SC4 Devotion Forum Archives

Welcome! As I've mentioned elsewhere, I come and go around these parts. Occasionally the mood strikes and the creative juices flow. Up to this point, I have three¹ creations available:

• American Four Square homes (LEX (http://sc4devotion.com/csxlex/lex_filedesc.php?lotGET=920) and STEX (http://www.simtropolis.com/stex/index.cfm?id=12661))
• American Four Square v2 (STEX (http://www.simtropolis.com/stex/details.cfm?id=15880))
• My original Substation Pack (STEX (http://www.simtropolis.com/stex/details.cfm?id=15877))

¹ I also have an unfinished fourth project which has gotten lost in (my own) testing; I believe it has only one minor issue that needs resolving ... but I'll save that for another day!


At the forefront right now is my current project I call HomePower Corporation. You may have seen my interaction in the Rural Power Lines [linkie] (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=2105.msg200047#msg200047) thread. My HomePower project thus far consists of ploppable utility poles (the current set of which are nearly complete as I write this) and an older style of power substations. The substations are designed such that they can be used in conjunction with my ploppable utility poles or they can be used on their own, it's entirely up to those who wish to use them. Because of this, I intend to offer them for release by themselves separate from the utility poles.

When I created my first set of substations, I assigned their properties based on the fact that real-life substations do not "produce" power, they just transfer (and transform) it from high voltage to something lower. The original set does not have any power producing properties as designed. However, in the interest of fitting into a more rural or old-time feel, which seems to be a trend I see more and more in various MD's here at SC4D, I'm feeling that a change in my "no power" stance could be a real benefit for some mayors. While there are other power-producing solutions on the exchanges which enable you to power your farming villages without having to use the Maxis-standard methods (unsightly wind turbines² or lung-clogging coal power plants), I thought it might be good to come up with another alternative: a substation that (secretly) produces power for you!

² Really, I find wind turbines to be fascinating. For the purposes of this topic, I'm thinking along the lines of trying to create a true historic rural feel, and wind turbines just don't work for that genre!

Now, here is where I need help from interested mayors. I need to know what parameters people think would be good for these substations to adequately produce power for your uses, as well as to what levels some of the other properties might need to be set (monthly cost if any, plop cost, etc.). Obviously pollution could be nil, and it depends on what side of the fence (no pun intended) you're on as to whether you feel these should have a negative NIMBY affect. Obviously those in the know are able to adjust the parameters themselves to suit their needs, but for those who simply enjoy adding custom content to their games without being bothered by customizing things any further, what levels would be appropriate? Keep in mind that the object would be to have this successfully power a nice rural community (hopefully) without needing help from another source ... at least that's what I'm envisioning. Additionally I also plan to package a set that does not produce power, for those who might want them (I'd package them all together and the mayor can decide which to install).

If you haven't seen these at the Rural Power Lines thread, here they are for your review:

Large rural substation (even a region of the smallest of farming communities needs to have a large distribution substation!):
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2008%2520-%2520Utility%2520Poles%2FSandbox2-001-1.jpg&hash=3469f5216f0292cd5ee67fe9d178daaf431becc0)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2008%2520-%2520Utility%2520Poles%2FSandbox2-002-1.jpg&hash=21f94674e392c54e822de9ea3a94d56b5242867d)

Medium rural substation:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2008%2520-%2520Utility%2520Poles%2FSandbox2-003.jpg&hash=66d1931a904147bf987512f476686fac8d09ef7d)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2008%2520-%2520Utility%2520Poles%2FSandbox2-004.jpg&hash=6f8896230ebfc9a073b851feb626f707a3d15d09)

Small rural substation:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2008%2520-%2520Utility%2520Poles%2FSandbox2-005.jpg&hash=b31ad2754648cb33bd5cbba21b7823b68bf61b3f)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2008%2520-%2520Utility%2520Poles%2FSandbox2-006.jpg&hash=40930a3276f7ce8aaa2d6b690e0620de488f8a71)

I look forward to your input!

— Don

As soon as I saw the link to your thread, I knew that I couldn't stay away.  So, here I am.  :)  So, let's see what we've got here...

I admit that my power poles are currently based on the 1x1 Maxis Green Lot park, and they consequently have a YIMBY effect, which is somewhat unrealistic.  However, I do think that a slight NIMBY effect is realistic.  In a past version of SimCity, SimCity 3000, the in-game power lines did have this effect.  IRL (in real life), houses that are near substations and high-tension power lines are often seen with For Sale signs for long periods of time, because no one wants to move there.  I do think that you have a good idea about releasing power-producing and non-power-producing versions.  A large city tile has been considered to be the equivalent of 4 km², or about 2.5 mi.  Do you really see power plants every 2.5 miles?  Absolutely not, and that's why your idea of making power-producing substations is a much-needed workaround.  I look forward to more, Don.

&apls

Don,

It is good to see your own thread for development, always interested to see what you are up to and creating. I believe that you were also the one that was working on the wooden telephone/electric poles. I think those were plopable and I have no clue when it comes to custom content but could those be made to produce a little bit of power? I know that is unrealistic but like metarvo stated, it is even more unrealistic to have a power plant every 2.5 miles and for large regions the neighborhood connections seems faulty. Just a thought, keep up the good work &apls

metarvo and projectadam: Thanks for the support, as always! I am the one working on the utility poles. Point by point:

• Yes, a slight NIMBY affect I think is necessary (though it wouldn't bother me a bit to live next to a substation, but I'm goofy that way!).
• Exactly my point about power plants every 2.5 miles; and having the substations produce power would eliminate the need for the high-voltage lines for the purposes of buying power from a neighbor city, if using them is not desired or does not fit into one's theme.
• I based my lots on the coal power plant, so they currently carry ALL of their affects, both positive (kW of power generated) and negative (pollution, NIMBY, etc.); of course those need to be changed, but I haven't bothered yet.
• As for the utility poles creating power, I don't know that it's an option. Those are basically "trees" (they're in the Flora menu and carry those properties), which could produce an interesting positive affect, I suppose (helping to eliminate air pollution; kinda cool, eh?). But to add power-generating properties, I don't even know if that's possible. I'd have to look into that. Interesting concept, though.

So that brings me to the question of what does anyone believe the properties should be on the substations, as far as how much power they should put out mainly, but other things too that I haven't yet thought of?

— Don

Hey Homefryes looking good here and I like the substation there!!!

I really like these, something that fills a niche that has managed to go overlooked for a while.

I would consider making one where the fenced in area covers an entire lot, particularly a 1*1 or 1*2? The grass really isn't appropriate in all situations.

QuoteYes, a slight NIMBY affect I think is necessary (though it wouldn't bother me a bit to live next to a substation, but I'm goofy that way!).

The threat of one exploding might bother me personally. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YvgbPLTTAwk Some of the large transformers are filled with a non-conductive oil, which can be flammable and explode if it boils in some kind of accident

Quote from: Zaphod on December 07, 2008, 06:22:31 PMI would consider making one where the fenced in area covers an entire lot, particularly a 1*1 or 1*2? The grass really isn't appropriate in all situations.

Well, Zaphod, I suppose that could be argued; however, I envisioned a gravel lot of sorts. Any that I've seen always has some sort of driveway outside the fence. I may (not any time soon) consider making custom lot base textures with transparent edges which would then blend in better with any standard game texture ... that would be nice. But another reason not to have the fence go to the edge is that if using my utility poles with these, there may be a need to have "free" space to plop utility poles. Props on the lot may interfere with that ability (which is why I have the shrubs strategically placed). But I do appreciate the feedback in any case!

— Don

I know it's been a while since the last update, but I was wondering if there has been any progress on these substations. They look pretty good and I hope you're still working on them.

Hi, threestooges -
No real progess, I guess. I never obtained the feedback I'd hoped for, which is more on a technical side of things (how much power they should put out and other parameters). So I've made my own attempt at setting some numbers and have been working on a new region to try them out. So far, so good ... so I may try to put together a .zip this weekend and post them here for you and others to try. Thanks for your interest!

— Don

This is good news, Don.  I was worried about this project, since I had heard no news on it in a while.  At least you are still working on it.  Of course, I'm still interested.  :)

Splendid news Don. I had come across a spot where something along these lines would have been helpful. I was looking into making my own when I remembered this project. I'd be happy to run them through the wringer for you.
-Matt

I really appreciate the detail and testing you are putting into these lots.  Thank you for you 4square houses and these too!

-sean

Don I cant wait to test them out in my cities as these are awesome BATs and LOTs just like your homes you made back some time ago!!!!  :thumbsup:

Neat idea.  As to the techs of these, I honestly don't think you can overdue the power output.  IRL, these types of stations wold be able to provide power to a large area, so let's say 5,000 kw?  That should power a small town, and not run out too easy.  As to the nimby affects, I'd say make them moderate, but only a small diameter.  Maybe a park affect of -30, over 4 tiles.  That way no one wants to be right next to them, but a few tiles away and noone cares...

()stsfd()

What SimGoober says,...at least, that's what I did with some "kit-bashed" substations I made to integrate metavro's power poles into a medium sized rural mountain region.

btw, how's the Rural Power Lines coming along?

Keep up the good work!

Thanks for the feedback, all! I'm at work right now, so I don't recall what settings I made, but will look into it tonight or tomorrow. I think I went 2500 for the small, 3750 for medium and 5000 for large; however, I may bump the small and medium up, just to ensure that on a large rural tile, no supplemental power would me needed. I'll see ... and thanks again!

— Don

Happy Valentine's Day!

"$Deal"$ Okay ... I took SimGoober's suggestions and wrapped up my substations. Feel free to give them a whirl:
download here (http://home.earthlink.net/~ohboyinil/hf_substations.zip)
I recommend creating a subfolder in your plugins and call it "hf substations" or whatever works for you; place the unzipped files in that folder. These do produce power and will be found in your power menu. I haven't yet fully tested to see how well these will satisfy the power needs for a full large rural tile. My hope is that one will do the trick; multiple substations in a large rural tile would be extremely unrealistic. I also cut the cost down, which may seem unrealistic, but, frankly, I designed these to do the work of the power plants without all of the overhead associated. Users can alter the parameters to suit their needs, of course.

Feedback is most appreciated ... enjoy!

— Don

EDIT: I neglected to mention that I highly recommend leveling the ground first before placing. Otherwise you get this weird level area where the actual BAT sits, and the rest is sloped. Looks goofy. By leveling first, it all looks nice and smooth.

Additionally, I know there is a dependency (base texture); I can't remember what it is, though. It's from a common mega pack, I'm sure. But I tried installing and running SC4Tool, and it wouldn't work on my computer. If someone else can help me find the actual dependency, or tell me another way to figure it out, I'd really appreciate it!

Hi, Don. Do you remember in the dim and distant past - June 2007 - I put your Cambridge townhouses into families for you? Have you ever done anything with them since? Released them anywhere? If not I think you should dig them out - if you have lost them I still have the dats I made and the original models as well - and get them into LEX candidacy. If I remember correctly these were very nice indeed.

Oh, Dear Barby --

That's the project I referenced at the very beginning of my first post on this page! Yes, I still have the files, and I do need to dig that out and finish it ... and I will (hopefully) soon! Thanks for the nudge!

— Don

Excellent, glad to have given the nudge as they are super buildings.

I really like that substation! It looks very nice, and fits very well used in the suburbs. Great job! :thumbsup:

Oh, and the dependency is the BSC_TexturePack_Cycledogg_V 01.dat (Checked in SC4Tool). Unfortunately, I can't recall if it's in one of BSC Mega Texture Packs, or must be downloaded seperately. &mmm

Keep up the great work! :)
Piotr

Don I cant wait to get home to test these out!!!

Sheep49/Piotr - thank you for finding it. I believe this is the correct dependency item on the LEX (linkie) (http://sc4devotion.com/csxlex/lex_filedesc.php?lotGET=101).

— Don

Hi, all -

Let's wake up this thread for a moment. I want to share with you a little something I created for my MD as a supplement to my utility poles (http://"http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=2105.msg200047#msg200047"). I needed to make something to carry the (imaginary) subtransmission lines across a river gorge (which will be featured in an upcoming MD update). These Subtransmission Mini-towers are designed solely for areas  where mountains, steep hills, wide river gorges, etc., make it difficult for standard utility poles to be used. They feature the same hardware as the utility  poles situated atop graceful metal structures. I have made 4 variants:


 
   
   

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520UtilPoles%2520Minitower%2FHf_UtilPole_Minitower_orth-to-orth.jpg&hash=ba922147414ee539f2e741dca46650519a7e56f0)	(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520UtilPoles%2520Minitower%2FHf_UtilPole_Minitower_diag-to-diag.jpg&hash=0f1996f3049367f72933de58faac2d45ccea4c60)	(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520UtilPoles%2520Minitower%2FHf_UtilPole_Minitower_orth-to-diag-.jpg&hash=e5cb661a2dda4d332fc27ffcf41705a6b2fb46e7)	(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520UtilPoles%2520Minitower%2FHf_UtilPole_Minitower_orth-to-di-1.jpg&hash=dc245cdb41e9dc68334d4d89e606dbbabd9c3bdb)
orth-to-orth	diag-to-diag	orth-to-diag-right	orth-to-diag-left

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520UtilPoles%2520Minitower%2FHf_UtilPole_Minitower_river_crossin.jpg&hash=c0d815e6c7038b6eacf1d6d22b44c66ea509dcd2)
Example river crossing

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520UtilPoles%2520Minitower%2FHf_UtilPole_Minitower_close-up.jpg&hash=b59b41303892169592e7a313a8d7ba6d65a134db)
Close-up view

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520UtilPoles%2520Minitower%2FHf_UtilPole_Minitower_river_north_c.jpg&hash=5db29f3d0a5baaefba298d3ab9519a5f15d4b80b)
Close-up with utility pole

I have no plans to make more of these at this time. The purpose is just for crossing gorges or scaling steep hills, and not for going cross-country. In fact, they utilize the same "hardware" (insulators, etc.) as my utility poles, just as their real-life counterparts do, so to use them cross-country would look kind of silly, I think. And, if I do say so myself, they look pretty great in the game. I made a rusty-greenish texture to simulate an old paint-job, and found a great concrete texture off the web for the base. I designed these for "special-use," and have no intention on doing a full public release; however, if anyone is interested, let me know either here or via PM (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?action=pm;sa=send;u=1973").

Let me know what you think!

-- Don

Nice job, Don.  I was wondering when I would see more of your utility pole project, and I really do like what I see.  :)  I have seen situations IRL where subtransmission lines switch to small towers temporarily to cross a large highway intersection, so I suppose these could also be useful when crossing the wider RHWs in SC4.

:thumbsup:

Thanks, Metarvo. I was looking at an area in one of my quads in my region (I'm working ahead of my MD) when I realized I needed to do something different for my utility lines to get across the river gorge. Then it hit me that IRL, there are towers in this area, not poles running up and down the hillside and across the river! So I went to work on these. I wish I had a RL picture of the towers near Ashtabula. They're difficult to get to, because of the remote area they traverse. I made these up off the top of my head in the absence of a picture. There's also this interesting specimen near Conneaut ...

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FUtility%2520Poles%2F031013-11Rte7Conneaut.jpg&hash=da00753a1209cbc9eff6f5d7f0eab860169e34cd)
Center Rd. near SR 7, just north of Monroe Twp.

... though when I get to this quad in my region, I will probably just use one of the towers instead. Sadly, the days are numbered for the one pictured. These lines have been decommissioned for quite a few years now, and I fear they will eventually be removed altogether. It's so sad to see something that is a part of my childhood disappear.  ()sad() Then again, to preserve this for posterity, I may in fact have to duplicate it for the game ... we'll see!  &idea

-- Don

After an offline conversation with Metarvo, in which we discussed the virtues of Street View in Google, I found this:

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520UtilPoles%2520Minitower%2Ftower.jpg&hash=71c89e00e69a2e3b241d3df71b065f93ab85f924)
Tower along Plymouth Ridge Rd. near Ashtabula, Ohio

I previously stated I didn't have a picture ... well, now I do! So, I just had to start my minitower project over from scratch! So here are the new towers:

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520UtilPoles%2520Minitower%2FHf_UtilPole_Minitower_new_collect_a.jpg&hash=cae8eff71f9d0504392cc0bd2cc6ca43db192ada)
Collect all four!

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520UtilPoles%2520Minitower%2FHf_UtilPole_Minitower_new_river_cro.jpg&hash=0a599884a8ca7efa77e2cd89fbae2090a6ab9e27)
River crossing

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520UtilPoles%2520Minitower%2FHf_UtilPole_Minitower_new_river_nor.jpg&hash=45b3c9e6effbf3de211e9e89e427faa82495f401)
River north

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520UtilPoles%2520Minitower%2FHf_UtilPole_Minitower_new_river_-1.jpg&hash=e0ad06b10b939071ea7f7b37bc023e78a07af8df)
River south 1

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520UtilPoles%2520Minitower%2FHf_UtilPole_Minitower_new_river_sou.jpg&hash=96d7125e39ddaa93d2ec3756ee9302e36d61939a)
River south 2

I'll be using my new ones, since they are a better match to the real one!  ;)

-- Don

The towers look nice, though the base is distracting.  Is it necessary?

Quote from: SimGoober on March 26, 2009, 05:04:22 PMThe towers look nice, though the base is distracting.  Is it necessary?

Well ... I don't know for sure. I'm afraid because of their size that if they didn't have a base, they might appear to float somewhat on a steep hillside. That would not be good. Perhaps I could tone it down a bit ... would that be better?

-- Don

Towers look very good (although it would be nice to look at them in Zoom 1 and 2 too  :))
In my opinion the base is important and it would be better to leave it. But it is too contrasting. You shouldn't make it too dark, maybe darken it only a bit and put some green tone (moss?) onto it - but not too much!
The base should be less visible in farther zooms. Generally it shouldn't contrast with the terrain more than the tower itself.

Adam

Adam, thanks for the suggestions. I've given it a whirl, so let me know if this is better:

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520UtilPoles%2520Minitower%2F101.jpg&hash=6c77a352e43bb6572b4d5a5f809b71265515f660)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520UtilPoles%2520Minitower%2F102.jpg&hash=1f4a2a7c6623657c33db63535038b0a0b4ea268e)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520UtilPoles%2520Minitower%2F103.jpg&hash=d69c854fa8f55f4451a9282c08b198ea1d88388a)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520UtilPoles%2520Minitower%2F104.jpg&hash=0c7782e4bd2feebef1c6cf47cb7588570468d8e2)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520UtilPoles%2520Minitower%2F105.jpg&hash=365e070d6de7b8b8037f3e860af4c5fba8c88982)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520UtilPoles%2520Minitower%2F106.jpg&hash=a8897a8fda98efed4b96b96e11cee43786e636d1)

-- Don

These would look better with several smaller bases that just sit under each of the legs, just like the real ones do. The large block base sticks out too much despite the retexturing.

-Swamper

Quote from: Swamper77 on March 26, 2009, 09:35:50 PMThese would look better with several smaller bases that just sit under each of the legs, just like the real ones do. The large block base sticks out too much despite the retexturing.

-Swamper

Yes, I'm not thrilled with the result either. Right now, these are "buildings" on lots. Perhaps making them ploppable with the 4 individual bases under the legs would work? I know that if I try that with it being a "building," I will end up with a flat, raised box directly under the tower, which will not work either. Plus, I am unhappy with the lot texture I've used, but there's no way to match it to the terrain in every situation. Ploppable would alleviate that issue too. I might get a better (more consistent) rendering this way too (notice how the tower looks where the base is behind it compared to above the base?). I'll try that tonight or over the weekend. Thanks for the great suggestions, Jan, Adam, SimGoober and Metarvo. I'm thrilled to have a panel of such experts stopping by to critique!

-- Don

Try making then into props, the base problem should go away.

Maybe you would try to make the base a bit smaller (but not separate legs) and use texture similar to these (JRJ Walls). They should be less contrasting  :)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg23.imageshack.us%2Fimg23%2F9779%2Fjrjwalls.jpg&hash=dc01dc512c417f903bc1c122e5121089feb3e5ad)

Adam

PS. You have a good experts panel because you are making good work  :thumbsup:

Well, I figured out part of the base problem. It's the "negative shadow" that comes from the base which goes underground. After trying 4 separate bases, I can now see that was the problem above, as it's even MORE apparent now:

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520UtilPoles%2520Minitower%2F401.jpg&hash=095787ef1661a1850e0b4adb37b56113cb688370) (https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520UtilPoles%2520Minitower%2F402.jpg&hash=65dfcfef123584e74b22babff238103491502636)

Doing this as a ploppable prop instead of a lot didn't resolve this issue. The protruding bases also do weird things visually, in that the ones to the back show more sticking out of the ground than they should. So, I'm beginning to think that it is going to have to be a lot, and it's going to have to be 0 (zero) elevation change ... or whatever it is that makes it flatten the ground. It's what I see as the best solution. Bases that go below ground level don't work, visually, and the alternative would be floating "feet," which would also be visually unappealing! :'(

On a side note, I played with the tower texture once again. Lightened it up a little. I think it's about right now. Comments?

-- Don

EDIT: Nah, maybe the new texture is "too pristine" now. Needs more rust! Yes/no?

Maybe not necessary rust (power poles shouldn't be rusted!  :D), but some dirt... ie. the texture shouldn't look as freshly painted  :), it can have brighter and darker parts

No rust? Tell that to my local power company here! LOL! Here it is in gmax, first with individual "feet" and then with one contiguous base:

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520UtilPoles%2520Minitower%2F501.jpg&hash=b7dc6b9ec0572d676d9c6f8a9d96c9a2616b83cb) (https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520UtilPoles%2520Minitower%2F502.jpg&hash=8a05cebbd6cc3e3b6f60f3f78f5b494cdc2994ce)

Sorry ... I kinda like the rust. I think it's just the right amount, and it happened to land in good spots too.

Do you like the rust? I like it too, it gives me money  :D. A big part of my company's activity is anticorrosion protection of industrial installations  ;D
Yes, make some rust, looking at these poles I will think how to paint them  :D

Adam

Oh, it's too bad that the "feet" didn't work out right on the slopes.  It would have been so cool for this to work, since I see supports that are virtually identical to those quite regularly.  As far as rust goes, I've seen varying degrees of rust myself.  I've seen poles that are solid red with rust, and I've seen those that are perfectly silver, so there may be no right or wrong way to do this.  Perhaps a tower with a moderate amount of rust, like the previous model, would work best.  In any case, you're doing a great job here, Don, and I look forward to more.

&apls

Ohboyohboyohboyohboyohboyohboy! I think I'm really onto something now!

• I've made it a prop
• I've removed the lot's base texture in the Reader (after doing a little research on how to do that)
• I've put it on a lot that flattens the ground -- totally unnoticeable when the grid is turned off -- so there will be no floating feet
• I've added a few "weed" props

... and voila!

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520UtilPoles%2520Minitower%2F503.jpg&hash=59790abafe118798002c679f61fc480ffbb77e01)

-- Don

Now that looks tremendously better than those huge foundations you had before. :) I'm not sure if there's a better way (i. e. using custom foundations etc.), as my BATting knowledge is of a more theoretical nature, but I figure that you would do that in RL (at least to a certain extent) as well when erecting new powerlines.

 :thumbsup:

Oh, yes!  :thumbsup:  You did it, Don.  That tower is looking better and better all the time.  Slopes have been an ongoing problem in my project, too, so I'm taking a good look at every possible solution.  I have some ideas now.  :)

Interesting High voltage towers :thumbsup:, will these replace the maxis power lines?  ()what()

Thank you, all, so much! I'm quite pleased with this result.  :satisfied:

Nexis4Jersey, I'm sorry, but these will not be a replacement for the in-game towers. They are an optional addendum to my utility poles project (see link in my sig) that satisfy a need I have for a specific area in my MD (also linked below, though I'm not at this point yet).

Off to work on the rest of the lots.

-- Don

By George, I think he's got it!

I'm pleased to present my latest (and quite possibly "final") version. I'm not quite sure I'm doing the transparent bases 100% correct, because I have found issues if I place any of these next to each other, a road or anything else. If placed next to something, the base ends up a black hole. Is this normal? I've never had this issue with the transparent wooded lots. But in any case, as long as I have blank lots surrounding these (trees are okay), they work just fine.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520UtilPoles%2520Minitower%2F601.jpg&hash=624a7f43f2e82b14164cd0ffc94f23a5d0402e87)
Clockwise from upper-left: orth-to-orth, diag-to-diag, orth-to-diag-left, orth-to-diag-right

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520UtilPoles%2520Minitower%2F602.jpg&hash=b0027d439d3b64dcde33152d69ac0add0a4f202d)
Example river crossing

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520UtilPoles%2520Minitower%2F603.jpg&hash=48b9d19e676dd044f076760910d2888f1353cc37)
North slope

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520UtilPoles%2520Minitower%2F606.jpg&hash=7e7247171016af452e73cc222d3198d0dbad49d1)
North end

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520UtilPoles%2520Minitower%2F605.jpg&hash=7b211a871abaff4e5b1a4b887acccc2bd4aaba5e)
South slope

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520UtilPoles%2520Minitower%2F607.jpg&hash=d4f97fcdc946c6ca06515e5efa62832290ffba30)
Nifty shadow ;)

-- Don

Hey Don I think you and metarvo should get together and do a Reutility of SC4 hmm?

Quote from: homefryes on March 29, 2009, 08:44:37 AM
If placed next to something, the base ends up a black hole. Is this normal?

Is it the Water Bug, which is known to have the symptoms you're describing?  If it is, the problem can be temporarily solved by going into the Zones Data View and then going back to the normal view.  This may not even be the problem, but it never hurts to try the easy solutions first.  I hope this helps you, Don.  :)

Pat: LOL!  :D
Metarvo, I do believe that's the problem, from what I've been able to find in searches. Knowing there's a work-around is good enough for me, thanks!

I guess, then, if anyone is interested in having this or trying it out, here's a download linkie (http://www.keepandshare.com/doc/view.php?id=1135166&da=y).

Keep in mind, I designed this mainly as a supplement to my utility poles (link in my sig below); certainly users can use this however they wish. But if you haven't yet gotten my utility poles, let me know via PM or reply here if you are interested in them.

-- Don

You can avoid the Water Graphics Bug by removing the lot texture(s) completely - the problem is caused by an overlay texture that is placed on a lot without base texture. If you delete the base texture in the Reader, make sure to right-click and select "ReIndex LotConfig", otherwise, said bug might be triggered as well.

Hmm, Andreas, that's strange, because I don't have any overlay textures on the lots either. Just one base texture.

-- Don

Hello -

As I posted elsewhere, I am slowly emerging from my (much too long) hiatus, and although I've no progress on my MD to share at this point, I did want to let you know I've fired up the BAT once again.

Cambridge Townhomes
Firstly, I'm happy to announce that BarbyW (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?action=profile;u=16) (after nudging me multiple times) is preparing to release a set of townhouses and lots that I first conceived over two years ago! The townhome/condominium buildings are based on a former builder here in the US called Cambridge Homes. The company has since been bought out by another builder, but when Cambridge was building their communities, they would usually give the streets British names. My buildings have the following features:
• eight different colors (designed from real colors found on a vinyl siding website)
• right- and left-hand models
• 15°, 30° and 45° rotations to allow for multiple townhome communities.
Here is a link to a web page (http://home.earthlink.net/~homefryes/simstuff/Cambridge/cambridge.htm) I put together 2 years ago which shows off the colors and the buildings, and here are a few Lot Editor (LE) pics, as I currently do not have any in-game pics to share.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Cambridge%2520Townhomes%2Fcambridge_001.jpg&hash=afc24fee4d14861c929911af7a0e74a3ed3217e5)
Various lots — clockwise from left: showcasing the front; showcasing the end unit (which, from the street, looks like a stand-alone house); showcasing the back.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Cambridge%2520Townhomes%2Fcambridge_002.jpg&hash=3843b7ab0bc025b21fdf842548ea9bfce685a762)
Various lots — two 4-building lots and one 7-building lot

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Cambridge%2520Townhomes%2Fcambridge_003.jpg&hash=5522222dfafebf4db034cb51a2438814297da7a2)
Various lots — 5-, 6- and 8-building lots

Be on the lookout for these to be released on the LEX soon!

Residentials-turned-commercial (R2C)
Now, for my current project. I had also created some other buildings a year or two ago. I like to call them residentials-turned-commercial, or R2C for short. (I suppose there's a better name that includes "conversions" or something, but I like R2C!) The thought behind these properties is that in practically every village, town, borough, city, etc., you come across a commercial building that was once a residence, in particular large (and sometimes fancy) Victorian houses; many common uses are law offices, small medical and/or dental buildings, insurance offices, funeral homes, etc. Initially, I had only BATted and lotted three properties. Sadly, in a momentary memory lapse, I deleted them off of my old hard drive! UGH!

So, after putting some finishing touches on the Cambridge lots and shipping them off to BarbyW, I decided I'd see if I could recreate my R2C's once again. I started by finding the same great authentic Victorian floor plans that I found before, and also found some others I liked as well. I am planning to do more buildings this time around.

This first building, Ulrich Dental Associates, is one I'd not done before:

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520R2C%2Fulrich_dental_001.jpg&hash=3e4d1f56a92e678dd7b40d3da0fec91072ae4334)
Ulrich Dental Associates — LE image in center with BAT preview images on the left and right)

The second building, Hanni & Hanni Law Offices, is a recreation of one I lost:

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520R2C%2Fhanni_001.jpg&hash=ff771ab6cb87415176b8c79da6b01ba8c779f7a7)
Hanni & Hanni Law Offices in BAT — a left-side view in the center shows the colors used on the lower level, while the left and right images are BAT preview images of the front

I am currently working on the third, Marilyn's Music Institute, which is also one I had lost:

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520R2C%2Fmarilyn_001.jpg&hash=e5aa8189ae29e08113d08e96afbd50c3ab471dfc)
Marilyn's Music Institute (unfinished) in BAT — the front view is on the left and the left side view is on the right

More to come.....
-- Don

The Cambridge Townhomes have been posted for the scrutineers to cast their eyes over. As I know these grow I just need confirmation that the installer and Readme are correct. These should be on a LEX near you within the week.

The Cambridge Townhomes (http://sc4devotion.com/csxlex/lex_filedesc.php?lotGET=2189) are now available on the LEX.

....And they are a beautiful and non-distracting addition to my plugins folder!!!  Good work

Good work indeed!  :thumbsup:.

I also like your R2C preview. Interesting. Since there are not so many low stage office buildings around, these will fill that gap perfectly.

Hi,

Barby, thanks for nudging me (repeatedly) to get the townhomes completed!
rushman5, thanks for the compliment on the Cambridge project.
ponnie, I appreciate the positive feedback.

One of the things I anticipate happening with these R2C lots (in game) is that you'll probably end up with a ton of them at first. One of the tactics I employ in those situations is to pick one of each that is in a location you like and is unlikely to ever get bulldozed for a future project and make it "historical." This will keep it from being overtaken automatically. Always plan ahead and know that things are going to disappear over time as development progresses, whether it be because you need that space for something else or because the game builds new things on its own. Over time you can have this progressive city with these (and others at your choosing) nice historical-looking buildings that stand the test of time; very true-to-life.

Here's an update on my progress.

Marilyn's Music Institute: featuring a rounded porch on the front and two shades of green on the exterior with white trim.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520R2C%2Fmarilyn_002_final.jpg&hash=39e930880975f4757b1eb24f4500258e07241f6b)
Marilyn's Music Institute (front day/night and side views)

Thompson-Marcy Funeral Home: white stucco exterior with black shutters and white brick patio, porch and fireplaces. The parlors open up to a grand brick patio which is partially covered and also features a pergola and black wrought iron fence.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520R2C%2Fthompson-marcy_fh_final.jpg&hash=0d0e77bba57ed4e9d28b8331fa05c9d9aee3e351)
Thompson-Marcy Funeral Home (front day/night, side and back views)

Since putting these screen shots together, I have already cranked out two more buildings, Humphrey Insurance Agency and Fritz's Italian Ristorante, and am working on Avis' Antiques! I'll share them soon.

-- Don

Those are beautiful buildings you've got there!  They'll be great for small town businesses but they'd also make great farm homes from the look of them! 

Don OMG WOW!!! those are simply stunning works I am soo glad that Barby has kicked you in the Butt to finish it and the R2C's are also wonderful!!!

really good work ;D

Thanks again for the compliments.

Okay, so I think I've done enough for now. I have completed 8 buildings and made 2 lots for each.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520R2C%2Favis_antiques_2x3.jpg&hash=ad9eafba27b8c77fca9a57f2f08f754aad1194aa) (https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520R2C%2Favis_antiques_3x2.jpg&hash=3e8a19ba0b664cef5ac7b4ddaef2d8fa49127d07)
Avis' Antiques, 2x3 and 3x2, CS§§§

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520R2C%2Ffritzs_italian_ristorante_3x2.jpg&hash=7e12de8a1b89aaca76bf7d54a43e8185fbdeeea7) (https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520R2C%2Ffritzs_italian_ristorante_3x3.jpg&hash=f3a862c865266f72f7e8283c96299b49899a456e)
Fritz's Italian Ristorante, 3x2 and 3x3, CS§§§

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520R2C%2Fhanni__hanni_law_offices_2x2.jpg&hash=3c52dbe583add4e81dcef35ae60039c6e21996b3) (https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520R2C%2Fhanni__hanni_law_offices_2x3.jpg&hash=fb23239f5e0e81e0393a86c032e3efa25d701dd7)
Hanni & Hanni Law Offices, 2x2 and 2x3, CO§§§

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520R2C%2Fhumphrey_insurance_agency_2x2.jpg&hash=8e8abd03e1e1cd08df16b2ed2a0914c06acc2105) (https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520R2C%2Fhumphrey_insurance_agency_2x3.jpg&hash=214dcde0ff25b9f1db690231822ef4c0a20748d4)
Humphrey Insurance Agency, 2x2 and 2x3, CO§§§

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520R2C%2Fmakynen_medical_bldg_2x3.jpg&hash=fc01424fcdee72fa37f3116082ac94398d99ac35) (https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520R2C%2Fmakynen_medical_bldg_3x2.jpg&hash=da3dd560095756fbc71c0f848526ead11a630a1b)
Makynen Medical Building, 2x3 and 3x2, CO§§§

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520R2C%2Fmarilyns_music_institute_2x2.jpg&hash=7a89912d792c8ae71076269068ae3f41febe9a3b) (https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520R2C%2Fmarilyns_music_institute_2x3.jpg&hash=4e77297310ef4b0460aa0a3273d396ff3302893b)
Marilyn's Music Institute, 2x2 and 2x3, CS§§§

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520R2C%2Fthompson-marcy_funeral_home_3x2.jpg&hash=de1a611c4ff74e3e9158c0cf66d242c9876a24bf) (https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520R2C%2Fthompson-marcy_funeral_home_3x3.jpg&hash=189974f753583a72c31308cee88fe02c4843a3b0)
Thompson-Marcy Funeral Home, 3x2 and 3x3, CS§§§

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520R2C%2Fulrich_dental_2x2.jpg&hash=8aa1f5522560ee1a646c53f965d87a40b183e390) (https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520R2C%2Fulrich_dental_2x3.jpg&hash=7762325f4f3c6e62ffd67b4f6c705f970460a8c3)
Ulrich Dental Associates, 2x2 and 2x3, CO§§§

-- Don

These look great... absolutely stunning :thumbsup:. However, for the Italian restaurant, I think it would look better to remove one fence where the dumpsters are. They look a little out off reach this way  ;).

These are a wonderful series and a great idea too &apls

With the restaurant, I'd add a banal modern wing to the back of the building for the kitchen/service area and take out a tree--that's invariably how these retrofits happen in RL. Otherwise, just perfect. bravo!

Nice looking stuff!

For the second lot on the Makynen Medical Building, I'd go with a different grass texture. The criss cross one is too formal for the "country doctor" look, and the pattern goes underneath several props.  Looks a little odd to me...  %confuso

Thanks, all. Good advice!

ponnie, my intent was to hide the dumpsters from ground-level view; I mean, who wants to see the dumpsters when driving around the building? Ick! I will look for an appropriate fence with a gate piece, and perhaps have the gate open (if I can find an equally appropriate people prop to simulate that someone has just taken the garbage out). That should prevent the dumpsters from looking inaccessible, as you point out.

gottago, also a good point. I actually utilized a new floor plan for this building, rather than an historical one. But this new house has a 3-car garage, and with its placement being on the front left corner, I made that into the kitchen (those are vents on top of the kitchen). I felt it looked enough like an add-on that I didn't need to make another one, and I like having it match rather than not. But it is a good point you made. I need to show all sides of the building, and it might show how I utilized this part; the back of this portion has a service entrance.

SimGoober, very good point; you are right in that I should tone it down with one of the simpler base textures.

One other thing that I want to do (as I believe I've mentioned earlier in this topic) is to make non-functional eye candy alley lots. I initially had open fence areas along the backs of these lots (above), but realized that I should close them off to make them more useful to the masses. I may, however, redo them for my own use. Something similar to the farm connector lots (can't remember what they're called) could be fashioned for my alleys. The alleys would then give me a place to run my utility poles in urban settings (they would need minimal props, as they get in the way of my poles).

-- Don

Hi Don

These look fantastic; I really love the attention to detail with these Victorians - and will definitely fill a gap in the commercials.  &apls

However, before you release, you might want to check the scale (that old chestnut).
Maxis (and most batters) have their commercial buildings slightly larger than residentials. It is generally between 5 and 6 m per floor. Given that that group of sims look taller than the verandah, you may want to scale the buildings up to at least 5m per floor.

It's nice to see you BATting again, Don.  :)  This is what I call some serious re-zoning.  Now I'll be able to build some commercial buildings in my residential neighborhoods without them seeming out of place.

Don,  those are some great looking BATs, but I agree with Matt, they suffer slightly from the SC4 Squish and look a little short.    Otherwise looking great!  :thumbsup:

Don looking real good there!!!

Sanborn Road Substation - for Ashtabula MD

Okay - so firstly, Ashtabula is not dead; it's still rattling around in my head from time to time. RL has really taken hold of me, and I just haven't had the time to devote to this like I once did. I really hope to get back to it.

In other related projects, it was suggested to me (by Buzzit) that I consider bringing my utility poles into HD. I agreed that this is a good idea as so much detail is lost now. But, like anythine else, as I was preparing to do this, I decided to give them a complete revamping! That was a while ago, of course, and I have been playing with them off and on getting the new models built and exported. The next daunting task will be to make them all ploppable! Ugh - as much as I want these in the game, I am not looking forward to doing that. I've been away from that project for so long that it will take me a bit to figure out where I left off. I'm certain I still have models that need exporting.

So - to compound things - it's not at all unusual for me to start a project before completing another! I was recently inspired to study the current power grid of (the real) Ashtabula County. In doing so, I made some assumptions about what the grid may have looked like originally. I may get into that aspect of it over at the MD some day. Meanwhile, this review also inspired me to consider some changes to what I've already done in my version of Ashtabula to make things more true to life as far as the grid goes.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2012%2520-%2520BAT%2520-%2520Substations%2F2012-12-08-01_SanbornRdSub_BingBirdseyeView.jpg&hash=644bf8c043b9c4d96e2012c9d2bae87226409acb)
2012-12-08 #1 - Sanborn Road Substation

That has led me here to what I am sharing with you today. Arial and birdseye view maps of The Sanborn Road Substation, located in Saybrook Township, gave me the idea that I should certainly include this in my MD. I created substation pieces which I can utilize for other projects later, and I built my version of the substation.

My next idea was to incorporate overhanging props - wires - to connect the substation to in-game high-voltage towers! Without locating the measurement somewhere else, it only took me a little trial and error to get the wires to line up perfectly!

One of the tricks, of course, is that the ground needs to be leveled for the wires to line up. And one of the drawbacks to the in-game towers is that they used 4 wires where there certainly should be 6. I can't build my substation with 4 wires - that would simply be wrong! So we have to just ignore the fact that my 6 wires connect to towers with only 4. It is what it is!

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2012%2520-%2520BAT%2520-%2520Substations%2F2012-12-08-02_SanbornRdSub_west.jpg&hash=226855e8d27233a4eb873ba47376f8346c787157)
2012-12-08 #2 - View from west

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2012%2520-%2520BAT%2520-%2520Substations%2F2012-12-08-03_SanbornRdSub_south.jpg&hash=83c3453935bb414b4f30aa3bc40e7636ea8e4ce7)
2012-12-08 #3 - View from south

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2012%2520-%2520BAT%2520-%2520Substations%2F2012-12-08-04_SanbornRdSub_east.jpg&hash=1ede283a75f8c145b926370fcb851f22fdf2946d)
2012-12-08 #4 - View from east

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2012%2520-%2520BAT%2520-%2520Substations%2F2012-12-08-05_SanbornRdSub_north.jpg&hash=e03f88d12b2fe71c95f00e3086f811c648c8f66b)
2012-12-08 #5 - View from north

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2012%2520-%2520BAT%2520-%2520Substations%2F2012-12-08-06_SanbornRdSub_tower.jpg&hash=30e2c8d347e3b0bd27d40638dfa5e94d83ab089e)
2012-12-08 #6 - Wires connecting to tower

In this beta version, I made my wires too light in color. I've since darkened them. In the end there will be towers continuing from the substation eastward as well. They're off the screen in the RL view above. There will be two more sets of wires heading west to the other tower in front as well.

All of the larger substation is made up of pieces - it's modular. Then we have the step-down to the subtransmission lines toward the front. I will build another lot for more subtransmission poles on the west side of the road. There are 3 subtransmission circuits that come from this substation. These circuits feed Ashtabula's downtown and western areas, and much of northwestern, central and southwestern Ashtabula County.

Question: is there a setting to make the props have shadows? I'm disappointed that there are no shadows except on the one piece that I designated as the "building" piece (most visible on the north and east pictures above). Any suggestions are appreciated. Trying to export the model in one piece, however, is not feasible. My BAT locks up after awhile, so I don't think it would ever finish.

-- Don

I can't believe it, it's really you!  ;D  Good to see you again, Don.  That substation is sweet, and the ability to connect Maxis wires to it is also nice.  :thumbsup:  I haven't quite gotten that one down yet.  I agree with you about the pitfalls of Maxis' four-wire transmission system; it annoys the wits out of me, and I try to stay as far away from it as possible.  Seeing you bring out Bing to look at the grid reminds me of what I do sometimes.  ()stsfd()

As far as your shadow issue goes, both the Reader and PIM-X have the setting "Is Ground Model" which is available for props.  It should be set to "True" if you want shadows.

Quick reply (I think I need a new tagline - "I'd rather be playing SimCity" - because I'm stuck doing something I must do today):

Quote from: metarvo on December 09, 2012, 03:12:03 PM
...the ability to connect Maxis wires to it is also nice.  :thumbsup:  I haven't quite gotten that one down yet.

The measurement was super-easy. I haven't tried it on an ortho tower yet, but the measurement from the ground only took me one try to figure out! Pure luck! My wire ends are at 32, 36 and 40 meters from the ground and (if memory serves me correctly), 8 meters on the x and y dimensions from the center of the tower (plus or minus depends on which side of the tower you're attaching to and which way the tower is facing). As I said above, I leveled the terrain for this.

Quote from: metarvo on December 09, 2012, 03:12:03 PMAs far as your shadow issue goes, both the Reader and PIM-X have the setting "Is Ground Model" which is available for props.  It should be set to "True" if you want shadows.

Wow - I figured it was something easy! Thanks for this - I can't wait to get back to it ... hopefully I can wrap this other thing up quickly!

-- Don

Wow, it feels like a homecoming of sorts with all these great BATers making a return after many years away.  I am a big fan of your four square homes - and your recent work on the power substation is looking very cool.
I was looking back over your BAT thread and noticed your beautiful Victorian models.  Did you ever have a chance to finish that set?  Once again, its good to see you back!

Hi Simcoug; thanks for the warm welcome back! You know, I was also looking back at my Victorian Residential-to-Commercial set. I think I got frustrated with the "unsquishing" requirement (which it essentially turned in to). They were complete and ready to go, but when I tried unsquishing them, it just messed up the night windows and whatnot. I would have had to completely rip them apart and rebuild parts to make them fit the apparent unsquished standard. In a nutshell, they didn't pass inspection and I am not willing to make the change that was requested to bring them up to the so-called standard. So I let them go. I may revive them at some point and post them elsewhere. We'll see.

---

I finished the other west-running wires on my substation and changed all of my props to be "ground models", and voila! However, I noticed something very bizarre with the shadow effect from the wires.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2012%2520-%2520BAT%2520-%2520Substations%2F2012-12-10-01_SanbornRdSub_west.jpg&hash=e6857753b78727ce3a329e90e5c57075bd42eaf1)
2012-12-10 #1 - West

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2012%2520-%2520BAT%2520-%2520Substations%2F2012-12-10-02_SanbornRdSub_west.jpg&hash=74cb72f4fdf6dee2e2ee9cf4c8dbacb8b57c55f1)
2012-12-10 #2 - West

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2012%2520-%2520BAT%2520-%2520Substations%2F2012-12-10-03_SanbornRdSub_south.jpg&hash=872ede21dfacffc0c3cf9941cabf5db41b49d447)
2012-12-10 #3 - South

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2012%2520-%2520BAT%2520-%2520Substations%2F2012-12-10-04_SanbornRdSub_east.jpg&hash=e0bf29217d0fe00930b6531aa9121e09fb14d62b)
2012-12-10 #4 - East

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2012%2520-%2520BAT%2520-%2520Substations%2F2012-12-10-05_SanbornRdSub_north.jpg&hash=09d22f0f88545128ce41bb9b8cccbf8ddab7ad1a)
2012-12-10 #5 - North

Not so awesome. So now I'm thinking I need to pull all the wires into one gmax file and make them their own prop so I can have them NOT have shadows. I haven't decided how I want to do this yet. I can't believe how a line can take so long to render/export. It's ridiculous! So if I put all the wires in one file, it will literally take hours to render. Scared to think how many! And there are more wires I want to add!

But I'm loving the way the wires "connect" to the towers - the best view is the bottom of picture #2 (above). The background kind of gets in the way on the other pictures. Here are some close-ups of the other props I created for this project:

I'll have to provide the real-life inspiration for this model (mini-tower on the corner of the lot below) at a later date.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2012%2520-%2520BAT%2520-%2520Substations%2F2012-12-10-06_SanbornRdSub_northwest_corner.jpg&hash=cf67e169eef0440dc25c5b80b348f8f23e7ff6c0)
2012-12-10 #6 - Mini-tower at northwest corner

I used the mini-tower as the basis for these models. It's not true-to-life, but I've never had the opportunity to really "study" the real-life objects - they're unique to this substation, and I don't know how "original" they are (I believe parts were upgraded at some point).
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2012%2520-%2520BAT%2520-%2520Substations%2F2012-12-10-07_SanbornRdSub_west.jpg&hash=9a930e4957a71c3df4a4d822e078cb7c4855a19a)
2012-12-10 #7 - Junctions and breakers

Here, I used a new double-pole 90° corner setup.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2012%2520-%2520BAT%2520-%2520Substations%2F2012-12-10-08_SanbornRdSub_southwest.jpg&hash=b6650f59b10fd4bc4352838f67b2ecb1aa0a772f)
2012-12-10 #8 - Southwest corner

I seem to recall a ploppable trail set out there somewhere; I'd like to incorporate that along side my poles and eventually the high-voltage towers that run cross-lots (not along roads or rails). This is very lifelike, as the utility company needs to be able to access the poles and towers. I like how this trail works, but it's on the lot. Once I hit the end of the lot, I don't have a suitable set to use.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2012%2520-%2520BAT%2520-%2520Substations%2F2012-12-10-09_SanbornRdSub_southwest.jpg&hash=b4ceb371ecde602b1d757df3c4448b9188cd636a)
2012-12-10 #9 - Southwest corner

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2012%2520-%2520BAT%2520-%2520Substations%2F2012-12-10-10_SanbornRdSub_southwest.jpg&hash=c8efdad17ac1be578932bfc79a4d40e4055e7902)
2012-12-10 #10 - Southwest corner

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2012%2520-%2520BAT%2520-%2520Substations%2F2012-12-10-11_SanbornRdSub_west.jpg&hash=7d37c58c275fa9cc5002e110d8f91191bdb4faf4)
2012-12-10 #11 - Another view of the junctions and breakers

This is the step-down part of the substation from the transmission to the subtransmission wires. (The parts with wires are actually duplicated right now, which is why the insulators look weird.)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2012%2520-%2520BAT%2520-%2520Substations%2F2012-12-10-12_SanbornRdSub_subtransmission_sub.jpg&hash=8e9d119fc91eb6e82f2aae36ba937354d4c591ee)
2012-12-10 #12 - Step-down transformers

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2012%2520-%2520BAT%2520-%2520Substations%2F2012-12-10-13_SanbornRdSub_transmission_switching.jpg&hash=a14403f45d0e8f3ee5d6839d762e862dbb93ab46)
2012-12-10 #13 - Transmission switching

Things I'm looking for

• I'd like to find better gravel and/or dirt textures to use for my base. I really don't have the time to figure out how to make those right now. I've considered it before. Many of the gravels I have to choose from are too variegated and/or too coarse. I need something fine - limestone, perhaps - and not too variegated, as that takes away from the being able to view the details of the props. As you can see in the original picture (image 2012-12-08 #1, posted 12/9), the whole lot is dirt/gravel.
  
  
• Suggestions on other props to use would be helpful as well. To fit all of my props in, the lot is huge, and I need to fill some of the space with other stuff. I don't seem to have much in my plugins to choose from.
  
  
• A good ploppable trail set.
  
  
• Lastly, has anyone made a cherry-picker truck? I've thought for awhile that some of those are needed.

-- Don

hi homefryes, welcome back!

you might want to check out the prop and texture photo page: http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=13364.0
it has photos from all the major dependency packs and is really helpful.

also, if you search for 'bell' on the stex, there are 2 cherry-picker trucks.

i look forward to seeing what you have planned.

edit: sorry homefryes, i believe those cherry-picker trucks are only re-skins, not props.

It's looking great homefryes! I wish i could help you with the lot but that escapes my knoledge...

Thanks, jmdude1, for pointing me to the prop library. Turns out I pretty much have everything. I may have added one or two, but nothing that satisfied my needs any further than what I already have. I'll make do for now; perhaps I will find time to make my own. I found the thread for that, and it looks like something I could tackle.

Quote from: jmdude1 on December 11, 2012, 12:54:03 AM
edit: sorry homefryes, i believe those cherry-picker trucks are only re-skins, not props.

What are the ramifications of a "re=skin"? Does it change a particular truck everywhere, like the high-voltage towers I'm using (instead of the red and white ones)? If that's the case, I could live with that. I haven't searched for it yet.

MTT9, it's okay! No worries! Glad you stopped by nonetheless.

---

I've made great progress on the substation. I put the wires in separate files; this eliminates the need for them to be ground models, thus casting those strange shadows. However, I now have some weird shadows things going on with the models, too. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to remedy this issue? See the quick mosaic I put together (it's not pretty, but it shows all the elements in one image).
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2012%2520-%2520BAT%2520-%2520Substations%2F2012-12-16-01_SanbornRdSub_mosaic_zps983b4a9c.jpg&hash=53cc3a51c65bccd0abd36eeb83fc79a1c381ab06)
2012-12-16 #1 - West Mosaic

I added wires to the subtransmission substation as well.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2012%2520-%2520BAT%2520-%2520Substations%2F2012-12-16-02_SanbornRdSub_south_zpsfd55a29b.jpg&hash=7a1bf1c0854c80d3757acb5a1b0f76cb26323d14)
2012-12-16 #2 - South

In spite of the weird shadow problem, I'm pleased with the result. (And, yes, I realize I'm missing a fence piece - I have to remember to put that back in!)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2012%2520-%2520BAT%2520-%2520Substations%2F2012-12-16-03_SanbornRdSub_south_zps5a92185c.jpg&hash=ed21061620e060090a47bd6ea9059f404ebe657d)
2012-12-16 #3 - South

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2012%2520-%2520BAT%2520-%2520Substations%2F2012-12-16-04_SanbornRdSub_north_zps7de92569.jpg&hash=c5bfd46ae661b86a9a9355e9da5366cfdf6191d5)
2012-12-16 #4 - North

I did find the ploppable trail set, as evidenced along the upper right (below). I'll get trails built by the towers as well.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2012%2520-%2520BAT%2520-%2520Substations%2F2012-12-16-05_SanbornRdSub_west_zps425ad224.jpg&hash=596ed492511e1d301b563a7965f64d156e9a0844)
2012-12-16 #5 - West

Zoom out even further:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2012%2520-%2520BAT%2520-%2520Substations%2F2012-12-16-06_SanbornRdSub_west_zps7186299f.jpg&hash=1eba9adcceab89b22d9d279d68931600b7f5dd97)
2012-12-16 #6 - West

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2012%2520-%2520BAT%2520-%2520Substations%2F2012-12-16-07_SanbornRdSub_south_zps4ff64b8e.jpg&hash=27a7461dbdbc3fe55ccd9e166dc7099dd3e49478)
2012-12-16 #7 - South

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2012%2520-%2520BAT%2520-%2520Substations%2F2012-12-16-08_SanbornRdSub_west_zps3015a4e6.jpg&hash=50cb2b6bd170e242d139292ef0263ec7f8126b7e)
2012-12-16 #8 - West

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2012%2520-%2520BAT%2520-%2520Substations%2F2012-12-16-09_SanbornRdSub_south_zps39c3eee1.jpg&hash=2dc2a6f29b3b48ab843456884860bc8850d49c4a)
2012-12-16 #9 - South

-- Don

It looks great. The lot needs a little improvement and it will be ready. It's nice to see something from Ashtabula once again :)

That looks good like always. That is a nice substation. Really nice props too. Did that take you a long time to do? And a other question is the Sub-transmission voltage 34.5kv or 46kv?