:
Me, too. ;)


nedalezz:
Yeah, I like looking at it, too. Just need to ignore all those unfinished areas.  ::)
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Welcome to Goleta - Part 2
Post by: marsh on July 08, 2010, 09:03:08 PM
You did a great job as always  :) Your doing a great job making this city. I especialy like the first picture for some reason.  :P

,marsh  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Welcome to Goleta - Part 2
Post by: nedalezz on July 08, 2010, 11:17:22 PM
The tenemant housing shot was my favorite this update, so realistic! I also love the way you did the stream - making the transition from residential to industrial so seamless and realistic. Great update!
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Welcome to Goleta - Part 2
Post by: Tomas Neto on July 09, 2010, 10:25:47 AM
Beautiful city, my friend!!! I liked a lot of the little river and the suburbs!!!  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Welcome to Goleta - Part 2
Post by: canyonjumper on July 10, 2010, 11:06:52 PM
Very nice Raphael! Excellent night shots!

           -Jordan :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Welcome to Goleta - Part 2
Post by: ecoba on July 11, 2010, 03:29:34 PM
Wonderful work, Raphael ! The night shots in this update were very wonderful.  :)

I really like the high-wealth neighbourhoods in this update, and the proximity to the tenement blocks is really interesting as well ! Quite an unusual idea, however I like it very much.

Great work here again, my friend. Hope to see some more from you soon !

Ethan :)
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Welcome to Goleta - Part 2
Post by: Battlecat on July 12, 2010, 09:05:19 AM
Great job on the latest updates!  You do a great job putting urban areas together! 
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Welcome to Goleta - Part 2
Post by: sepen77 on July 13, 2010, 11:37:08 AM
Everything looks so awesome, to the tiniest details! The realism is beyond realism! Your suburbs show good aesthetics, did you plop everything?
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Welcome to Goleta - Part 2
Post by: RickD on July 18, 2010, 12:30:16 PM
A visit to the Zoo


Today we will visit the zoo which is located in the suburbs of Goleta next to the area we saw in the last two updates.
In reality it is located in the City of Santa Barbara, near the ocean.

I had this modular zoo set sitting in my plugins for quite a while but never found a suitable place to use it. As I am not familiar with it there sure is room for improvement, especially with the layout of the paths. But I think it is not too bad for the first try. Any suggestions?

13.1
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg517.imageshack.us%2Fimg517%2F1781%2F1960y.jpg&hash=43fcb850a4f046ec0e5289eed711a494d6fd48af) (http://img293.imageshack.us/img293/1992/40242333.jpg)
An overview of the zoo. When it was built it was surrounded by open space. Now the suburbs have grown around it. There is no room for expansion. But there is also no money for expansion so it doesn't really matter. ;)


13.2
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg28.imageshack.us%2Fimg28%2F1301%2F2960i.jpg&hash=a6fee391985a37ef2e1f935764c927a6b4fb2c76) (http://img138.imageshack.us/img138/5981/78889837.jpg)
The entrance area with souvenir shop and parking lot.


13.3
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg228.imageshack.us%2Fimg228%2F5383%2F3960.jpg&hash=4c15cc6534f4c784b0be475b99d44da618e0c039) (http://img121.imageshack.us/img121/4341/39499677.jpg)
The mayor has built himself a modest statue in the zoo.


13.4
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg827.imageshack.us%2Fimg827%2F6645%2F4960.jpg&hash=1a81603d51b8bb3511827728a2eb2da559e6c36a) (http://img842.imageshack.us/img842/7278/56973476.jpg)
Sea World


13.5
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg189.imageshack.us%2Fimg189%2F9392%2F5960d.jpg&hash=57b34962782139ec92398595a2d95aefff76f5de) (http://img688.imageshack.us/img688/7119/73302419.jpg)
The zoo is located between San Marcos Pass Rd., Hollister Avenue, ...


13.6
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg695.imageshack.us%2Fimg695%2F1816%2F6960.jpg&hash=951e95e21acfdeb76bfd0a0be4fd141fd7505724) (http://img205.imageshack.us/img205/3052/10747980.jpg)
... and the railway.


13.7
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg840.imageshack.us%2Fimg840%2F9622%2F7960.jpg&hash=318474f4e1afb6b214a5063df1738b4b10ea22cd) (http://img839.imageshack.us/img839/3985/88180063.jpg)
Many exotic animals can be marveled at.


13.8
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Living next to the zoo. Those guys have a good view over the zoo. I guess you become used to hearing the lions roar when sitting on your porch.


13.9
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Another zoomed out view.


13.10
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It is getting late, the zoo closes. Time to finish this update.

Looking forward to your comments! :)




marsh, nedalezz, Tomas Neto, canyonjumper, Battlecat:
Thanks guys. I appreciate your comments very much. :)

ecoba:
QuoteI really like the high-wealth neighbourhoods in this update, and the proximity to the tenement blocks is really interesting as well ! Quite an unusual idea, however I like it very much.
Well I didn't really want it to become a high wealth neighborhood. It is the way how it grew. The problem is that my medium wealth demand in this tile is negative. So it is either poor housing or villas. ;)

sepen77:
Thanks for your comment!
QuoteYour suburbs show good aesthetics, did you plop everything?
The big commercials are plopped and almost all industry. The small commercial and residential is grown. I follow a functional plopping approach. First I try to grow everything but if it does not turn out the way I want, I start careful (!) plopping. But I make sure that the city stays functional. I do not want just pause mode eyecandy cities.
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: A visit to the Zoo
Post by: CoastRunner on July 18, 2010, 12:50:56 PM
Thanks for the update, it was really good!  That is wonderful especially for a first try with the modular zoo.  You've done very nice work with the exhibit layouts.  The location is also great being surrounded as it is by the tile edge, suburbs, commerical zones, two avenues, and a rail.  Good use of the NWM.

:thumbsup: Nickie/CoastRunner
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: A visit to the Zoo
Post by: Tomas Neto on July 18, 2010, 07:58:30 PM
Wonderful this tour at the zoo!!! Awesome work my friend!!!  &apls &apls
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: A visit to the Zoo
Post by: Battlecat on July 19, 2010, 08:31:47 AM
That's an excellent looking zoo!  Great job!
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: A visit to the Zoo
Post by: Skimbo on July 19, 2010, 08:49:31 AM
I like this zoo, good update :)
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: A visit to the Zoo
Post by: planetechef on July 19, 2010, 10:15:12 AM
great job over there, the way you built this zoo is pretty nice, love the paths idea, the industrial zone is also very nice and i enjoy to see the new NWM here, i still try to understand every pieces  ::) well done on this two last updates  &apls
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: A visit to the Zoo
Post by: nedalezz on July 20, 2010, 01:57:24 AM
That has to be the most realistic and indepth zoo I have ever seen done in SimCity. Just WOW
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: A visit to the Zoo
Post by: EDGE4194 on July 20, 2010, 07:41:17 AM
Raphael- great job using jeroni's modular zoo. I haven't used it since it was released back in the day, and glad to see someone putting it to good use. Fantastic job on the creek channel in the previous update.
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: A visit to the Zoo
Post by: canyonjumper on July 20, 2010, 11:33:10 AM
Awesome first zoo Raphael! Looking forward to more from you ;D

                -Jordan :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: A visit to the Zoo
Post by: daryl7478 on July 23, 2010, 09:33:25 PM
Nice zoo Raphael! ;) I wonder if you're going to do another MD after this. I hope it's another place in California. I have some suggestions. You can either do the Monterey/Salinas area(that's where I live) or SF Bay Area. I would be VERY thankful that I have my area in the focus.
Just a suggestion,
-Daryl

Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: A visit to the Zoo
Post by: RickD on August 01, 2010, 02:17:17 PM
Rebuilding the CBD

Sorry, no real update today. I am doing some serious background work in the next weeks. I do not want to leave my MD inactive for too long so I will grant you a few behind the scenes views.

If you followed my MD from the beginning you might remember that the city tile with the CBD on it was infected by the Prop Pox. I decided to go on with this MD anyway which meant I would have to rebuild the CBD from the ground. This is what I am doing at the moment.
If you are not familiar with the Prop Pox, I strongly suggest you read this thread (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=7066.0). It is long and not easy to understand but it could save you a lot of trouble.

To make sure the Prop Pox does not strike again it was not enough to just bulldoze the city. I had to delete the file that held the city tile and import a freshly rendered empty tile after I deleted the offending props known today. It was not easy to render the new tile as I had to find a Windows XP machine that can run Terraformer. All PCs I have are running Windows 7.

14.1
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This is how the region looked before.


14.2
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And now there is a tile full of nothing right in the middle.


14.3
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This is the empty tile I have to rebuild.


14.4
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First I receonnected the main transit networks.


14.5
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This is the area where the CBD will be located. The close meshed layout of the grid is inspired by Portland, OR.


At the moment I am struggling to get the region functional again. After importing the empty tile, demand in the whole region dropped to the bottom af the sea. All demand graphs showed maximum negative. It is not easy to get everything working again. It involves careful plopping of commercial jobs and zoning way more industry than I want to.
I really hope I can get the region functional again.

It will take some time. Especially as I am not playing very much at the moment. My girlfriend had to work every weekend during summer. Now that she has some free time we are enjoying the rest of summer together.




Replies:

nickie, Tomas Neto, Battlecat, Skimbo, planetechef, nedalezz, EDGE4194 and canyonjumper:
Thank you so much for your comments. I am glad you liked it.

daryl7478:
QuoteNice zoo Raphael! Wink  I wonder if you're going to do another MD after this. I hope it's another place in California. I have some suggestions. You can either do the Monterey/Salinas area(that's where I live) or SF Bay Area. I would be VERY thankful that I have my area in the focus.
Hey Daryl, actually I was thinking to do San Francisco before I decided to play on the map of Santa Barbara. There is still much to do there so I am not really thinking on what to do next. There are so many great maps out there.
I have never actually been to California but I am planning a trip to LA and San Francisco next year. I wanna rent a car and drive along US 101. It is great to know some Californian people are reading my MD. :)
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Rebuilding the CBD
Post by: daryl7478 on August 01, 2010, 03:07:11 PM
I actually live along US 101. In Salinas to be exact. Good luck on your trip! Also, JBSimio and woodb3kmaster live in California too.
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Rebuilding the CBD
Post by: Skimbo on August 03, 2010, 02:54:39 PM
Damn PropPox, but I can't wait to see some nice pics of the new CBD
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: A visit to the Zoo
Post by: travismking on August 03, 2010, 04:52:22 PM
Quote from: RickD on August 01, 2010, 02:17:17 PM


To make sure the Prop Pox does not strike again it was not enough to just bulldoze the city. I had to delete the file that held the city tile and import a freshly rendered empty tile after I deleted the offending props known today. It was not easy to render the new tile as I had to find a Windows XP machine that can run Terraformer. All PCs I have are running Windows 7.


I run terraformer on windows 7 all the time ... any reason it doesnt work for you?
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Rebuilding the CBD
Post by: RickD on August 16, 2010, 04:09:25 AM
This will be one of my bigger updates (if not the biggest) with 27 pics but I love railways so I took some extra shots. :) It is actually my first attempt at a railyard. I admit that it took a while until I figured out how to use the modular pieces. Especially that every piece needs road acces otherwise it will abandon and/or catch fire. And I could not find any filler pieces. I hope the result isn't too bad.

The Railyard

15.1
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The railyard is located in the suburbs of Goleta.

15.2
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It consists of two parts and is crossed by two roads. The railyard interrupts the street grid but not the road grid. The two road overpasses are necessary to keep traffic flowing. It is considered to convert them to one-way roads, one for each direction, to handle congestion.

15.3
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The eastern part of the yard. There are 4 through-tracks and a spur line serving the industrial area above the yard.

15.4
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The western part with a social housing project next to it.

15.5
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On the western end there is an old but well maintained roundhouse. It is still used for the switching engines.

15.6
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Goleta Yard Gate 1 and 2 at the first swith to the left. The level crossing over San Marcos Pass Road is a nightmare for the cardrivers. Imagine several long freight trains per day and frequent passenger trains passing over there. It can be a long wait.

15.7
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15.8
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fa.imageshack.us%2Fimg802%2F2746%2F8osteingang.jpg&hash=3cf3517230e5e7c1698682eafa13dff40857fe82)
Goleta Yard Gate 3 and 4 on the two rightmost tracks. The middle ones are Goleta Yard Through 1 to 4, the two tracks on the left are Industrial Spur 1 and 2.

15.9
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Directly behind Gate 2 and 3 is a modern logistic center.

15.10
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The yard begins right behind the logistic center.

15.11
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A commuter Rail station serving the suburbs.

15.12
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This is one of the two road overpasses over the rail yard.

15.13
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15.14
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Passengers on the platform can watch the busy operations while waiting for their trains.

15.15
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Closer shot of the entrance elevators to the platforms and some parked engines and waggons.

15.16
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Railfanners like to set their cameras up on the overpasses to film the trains.

15.17
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Tis is the second overpass. It has an additional ramp which provides access to the railyard.

15.18
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The overpass from another perspective.

15.19
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The stream has been put underground when the yard was built. It was cheaper than building and maintaining lots of bridges. The yard was once even larger. There is now a park where a repair shop for engines once was.

15.20
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Here the stream vanishes in a tube under the rails.

15.21
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Parked engines at the end of the Industrial Spur.

15.22
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Some industrial facilities are located along the yard.

15.23
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Including a power plant

15.24
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and Storage Tanks.

15.25
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Parked engines and waggons.

15.26
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The Industrial Spur with loading docks.

15.27
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Some decommissioned waggons.


Thanks for reading. I am looking forward to your comments. :)




Replies:
daryl7478:
QuoteI actually live along US 101. In Salinas to be exact. Good luck on your trip! Also, JBSimio and woodb3kmaster live in California too.
Cool, had to check it out in Google Earth. Seems you have some rail there, too.

Skimbo:
QuoteDamn PropPox, but I can't wait to see some nice pics of the new CBD
Thanks, it is only this one tile (for now).

travismking:
QuoteI run terraformer on windows 7 all the time ... any reason it doesnt work for you?
I mixed it up. I tried SC4Mapper and it didn't work. So I assumed Terraformer wouldn't work, too but never actually tried it.
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: The Rail Yard
Post by: travismking on August 16, 2010, 04:24:36 AM
excellent railyard :D

p.s. sc4mapper works if you change your my document folder from c:\Users\ to somewhere that doesnt contain \U in it. theres a thread on it somewhere
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: The Rail Yard
Post by: nedalezz on August 16, 2010, 05:58:28 AM
WoW!!!!!  &apls &apls &apls

That is one of the most realistic railyards I have ever seen done. I really like the housing projects next to the railyard as well, it adds a very realistic touch to it, I thought.
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: The Rail Yard
Post by: kodlovag on August 16, 2010, 08:04:06 AM
Beautiful region!
I also like the railyard combined with the industrial area. Very realistic.
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: The Rail Yard
Post by: rooker1 on August 16, 2010, 08:57:44 AM
 That was a fantastic update. 
Lots of great details, and you know me, I like a good industrial area more then most and yours included rail!

Robin :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: The Rail Yard
Post by: Battlecat on August 16, 2010, 10:30:56 AM
Superb job on this railyard.  It looks amazing and very realistic as a canyon of industrial through suburbia. 
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: The Rail Yard
Post by: nbvc on August 16, 2010, 11:14:44 AM
Great railyard with a lot of details. &apls
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: The Rail Yard
Post by: emgmod on August 17, 2010, 12:40:27 AM
Fantastic railyard! I love how it manages to fit in everywhere.

Where did you get that passenger rail station from?
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: The Rail Yard
Post by: TiFlo on August 17, 2010, 04:47:33 AM
Beautiful railyard! And nice layout of industry and residential around. That last shot is great!
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: The Rail Yard
Post by: RickD on August 17, 2010, 02:55:49 PM
Quote from: emgmod on August 17, 2010, 12:40:27 AM
Where did you get that passenger rail station from?

It is on the LEX in a pack with some other very nice stations: http://sc4devotion.com/csxlex/lex_filedesc.php?lotGET=1716
Another quality BAT from the SFBT.  ()stsfd()
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: The Rail Yard
Post by: Nardo69 on August 17, 2010, 03:23:35 PM
Did someone call my name? Yes? Here I am ... anyway!  :D

And I like what I see. The rail yards looks logic in itself, the necessary switches and connection are there without to much of it, some parked engines, an engine shed ... yup. Like it.

It's just a bit ... funny to see the Russian 232 and the German 218/360 in an American environment - but hey, there are even bananas in Urland so who am I to blame you for this!

Take care my friend!


Bernhard  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: The Rail Yard
Post by: Nexis4Jersey on August 17, 2010, 08:29:50 PM
Very Nice , i like how you did your rail yards...

~Corey
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: The Rail Yard
Post by: canyonjumper on August 23, 2010, 08:27:58 PM
Wow Raphael! Very realistic! It'd suck to be on that avenue when a train's goin through.....

               Your friend,
                              Jordan :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: The Rail Yard
Post by: Kevin1a on August 23, 2010, 11:03:41 PM
I'm glad to see someone giving rail some real attention.  Hopefully this won't be the last of your rail updates.  I've found the railyard pieces to be difficult to use as well.  It would almost have been nice if it had been even more modular allowing you more configuration freedoms.
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: The Rail Yard
Post by: citybuilderx on August 24, 2010, 08:53:10 AM
Great work as usual. You must put a lt of hard work into your updates, and its definitly paying off. &apls
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: The Rail Yard
Post by: Jayster on August 28, 2010, 12:09:22 PM
Very nice!  &apls I tried using that set of Rail Sidings but I just couldn't get anything to work right so I gave up. Looking forward to more!  :thumbsup:

Jayster
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: The Rail Yard
Post by: RickD on September 10, 2010, 06:28:25 AM
Sorry, no real update today. I've been on vacation (and by vacation I mean doing badly needed repairs around my parent's house and chopping down trees for firewood and I finally finished Mass Effect 2).

But I found some time to work on something I wanted to do for ages: a transit map of SB's minuscule GLR network. It is for an oncoming series of updates about mass transit in Santa Barbara.

16.1
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I have been playing around with Inkscape for quite some time but this is the first somewhat presentable result.
It surely needs a lot of polishing. I am hoping for honest feedback and advice from you. :)




Replies:

travismking:
Quotep.s. sc4mapper works if you change your my document folder from c:\Users\ to somewhere that doesnt contain \U in it. theres a thread on it somewhere
I will try that. Thanks!

Nardo69:
QuoteDid someone call my name? Yes? Here I am ... anyway!
Ahh, I expected to see you here. I baked a cake.  $%Grinno$%
QuoteIt's just a bit ... funny to see the Russian 232 and the German 218/360 in an American environment - but hey, there are even bananas in Urland so who am I to blame you for this!
Agreed. Now I could bring on excuses like "alternate universe" and so on. But truth is that I was simply too lazy to open up the lot editor and make some American sidings.  ::)

canyonjumper:
QuoteIt'd suck to be on that avenue when a train's goin through.....
Yeah, especially considering that the freight trains have to slow down to 15mph in order to enter the yard.  :'(
My Sims can't wait for NWM over- and underpass puzzle pieces.

Kevin1a:
QuoteHopefully this won't be the last of your rail updates.
There will be many more. ;)

nedalezz, kodlovag, rooker1, Battlecat, nbvc, emgmod, TiFlo, Nexis4Jersey, citybuilderx, Jayster:
Thank you all for the nice comments. :)

Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Transit Map
Post by: kwakelaar on September 11, 2010, 02:41:59 AM
Some amazing shots from your rail yard. Although a lot of work is involved I am happy to see you have managed to overcome the problem with the prop-pox. Looking at your large overview I still think it is one of the most beautiful maps I have seen. I very much look forward to see this at later stages when all the flat areas are filled in with cities and farmland.
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Transit Map
Post by: RickD on September 14, 2010, 03:45:32 AM
Similar to the real Santa Barbara my fictional city is a mostly wealthy place with many rich people. But there are also some areas where the not so fortunate people live. The contrast can be quite harsh sometimes. In this update I will show you one of the worst Ghettos in Santa Barbara: the Nelson Muntz Housing Projects.

17.1
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg836.imageshack.us%2Fimg836%2F8340%2F1overview.jpg&hash=a28f1bb1bcd7d2fa9dd71ad6690aaa2910932303)

It is located in the Eastern suburbs of Santa Barbara. You can also see the contrasts in this overvie picture. The Ghetto is only separated by the Interstate from the nice middle class neigborhood of Coast Village.


17.2
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg202.imageshack.us%2Fimg202%2F4417%2F2theproject.jpg&hash=11ce8d2903f8a9d587e9d66fd43a3bc934cc70b4)
Despite its location near the coast it is a rough place to live. Gang violence, drug dealing and even shootings are common around the rundown apartment complexes.


17.3
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg339.imageshack.us%2Fimg339%2F5417%2F3betweenrailandintersta.jpg&hash=989135ed260ed91940b89918225b7a3ad48748fc)
The apartment houses were built in the late 70s when land prices exploded due to the large numbers of rich people moving into beautiful Santa Barbara. The city counsil saw the need of affordable housing and started the project on city owned land. The intention was to provide the low income families with affordable but clean and comfortable housing. It went well for several years. But in the late 80s with huge budget cuts things started to decline rapidly.


17.4
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg153.imageshack.us%2Fimg153%2F505%2F4cheaphomes.jpg&hash=dca9ee6f440f4bcdba4384473495afc21ac0c48e)
Originally more Apartment houses where planned but never built. The rest of the land is now occupied by cheap shags, Trailers and Shotgun Homes.


17.5
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg444.imageshack.us%2Fimg444%2F730%2F5shadybusinesses.jpg&hash=50948e5b17238eb14791f85b46a26e12482abcae)
Some shady businesses provide amusement at night.


17.6
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg571.imageshack.us%2Fimg571%2F8870%2F6notsoshadybusinesses.jpg&hash=231aed5fc27766069326d064302adf1e38c7b7d8)
North of the rail line things are a little bit better. There are also some probably not so shady businesses. ;)


17.7
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg153.imageshack.us%2Fimg153%2F9295%2F7chapmanlibrary.jpg&hash=fbed19b6d2e9e53a70b6ef925f563cf4eef8bd70)
This is Chapman Library. It is part of a privatly funded youth education project.


17.8
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg185.imageshack.us%2Fimg185%2F8283%2F8pacificsurfliner.jpg&hash=ef75f1ae92bda4e5229c4e7d2393586f74f5d2fd)
The afternoon Pacific Surfliner passes behind the houses on its way to Santa Barbara AMTRAK station. For safety reasons it is mandatory for home owners to have a high fence or dense hedge between the rail and the back yards.


17.9
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg825.imageshack.us%2Fimg825%2F6051%2F9sblinkstation.jpg&hash=412633ba77a561bbdbca0087b4157e8e1c19cf78)
Caltrans operates a regionwide commuter rail service (SBlink). This is the local station. The Surfliner long distance trains do not stop there.


17.10
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg824.imageshack.us%2Fimg824%2F7952%2F10interstateramp.jpg&hash=81df5f04d22c35af7243573560bf32f7fdcaec97)
The nearby Ramps to and from Interstate 5.


17.11
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg94.imageshack.us%2Fimg94%2F974%2F11avenuesoundwalls.jpg&hash=7006d1b544105ca2c17195e8ae48be044c93c4fd)
Soundwalls where installed when Casitas Pass Road was upgraded to six lanes. Rumour has it that they weren't built to protect the people from traffic noise but to block the view on the poor housing behind them.


17.12
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg697.imageshack.us%2Fimg697%2F6082%2F12brachland.jpg&hash=2d8ded8f5cb3c022ccbd2a3c08e6d92190a2baa9)
This undeveloped piece of land belongs to the city. There were plans to build a hospital there but it is unlikely this will be realised in the near future.
I wish there was a way to get rid of the sidewalk texture on the diagonal road.


17.13
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg801.imageshack.us%2Fimg801%2F4852%2F13palatkafield.jpg&hash=83a79b353706cb52ea7048dc89780f33e5a7ae52)

Palatka field. One of the few places where rich and poor meet peacefully and enjoy watching a game.


17.14
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg26.imageshack.us%2Fimg26%2F4636%2F14businessesatstadium.jpg&hash=a3bf9b52b38d88942c3368f39b8de825bb341f7b)
Some shops opened next to the baseball field and along the busy road.


17.15
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg3.imageshack.us%2Fimg3%2F9997%2F15shoppingcenter.jpg&hash=d6a44e9909885ff5274f249efd842c1ead396af8)
One of the few big box stores within the Santa Barbara City limits. There are strict development rules to prevent those stores from ruining the local businesses and the visual appeal of the city. But here in this area this does not matter that much so an exception was made.


17.16
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg237.imageshack.us%2Fimg237%2F3052%2F16interstateoverpass.jpg&hash=aa545f37540db449aea2814370c1f266d8c0bad9)
Interstate 5 passes over Olive Mill Road. There are plans in the drawer to build another Interchange here if traffic levels warrant it.




Replies:

kwakelar:
Thanks for the compliment. I'll start working on those farmlands soon.




Thank you all for stopping by and please leave a comment. :)
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Nelson Muntz Housing Project
Post by: Paul 999 on September 15, 2010, 10:50:57 AM
Great update! Good story :)

Keep up this good work.
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Nelson Muntz Housing Project
Post by: Tomas Neto on September 15, 2010, 11:35:25 AM
Really great update!!! Very nice my friend!!!
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Nelson Muntz Housing Project
Post by: Nexis4Jersey on September 16, 2010, 01:07:00 PM
Very nice its like a Euro-American mix , reminds me of around here.
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Nelson Muntz Housing Project
Post by: Girafe on September 16, 2010, 02:05:07 PM
Some interesting stuffs  ;)
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Nelson Muntz Housing Project
Post by: kelis on September 16, 2010, 03:00:29 PM
Great job my friend, Its very realistic !
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Nelson Muntz Housing Project
Post by: kodlovag on September 17, 2010, 06:16:40 AM
Very nice update.
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Nelson Muntz Housing Project
Post by: kwakelaar on September 17, 2010, 11:53:51 PM
Nice work on the urban areas around the highways, and Nelson Muntz can't be very happy with the legacy he has left behind.
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Nelson Muntz Housing Project
Post by: Nardo69 on September 18, 2010, 04:57:46 AM
Nice update my friend!

I love those empty areas next to your highways etc. even though I like to fill them somehow (I just say RRP ::) ) but here they just fit in perfectly.
And I always love to see poor areas of any kind - they have their special charme and are not as easy to layout as it might look like.

Nice detail with the sound wall.  ;D

Take care my friend!

Bernhard   :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Nelson Muntz Housing Project
Post by: Skimbo on September 18, 2010, 12:48:47 PM
Nice update, Rick, I lreally like some of theese pics :)
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Nelson Muntz Housing Project
Post by: canyonjumper on September 18, 2010, 01:32:04 PM
Great work Raphael! Wouldn't wanna live there though.....

                   Your friend,
                                  Jordan :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Nelson Muntz Housing Project
Post by: marsh on September 18, 2010, 11:18:29 PM
Great update! Your roads and highway layouts look great as always. And looking at this in SC, I would even want to live there.  :P

,marsh :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Nelson Muntz Housing Project
Post by: penguin007 on September 19, 2010, 09:10:22 AM
Great variety in roads here I LOVE the interchange with the railway running through it

Will
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Nelson Muntz Housing Project
Post by: EDGE4194 on September 21, 2010, 04:32:17 AM
Great work (as usual) Raphael  :thumbsup:  I can't help but think that the housing project that large is unrealistic for a small coastal city, but as you say.. "alternate universe"  ....  ;D
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Nelson Muntz Housing Project
Post by: nbvc on September 25, 2010, 08:50:26 AM
Nice ghettos and roads.
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Nelson Muntz Housing Project
Post by: RickD on October 01, 2010, 01:40:09 AM
Sorry, again not a big update. I am occupied with Civilization 5 at the moment and I got Red Dead Redemption for my birthday. Which doesn't help either.  ::) But don't worry, I'll get back to SC4. In fact I started it up yesterday and finally figured out how to use the airport terminal pieces. I had them facing the wrong way the whole time. D'oh!  &sly

Here is a current region view to keep you hooked up. It is clickable for full size. You can see that rebuilding Santa Barbara CBD is coming along but still not finished. And to the west I made good progress filling in the suburbs of Goleta. I even started work on the downtown tile. I have the main roads and rail pretty much in place and even plopped some commercial buildings. I needed them badly to get residential demand up again.

18.1
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg193.imageshack.us%2Fimg193%2F1543%2Fsantabarbaraklein.jpg&hash=febba60051e8b8a4e5499df962af0e80bc2bee6b) (http://img827.imageshack.us/img827/5938/santabarbara.jpg)
Click for full size (~3Mb)




Replies:


Paul 999, Tomas Neto, Girafe, kelis, kodlovag, kwakelaar, Skimbo, canyonjumper, penguin007, nbvc:
Wow, so many comments. Thank you all.


Nexis4Jersey:
QuoteVery nice its like a Euro-American mix , reminds me of around here.
Thanks, this is what happens when a German attempts an american themed MD. :P

Nardo69:
Quote
I love those empty areas next to your highways etc. even though I like to fill them somehow (I just say RRP Roll Eyes ) but here they just fit in perfectly.
Thanks! Maybe when everything else is finished. ;)

marsh:
QuoteGreat update! Your roads and highway layouts look great as always. And looking at this in SC, I would even want to live there.
Glad you like it. In SC4 even the R§ houses look still too nice.

EDGE4194:
QuoteGreat work (as usual) Raphael  thumbsup  I can't help but think that the housing project that large is unrealistic for a small coastal city, but as you say.. "alternate universe"  ....
My Santa Barbara isn't that small. I am aiming for about a million Sims in the region.
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Region shot
Post by: kalvar on October 01, 2010, 08:34:25 AM
wonderful this map, I like a lot, is that it worked

is very nice, good work . &apls &apls &apls &apls &apls &apls &apls :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Region shot
Post by: marsh on October 01, 2010, 10:03:14 AM
Very nice. I love that region veiw.  &apls

,marsh  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Region shot
Post by: Skimbo on October 01, 2010, 01:16:19 PM
The region looks geniosús, great work so far :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Region shot
Post by: Sciurus on October 02, 2010, 01:02:00 AM
It's very realistic and more that unbelievable! &apls &apls

Guillaume :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Region shot
Post by: kwakelaar on October 02, 2010, 01:06:46 AM
Great overview of your region.
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Region shot
Post by: Tomas Neto on October 03, 2010, 03:16:37 PM
Very nice region!!!
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Region shot
Post by: nedalezz on October 05, 2010, 07:57:21 AM
I will concur with pretty much everyone and say that that is an AWESOME region shot!
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Region shot
Post by: canyonjumper on October 15, 2010, 06:44:56 PM
Awesome region shot Raphael!

                 Your friend,
                                Jordan :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Region shot
Post by: RickD on October 17, 2010, 04:05:22 AM
Teaser

This is the tile I will show you in the next couple of updates:

19.1
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg139.imageshack.us%2Fimg139%2F4781%2Ftagklein.jpg&hash=ead9bb51ff45e14dce62ddd7d0c2ba72304a7f95) (http://img694.imageshack.us/img694/8922/taggro.jpg)
Click image for full size. (330kb)

Thank you all for your comments!  :)
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Teaser
Post by: io_bg on October 17, 2010, 04:48:21 AM
Great overview, can't wait to see close-ups from that country club and the airport! :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Teaser
Post by: marsh on October 17, 2010, 12:59:42 PM
Can't wait to see it!

,marsh  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Teaser
Post by: canyonjumper on October 17, 2010, 05:02:31 PM
Already looks cool!

                   Your friend,
                                  Jordan :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Teaser
Post by: cubby420 on October 17, 2010, 09:42:46 PM
Wow  &apls

I aspire to create the natural and realistic kind of development you demonstrate in this MD. I see a lot of places I've lived in my life in your work.
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Teaser
Post by: art128 on October 19, 2010, 04:01:19 PM
Holy smokes ! That is one very impressive region, Raphael ! It looks wonderful from both far and close ! Can't wait to see more of the airport area !

Take care,
-Arthur. :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Teaser
Post by: jgehrts on October 21, 2010, 02:05:49 PM
I absolutely, positively love this MD.  I stumbled across it and think the detail is excellent.  Awesome work.
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Teaser
Post by: threestooges on October 22, 2010, 12:03:56 AM
Welcome to Goleta. Interesting take on the area around the airfield. Slightly offset from its real-world counter part, but Isla Vista (college town of RL) looks nice down in the left. The golf course reminds me of an old 9-hole place by the airport in Reno. Sadly it's no longer there, but I remember rounds where you'd be teeing off next to a plane touching down (and hoping you didn't hit your ball over onto the runway, heh heh). Low density and warehouse stores. Reminds me of the area quite well. Great to see what you've been up to as always.
-Matt
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Teaser
Post by: Tomas Neto on October 27, 2010, 04:06:44 AM
Fantastic aerial view, my friend!!! Great update!!!
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Teaser
Post by: RickD on October 27, 2010, 05:49:45 AM
Santa Barbara Airport (ICAO: KSBA) is a public airport located 7 miles west of downtown Santa Barbara. It is adjacent to the city of Goleta. However, the land the airport sits on was annexed to the city of Santa Barbara by a 7 mile long, 300 feet wide corridor, most of which lies under the Pacific Ocean.


20.1
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For a metropolitan area the size of (fictional) Santa Barbara County the airport is rather small. This is mainly due to its location between two major international airports (LA and San Francisco). There is just no need for a third major airport.
But KSBA is an important regional hub and provides frequent connection to many cities in the US (including LA, San Francisco, Seattle, New York City, Chicago, Miami and Anchorage) and even to Vancouver, Canada which makes it an international airport nonetheless.

20.2
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg827.imageshack.us%2Fimg827%2F8657%2F2dropoffarea.jpg&hash=af9f766bc7d1bb3d0e22a8e532717a1cefff5601)
The airport has one terminal building which has reached capacity with increasing passenger numbers over the past years.
The airport is served by the regional commuter rail SBlink and public busses. Exress shuttle busses provide direct connection to downtown Santa Barbara and Goleta without intermediate stops.

20.3
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg301.imageshack.us%2Fimg301%2F4366%2F3terminalentrance.jpg&hash=24b4c495272667c17b4030da1a1af39b7fad5574)
The entrance area to the terminal (arrival and departure). The maximum parking time of 5 minutes is strictly enforced.

20.4
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg225.imageshack.us%2Fimg225%2F3463%2F4taxistand.jpg&hash=3b0d5fca408d97a0a5e75bc310ff972cf16c4789)
The main taxi stand and bus stop.

20.5
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg225.imageshack.us%2Fimg225%2F7523%2F5airportcircleandrailun.jpg&hash=0e80f426f349142ea77177d17fbaabe92d984477)
Airport circle. The rail line passes under the runways.

20.6
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg221.imageshack.us%2Fimg221%2F930%2F6parking.jpg&hash=72ab8910a8b1faa8fd1bd992f15402fdd7cd3b3a)
Plenty of parking space is available around the terminal. But the closer the more expensive it is.

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(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg801.imageshack.us%2Fimg801%2F4422%2F7terminalarea.jpg&hash=0d0a66cc034299d8db17fd44765129e66808ab31)
The bigger planes can be accessed conveniently through passenger bridges.

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(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg576.imageshack.us%2Fimg576%2F5332%2F9moreplanes.jpg&hash=1eb4b859626b78d628c709700e51f7b9dd35591f)

20.10
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg824.imageshack.us%2Fimg824%2F8592%2F10ende.jpg&hash=7d08eb320ec9c5170c92543863dc1bb1268970fa)

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(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg41.imageshack.us%2Fimg41%2F210%2F11planeaccess.jpg&hash=475601730ceb98c53ff4816337d04b8e8a58ebab)
Passengers have to walk up to the smaller planes.

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(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg221.imageshack.us%2Fimg221%2F2206%2F12planes.jpg&hash=f80f71b1caf75c01ac408afd55373c2c9c3b97fc)
Regional jets waiting for passengers.

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Parked business jets.

20.14
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg820.imageshack.us%2Fimg820%2F6640%2F14hangars.jpg&hash=68f7709d196aef5caedb7f1603bdd2e526548589)
The Hangars are rented mostly by big companies to park their company jets.

20.15
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg263.imageshack.us%2Fimg263%2F5806%2F15aviationclub.jpg&hash=0bb103fc96ccd5f90f8a709c060952b99cab621d)
Santa Barbara Aviation Club. You can take lessons in the flight school and scenic flights for tourists are offered.

20.16
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg808.imageshack.us%2Fimg808%2F7770%2F16rwyl18r18.jpg&hash=6ebf1b8c28d0c9d52e589e167480d3212f26ee83)
Runways 18R/36L and 18L/36R are the shorter ones with 4,183 feet. They are used by smaller aircraft.

20.17
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Planes fly very low over the freeway here. There are gates that close the road in case of an emergency. Yellow flashing lights warn drivers about approaching and departing planes. The area in front of the runways is owned by the airport. It is not allowed to build there. It is a safety zone in case a plane can not make it in the air.
What you can not see very well in the picture is that the whole airport area sits on a plateau a few meters higher than the road. So I guess it is not too dangerous.

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South end of the runway.

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There are steep cliffs to the Pacific Ocean. Not much room to overshoot.

20.20
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg8.imageshack.us%2Fimg8%2F1162%2F20rwy9.jpg&hash=a024575c270671bf77ea86b24e154adca872912b)
Runway 9/27 is 6.052ft long and 150ft wide. Medium sized passenger jets land here. The runway is still too short for large jumbo jets. There are no expansion plans as there is currently no need for bigger planes to land.
I did some research on required runway lenght. According to my research a 737 or A320 could probably land on this runway but not take off. At least not loaded with passengers. Any experts reading? Should I make the runway longer?

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No trees are allowed close to the runway.

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(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg3.imageshack.us%2Fimg3%2F743%2F22rwy27.jpg&hash=6605b9d4172ffed8efe49fb5a1aa63253a60b49f)
Est side of the large runway.

20.23
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Here the three runways and the taxiways intersect. This is a bottleneck that limits the number of landings and departures.

20.24
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Planes on the large runway.

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ready for takeoff

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Just landed.




Replies

io_bg, marsh, canyonjumper, cubby420, art128, Tomas Neto:
Thanks guys. Glad you like it.

jgehrts:
QuoteI absolutely, positively love this MD.  I stumbled across it and think the detail is excellent.  Awesome work.
Welcome to my MD. I hope you'll come back.

threestooges:
QuoteInteresting take on the area around the airfield. Slightly offset from its real-world counter part,
Thanks, Matt. I actually modeled the airport after google earth images of the real Santa Barbara Airport. Well, at least the runways and taxiways. But it was not possible to do an exact replica as it is slightly rotated in an angle that SC4 does not support.
I don't expect to see FARwy (Fractional Angle Runways) soon. :D
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: The Airport
Post by: Nardo69 on October 27, 2010, 06:25:26 AM
The airport is an ... airport. Not quite my terrain as you might know ...  $%Grinno$%

The cliffs at the end of the runways reminds me of the old airport of Malta. Just the Maltese cliff is much higher there. Dunno though if this was the reason that they built a new one ...  :D

I would have put that railway line in a trench though building a real (Maxis) tunnel under the runway. You could have use this (http://www.simtropolis.com/stex/details.cfm?id=19941) station and built a second exit to the parking lot with NAM puzzles.
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: The Airport
Post by: Sciurus on October 27, 2010, 08:52:28 AM
It's just wonderful, but I wondered... how do you access to the golf? ()what()

Guillaume &apls
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: The Airport
Post by: Tomas Neto on October 27, 2010, 09:48:59 AM
Wow..., the Santa Barbara Airport is fantastic, awesome!!! Great update my friend!!!  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: The Airport
Post by: nbvc on October 27, 2010, 11:03:52 AM
Great work with the airport. &apls
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: The Airport
Post by: marsh on October 27, 2010, 04:27:21 PM
Very nice airport. I love it.  ;D I agree with nardo about the rail. It could be a lot better as a sunken rail. And it could be easily done since the rest of the rail is a viaduct at the moment, although it is a viaduct as to not interrupt traffic. It could ultimitly work either way...  &mmm

,marsh  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: The Airport
Post by: daryl7478 on October 27, 2010, 08:13:55 PM
Nice airport there! I know there are some international routes there, but why is there a turboprop ANA? Aren't those supposed to be for domestic Japanese flights? How can that small plane go all the way across the Pacific?
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: The Airport
Post by: threestooges on October 28, 2010, 12:35:15 AM
In all the time I lived there, I don't think I ever noticed the two north/south runways, just the east/west one. Would be nice if the real was was connected to the rail though. Then again, I never flew out of there either. Usually we'd make the run down to LA and go from there. With the current placement of the airport, I'll be interested to see where you fit the university in, if you do plan to include one around there. Nice work on the details of the airport too. I've always liked being able to walk out onto the tarmac. A few airports here still do that, and it's a nice step back in time to be able to. Looking forward to what's next, as always.
-Matt
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: The Airport
Post by: Kevin1a on October 28, 2010, 12:45:27 AM
It looks very good.  A small airport kind of like the one where I live, but with a lot less room for expansion.  Seems to be very well connected transitwise, though I do hate to see surface lots. :D
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: The Airport
Post by: Girafe on October 28, 2010, 12:53:10 AM
Cute small Airport  :) so tiny that planes are bigger than runways  :P
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: The Airport
Post by: RickD on October 28, 2010, 02:30:05 AM
Hi all, I am stepping in here to answer a few comments I found very interesting. I am no airport expert so I need to learn.

Nardo69:
QuoteI would have put that railway line in a trench though building a real (Maxis) tunnel under the runway. You could have use this station and built a second exit to the parking lot with NAM puzzles.
Believe it or not, this was my first design but somehow it did not work out. I must say, I grew some grey hair figuring out all the airport pieces so I wasn't patient enough.


Sciurus:
QuoteIt's just wonderful, but I wondered... how do you access to the golf?
There is actually a road (you can see it in pic 20.22), well a dirt road. But those rich golf playing people shurely can afford a Hummer. Okay, I will have it paved so that they can take their sports cars and limousines to the country club. ;)


daryl7478
QuoteNice airport there! I know there are some international routes there, but why is there a turboprop ANA? Aren't those supposed to be for domestic Japanese flights? How can that small plane go all the way across the Pacific?
Uhm, err ... tail wind? Fold in the spacetime continuum? The stupid MD author thinking ANA stood for something like American National Air? Well, who knows.  $%Grinno$%

threestooges:
QuoteI'll be interested to see where you fit the university in, if you do plan to include one around there.
Yes, I chose to relocate it further to the west, right in the next tile.
QuoteI've always liked being able to walk out onto the tarmac. A few airports here still do that, and it's a nice step back in time to be able to.
It is fun as long as it is not raining. I know some smaller airports where this setup is still common.

Girafe:
Quoteso tiny that planes are bigger than runways
That bothers me, too.  &mmm Are there wider modular runways available? I could not find any. In my opinion the runway needs to be three tiles wide.
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: The Airport
Post by: solsystem on October 28, 2010, 04:59:01 AM
Very nice pictures.  &apls I am not a expert for airports (still using the maxis airports), but it looks good for me. I like the area between the railway station and the terminal building.
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: The Airport
Post by: kwakelaar on October 30, 2010, 11:46:59 PM
Nice work on your airport, living close to an airport myself I feel sorry for the poor folks living in the neighbourhood between the two runways :D
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: The Airport
Post by: art128 on October 31, 2010, 07:38:43 AM
Beautiful airport there ! The golf here doesn't look out of place. Great work with the airport plateau and its surrounding areas.

Take care,
-Arthur. :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: The Airport
Post by: kalvar on November 02, 2010, 07:59:52 AM
I really like this mega airport, all the details make it look so real. &apls &apls &apls
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: The Airport
Post by: canyonjumper on November 06, 2010, 05:05:21 PM
Awesome update Raphael! It's an awesome airport, and I wish that the one I'm working on comes out even half as good ;D

                      Your friend,
                            Jordan :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: The Airport
Post by: EDGE4194 on November 07, 2010, 11:08:40 AM
Raphael- I have to agree that you did an awesome job with the airport. I know that I don't have patience and have been afraid to attempt an airport. I am tempted again after seeing yours.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: The Airport
Post by: Haljackey on November 07, 2010, 06:46:24 PM
Very cool! I like the runway design and the roundabout... awesome placement!
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: The Airport
Post by: joelyboy911 on November 10, 2010, 08:21:27 PM
Really, really great looking airport.  &apls
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: The Airport
Post by: RickD on November 16, 2010, 02:46:52 PM
Driving to the Airport

Today we will take the car and drive to the airport.

21.1
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We are entering the tile from the east on the expressway coming from downtown Santa Barbara.

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Passing over the stream we can see the smiling water tower on the hill to our left.

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We are taking the next exit. It leads to the airport and downtown Goleta. It has recently been upgraded from a signalized intersection to ...

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... uh oh ... a Diverging Diamond Interchange. Not all drivers are used to this unusual type of interchange. Extra caution is necessary.

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Traffic flow has greatly improved since the interchange is in place.

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We'll turn right here onto Aviation Boulevard.

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Several businesses are lining the busy road.

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Apartment houses to our right as we continue driving towards the terminal.

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Maybe it is time to stop and grab something to eat?

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There is quite some choice.

21.11
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We are passing some parking lots and airport hotels.

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More shopping opportunities and business hotels along Aviation Boulevard.

21.13
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Now we are approaching the terminal's pick up and drop off areas. Some office buildings to our right.

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We have arrived at the terminal.

21.15
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The hotels are mostly frequented by business travelers. But their close location to the ocean and affordable rates make them an insider's tip for tourists. At least if you don't mind the noise from the airport.

21.16
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More hotels and restaurants.

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This motel offers the cheapest rooms but it is very close to the airport and you can't even see the planes.

21.19
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And finally an overview of the hotel area.




Replies:

solsystem, art128, kalvar, Haljackey, joelyboy911:
Glad you all like my airport. Thanks for visiting my MD. :)

kwakelaar:
QuoteNice work on your airport, living close to an airport myself I feel sorry for the poor folks living in the neighbourhood between the two runways
Hehe, but at least land prices should be very affordable there. ;)

canyonjumper:
QuoteAwesome update Raphael! It's an awesome airport, and I wish that the one I'm working on comes out even half as good
Thanks and good luck with your airport.

EDGE4194:
QuoteRaphael- I have to agree that you did an awesome job with the airport. I know that I don't have patience and have been afraid to attempt an airport. I am tempted again after seeing yours.
Thank you, too. I needed a lot of patience to figure out all those puzzle pieces.




Thanks for reading and please leave a comment.  ()stsfd()
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Driving to the airport
Post by: marsh on November 16, 2010, 05:04:47 PM
Awesome work. I like the suburby feeling even near the airport.

,marsh  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Driving to the airport
Post by: Kevin1a on November 16, 2010, 06:45:23 PM
You did a good job capturing that airport feel.  In my experience, the areas around airports are either devoid of anything an everything (Denver International, except those secret government bunkers under it), or filled with large hotels, and chain stores.  I think you captured the second type perfectly.  All the fast food places and large chain stores with surface lots gave it a very "airporty" feel.  When we leave the airport, do we have to fly, or can we take SBlink to get where we're going?

P.S. I'm working on an airport right now too.(a little larger, but not as well detailed...yet)  I haven't posted any of it, but in a month or so, it should be on my MD.
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Driving to the airport
Post by: cubby420 on November 17, 2010, 07:10:37 AM
Great stuff! Love the endless parking lots - its an aspect of everyday life so few people tackle realistically in their city.
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Driving to the airport
Post by: turtle on November 17, 2010, 03:53:15 PM
Great update, Raphael!
The drive to the airport really reveals how much thought you've put into planning the areas close to the airport.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Driving to the airport
Post by: canyonjumper on November 17, 2010, 05:02:37 PM
Awesome update! Love the RHW set up and all the parking lots!

                     Your friend,
                                    Jordan :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Driving to the airport
Post by: krbe on November 17, 2010, 07:27:42 PM
That's an excellent medium-sized airport there! I love it when airports don't look like a combination of Heathrow and Denver Airports.

Quote from: RickD on October 27, 2010, 05:49:45 AM
I did some research on required runway lenght. According to my research a 737 or A320 could probably land on this runway but not take off. At least not loaded with passengers. Any experts reading? Should I make the runway longer?

Your long runway is more than long enough for "normal" short haul 737 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boeing_737#Specifications) / A320 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Airbus_A320_family#Specifications) operations. If you look at the specifications for the aircrafts at Wikipedia, you'll see that the take-off runs listed are MTOW, SL, ISA -- at maximum take-off weight, at sea level in an ideal "International Standard Atmosphere", a construction of certain atmostpheric attributes such as temperature and air pressure. In lay-man words, a plane filled to the brim with passenger, luggage, cargo and fuel.

Actual take-off runs tend to be much shorter, as the planes are very rarely filled 100% in any of those categories. In Norway, SAS operates 737s (400 through 800 series) from a number of airports which runways range from 1700 m to 2100 m. This is possible because the flights tend to be short, and filled with people on day business with little luggage. It is entirely possible to operate a 737-800 on such routes as long as you reduce the weight.

However, if you are to operate the routes mentioned non-stop, you need longer runways to accommodate planes with a full fuel load. This is the distance between Santa Barbara and the airports listed:

Los Angeles (LAX): 142 km
San Fransisco (SFO): 421 km
Seattle-Tacoma (SEA): 1461 km
Vancouver (YVR): 1664 km
Chicago (ORD): 2893 km
Anchorage (ANC): 3660 km
Miami (MIA): 3896 km
New York (EWR): 4036 km

All locations are well within reach of longer range 737s and the A320 family at MTOW, though just as you can reduce take-off run by reducing weight, you can increase range (provided you save on the fuel, of course).

Another option is of course to have an extra landing. E.g. at SeaTac for the Anchorage flight.

And if you want to do the maths on your own distances, you can use http://www.acscdg.com/ (http://www.acscdg.com/)
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Driving to the airport
Post by: Tomas Neto on November 18, 2010, 06:30:10 AM
Great update, RickD!!! Really very nice!!!  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Driving to the airport
Post by: daryl7478 on November 18, 2010, 06:57:30 AM
Nice job making the airport surroundings!
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Driving to the airport
Post by: Girafe on November 18, 2010, 07:50:48 AM
Hehe nice update  &apls &apls

I have never seen before the cross exchanger and didn't know it was already released, the giraffe is lost, again  :P

RHW fits good in this landscape. I appreciate the green touches with the trees and finally someone who understands that there always re big parkings in commercial areas  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Driving to the airport
Post by: Battlecat on November 18, 2010, 08:03:54 AM
Lots of interesting highways around the airport!  You've put the cross exchanger to good use there!
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Driving to the airport
Post by: io_bg on December 01, 2010, 04:14:10 AM
Fantastic update, love all these highways and avenues $%Grinno$% However, I noticed some of the houses on pic 1 and 3 are too close to the RHWs... Won't it be better if you put some noise barriers along the highways? Just an idea...
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Driving to the airport
Post by: RickD on December 02, 2010, 01:04:09 PM
Welcome to update 22.  ()stsfd()

I didn't have much playtime lately but I want to show you some (rather unimaginative  %wrd) pics of the warehouses near the airport.

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Here is an overview. The industrial area will continue into the next tile once I build it.

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It consists mostly of warehouses and distribution centers.

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But there is also this sewage plant operated by the public works department.

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The warehouses are attracted by the good transport connections and relatively low land prices so close to the airport.

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The airport and the surrounding industry provides many jobs for the region.

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I don't like the avenue curve with the rail level crossing here. I demolished and rebuild this numerous times but couldn't come up with anything better.  %confuso

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The area is served by freight rail. This is one of the container loading facilities at Airport Spur 1.

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The warehouses have grown very close to the highway. Not much room for future expansion
available.




Replies:

marsh, turtle, canyonjumper, Tomas Neto, daryl7478, Girafe, Battlecat:
Thank you for stopping by and commenting.  :thumbsup:

Kevin1a:
QuoteWhen we leave the airport, do we have to fly, or can we take SBlink to get where we're going?
We'll take SBlink another time. The tile to the north (goleta cbd) has grown considerably since the last region shot but is not quite presentable yet. ;)
QuoteP.S. I'm working on an airport right now too.(a little larger, but not as well detailed...yet)  I haven't posted any of it, but in a month or so, it should be on my MD.
I'm looking forward to it. :)

cubby420:
QuoteLove the endless parking lots
Thanks! Hooha47 (http://www.simtropolis.com/stex/index.cfm?p=files&keyword=hooha47&view=all) did a really great job with his modular parking lots.

krbe:
Wow, thank you very much for all this intersting information. Very much appreciated.

io_bg:
QuoteHowever, I noticed some of the houses on pic 1 and 3 are too close to the RHWs... Won't it be better if you put some noise barriers along the highways?
Probably yes. But the budget was needed for even more important things. However, the mayor denies that his new indoor swimming pool has anything to do with it.  $%Grinno$%


Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Warehouses around the airport
Post by: io_bg on December 02, 2010, 01:23:09 PM
Another great update! :thumbsup: The warehouse area has turned out pretty well! If you don't mind a few more suggestions, in the first pic I'd use carribou's [enter correct spelling here] long slope rail-to-subway transitions as they're much more realistic than NDEX's ones. Also, you can connect MIS and one-way roads straight out without converting the MIS to RHW-4 and then the RHW to one-way road.
Quote from: RickD on December 02, 2010, 01:04:09 PMio_bg:Probably yes. But the budget was needed for even more important things. However, the mayor denies that his new indoor swimming pool has anything to do with it.  $%Grinno$%
:D :D :D
And last, if the mayor decides to spend some money on the rail crossing he dislikes, he can use some Avenue FLUPs. I'd not place them just next to the corner in order to simulate a smoother underground curve. Hope that wasn't too hard to understand $%Grinno$%
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Warehouses around the airport
Post by: Battlecat on December 02, 2010, 01:24:49 PM
I think the warehouse district turned out great.  I'm also remiss in missing your earlier update, love what you've done with the RHW in those shots. 
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Warehouses around the airport
Post by: RickD on December 14, 2010, 02:00:10 PM
Update 23 - Cabrillo Country Club

23.1
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg695.imageshack.us%2Fimg695%2F1555%2F72830845.jpg&hash=1a6b7c490c6c9c9e52ec3c861d840cbb7233f83a)
Cabrillo Country Club is the largest and most exclusive golf course in the region.

23.2
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg695.imageshack.us%2Fimg695%2F5002%2F44692228.jpg&hash=1b0076fb864480714eafa58b527638e3b7b17fec)
The land it sits on is owned by the City of Santa Barbara. If the City should decide to expand the airport the country club will have to give way.

23.3
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg526.imageshack.us%2Fimg526%2F16%2F21663671.jpg&hash=2eedd361ee8cce6a54b59485a581a78297a07bf0)
This is the Club house. You have to be invited by a member to enter.

23.4
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg30.imageshack.us%2Fimg30%2F4055%2F23962729.jpg&hash=3542900b6a802e8ba347491c7d60742e9307e38d)
Hole 9 is the most spectacular one directly at the edge of a cliff over the Pacific Ocean.

23.5
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg692.imageshack.us%2Fimg692%2F286%2F35369859.jpg&hash=6fc157846409080dc0f1996e6d3f43616f8f496b)
Other holes are really close to the runway.

23.6
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg651.imageshack.us%2Fimg651%2F8914%2F17032487.jpg&hash=f5ee81a39d97f0563751fdebe2d372b996de95af)
7:30 am. The first players are enjoying the cool ocean breeze on this wonderful summer morning.




Replies:

io_bg:
Thanks for your advice on the rhw and avenue. I think I know what you mean with the flups pieces and I'll give it a try.
And, wow, that long slope rail to subway transition looks so much better. I did not know it before.
I think I'll post pictures of the improved area in the next weeks.

Battlecat:
Thanks for the compliments.
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Cabrillo Country Club
Post by: Tomas Neto on December 14, 2010, 04:18:30 PM
Cabrillo Country Club is a fantastic golf course!!! Great work!!!
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Cabrillo Country Club
Post by: daryl7478 on December 14, 2010, 07:52:44 PM
Nice golf course there! I would just imagine golfing and seeing 747s. Only if they could fit in the airport....
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Cabrillo Country Club
Post by: mightygoose on December 15, 2010, 03:51:49 AM
while all your updates are classically american in style and very pleasing to the eye, the roundabout in 22.1 gave me a cardiac arrest, i mean the weaving combined with the potential direct U-turns just scares the hell outta me. everything else is lovely.
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Cabrillo Country Club
Post by: RickD on December 15, 2010, 04:21:08 AM
Hey mightygoose! Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the roundabout. I agree with you, the way it looks in the picture it would be extremely dangerous.
The problem is, there is only this one very simple avenue raundabout in the game. In my imagination it would look more like this example from the town I live in: http://maps.google.de/?ie=UTF8&ll=50.028248,8.220949&spn=0.002402,0.005134&t=k&z=18 (http://maps.google.de/?ie=UTF8&ll=50.028248,8.220949&spn=0.002402,0.005134&t=k&z=18)

It is signalized and has dedicated lanes for each direction, so there is no weaving. You have to get in the right lane before entering the traffic circle.
I think I'll need roundabout-tuleps to recreate this. But I don't bet on getting those any time soon. ;)
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Cabrillo Country Club
Post by: noahclem on December 15, 2010, 04:51:30 AM
Your country club looks nice  :thumbsup:  Be careful though--even though the city owns the land they might have trouble evicting their rich tenants. I used to live in a city that was unable to establish an important right-of-way through a country club due to their powerful lobbying...

The airport looks great as well and I enjoyed the surrounding warehouse district in the previous update  :)
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Cabrillo Country Club
Post by: Girafe on December 15, 2010, 04:56:29 AM
Really good medium airport and the golf is so green  &blush
good job :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Cabrillo Country Club
Post by: Battlecat on December 16, 2010, 08:45:51 AM
That google shot reminds me of the new roundabouts going in near my home.  They are at least as complex but it's going to be messy since roundabout are relatively new to our area. 

Great job on that golf course in the latest update!
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Cabrillo Country Club
Post by: nbvc on December 16, 2010, 12:27:48 PM
Great updates. &apls
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Cabrillo Country Club
Post by: Skimbo on December 16, 2010, 01:11:18 PM
The golf course looks nice althrough it's located next to the airport.... But why do I count 17 holes only ??? (Should be 18)
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Cabrillo Country Club
Post by: art128 on December 16, 2010, 01:15:05 PM
Awesome !  &apls
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Cabrillo Country Club
Post by: solsystem on December 17, 2010, 06:21:32 AM
Great updates!  &apls I love your Country Club, it's a inspiring example for me.
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Cabrillo Country Club
Post by: RickD on December 19, 2010, 06:04:29 AM
Tomas Neto:
QuoteCabrillo Country Club is a fantastic golf course!!! Great work!!!
Thanks, Tomas!

daryl7478:
QuoteNice golf course there! I would just imagine golfing and seeing 747s. Only if they could fit in the airport....
Yes that would be awesome. And if you made a bad shot you could always blame it on the turbines. ;)

noahclem:
QuoteYour country club looks nice  Be careful though--even though the city owns the land they might have trouble evicting their rich tenants. I used to live in a city that was unable to establish an important right-of-way through a country club due to their powerful lobbying...

The airport looks great as well and I enjoyed the surrounding warehouse district in the previous update
I guess that is why I prefer to be an SC4 mayor and not a real one. ;)

Girafe:
QuoteReally good medium airport and the golf is so green
good job
Glad you like it!

Battlecat:
QuoteThat google shot reminds me of the new roundabouts going in near my home.  They are at least as complex but it's going to be messy since roundabout are relatively new to our area.

Great job on that golf course in the latest update!
Thanks! Roundabouts are great in theory. But most people don't know how to use them which makes them useless in most places around here. But I was very pleasently surprised when I experienced how well roundabouts work in Ireland and Scotland.

nbvc:
QuoteGreat updates.
Glad you like them.

Skimbo:
QuoteThe golf course looks nice althrough it's located next to the airport.... But why do I count 17 holes only (Should be 18)
First of all, I didn't think anyone would look so closely at my pics. This is nice to know. :)
The reason for the missing hole is probably that I know almost nothing about golf courses.  &ops

art128:
QuoteAwesome !
Thanks!

Solsystem:
QuoteGreat updates! I love your Country Club, it's a inspiring example for me.
Wow, thanks.



Bonus pic:

24.1
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Of course those rich golf playing folks don't reside in ordinary airport hotels. They prefer the luxurious Hotel Zaza.
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Bonus Pic
Post by: kwakelaar on December 19, 2010, 12:25:20 PM
Really great looking industrial area in update 22. Lots of large lots with large buildings is making this quite realistic.
The exclusive golf course next to the run-way is a nice idea, but you would have to be a very keen golf player to enjoy walking next to the runway. :)
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Bonus Pic
Post by: Tomas Neto on December 20, 2010, 10:48:15 AM
Yeah..., nice bonus pic!!! Great work on this beach!!!  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Bonus Pic
Post by: canyonjumper on December 20, 2010, 10:57:51 PM
Wow! Love the beach!

               Your friend,
                              Jordan :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Bonus Pic
Post by: cubby420 on December 20, 2010, 11:09:03 PM
I'd like to reserve an ocean view suite for next weekend please  ()stsfd()
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Bonus Pic
Post by: Sciurus on December 21, 2010, 01:29:44 AM
Very nice hotel :thumbsup:

Guillaume :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Bonus Pic
Post by: art128 on December 21, 2010, 01:49:21 PM
I understand the rich people...  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Bonus Pic
Post by: scott1964 on December 21, 2010, 07:10:22 PM
In regards to pics 21.4 and 21.5 Where and how did you do those intersections?  :o  Updates are looking good.  :)
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Bonus Pic
Post by: marsh on December 22, 2010, 12:50:01 AM
OOOO. Love that beach.  ;D

,marsh  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Bonus Pic
Post by: nedalezz on December 22, 2010, 01:00:34 PM
Beautiful beach :)

More more more!
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Bonus Pic
Post by: RickD on December 31, 2010, 07:36:05 AM
Happy New Year!

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg704.imageshack.us%2Fimg704%2F7417%2Fnewyearwl.jpg&hash=6782aa35fcafdef59a055d152a47407c56fb790f)
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Happy New Year!
Post by: Sciurus on December 31, 2010, 08:24:32 AM
Wonderful pic! &apls &apls Happy new year to you too!

Guillaume :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Happy New Year!
Post by: daryl7478 on December 31, 2010, 09:01:06 AM
Happy New Year! This is possibly my last comment of 2010. Bye!
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Happy New Year!
Post by: cubby420 on December 31, 2010, 09:11:49 AM
Happy New Year to you as well! Excellent pic too by the way!
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Happy New Year!
Post by: io_bg on December 31, 2010, 09:49:37 AM
Fantastic picture! Happy New Year to you, too! :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Happy New Year!
Post by: Tomas Neto on January 01, 2011, 02:45:59 AM
Nice image!!! Happy new year my friend!!!
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Happy New Year!
Post by: nbvc on January 02, 2011, 02:29:05 AM
Nice city. &apls
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Happy New Year!
Post by: dedgren on January 04, 2011, 11:32:35 PM
Happy New Year, Raphael!  That is the best SC4 fireworks pic I've ever seen.


David
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Happy New Year!
Post by: marsh on January 05, 2011, 03:51:49 PM
Be-a-utiful Fireworks!

,marsh  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Cabrillo Country Club
Post by: Skimbo on January 11, 2011, 05:01:03 AM
Nice fireworks :)



Quote from: RickD on December 19, 2010, 06:04:29 AM

Skimbo:First of all, I didn't think anyone would look so closely at my pics. This is nice to know. :)
The reason for the missing hole is probably that I know almost nothing about golf courses.  &ops


Golf courses normally have 9 or 18 holes, some clubs have more courses than one (27, 36, 45, 54, 63 holes etc.)
Sometimes there are practice courses with 3 or 6 holes.

A driving range exists normally as well.
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Happy New Year!
Post by: ldvger on January 11, 2011, 11:14:11 PM
Raphael-

Spent the last couple of evenings catching up on your MD and am impressed with your "alternative reality" version of SB.  As always, it brought up lots of memories to see the familiar names, so now that I'm all caught up, this evening I spent several hours on Google Earth, looking at all the old haunts, many of which are now gone but many that are, surprisingly, still there.  My son, daughter-in-law, and grandson just recently moved back to the SB area, Goleta, actually, after many years in Long Beach.

I was especially tickled to see you include my alma mater, San Marcos High School, which in reality is located at the NE corner of Hollister Ave and Turnpike Rd., and the football stadium is north and east of the classrooms rather than across a road, as you have placed it.  The stadium is Valley Stadium and was a day-time only field until my graduating class made thier class gift of stadium lights to the school.  Saving enough money for lights actually took almost 10 years...each graduating class donated thier fund-raising money towards lighting the stadium and my class was the one to finally top of the lighting fund, so we got the credit for the lights.  One of the major fund-raisers for the lighting fund was selling matches, each book imprinted with the slogan "Light Valley Stadium".  My senior year, 1972, was the first time night games were played there and I have lots of proud and fond memories of finally being able to play home games in our own home field. 

You did an excellent job with the tiny little SB airport.  I flew in there in 2005 and can tell you, the terminal is MUCH smaller than you have built it in  game.  I think there are only 3 boarding/disbarking gates and I know there are no jetways at all.  All planes are boarded from the tarmac.  If you go back to Google Earth and take another look at the SB airport, you will see a tiny parking lot near to a red-tile roofed structure that is kinda L-shaped...that red tile roof is the passenger terminal.  And I know this is not a recreation, it's just that the airport you have built is very large for a relatively small area.  I also read that you hope to grow your population to around a million....that's about 10 times the actual population of SB now, so the larger airport you have built is probably a good idea.  Just hurts my heart to think of SB/Goleta having a million folks living there...it's primary charm is it's smallness.  When my family moved there in 1968, population was 45k and we only had to dial 4 numbers on the phone to call anyone locally.  Now it's just over 100k population and all the citrus orchards are long gone...

Lora/LD
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Happy New Year!
Post by: RickD on January 12, 2011, 02:32:53 PM
Downtown Tour

26.1
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg141.imageshack.us%2Fimg141%2F8340%2F1overview.jpg&hash=446841afaead8c4ef38f10247fd8c019e84a33d5)
Let's take a tour of downtown Santa Barbara.

26.2
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The intersection of 1st Avenue and 1st Street is officially the center of downtown. This is the financial and office district. At night it is pretty much deserted.

26.3
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Highrise construction in Santa Barbara started at the end of the 1970s. Until then height restriction laws prohibited buildings with more than 12 floors. The first highrises developed along 1st Avenue. The new zoning density plan limits new skyscraper developments to the area between 1st Avenue and the freeway. This is to protect the historic old town and to achieve a dense and visually appealing skyline.
However, all proposed and approved projects have been postponed during the economic crisis. There is currently no new skyscraper under construction.

26.4
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Market Square is the historic town center.
The famous farmer's market is held every wednesday and saturday. The flea market on sundays is very popular with tourists. The town hall and Stock exchange are also located around Market Square.
The neighborhood features countless small speciality shops, Bars, Delis and a thriving nightlife. It is the hustling and buzzling heart of the city.

26.5
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg337.imageshack.us%2Fimg337%2F6171%2Fspanisho.jpg&hash=cf16211b50789e13642c73dea028191a389a2016)
Several old buildings around Market Square give evidence of the city's spanish and mexican heritage (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Santa_Barbara,_California#Spanish_period).

26.6
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg26.imageshack.us%2Fimg26%2F310%2F5wiggumsq.jpg&hash=c53a4b4516fbb65f4424cb92cd441c3d702a6538)
Another busy place is Wiggum Park. It is famous for street artists of all kinds performing there during summer.
The Coca-Cola Tower is one of the few exceptions where highrises were approved outside of the high density zone.

26.7
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg171.imageshack.us%2Fimg171%2F1879%2F6oregon.jpg&hash=83ac6f86bc97ca3f9b8cc90760ae3cb45a0b7df6)
Wait a minute, Oregon? What's this sign doing here? The house belongs to a certain Mr. Mortimer van Mortinson. He was born in Portland, Oregon and moved to Santa Barbara in 1956 to marry the love of his life. But he always stayed an Oregonian at heart. After he made a small fortune with his brewery he bought this building and put up the sign to honor his home state.

26.8
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg210.imageshack.us%2Fimg210%2F1866%2F7i5o.jpg&hash=08e3d8ede1602e3111554e0e266e0bf18cc0c52e)
I-5 runs through downtown Santa Barbara on a sunken alignment. It also marks the southern border of the CBD.

26.9
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg593.imageshack.us%2Fimg593%2F2435%2F8interchange.jpg&hash=a6f533923162ad4911841ce4977f415b5fdaf318)
The interchange between I-5 (left to bottom), US-101 (left to top) and N6 Avenue (to the right) is infamous for its sharp turns, dangerous weaving, and insufficient capacity. Especially that I-5 narrows to only one lane on the flyover from south to west is a terrible bottleneck.
The interchange has been build in the 1960s and was cramped into the already densely developed downtown.

26.10
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg11.imageshack.us%2Fimg11%2F3089%2F1ststreet.jpg&hash=3d262fd08244f9800b0c6581b430e66f55206c62)
Along 1st Street.
The numbering system of the roads in the downtown grid is quite unique. Better get familiar with it before driving around town looking for an address.

26.11
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg703.imageshack.us%2Fimg703%2F9924%2Fn5ave1ststr.jpg&hash=8841b3250c1893e8bc7f0e716a203b9b3812dcd3)
The intersection of North 5th Avenue and 1st Street.
Roads in downtown are numbered. The Avenues run East-West direction, Streets run north-south. The central axis are 1st Avenue and 1st Street.

26.12
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg255.imageshack.us%2Fimg255%2F8144%2Fs7avenueatnight.jpg&hash=66e606a60d8ea9e36db279d8fcd0a79d9e38040b)
S 7th Avenue/E 4th Street.
The numbers increase in all directions. S 7th Avenue is the seventh road south of 1st Avenue running in east-west direction.
The system is a bit a bit confusing at first. But it enables you to identify your location quite easily when you are familiar with it. Just make sure you get the prefix right. E 76th Street is at the opposite side of the city than W 76th Street!

26.13
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg269.imageshack.us%2Fimg269%2F8278%2F9station.jpg&hash=639056cfb5f2c0048aa452190300fda76591d31b)
The central station is on the left. The old and dilapidated Union Station has been replaced by this generic office building.
Don't worry about the level crossings. I'll deal with them very soon.





Wow, I got so many comments. I am terribly sorry that I have no time to answer them all individually. I could barely manage to get this update done.  :-[

Thank you so much for your kind words. It is the main reason that keeps me motivated to continue. ;)
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Downtown Tour
Post by: GreekMan on January 12, 2011, 06:39:48 PM
WOW! very impressie work! I do think you should put more buildings to the right of downtown. the area above and to the left of the coca cola buildings

Where did u get those boat marianas in the first picture?
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Downtown Tour
Post by: noahclem on January 12, 2011, 06:56:57 PM
Beautiful update!  I love the way you've planned your city with regard to high-rise buildings. It's also really cool how you use all kinds of transportation networks. Your use of RHW, as before, is especially impressive. Your city center looks beautiful at night--though I wouldn't say that it's pretty much abandoned as you've said ;)
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Downtown Tour
Post by: travismking on January 12, 2011, 07:32:04 PM
I really like how your downtown skyline is clumped together and rather small and not spread out and sprawling like mine tend to be :) Great update :)
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Downtown Tour
Post by: Nexis4Jersey on January 12, 2011, 07:54:15 PM
Wow , this last update left me speechless....I really like , the view in 26.1 , the interchange in 29.9 , the tram in 26.11 reminds me of around here , 26.13 came out really good.
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Downtown Tour
Post by: threestooges on January 12, 2011, 09:10:38 PM
Heh heh, so I can see I can save my comments about level crossings. I'll be interested to see how you tackle them within the developed space you already have. It'll hopefully give me some ideas for other options to consider for some parts of Greenacre. I know it's not meant to be a replica of the real Santa Barbara, but I will admit there was a disconnect when I first saw downtown. I do like it though. The bell-curve height profile of it seems pretty realistic, and the blend of shorter buildings in with the taller ones adds to the overall picture as well. The market in 26.4 also caught my eye. Nice little open space saved within the city. It's a rarity, but always nice to find. Looking forward to the next update.
-Matt
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Downtown Tour
Post by: turtle on January 13, 2011, 04:59:26 AM
Wow, that is one very well proportioned downtown. I agree with Greekman, though, that area just to the right of downtown seems ripe for re-development once SB recovers from the crisis  :thumbsup:
Excellent downtown and transportation system!
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Downtown Tour
Post by: ecoba on January 13, 2011, 06:05:47 AM
Very impressive downtown, Raphael ! The first picture was jaw-dropping at the realism, I especially love how you can see the mountainous terrain near the bottom; very accurate for California's coast. :)


Ethan
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Downtown Tour
Post by: penguin007 on January 13, 2011, 10:01:08 AM
Great city there you have my friend!! I love the use of the trams in that style of city never seen it used before and the RHW looks very realistic

Will
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Downtown Tour
Post by: Skimbo on January 15, 2011, 11:48:12 AM
What a nice downtown =)

Great selection of buildings, they fit well together :thumbsup:

My favourites are the pics 26-01, 26-09 and 26-11 :)
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Downtown Tour
Post by: sumwonyuno on January 19, 2011, 02:40:51 PM
It's great to see Santa Barbara rebuilt!   &apls

I know you were interested in putting my Central Pacific Plaza lot in your city.  Releasing the lot is on my priority list.  I can't promise when exactly it'll be released, but I for one will be ()stsfd() if one of Santa Barbara's new developments looks familiar.   ;)  (It looks like my lot may look at home among your chosen highrises).
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Downtown Tour
Post by: RickD on January 23, 2011, 12:14:39 PM
Downtown Rail Improvements

In the last update I promised to improve the notorious rail level crossings around downtown. So here we go.

Let's first take a look at the current situation:

27.1
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There are no less than 11 level crossings! There is not a single over- or underpass except for Interstate 5. This means, when a train passes through, access to downtown from the north is almost completely blocked resulting in huge traffic backups during rush hour.
The plan is to grade seperate crossings no. 3, 10 and 11.

27.2
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Santa Barbara Central Station serves 4 AMTRAK trains per day (Pacific Surfliner (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pacific_Surfliner)) and the regional commuter rail SBlink. Upgrading the level crossings will allow SBlink to switch from a 60 minute schedule to up to 30 minute intervals during on hours. This will hopefully make rail more attractive for commuters. Current ridership figures are disappointingly low.

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The first improvement will be done right here at crossing 3 next to the station where 1st Street crosses the tracks. The situation here has been especially bad as this is the main surface road in and out of the CBD. Not only is there much traffic on the road but also the gates had to close very long because the stopping and departing trains are very slow.

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An underpass has been constructed. There are plans to remove the median on 1st street and add 2 extra lanes, making it 6 total. It will probably take a while till this will be possible in this situation.

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Crossing number 4 on W 4th Street will not be rebuild for now. It is expected that traffic levels decline as more people use the First Street underpass. However, should it be necessary, another underpass will be constructed here.

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The rail overpass over the Interstate was for a long time the only grade separated rail crossing in downtown.
A level crossing on an 8-lane Interstate highway?  :o Not even in Santa Barbara.  $%Grinno$%

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Crossings 5, 6 (not in picture), 7 and 8 will stay in place. There is not enough budget to upgrade them all and there is also not enough room to build over- or underpasses. At least not without demolishing existing development.

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Same here with crossing 9 on W 18th Street. The freight siding is the remainder of a once larger facility. Freight traffic through downtown has been reduced to a minimum since the bypass line through the foothills has been built.

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W 22nd Street is another major arterial road. The level crossing here definitely needs to be upgraded. Whats making it a bit more difficult is that N 8th Avenue won't be able to connect to the underpass. It must be rerouted towards N 9th Ave. and in consequence some buildings are to be demolished.

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Here is a detail shot of the new setup. A small park has been build where the houses where demolished. This won't help the people who lost their homes but makes the neighborhood more attractive for the others.

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On N 11 Ave. the city planners opted for an overpass. The rails here run in a trench slowly ascending into the foothills.

That's it for today. I hope you agree that the presented measures are a great relief for traffic flow in downtown. However, I am always open for suggestions.




Replies

GreekMan:
QuoteWOW! very impressie work! I do think you should put more buildings to the right of downtown. the area above and to the left of the coca cola buildings
I think you are right, the transition is too abrupt there. I'll look into it. Need more CO jobs anyway.
QuoteWhere did u get those boat marianas in the first picture?
They are from Pegasus.

noahclem:
QuoteYour city center looks beautiful at night--though I wouldn't say that it's pretty much abandoned as you've said
Thanks, Noah. What I meant was that nightlife takes place elsewhere. There are only offices around.

travismking:
QuoteI really like how your downtown skyline is clumped together and rather small and not spread out and sprawling like mine tend to be
This is partly due to the fact that there is not very much room on the map because of the large mountains. Glad you like it.

Nexis4Jersey:
Quotethe tram in 26.11 reminds me of around here
Thanks. I watched your great youtube videos a while ago but forgot to subscribe to your channel, did that yesterday (I am "MrDubert" on youtube).

threestooges:
QuoteI know it's not meant to be a replica of the real Santa Barbara, but I will admit there was a disconnect when I first saw downtown.
I see what you mean. It might have been a mistake using the real name. But now I am stuck with it. Only thing I can do is keep repeating that my MD is really totally fictional and never was intended to be a recreation of any kind.
Hope you approve of the rail upgrades in this update. ;)

turtle:
QuoteI agree with Greekman, though, that area just to the right of downtown seems ripe for re-development once SB recovers from the crisis
Yep, but at the moment the simulator is giving me headache with demands and selection of growable buidlings. :(
Glad you like it anyway.

ecoba:
QuoteI especially love how you can see the mountainous terrain near the bottom; very accurate for California's coast.
And it is not easy to build on in SC4 as you probably know. ;)

penguin007:
Thanks! :)

Skimbo:
Heyho, Skimbo ;) thanks for reading.

sumwonyuno:
Great to hear you are still working on that building. I could use it to help fill the gaps GreekMan and turtle pointed out.
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Downtown Rail Improvements
Post by: kwakelaar on January 23, 2011, 12:42:44 PM
A very interesting update to read through and good pictures to demonstrate the new over/underpasses. One of the most fascinating things to see are how the different authors cope with a fully developed city where things need to change. This is a great example, and you have come up with realistic sounding and looking solutions to the problem of congestion in your city.
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Downtown Rail Improvements
Post by: Jayster on January 23, 2011, 01:25:55 PM
The update before this one was the best I've seen from you so far IMO!  &apls I love the downtown area! it looks fantastic! This update was also very nice. I really liked how you went through and changed the the at-grade crossings. It would have added a little extra touch to it if you would have gone into more detail and used some construction scenes with rebuilding the crossings. But excellent none the less! Keep up the great work!  :thumbsup:

Jayster
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Downtown Rail Improvements
Post by: Skimbo on January 23, 2011, 01:35:46 PM
Wow, an uncountable number of levelcrossings, the drivers will be thankful for replaceing at least some of them through underpasses.

Uncountable not because they cannot be counted but  because that's a real huge number in my definition (Okay, that might be so because I'm used to rail lines with trains every thhree minutes in both directions :D)


Great entry and city!
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Downtown Rail Improvements
Post by: cammo2003 on January 23, 2011, 04:31:49 PM
Level crossings are a problem most cities have to deal with at some stage, and you've dealt with them well. I assume the rest will be eliminated at some stage.

It's not unrealistic to have nearly none in a metropolitan area; Sydney has an amount within built up areas that I can probably count on my two hands. It never used to be like that (Melbourne's prolific use of them hints at how it used to be), and I believe that a few of the ones that do remain in the south western suburbs are being eliminated as a part of the Southern Sydney Freight Link project (I believe legislation was put in that this and other things need to be done when projects are built in an area - another is that improvements to disabled access must be made to a station if any upgrades pass through or otherwise affect it).

This is how the problem is usually tackled; piecemeal, so that diversions can be put in place so that traffic continues to flow.

Nice MD you have going here; I'll try to follow it.
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Downtown Rail Improvements
Post by: GreekMan on January 23, 2011, 06:06:05 PM
Great attention to detail there! I am loving your CJ!!!!!!!

I tip my hat to you!  &apls
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Downtown Rail Improvements
Post by: JBSimio on January 25, 2011, 10:09:21 AM
I've been lurking here for quite a while and decided it was finally time to say hello.  ;)  I've always enjoyed your diary and I'm not sure why I haven't been commenting until now!

Level crossings are much more common here in the US than anywhere else from what I've seen.  I think the reason for this is the huge decline in rail use as cars and trucks took over.  Aside from a few heavily used passenger corridors (Chicago to Detroit, Boston to DC, etc), most other rail lines became almost entirely freight traffic and the trains were few and far between.  Level crossings just weren't a major issue because the interruptions to road traffic happened so infrequently.  Finally seeing the error of our ways, commuter lines are starting to increase again and I feel like that's what you've addressed in your update.

I like how you tackled the problem, handling the busiest crossings first.  Very realistic and convincing to me.   :thumbsup:

Since you asked for suggestions, my first thought was that you could probably get away with eliminating #8 altogether.  It wouldn't be unrealistic to limit the industrial access points to only those main roads at #7 and #9.  Looking at 27.7, I would say you could just make that street a dead end similar to the block just to the right of #8.  Just my thoughts on that one.  ;)

JB
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Downtown Rail Improvements
Post by: DerChrischi on January 25, 2011, 11:07:21 AM
Hi RickD,
I find your journal really great. Very diverse. 've just looked at me from the very front again and I'm thrilled!
Although I personally like not your foot, but that's a matter of taste.
The work you've done to you between the transitions from rural to urban are impressive. The design of nature I find really great. One can see the love in detail and the time you've spent. You must really have a crazy patience!
A clear Yeah! Want to see more ... :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Downtown Rail Improvements
Post by: nbvc on January 25, 2011, 11:15:22 AM
Nice work with the rail. &apls
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Downtown Rail Improvements
Post by: ManuelR on January 25, 2011, 11:46:05 AM
I liked the CBD-update very much, very nice and realistic. :) I must say that there aren't alot of realistic looking RHW constructions, but yours are truly excellent!  ;)
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Downtown Rail Improvements
Post by: io_bg on January 25, 2011, 12:05:34 PM
Nice reconstruction shots and great-looking downtown! :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Downtown Rail Improvements
Post by: Terring7 on January 25, 2011, 02:12:40 PM
Very interesting Mayor Diary and a really beautiful city :) &apls
Here are my suggestions. I'll agree with the use of the underpasses, but you can expand them a bit and provide totally safe crossing, without the need to demolish buildings and spent too much money.

I think that the underpass ramps are a bit too close to each other, but you get the idea.

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No need to remove buildings to build the underpasses.

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You can even create underground roads to expand the underpasses, so you don't need to build too much ramps. Using roads under pedestrian mails will make your city even more safe.

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-10% realism, 110% safety ;D
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Downtown Rail Improvements
Post by: threestooges on January 25, 2011, 04:29:34 PM
I like it. It's a very effective presentation, and very realistic in that you didn't try to do it for every single one. As you pointed out, traffic will divert to the areas with more efficient access. I'm curious to see if there will be any economic effects noticed as a result of the traffic shift. I also think that level crossings are fine in some areas, even with commuter traffic (part of that depends on frequency and how long they go down before the train actually arrives, I think that plays a significant role in the traffic delays based on personal experience... waiting 30 seconds after the gate drops before the train actually arrives, it's longer than it seems). I like the Amtrak automata you chose (Does the locomotive say "Amtrak California" on it?) but have you also seen the Surfliner automata as well? I know you referenced the genuine article in your update.

I'm curious why 8th avenue crossed over at an angle instead of resurfacing a street to connect to 9th. It seems like it would have been cheaper in terms of relocating people, and the existing stub of 8th could have been downgraded to a street with the houses rotated to face it. I like the way the park turned out though.

Nice update, and regardless of any actual connection to the city of the same name, you're doing a excellent job with it.
-Matt
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Downtown Rail Improvements
Post by: penguin007 on January 27, 2011, 12:00:50 PM
Great update on the rail crossings very realistic how you have done it all will definately be using some of these ideas

Will
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Downtown Rail Improvements
Post by: Albus of Garaway on January 27, 2011, 08:09:08 PM
I adore this MD! I read through the entire thing today, and it was so much fun. You've inspired me to implement many of your building styles in my own region(s). In fact, you may or may not have caused me to demolish my entire CBD... :D It will be well worth it, though, if I can rebuild it to look anything like yours! Really, wonderful job.

Jason
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Downtown Rail Improvements
Post by: Tomas Neto on January 28, 2011, 11:55:21 AM
Fantastic city, my friend!!! I adored the way that you resolved the means of transportation!!!
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Downtown Rail Improvements
Post by: canyonjumper on January 30, 2011, 01:37:57 PM
Great update Raphael! The realism emanating out of this MD is incredible ;D

                Your friend,
                               Jordan :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Downtown Rail Improvements
Post by: Kevin1a on January 30, 2011, 02:09:52 PM
@RickD: Looks good.  I might hate level crossings even more than you do.  You do a good job of giving your cities a very American feel.  I've recently started following your MD, so I don't know the history, but if I had to place it, I would put it somewhere in Ohio.

@Terring7: I like your solution, and I've used it myself, but I find it to be unAmerican.  :D

I see setups like that occasionally in Germany, but in the US, I haven't seen a lot of stuff like that.  I think a more authentic solution would be to use the NAM elevated pieces to build an overpass with an intersection, although the underpass looks better, and I understand why someone would choose it.
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Downtown Rail Improvements
Post by: Battlecat on January 31, 2011, 09:22:23 AM
Nice job on your latest update!  I like all the attention to detail with the upgraded railway line! 
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Downtown Rail Improvements
Post by: RickD on February 10, 2011, 02:33:24 PM
Public Transport - GLR

Public Transport in (real) Santa Barbara is operated by the SBMTD (http://www.sbmtd.gov) (Santa Barbara Metropolitan Transit District). It provides bus and light rail service in the county.
The purpose of SBMTD is to provide a reliable, safe, comfortable means of mobility to those who lack other transportation or who may otherwise drive cars.

In (Sim) Santa Barbara, public transport is (nicely put) incomplete. Santa Barbara is, and has always been a car city. There are a few bus lines that connect the suburbs to the CBD and an express bus link from the CBD to the airport. Additionally CalTrans operates a commuter rail service (SBlink).

In the late 70s and through the 80s there was a big ecological movement in (Sim) Santa Barbara. In 1983 the green party came into power. They had big plans to improve public transport and reducing pollution from car traffic. The biggest and most controversial project was establishing light rail service throughout the region. After a long fight over budget, construction of the first line (Red-Line) started in 1986. Nearly all road construction and improvement projects were cancelled to finance the project.


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The official system Map. Trains operate at 15 minute intervals during on-hours.


In late 1987 the first stretch of Red-Line from West Mesa to Market Square was opened to traffic. It was an immediate desaster. Ridership numbers were way below official expectations. Independend experts had warned long before the construction started: Without a complete public transport concept the project was bound to fail. Without good bus service, people had to take their cars to the stations. And if they have to take the car anyway, they can drive directly to their destination.
But being a prestige project for the government, they would not listen. In 1988 Red-Line was even extended to it's todays terminus in Coast Village. In 1989, the last year of the green party's governance, the Blue-Line project was started. The new government stopped construction as soon as possible which led to an abrupt ending of the line at Market Square station instead of continuing through the CBD on 1st Avenue. Since then no further lines were built. The plans for a huge region wide system are buried deep in a file cabinet somewhere in city hall's archives.

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The lines in Region View

However, there still are some people in favor of expanding the public transport system. They say that with a well thought plan that integrates bus, rail and light rail into a dense and logical system, public transport would be accepted and used by the people.
And with the raising gas price and the again growing ecological awareness in the population there might be a chance for public transport in Santa Barbara after all. We will see what the future brings.


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West Mesa Station and the western turning loop for Red Line.

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East Mesa Station has recently been upgraded with Park and Ride Facilities. This was one of the very few improvement projects. In 1998 all stations were upgraded to be handicapped accessible.

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Harbor Station is merely a street stop 2 blocks from the harbor.

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Market Square is the connecting station between Red Line and Blue Line. It is also the "temporary" ending of Blue Line since over twenty years now. There is no turning loop, so the driver has to switch cabs.

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3 Blocks down Red and Blue line split. To the right is the stop at the Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital (the highrise with the parking area). The original plan was to continue Blue line along 1st Avenue.

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The "Central Station" stop (bottom right in the picture) represents one of the system's worst flaws. The central station, hence Amtrak and SBlink, are not directly connected to the GLR network. Despite its name the Central Station Stop is (by foot) 10 minutes away from Central Station. People have to walk a detour to cross I-5 at one of the road bridges.

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Red Line tracks transition between an in-avenue and a speparate alignment. The train is approaching N5 Ave/E16 Str station.

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At least the beach is conveniently accessible by GLR.
I had to use an old picture here because somehow the palm trees have been replaced by maple trees. I haven't yet found the plugin responsible for this. :( The avenue has been replaced by a TLA-5 since the picture was taken.

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The tracks ascend along the cliffs...

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... towards Red Line's eastern terminus in Coast Village.

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The Depot where the trains are stored and maintained.

Thanks for reading and please leave a comment. :)



Replies

kwakelaar, Jayster, Skimbo, cammo2003, GreekMan, DerGrischi, nbvc, ManuelR, io_bg, penguin007, Albus of Garaway, Tomas Neto, canyonjumper, Battlecat:
Thanks for the comments. Keep 'em coming. :)

JBSimio:
QuoteSince you asked for suggestions, my first thought was that you could probably get away with eliminating #8 altogether.  It wouldn't be unrealistic to limit the industrial access points to only those main roads at #7 and #9.  Looking at 27.7, I would say you could just make that street a dead end similar to the block just to the right of #8.  Just my thoughts on that one.
Very good suggestion. Crossings 6 and 8 have been removed. :)

Terring7:
Intersting solution. I tried it but it just does not look convincing to me. The problem is the "roof" over the interestion. It looks out of place and why would it be there in reality? It is expensive and useless.
It would be cool to have "uncovered" Flups pieces where you can see the sunken road. Just like the sunken GLR.

threestooges:
QuoteI like the Amtrak automata you chose (Does the locomotive say "Amtrak California" on it?) but have you also seen the Surfliner automata as well?
I was under the impression that those were the Surfliner automata. But I might have picked the wrong ones. I will look into this.
QuoteI'm curious why 8th avenue crossed over at an angle instead of resurfacing a street to connect to 9th. It seems like it would have been cheaper in terms of relocating people, and the existing stub of 8th could have been downgraded to a street with the houses rotated to face it. I like the way the park turned out though.
Good question that I don't have a good answer for. I guess the European in me wanted to break the grid a little bit. And I thought a small park might look nice there. ;)

Kevin1a:
QuoteI see setups like that occasionally in Germany, but in the US, I haven't seen a lot of stuff like that.  I think a more authentic solution would be to use the NAM elevated pieces to build an overpass with an intersection, although the underpass looks better, and I understand why someone would choose it.
I agree that overpasses would probably be more American. But I don't like the look of the NAM elevated pieces (no offence meant to the creator, they were great when they were released a few years ago but they look outdated now). I know there is a cosmetic Mod around, I should give it a try.
However the main reason why I dislike the elevated pieces is that they are just too high. 15 meters is way too much and looks strange to me. That's why I prefer the underpasses.




Edit: Oh no! I crashed SC4D. The site went offline right when I hit the Post-Button.  $%Grinno$%
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: GLR
Post by: marsh on February 10, 2011, 04:37:15 PM
Intriguing update once again. And I must say I love those beaches below the cliffs.  :)

,marsh :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: GLR
Post by: Kevin1a on February 10, 2011, 09:23:55 PM
I love the light rail.  I've been working on light rail cities myself lately, but they're not quite as well built as yours.  I can't wait to see more Rural GLR pieces, you made really good use of the ones we have so far.  It's a nice mix of dedicated alignment, and on road tracks too.  The split between the stations reminds me of what Denver is like right now.  They are rebuilding Union Station right now, so the Amtrak trains are stopping at a temporary station behind Coors Field until the construction is over, unfortunately, the light rail still stops at Union Station.

By the way, I feel like I've seen your transit map before.  Is it hand-drawn, or do you use some kind of computer program to generate it?
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: GLR
Post by: penguin007 on February 11, 2011, 11:12:52 AM
Great update again and an awesome journey through the city while showcasing the light rail network.

Will
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: GLR
Post by: Ciuu96 on February 11, 2011, 11:55:18 AM
Wow, very nice MD you got here! I read the last two updates, and really liked them, as I am kind of a railgeek. I also like the way you build your cities, the american style is very well done!  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: GLR
Post by: vester on February 11, 2011, 12:00:12 PM
Great update. Love the light rail theme.  :thumbsup:

On thing, maybe to few trains on the tracks. You could change the nam automata plug-into get more trams to show.


Picture 28.13 reminds me that I need to make a new version of the tram depot lot to fit the new trams.
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: GLR
Post by: noahclem on February 11, 2011, 03:49:06 PM
Great update! I really like the maps and it's a nice American-style take on mass transit  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: GLR
Post by: nbvc on February 12, 2011, 04:38:03 AM
Great work with the beach and the cliffs. &apls
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: GLR
Post by: scott1964 on February 12, 2011, 07:43:46 PM
I like your depot, where did you get it?  :)
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: GLR
Post by: solsystem on February 13, 2011, 01:58:26 AM
Beautiful update as always!  &apls
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: GLR
Post by: Terring7 on February 14, 2011, 01:47:25 AM
Brilliant job with the tram lines, especially the picture with the G.L.R. rails next to the cliff is my favorite :)
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: GLR
Post by: aragornjdl on February 14, 2011, 09:31:31 AM
Been lurking for a while and I really like your work! Wonderful region shot, as always. I think it's one of the most realistic I've seen! I hope I can do as well with my own upcoming project. I actually have never (!) built a city with GLR, partly because I've never lived in a city with it in RL and am not sure how to work it in properly. But you've done a great job and may inspire me to give it a shot.

Also, I may have missed it, but what cliff/rock, beach and water mods are you using? 28.11 is beautiful and has an especially authentic feel to me.

Oh yeah, and Market Square it great, nice W2W action going on there. Did you plop or grow most of it?
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: GLR
Post by: DerChrischi on February 14, 2011, 12:39:31 PM
hey RickD,
I like your design. hat was very refreshing. I have not yet looked at everything, but I'll take me a few days time and examine all times.
One or the other idea I have also been taken brazenly your Potrait! Sorry!
Best regards
DerChrischi
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: GLR
Post by: Battlecat on February 14, 2011, 12:59:17 PM
Lovely job with the GLR, it turned out great! 
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: GLR
Post by: ldvger on February 14, 2011, 09:41:39 PM
Your updates always make me homesick for my old turf, despite the many differences between your SB and the SB I grew up in 40 years ago.  In this last update, it was the familiar street names on your map that triggered my nostalgia...Padre, Misson, etc.  When I was in high school I lived just off Padre St. and used to walk down Padre to catch a city bus at State St. to go to school every day and got off the bus at Padre every day on the way home.  There was a candy store at the corner of Padre and State St. where I used to buy a candy bar to keep me company on my walk home, at least on those days when I didn't have an after school appointment with my orthodontist, whose office was kitty-corner from the candy store.  My son just moved back to SB, Goleta actually, just before Xmas, and my Mom has been wintering in Montecito since retiring to Coeur d'Alene, Idaho back in 2006, so the homestrings pull hard...

You're doing a great job, I can't wait to see how you pull 154 (San Marcos Pass Highway) up over the mountains and develope the rural Santa Ynez Valley, especially Lake Cachuma.  And don't forget Gaviota Pass, where US 101 (your I-5) makes a 90 degree turn from west to north and passes through the Gaviota Tunnell!  Still to come is Buelleton (and Anderson's Pea Soup), not to mention Solvang.  I will be waiting and watching to see how you address The Santa Barbara Mission and maybe even the Botanical Gardens up Mission Canyon Road, where my youngest sister's ashes were scattered...


Lora/LD
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: GLR
Post by: GreekMan on February 16, 2011, 08:44:28 AM
^ she is right about making those other towns....... Anderson's pea soup is the best...mmm its making me hungry..
the tunnel, lake cachuma.....damn fine job here


Wow! great work! I hope that you will continue with the GLR in the region. I love that transit map and the trolley running thru downtown!
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: GLR
Post by: Skimbo on February 17, 2011, 07:26:36 AM
I like this cind of updates that are following trains on their way very much. The line - layout is well done althrough I would have lenghtened the blue line a bit more around the CBD and to the central station area.

Anyways, great update &apls
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: GLR
Post by: io_bg on February 19, 2011, 10:07:51 AM
Nice GLR layout :thumbsup: Looking forward to more!
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: GLR
Post by: Tomas Neto on February 20, 2011, 08:50:43 AM
Fantastic update again, really very nice!!!
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: GLR
Post by: RickD on February 20, 2011, 09:51:39 AM
Coming soon ... Montecito

Just a little preview update today:

29.1
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg12.imageshack.us%2Fimg12%2F5938%2Fsantabarbara.jpg&hash=ce90ea901c586da812c27cdb6ef5aa5b9513786e)
See the empty tile to the right? This is where Montecito (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Montecito,_California) will be located.
Argh. Why are Chrisadams farm paths bright white in region view?

29.2
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg580.imageshack.us%2Fimg580%2F8407%2Ftransitinplace.jpg&hash=d9ce118c0fb786467ccded7f8d76d240f22b0fd1)
The main transit networks are in place.The tile features US-101 and a rail wye where the mainline splits into the Santa Barbara local line and the bypass line.



Replies:

marsh, penguin007, Ciuu96, noahclem, nbvc, solsystem, Terring7, DerChrischi, Battlecat, io_bg, Tomas Neto:
I am really glad about all your nice comments. :)

Kevin1a:
QuoteBy the way, I feel like I've seen your transit map before.  Is it hand-drawn, or do you use some kind of computer program to generate it?
Thanks. I posted it before to get some feedback and made several improvements. I used Inkscape to draw the map.

vester:
QuoteOn thing, maybe to few trains on the tracks. You could change the nam automata plug-into get more trams to show.
I already use the radical 24h plug in. Sometimes no Trams show even though the line is used according to the traffic query. :(

scott1964:
QuoteI like your depot, where did you get it?
It is made by vester. Should be on the LEX.

aragornjdl:
QuoteAlso, I may have missed it, but what cliff/rock, beach and water mods are you using? 28.11 is beautiful and has an especially authentic feel to me.
This is not so easy to answer because it is a combination of different sets. The terrain mod is Missouri Breaks by Cycledogg, Rock Mod is Sandstone1 by Ennedi, Watermods are by Rivit (Foreshore: Brown Rock and Brown Sand Beach; Inshore: Overcast; Offshore: Rippled Sea).
I am happy to help you out with links via PM if this does not make sense to you. ;)
QuoteOh yeah, and Market Square it great, nice W2W action going on there. Did you plop or grow most of it?
I try to grow everything. But oftentimes the simulator is really annoying and frustrating, when it grows the same building over and over again with zero variety.  :bomb: Most downloaded buildings never grow at all.  Then, when I start to get really :angrymore: I resort to plopping. But I try to revisit plopped areas later and try to grow buildings again.

ldvger and GreekMan:
Thanks for your comments and suggestions. Honestly, I don't know yet how to do those areas. Some of them (like Gaviota Pass) aren't even on my region map. I'd have to ask blade2k5 to expand the region. But SR-154 and Cachuma lake will be there in some form. ;)

Skimbo:
QuoteI like this cind of updates that are following trains on their way very much. The line - layout is well done althrough I would have lenghtened the blue line a bit more around the CBD and to the central station area.
Thanks. I am sure there will be several improvements to the GLR system im the near future. ;)
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Preview
Post by: jmyers2043 on February 20, 2011, 05:09:06 PM
Chris Adams farm paths have an overlay texture (the path) and an invisible base texture. This is done so that the path will blend in with the rest of the terrain. There is a downside to having invisible base texture as they will sometimes disappear. Such as after you switch to an underground view like when laying water pipes then back to 'all off' normal view. In city view the ground will look gone, blue-ish, etc. The way to get the base textures back is to switch to 'zone' view then back to 'all off'.

Having said that: My guess is that you saved and exited the region at a time when the base textures were screwed up. My suggestion is that you should go back to the city – insure that the Chris Adams paths look ok. And I would probably zoom in and out and look at them from all directions. Save and exit again. Then look at your region view. If that doesn't work? Then I'm stumped.

I do have some of his farm paths in my GRV region and the region view looks ok so I know it's possible to have a good region view and use his product.


Time for general comment then - I like your region and you're developing it well. The shoreline looks natural (pic 28.11) and it looks like you're enjoying trolly system lots and bats. I like the highway (pic 28.8) - yep, that's a nice shot but the region view I think is something you should be proud of.

Good Luck as you continue ...

- Jim






Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Preview
Post by: eldaldo on February 21, 2011, 12:04:15 AM
I love region shots!  You have made such a wonderfully, realistic region.  Except of course for the white farm paths!  Hahah!  I've noticed the same thing in my regions, don't know why that is . . .
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Preview
Post by: Tomas Neto on February 21, 2011, 02:24:26 AM
Awesome region shot!!!   :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Preview
Post by: GreekMan on February 21, 2011, 05:45:10 PM
Love to see what u have in store for us next update! cant wait to see Oprah's home (in Montecito)!
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Preview
Post by: RickD on February 28, 2011, 12:47:47 PM
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg560.imageshack.us%2Fimg560%2F1898%2Fpox1.jpg&hash=eaea688b19e2769279f910fe1dfd96918be1a9a3)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg820.imageshack.us%2Fimg820%2F3223%2Fpox2.jpg&hash=d9570bc6749c44693b595e39984ccc298e8d8d64)

()sad()
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: ...
Post by: scott1964 on February 28, 2011, 01:28:02 PM
 ()what()
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: ...
Post by: MTT9 on February 28, 2011, 01:55:58 PM
Please don't tell me its the prop pox again!! I've been lurking since the very beggining and this is one of my favorites MDs  :'(

If so, maybe you can try what mrtnrln did here: http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=7066.msg368384#msg368384
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: ...
Post by: i_love_lamp on February 28, 2011, 03:25:42 PM
What can I say? Crap happens
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: ...
Post by: GreekMan on February 28, 2011, 05:08:31 PM
NOOOOOO!!!!! Dont give into this crap! Dont stop!
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: W 22nd Str Tunnel Project
Post by: RickD on March 01, 2011, 01:20:29 PM
Thanks for your support. The bad news is: Yes it is the Prop Pox once again. The good news: I have an unpoxed backup which I should be able to continue with if I pay attention to a couple of limitations.  :thumbsup:
Anyway, here is the next update:

22nd Street Tunnel Project

The city council has approved a project to improve traffic flow around downtown Santa Barbara: a road tunnel under Alta Mesa.

30.1
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg14.imageshack.us%2Fimg14%2F5694%2F1overviewvorher.jpg&hash=16a55ed606dbed328d12955c146207004f073f0c)
The hills are a natural obstruction for zoning and traffic. The roads over the hills are low capacity surface roads. Going around them is a detour and causes additional traffic on US-101 or the city street.
To improve the situation a tunnel will be built to extend W22 Street under Alta Mesa.

30.2
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg163.imageshack.us%2Fimg163%2F5599%2F2kreuzungus101vorher.jpg&hash=1bd29c833a23eec5030efe51b0211d9c6c0ea629)
The southern portal will be built here right under Cliff Drive. The intersection with US-101 will be reconfigured. Having the tunnel traffic cross the expressway on a surface crossing would be very inefficient.

30.3
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg585.imageshack.us%2Fimg585%2F8632%2F3southernportalundercon.jpg&hash=724292bb70d66f2a9636c1d42a2220a901c0f26b)
Construction of the southern tunnel portal and the US-101 overpass are in progress.

30.4
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg269.imageshack.us%2Fimg269%2F4746%2F4arbeitennordportal.jpg&hash=f26b8e889a6787f31c6289f26813d65fddd36582)
At the same time, work on the northern portal begins.

30.5
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg715.imageshack.us%2Fimg715%2F6495%2F5nordportalfertig.jpg&hash=c0941ac2df63acadfd6902e0bcf4a72f42d7950d)
The north portal is finished. A toll of 0.50$ is collected to finance the project.

30.6
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg220.imageshack.us%2Fimg220%2F5545%2F6sdportal.jpg&hash=79634721b5f01afb08d7e45f6500d9fc6d6a5736)
The south portal and the overpass are finished, too.

30.7
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg64.imageshack.us%2Fimg64%2F1272%2F7sdportalmitaccessroad.jpg&hash=359d652b622c73ff877fbeeb914f816508242271)
The last step was building the access road to US-101. It will be upgraded to an interchange when traffic levels warrant it.
Hopefully some day there will be Tulep pieces to make this setup more convincing. I had something like this in mind: linkie (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=de&geocode=&q=mainz&aq=&sll=57.432701,-4.129521&sspn=0.001058,0.002612&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Mainz,+Rheinland-Pfalz,+Deutschland&ll=50.000649,8.258159&spn=0.000628,0.001306&t=k&z=20). Or maybe a Continuous Flow Intersection (http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/NR/rdonlyres/EFE2B333-8529-447E-8D98-D0A25910C2A7/0/ALT6.pdf), or even a Texas T (http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/NR/rdonlyres/1D9084D2-E3B2-412B-A799-DD24DE0286E0/0/ALT1Reduced.pdf)? I can still dream, can't I? ;)

Thanks for all replies.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: West 22nd Street Tunnel
Post by: Aaron Graham on March 01, 2011, 01:48:56 PM
Lovely pictures. :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: West 22nd Street Tunnel
Post by: 2557+Cards on March 01, 2011, 04:09:22 PM
I read through a large portion of your mayor diary today.

My only comment...I want your plugins folder.
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: West 22nd Street Tunnel
Post by: Tomas Neto on March 02, 2011, 06:35:20 AM
Wow..., my friend, this update about the 22nd Street Tunnel Project is amazing!!! Fantastic work Rickd!!!   &apls &apls
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: West 22nd Street Tunnel
Post by: GreekMan on March 02, 2011, 09:39:31 AM
Very nice update! I like the tunnel a lot!
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: West 22nd Street Tunnel
Post by: noahclem on March 02, 2011, 10:03:36 AM
Nice tunnel! Seems like a good bypass solution. I'm curious to see what kind of interchange you'll add there in the future. Hopefully some future TuLEPs will help you with that intersection at some point.
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: West 22nd Street Tunnel
Post by: Sciurus on March 03, 2011, 12:39:18 PM
Very nice pics, which show us the construction of the tunnels, good! &apls

Guillaume :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: West 22nd Street Tunnel
Post by: penguin007 on March 04, 2011, 04:28:08 AM
Another great update the whole concept of the tunnels looks great and the interchanges round them are seamless

Will
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: West 22nd Street Tunnel
Post by: io_bg on March 04, 2011, 04:33:01 AM
Very realistic tunnel setup :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: West 22nd Street Tunnel
Post by: kwakelaar on March 05, 2011, 12:56:56 AM
Interesting update, and the pictures with the construction work are a nice addition.
And again the prop-pox, that is the second time around, is it not? Really bad luck I would say ()sad()
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: West 22nd Street Tunnel
Post by: nbvc on March 05, 2011, 10:28:41 AM
Great work with the tunnel. :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: West 22nd Street Tunnel
Post by: canyonjumper on March 06, 2011, 04:08:35 PM
That's too bad about the prop box Raphael, that's twice......

The tunnel looks great! Keep up the quality of the updates!

             Your friend,
                            Jordan :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: West 22nd Street Tunnel
Post by: solsystem on March 07, 2011, 04:29:18 AM
Yes, ist's too bad to see your prop poxed City. I hope you can finish this city tile from your backup without a new prop pox.

The new pictures looks good as always!
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: West 22nd Street Tunnel
Post by: Battlecat on March 07, 2011, 08:50:01 AM
I'm very sorry to hear you've run into Prop Pox for a second time!  I'm very glad to hear you have a backup in reserve though! 

Love the latest updates, you're using a great variety of road networks lately!
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: West 22nd Street Tunnel
Post by: Nexis4Jersey on March 08, 2011, 06:14:45 AM
Very interesting tunnel , might i suggest using Mr. Snoppys Toll Booth set...its more realistic then Maxis Toll plazas.
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: West 22nd Street Tunnel
Post by: cubby420 on March 08, 2011, 08:59:04 AM
Excellent tunnel with a very cool setup. I'll second the call for Mr. Snoopy's Toll Booths from the STEX...I think you'll like them as well.
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: West 22nd Street Tunnel
Post by: peter007 on March 08, 2011, 10:33:44 AM
Nice tunnel. Your work is amazing
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: West 22nd Street Tunnel
Post by: Exla357 on March 09, 2011, 04:38:30 PM
Good job my friend &apls Always nice to see such close attention to detail in train networks. I lived in California for 6 years, and if I miss one thing, it's the trains and the freeways. Although it may not be RL accurate, it looks very California! :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: West 22nd Street Tunnel
Post by: sumwonyuno on March 11, 2011, 10:37:35 PM
The tunnel result is fantastic!   :)
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Light Rail Expansion
Post by: RickD on March 13, 2011, 06:06:21 AM
Yesterday was my MD's first anniversary. :party: Thank you all for your support and comments in the last year. This is what keeps me going. A big round of  &apls &apls &apls to all of you!


Light Rail Expansion

A few weeks ago I showed you the current state of the Light Rail System in Santa Barbara. It became quite clear that it does not meet the standards needed in a modern city. This is why an extension of the system is planned.


The essential requirements are:

1. Connecting Central Station (Amtrak/SBlink) and the northeastern suburbs to the system
Solution: construction of a new line (Green Line)

2. Improving capacity and traffic flow for both cars and mass transit in the CBD
Solution: Grade separation by shifting the light rail tracks underground through the CBD

3. Improving mass transit coverage in the CBD
Solution: Green Line and Blue Line extension


There are two proposals which differ in the routing of the new Green Line through the CBD. Both have advantages (+) and disadvantages (-).

31.1 Proposal 1
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg543.imageshack.us%2Fimg543%2F2614%2Fprop1.jpg&hash=c152009d4a87f7ad1a41e6f3bffc16925ae2bc7c)
+ cheaper. only one north/south tunnel needed which is shared by red and green line. This also means fewer stations needed.
+ all three lines directly connected at hospital station; easier transfer between lines

- lower max. capacity due to shared tracks
- Green Line does not improve mass transit coverage in CBD


31.2 Proposal 1 overlay
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg222.imageshack.us%2Fimg222%2F1592%2Fproposal1.jpg&hash=83c5e40c529dd0c796c1d6e1ae097bcfdc1499a2)
Dotted lines = underground, continuous lines = ground level

31.3 Proposal 2
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg138.imageshack.us%2Fimg138%2F7052%2Fprop2w.jpg&hash=34babbc542de56a1f08af4b4ca77a07af97eac26)
+ better coverage in CBD area
+ higher max capacity due to dedicated tracks

- expensive. second north/south tunnel needed and more stations
- no direct transfer between all three lines in one station

31.4 Proposal 2 overlay
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg856.imageshack.us%2Fimg856%2F4673%2Fproposal2.jpg&hash=a0117f2fb531a9ada3dac7cef400bcbd548221c4)
Dotted lines = underground, continuous lines = ground level

31.5
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg857.imageshack.us%2Fimg857%2F571%2Foverpass.jpg&hash=3cdc550b48cdd53968d55d02ad43e59926a74cd1)
This is where Blue Line currently crosses US-101. The overpass will be removed. The tunnel entrance will be to the left.

31.6
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg848.imageshack.us%2Fimg848%2F653%2Fhospital.jpg&hash=3e3c7907c7153ac635c90505fc7cac67c511be83)
In Proposal 1 the transfer station between all three lines will be under this intersection. According to Proposal 2 only Red and Blue Line meet here.

31.7
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg863.imageshack.us%2Fimg863%2F7833%2Fkreuzung.jpg&hash=bff00bcdfcfbb7226fe77dc02410668d046386ef)
Proposal 1: Blue Line station under here
Proposal 2: Transfer between Green and Blue Line

31.8
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg858.imageshack.us%2Fimg858%2F5372%2Fmarket.jpg&hash=d15aef220fa4139fc6647f92fece228485732cf6)
Soon there will be no more trams at Market Square.

31.9
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg200.imageshack.us%2Fimg200%2F626%2Ftoyotacenter.jpg&hash=8312f85653739ae4e730ced2f2230003b46d276b)
The new Green Line will connect not only the Central Station but also the sports and event arena.

The project is not set in stone yet. Feel free to comment on it. ;)



Replies

Aaron Graham, Tomas Neto, GreekMan, noahclem, Sciurus, penguin007, io_bg, kwakelaar, nbvc, canyonjumper, solsystem, Battlecat, peter007, Exla357, sumwonyuno:
Thank you all. I always enjoy seeing your comments

2557+Cards:
QuoteMy only comment...I want your plugins folder.
Thanks, that would be 19.075 files in 5,77 GB. ;)

Nexis4Jersey, cubby420:
I actually had Mr Snoopy's toll boths once but lost and forgot them when I rebuilt my plugin folder. Thanks for reminding me.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Light Rail Expansion / 1st Anniversary
Post by: GreekMan on March 13, 2011, 12:37:57 PM
I would have to go with proposal 2. I think that is the best one for downtown plus more ppl will ride it. I love the trams in the market place! Great job!
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Light Rail Expansion / 1st Anniversary
Post by: noahclem on March 14, 2011, 11:46:22 AM
I'm going to agree with GreekMan and suggest proposal 2. It's a shame the trams have to go though. In any case, why not start the tunnel for the blue line entering the CBD after it passes over the freeway? It seems cheaper, especially since a perfectly good overpass is already in place and the grade would have to be pretty steep for it to go under the already sunken freeway.

Great update in any case  :thumbsup:   You've really presented to two proposals in a great and easy-to-understand way.
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Light Rail Expansion / 1st Anniversary
Post by: ricardomiranda on March 14, 2011, 02:42:45 PM
Very cool your MD, congratulations
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Light Rail Expansion / 1st Anniversary
Post by: Exla357 on March 14, 2011, 03:41:23 PM
Good and easily understood presentation of both plans. I am honestly split between both plans. :'( Proposal 1 offers a single transfer station in the heart of the CBD, but would be inneficient. Proposal 2 is a bit redundant, but more efficient (if that makes any sense  ()what()) In the end, I will go with Prop 2. I agree, keep the overpass over 101 and start the tunnel afterwords, add good bus access to each station along the green line for easy acces, since there will be no center station. Good job with everything, and sorry to hear about the prop pox!
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Light Rail Expansion / 1st Anniversary
Post by: Simcitler on March 15, 2011, 07:14:10 AM
First of all i want to say that this is another beatiful Update of your region.  &apls
I really like your MD!  :thumbsup:

@Extension Proposals
I will go with Proposal 2 too. It will be more expensive than Proposal 1, but it will provide more capacity for the future. At the end of the line in the harbour district, I would recommend an shared station with the red line, where travellers of the southwestern area can change to green line serving the train station and the sports complex!

Best regards
Simcitler
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Light Rail Expansion / 1st Anniversary
Post by: Skimbo on March 15, 2011, 04:08:18 PM
Proposal 2 is the better investment for the future. It should be extended with massive P+R in the line's outer CBD areas.

Nice update :)
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Light Rail Expansion / 1st Anniversary
Post by: Dantes on March 15, 2011, 06:29:08 PM
I love the big city feel and then as a great public transport.  &apls
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Light Rail Expansion / 1st Anniversary
Post by: kodlovag on March 16, 2011, 06:50:55 AM
Happy anniversary!

I would select Proposal 2. It's gives better coverage, and who cares about money?  Ask for support from the National or Regional Development Fund  ;D
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Light Rail Expansion / 1st Anniversary
Post by: Exla357 on March 16, 2011, 04:18:10 PM
CONGRATS ON 1 YEAR OF EXCELLENT MD!
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Light Rail Expansion / 1st Anniversary
Post by: Tomas Neto on March 18, 2011, 06:35:40 AM
Wow my friend..., happy birthday to your MD!!!   &hlp

Great update again!!! Nice pictures and fantastic maps too!!!
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Light Rail Expansion / 1st Anniversary
Post by: sumwonyuno on March 20, 2011, 12:37:52 PM
Congratulations on the MD birthday!   :)

I'm leaning toward the second proposal.  Although easy of transfer and increased accessibility in that part of the CBD is good, if there's not enough capacity on those shared tracks, it may just lead to overuse.  I think the other part of the CBD would benefit with the second proposal.
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Light Rail Expansion / 1st Anniversary
Post by: Schulmanator on March 26, 2011, 05:33:32 AM
If your tax base can handle it, I would do #2.
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Light Rail Expansion / 1st Anniversary
Post by: io_bg on March 28, 2011, 09:14:23 AM
First of all, congrats on the anniversary &apls Second, I also prefer option 2 even if it's more expensive to build.
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Light Rail Expansion / 1st Anniversary
Post by: Terring7 on March 31, 2011, 03:42:03 AM
RickD, hope that you don't mind the late wishes ;D . Happy birthday Santa Barbara and keep going &dance
As about the options, I'll prefer the second one. It covers more needs and will reduce even more the need of cars.
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Light Rail Expansion / 1st Anniversary
Post by: kwakelaar on April 03, 2011, 01:01:26 AM
Proposal 2 seems like the more elegant solution, but however this goes I look forward to see you start your construction work.
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Light Rail Expansion / 1st Anniversary
Post by: canyonjumper on April 05, 2011, 05:28:03 PM
I think Proposal 2 is the better option ;D Looking forward to seeing either option implemented ;D

                  Your friend,
                                 Jordan :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Light Rail Expansion / 1st Anniversary
Post by: Battlecat on April 11, 2011, 08:25:18 AM
Congratulations on 1 year of Santa Barbara County!  Your work has continued to be fantastic all this time. 

Proposal #2 will provide better service to a growing city like yours.  Proposal 1 should only be your plan if you are looking at major budget constraints. 
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Light Rail Expansion / 1st Anniversary
Post by: Kevin1a on April 15, 2011, 06:05:57 PM
I'm very much for higher taxes and more infrastructure investment, but also think it's incredibly important for all the lines to come together at some kind of central station.  Hospital and the proposed green/blue transfer station in option 2 are only a few blocks apart.  Unfortunately, you're downtown looks very built up already, so you can't really connect the stations with a row of underground plazas making a walkway or something.  3 blocks is a little far anyway.  That's why I'm forced to go against the opinions of my peers and advise for option 1.  You're system seems like more of a regional transit system bringing people from the suburbs to the CBD than an urban circulator designed to provide maximum coverage within the city core.  Of course if you're planning other routes that don't go through hospital, then you might as well just do whatever.
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Light Rail Expansion / 1st Anniversary
Post by: scott1964 on April 18, 2011, 08:40:07 AM
Happy Anniversary  $%Grinno$%
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Light Rail Expansion / 1st Anniversary
Post by: Exla357 on April 18, 2011, 04:12:11 PM
Oh, one other thing: I noticed that the current train skin that you use is the Amtrak California train. Throughout the MD you have referred to it as the Surfliner, this is incorrect ::). BigRedFish released this pack of both the Surfliner and Amtrak California, you installed Amtrak California. I was wondering if you knew that...
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Light Rail Expansion / 1st Anniversary
Post by: RickD on April 21, 2011, 09:00:59 AM
It took me a while to get this update done. Real Life, lack of motivation, beautiful spring weather, you name it ...  ::)


In the last update I put two proposals for metro rail expansion up for discussion. Most of you, inlcuding me, preferred proposal 2. However, after closer investigation, I came to the conclusion that there is one big flaw with it. It just makes no sense, having red and green line run parallel only one city block apart near the harbor.

So I went back to the drawing board and came up with this:

32.1
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Improved coverage and two additional transfers between Red and Green Line.  :thumbsup:

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The overpass has been removed. And removing the surface tracks made room for adding more lanes to the avenues.

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Blue Line tunnel entrance near the depot.

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Entrance to Market Square Metro Station (Red Line).

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Entrance to Hospital underground station (transfer between Red and Blue Line).

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Green Line's southern terminus and transfer to Red Line.

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A Green Line Station on W 7th Avenue.

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Red Line enters tunnel, Green Line passing over it.

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Green Line resurfaces next to the convention center.

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Soon it goes underground again. But only for a short stretch to pass under the busy avenue and the canal.

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Green Line train passing through the suburbs.

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Green Line ends in the eastern suburbs.




Replies:

ricardomiranda, Dantes, Tomas Neto, sumwonyuno, Schulmanator, io_bg, Terring7, kwakelaar, canyonjumper, Battlecat, scott1964:
Thank you all for the birthday wishes and for sharing your thoughts on the Metro expansion plans.  :thumbsup:

GreekMan:
QuoteI love the trams in the market place!
Thanks. But now they are gone.  &mmm

noahclem:
QuoteI'm going to agree with GreekMan and suggest proposal 2. It's a shame the trams have to go though.
Yes it is. :( But I wanted to use the NWM and Tuleps so I had to remove the GLR.
QuoteIn any case, why not start the tunnel for the blue line entering the CBD after it passes over the freeway? It seems cheaper, especially since a perfectly good overpass is already in place and the grade would have to be pretty steep for it to go under the already sunken freeway.
I agree with you from a realism point of view. But I did not like the overpass since the GLR onslope pieces are one tile longer than the road pieces. And I have something planned there that would not work with the overpass. ;)

Simcitler:
QuoteAt the end of the line in the harbour district, I would recommend an shared station with the red line, where travellers of the southwestern area can change to green line serving the train station and the sports complex!
Excellent idea. You made me rethink the whole alignment. ;)

Skimbo:
QuoteProposal 2 is the better investment for the future. It should be extended with massive P+R in the line's outer CBD areas.
I will certainly do this. Some stations are already featuring P+R facilities.

kodlovag:
QuoteI would select Proposal 2. It's gives better coverage, and who cares about money?  Ask for support from the National or Regional Development Fund
Hehe, great idea.  :D

Kevin1a:
QuoteThat's why I'm forced to go against the opinions of my peers and advise for option 1.  You're system seems like more of a regional transit system bringing people from the suburbs to the CBD than an urban circulator designed to provide maximum coverage within the city core.
Very interesting thought, i had not seen it this way before. I guess you are right. The CBD is very small and compact. I imagine some people would think that in the time it takes to get in and out of the stations and wait for the train they could also walk to their destination. Probably busses are the more attractice way to get around in the CBD. Nut the Metro is important to connect the suburbs.

Exla357:
QuoteOh, one other thing: I noticed that the current train skin that you use is the Amtrak California train. Throughout the MD you have referred to it as the Surfliner, this is incorrect Roll Eyes. BigRedFish released this pack of both the Surfliner and Amtrak California, you installed Amtrak California. I was wondering if you knew that...
Actually Robin made me aware of this a few updates back. But I kinda forgot about it.  &ops I definitely need to correct this. Thanks for reminding me.  :thumbsup:

Bonus Pic:
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Someone took a wrong turn there.  %wrd

Happy Easter everyone. :)

Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Subway
Post by: Reikhardt on April 21, 2011, 10:33:55 AM
Great attention to detail, I love this update  &apls
I've nevr made a city with tram lines, but you make me eager to try!
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Subway
Post by: ScottFTL on April 21, 2011, 12:34:03 PM
I don't comment often enough, but I love your MD.  Keep up the great work!  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Subway
Post by: kodlovag on April 22, 2011, 03:45:48 AM
Quotekodlovag:
QuoteI would select Proposal 2. It's gives better coverage, and who cares about money?  Ask for support from the National or Regional Development Fund
Hehe, great idea.  :D

I see you received some support.  ;)
And I must tell you spent it very well.
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Subway
Post by: ricardomiranda on April 22, 2011, 07:50:28 AM
Really fantastic work, your city is administered with a sensational level of realism. Congratulations and keep going!
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Subway
Post by: Tomas Neto on April 22, 2011, 01:43:13 PM
Wow..., another fantastic update!!! Your city is amazing, and I liked a lot of your plazas!!!
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Subway
Post by: kwakelaar on April 23, 2011, 12:26:02 AM
I have enjoyed looking at how you have worked out the new layout of the tram/metro network.
One thing I found a bit odd was bringing the green line to the surface by the convention centre in a loop only to let it go underground again shortly after?
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Subway
Post by: supremec on April 23, 2011, 02:25:35 AM
It's a fantastic city, I love it. Very good pictures  &apls  &apls
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Subway
Post by: Exla357 on April 23, 2011, 09:38:57 AM
First off, I have to say that I have logged onto SC4D every day and scrolled through the Best Seller section, waiting for the next update! You wouldn't believe how happy I was to see something besides "Light Rail Expansion, First Anniversary!"  That last picture reminds me of my home town of Fort Collins, CO. We have a stretch of road that is shared by freight trains going through the CBD, it's cool but the horns are so loud! Oh, and I would love to know where you got that spiral subway portal, please. Great update, loooking forward to more as always!  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Subway
Post by: Sciurus on April 23, 2011, 12:32:49 PM
A wonderful city and a very well organized subway network &apls

Guillaume :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Subway
Post by: noahclem on April 23, 2011, 01:20:56 PM
Great update!  &apls  I still miss the trams but the NWM & TuLEP use looks great.  I also enjoy the people stumbling around the middle of the street in front of the liquor store  :D

Really great quality work.
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Subway
Post by: Kevin1a on April 25, 2011, 12:09:26 AM
Fantastic.  You are a model of mass transit design.  If anyone ever asks me about putting together a good transit system, I'm pointing them to your MD among a few others.  Station spacings are reasonable.  Cost prohibitive constructions like tunnels are limited to areas where they can be justified, like the CBD (i.e. no subways in the suburbs).  Also, after looking at it for a while, the current configuration minimizes the need for a central transfer, which was my major concern.  I'm interested to see how the increased speed, mobility, and permanent infrastructure investment will impact new high density development and redevelopment in the urban core.

@noahclem: Thanks for pointing out that easter egg by the liquor store.  I overlooked that the first time through because I was being a transit nerd.
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Subway
Post by: GreekMan on April 27, 2011, 04:32:10 PM
WOW brilliant work on the transit aspect of the county! Keep it up!
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Subway
Post by: Evillions8 on April 27, 2011, 07:18:30 PM
Very...very.. realistic!  It kinda reminded me of Philly and NYC.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Subway
Post by: Framly on April 28, 2011, 08:16:11 AM
Great Update! Echt geil, wie du die Straßenbahn in Szene setzt! :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Subway
Post by: canyonjumper on April 28, 2011, 08:11:40 PM
Love your GLR work Raphael! Reminds me to work more of it in Cascadia ;D

              Your friend,
                             Jordan :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Subway
Post by: bat on April 29, 2011, 05:39:09 AM
All 12 picture + bonus picture of this 32nd update are wonderful.
Your city looks really nice. :thumbsup:
Also nice overview.
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Subway
Post by: RickD on April 29, 2011, 08:48:48 AM
Just a little in-between update for today. I thought I'd give you a better overview of the Metro Lines.

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This is a part of the region view, showing mostly only the City of Santa Barbara. Goleta is to the left, Motecito to the right (both are work in progress).
I think I need to improve the connection to the northern and western suburbs.

Replies:

Reikhardt, ScottFTL, kodlovag, ricardomiranda, Tomas Neto, Exla357, Sciurus, Kevin1a, GreekMan, Evillions8, Framly, canyonjumper, bat:
Thanks for all the praise. You are making me blush.  ;)

kwakelaar:
QuoteOne thing I found a bit odd was bringing the green line to the surface by the convention centre in a loop only to let it go underground again shortly after?
Actually they are not that close together. My text was misleading. Take a look at the pic in this update: The loop ramp is where the green line turns to the right into the eastern suburbs, the underpass is where the short diagonal stretch is.

noahclem:
QuoteI also enjoy the people stumbling around the middle of the street in front of the liquor store
Good catch. I didn't notice it. And look how all the cars are stopping for them.  $%Grinno$%

Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Metro Map
Post by: Skimbo on April 29, 2011, 09:19:03 AM
A very nice tramnetwork extension, and cool streetrun in the last upate =)
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Metro Map
Post by: Framly on April 29, 2011, 05:00:48 PM
Great Overview! Looks like a google Map :P &apls
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Metro Map
Post by: Exla357 on April 29, 2011, 07:00:11 PM
Looking good, Raphael  :thumbsup:! You've done a great job of making your city seem as it has naturally spread like liquid through the region, this is not easy in SC4. I am impressed with it, can't wait for more!  &apls
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Metro Map
Post by: Reikhardt on April 30, 2011, 02:07:32 AM
That is a great map, really does look like a real map!  &apls
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Metro Map
Post by: kelis on April 30, 2011, 02:20:58 AM
Great Overview! The region view is amazing my friend, great job  &apls &apls
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Metro Map
Post by: Kergelen on April 30, 2011, 03:57:13 AM
wow I love this great region shot!! &apls
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Metro Map
Post by: Tomas Neto on April 30, 2011, 06:17:53 AM
Fantastic overview!!! Great!!!
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Metro Map
Post by: Kevin1a on May 01, 2011, 12:31:05 AM
Looks good.  The left side of the city looks a little under-served though.  Of course, I'm sure you've probably got some system extensions planned once the core network is running well.
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Metro Map
Post by: peter007 on May 01, 2011, 05:44:00 AM
Great Overview.
You have very nice hills

-Ernst
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Metro Map
Post by: kwakelaar on May 01, 2011, 07:31:21 AM
Well indeed that is quite a stretch.
The map is looking good by the way, and I would love to have clickable one to take a closer look at the region.
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Metro Map
Post by: io_bg on May 01, 2011, 07:48:38 AM
Nice and, above all, realistic map :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Metro Map
Post by: bat on May 04, 2011, 07:57:37 AM
That's a superb region shot (/ metro map)!
Looking forward to more... ;)
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Metro Map
Post by: GreekMan on May 06, 2011, 06:30:37 PM
beautiful region map!!! excellent work! Yeah, the western part really needs some sort transit.....
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Metro Map
Post by: packersfan on May 07, 2011, 11:08:24 PM
Wonderfully realistic.
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Rural Remains
Post by: RickD on May 09, 2011, 03:23:49 AM
The southern area of the region is nowadays mostly covered with dense urban and suburban development. Most of this development started in the second half of the 20th century after Interstate 5 has been built through the region. Before this, the region was mostly rural.

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Today only a few farming areas still exist.

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This area west of Montecito will probably soon be eaten up by the ever growing suburbs.

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Many farmers have already given up and sold their land.

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This area is already up for redevelopment.

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The Santa Barbara bypass rail line is running through the fields.

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A freight train on the bypass line. Before it has been built all the trains had to go through downtown Santa Barbara.

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Why is there a long stretch of undeveloped land, covered by trees? It is the reserved right of way for a future freeway project.

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There are many hills in the area limiting development.

34.14
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg807.imageshack.us%2Fimg807%2F1870%2F60186297.jpg&hash=7076b21ed77c16856a72a66825d3d1de0f1a9dbd)
Houses and roads sneak around the hills.

34.15
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg109.imageshack.us%2Fimg109%2F4215%2F15fdgzufjs.jpg&hash=5214d6a07bee5f9bf9d401211b634f91870f6a53)

34.16
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg405.imageshack.us%2Fimg405%2F948%2F16kjxhkjdhgkdsd.jpg&hash=ef8ff1c32fb4ce1241f69bce65ef5da921504304)
The "CBD" of this suburb.




Replies:
Skimbo, Framly, Exla357, Reikhardt, kelis, Kergelen, Tomas Neto, Kevin1a, peter007, kwakelaar, io_bg, bat, GreekMan, packersfan: Thanks for the comments. :)
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Rural Remains
Post by: kbieniu7 on May 09, 2011, 03:51:02 AM
Awesome work and effects.  &apls And nice "story" about urban sprawl  ;)
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Rural Remains
Post by: Terring7 on May 09, 2011, 03:57:46 AM
Just an idea. How about Pegasus Skyfarms? They'll provide all the food you need and still allows you to expand the city without worrying about the farms ;D

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.simpeg.com%2Fforum%2Fdownloads%2Fimages%2F1185803333product_image.jpg&hash=56d8b0e0bd4b354080c7747f19d994d4c2598ae8)

Keep it up :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Rural Remains
Post by: Framly on May 09, 2011, 04:11:07 AM
Great Update! Picture 34.8 looks awsome &apls
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Rural Remains
Post by: GreekMan on May 09, 2011, 09:37:39 AM
Awesome work boss! Looks great beautiful!!! 34.8 with the train crossing the bridge should be on the sc4 pic competition. Add a little photoshop and it would be perfect!
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Rural Remains
Post by: supremec on May 09, 2011, 09:55:10 AM
It's fantastic  &apls  &apls
I love your road network, it's not so orthogonal  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Rural Remains
Post by: Rayden on May 09, 2011, 09:56:35 AM
Very nice update. I agree with many others, nice image the 34.8, it could be up the image competition. A little "touch" with photoshop and it could make it there. :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Rural Remains
Post by: Exla357 on May 09, 2011, 03:15:31 PM
Didn't really expect anything like this, but I am stunned. You do a nice job with NAM components, that curvy street looks awesome! I agree, 34.8 would fare well in the pic competition. One question, what tree controller do you use? Looking forward to more, keep it up :thumbsup:

-Alex
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Rural Remains
Post by: Reikhardt on May 09, 2011, 03:22:03 PM
Excellent update, I love the space you create with the way you lay your town out, looks really natural and realistic!
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Rural Remains
Post by: threestooges on May 09, 2011, 07:49:45 PM
It's been a while since I've posted, but it's been a pleasure to catch up. Montecito is shaping up nicely too. You're working very well in and around the hills. As for that thing causing your palm trees to change, I hadn't noticed that anyone suggested anything, but I believe it's one of c.p.'s Maxis palm-to-____ mods. As always, enjoying the updates here.
-Matt
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Rural Remains
Post by: Rayden on May 10, 2011, 07:26:05 AM
Quote from: threestooges on May 09, 2011, 07:49:45 PM
It's been a while since I've posted, but it's been a pleasure to catch up. Montecito is shaping up nicely too. You're working very well in and around the hills. As for that thing causing your palm trees to change, I hadn't noticed that anyone suggested anything, but I believe it's one of c.p.'s Maxis palm-to-____ mods. As always, enjoying the updates here.
-Matt

Maybe this mod is the culprit - http://sc4devotion.com/csxlex/lex_filedesc.php?lotGET=1901 &mmm
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Rural Remains
Post by: scott1964 on May 11, 2011, 08:19:42 PM
Nice rail bridge.  :P
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Rural Remains
Post by: Kergelen on May 11, 2011, 10:55:06 PM
Nice cureved streets and roads. Great job on the hills  &apls
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Rural Remains
Post by: noahclem on May 12, 2011, 04:29:12 AM
Great job with your rural areas and transport layout! I look forward to seeing the freeway you've saved space for there....
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Rural Remains
Post by: sumwonyuno on May 12, 2011, 10:15:04 PM
Great job!  I don't like suburban encroachment in real life, but you've certainly did well in replicating it in game.   :P
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Rural Remains
Post by: threestooges on May 12, 2011, 10:31:56 PM
Quote from: Rayden on May 10, 2011, 07:26:05 AM
Maybe this mod is the culprit - http://sc4devotion.com/csxlex/lex_filedesc.php?lotGET=1901 &mmm
That was exactly the one I was thinking of. Thanks for that. Can't believe I forgot who made it too...
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Rural Remains
Post by: kwakelaar on May 14, 2011, 12:22:36 AM
A really nice set of pictures, letting us see how the city is ever expanding into the surrounding country side.
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Rural Remains
Post by: nedalezz on May 14, 2011, 09:55:38 PM
This MD continues to get better and better with each update.

I truly enjoyed the look at the suburbs and their transition into dying rural communities.

It is such a realistic outlook on your typical American city. Keep the awesome work!
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Rural Remains
Post by: bat on May 16, 2011, 09:56:11 AM
Great work on the rural area!
And the city is also really nice! :thumbsup:
Picture 34.8 is looking beautiful, too!!!! :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Rural Remains
Post by: Tomas Neto on May 16, 2011, 10:16:50 AM
Great update, very nice work!!!  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Rural Remains
Post by: canyonjumper on May 30, 2011, 01:20:22 PM
Your rural area looks great ;D 34.13 gives a great view of the rolling hills, I like it :)

                Your friend,
                               Jordan :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Rural Remains
Post by: Ol.S / Benoit on May 30, 2011, 10:14:38 PM
Such an amazing work, I really like the way you manage your rural areas, very realistic :)
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Rural Remains
Post by: io_bg on May 31, 2011, 02:26:52 PM
Very nice update, I particularly like the pic with the rail bridge spanning the dried up river. :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: I-5 revisited
Post by: RickD on June 04, 2011, 07:11:34 AM
The first series of updates in my MD was about Interstate 5 that runs through the region.

Please remember that my Santa Barbara is set in an alternate universe. In reality, of course, I-5 does not go through Santa Barbara.

Since then I have changed (improved?) it quite considerably.

I now want to show you some of the changes.
You might want to go back to Update 1 (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=10396.msg315504#msg315504) to see the "before" situation.

35.1
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg38.imageshack.us%2Fimg38%2F919%2F14751421.jpg&hash=d1b393e201c320f6eac490b1f7f13e8ea4f47423)
Many 4 lane sections have been upgraded to 6 lanes. Occasionally there are still lane drops. Especially at elevated sections. The elevated parts have not been upgraded yet.

35.2
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg811.imageshack.us%2Fimg811%2F2388%2F20829478.jpg&hash=ce2524271ffd961488e3e255809064b3ffdab5fd)
I-5 crossing San Marcos Pass Road which has also been upgraded to 6 lanes.

35.3
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg219.imageshack.us%2Fimg219%2F9517%2F36770723.jpg&hash=dc984028d4ee1ae35d75d860302cd633155e0fde)
There are two interchanges close together. To minimize weaving a C/D setup has been built here.

35.4
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg845.imageshack.us%2Fimg845%2F7826%2F65674065.jpg&hash=87d31200045ef610eef12b1e82b1a8b26342b5f6)
I-5 <-> W Turnpike Rd.
There was a roundabout interchange here before. I did not like it though

35.5
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg862.imageshack.us%2Fimg862%2F9367%2F27203670.jpg&hash=2577dfaa975d89b1d371644680cf466cbdc27475)
This is currently the widest section of freeway in the county with up to 12 lanes (counting merge lanes).

35.6
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg69.imageshack.us%2Fimg69%2F8184%2F29981734.jpg&hash=b7421acbb7729f9b0653e19aa22c335fb30dbc73)
I-5 <-> S Patterson Ave

35.7
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg585.imageshack.us%2Fimg585%2F8973%2F85362148.jpg&hash=8b1fd4c8c4b3e3685e5b7b552cf6e722d18dd6ad)
End of C/D setup.

35.8
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg171.imageshack.us%2Fimg171%2F5446%2F88066969.jpg&hash=c556a4c1b3f16d7c31b4f609d79a1eca956aa44e)
The redesigned interchange with Las Positas Road.

35.9
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg801.imageshack.us%2Fimg801%2F2568%2F22062384.jpg&hash=a0f3fd0fda0c792deb8b724bf67032a795485c72)
6 lanes also through rural parts.

35.10
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg815.imageshack.us%2Fimg815%2F9483%2F82328597.jpg&hash=b33ef5736c8851d92b4119c1a2e56c1e9e8c9899)
It was easy to add two more lanes at E Turnpike Rd. The interchange has already been built wide enough.

35.11
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg27.imageshack.us%2Fimg27%2F7870%2F69562160.jpg&hash=81f39e757617a5fb20ceae03fac9c2b840ae6629)
Upgraded interchange with W 22nd Street at the central cemetary.

35.12
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg862.imageshack.us%2Fimg862%2F9813%2F41512737.jpg&hash=9760e6b6dac26a2974ad53379a8d1f9fb8c3ffba)
The hill had to be carved out to make room for the extra lanes. I-5 is now 8 lanes near the CBD.

35.13
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg803.imageshack.us%2Fimg803%2F4650%2F80623023.jpg&hash=5458f89aed8661da091cb0a7fa2d2434c71d0f0d)
The interchange here has been removed. It was redundant with the next one only a few blocks away.

35.14
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg696.imageshack.us%2Fimg696%2F7350%2F63425971.jpg&hash=3828d47dc6e4d2d9e77ca8c1b384bd355beaf6e4)
Interchange with N 11th Avenue near the CBD.


To be continued...




Thank you so much for all the comments. I am very sorry but I have no time today to answer them individually. I wanted to get this update out before I leave for my vacation and I still have so much to prepare.  &mmm
I am going on a camping trip through Norway. Thus I'll be pretty much off the grid for the next weeks. Please leave comments while I am away. I am looking forward to reading them when I return. :)
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: I-5 revisited
Post by: Sciurus on June 04, 2011, 07:40:42 AM
I wish you to have a nice trip through Norway! ;)
For Santa Barbara, it's still wonderful, I really love your city! I want to buy a house there! ::)

Guillaume :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: I-5 revisited
Post by: supremec on June 04, 2011, 08:44:37 AM
Wow very nice  &apls
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: I-5 revisited
Post by: Exla357 on June 04, 2011, 08:54:08 AM
Before and after comparisons are simply stunning! Have fun on your trip to Norway, updates will be missed here!

-Alex
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: I-5 revisited
Post by: Terring7 on June 04, 2011, 10:34:30 AM
Have a nice vacation :)
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: I-5 revisited
Post by: peter007 on June 04, 2011, 11:01:23 AM
Great highways.
Your intersections look very realistic
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: I-5 revisited
Post by: nbvc on June 04, 2011, 11:38:17 AM
Nice work with the highway. &apls
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: I-5 revisited
Post by: ricardomiranda on June 04, 2011, 11:58:47 AM
Nice High Way , great update !
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: I-5 revisited
Post by: bat on June 05, 2011, 05:39:36 AM
Nice pictures of the highway and intersection! :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: I-5 revisited
Post by: Paul 999 on June 06, 2011, 01:06:55 AM
What a cool update! You city need the 3 lanes network of RHW 4.2 (my city's two) ;)
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: I-5 revisited
Post by: Houston_Fan on June 06, 2011, 08:18:09 AM
Very nice update!  Maybe you could have reserved an extra tile on the left side of the interchange shown in picture 35.14 so an avenue could go over I-5.
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: I-5 revisited
Post by: blade2k5 on June 12, 2011, 04:57:53 PM
I noticed a page or two back on your MTD map you had Murrell Rd listed as one of the stops on the Mesa.  Funny thing is, I lived on Murrell Rd from '75 thru '81.  A pleasant surprise it was even mentioned considering it's only one or two blocks long.  Nice job on the region as well, nice to see what my first accurately scaled map looks like developed.  Keep up the good work. :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: I-5 revisited
Post by: Schulmanator on June 12, 2011, 06:32:19 PM
Great looking stuff. I continue to be impressed. :D
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: I-5 revisited
Post by: kwakelaar on June 13, 2011, 07:06:42 AM
Great update with the widening and improving on I-5.

Hope the weather will be nice in Norway, always a risk of course. :D I will be leaving for Norway end of July myself, going to Moss, Norefjell and Tromoy.
Anyway enjoy your holiday. :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: I-5 revisited
Post by: noahclem on June 13, 2011, 09:00:25 AM
Nice work updgrading I-5. My favorite interchange is 35.14 (the last one). Also, nice touch of realism removing the interchange that was too close to the other and adding the C/D setup in that other area. I'd love to see a bit more fractional-angle stuff in Santa Barbara County.

Hope you're having fun in Norway!
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: I-5 revisited
Post by: sumwonyuno on June 13, 2011, 09:05:37 PM
Enjoy your trip, and great job on the RHW upgrades!
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: I-5 revisited Part 2
Post by: RickD on June 19, 2011, 02:39:33 PM
In today's update we will continue our travel along I-5 where we left off last time. This time you might want to re-read Update 2 (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=10396.msg316874#msg316874) to see the before situation.

36.1
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg696.imageshack.us%2Fimg696%2F9499%2F47325621.jpg&hash=7c52a2526981c725c1fb20f3b603714aead71739)
The rail line is crossing over I-5. Speed limit on the freeway is 35 mph due to the short and dangerous merging area.

36.2
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg571.imageshack.us%2Fimg571%2F3137%2F92333488.jpg&hash=eb377290e54067ac2f456707caecbc063f882612)
This is the interchange near the CBD. It looks quite different than before. You might remember that this is the tile I had to rebuild due to the prop pox.
I-5 comes in from the bottom of the pic and continues to the left. The interchange is still a pain for the motorists. It is way over capacity.

36.3
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg155.imageshack.us%2Fimg155%2F31%2F17ajm.jpg&hash=9f37a194cd0541fbd1dff846f40ea362f3e49a49)
But there is no room to improve it.

36.4
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg546.imageshack.us%2Fimg546%2F6204%2F15341710.jpg&hash=8352a22a1ec4178e067a7f0cf6258dfc59d2e2df)
The biggest problem is that I-5 narrows down to one lane on the eastbound flyover.

36.5
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg8.imageshack.us%2Fimg8%2F8664%2F88991975.jpg&hash=069bf48c51ea9140d5145da116fcb13e69ab49f9)
And there is way too much weaving going on.

36.6
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg51.imageshack.us%2Fimg51%2F2472%2F19917978.jpg&hash=13823d68586ad45fab68481745e4a700f80e3638)
Sunken alignment through downtown.

36.7
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg713.imageshack.us%2Fimg713%2F5042%2F95066182.jpg&hash=1191b214cbef7f223678bcf0344fe1dbe4bb9dbc)

36.8
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg834.imageshack.us%2Fimg834%2F6710%2F68019206.jpg&hash=893c0054bc642de18a1b84d5d67026d5fe5f72f4)
East of downtown I-5 is still only 4 lanes wide.

36.9
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg860.imageshack.us%2Fimg860%2F1008%2F66543970.jpg&hash=fdcf7564857497b606288fe08b99f1344c5ddfca)

36.10
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg694.imageshack.us%2Fimg694%2F1944%2F23agr.jpg&hash=da2abca3d96f8a086a9d762c8da1e1f209558e1a)
The elevated sections have not been widened yet.

36.11
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg231.imageshack.us%2Fimg231%2F6719%2F32184892.jpg&hash=92d5e9d393a2b19e5137ddd8426904b19f9dbb61)
This interchange adds two lanes towards the east.

36.12
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg714.imageshack.us%2Fimg714%2F2644%2F24ajs.jpg&hash=5dee52d1bcc63f0609739ed6178a66749752fd72)
6 lanes again in Montecito.

36.13
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg803.imageshack.us%2Fimg803%2F5214%2F24b.jpg&hash=e70394be45e2fb9b86aedf02214b5cd96a8a02d7)
The interchange with US-101 coming in from the north and sharing alignment with I-5 to the west.

36.14
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg204.imageshack.us%2Fimg204%2F1820%2F51294339.jpg&hash=b8383652bd8764322c495ba2723eaebdf3a0f86e)
There is only a half interchange for the commercial district. This needs to be improved in the future.

36.15
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg850.imageshack.us%2Fimg850%2F7131%2F14046473.jpg&hash=c70c2ea00f6b62debce5079ec9c80848d589c305)

36.16
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg805.imageshack.us%2Fimg805%2F9048%2F10994705.jpg&hash=c715ae1296df010c9e60d7a9a8ad764a86d6f183)

36.17
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg7.imageshack.us%2Fimg7%2F2892%2F71671130.jpg&hash=502ad1515891259dc1e664db7a3540910d8ba757)
I-5 leaves the region to the east towards Los Angeles.




Replies:

supremec, Exla357, Terring7, peter007, nbvc, ricardomiranda, bat, Schulmanator, noahclem, sumwonyuno:
Thanks for the compliments. :)

Sciurus:
QuoteI wish you to have a nice trip through Norway!
Thank you. The trip was really great. It was my first time in Norway and it definitely wasn't the last. The landscape is stunning. But it is a very expensive country.  &mmm

Paul999:
QuoteWhat a cool update! You city need the 3 lanes network of RHW 4.2 (my city's two)
Thanks. Yeah, I'm really anxious to use it.

Houston_Fan:
QuoteVery nice update!  Maybe you could have reserved an extra tile on the left side of the interchange shown in picture 35.14 so an avenue could go over I-5.
An upgrade is planned but some houses will have to be demolished. Fortunately in Sim City this is much easier than in reality. ;)

blade2k5:
QuoteNice job on the region as well, nice to see what my first accurately scaled map looks like developed.
Thanks, it is a great map to play on. I wonder if it is really scaled 1:1. When comparing to Google Earth I had the impression that it is a bit compressed. The hills seem higher than in reality and the slopes steeper. But this could also be due to SC4's odd scaling where it is almost impossible to build houses on the hills like in real Santa Barbara.

kwakelaar:
QuoteHope the weather will be nice in Norway, always a risk of course. I will be leaving for Norway end of July myself, going to Moss, Norefjell and Tromoy. Anyway enjoy your holiday.
Overall we were quite lucky with the weather. But you don't go to Norway for the weather anyway. And to quote my father: There is no such thing as bad weather. There is only wrong clothing. ;)
We traveled from Kristiansand through Stavanger and Bergen to the Geiranger Fjord, then returned to Kristiansand along RV13 and RV9.
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: I-5 revisited Part 2
Post by: marsh on June 19, 2011, 08:03:27 PM
Great work. I still love your detail in your transit networks. ;D

,marsh :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: I-5 revisited Part 2
Post by: Ol.S / Benoit on June 19, 2011, 11:10:26 PM
Wow ! I love this update, such a great work...
Picture 36.2 is really amazing ! :)
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: I-5 revisited Part 2
Post by: Nexis4Jersey on June 20, 2011, 05:35:20 AM
Wow , the amount of detail you pour into one area is simply amazing  &apls   Can i assume your going to recreate some famous Double Decker freeways that used to be in Cali when the next RHW comes out?
Title: Re: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: I-5 revisited Part 2
Post by: bat on June 20, 2011, 06:08:56 AM
Great pictures of the highway! Nice work on it! :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: I-5 revisited Part 2
Post by: Exla357 on June 20, 2011, 11:55:52 AM
I think "The elevated sections have not been widened yet" is code for "RHW 5.0 hasn't come out yet so until that happens the freeway stays narrow."  :D
The I-5 - 101 interchange IS a traffic nightmare, and that's a lot coming from a Californian! I think the all time worst freeway interchange in southern California is the 405 - 101 interchange in Los Angeles. The thing is built extremely well, but even with 12 lanes each, both those freeways are extremely over capacity and rush hour is simply impossible. But seriously? 3 150 foot radius 90 degree curves to make a 90 degree transition? With 1/4 the capacity? Not even in California  ;)

EDIT: Why not just use an 8s-Dual RHW4 splitter B, curve it to the north, then use a MIS splitter? In theory it takes up the same amount of space:
Sorry about my bad paint job!
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg15.imageshack.us%2Fimg15%2F7739%2Fsantabarbaracountry1510.jpg&hash=37d4880635300044bd64dd63391220be79c1f016)

Question: Where can I find that huge red and white tower at I-5 <-> Los Positas Road?
Great job with this MD though, definitely on my top 5 all time favorites  &apls  I'm glad you had a good time in Norway and am looking forward to more Santa Barbara County!
Not to nag or anything, but you still need to fix your train skin  ;)

All the best,
Alex 
Title: Re: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: I-5 revisited Part 2
Post by: blade2k5 on June 20, 2011, 09:41:54 PM
Quote from: RickD on June 19, 2011, 02:39:33 PM
blade2k5:Thanks, it is a great map to play on. I wonder if it is really scaled 1:1. When comparing to Google Earth I had the impression that it is a bit compressed. The hills seem higher than in reality and the slopes steeper. But this could also be due to SC4's odd scaling where it is almost impossible to build houses on the hills like in real Santa Barbara.

It's accurately scaled and was compressed in NHP's version of terraformer using the compressor tool for elevation lows/heights.  Could be it's a terraformer issue.

Fantastic update by the way.
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: I-5 revisited Part 2
Post by: kelis on June 21, 2011, 02:31:19 AM
I like so much your city Rick, This American style looks perfect in Simcity4, Keep up the good work mate  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: I-5 revisited Part 2
Post by: io_bg on June 21, 2011, 03:42:11 AM
Very realistic and well built highway system! Nice work &apls
Title: Re: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: I-5 revisited Part 2
Post by: Nanami on June 21, 2011, 01:31:58 PM
Realistic intersection! a thing that can't be done by maxis highway.  ;D
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: I-5 revisited Part 2
Post by: wallasey on June 21, 2011, 01:43:19 PM
Your work with RHW is amazing! I wish I could do all those things! I really enjoyed the trumpet interchanges. One hopes the sim residents appreciate this fine work and use em'!!
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: I-5 revisited Part 2
Post by: GreekMan on June 22, 2011, 12:25:35 PM
Great work Sir! Looking forward to when you come back!
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Montecito Part 1
Post by: RickD on July 17, 2011, 12:20:41 PM
Sim Santa Barbara County now has over one million inhabitants in its three cities! Time for a new region pic.

37.1
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg3.imageshack.us%2Fimg3%2F6702%2Fsantabarbarakleim.jpg&hash=2311ec6e95174ab9211feb0f0fc8bdc5e11d5f36) (http://img11.imageshack.us/img11/6857/santabarbaraz.jpg)
Click for full size (3 Mb).

In today's update we will visit Montecito.

37.2
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Living near the ocean in South Montecito. The highway is I-5.

37.3
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The SBlink station in South Montecito.

37.4
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Shopping centers and warehouses near the Interstate exit.

37.5
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37.6
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37.7
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Houses between the Interstate and the Pacific Ocean.

37.8
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You could call this Downtown Montecito.

37.9
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Plaza del Sol Shopping Center.

37.10
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37.11
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US-101 sneaking through the suburbs.

37.12
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Replies:

marsh, Ol.S / Benoit, bat, blade2k5, kelis, io_bg, 976, wallasey, GreekMan:
Thanks for your comments.:)

Nexis4Jersey:
QuoteCan i assume your going to recreate some famous Double Decker freeways that used to be in Cali when the next RHW comes out?
I am eagerly waiting for it. ;)

Exla357:
QuoteI think "The elevated sections have not been widened yet" is code for "RHW 5.0 hasn't come out yet so until that happens the freeway stays narrow."
;)
QuoteBut seriously? 3 150 foot radius 90 degree curves to make a 90 degree transition? With 1/4 the capacity? Not even in California
I agree. It's ridiculous.  $%Grinno$% Your solution is very clever. But there wasn't enough room. I guess I need to accept the fact that the industrial area will have to be demolished to make room for a more realistic interchange. I'll wait for RHW 5.0, though.
QuoteNot to nag or anything, but you still need to fix your train skin
You must have eagle eyes. I was sure I'd get away with it once more.  ::) It is fixed now:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg684.imageshack.us%2Fimg684%2F1420%2Fsurfliner.jpg&hash=ffcd9c4f350801a7bb4e3384d1e93eda41cbb0ec)
Better?  ()stsfd()
Please don't mind the trees. It is only a quick demo picture.
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Montecito Part 1
Post by: Sciurus on July 17, 2011, 12:38:02 PM
Wonderful update man,  &apls I particularly like the region overview, which is amazing! :o :o

Guillaume :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Montecito Part 1
Post by: noahclem on July 18, 2011, 11:27:11 AM
Great update and congratulations on 1.000.000 inhabitants, done in a very quality way!  &apls You really do an excellent job with RHW, NWM, and rail networks and I look forward to seeing what you do with their updated versions as well  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Montecito Part 1
Post by: kwakelaar on July 18, 2011, 12:03:44 PM
Again some very interesting updates, and quite impressive getting to the 1 million mark considering the way you are building.
Seems you did enjoy your holidays in Norway, you have certainly been seeing some of the most beautiful nature the country can offer. I have been travelling that route a few times myself. Taking the ferry into Geiranger (if the weather is nice) is something I think is rather spectacular.
Now only 4 more days of work and I am off. :)
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Montecito Part 1
Post by: Exla357 on July 18, 2011, 04:01:22 PM
Really great job here, Rick! You never cease to amaze me. Region shot is unbelievable!

-Alex
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Montecito Part 1
Post by: apeguy on July 18, 2011, 04:13:46 PM
Hey RickD, long time lurker, first time poster. ;D

I just want to say that your MD is one of the finest I've ever seen, and your skill in SC4 is amazing. Your work with the RHW is excellent, and your version of Santa Barbara, while not an actual recreation of the real thing, is still very realistic and well-made, and I always look forward to new updates from you.

Keep up the good work. :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Montecito Part 1
Post by: Evillions8 on July 18, 2011, 06:29:02 PM
Great work!  &apls
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Montecito Part 1
Post by: Tomas Neto on July 20, 2011, 05:23:44 AM
Fantastic!!! Very nice city, great work!!!   :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Montecito Part 1
Post by: Kevin1a on July 20, 2011, 09:54:56 PM
Great update.  I'm interested to see what new options the RHW5 will bring you (and the rest of us), and how it will change this interchange.  Of course, when it comes down to it, we can't just expand roads forever.  I would like to see continued expansion of mass transit options. 

One friendly critique: Won't the avenue next to the SBlink station in South Montecito suffer from the same problem as the one in Santa Barbara did?  Trains slowly pulling out of the station will block the road much longer than trains breezing through a crossing en route.
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Montecito Part 1
Post by: supremec on July 21, 2011, 02:47:06 AM
So realistic your region pic.  &apls  &apls
Fabulous city  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Montecito Part 1
Post by: peter007 on July 21, 2011, 03:08:02 AM
Wow it's so spacy. You really let me think america now. Everything is big there on your pictures.Just great planning.  :thumbsup:

-Ernst
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Montecito Part 1
Post by: krbe on August 01, 2011, 12:50:00 PM
Quote from: RickD on June 19, 2011, 02:39:33 PM
We traveled from Kristiansand through Stavanger and Bergen to the Geiranger Fjord, then returned to Kristiansand along RV13 and RV9.

Long time no see this thread -- many apologies for the Kristiansand weather back then though, summer didn't arrive before the last week of July! And, naturally, congrats on you Santa Barbara, again!
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Montecito Part 1
Post by: bat on August 02, 2011, 12:37:52 AM
Great shopping centre there!
Looking forward to more great pictures...
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Montecito Part 1
Post by: dedgren on August 02, 2011, 01:41:06 PM
You've captured that SoCal ambience, Rick. Really, really nice work.


David
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Montecito Part 1
Post by: threestooges on August 02, 2011, 06:11:25 PM
I've been wondering if you would use that train skin. I know it's not an exact re-creation of Santa Barbara, but that is a nice touch to see. Still always tough to see high rises in Montecito, but I like the way your cities are fleshing out. Plenty of space, room to grow, and plenty of parking too; that last one is something that seems to go overlooked many times. You're also putting those TLA's to good use. Those turning medians are a common sight in this area.
-Matt
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Montecito Part 1
Post by: wallasey on August 03, 2011, 07:53:49 AM
Fantastic update there, I love the suburbs and how they have sprung up around your highways, the planting is great and the office parks with rail stations is a good touch.

Very Realistic!!
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Montecito Part 1
Post by: Skimbo on August 04, 2011, 03:48:04 AM
I know, I'm a bit late, but still: Great update :D
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Montecito Part 1
Post by: RickD on August 11, 2011, 07:00:53 AM
I feel bad for updating so slowly. I blame it on this nasty little thing called Real Life. Sorry.  %wrd

Today we continue our trip to Montecito.

38.1
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A large motel near the US-101 exit.

38.2
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Suburbia.

38.3
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Suburban housing projects.

38.4
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Even more suburbia.

38.5
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The Retail Traders Association is located in this mansion, surrounded by parkland.

38.6
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Montecito State Hospital

38.7
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Civic buildings and a private school on the other side of the road.

38.8
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An old cemetary where some local personalities are buried.

38.9
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Montecito has several office parks. Land prices are much lower here than in downtown. This building offers affordable and modern offices for start-up businesses.

38.10
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Montecito North Metro Station. Served by SBlink.

38.11
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There are still some level crossings even on main roads.

38.12
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This switch belongs to the rail wye where the main line splits into Santa Barbara Local and Santa Barbara Bypass.

38.13
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I wonder who came up with this weird intersection.

38.14
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Development north of the rail line did not continue after the contractor went out of business in 2009 due to the housing crisis.




Replies:

Sciurus, noahclem, kwakelaar, Exla357, Evillions8, Tomas Neto, supremec, peter007, bat, threestooges, wallasey, Skimbo:
Thanks guys for the nice comments. :)

apeguy:
QuoteHey RickD, long time lurker, first time poster.
Nice hearing from you. Glad you like it. :)

Kevin1a:
QuoteOne friendly critique: Won't the avenue next to the SBlink station in South Montecito suffer from the same problem as the one in Santa Barbara did?
It certainly does. Sooner or later this needs to be improved.

krbe:
QuoteLong time no see this thread -- many apologies for the Kristiansand weather back then though, summer didn't arrive before the last week of July!
No need to apologize. The weather in Norway was actually better than what we had here for most of summer.  ::)

dedgren:
Thanks, nice seeing you around.

Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Montecito Part 2
Post by: nedalezz on August 11, 2011, 01:55:38 PM
Gotta say, I love Montecito! Its very California - and its beautiful :)

I love the shots with the suburbs, they look awesome!

My favorite picture, however, is the night shot of the offices!
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Montecito Part 2
Post by: robercik on August 11, 2011, 02:50:05 PM
I like this update. Nice terrain mod you have there ;)
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Montecito Part 2
Post by: wallasey on August 11, 2011, 03:13:28 PM
Good update!

I really liked the housing projects and your MAVE use. made the images very enjoyable to look at!
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Montecito Part 2
Post by: bat on August 12, 2011, 05:32:41 AM
Great suburb there! Looking forward to more...
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Montecito Part 2
Post by: Ol.S / Benoit on August 12, 2011, 11:29:37 PM
Your suburbs are always great !  :thumbsup:
Picture 38.2 is awsome ! :)
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Montecito Part 2
Post by: dedgren on August 18, 2011, 06:17:21 AM
Back for another look at an MD I really enjoy, Rick.  Like Noah, I'm looking forward to seeing what you will do with the upcoming NAM release.


David
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Montecito Part 2
Post by: ricardomiranda on August 18, 2011, 07:42:31 AM
Beautiful photos, I like the blue train making the curve!
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Montecito Part 2
Post by: solsystem on August 18, 2011, 08:39:48 AM
Nice update! I like your suburb settings very much.
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Montecito Part 2
Post by: Nanami on August 24, 2011, 08:05:45 AM
nice suburban!
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Montecito Part 2
Post by: Sciurus on August 24, 2011, 11:35:07 AM
That's a great update, congrats mate! &apls

Guillaume :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Montecito Part 2
Post by: art128 on August 24, 2011, 11:56:26 AM
Excellent suburban development there, great work! :)
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Montecito Part 2
Post by: supremec on August 24, 2011, 01:59:29 PM
Another time, fabulous moment I spend to see that excellent pictures  &apls  &apls
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Montecito Part 2
Post by: io_bg on August 24, 2011, 04:05:14 PM
Looks so... American :P Great update! &apls
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Montecito Part 2
Post by: packersfan on August 25, 2011, 10:28:45 AM
I just checked out your last update!  The first time looking at your journal...yeah, I'm bad, I should really look at people's diaries if I want my own viewed!  Great job.  Love the feel and love that terrain mod!
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Montecito Part 2
Post by: Skimbo on August 27, 2011, 04:36:59 AM
I like your new update =)
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Montecito Part 2
Post by: carlfatal on September 01, 2011, 05:12:45 AM
I´ve looked inside Your MD a few times before, but the last four days i´ve read it from beginning on and it´s time to say a word or two. Your work is impressing, especially i love how You handle the RHW. Also i´ve learned a lot about realistic developement, cause i´m beginning a new region laying near Detroit and i´ve never tried to build some american style before. It´s only wonderful, what You do, and from now on i´ll look in here regulary.
Greetz, Carl
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Montecito Part 2
Post by: apeguy on September 01, 2011, 11:26:36 AM
Very nice realistic suburbs, and good use of MAVE-4 and MAVE-6. :thumbsup: It must be noisy in the Retail Traders building with the railway just behind it. :D Nice job with the parkland though.


Looking forward to more. :)
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Montecito Part 2
Post by: noahclem on September 04, 2011, 10:24:03 AM
As always I really enjoyed your work with transit networks and the faithfully American feel you give your cities  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Montecito Part 2
Post by: RickD on September 04, 2011, 11:11:53 AM
Over the past years the City Counsil and the Public Works Department have undertaken numerous measures to improve public transport in the County. Now, the efforts are finally starting to pay off. Ridership on Santa Barbara busses and trains is rising every year. More and more citizens are accepting public transit as a fast and comfortable means of getting around in the region.

One of them is Glen Matthews. He is 47 years old and works as a janitor in the hospital in downtown Santa Barbara.

39.1
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Glen lives in an apartment in the eastern suburbs of Goleta.

He used to drive all the way to work by car. He would take I-5 to downtown Santa Barbara. During Rush Hour this is a drive of 60-90 minutes. Now he is using SBlink.

39.2
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Here is a comparison of the two routes.
Yellow = old route by car
Orange = new route by car
Black = new route by train
Red = new route by subway

39.3
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Glen now only uses his car to drive to the train station. Of course he could also take the bus but Glen can't yet let go of all old habits.

39.4
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In the past he would have made a right here on I-5. Now he goes straight through the intersection.

39.5
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The road takes him through an industrial area

39.6
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and some suburbs.

39.7
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He can park is car at the Park+Ride facility near the "Montecito East" SBLink station. The train is already arriving.

39.8
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Glen has made his train. He is making himself comfortable and sips on his coffee while the train passes through the railyards.

39.9
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From here he can see his apartment. Glen is looking at the long line of waiting cars while his train rushes over the level crossing.

39.10
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The first stop in the far outskirts of Santa Barbara. The landscape is still rural here. This station has not yet been modernized.

39.11
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There once was a larger cargo facility here. When there were still many fruit plantations, the produce was loaded on trains. The old loading docks and most of the tracks have been removed since. only a short stub has been left. It is used to temporarily store rail cars and maintenance trains.

39.12
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg695.imageshack.us%2Fimg695%2F3673%2F81245625.jpg&hash=63a9138f9381c7790d0daa2eab6cdf3a8598964b)
The train proceeds through the suburbs.

39.13
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Glen is now reading the newspaper. He did not really have time for this when he used to go by car.

39.14
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg850.imageshack.us%2Fimg850%2F4189%2F52564643.jpg&hash=6fb5f1b4c30647e31c1d4d0812eed75795a8f8b1)

39.15
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The tracks split here. The Santa Barbara Bypass Line branches off towards the north. The SBlink train continues on Santa Barbara Local.

39.16
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg10.imageshack.us%2Fimg10%2F3582%2F36946598.jpg&hash=03d8831669ed25dc9dd92e934e22464ecee72bf3)
The train is approaching the Santa Barbara North station, ...

39.17
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... which is the second stop.

39.18
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The train is making its way towards Central Station.

39.19
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg594.imageshack.us%2Fimg594%2F3254%2F59696140.jpg&hash=fc75afc321c620ea759c965bc8e8f0c6e3c8beeb)
North of downtown.

39.20
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg820.imageshack.us%2Fimg820%2F9907%2F27296001.jpg&hash=60decc40895124618ca3b3237bdf8676eb34220f)
Passing over I-5.

39.21
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Glen has arrived at Central Station. Now he is changing to Red Line subway.

39.22
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg707.imageshack.us%2Fimg707%2F6169%2F19281476.jpg&hash=95bf641f1238fc30df8634eaba1a4808e294f07c)
He will soon arrive at his workplace.

39.23
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg64.imageshack.us%2Fimg64%2F8666%2F45893911.jpg&hash=a9ae726125ad8f1343e3dbe09f12d877acc86643)
And here he is. The hospital is the building with the parking deck. The travel time was only 47 minutes.

Glen Matthews is only one example of how the improvements in public transport have changed the lives of ten thousands of citizens in Santa Barbara County. With growing support for public transport projects the mayor has recently announced to further improve and extend public transport throughout the region.




Replies:

nedalezz, robercik, wallasey, bat, Ol.S / Benoit, dedgren, ricardomiranda, solsystem, 976, Sciurus, art128, supremec, io_bg, Skimbo, noahclem:
Wow, so many comments. We will reach the 500 mark soon. Keep 'em coming. :D

packersfan:
QuoteI just checked out your last update!  The first time looking at your journal...yeah, I'm bad, I should really look at people's diaries if I want my own viewed!  Great job.  Love the feel and love that terrain mod!
Glad you like it. And don't worry. Your MD is so great, I'd keep on reading anyway. :)

eufl:
QuoteAlso i´ve learned a lot about realistic developement, cause i´m beginning a new region laying near Detroit and i´ve never tried to build some american style before. It´s only wonderful, what You do, and from now on i´ll look in here regulary.
Thanks, Carl. Will you start an MD here?

apeguy:
QuoteVery nice realistic suburbs, and good use of MAVE-4 and MAVE-6. It must be noisy in the Retail Traders building with the railway just behind it. Nice job with the parkland though.
They recently installed noice cancelling triple glaze windows. ;)
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: SBlink Metro Rail
Post by: DerChrischi on September 04, 2011, 11:20:34 AM
One Word: WoooooooooooooooooooooooooooooW  &apls
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: SBlink Metro Rail
Post by: Sciurus on September 04, 2011, 11:26:31 AM
Excellent update Raphael, I love it!! &apls &apls

Guillaume :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: SBlink Metro Rail
Post by: Terring7 on September 04, 2011, 11:55:29 AM
All aboard!! &dance
Very nice pictures :thumbsup: . Just an idea. To reduce even more the commute time of the Sims, how about some tram-el lines? Glen will no need anymore to take his car for the train $%Grinno$%
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: SBlink Metro Rail
Post by: sumwonyuno on September 04, 2011, 05:04:05 PM
Traffic-free commutes are the best.   ;)
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: SBlink Metro Rail
Post by: ricardomiranda on September 04, 2011, 07:28:46 PM
Your traim is fantastic !
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: SBlink Metro Rail
Post by: nbvc on September 04, 2011, 09:23:17 PM
Great work with the trains. &apls &apls
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: SBlink Metro Rail
Post by: carlfatal on September 05, 2011, 11:46:00 AM
Hi Raphael,
great update again! I love this pic with the old abandoned spur and also the next with the bridge, and again and again cause i´m a railway fan: the pics of the trainyard  &apls
It´s a nice detail You show and it´s so obvious: in a train you use the time of traveling for so much interesting things and don´t have to look for the traffic you´re involved by driving a stupid stinking car... :D
Maybe one day Glen will use a bike for the short distance between home and station, then he´ll need no more time for some workout in a fitness center too.
The other thing: i´m working on a region and maybe some MD, but before i show something here or anywhere must be something worth to see and i´m a quite slow person not an artist like the most other here. Then there is my work with the LE, same slow doing and a couple of people are waiting for a successful result. Running between these things made me immotile for a while: i don´t want to retry this experience  ;).
Keep on Your fine work and make backups (i´ve lost nearly all sc4 stuff weeks ago),
greetz, Carl
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: SBlink Metro Rail
Post by: apeguy on September 05, 2011, 05:09:17 PM
Nice update once again, you sure have an eye for detail around the railway lines. :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: SBlink Metro Rail
Post by: Exla357 on September 05, 2011, 06:43:14 PM
Hmmm, you changed to more modernized trains. It will take a little getting used to, but I think it's for the better.
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: SBlink Metro Rail
Post by: threestooges on September 05, 2011, 09:22:10 PM
Quite nice to be able to do things like read a paper during a trip like that. Even with a commute of 30 minutes each way, that's still an hour of underproductive time each day. Even if you ride in a carpool you don't have the facilities available to you that you would have with rail. However, the rail revolves around proper connections at either end. I'd love to take the train to work personally, but the nearest station is still a significant bus ride away. All told, it's faster to drive. But I suppose that's the case for any system, it's a balance of convenience for everyone.

Great pictures and I enjoyed the ride along the line. It helped show off the city, and showed off the line as an effective system.
-Matt
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: SBlink Metro Rail
Post by: Ryan B. on September 05, 2011, 09:35:53 PM
This is awesome work!  :D

Just one question for you - where did you get the cross-hatching on the TuLEP pieces - or is that all Photoshopped?
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: SBlink Metro Rail
Post by: weeally on September 05, 2011, 09:53:28 PM
Looks awesome dude, where did you get those rail stations with the elevators up and down?
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: SBlink Metro Rail
Post by: Skimbo on September 05, 2011, 10:47:47 PM
Nice one, S-Bahn is always great =)
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: SBlink Metro Rail
Post by: RickD on September 06, 2011, 02:38:55 AM
And the award for the 500th comment goes to ... Skimbo!  &dance

Thank you all who have commented on my MD.  &apls
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: SBlink Metro Rail
Post by: art128 on September 06, 2011, 03:16:12 AM
Excellent update, also congrats on  500 replies!
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: SBlink Metro Rail
Post by: Framly on September 06, 2011, 04:42:44 AM
Sorry for missing this awesome Update! Very varied pictures &apls

Congrats for 500Replies, well deserved ;)
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: SBlink Metro Rail
Post by: Tomas Neto on September 06, 2011, 07:13:27 AM
Wow Raphael, fantastic update, really a amazing city!!!   :thumbsup:



Edit.: Welcome to the classics!!!   &apls &apls
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: SBlink Metro Rail
Post by: Nanami on September 06, 2011, 11:10:19 AM
Pretty nice update! ;D
congratulation for 500th post!
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: SBlink Metro Rail
Post by: Exla357 on September 06, 2011, 04:57:33 PM
Well, seeing as you have over 500 comments a more than 27000 page views, you should be on your way to the classics if I'm not mistaken. Congratulations!

&hlp &hlp &hlp &hlp &hlp &hlp &hlp

-Alex  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: SBlink Metro Rail
Post by: rooker1 on September 07, 2011, 07:10:26 AM
Here is a fantastic MD that definately deserves to be among The Classics.

Congratulations from myslef and The SC4D Staff on the move to The Classic section!!

&apls &apls &apls
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: SBlink Metro Rail
Post by: bat on September 08, 2011, 10:07:10 AM
Congrats on the new section!!!
Also fantastic new update and looking forward to more... ;)
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: SBlink Metro Rail
Post by: packersfan on September 08, 2011, 09:11:20 PM
Great Metro Rail!  Puts mine to shame, haha.  I really need to get some passenger rail stations.  Love your downtown, too.
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: SBlink Metro Rail
Post by: noahclem on September 10, 2011, 08:18:16 AM
Awesome job with that rail line!  &apls

And congratulations on the big move to the Classics!!!  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: SBlink Metro Rail
Post by: nedalezz on September 10, 2011, 08:37:08 AM
Awesome update! Its great how you took us along for the ride - every city always can improve on something. Traffic is becoming a problem in Rawa'a, and the local government is thinking about introducing some sort of mass transportation system :)
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: SBlink Metro Rail
Post by: antn on September 10, 2011, 09:13:07 AM
This is great, I really like your way of building cities, interesting story, nice to hear that Glen have changed his commuting habits, that mint green van of his is truly a gas guzzler.
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: NAM30 Road Improvements
Post by: RickD on September 19, 2011, 03:48:39 PM
This is my first update in the Classics Section. Thanks to all of you who made this possible.  &apls

As most of you already know, the new NAM has been released. Of course, I have been looking forward to NAM day all year. I was totally surprised to see it released. But it was my girlfriends birthday on saturday and we already had plans for the weekend. So i could not play at all. :(
I took the first opportunity to try out the new NAM. These are the first results. I have yet to discover all the new features. Let me know if I can still improve something.

40.1
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg38.imageshack.us%2Fimg38%2F1927%2F2vorher.jpg&hash=20e9ec783fa1fe458970f80d2099993b9c15ec2d)
This is the before situation. I had to convert the MAVE-6 to AVE-4 because of the diagonal stretch.

40.2
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg535.imageshack.us%2Fimg535%2F5452%2F2nachher.jpg&hash=622ded11eca3154c403ca5c05a0028fe0bbcf75f)
Now the road is six lanes all the way.

40.3
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg710.imageshack.us%2Fimg710%2F170%2F3vorher.jpg&hash=e433247afece25924027a6ef6ff5dc2f5aa0a83a)
Another before-situation. The main flaw here is the lane drop that narrows I-5 from six to four lanes through the interchange.

40.4
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg155.imageshack.us%2Fimg155%2F7504%2F3nachher.jpg&hash=ac74c3f76c5542fb32efcb50ff68628c275eff4d)
No more lane drops. The interchange now has regular exit and entrance lanes.

40.5
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg594.imageshack.us%2Fimg594%2F8185%2F3anachher.jpg&hash=d6b3aec15528f1e49bd7f49291ee1f7046b168b9)
Also new traffic lights were installed at the intersection to the right. There are two visual flaws I see here: The crosshatching on the slip lane piece is missing (hope Nego16 will update his mod) and I do not like the road piece in the middle with grassy sidewalk between the two turning lanes. I don't know how to make it any better, though.

40.6
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg638.imageshack.us%2Fimg638%2F7296%2F4vorher.jpg&hash=80526f29ceb36e1934131d0d85ba399c2e3ed644)
I was finally able to widen this overpass next to the Nelson Muntz Housing Project.

40.7
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg3.imageshack.us%2Fimg3%2F2093%2F4nachher.jpg&hash=e1d7d9399663ee71be2a1302b746189cf4ef21c3)
The new overpass. As you can tell by the arrow to the right the 6-lane section ends behind the overpass. There is a diagonal in the next elevated section. I will have to wait for a future RHW release to widen that part.

This was the first part of my NAM30 Road Improvement series. More to come soon.
If you are not into roadgeeking you can skip the next updates.




Replies:

DerChrischi, Sciurus, sumwonyuno, ricardomiranda, nbvc, apeguy, art128, Framly, Tomas Neto, 976, bat, packersfan, noahclem, nedalezz, antn:
Thank you all!

Terring7:
QuoteJust an idea. To reduce even more the commute time of the Sims, how about some tram-el lines?
I love the EL-Rail and I am still looking for an opportunity to use it in my region.

eufl:
QuoteKeep on Your fine work and make backups (i´ve lost nearly all sc4 stuff weeks ago)
Oh no, that's too bad. I've got two external USB Hard Disks and use Windows Backup to backup all my files. But I've learned it the hard way, too.  %wrd

Exla357:
QuoteHmmm, you changed to more modernized trains. It will take a little getting used to, but I think it's for the better.
Those are the SBlink Metro Trains (actually a BART train skin). As I can have only one train skin at a time I will exchange this skin with the Surfliner skin once in a while.

threestooges:
QuoteQuite nice to be able to do things like read a paper during a trip like that. Even with a commute of 30 minutes each way, that's still an hour of underproductive time each day. Even if you ride in a carpool you don't have the facilities available to you that you would have with rail. However, the rail revolves around proper connections at either end. I'd love to take the train to work personally, but the nearest station is still a significant bus ride away. All told, it's faster to drive. But I suppose that's the case for any system, it's a balance of convenience for everyone.
My daily commute is over 2 hours (both ways). I have to take the car because there is no acceptable train connection. The only thing I can do while driving is listening to audio books or make phone calls with friends. I would love to take the train. I could play Sim City on my laptop while driving to work. ;)

Ryan B.:
QuoteThis is awesome work!  :D

Just one question for you - where did you get the cross-hatching on the TuLEP pieces - or is that all Photoshopped?
Thanks, Ryan. The hatching is a Mod by Nego16. It is available at Simtropolis: http://www.simtropolis.com/forum/files/file/26229-tulep-texture-mod/

weeally:
QuoteLooks awesome dude, where did you get those rail stations with the elevators up and down?
The train stations are made by the SFBT and are available on the LEX: http://sc4devotion.com/csxlex/lex_filedesc.php?lotGET=1716

Skimbo:
QuoteNice one, S-Bahn is always great =)
Thanks for the 500th comment!  &hlp
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: NAM30 Road Improvements (1)
Post by: kassarc16 on September 19, 2011, 04:44:58 PM
Great update, the new NAM served you well. This continues to be a great slice of SoCal.

As for your intersections in 40.5, maybe something like below would suffice?
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi52.tinypic.com%2F157hgnc.jpg&hash=bc59ed3e525821f68a5e9de7b09ff748ff2ad773)
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: NAM30 Road Improvements (1)
Post by: kbieniu7 on September 20, 2011, 04:37:30 AM
Cool! I hope your sims are not too tired due to the roadworks casued by new NAM :P
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: NAM30 Road Improvements (1)
Post by: noahclem on September 20, 2011, 05:29:06 AM
Great job with the new NAM stuff and I look forward to seeing the next updates with it! With regards to kassarc16's reply, you could also do a version of his interchange that kept your slip lane.

And congratulations on joining the Classics!  &apls &apls &apls
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: NAM30 Road Improvements (1)
Post by: io_bg on September 20, 2011, 06:26:24 AM
Congrats on making it to the Classics section! And great last update, I'm looking forward to seeing what else you'll improve!
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: NAM30 Road Improvements (1)
Post by: Paul 999 on September 20, 2011, 11:11:25 AM
Great improvements! I wonder what the next update will have. That the new NAM released is is really nice for you MD.
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: SBlink Metro Rail
Post by: Skimbo on September 21, 2011, 03:48:55 AM
Quote from: RickD on September 06, 2011, 02:38:55 AM
And the award for the 500th comment goes to ... Skimbo!  &dance

I just had to write this comment as fast as possible when I saw the 499 at the replies counter xD Congrats for being part of the "classics" section now!

And  nice update again =)
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: NAM30 Road Improvements (1)
Post by: bat on September 21, 2011, 08:01:59 AM
Great work with the new NAM! :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: NAM30 Road Improvements (1)
Post by: RickD on September 22, 2011, 01:44:19 PM
Just a quick one for today.

41.1
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg11.imageshack.us%2Fimg11%2F3953%2F82240992.jpg&hash=871cc4e2ad026e8204a7da64e86dd0017d31f04c)
This is the main exit from I-5 to the CBD. Looks kinda quirky, doesn't it?

41.2
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg834.imageshack.us%2Fimg834%2F9963%2F84177721.jpg&hash=fdd0e46574b2884f2a3a7ba3c43b641cf4156880)
A SPUI makes so much more sense here. Even though the street connections don't really work out now.

41.3
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg339.imageshack.us%2Fimg339%2F4534%2F27895645.jpg&hash=1ff1392c475354aa3b636a0592fb15a55384d0a8)
Traffic query reports over 11000 cars using the interchange. I wish the game would show more automata   %wrd (yes, I am using the radical 24 hours plugin).




noahclem, io_bg, Paul 999, Skimbo, bat:
Thank you.  :)

Quote from: kassarc16 on September 19, 2011, 04:44:58 PM
Great update, the new NAM served you well. This continues to be a great slice of SoCal.

As for your intersections in 40.5, maybe something like below would suffice?
Good one! It worked. :)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg851.imageshack.us%2Fimg851%2F6643%2F40875937.jpg&hash=777b70393a9a43437ee4be6cbdaa2b63f7205867)

Quote from: kbieniu7 on September 20, 2011, 04:37:30 AM
Cool! I hope your sims are not too tired due to the roadworks casued by new NAM :P
I hope not. There is so much more to come.  ;)




Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: NAM30 Road Improvements (2)
Post by: Kevin1a on September 22, 2011, 09:58:25 PM
Still looking good!  I like how 41.1 shows the kind of sharp edges freeways and rail lines create for business districts and neighborhoods.  That's why traffic engineers hate to include them in new plans.  This new philosophy of freeway use reminds me of Germany where the Autobahns run between cities rather than through them.  You take a local Autobahn spur out of the city proper and at the edge you can hop on the freeway.  Your image captures the American style perfectly though.
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: NAM30 Road Improvements (2)
Post by: Simcitler on September 22, 2011, 11:12:57 PM
The SPUI looks really good at this point.  :thumbsup:
I also like your update on the SBlink, which shows a nice mixture of rural and urban scenes.
I really like how you plan your road/train network.  &apls

I also saw an interesting building which I'm interested. Any idea where i can get those residential blocks on pic 39.1?

Great work
~ Simcitler
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: NAM30 Road Improvements (2)
Post by: DaveB on September 23, 2011, 04:13:18 AM
Greetings from the Emerald Isle (Ireland)  :)

I have been a lurker on this site for a long time, and it was only yesterday that I thought to read your MD, and I am very impressed! Can you give any tips on how to create such a successful networking system? As whenever I have made one in the past, the rail always gets left out..... *never used trams - yet.....*

I love the way you capture work crews creating the new roads (where do you get those bits of eye candy from??  :P  You have a great eye for detail too, and I have to say I am incredibly jealous hehe, but you have also given me LOTS of inspiration for my region that I have literally just started on - with a view to getting on here in the coming month or so :)

Keep up the hard work my friend, you have a devoted follower here  :thumbsup:

Ps. This is my first post ;)
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: NAM30 Road Improvements (2)
Post by: noahclem on September 23, 2011, 05:40:40 AM
Nice SPUI! From the urban look of that area though, I'd vote for RHW-6C under the SPUI. And now that that street doesn't really connect to anything you should have the extra tile of space you need ;)

Look forward to more  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: NAM30 Road Improvements (2)
Post by: nbvc on September 23, 2011, 10:38:25 AM
The interchange looks great. &apls
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: NAM30 Road Improvements (2)
Post by: Nexis4Jersey on September 23, 2011, 03:37:35 PM
Nice upgrading of the Interchange , however the to turn right is too tight for me.   It should have made it wider.
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: NAM30 Road Improvements (2)
Post by: Dantes on September 26, 2011, 11:13:21 AM
Your roads look great.  :) I like the skyline in the second image before the RHW.  :o
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: NAM30 Road Improvements (2)
Post by: TmiguelT on September 26, 2011, 05:37:33 PM
I've been a follower since the first day that you create you MD, you may ask why i never comment any of your updates?... well that's a simple question to answer. Because i have always been amazed with all the new stuff that you are coming up. i was about to give up on my own city/future MD, but your MD as well as so many others made me not to quit on the game and i have to thank the NAM for all his cool new stuff. From now own, I will try to leave at least one little comment in every update. Keep up the awesome job that you are doing  :thumbsup: 
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: NAM30 Road Improvements (2)
Post by: marsh on September 27, 2011, 03:52:53 PM
That Flex spui fits there perfectly. ;D Intruiged at what else you are going to do with the new NAM update. :)

,marsh
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: NAM30 Road Improvements (2)
Post by: ricardomiranda on October 01, 2011, 07:16:20 AM
Great work with NAM 30!
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: NAM30 Road Improvements (2)
Post by: Skimbo on October 04, 2011, 11:42:39 AM
cool update and spui use!
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: NAM30 Road Improvements (2)
Post by: wallasey on October 10, 2011, 01:06:14 AM
Great work on your interchanges! The highway walls are the best touch!
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: NAM30 Road Improvements (2)
Post by: bat on October 10, 2011, 07:46:42 AM
It's looking really nice! :)
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: NAM30 Road Improvements (2)
Post by: metasmurf on October 11, 2011, 11:01:38 PM
I just discovered this amazing CJ. Actually, I read through the whole thing, and mind you, that doesn't happen very often.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: NAM30 Road Improvements (2)
Post by: carlfatal on October 12, 2011, 12:03:35 AM
Hi Rick,
wonderful updates since my last comment. This new interchange looks cool, i´ve tried it, but for now i´m happy not to need any freeway - it´s not as easy to build as it seems.
Greetz, Carl
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: NAM30 Road Improvements (2)
Post by: Kergelen on October 12, 2011, 05:26:57 AM
Great use of the new NAM. :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: NAM30 Road Improvements (2)
Post by: rooker1 on October 12, 2011, 06:58:01 AM
Fantastic improvements!!

Robin
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: NAM30 Road Improvements (2)
Post by: Schulmanator on October 15, 2011, 06:36:32 AM
Nice! Looking good... and very realistic.
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: NAM30 Road Improvements (2)
Post by: Ricky112233 on October 26, 2011, 12:49:10 AM
Well Hello fellow SC4D member who has the same name as me! :P

I've been lurking around for a very, very, very, too long time!

So I thought it was about time to finally tell you how awe-inspiring, yaw-dropping, awesomely-great your MD is!
(Maybe I've posted a comment here before, but I don't think so..) :)

You've just earned another devoted follower/fan! :thumbsup:

Grüße aus den Niederlanden! :P
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: NAM30 Road Improvements (2)
Post by: Framly on October 26, 2011, 04:08:14 AM
Fantastic job! Great use of the new NAM and the SPUI &apls
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: NAM30 Road Improvements (2)
Post by: Terring7 on October 26, 2011, 05:34:50 AM
The SPUI is way better than the previous exit :)
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: NAM30 Road Improvements (2)
Post by: RickD on November 11, 2011, 06:26:11 AM
I had to put my MD on the backburner due to RL. Anyway, here is update 42. I got the inspiration for the area shown today from looking at cities like Minneapolis, Houston and Tulsa in Google Earth.

42.1
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The area north of downtown, across I-5 is not exactly the nicest part of town. During the 80s it was infamous for crime and gang wars. When the CBD was build, the house owners stopped investing in the old buildings. Instead it was more profitable to tear down the rundown buildings and build parking lots instead.

42.2
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In 1996 the city counsil tried to revive the area by building an arena and convention center. They hoped those landmark buildings would attract businesses and investors.

42.3
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The plan failed due to a major planning fault. There was almost no public transport. So the Sims had to take the car to visit events. And cars need parking lots. More and more buildings were torn down, only a few remain.
But recently a metro line has been built.

42.4
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The Central Bus Terminal next to the Arena.

42.5
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The arena by night.

42.6
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Another night overview.

42.7
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Outlook Park at the I-5 interchange. It is another attempt to make the area more attractive. You have a beautiful view of the skyline from here.




Replies:

nbvc, Nexis4Jersey, Dantes, TmiguelT, marsh, ricardomiranda, Skimbo, wallasey, bat, metasmurf, carlfatal, Kergelen, rooker1, Schulmanator, Framly, Terring7:
Thanks for reading ancommenting. I am glad you like my MD. :)

Quote from: Kevin1a on September 22, 2011, 09:58:25 PM
Still looking good!  I like how 41.1 shows the kind of sharp edges freeways and rail lines create for business districts and neighborhoods.  That's why traffic engineers hate to include them in new plans.  This new philosophy of freeway use reminds me of Germany where the Autobahns run between cities rather than through them.  You take a local Autobahn spur out of the city proper and at the edge you can hop on the freeway.  Your image captures the American style perfectly though.
Personally, I favor the american approach. In Germany the main goal of city and traffic planning is to make things as inconvinient and annoying for car drivers as possible. While american planners seem to try to improve traffic flow, German engineers are working hard to achieve the opposite.  &sly

Quote from: Simcitler on September 22, 2011, 11:12:57 PM
The SPUI looks really good at this point.  :thumbsup:
I also like your update on the SBlink, which shows a nice mixture of rural and urban scenes.
I really like how you plan your road/train network.  &apls

I also saw an interesting building which I'm interested. Any idea where i can get those residential blocks on pic 39.1?

Great work
~ Simcitler
Thanks! I got the apartment blocks from the Stex but I can't find them right now. I assume they are made by a danish batter as they have danish flags on the lot.

Quote from: DaveB on September 23, 2011, 04:13:18 AM
Greetings from the Emerald Isle (Ireland)  :)

I have been a lurker on this site for a long time, and it was only yesterday that I thought to read your MD, and I am very impressed! Can you give any tips on how to create such a successful networking system? As whenever I have made one in the past, the rail always gets left out..... *never used trams - yet.....*

I love the way you capture work crews creating the new roads (where do you get those bits of eye candy from??  :P  You have a great eye for detail too, and I have to say I am incredibly jealous hehe, but you have also given me LOTS of inspiration for my region that I have literally just started on - with a view to getting on here in the coming month or so :)

Keep up the hard work my friend, you have a devoted follower here  :thumbsup:

Ps. This is my first post ;)
Thanks for the praise.  &blush Planning the major highway and rail network is the very first thing I do when starting a new region. At least I want to have a rough idea, where things will go. Often I lay the network down before I begin zoning. But at least I put up some markers (with the sign-tool) that remind me where to leave space.

Quote from: noahclem on September 23, 2011, 05:40:40 AM
Nice SPUI! From the urban look of that area though, I'd vote for RHW-6C under the SPUI. And now that that street doesn't really connect to anything you should have the extra tile of space you need ;)

Look forward to more  :thumbsup:
A 6C would definitely look better but I am hesitant to demolish another tile next to it.  :-[

Quote from: Ricky112233 on October 26, 2011, 12:49:10 AM
Well Hello fellow SC4D member who has the same name as me! :P

I've been lurking around for a very, very, very, too long time!

So I thought it was about time to finally tell you how awe-inspiring, yaw-dropping, awesomely-great your MD is!
(Maybe I've posted a comment here before, but I don't think so..) :)

You've just earned another devoted follower/fan! :thumbsup:

Grüße aus den Niederlanden! :P

It is not my real name, though. ;) Glad you decided to quit lurking.
Grüße zurück. :)
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: The Arena
Post by: SCWTC4 on November 11, 2011, 08:14:31 AM
nice update, i like the stadium and the story of failed urban renewal around it  :)
hope to see some more road geekery in the next updates (and why not, a region view...)
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: The Arena
Post by: noahclem on November 11, 2011, 09:15:05 AM
Great update!  &apls Very good (and accurate) depiction of a once nice part of town falling into disrepair and struggling to reinvent itself. 42.3, with the once-grand theatre surrounded by parking lots and run-down old buildings, is my favorite.
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: The Arena
Post by: apeguy on November 11, 2011, 10:22:51 AM
Awesome update, your choice of buildings surrounding the arena is perfect. It looks very bleak and run-down. ;D :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: The Arena
Post by: Terring7 on November 11, 2011, 10:34:11 AM
I must admit it that Santa Barbaba Country is 1 of my favourite mayor diaries :)&apls
As about the parking lots, let me recommend you the use of underground parking garages and the replacement of all those pavement and cars with parks and plazas. This will make the area even more attractive without using too much space for parking lots. Just my humble opinion ;D
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: The Arena
Post by: sumwonyuno on November 11, 2011, 11:45:38 AM
Toyota Center, a fitting name.   :P
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: The Arena
Post by: nbvc on November 11, 2011, 11:44:46 PM
Great work. Looks very realistic. :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: The Arena
Post by: Lior on November 12, 2011, 07:29:21 AM
Wow, wonderful pics, your skyline is perfect, and the new arena is nice too.
And I agree with Terring7, underground parking lots would give you more space to try to revive this area.
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: The Arena
Post by: Ol.S / Benoit on November 13, 2011, 06:58:15 AM
Really nice update,and the first picture (42.1) is simply amazing... Very inspiring.
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: The Arena
Post by: Dantes on November 13, 2011, 03:03:11 PM
The park in the last picture looks great. As happy joggers and walkers with dogs.  ;D Image 42.1 is great. Big city atmosphere of 5 / 5 *  &apls  &apls  &apls
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: The Arena
Post by: Nanami on November 14, 2011, 06:26:40 AM
Nice looking city! and nice nightshot!
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: The Arena
Post by: bat on November 16, 2011, 08:50:07 AM
The night shot is looking beautiful!
Also great work on this area!!!
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: The Arena
Post by: Ricky112233 on November 21, 2011, 11:12:23 AM
Err...Owh well...uhm...Well you do have the same name as me at SC4Devotion ;D....Kinda :D

Great update, I lovee the storyline!

Grüße!
Tchuss! :)
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: The Arena
Post by: Skimbo on December 01, 2011, 01:35:42 PM
I like the realistic touch of the area around the arena, it's nearly a perfect copy of the mentioned cities and their areas around the arenas.....
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Evergreen Village
Post by: RickD on December 07, 2011, 04:56:48 AM
43.1
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Evergreen Village is a large residential development near the CBD across US-101. It was built in the 1970s to provide affordable housing in the city.

43.2
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Evergreen Park is the center of the housing complex.

44.3
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The rest of the area is still industrial. However, most factories here are long closed and decayed. The area is up for redevelopment.

44.4
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The Larkin Building has already been converted to offices.

44.5
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The Fisher Body Plant is closed since 1992. The building is a ruin and has to be torn down.

44.6
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An investor has recently bought the Coleman and Son's Warehouse and will convert it into luxury condominiums.

44.7
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A nightshot just for fun. ;)

44.8
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The old Powerplant is now a event hall where concerts and partys are held.

44.9
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MoFo is one of the hippest clubs in town.




noahclem, apeguy, nbvc, Lior, Ol.S / Benoit, Dantes, 976, bat, Ricky112233, Skimbo:
I am glad you liked the update. Thanks for leaving a comment.

Quote from: SCWTC4 on November 11, 2011, 08:14:31 AM
nice update, i like the stadium and the story of failed urban renewal around it  :)
hope to see some more road geekery in the next updates (and why not, a region view...)

Thanks. Unfortunately no roadgeekery in this update.  &mmm

Quote from: Terring7 on November 11, 2011, 10:34:11 AM
I must admit it that Santa Barbaba Country is 1 of my favourite mayor diaries :)&apls
As about the parking lots, let me recommend you the use of underground parking garages and the replacement of all those pavement and cars with parks and plazas. This will make the area even more attractive without using too much space for parking lots. Just my humble opinion ;D

Glad you like my MD. Underground parking? Meh. What about a parking skyscraper? That would be cool.  $%Grinno$%

Quote from: sumwonyuno on November 11, 2011, 11:45:38 AM
Toyota Center, a fitting name.   :P

:D



Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Evergreen Village
Post by: noahclem on December 07, 2011, 05:10:24 AM
Nice update RickD  &apls  The projects and the factories are nice, though it's a shame the Fisher Body Plant has to go--a beautiful building with top-notch night-lighting. I'd love to see that RHW-6C's sharp curves get smoothed out with the new FARHW pieces  ;)

Look forward to more  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Evergreen Village
Post by: apeguy on December 07, 2011, 10:36:01 AM
Cool update, especially the Fisher Plant and the Coal Plant. :thumbsup: I agree with Noah, you should use FARHW pieces on the highway to make it look more realistic. ;)
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Evergreen Village
Post by: nbvc on December 07, 2011, 10:59:14 AM
Great work. Nice city and industrial area.
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Evergreen Village
Post by: Dantes on December 07, 2011, 12:28:15 PM
I like the social problem district  :) Fantastic Pictures  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Evergreen Village
Post by: scott1964 on December 09, 2011, 10:01:09 PM
Looks good.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Evergreen Village
Post by: Jayster on December 13, 2011, 11:14:43 PM
Very nice update.

I've always wondered why you decided to model your CJ after Santa Barbara? It's a very nice area non-the-less and you have been doing a superb job at it.

Jayster
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Evergreen Village
Post by: carlfatal on December 16, 2011, 08:42:15 AM
Hi Rick,
nice updates!  &apls
I like this reality feeling, all this parking space where nearly a complete quarter disappeared. Perfect work also on the Fisher Body Plant, the old power plant and the surrounding former industrial area. And although i don´t want to live there: this housing complex around evergreen park is damn realistic.
Greetz, Carl
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Evergreen Village
Post by: solsystem on December 18, 2011, 02:11:28 AM
Great updates!  &apls
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Evergreen Village
Post by: rooker1 on January 01, 2012, 06:28:13 AM
There is no doubt in my mind why you and your MD have landed in OSITM for a second time........great pics, awesome network layouts and beautiful night shots are just a few of the reasons.  I can't wait to see what you have in store for us during January's OSITM.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FOSITM%2520Awards%2FSecondtimeRickD.png&hash=3010385bb2b93c7b45b2ceae0d2d249fcd354e2b)

Congrats from The SC4D Staff!! &apls
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Evergreen Village
Post by: art128 on January 01, 2012, 08:32:51 AM
Everything looks fine at its place, I like it very well. Congrats on the OSITM!
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Evergreen Village
Post by: Yan077 on January 01, 2012, 08:39:01 AM
Great set of pictures, espacially the industrial area and the interchanges, congrats for the OSITM  &apls
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Evergreen Village
Post by: Battlecat on January 01, 2012, 10:28:44 AM
Congratulations on your second visit to OSITM!   &apls &apls

I've always found your attention to detail in urban areas inspirational, especially your highway networks!  Looking forward to seeing more as always!
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Evergreen Village
Post by: Kergelen on January 01, 2012, 11:09:15 AM
Congrats on OSITM!
I enjoy your big urban areas  &apls
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Downtown Developments - Part 1
Post by: RickD on January 01, 2012, 02:52:17 PM
I am very honored being selected for OSITM the second time. I am not a friend of big words, so let's get it started right away, ok?

There have been a number of new constructions arising in Santa Barbara's CBD. In the next couple of
updates I will show you the new developments.

45.1
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A private investor bought a whole city block on South 4th Avenue and the old Imperial Theater on the corner of 1st Street and S 4th Avenue.

45.2
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Construction starts right away.

45.3
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A shiny new office building is standing in place of the old mixed-use city block.

45.4
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A night shot of the new building.

45.5
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Next, the old Imperial Theater is torn down. There have been a number of protests against demolishing this historic landmark.

45.6
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The protests were not successful.

45.7
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Admire the new KeyBank Tower, where the Imperial Theater once stood.




Replies:

apeguy, nbvc, Dantes, scott1964, carlfatal, solsystem, art128, Yan077, Battlecat, Kergelen:

Thank you so much. I appreciate every comment.  ()stsfd()

Quote from: noahclem on December 07, 2011, 05:10:24 AM
Nice update RickD  &apls  The projects and the factories are nice, though it's a shame the Fisher Body Plant has to go--a beautiful building with top-notch night-lighting. I'd love to see that RHW-6C's sharp curves get smoothed out with the new FARHW pieces  ;)

Look forward to more  :thumbsup:

I certainly agree that the new FARHW pieces would look so much better there. But I built this area when those pieces weren't available and I am reluctant to tear down many buildings to implement them. Sorry, but it is not gonna happen.

Quote from: Jayster on December 13, 2011, 11:14:43 PM
Very nice update.

I've always wondered why you decided to model your CJ after Santa Barbara? It's a very nice area non-the-less and you have been doing a superb job at it.

Jayster

Thanks. I liked the Santa Barbara Map that Blade2k5 created. It offers so much variety. And I checked Santa Barbara out on Google Earth because the company I work for cooperates with another company located in Santa Barbara, CA.
Originally I wanted my Santa Barbara to resemble the original SB much more closely, but it did not work out. To be honest, I regret naming my region Santa Barbara instead of using a fantasy name now.

Quote from: rooker1 on January 01, 2012, 06:28:13 AM
There is no doubt in my mind why you and your MD have landed in OSITM for a second time........great pics, awesome network layouts and beautiful night shots are just a few of the reasons.  I can't wait to see what you have in store for us during January's OSITM.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FOSITM%2520Awards%2FSecondtimeRickD.png&hash=3010385bb2b93c7b45b2ceae0d2d249fcd354e2b)

Congrats from The SC4D Staff!! &apls

Thanks!  ()stsfd()
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Downtown Developments - Part 1
Post by: kbieniu7 on January 01, 2012, 03:12:15 PM
Oh no! Demolishing landmarks should be a crime!  :D
Congratulations for OSITM!  &apls
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Downtown Developments - Part 1
Post by: threestooges on January 01, 2012, 03:30:11 PM
Such are the signs of progress. Nice little update to start the month out. It's always interesting the balance that needs to be struck between developing an area and preserving the charm that initially drew people to it. Looks like the area is definitely increasing in desirability though. Congratulations on your second time in OSITM; looking forward to what you have in store.
-Matt
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Downtown Developments - Part 1
Post by: peter007 on January 01, 2012, 03:43:18 PM
Great start in the new year. I hope many updates follow.

-Ernst
Title: Re: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Downtown Developments - Part 1
Post by: bat on January 03, 2012, 06:08:19 AM
Congrats for your second OSITM-award! &apls
Nice update. Looking forward to more... ;)
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Downtown Developments - Part 1
Post by: carlfatal on January 03, 2012, 08:52:12 AM
Hi Rick,
congrats on Your second OSITM!
And i agree with kbieniu: destroying the wonderful old theater was a crime, smells like corruption to me...  $%#Ninj2
But after i´ve taken my daily ration of fukitol i looked at the pictures again and thought: everything´s fine here!  ()stsfd()
Greetz, Carl
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Downtown Developments - Part 1
Post by: apeguy on January 03, 2012, 09:58:23 AM
Interesting update, the new office towers make a fine addition to the CBD, but I'm not sure about demolishing the theater though, a lot of people won't be happy with that, however the smaller office building is definitely an improvement over the old block. ()stsfd()
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Downtown Developments - Part 1
Post by: Skimbo on January 04, 2012, 04:43:09 AM
Nice update and congrats to well earned OSITM!
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Downtown Developments - Part 1
Post by: Dantes on January 04, 2012, 04:14:14 PM
The best to OSITM  :thumbsup: Fantastic Artworks again  &apls  &apls  &apls
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Downtown Developments - Part 2
Post by: RickD on January 05, 2012, 01:32:24 AM
46.1
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg834.imageshack.us%2Fimg834%2F5558%2F1vorher.jpg&hash=a100fe63706b2c95ae0dbfc5e03c96eac1a273d7)
Two more blocks (east and west of W 4th Street) in the CBD are to be demolished for new commercial highrises.

46.2
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg834.imageshack.us%2Fimg834%2F4518%2F2bau.jpg&hash=e9273958130aae9d24a36752a22dcca2d8e9d3c3)
This short section of West 4th Street is closed during most of the construction phase.

46.3
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg171.imageshack.us%2Fimg171%2F7504%2F3nachher.jpg&hash=d14c20cae906f6beb8744435f28f5057c81e2e62)
The new buildings form a nicer transition from the low rise area to the skyscrapers along 1st Avenue.

46.4
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg151.imageshack.us%2Fimg151%2F103%2F4nachhernacht.jpg&hash=a5ffbedaebc3467f51a03075ec82f8a5266a1660)
The skyline at night.




kbieniu7, threestooges, peter007, bat, carlfatal, apeguy, Skimbo, Dantes:
Thank you! I am glad you like it. :)
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Downtown Developments - Part 2
Post by: nbvc on January 05, 2012, 02:03:43 AM
Great updates and congratulation for OSITM. :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Downtown Developments - Part 2
Post by: Ol.S / Benoit on January 05, 2012, 04:03:16 AM
What a great way to start this OSITM month Raphael ! Two amazing updates :)
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Downtown Developments - Part 2
Post by: TiFlo on January 05, 2012, 04:24:59 AM
Nice little update. And congratulations for the well deserved OSITM!  :)
Title: Re: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Downtown Developments - Part 2
Post by: io_bg on January 05, 2012, 11:47:04 AM
Congrats on your second OSITM! And great reconstruction/redevelopment shots!
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Downtown Developments - Part 2
Post by: noahclem on January 06, 2012, 01:11:14 PM
First off, congratulations on a second and well-deserved OSITM  &hlp

I must apologize for taking so long to comment  :'(  Your MD has always been a favorite of mine, combining a brilliant transportation network with a great selection of BATs, realistic planning, and a pleasant explanations of your developments. I hope you have all kinds of exciting stuff planned for us this month!

The last two updates look very nice! While I'm sorry to see historic buildings lost the new ones look great and the city-center is really taking shape here. Keep up the great work  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Downtown Developments - Part 2
Post by: Kergelen on January 06, 2012, 02:13:23 PM
Two great reconstruction updates!  :)
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Downtown Developments - Part 2
Post by: dedgren on January 06, 2012, 02:33:16 PM
Ahhh, the ongoing battle between the preservationists and progress.  I tend to take my stands on a case-by-case basis.  My general sense is, though, that if folks want something preserved, they need to be prepared to put some of their own skin into the game.  There's nothing that gripes me worse than seeing people who say that something is truly important to preserve, but then will stand by after the developer moves on and do nothing to contribute to keep it from becoming a dilapidated eyesore.  I think that the Nature Conservancy, in that regard, has the perfect model.  If its members want to protect an area, they a) buy it, or b) buy the development rights in the form of a conservation easement.

Always great to pay a visit to Santa Barbara County!


David
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Downtown Developments - Part 2
Post by: turtle on January 07, 2012, 06:10:16 AM
Nice work taking good care of that skyline :)

... and congrats on the OSITM, it is well deserved!
Title: Re: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Downtown Developments - Part 2
Post by: art128 on January 07, 2012, 12:10:33 PM
Oh no, I liked that old theater... I hope they'll build a new one somewhere, like some big modern building, ya know ?
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Downtown Developments - Part 2
Post by: carlfatal on January 07, 2012, 02:53:07 PM
Again some great update, cool construction site and the triangular building is awesome!
Thanks to Kergelen: i´ve learned! The name of this process is not de- it´s reconstruction.  ;D
And so i´m fine with what i see,  $%Grinno$%

Greetz, Carl
Title: Re: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Downtown Developments - Part 2
Post by: bat on January 08, 2012, 10:25:05 AM
Wonderful looking skyline there!
Also the night shot of it is great.

Looking forward to more...
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Downtown Developments - Part 3
Post by: RickD on January 09, 2012, 05:53:35 AM
Another quick redevolpment update for today. I am trying to make the most out of the OSITM by posting more but smaller updates than usual.

47.1
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg193.imageshack.us%2Fimg193%2F5558%2F1vorher.jpg&hash=8cf0e8b3208ae372dd4196cef5cb253ccbd41e0f)
Another new building will be constructed on 1st Avenue.

47.2
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg441.imageshack.us%2Fimg441%2F4518%2F2bau.jpg&hash=8060de20628feb99b3a883663b822ecae4348d6b)
Construction is underway.

47.3
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg525.imageshack.us%2Fimg525%2F7504%2F3nachher.jpg&hash=d6064835cb91e2cc5bd1211a53d8b4e4429a7724)
The finished building.

47.4
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg528.imageshack.us%2Fimg528%2F9573%2F4nacht.jpg&hash=ca9d4e8390916e5673638eb11a0a02a19476875f)
And another night shot. ;)




nbvc, Ol.S / Benoit, TiFlo, io_bg, noahclem, Kergelen, dedgren, turtle, art128, carlfatal, bat:
Thanks for the comments. I am sorry for not answering individually. :( But this does not mean that I do not appreciate every comment. ;)
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Downtown Developments - Part 3
Post by: Badsim on January 09, 2012, 07:09:17 AM
There's too much MDs to comment for a single and busy man  ( even if I visit them all ) , but your pictures are representative of  the high quality of urban scenes we can see by these days so that's a perfect place to tell it : simply convincing ,  so hard to reach ...

&apls &apls &apls

Reverently .

Cédric.
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Downtown Developments - Part 3
Post by: apeguy on January 09, 2012, 11:31:18 AM
More redevelopment I see. To be honest I think it looked better before, the buildings fitted in with their surroundings better than the new office building, but that never stops developers in real life, so this is still an excellent update for realism. Looking forward to more. ;D ;D
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Downtown Developments - Part 3
Post by: Dantes on January 10, 2012, 10:50:53 AM
Your building sites look great. I like the new building. A very American atmosphere.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Downtown Developments - Part 3
Post by: peter007 on January 10, 2012, 10:52:38 AM
Great development in your CBD. I've enjoyed the last three updates. They're so normal and yet so special. There's realy a story going through, why the city developed. I like it. Surely if it's going about cities. That's exactly were this game has been made for. Try to keep this up.

-Ernst
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Downtown Developments - Part 3
Post by: Gringamuyloca on January 10, 2012, 11:56:53 AM
 &ops
The how and why I have not commented here before escapes me, considering I always look forward to seeing a new post in your fantastic MD and have since your first post! :o  ???

There are many facets to enjoy about your MD, though I admit to being partial to your networks and 'long' shots. I like the way you have taken your readers on this evolving journey through 'content' and time.

Congrats on your very deserved 2nd visit to OSITM!  :thumbsup:

Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Downtown Developments - Part 3
Post by: noahclem on January 10, 2012, 01:38:25 PM
I think you are a wiser man than I for breaking up your OSITM into smaller more frequent updates  $%Grinno$%

The new redevelopment looks great! I like this redeveloping theme and hope you continue with it. A good city center is all in the details and great highrise ones with SC4 are especially hard to find. I think I'll borrow your technique for whenever I finally get around to developing Siilijoki's city center (again). All that being said, I'm definitely looking forward to seeing more of your great work with roads and rails  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Downtown Developments - Part 3
Post by: MTT9 on January 10, 2012, 05:36:52 PM
Although i prefer a bit longer updates, i have to say its nice to have something new from Santa Barbara so fast   ;)
Title: Re: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Downtown Developments - Part 3
Post by: bat on January 12, 2012, 06:09:41 AM
Welcome to page 31!

The night shot is looking beautiful!
Nice work on the redevelopment.
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Downtown Developments - Part 3
Post by: Framly on January 12, 2012, 01:43:41 PM
Congrats on OSITM!

I really like your construction sites! &apls

Weiter so :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Downtown Developments - Part 3
Post by: benedict on January 13, 2012, 09:39:18 AM
Congratulations, you're number one on Ben's Top Ten this week!
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Downtown Developments - Part 3
Post by: solsystem on January 15, 2012, 02:11:26 AM
Congratulations for OSITM!

It's alway a big fun to visit Santa Barbara County.
Title: Re: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Downtown Developments - Part 3
Post by: art128 on January 15, 2012, 05:22:57 AM
Nice redevelopment there, Raphael! The new building is much better than the old ones, and fits perfectly the surroundings.
Title: Re: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Downtown Developments - Part 3
Post by: Nanami on January 16, 2012, 03:44:06 AM
Nice! you put it pretty well..
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Downtown Developments - Part 3
Post by: Battlecat on January 16, 2012, 09:30:37 AM
Nice redevelopment shots!  Your city is growing quickly! 
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Downtown Developments - Part 4
Post by: RickD on January 25, 2012, 06:17:11 AM
I recently re-discovered the "Osturland Executive Offices" Building in my plugins and wanted to have it my city.

48.1
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg853.imageshack.us%2Fimg853%2F5558%2F1vorher.jpg&hash=83bcf6efd8e1a0b02e6888a3750aaa3a936eb947)
I chose the spot where the flat buidlings are standing now next to the freeway ramp. Those grow like weeds and I have the same setup on the other side of town. So I decided those have to go.

48.2
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg812.imageshack.us%2Fimg812%2F4518%2F2bau.jpg&hash=33b4466add37e4b46a3f3e6cb41defa8ccdf37bb)
Construction.

48.3
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg689.imageshack.us%2Fimg689%2F7504%2F3nachher.jpg&hash=bc0bab9265aabac7cd371b698eaaa9ee3c4180ee)
The new buidling.

48.4
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg32.imageshack.us%2Fimg32%2F3915%2F4nachherbersicht.jpg&hash=91195b67fcec2d23fdd89647cc16ded9598b0f85)
I think it looks great there.

48.5
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg88.imageshack.us%2Fimg88%2F2195%2F5nacht.jpg&hash=aacde90dbad252532cccad427bdfe05adc23b6c3)
And the usual night shot. ;)

48.6
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg684.imageshack.us%2Fimg684%2F5558%2F1vorher.jpg&hash=29eb7c16eeaf11407c450f619c32e7bf32d3f9c6)
The last remaining gas station in the CBD on the corner block of S4 Avenue and W7 Steet is about to vanish. Land value is just too high.

48.7
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg443.imageshack.us%2Fimg443%2F9881%2F2baul.jpg&hash=2ce0a7d41fed322e45298c474e140f9847808a40)
See, it's gone already.

48.8
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg256.imageshack.us%2Fimg256%2F9346%2F3nachher1.jpg&hash=ad10c4ccc184d44b9e2a40d2bd47f9c40e487086)
I might have gone overboard with the number of "after"-pics but I just love those Bats and their nightlighting.

48.9
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg59.imageshack.us%2Fimg59%2F9452%2F4nachher1nacht.jpg&hash=2c9b2d2459411c708731cb0deeaac850e1e2e1f7)

48.10
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg823.imageshack.us%2Fimg823%2F7335%2F5nachher2.jpg&hash=8e4f991b52e7cc48d6674e399bcfe792be5233d5)

48.11
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg210.imageshack.us%2Fimg210%2F8083%2F6nachher2nacht.jpg&hash=62b0dfa66dcf730491bacbd5f0f627014532f00b)

48.12
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg703.imageshack.us%2Fimg703%2F7870%2F7nachherbersicht.jpg&hash=6992d92fb0acda5fc0a92e6b13028d99a105a5ca)

48.13
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg542.imageshack.us%2Fimg542%2F6812%2F8nachherbersichtnacht.jpg&hash=9b71d1ebe3629de33b853d56d90414f1aa7173fe)




Badsim, Dantes, peter007, noahclem, bat, Framly, benedict, solsystem, art128, 976, Battlecat:
Thank you!  :)

Quote from: apeguy on January 09, 2012, 11:31:18 AM
More redevelopment I see. To be honest I think it looked better before, the buildings fitted in with their surroundings better than the new office building, but that never stops developers in real life, so this is still an excellent update for realism. Looking forward to more. ;D ;D
As in real life, you can not make it right for everyone. And I am trying to get rid of some repetition. There are a lot of those buildings in the area.

Quote from: Gringamuyloca on January 10, 2012, 11:56:53 AM
&ops
The how and why I have not commented here before escapes me, considering I always look forward to seeing a new post in your fantastic MD and have since your first post! :o  ???
Don't worry. I am glad that you chose to leave a comment now. ;)
Quote
There are many facets to enjoy about your MD, though I admit to being partial to your networks and 'long' shots. I like the way you have taken your readers on this evolving journey through 'content' and time.
Yeah, I'm not that good at micro-detailing everything. I am most interested in getting the "big picture" right.

Quote from: emmotic on January 10, 2012, 05:36:52 PM
Although i prefer a bit longer updates, i have to say its nice to have something new from Santa Barbara so fast   ;)
Since I wasn't able to maintain the higher updating frequency due to real life, you now get a longer update.  ;D




That's it for today. And don't worry, this is the last re-development update.  ::)
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Downtown Developments - Part 4
Post by: noahclem on January 25, 2012, 06:26:35 AM
I love those bats and nightlighting too!  &apls  I don't get to use them too often because they don't fit the best with my city's style but it's nice to be able to enjoy them here  ;D Keep up the great work!
Title: Re: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Downtown Developments - Part 4
Post by: rooker1 on January 25, 2012, 06:49:33 AM
I really like how you did the RHW in pic 48.12.  I'm going to have to give that piece a try. ;)
Great work all round and very nice night pics.

Robin :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Downtown Developments - Part 4
Post by: threestooges on January 26, 2012, 09:02:08 PM
Love the renovations. The area's really building up. Though I do wonder where everyone will find their gas now that the stations are disappearing. I'd hate to have a fuel light come on during rush hour, though I'm sure many have had that experience before in real life. The density of downtown is realistic and seems to neatly walk the edge of dense, but not choked out. Nice work.
-Matt
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Downtown Developments - Part 4
Post by: nbvc on January 26, 2012, 09:22:10 PM
Great work how you replace the old buildings with the construction scenes. &apls
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Downtown Developments - Part 4
Post by: kelis on January 27, 2012, 04:45:16 AM
Great job my friend, I love your city, looks good with a great american style, the buildings selection is also great !

Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Downtown Developments - Part 4
Post by: Battlecat on January 27, 2012, 10:14:55 AM
Another excellent update.  I really like the diversity in your highway designs. 
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Downtown Developments - Part 4
Post by: Dantes on January 27, 2012, 02:53:20 PM
I really like your pictures from the city highway.  :thumbsup: Your building has a great blend of style suits the city and has a special charm.  :satisfied: Fantastic work again  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Downtown Developments - Part 4
Post by: io_bg on January 28, 2012, 04:29:37 AM
A great update indeed! The sunken highway looks really cool :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Downtown Developments - Part 4
Post by: bat on January 28, 2012, 05:26:30 AM
Wonderful shots of the highway! Also nice night shots, too... ;)
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: Downtown Developments - Part 4
Post by: AcoG000 on January 28, 2012, 05:50:32 AM
my first comment here.
I'm very impressed with what you've done so far. (me has been looking at quite a few previous updates :P)
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: The End.
Post by: RickD on January 29, 2012, 03:18:46 PM
The OSITM is coming to an end and this also marks the end of this MD. I made this decision a while ago and I think the OSITM is an adequate ending.

I am closing my MD with a laughing and a crying eye. I had a great time here with all of you. I like how the region turned out but I am not very happy with the narrative style of my MD. I kinda ran into a dead end.

I felt the urge to start something new for quite a while. Now that I have more experience in MDing, I am up to a new challenge and will hopefully start something even better. In fact, I have started playing another region several months ago.

Thank you all for your great support. I enjoyed reading every single comment. You are awesome!

Be sure to watch out for my new MD "Empire Bay", coming soon to a Recently Published Section near you. See you there. :)




And now some final aerial shots from all over the region:

49.1
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg851.imageshack.us%2Fimg851%2F2611%2F1cbd.jpg&hash=73b572b9de1ee56d9dec08e0a3cf46b49b64d510)

49.2
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg39.imageshack.us%2Fimg39%2F1253%2F2cbd.jpg&hash=80b402b2b986d14241cd199d1484ec7dd089da5a)

49.3
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg821.imageshack.us%2Fimg821%2F9315%2F3cbd.jpg&hash=1b55f630aa975523facadb5b41eeed940303e85f)

49.4
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg607.imageshack.us%2Fimg607%2F3828%2F4cbd.jpg&hash=9242a0968b0425884379ced01b4c914aeb3e4b96)

49.5
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg684.imageshack.us%2Fimg684%2F6789%2F5yachtharbor.jpg&hash=cc36e8b1a9ed35cc1eb9ed09b18ecfc874f336a6)
I think I have not shown the yacht harbor and the ocean promenade before.

49.6
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg18.imageshack.us%2Fimg18%2F4324%2F6suburb.jpg&hash=315d660b5273453033240f76322703db1334a4c5)

49.7
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg859.imageshack.us%2Fimg859%2F2213%2F7suburb.jpg&hash=fec6224d28726d577795bec924709fac5ecf8b93)

49.8
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg96.imageshack.us%2Fimg96%2F3277%2F8suburb.jpg&hash=22d02500331a81a2c26e7328b591cc237e20e144)

49.9
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg811.imageshack.us%2Fimg811%2F9251%2F9suburb.jpg&hash=279be269fbb48871d7b33529e733ba197476d673)

49.10
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg515.imageshack.us%2Fimg515%2F4714%2F10suburbs.jpg&hash=e62e3eb55b77e264e59bc15e58120a8e109daab2)

49.11
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg546.imageshack.us%2Fimg546%2F3236%2F11suburbs.jpg&hash=1ef93e66c7186fc4a05d6f18c50d8f7a72a9740f)

49.12
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg849.imageshack.us%2Fimg849%2F315%2F12suburbs.jpg&hash=c140b88997c9f18879292ffde0c47216f71f3237)

49.13
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg692.imageshack.us%2Fimg692%2F6558%2F14072161.jpg&hash=11c9c8249b90e9c7dcb0ba02fb9591c1664ae390)

49.14
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg26.imageshack.us%2Fimg26%2F7968%2F14rural.jpg&hash=69abee7eea8ac6ccc43d891c80c234f954eb76c9)

49.15
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg834.imageshack.us%2Fimg834%2F1839%2F15rural.jpg&hash=43c01788990fc1b6721d84272c73c88b7798fb3a)

49.16
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg600.imageshack.us%2Fimg600%2F5900%2F16rural.jpg&hash=e00a4f0ac97c102965fed06a6937db40365514a4)

49.17
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg842.imageshack.us%2Fimg842%2F4550%2F17rural.jpg&hash=f0f96426dd9acfa46d396dd2d3891c3463aaecb1)

Click  the links for the bonus pics:

This would have been the city of Goleta if I had finished it. (http://img163.imageshack.us/img163/6853/goleta.jpg)

An unfinished suburb of Goleta. The empty area on the coast would have become the university. (http://img3.imageshack.us/img3/4237/goleta2s.jpg)

The last region view (click for full size, 3MB):
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg576.imageshack.us%2Fimg576%2F1543%2Fsantabarbaraklein.jpg&hash=f648bba5ebe825a4a16d7429f2b22161a3c1cd5f) (http://img810.imageshack.us/img810/3355/santabarbaras.jpg)

The End.
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: The End.
Post by: marsh on January 29, 2012, 03:38:12 PM
That region view is absolutely stunning. Even though this is you last update (?) It's awesome to see some of these never-before-seen areas. Like the rural country across the mountain range.

I'm sure this next cj will be great. I'm very interested in seeing how you plan on making it. I've been a follower of Santa Babara for quite some time. Empire city will certainly be a great new start.

,marsh
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: The End.
Post by: apeguy on January 29, 2012, 03:47:09 PM
One of your best updates ever. A shame it's the last one though. :( :(

Still, I look forward to your new MD, I'm sure it'll be just as good, if not better than Santa Barbara County. And I also wonder where you got the name Empire Bay, are you a Mafia II fan by any chance? ;D
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: The End.
Post by: MTT9 on January 29, 2012, 06:33:38 PM
Why?! :'( It was a great journey and i'll look foward to your next MD.

Matt
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: The End.
Post by: Utvaw on January 29, 2012, 06:39:27 PM
Nice end to a fantastic MD.  And it's hard to be sad because you are coming back better than ever.  Looking forward to your new MD and the future gems that await.
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: The End.
Post by: threestooges on January 29, 2012, 08:57:43 PM
Rick, while I'm sorry to see it come to a close, this was a great finish for a great MD. I wish I could've seen the university built, but I have a feeling there will be one in the cards in the future. It was neat to see the interpretation and the re-imagination of an area I've lived in.

You scared me for a bit though. When I read "the end" in the topic title, I thought you were hanging things up for good. I'mglad to see you'll be continuing on, and even starting fresh with Empire Bay. I'll be sure to be there from update one to keep an eye on how things develop from there. Best of luck on the new one and thanks for the ride here.
-Matt
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: The End.
Post by: Tarkus on January 30, 2012, 07:57:09 PM
Raphael, I think this last update epitomizes the phrase "going out on top". :thumbsup:  Santa Barbara County has been a pleasure to read and look at--I've always enjoyed what you've done with transit networks and these redevelopment updates have proven quite interesting as well.  While I'm sad to see it's over, I'm thrilled that you're sticking with the MDing, as you definitely have a knack for it. 

I'll definitely be on the lookout for your new effort when you get it up and running, and I very much look forward to it!

-Alex
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: The End.
Post by: nbvc on January 30, 2012, 09:24:12 PM
I like the city with the marina and the rural landscapes are also great. &apls
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: The End.
Post by: dedgren on January 30, 2012, 10:38:00 PM
Great stuff, Raphael, right up until the very end.  Pics like 49.17 are what I had in mind when the first wide curve roads were on the drawing board.  I am sure Empire Bay will be a hit from day one!


David
Title: Re: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: The End.
Post by: Terring7 on January 31, 2012, 03:37:23 AM
Every end is a new beginning. I'm not sad about ending of Santa Barbara, because I know that something new and cool is coming soon. Can't wait for it :)
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: The End.
Post by: Kergelen on January 31, 2012, 06:08:22 AM
I was always interested in your MD and has been a pleasure to look at. . I've always loved the use you make of RHW and the images of the region. A region very realistic and consistent. &apls &apls
When I started reading I thought that you lost your interest in sc4, but luckily begin another MD where we'll sure see good pictures as in Santa Barbara County.  :)
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: The End.
Post by: TiFlo on January 31, 2012, 06:34:37 AM
Yours was on my fav list of MDs. That last update was great, with shots of regions I had misses. I'm looking forward to seeing was you'll be coming up with for Empire Bay. Thank you!

&apls
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: The End.
Post by: noahclem on January 31, 2012, 07:52:50 AM
This has been a tremendous MD Raphael, and I'm sad to see it go. This last update was particularly spectacular, revealing areas I was unaware of and a zoomed-out photo style I really enjoy. I'm glad to hear you'll be continuing with a new MD soon and hope you bring all the great transportation elements, well thought out building styles, and general flare that has made Santa Barbara County so deservedly popular. Thanks and good luck  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: The End.
Post by: turtle on January 31, 2012, 08:58:48 AM
Sorry to see this MD coming to an end. It has been a favorite of mine! The final region view is absolutely great!

I'll be sure to follow your next work.

Thanks for sharing and good luck with the new one  &apls

Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: The End.
Post by: Battlecat on January 31, 2012, 10:02:24 AM
Congratulations on an excellent finish to a fine MD!   &apls &apls

While I'm sorry to see this one ending, I'm looking forward to your next project! 
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: The End.
Post by: Nexis4Jersey on February 02, 2012, 09:01:51 PM
Wow its sad to see this MD end , Ive always enjoyed your work , hopefully your next MD will be just as great... :)
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: The End.
Post by: Framly on February 03, 2012, 03:49:45 PM
WHAT! You finished &mmm...But i look forward to you next project!  ;)

Keep on your great work :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: The End.
Post by: RickD on February 03, 2012, 04:05:06 PM
I don't want to leave your last comments unanswered. So this is my final reply here. My new MD Empire Bay is now online in the Recently Published Section. (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=14333.msg412795#msg412795)

Quote from: marsh on January 29, 2012, 03:38:12 PM
That region view is absolutely stunning. Even though this is you last update (?) It's awesome to see some of these never-before-seen areas. Like the rural country across the mountain range.

I'm sure this next cj will be great. I'm very interested in seeing how you plan on making it. I've been a follower of Santa Babara for quite some time. Empire city will certainly be a great new start.

,marsh
Thanks, marsh. This is a great compliment coming from you.

Quote from: apeguy on January 29, 2012, 03:47:09 PM
One of your best updates ever. A shame it's the last one though. :( :(

Still, I look forward to your new MD, I'm sure it'll be just as good, if not better than Santa Barbara County. And I also wonder where you got the name Empire Bay, are you a Mafia II fan by any chance? ;D
Yes, I am. ;) I know that Mafia II was not extremely well judged by game critics but it I liked it even better than GTA which is way too "open world" for me. Mafia II is one of my Top 10 video games ever.

Quote from: emmotic on January 29, 2012, 06:33:38 PM
Why?! :'( It was a great journey and i'll look foward to your next MD.

Matt
Hi Matt, hope to see you in my new MD soon.

Quote from: Utvaw on January 29, 2012, 06:39:27 PM
Nice end to a fantastic MD.  And it's hard to be sad because you are coming back better than ever.  Looking forward to your new MD and the future gems that await.
An new start is always hard. But I am sure that Empire Bay will become even better than Santa Barbara.

Quote from: threestooges on January 29, 2012, 08:57:43 PM
Rick, while I'm sorry to see it come to a close, this was a great finish for a great MD. I wish I could've seen the university built, but I have a feeling there will be one in the cards in the future. It was neat to see the interpretation and the re-imagination of an area I've lived in.

You scared me for a bit though. When I read "the end" in the topic title, I thought you were hanging things up for good. I'mglad to see you'll be continuing on, and even starting fresh with Empire Bay. I'll be sure to be there from update one to keep an eye on how things develop from there. Best of luck on the new one and thanks for the ride here.
-Matt
I am way too addicted to this game to leave for good. Sometimes I think, I'll be the last SC4 player around after everyone else left.  :D

Quote from: Tarkus on January 30, 2012, 07:57:09 PM
Raphael, I think this last update epitomizes the phrase "going out on top". :thumbsup:  Santa Barbara County has been a pleasure to read and look at--I've always enjoyed what you've done with transit networks and these redevelopment updates have proven quite interesting as well.  While I'm sad to see it's over, I'm thrilled that you're sticking with the MDing, as you definitely have a knack for it. 

I'll definitely be on the lookout for your new effort when you get it up and running, and I very much look forward to it!

-Alex
I am trying a historic approach in my new MD. So it will take some time until you will see the first RHW in Empire Bay. But I already have some great visions.  ::)

Quote from: nbvc on January 30, 2012, 09:24:12 PM
I like the city with the marina and the rural landscapes are also great. &apls
Thank you. I hope you will like my new MD, too. :)

Quote from: dedgren on January 30, 2012, 10:38:00 PM
Great stuff, Raphael, right up until the very end.  Pics like 49.17 are what I had in mind when the first wide curve roads were on the drawing board.  I am sure Empire Bay will be a hit from day one!


David

And I am so grateful for those wide curves. It adds so much to the game. I remember how excited I was when I was able to create this road.

Quote from: Terring7 on January 31, 2012, 03:37:23 AM
Every end is a new beginning. I'm not sad about ending of Santa Barbara, because I know that something new and cool is coming soon. Can't wait for it :)
I should have kept record of who made the most comments in my MD. It must be either you or bat. Anyway, thanks for your great support.

Quote from: Kergelen on January 31, 2012, 06:08:22 AM
I was always interested in your MD and has been a pleasure to look at. . I've always loved the use you make of RHW and the images of the region. A region very realistic and consistent. &apls &apls
When I started reading I thought that you lost your interest in sc4, but luckily begin another MD where we'll sure see good pictures as in Santa Barbara County.  :)
Me losing interest in SC4?  :o Never!  ()stsfd()
Ok, maybe if SC5 comes out. $%Grinno$%

Quote from: TiFlo on January 31, 2012, 06:34:37 AM
Yours was on my fav list of MDs. That last update was great, with shots of regions I had misses. I'm looking forward to seeing was you'll be coming up with for Empire Bay. Thank you!

&apls
Thank you. Hope to see you in Empire Bay.

Quote from: noahclem on January 31, 2012, 07:52:50 AM
This has been a tremendous MD Raphael, and I'm sad to see it go. This last update was particularly spectacular, revealing areas I was unaware of and a zoomed-out photo style I really enjoy. I'm glad to hear you'll be continuing with a new MD soon and hope you bring all the great transportation elements, well thought out building styles, and general flare that has made Santa Barbara County so deservedly popular. Thanks and good luck  :thumbsup:
It will take a while till my new MD will be comparable to Santa Barbara because I am starting out from an empty region. I always wanted to do that.  :)

Quote from: turtle on January 31, 2012, 08:58:48 AM
Sorry to see this MD coming to an end. It has been a favorite of mine! The final region view is absolutely great!

I'll be sure to follow your next work.

Thanks for sharing and good luck with the new one  &apls
Thank you!

Quote from: Battlecat on January 31, 2012, 10:02:24 AM
Congratulations on an excellent finish to a fine MD!   &apls &apls

While I'm sorry to see this one ending, I'm looking forward to your next project! 
Thanks, Battlecat. I hope you will like my new MD.

Quote from: Nexis4Jersey on February 02, 2012, 09:01:51 PM
Wow its sad to see this MD end , Ive always enjoyed your work , hopefully your next MD will be just as great... :)
Thanks! I hope so, too. ;)

Quote from: Framly on February 03, 2012, 03:49:45 PM
WHAT! You finished &mmm...But i look forward to you next project!  ;)

Keep on your great work :thumbsup:
You posted right after I posted my first entry to my new MD. Hope you will like it, too.
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: The End.
Post by: solsystem on February 04, 2012, 04:23:28 AM
Thank you for your great MD!
Title: Re: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: The End.
Post by: bat on February 04, 2012, 10:54:10 AM
Fantastic final pictures of that beautiful region! Great work on your cities! :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: The End.
Post by: io_bg on February 06, 2012, 03:21:40 AM
Amazing last update, I'm sorry to see it's the last one. It's been always a pleasure to stop by and see the amazing work you've done here. Good luck with your new MD!
Title: Re: Santa Barbara County - Update: The End.
Post by: Vee Andronov on May 03, 2018, 12:17:29 PM
where can i find people on beach?