Ah, there you are. I was told I'd be expecting company. Welcome to Greenacre, well, at least to my little corner of it. I'm just getting started here myself so bear with me. I'm the new regional liason for the executive branch of the government here. I worked with the old liason for a few years, hopefully I picked up some tricks.
At any rate, since you're here, let me show you this:
1.01
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg122.imageshack.us%2Fimg122%2F8117%2Fgreenacreregionviewpo6.jpg&hash=cae375637010e33eb45f3d1d88d192075810c9af)
We ran a few of these not too long ago, sort of a promotional thing for tourists, but they've been quite popular with the locals around the region too. You're welcome to keep that one if you'd like, who knows, might be worth something one of these days (right... heh heh).
So, as I was saying, I'm the regional liason. Though each of the cities and districts have their own representatives to our legislative branch, I work on behalf of the executive and the cabinet to keep an eye on the local matters of the region, see if there's anything that needs to be done, anything that they need, and just kind of serve as the eyes and ears for them. The job requires a fair bit of travel, but what can I say? It's fun.
Oh, that reminds me. I just got back from Fergus Coast, a little town on the northern part of the island... actually, if you look at the map just below the two airplanes in the top center, you can see the harbor and the town itself. They're getting ready for their annual Christmas parade, which is actually coinciding with the Festival of Lights parade for Chanukah. From the sound of it, they're going to combine them somehow. It sounds pretty neat. At any rate, they have the harbor festooned with lights. I picked up a postcard or two while I was there. This one shows it pretty well.
1.02
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg339.imageshack.us%2Fimg339%2F2068%2Fferguscoastchristmasiq1.png&hash=b06868e97f31d2977a08a6190b3f6d402588c951)
I'll probably be heading back there sometime if you'd like to tag along. Perhaps on the... one moment, let me check my calendar here. Oh oh, I have a meeting here shortly, and that phone conference after that, and I have to head out to the Mustang Harbor Naval Base, and then meet with the architectural committee... sorry to dash off, but I hope I'll see you around again.
Oh dear, and the transit department too. What have I gotten myself into?
Seems like I've gotten myself into plenty, with hopefully more to come. As of the 30th update, I've started keeping track of them all here. Clicking on a link will take you to that post.
[tabular]
[row]
[head]Update Number[/head]
[head]Update Topic[/head]
[/row]
[row][data]Update 1[/data][data]Introduction and Christmas greeting[/data][/row]
[row][data]Update 2 (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6621.msg212325#msg212325)[/data][data]Farmland of the Valley: Apple Valley, Miller's Creek, Nutty Mouse Ranch & Cattle Yard[/data][/row]
[row][data]Update 2.5 (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6621.msg213071#msg213071)[/data][data]Mosaic: North Shore of Crater Lake[/data][/row]
[row][data]Update 3 (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6621.msg214708#msg214708)[/data][data]Crater Lake, GVRR Memorial Site, Apple Valley[/data][/row]
[row][data]Update 3.5 (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6621.msg216732#msg216732)[/data][data]Teaser: Former Federal Facilities[/data][/row]
[row][data]Update 4 (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6621.msg217735#msg217735)[/data][data]Westport Canals[/data][/row]
[row][data]OSITM:
30 days,
30 pics..:
in theory.
Let's call it
Update 5:[/data][data]1: Westport Canal Map; (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6621.msg219266#msg219266) 2: Shelter Island; (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6621.msg219409#msg219409) 3: Brooke's Bay Ferry Port (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6621.msg219571#msg219571); 4: Upper Fergus Coast (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6621.msg219920#msg219920); 5: Mustang Harbor (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6621.msg220191#msg220191); 6: Shelter Island Marina, and response to Robin (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6621.msg220371#msg220371); 7: Bridges over Firehouse Creek (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6621.msg220565#msg220565); 8: Duck Creek and surrounding farms (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6621.msg220777#msg220777); 9: Covered Bridge (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6621.msg220985#msg220985); 10: Apple Farm (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6621.msg221218#msg221218); 11: South Coast Community College (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6621.msg221509#msg221509); 12: Hackenbush Campground (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6621.msg221821#msg221821); 13: Driftwood Building (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6621.msg222033#msg222033); 14: City of Independence (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6621.msg222239#msg222239); 15: Rufus T. Firefly Memorial Station (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6621.msg222547#msg222547); 16: South Coast (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6621.msg222814#msg222814); 17: Lunch in the park - Shelter Island (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6621.msg223067#msg223067); 18: Western Pass housing development (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6621.msg223362#msg223362); 19: Southern Shelter Island (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6621.msg223668#msg223668); 20: Independence development (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6621.msg223911#msg223911); 21: Westport Wind Power (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6621.msg224223#msg224223); 22: S. Quentin Quale Park (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6621.msg224519#msg224519); 23: Mustang Harbor - Captain Jeffery T. Spaulding Wharf (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6621.msg224793#msg224793); 24: Greenacre Promotional Video (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6621.msg226337#msg226337)[/data]
[/row]
[row][data]Update 6 pt1 (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6621.msg231100#msg231100)[/data][data]Sierra Camp Regional Park Teaser[/data][/row]
[row][data]Update 6 pt2 (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6621.msg233186#msg233186)[/data][data]Sierra Camp Regional Park Teaser 2[/data][/row]
[row][data]Update 6 pt3 (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6621.msg235398#msg235398)[/data][data]Sierra Camp Regional Park: The actual update[/data][/row]
[row][data]Update 7 (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6621.msg239069#msg239069)[/data][data]The new Government Center[/data][/row]
[row][data]Update 7.5 (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6621.msg243905#msg243905)[/data][data]Fergus Coast Lumber Mill Teaser pt1[/data][/row]
[row][data]Update 7.55 (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6621.msg244298#msg244298)[/data][data]Fergus Coast Lumber Mill Teaser pt2[/data][/row]
[row][data]Update 8 (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6621.msg245270#msg245270)[/data][data]Robin's challenge #1[/data][/row]
[row][data]Update 9 (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6621.msg256493#msg256493)[/data][data]A preview to redevelopment on the islands; Topley Bay to be specific[/data][/row]
[row][data]Update 10 (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6621.msg261271#msg261271)[/data][data]Topley Bay redevelopment begins with the aquarium[/data][/row]
[row][data]Update 11 (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6621.msg268513#msg268513)[/data][data]Topley Bay redevelopment continues with residentials and a marina[/data][/row]
[row][data]Update 12 (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6621.msg270208#msg270208)[/data][data]Redevelopment composite mosaic[/data][/row]
[row][data]Update 13 (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6621.msg274663#msg274663)[/data][data]Topley Bay redevelopment continued[/data][/row]
[row][data]Update 14 (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6621.msg276132#msg276132)[/data][data]Greenacre Naval Base[/data][/row]
[row][data]Update 15 (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6621.msg285539#msg285539)[/data][data]Terraforming near the lumber mill: making sharp cliff edges look better[/data][/row]
[row][data]OSITM 2
4-in-1
Call it
Update 16::[/data][data]1: Traffic Map (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6621.msg288271#msg288271);
2:Traffic Volumes and the Railroads of Greenacre (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6621.msg288541#msg288541)
3: A picture challenge (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6621.msg288660#msg288660)
4: Firefighter Creek and the town of Patrick (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6621.msg289198#msg289198)
5: A tutorial on mosaics with emphasis on cleaning up the seams (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6621.msg289404#msg289404)
6: The conclusion of the week: post totals and more (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6621.msg289660#msg289660)[/data][/row]
[row][data]Update 17 (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6621.msg296826#msg296826)[/data][data]Capitol Corridor Light Rail[/data][/row]
[row][data]Update 17.5 (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6621.msg298206#msg298206)[/data][data]A Christmas picture[/data][/row]
[row][data]Update 18 (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6621.msg308129#msg308129)[/data][data]Shelter Island: east[/data][/row]
[row][data]Update 19 (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6621.msg315398#msg315398)[/data][data]Snow Cloud Ski Area[/data][/row]
[row][data]Update 20 (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6621.msg318483#msg318483)[/data][data]Easter view of Snow Cloud[/data][/row]
[row][data]Update 21 (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6621.msg325422#msg325422)[/data][data]Snow Cloud in the spring[/data][/row]
[row][data]Update 22 (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6621.msg327906#msg327906)[/data][data]Cliffton University[/data][/row]
[row][data]Update 22.5 (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6621.msg335673#msg335673)[/data][data]Random rails: a teaser[/data][/row]
[row][data]Update 23 (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6621.msg342494#msg342494)[/data][data]Going golfing near Snow Cloud[/data][/row]
[row][data]Update 25 (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6621.msg350205#msg350205)[/data][data]Fergus Junction renovations (and yes, I can't number, update 24 has apparently been skipped. In the spirit of Monty Python, those responsible for the numbering of the updates have been sacked.[/data][/row]
[row][data]Update 26 (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6621.msg350776#msg350776)[/data][data]Fergus Junction renovations continued[/data][/row]
[row][data]OSITM 3
4-in-1
[/data][data]Update 26: Air Force Base (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6621.msg353020#msg353020), yes a second "Update 26" Those responsible for sacking the update numberers have been sacked. On the plus side, we're now back into the proper numbering sequence.
Update 27: Greenacre International (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6621.msg353163#msg353163)
Update 28: An STR Tunnel Teaser (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6621.msg353327#msg353327)
Update 29: STR tunnels now revealed (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6621.msg353449#msg353449)
Update 30: An analysis of airports (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6621.msg353649#msg353649)[/data][/row]
[row][data]Update 30 pt.2 (no, I can't number apparently)[/data][data]Industrial redevelopment progress in the north. A step-by-step redevelopment.[/data][/row]
[/tabular] (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6621.msg377033#msg377033)
Alright, a Matt MD! That looks like a fascinating region there, and Fergus Coast looks like a very nice little town. I'm looking forward to seeing what this transit department has in store, too. ;)
This is a fantastic start--I'm looking forward to more Greenacre! :thumbsup:
-Alex (Tarkus)
Greenacre is the place to be
Island living is the life for me
Land spreading out, so far and wide
Keep Manhattan, just give me those harbor sides
Sorry threestooges, I could not resist referring to one of the classics ::) Things look to be off to a great start and I am sure I will be coming back. Would not mind being on one of those flights coming into the island to get away from this -4F here. Happy Holidays :)
Whoa! It's only a little bit after midnight here in Pennsylvania, and I'm already getting a Christmas present!
Welcome to the wonderful world of MDing, Matt! Your first update is just wonderful, I love the way that you have it set up--the regional liaison idea is one of the most clever and original ways of taking to an MD that I've seen in quite some time, my friend!
I will be looking forward to following along here in Greenacre!
Oh, and by the way...Merry Christmas!
Dustin
Matt wow!!! What can I say a christmas gift indeed!!! Awesome Start and I soooooo cant wait to see more!!!
Well Matt, you kind of sneaked in under the radar! ::) That's a fantastic map you've chosen - it just fairly screams extreme diversity and interesting multi-level development. Looks like there's room for everything from farms along lazy country roads to cloud scrapers with a stunning view of the water. And you've started out with a great-looking harbour.
Best of luck with Greenacre! I know you'll do well with your MD just as you've done exceptionally well with so many other undertakings around here! And don't worry, I'll let you get a couple of updates behind you before I start nagging about traffic data, etc.! ;D
Enjoy your Christmas Day holiday then get back to work!
Joan
Hey Matt,
Great to see Greenacre turn into a published reality. I've been hoping and waiting for a threestooges MD and you deliver it for Christmas, nice touch.
As Joan says, the region looks very diverse and an interesting canves to work with - I am sure that we're in for some treats along the way.
Fergus Coast is looking really pretty there - a great little spot to spend the Christmas holidays.
Good luck with Greenacre, I'll do my best to pop in on a regular basis.
All the best
Paul
Welcome to the MD-section, Matt!
And wonderful start there of your new MD Greenacre!
The overview pictures is nice! And great development on that island!
Fantastic Christmas picture there!
And I hope your Christmas was great...
Looking forward to more...
Well, well, well.. How could I miss it?
Although I've seen both pictures in prerelease, I still stand in awe of the beauty of the region view and the Christmas card.
I hope your meetings with the Agriculture Committee and the Transit Department will be good, and I'm looking forward to more!
Very nice! I like what I see thus far. :thumbsup:
I just knew that you would do an MD one day, Matt! :) It looks like you've put together a nice region, and the Christmas picture is a good way to get this started. I'm looking forward to seeing how this MD develops in 2009.
Wow cant wait until I actualy see the town. :P
Hey Matt,
It's about time that you jumped into the MD section. And with great pictures like this, I think you are off to an amazing start.
I always find it interesting to see the maps that people work off of. This island looks great and the great thing about islands is that the end is in sight, especially when it's a small one.
I can't wai to see some more close ups.
Robin :thumbsup:
Replies:
-Alex: Yes, the transit department has been in meetings for some time now. I have a feeling some new projects will be on the way sometime soon if they haven't already been approved. I know there is a street resurfacing project that has been underway, but more about that later. Thanks for being the first to comment, and I hope to see you enjoy this update too.
-projectadam: A classic indeed, and thanks for the song. I was wondering when someone would bring that up. The region was actually named after a seldom used legal term but I think it fits it aside from that. You might want to look into a stay down in South Coast (we'll get there one of these times).
-Dustin: Merry Christmas Dustin. Hope all is well with you. Glad you like the regional liason idea, I hope to have some fun with it. I should also say, happy New Year too.
-Pat: Thanks Pat. Your wait won't be much longer (as long as it takes you to scroll down a bit). Merry Christmas to you, and Happy New Year.
-Joan: Thanks for the welcome Joan, and thanks for all the advice you gave me for getting this thing going. I actually made the map myself and just wanted to make a few different areas to work with. It's worked well so far, and there still more to go. As for traffic data, well, I suppose I could have them pull some numbers up for you, but we'll see how long that takes, have to submit the forms to the right departments and, oh, I won't bore you with the details. Hope your Christmas was good, and I hope you have a Happy New Year.
-Paul: Hope you'll enjoy. I suppose it really made its first debut in West End's golf torunament, though it may be a while before we see Greenacre's golf facilities, the regional liason tends to be kept pretty busy, though we may get out to the links one day if you brought your clubs. The folks in Fergus Coast do put on a good show for the season, and the parade was a hit. I'll see you next time you swing by, and thanks for the advice earlier on for making one of these things.
-bat: Thank you very much. My Christmas went well, and I hope yours did too. If you're looking forward to more, look no further than just down the page a bit. See you next time.
-Casper: Thanks for your thoughts on the pics, and I'm glad you've enjoyed it this far. The meeting with the Agricultural Committee went well, as you will see below.
-Schulmanator: Thanks. I'm glad you're enjoying it.
-metarvo: It's something I've been intending to do for a while, and finally got thing going after some advice from a few people and all. Glad you enjoyed it, and I'm looking forward to seeing how it develops too.
-dandan: We probably won't see the town area of Fergus Cost for a bit, but we will see a few towns in the coming updates.
-Robin: Thanks for stopping by and thanks for the advice you've given me for this thing to help get it going. Some more closeups should be on the way. The end may be in sight, but I think a telescope might be necessary. I have a few plans, and hopefully it'll be going for a little while. But I know what you mean, it's good to know what I have to work with too.
Hey, you again. Good to see you. Hope your Christmas and New Years and all that went well. It was fortunately a pretty quiet one around here, everyone going home to their families and all. But now we're back in the swing of things. Since you're here, you might be interested in this. I know I ducked out of here for that meeting with the transit department, but they've been busy, especially down in the valley.
2.01
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg237.imageshack.us%2Fimg237%2F9199%2Fgreenacreregionalmap01kx0.png&hash=25bb8afb68313c50e5e4a0fcfcd6c5b6fcd1e24a) (http://img237.imageshack.us/img237/9199/greenacreregionalmap01kx0.png)
(Clicking on this pic should bring it up in full size resolution 1400x800. Our general route today is highlighted in red.)
You see, when the areas around the island first developed, it was ridiculously expensive to import certain goods, and cement was one of them, which made normal street construction a bit of an issue until they realized the abundance of clay and other materials suitable for brick making. I know, I'm probably boring you a bit with this (imagine a three hour meeting) but long story short, most streets in the area were paved with red brick. It looked pretty good, but it has been a bit of a pain to maintain. Bricks began loosening from rain and wear, puncturing tires, bit of a mess. Recently though, the transit department has received funds to improve select streets in the valley to test the improvment.
I'm heading down there now to check it out. Care to come along for the ride? I'll give you a tour, it's a nice day for a ride in the country. We'll stop off in Apple Valley first on the southwest side of the valley (and probably make our way back here too). It started as little more than a few houses near the local station. Note the brick streets.
2.02
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg165.imageshack.us%2Fimg165%2F375%2Fsoutherncratersmallcityda0.jpg&hash=fcc97ca1974f40f34f79e7b8dec1be90218a0686)
It has since grown with the scale of farming in the valley, and even started to take on a little life of it's own, though it still sticks close to the old station
2.03
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg165.imageshack.us%2Fimg165%2F8508%2Fsoutherncrateroverviewbf9.jpg&hash=d525a96f0a056934ea89bebb39ce8cab26407997)
One of the more recent developments here has been on the Jacobson farm. Land value is going up around here and Farmer J or Jay (as he's known around town) thought he could pick up some spare change and sold some lots himself. Here's a shot of his land before:
2.04
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg389.imageshack.us%2Fimg389%2F9536%2Fsoutherncraterfarmbuiltnt3.jpg&hash=97a12459384eaa72bef9de6c7ab5e2ee38daa6d0)
Followed by it's current form. Those little areas may looked blocked off by the new houses, but Jay kept easement rights and every season, like clockwork, he's out the tending the fields
2.05
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg165.imageshack.us%2Fimg165%2F7006%2Fsoutherncraterstationsjn1.jpg&hash=fc5752808918de17867180f36c9e5e76a6893075)
We'll swing back by here later on, but for now we need to get out to Miller's Creek and see how the roads are coming along out there. According to the DOT, they just finishing up laying the last of them. Should be a smooth ride along the way.
2.06
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg148.imageshack.us%2Fimg148%2F108%2Ffarmsandtraincrossingwc6.jpg&hash=0a41e39113ba848f79c83788b5ea06b10b88093b)
The GVRR (Greenacre Valley Railroad) is the principle freight hauler and a familiar sight around here. Actually, we got lucky that this was one of their shorter trains. Some of these things can go for a while. Not a problem if you like trains though, and the GVRR does have its share of trainspotters.
2.07
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg148.imageshack.us%2Fimg148%2F5716%2Feastcrateroverviewyd0.jpg&hash=aade84c4d7477a2f7991ab6a7f179096a1ade314)
This town (Miller's Creek) took off as one of the centers for milling and processing crops (hence the name). Some of the industries up the hill have been there for many years now, and they don't show any signs of slowing down.
2.08
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg165.imageshack.us%2Fimg165%2F8859%2Feastcratertownoverviewos8.jpg&hash=e709c6ab5849cbc059fb3ddb389e94b229e03458)
The eastern part of the valley is know for its cattle, fruit (principally apples), and it wine. The precipitation from the large lake gets trapped up against the hills and makes sure this area is well watered. Right up here is the local showgrounds. It was started back in 1929 by the Nutty Mouse Ranch. I'm not really sure where the name came from, but they have been a major player in the region for some time now. It's remained a family owned farm as it has been passed down through the generations.
Here's one of their older advertisments:
2.09
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg165.imageshack.us%2Fimg165%2F4743%2Fbarronscattleyardzy5.jpg&hash=270e307309d50c07346db34aa82a36bc47dfb00d)
You can see it off to your right up here. One of their cattle farms is to our left across the street. The area has even developed a bit with a few small shops selling local wares and a small restaurant. It's become a bit of a draw with tourists out for a country drive. There's talk of locating a weekend farmers market here too, or perhaps a country fair. Not sure what lies in store, most of the land is privately owned, so we'll likely see what they end up doing.
2.10
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg165.imageshack.us%2Fimg165%2F2933%2Feastcratercattleauctiontc5.jpg&hash=d6e4592f242a4976adbdcd24b517879eee53fcc5)
Over here is one of the other cattle companies the area is known for. I'm continually surprised at the lack of fences around here, but the ranchers never liked them much and the cattle seem content to stick around on their own. Sure there might be the odd cow (or stampede) running about somewhere, but they are rare and damage is paid for by the owners.
2.11
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg147.imageshack.us%2Fimg147%2F1491%2Feastcratercattlefarmyq7.jpg&hash=b5d6006d4bcda6a405d5ff2b78cb6d9d2606e044)
Our last stop here for now is one of the premier wineries of the valley. They have a few small fields scattered around the area, but pressing, bottling, and tasting (of course) are handled here. For those of you who don't have a taste for wine, they have a pub with a fine selection. Whether or not you take part in a tasting, the restaurant here is excellent. It's a bit pricey, but you can find a bottle from their reserve, a good steak, and freshly baked apple pie, showcasing the products this part of the valley is known for.
2.12
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg266.imageshack.us%2Fimg266%2F842%2Feastcraterwinerypubif3.jpg&hash=24241302e6c08ec44f6e79dbecfebfa7150aa974)
That does it for this half of the tour. I was hoping to get around the valley in one go, but it seems we'll need to save the rest for next time.
-Matt
Hey Matt, you're doing a great job here! I really like knowing what part of the map I'm looking at - and I love that map!
Good start on the update - you've done a wonderful job on the farms. The close-ups look really good - lots of interesting details. Your transport system - what there is of it visible at this point - looks practical and realistic. I like the way the road and railroad run parallel then turn off different directions as they approach the village.
Absolutely love the Nutty Mouse Ranch ad and, of course, the ranch itself. I seem to recall seeing something on one of those "Weird Stories" sites about a mouse invasion in a bunch of houses. They finally left, but there was a crazy one that wanted to stick around. The story goes that it became a pet and entertained its owners by batting peanuts around inside its cage.
I really do like your farms/ranches, and the night shots are always favorites. I have but one small suggestion - consider numbering your photos! One easy way is to use the number of the update followed by a decimal. If the fifth update has 12 photos, they might be numbered 5.01 through 5.12. Makes it easier for us to comment on specific pix.
Later...
Joan
Thanks, I'll be in touch soon.
Hi Matt,
Ahhhh, rural bliss in Greenacre!
That tour of the farm belt was very nice and relaxing. And your way of developing the storyline is very nice - I think you have me hooked as a regular visitor.
I like the way your farms have the tree "buffers" between them - i think this loks much more realistic plus has the added benefit of making the region view look better. And that Nutty Mouse Ranch is a great story and also a great lot - I don't recall seeing it before.
It's interesting that your farms adopt a very strict square/grid formation - I suspect that's a matter of where you live - as it just doesn't happen here - I'd be interested to hear about that.
I like the way you've built small town/large village housing in amongst the farms - they look good.
And my favourite shot is the very last one - something about the way that street leads up to the two farm houses. And the greenhouse farm also looks great. My only suggestion is to look at the SAM and maybe making that street a dirt one - just a thought.
Well, a great update there Matt - I am sure Greenacre is going to go from strength to strength.
I love how you photoshopped the region view to look like an island. Really cool!!!! &apls
This is wonderful! I love how you put it in the perspective of a citizen living on the island. Each farm, house, business, and railroad seems to have it's own little details, and you're able to zoom in on little things, and give us a whole story on them. I love that! :)
What a great start there Matt, I really like the region view my friend. &apls
the layout of the farms is good too my friend,
Can't wait the next update !
Arthur. :thumbsup:
Hey Matt another fantastic update here from you WoW!!!! I think Joan has given some wonderful advice there for sure, and I know for one I cant wait for more of Greenacre!!!
Welcome to page 2! ;)
That new update is great! The region map is also fantastic! Wonderful pictures of your city!!! :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Great job with the update! Awesome view of the region, looks like a nice place to live.:) Like how in picture 2.07 the individual farms are surrounded by trees, looks very realistic.
Your writing stye is also very good :thumbsup:
-sim_link
Funny how you should have named one of your towns Apple Valley - I'm originally from a real city of that name (though without any apples, since it's in the desert)! Good job so far. Looking at the size of Greenacre, I can tell there's plenty more to look forward to in this MD!
Replies:
-Joan: Glad to hear you liked it. This is one of the areas where I laid the rail early on. I had a main path around the valley in mind from the get go and just built the towns where they looked like they'd fit (usually where a couple main roads intersected). Thanks for the suggestion on numbering the pics. It does help in talking about specific ones. The previous updates have already been updated accordingly.
-Paul: I'm glad I could bring a bit of relaxation and bliss. If you liked that part, you'll hopefully enjoy what's coming. The valley is the main agricultural source for Greenacre, but there are other spots which we will see in times to come. I've always liked the tree lines that act as buffers too, they'll feature heavily in the area. CP's aspens work great in the task. Not seasonal yet, but they may be someday. The agricultural areas I'm familiar with are largely those of Southern and Central CA. They developed in a fair grid system, and there weren't many trees or terrain features to break that grid. I'll need to look for it, but driving up Interstate 5 they seemed to lose a sense of creativity when naming the roads, I have a pic of an exit for "Road 19." David gave a good description of US farm layouts in 3RR.
Here's something to show the age of the game. The cattle yard is a classic lot by mrbisonm (the same who made Nexis if I recall) from 2003 and can be found here on the STEX (http://www.simtropolis.com/stex/index.cfm?id=528), and the towns being built into the farm fields is something I picked up from Digby, one of my earliest rural inspirations.
I was trying to think of something to improve the vineyard, and that might just do it. However, I haven't noticed a dirt street option in the SAM, did I miss a texture pack?
-tragicomicus1: Welcome to Greenacre. Aside from adding the red line and hiding the vertical edge of the map, that region shot is how it shows up for me in the game. When I made the island, I ended up with about 1 medium tile of water on all sides. It really seems to emphasize the island aspect. Glad you're enjoying it.
-Albus of Garaway: Thank you very much, and welcome to Greenacre. If you happen to see something on one of these trips that interests you, let me know. I'll do a little research and see what I can find for you.
-art128: Glad you're enjoying it Arthur. There will be a few more farms coming up here for you in this next update as we finish circling the valley.
-Pat: Always good to see you Pat. She did give some good advice (both now, and when I was planning things out). Enjoy the next part of the tour here.
-bat: Thanks for bringing things to the second page. Glad you're enjoying it so far. There's plenty more to come.
-sim_link: Welcome to Greenacre, and thanks. If you see a place you like, let me know and I'll see if I can get a realtor lined up for you. Glad to hear you're enjoying the story too. It's fun to write. I've always liked the tree-lined farm look too, though it may not be too realistic in some farms around here. Hope you enjoy what's to come.
-woodb3kmaster: Funny how you should note the town of Apple Valley. If it's the one in CA just east of Victorville, then it may have provided the name for this one. A slightly different climate perhaps, but I like the name. You are right that there is plenty more to come, hope you enjoy it. Welcome to Greenacre.
I felt bad cutting the tour short last time, so here's a bit to give you a taste of what's to come. They say a picture is worth 1000 words, so with that, enough of my jabbering, here's part of our path for next time. Enjoy.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg212.imageshack.us%2Fimg212%2F6857%2Fvalleymosaicjj7.jpg&hash=d45b88783f750e1f766664cb0f36e600342eb2d1)
-Matt
Hey Matt, you're doing some good work down on the farms. If I didn't know better I'd say you know exactly how to hitch up a mule and plow a straight line! ;)
That's an awesome mosaic, and the village in the lower half is laid out well – everything looks like it belongs there. I like the tiered look and retaining walls even though they aren't sights I'm used to seeing. That's a pretty steep cliff from water level to the top – is this a typical scene in parts of California and/or the West Coast in general?
Glad you've decided to number your photos – now I can tell you how much I like each one! ;D
Later...
Joan
Wow! What a mosaic, Matt!
The village on the coastline, the farmlands--excellent placement of everything, my friend!
Great stuff here in Greenacre! Great stuff!
Dustin
Hello Threestooges
I like the farm in the lower corner with the sheep. It looks like you spent a little time on it with all the extra flora and fences. It was a nice picture to look at and gave me a tranquil feeling.
Beautiful job! &apls
I particularly love that mosaic. The farm with the sheep is just perfect! Looking forward to seeing more :D
Wow, what a nice mosaic! It reminds me a lot of where I live, except here in New York state, many of the rails are abandoned (At least where I live). I love how lively your images are. You can really tell that this is a living and growing place. So many people think that it's just the looks that count in SimCity 4, but I really think the liveliness and the feeling that things are changing in the area is a huge factor, too.
That Christmas tree farm is extremely creative. Another reason why I love this MD. ;)
Thanks for giving us such an incredible read, Matt! :)
Beautiful mosaic there! Your rural area(s) is (/are) wonderful!! Great work!! :thumbsup:
Nice fields. Just this one on the top, with trees on it looks strange a bit ;)
Those Rural Farms are absolutely stunning! Awesome work on the mosaic too!
Matt that is wonderful mosaic there!!! I loved it and I cant wait for the tour to contiune!!!!
A nice mosaic, Matt! The grade on some of those roads are a bit much, though, but that's not a big problem. A bit too much Maxis for my taste, but I've been spoiled by the all the custom content available $%Grinno$%. I'll try and stop by again soon!
~ Dan
Cant believe nobody linked http://www.tvland.com/theme_songs/themeSongsPopup.jhtml?id=10 (http://www.tvland.com/theme_songs/themeSongsPopup.jhtml?id=10)
I know, it's got an s on the end, but it's close ;D
Matt, great to see an MD up and running. And you've started with my fave area, rural. Looks great, and I like the way the rail descends down the hill :thumbsup: Nicely done.
Looking forward to more
Cheers
Dave
What a great mosaic you've given us Matt. Your rural areas really are something special. And I also like the way you deal with the terrain height changes - it looks very smoothly done and I know that's not easy.
I'm really enjoying seeing Greenacre develop. :thumbsup:
Paul
Great Mosaic, gives a very nice snapshot of the area. :thumbsup: Love how the small town fits in with the surrounding farmland, works very well in this instance. :)
Great mosaic, Matt!
Replies:
-Joan: Let's put it this way, if I had to hitch up a mule and plow a straight line I'd probably do it the same way I'm doing Greenacre, figure it out as I go along and hope no one notices. Even with Maxis farms, I've always enjoyed the rural areas of the game. Rest assured, there is more to Greenacre than farms, but you'll see a few more for at least this next update.
The retaining walls were the best thing I found to make the tiers at the time, and I still like them today. I can't recall seeing too many full-slope walls in CA, but there are a number of vertical retaining walls, especially along Highway 1 (Pacific Coast Highway (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/California_State_Route_1)-check out the picture at Mugu Rock, the road goes through that gap). From Santa Monica through Malibu, large (20ft+ tall) concrete retaining walls line the road that cuts along the coast. Some areas like La Conchita (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/La_Conchita,_California#Mudslides) along US 101 have had some serious landslides.
-Dustin: Thank you very much Dustin. Most of what you see there is just a result of zoning. aside from the tree farm at the top, the trees and sheep added to the farm at the bottom and perhaps 1-2 buildings I may not have noticed, all RCI grew there as is. I like how it turned out too. Sometimes letting it grow can yield less than optimal results, but this one worked well.
-jmyers2043: Coming from someone who has done some excellent rural work, that is a fine compliment. This is actually the more industrial agricultural area, the fancier ones are up in the hills, but that's outside the valley, and is a place for a different trip in the future. Thanks for stopping by.
-kant01: Thank you very muchm and welcome to Greenacre. I love the ploppable animals, they make pastures and such so much easier.
-Albus of Garaway: The rails of Greenacre will hopefully be filled for years to come. Fortunately, freight is still fairly big out here too. UP and BNSF each have stock out here. You are right too. Looks are certainly a plus, but life in a pic helps dramatically... I just have no idea how to get it consistently. The tree farm actually came from a desire to have something a bit more uniform than the existing tree farm (though I do like that lot too). Hope you enjoy this next part.
-bat: Thanks bat. It's still the same rural area from the last update, we're just getting to the northern part of the lake now and wrapping around. Good to see you.
-kbieniu7: I suppose it does look a bit odd to have the trees surrounded by flowers, but the owner seems to do a good business. Must be good soil. Welcome to Greenacre, and I hope to see you around again.
-Nexis: Thank you very much, and welcome to Greenacre.
-Pat: Thank you very much. Our tour shall continue shortly.
-dsrwhat316: Ever been to San Francisco? Heh heh, yeah, this area was originally made back before I had a slope mod installed. Some of the slopes were actually toned down when I repaved the streets with the SAM. You'll gradually see more non-Maxis stuff enter in as we go, but you'll likely see it still in this update. Welcome to Greenacre.
-tooheys: Heh heh, welcome to Greenacre Dave! Farm living is the life indeed, isn't it (though no relation to the show intended)? I suppose it's fitting that this is where we get out first full glimpses of the area. Interestingly, for as hilly as that area is, there is no major slope to the rail line outside of the bit by the station and just above the 'S' curve. Everything just weaves around it (or that's the hope). Glad to see you here, and I'm glad you're enjoyng.
-paroch: Thank you Paul. Most of the slope workwas done with road plops (a little trick I picked up from Anduin River Valley), levelling the terrain outward from the hill. It gets a bit messier up the hill though, but the extent of the town is more or less in the mosaic, so the mess can be worked out later. Since you showed your local farms, I'll try to do the same. For now, here's a pic I found on the net. I'll try to track down one that's more local.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm2.static.flickr.com%2F1252%2F1078910691_25ed95339e.jpg&hash=e304da1666b330884bfef483e579c93edecea6e4)
-sim_link: Thank you very much. It can be easy to go overboard with the town and spread too far into the fields, but I think this one worked out.
-burgesabre87: Thank you very much and welcome to Greenacre. Hope all is well with you and your family.
So, after a nice night in Miller's Creek, what say we get going again with our tour.
3.01
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg86.imageshack.us%2Fimg86%2F4425%2Fgreenacreregionalmap02qt8.png&hash=b2b79cc5724552c07bcdcac429cc2a496b3856a8)
The lighter red highlights our intended path today. The darker red, as you might guess, is where we have been.
We're travelling by rail (via the GVRR) from Miller's Creek, and will be arriving at the Crater Lake station shortly.
3.02
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg209.imageshack.us%2Fimg209%2F868%2Fgreenacrevalleyrailroadwk0.jpg&hash=ab0306673c9e2e2aec1f4c10c18a44216e1347f1)
Here is the local rail station in Crater Lake. It's fairly centrally located, and is within walking distance of most of the local venues. This is a good thing as they'll be bringing our car along on the next train. Sure we could have driven, but there's something fun about rail travel for me. As long as we're here, let's looks around.
3.03
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg73.imageshack.us%2Fimg73%2F6971%2Fcraterlaketrainstationmu5.jpg&hash=46904e22d53dd90ccc83cfa176b64312a9019a2e)
The town got it's name from the rather large body of water out there, and it is one of the primary points of entry into the lake. There is a launch facility that services boats as well as the occasional aircraft (with pontoons of course). There were a few flying boats in the area last time I came out here, but it seems pretty quiet here today. Likely out on a tour or something.
3.04
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg154.imageshack.us%2Fimg154%2F1825%2Fcraterlakeairportcz6.jpg&hash=1d96169971d9482a396366cbe17b392f59251c26)
Some of you noted the rather steep slope lead up the hill. Well, you haven't seen the half of it. One of the more dangerous roads around here, especially at night, it creeps quite close to the edge of the cliffs. It does give a stunning view of the lake however, and is an essential route to get to the major cities futher inland.
3.05
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg164.imageshack.us%2Fimg164%2F2786%2Ftownmosaicej6.jpg&hash=c9b11c63223e0f8bbf48d18d9f1bce936631d964)
A couple of things to point out here. First, you'll notice the monument just above that tunnel entrance there. It was constructed after a boiler on one of the GVRR locomotive exploded. The fire got a bit hot, and the water got a bit low. Near as they could tell, the pressure gauge malfunctioned. 'Near as they could tell' being a couple hundred feet away where they found said gauge. It ripped up some of the closer houses, but fortunately no one was killed. The ascending path it takes symbolizes progress and advancement while the gaps are there to ensure that pauses for reflection are made, that things work properly before moving forward and that there will likely challenges to overcome in pursuit of a goal.
On a lighter note, as you ascend the hill, you'll note some of the local wildflowers. It's the off season here right now, though it's getting close, but when these things get going, the entire hillside can be in bloom. Just up the hill from this is the start of an industrial sector, but that's something for another time, we had better get back down and on the road again if we want to make it all the way around before night.
One last point of interest is the railyard here. This is where the aforementioned locomotive exploded. The boiler ruptured at the top so fortunately that's where most of the energy went. We'll grab a bite to eat at the pizza shop across the street before heading out.
3.06
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg93.imageshack.us%2Fimg93%2F2531%2Fcraterlakerailyardrm8.jpg&hash=3de6b38d3824c7c44f4fe751048092e7ac938b9f)
It's nice to have connections with the GVRR, they brough our car along and now we're good to go again. As we leave, take a look at this sheep farm out here. CVG Farms owns the property. The owner actually told me an interesting bit of advice for tending sheep. Never feed them before sunrise. Apparently they'll get used to it and start pestering you at all hours of the night wanting food.
3.07
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg67.imageshack.us%2Fimg67%2F4442%2Fcraterlakesheepfarmpy2.jpg&hash=c16f9e3692cd4bb5d3f91d50f93101b2657d5e85)
Here's is another one of the local GVRR stations near a few more ranches. Again, a lack of fences, but that doesn't seem to impede business much.
3.08
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg164.imageshack.us%2Fimg164%2F4337%2Fredwoodridgestationandfpd1.jpg&hash=340536b149d766ba505a8ad8f93e3583e5ebf319)
The rail in the area starts to get a bit messy in this part of the valley, what with all the spurs jutting out. It does get fairly heavily used though, so I guess the confusion works itself out. If you're wondering about the rail crossing on the upper spur there by the houses like I was, it turns out the engineers (who were building the line, not driving the trains) thought they'd have some fun and designed the crossing to have two standard gauge tracks offset from the line. They designed it so that the train would ride along the median. It looks like things would derail (and it's often a place to have fun with the new engineers too) but it works quite well.
3.09
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg67.imageshack.us%2Fimg67%2F6347%2Fredwoodridgestrstubcg3.jpg&hash=e2a98ddde73c482c6f892422145efc03bc9d0638)
Would you look at the time. It took us a while, but I think we're finally back to Apple Valley where we started. You remember the train station right?
3.10
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg374.imageshack.us%2Fimg374%2F4210%2Fsoutherncraternightov1.jpg&hash=a8fa000f303611a166184b3d11b7d5c1be694301)
Since it's getting late, what say we grab a bite to eat? There's a fine microbrewery here. Good food. They've started shipping their product around Greenacre, and may even start opening a few new restaurants too. Until then however, enjoy some of the finest food the valley has to offer. Fresh from the farms.
3.11
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg164.imageshack.us%2Fimg164%2F7498%2Fapplevalleyfishtalejd4.jpg&hash=a6c356db16acb07ad6b6e6ba8ffc29aa1ec89bb7)
Hope you enjoyed the tour. If you happen to see any areas you'd like to know more about, I have some flexibility in my schedule so I'll see if I can arrange a tour. It never hurts to get out to these areas when I can. It lets me stay current on the local issues. At any rate, take it easy and I'll see you next time.
-Matt
Another Excellent update :thumbsup: , ur giving me great ideas for my New Jersey Farmer's Region &hlp
I've decided the best way to describe Greenacre is "natural." Structural elements fit well together, but equally important is the fact that things fit well within the terrain.
3.05, which appears to be a mini-mosaic, looks great. It's no easy task to climb a hill like that with a road without invoking a bunch of the dreaded Maxis fillers. Clever story about the monument, too - you have quite an imagination. :thumbsup:
Once again, you seem to have the rural feeling down pat. 3.08 and 3.09 especially caught my eye - love the dawn/dusk photos. I like the way you've used trees around the fields, too. That RL photo of American farmland is pretty much true to form - and pretty boring in game IMO. I think there's room for some artistic license here.
Overall, an excellent update - and a nice birthday gift for us! ;)
Joan
Hi Matt,
What a great update you've given us. Thanks for the pic of the farms near to you - yes, so different from the layouts near to where I live!!
I do like the overview - in hindsight I wish West End was an island. Maybe in four years time (that's how long I reckon it'll take to complete the map!!) I'll start an isalnd map!
I like the way you procude banners/posters for use in Greenacre, certainly adds to it. The tour of the valley has been very relaxing and enjoying I have to say. If I had one suggestion / observation, I think I'd say that your choice of Residential houses could have been more, interesting. I think there are just so many more imaginative sets out there and I could suggest that a certain series of Mouse Houses would sit in the valley beautifully!!
In 3.04 that is an interesting lot there for the marina/dockside. Can I ask what it is??
3.05 is without doubt the pick of the bunch here. What a great road you've built there, winding down the hillside. I do worry about the kids in that little school house though!!
I really like the details you put into your farms - very nice indeed. And there is a nice mix of different farm types to keep it looking interesting.
Thanks for the tour Matt - rest assured I'll be back for more.
Paul
another great update! I love the maps. I think you did a really nice job with this. I also particularly like the way you have built using the terrain, particular that one little road that winds down and goes through the tunnel. Can't wait to see more! &apls
You snuck this one in here, Matt- shame on you!
But I've found Greenacre now. I'm tempted to start an MD called Blackacre, then we can make everyone's eyes glaze over posting about subsidence and the rule against perpetuities.
...sorry, folks, lame inside joke among certain professionals- move along, nothing to see here...
I have seen the future, and it is pic 3.09.
I'll be back, my friend, and soon.
David
David that may be lame and all but a darn good laugh though as I caught it!!!! hehehehehehe Speaking of lame besides you cant run 2 MD's at once, you know the rules :D :D oooh wait I guess you can since 3RR aint a MD its a well hmmm what truly is 3RR?? I know to me its home away from home!!!
Matt fantastic update here and wow I am impressed here with Greenacre for sure!!! I do like the local area of your farming area there thats for sure... Also that port is very good there too!!! Where did that come from the new SPD stuff???
anywho Matt see you soon and I cant wait to see what you do next!!!!
Patrick
Matt, sorry I haven't kept up on the past couple updates--they are really something to behold. It goes without saying you're an absolute master of the agricultural domain in SC4. I rather like that ultra-curvy road up there as well--they're always really fun to build, too. Great use of Chrisadams' Flora, too.
I can't wait to see what you have for us next.
-Alex (Tarkus)
Uh oh, I'm late for the update! ;)
That's great that the GVRR rails will be used for years to come. It's really sad to see abandoned tracks, especially being a train lover like myself. You're really lucky to have two great lines running through your area (In real life, that is). BNSF is one of my favorites, although it doesn't even compete with New York Central (I'm biased... :D).
I love your farms. Great use of the classic Maxis! I do the same...what can I say, I like Maxis! Again, I have to comment on how each area has it's own little story, and everything is so lively and upbeat. I love that in an MD!
Until next time! :)
Matt, I've missed some update here my friend, I'm very sorry &ops
The mosaic is really awesome !
And the last update is really fantastic ! &apls &apls
Keep up this great job Matt,
Arthur. :thumbsup:
You're doing a great job with Greenacre! It's always really interesting to see what you come up with. The writing style is still awesome, like how your tour us though the region, it adds a very nice touch. Can't wait to see more! :)
Replies:
-Nexis: If I am able to give someone making a Farming Region ideas, the I take that as quite a compliment. Glad you're enjoying it.
-Joan (Jmouse): I do level out a few areas here and there, but I wanted to try to work with the terrain I had created. It can be challenging sometimes, especially when the slope mod says an extra 1/10 degree is too much (but those are the rules set by the transit department, and I'm not about to set up a meeting to change that, no sir, at least not yet) but the results are worth it. I tried to give the update a feeling of progression in time (the later pics are getting darker), and it seems to have worked well. 3.05 is in fact a mini-mosaic. I couldn't get all I wanted into a single shot, so I did the next best thing. As for the US farm pic being true to RL, and boring in-game, I think it goes without saying that it can be boring in RL as well, particularly when it's straight, flat, and hot for 100+miles (avoid that section of I-5 from LA to Sacramento if you can). Thanks for the birthday thing too by the way, that was a great pic.
Paul (paroch): Not sure why I decided to make it an island, but it's kind of fun. West End has a great landmass though (and technically it's on an island... just a really big one). I'll look forward to the journey there, however long it takes.
The Mouse House and some other variations will be making there way in. The farms in the valley are some of the oldest spots in the region and had very little in the way of non-ploppable stuff when they were made. The pics you have seen, aside from adding a few things like the wildflowers, flora on the farms, and the rail curves/STR and the like, most of the pics looked as they did back when the tiles were developed over a year ago. I just tinkered with a few aspects to bring them up to standard.
The lot for the marina is actually the CdS Airport by Ripptide. Unfortunately is is locked on the LEX. Details about that are a bit further down the page here.
Glad you liked the road up the hill. That open area just called for some wildflowers when I went back in to touch up a few areas. I wouldn't worry about the kids in the school too much... if anyone does go over the edge there, they're likely speeding, so they'll usually clear the school... some of those houses on the other hand...
-kant01: Thank you very much. The map will certainly be a recurring part of things around here. It's a good way to lay out the travel plans for the update. If you can't wait to see more... well, more is on it's way.
-David (dedgren): It's great to see you here. I admit I did start this thing rather quietly, but I am really impressed by the response it has received.
Quote from: dedgren on January 15, 2009, 06:53:04 PM
I'm tempted to start an MD called Blackacre, then we can make everyone's eyes glaze over posting about subsidence and the rule against perpetuities.
Heh heh, where do you think the name came from? I didn't want to copy it directly though so I went with an adaptation of the secondary property (Whiteacre just didn't have quite the same ring to it). Almost sounds like I planned this out doesn't it? Fortunately Greenacre subscribes to the USRAP, or at least copied it, so it makes things a bit easier to handle. Speaking of seeing the future in 3.09... see that switch at the bottom, and how it crosses the road right there? I'm wondering if there might be something that might do something similar... just drag STR into dual... hmm, I haven't tested that yet. Ah well, something for another time. In the meantime, welcome to Greenacre.
-Pat: The port is a mix of things from the Casa de Soliel (CdS) stuff by Ripptide, and can be found on your local neighborhood LEX. Always good to see you.
-Alex (Tarkus): No need to apologize at all (have you seen the way I keep up with Tarkusian Cities (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=1555.0)?) The farms are just fun to build, and Chrisadams' flora just fits so nicely. The curvy road, well let's just say that when you have the best tools, success is easier.
-Albus of Garaway: No such thing as late for the update. It'll be there when you're ready (though it's good to see you now). Rest assured, the GVRR is running strong. They stick to what they're good at, and they do it well. I have a soft spot for Santa Fe (and its Super Chief) as well as the Southern Pacific and the Daylight... that was a classic style. Frankly I'm a fan of any trains running these days. There's just something graceful about them. There is a fair bit of Maxis, and they did a pretty darn good job when they made things the first time through. I've been working with custom growables more and more, so there will start to be a bit of a mix in the future. Enjoy the update.
-art128: Good to see you again Arthur, and there's no reason to apologize for missing any updates, you're here now, and it seems you've enjoyed them. Glad to see you around.
-sim_link: Welcome back, and I'm glad you're enjoying the story (or whatever it is exactly). It's fun to write, and I'm always curious what people find interesting about it. Thanks for stopping by.
Bit of an odd week, and a short little update, but I'll try to add to it this weekend. Before we get into today's update, a few people have asked about the port from the last update. The main structure and lot is the CdS Airport by Ripptide. This lot was made some time ago, and as I understand it had some problems with proper functionality (CTDs and such). It has since been locked on the LEX. I love the lot though, and it never seemed to have any functionality issues. Partly because I think I never installed an airport controller or something, so as far as I'm aware it has functioned solely as eyecandy. That being said, I don't know enough about the issues to even want to try messing with it. If anyone happens to know more details about the lot, I'd be interested to know. Now then, back to the update.
For a while, Greenacre hasn't been on many maps, but recently cartographers have started to take notice. We're number 8 for the Many Regions of SC4D (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6783.0). The tourism bureau had a good idea when they listed us there. The first post seems to be under a bit of construction now (1/21/09) but it seems that big things are in the works. In the meantime, look a bit down the page and you'll see Greenacre there just off the coast of Southern California. Thanks to everyone who is keeping all that up-to-date.
No really big trips planned for today, but there is still something to see. Greenacre may its own region, but what with the recent inauguration of a new US president, I thought it might be a good time to show you a bit of the government center. The area has been growing significantly and they are expanding and modernizign the facilities. Not much to show you there, but here's the old area which will become the national archives when the construction is done.
The round building at the end of the walk is the Congressional Hall. It's bicameral, hosting 2 members from each city for the Senate and one member for every 2000 citizens in a city (they will all get at least one) in the House of representatives. The hall itself has a number of meeting rooms for both the legislative branch and the executive council. We share the same separation of powers as the US, but the facilites are largely shared. The offices are in the two similar buildings just south of the Hall. The one on the left is the Executive and the one on the right is the Legislative.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg401.imageshack.us%2Fimg401%2F3349%2Fglaciervalleyjul1781123gy8.jpg&hash=be292310f255d586b6b32e93aa552ba7f0286516)
Across the street is the Central Court. Home to the region's Surpeme Court, it also provides facilities for some of the smaller districts too who haven't constructed their own courthouses. The region is small enough that it's not too difficult to get to it from anywhere on the island, and the park is a popular spot for a picnic. It's kind of interesting to see people playing frisbee while people in suits walk past. The park is situated on the edge of the Glacier Valley Bluffs, and provides an amazing view out over the major urban centers, all the way out Northeast to the Pacific Ocean.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg525.imageshack.us%2Fimg525%2F7348%2Fglaciervalleyfeb5821232er1.jpg&hash=125fb9200f9a87e66875e605d4816eac62c8edec)
The construction is moving along nicely on the new facilities. They are just to the north down the bluffs, and we'll hopefully see them next time. The view might not be as panoramic, but there will be much more space to work. Besides, the park is just up the hill and over the bridge for a quick lunch. Hope you enjoyed this trip through our government facilities.
As if it weren't already known, it is made clear by this update that RCI, parks, utilities, schools, and roads are not the only components of a city or region. It is good that you've elaborated on the government of Greenacre, Matt. The government buildings are chosen well, if I do say so myself, and the green areas around them have also been placed in a pleasing manner.
:thumbsup:
Wonderful great new update there! Nice pictures of Greenacre! :thumbsup:
Woo, Greenacre update!
First, I have to talk about trains (How can I resist?). The Super Chief is a wonderful, wonderful locomotive. In fact, on my model train layout, the main loco is the gorgeous Chief. It's just so much fun to watch it curve around the tracks and through tunnels...Uh oh...I need to talk about your update, don't I!
Your governmental center was really fascinating. I love how it's realistically sized. Whenever MD's show political areas, they tend to be extremely overdone. This one is perfect. Again, I have to compliment on how you use Maxis buildings. You put them in the perfect setting, and they look fantastic. The key to making an area aesthetically pleasing is to put things in the right spot, and that's what you do best. I don't like when people just put things wherever they want to. I think very hard before I put anything in my region, and it shows that you do too.
Amazing work. Keep it up!
How fitting it is for a student currently studying constitutional law (among other things ;) ) to create a beautiful government center to celebrate the inauguration of a new U.S. President. You've done an excellent job on the brick walkways to create a picturesque jewel-like setting for these lovely buildings. The Central court is especially attractive. Assuming you did all or most of the lotting yourself, I congratulate you on a job well done.
Where on the region map is this complex located? Guess you know I'm going to bug you about where stuff is now, but it's your own fault - you should have never showed me the overview! :D
You're doing some really good and thoughtful work in Greenacre, and I'm looking forward to seeing what's next!
Joan
Matt fantastic update this last one was!!! :thumbsup: I cant better explain it and I just run out of words lol....
Matt, this latest update was fantastic--as usual. You've picked up the MDing thing quickly. The government center you have there is breathtaking, particularly with that fine park you've built around it. I can't wait to see what you have in store next!
-Alex (Tarkus)
Replies:
-metarvo: Thank you very much. The game landmarks do a fine job when used right. I wanted something DC-ish, and, well, they're from DC, so I think it worked. The BSC parks did a fine job filling in too. I'll expand more on the government when the new sector is finished.
-bat: Thank you very much. If you ever see an area you'd like to know more about, just ask.
-Albus of Garaway: The Super Chief was amazing with its Warbonnet paint scheme (wonder what they'd call it today?) but I think one of my favorite schemes is the SP Daylight. On that engine/train, it's just beautful. Part of me wants to see steam running again, even with the expense. Oh right, there's an update there, wasn't there? The new political area will encompass more space, but it should still be reasonably small, I hope. It is for the central government after all (and the embassies and the like). Glad you enjoy how things are laid out. Truth be told, practically everything that is RCI has grown where you see it, save for a few things that were plopped for a certain look.
-Joan (Jmouse): Funny how that worked with the timing and all, isn't it? I was sitting there watching the inauguration parade and thought "This would be a good time to show that part of Greenacre too." I'll take the credit for the look, but all of the lotting was done by the BSC for the parks, and the structures are game landmarks (though I could probably stand to alter the base textures to blend with the park set a bit better). The region map will be here for this update. I've circled the government area for you. At least the region overview might distract you from the traffic data I haven't shown you yet, heh heh. Off to an older part of Greenacre this time. Hope you enjoy.
-Pat: Thank you very much. If I can keep that standard going I might have something going here.
-Alex (Tarkus): Glad you enjoyed it. I know it was a short update, but it's a fairly compact area. I may have picked up the MD thing, I just hope I don't drop it, heh heh. It's been fun so far. Hope you enjoy this next part.
I hope you all enjoyed that little educational trip through the government center. If you get the chance, swing back by there at sunrise. The sun coming up over the ports and naval base is always a neat sight. At any rate, we'll be heading down to Westport this time around. There's no actual port there (it's a bit to the north), but it is on the west coast, so that counts for something. Here's the map of today's travel. The government area, for those who were wondering about our last stop is also circled here on the map.
4.01
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg574.imageshack.us%2Fimg574%2F3061%2Fgreenacreregionalmap4.png&hash=cb296258d28b709d7feabb284a8bafeeda9c8a02) (http://img574.imageshack.us/img574/3061/greenacreregionalmap4.png)
The town of westport is known for its canals. Though the city has grown away from them, they are still a big focal point of the town. There was a stream that ran down from the hills, but it would occasionally flood, and summers could leave water in short supply. As a result, the canals were built. They act as a giant reservoir for the town.
4.02
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg217.imageshack.us%2Fimg217%2F5559%2Fwestportoverviewyt6.jpg&hash=6465126f817868e6242abac151ad5337972b2780)
Here is the actual pumping station for the town. Conveniently located out in the middle of the water itself. It makes maintenance interesting when you have to fit all your tools and supplies on a boat. Despite the industry just above it, there is little to no contamination in the water. Part of the trick to that are the number of filters that line the canal walls throughout the city.
4.03
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg264.imageshack.us%2Fimg264%2F6828%2Fwestportpumpstationyh4.jpg&hash=e5696211b8e90b5c3c28210a18c726cfe85f9204)
Let's head over and take a look at that indutrial area. Here's a pic of the area some time ago. I really liked that big old factory.
4.04
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg516.imageshack.us%2Fimg516%2F9238%2Ffactoryhd8.jpg&hash=fca86fe4c637a03daa30f95aa20e8c0bb4c946d3)
This is it today. Note that the factory is now gone. Sad story that... they were doing some work on the canal, and some fool using the bulldozer got careless and plowed right through the thing. Levelled it to the ground. For whatever reason, the developers thought it would be better used for other purposes, so they built up whatever it is they have there now.
4.05
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg89.imageshack.us%2Fimg89%2F7033%2Ffactorynewpn4.jpg&hash=100ae1181b605d354c9a67ffebbe4fcc61d3fb84)
We'll work our way down to the beach from here. We're passing through one of the bigger comercial areas here. It has a few offices, but still has a few houses mixed in, a common sight in Westport.
4.06
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg259.imageshack.us%2Fimg259%2F6062%2Fwestportdowntownda8.jpg&hash=a2b405f3accb28c8e93be04801a2edac52d7f8b2)
The canals wind their way in and around the various properties. This one, called the Erie Canal of all things, shows the variety of the city. A few small houses, a few mansions, the odd office building, etc.
4.07
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg134.imageshack.us%2Fimg134%2F7954%2Fcanalmosqd9.jpg&hash=8747b148e3f623caa2ab409c0807c305bcd7bd2c)
Here is one of the other focal points of Westport. What could be a bigger draw than canals and pumping systems you ask? The Westport beach is one of the finest in Greenacre. It came in at #2 on the list of Greenacre's Best Beaches as reported by the Greenacre Times (one of the widest circulated papers in the area). You'll note that the canals extend into the beach. They serve as an important feature of the whole canal resevoir system. There are two spillways that prevent flooding. Since the canals are somewhat shallower than the ocean, the water heats up a bit on its path to the spillway. This makes the water around the spillways a bit warmer, and a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.
4.08
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg134.imageshack.us%2Fimg134%2F1450%2Fwestportbeachmosuj4.jpg&hash=2eb9b914003b8a3d4f4ba29336a14349e013fab8)
One last spot for this part of our tour today, is the J.B.S. High School. It boasts one of the more unique locations. Students have an excellent view during lunch, or during class, but hopefully they're focusing on their studies. The sports facilities here were generously donated by a group of concerned citizens. A number of them were tired of finding tennis balls in their backyards and living rooms. Actually, before the fences were installed, a couple tennis balls got stuck in one of the filter pipes. The thing was just the right size that the pressure built up and fired it a good 200 yards. Almost caused a pileup down the street.
4.09
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg134.imageshack.us%2Fimg134%2F9964%2Fwestporthighschoolye7.jpg&hash=7d6117783dcb48f5276604d47ca5d7ef70637049)
There is certainly more of Westport to see, but I figure since we're around here now we might as well enjoy the beach and relax here for a bit. Feel free to wander around, and I'll see you back here later.
Hi
Very good update there, the region is looking super, great work on it &apls
Also the city is incredible, I'm looking forward to the next update :)
Take care,
David
You've done a great job on the canals, Matt. Another advantage of the water is its slight cooling effect, but in RL there's a down side, too – mosquitos! Since I've never seen a Sim slap him/herself, though, maybe they're not plagued by the thorns of Mother Nature. I like the windmill farm in 4.02, and overall you've achieved a simple but effective layout without getting too griddy. Nice transition on the beach, too.
Well done on the industrial placement – separated from the neighborhoods but still accessible. Commercial looks good, too, and the RC mixture is getting more and more common in RL. I especially like 4.07 – maybe it's the "Florida" look of palm trees which make a nice lead-in to the beach scene. Or maybe it stirs memories of Galveston.
And you did an especially good job on the beach – thanks for providing parking! – and the mosaic is excellent. The only thing I might add would be a ped bridge across the beach canal, but it looks great just the way it is, too.
JB's schools look good no matter where you put them, and you've created a nice campus there. Pretty little church to the right, also.
Another good update – you're getting pretty good at this! :thumbsup:
Later...
Joan
Amazing use of the canals there. They look very well with the town and makes it look unique.
Somehow, i really liked the ped bridge over the canal on the left side of 4.08. It just really caught my eye.
And just a small question, do you happen to have a link or something to that beach set you have in the mosaic. It looks great.
I'll be back for your next great update!
Hey Matt,
After talking with you on several ocassions about prepost pics of yours, I have decided to post some of my veiws here in your thread.
First let me start by saying that your city overall does look really good, but if and when you wnat to start being picky, maybe you could make some of these changes. ;) Try moving the windmills back one square away from the road so you don't get the sidewalks appearing. Or as you mentioned, you could replace the dirt pathwyas with Transit Enabled Rural Trail Set by darmok (http://www.simtropolis.com/stex/details.cfm?id=16301&v=1) or even the new dirt roads by Dedgren.
Also, I am still not too keen on the red cobble stone roads, but that;s just an opinion of mine and as you have siad already that that was the look you were going for.
In your second picture, the beach ends to aburtly and it may be a good idea to try to blend it in a little better with trees or a peninsula lined with some rocks. Or another idea could be to try your hand at some photoshoping and try to blend the beach sand in with the dirt.
I also thought it was a little wierd to see industrial lined along the beach as it is prime realistate and some nice houses or even commercial would look great there. I have a bad habit now of no longer playing the game as it was designed. Instead, I use money cheats so that I can grow and plop what ever I choose where ever I want. It is may understanding that you are one of the few left that play the game properly and for this I do envy you to a certain extent. I no longer have the patience for that.
A little help for Matt....
just_a_guy....I believe that Matt is using FmBeachesForIrregularCoasts by crying.freem4n (http://www.simtropolis.com/stex/details.cfm?id=2045&v=1) fro his beaches.
I look forward to your next update,
Robin &apls
Wow, such nice canals! Kind of reminds me of somewhere like Punta Gorda, Florida, but with more charm. Sorry I can't put much more in this comment, I'm a little sick today, so I should be sleeping anyway. Can't wait for the next update, Matt! :)
Congratulations, threestooges!
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg207.imageshack.us%2Fimg207%2F2238%2Fgreenacrecw2.png&hash=d3dde5edac6d10c7267f51a27222bcd6e0ecab32)
The Staff
A beautiful city! &apls
Congratulations Matt,
I'm always happy to see a great MD get this great opportunity in the spot light. I can't wait to see what you have for us this month. I have heard through the grape vine that you have some big plans for us. No pressure of course. :D ::) ;)
Have fun with it,
Robin :thumbsup:
Beautiful work! I like the canals a lot and the earlier rural updates look fantastic as well. Looking forward to seeing more!
Replies:
-Simpson: Thank you very much. These towns are just some of the smaller parts. We haven't made it to the actual city yet.
-Joan (Jmouse): You're right about the effects on the temperature. The area stays cool in the summer and comparatively warm in winter (the area doesn't exactly get cold in winter, but it does cool off a wee bit). As for mosquitos, the water actually moves pretty well. If the flow slows, then they can become a bit of a problem, but usually they aren't much of a nuisance. The frogs on the other hand can get out of hand. They'll take out any wayward mosquitos, but their populations can boom. We'll see more of the windmill farm in the future, but not just yet... things have come up. As for the beach parking, after driving around a few places here in sourthern CA for close to and hour looking for a spot, there is certainly going to be plenty of parking near these beaches.
-just_a_guy: Welcome to Greenacre, and thanks. The canals turned out pretty well I thought, and we'll come back to this area in the future. Those canal ped bridges look good in my opinion too. SimGoober did a fine job with that set. It looks like Robin beat me to it with the links, and those are indeed what I used.
-Robin (rooker1) x2: Thanks for all the thoughts on the update Robin. Such detail and criticism like this is always helpful. The industrial section developed early on in the town's history. Back then, most of the houses and commercials buildings wanted to take advantage of the canals, so believe it or not, beachfront property was actually reasonably priced. It's uncertain if it'll stay industrial or if developers will petition for a zoning change. Either way, we'll see. I do still play the game and try to maintain a balanced budget, but if there is a big project, or if I have to make many tests for design, I'll bump things back to their previous level with a bit of 'moolah' from the main government. Also, thanks for taking care of those links. There is something in the works for the month. We'lll see how interesting it is.
-Albus of Garaway: Hope you're feeling better, but I'm glad you stopped by. The canals were fun to play with and were inspired by the canals in Venice (California, not Italy. Though the ones in Venice, CA were inspired by the ones in Italy so...). At any rate, things will be picking up here shortly. Enjoy.
-Sciurus: Thank you very much. Hopefully you'll enjoy the rest of them too.
-Battlecat: Thank you very much, and welcome to Greenacre. there will be much more on the way, and soon too.
I'm actually quite impressed/surpised that I was chosen for this month's OSITM. I have a few thoughts on what to do, and I hope I can live up to the designation for the month. Check back frequently. I hope to have a little something everyday. Thank you to everyone who has posted and or just stopped by to look. This has been fun to do this far, and I look forward to hopefully going for a while to come, and it's people like you all that just add to the enjoyment.
Sorry to break off from our tour of the canals of Westport, but I've been called back to the office. It turns out there has been some special interest in Greenacre, and the powers that be want to take advantage of the tourist trade. As a result, they're putting together a promotional campaign for it. They want me to go out and get some pictures. I just found out recently, by email... and they want it done by the end of the month. Ah well, it seems I have my work cut out for me. You're certainly welcome to come along, and I'd be happy to get your thoughts on some of the best pics to submit. I guess we're going to get around the island sooner than I thought, but we'll be going pretty quick. Hopefully it'll turn out well. When they want it, they want it, and I plan to give it to them.
At any rate, since we had to cut that trip short (for now), let me just give you a bit of info on the canals. I have a good satellite pic here somewhere...
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg131.imageshack.us%2Fimg131%2F2450%2Fcanalmapnd9.png&hash=f96e06410f3c7ec9979c42568a8583b5f43cb502)
There are seven main canals/districts (yes I know this might have been good to know earlier, but we'll be back after this project is done).
1: Grand Canal: Named both for its size and in honor of Venice, Italy. The top of the canal, near the falls, features gondola rides, and you can rent your own boat. It's a bit of a walk to the area, so most people opt to take a ride up to it from the landing near the Sabre Canal. This canal actually splits in two and wraps around that industrial area (the one with the former factory)
2: Park St. Canals: Park St. is the name of the little stretch of road that leads to the park just above the number there. It's a popular place for a picnic, but the houses are surprisingly lower end for the beauty of the area. It might be the lack of space, or the nearby industry, but whatever the reason, you can find a house here for a comparatively reasonable price.
3: Erie District: This group of canals got their name from their proximity to another of the industrial parts of town. How these industrial areas developed in such prime areas still confuses me, but they seem to do well.
4: Sabre Canal: The Sabre Canal derives its name from the curve it takes in resemblance to the weapon. I don't know... if you squint, you can kind of see it. 4.07 gave a nice close up of the area. Then again, there may be other reasons for its name.
5: Panama District: Keeping in line with the canal theme. Strange right? Anyway, this area is one of the denser sections. A number of apartments line the banks and offer some great view from the upper floors.
6: Old Town Canals: There are two sections of the city that still remain from its original form (back before the canals were built for flood control/reservoirs). One is just northwest of the Sabre Canal, and the other is, yep, you guessed it, right here. We'll see a few houses around here this time around. It's a really nice area, quiet, well-maintained, and has elementary and high schools really close by.
7: Due Ponti Channel: The Grand Canal was originally intended to lead straight to the ocean, but various alterations and mix ups during design and construction left this as one of the two exits. The other is off the Erie District. Due Ponti, Italian for 'two bridges' was an attempt to keep the spirit of the Venice reference, and also notes the two bridges that line the channel. The lower part of it can be seen in the top of 4.08.
Also, since we were down there, here's one of the pics I took back in Westport before we left. It's of the aforementioned Due Ponti Channel. Something to get this project off to a good start.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg87.imageshack.us%2Fimg87%2F6672%2Fwestportjulay8.jpg&hash=b2fdb7835254b36d31b775712293d2f6905a03ff)
And a great start it is! Congratulations on your OSITM award!
Very good, and your descriptions are very good too ;) :thumbsup:
Matt,
Well you are off to a great start with those pics and I see that you have found some really good names for your canals.
Not much to say today, but I will be starting that petition, I have moved into that house on the corner of Due Ponti Channel. ::) ;)
Robin :thumbsup:
Replies:
-burgsabre87: Glad you enjoyed, and thanks. Thanks for the help with the canal names, though I did take some liberties with a few.
-Sciurus: Glad you enjoyed, and they were fun to write.
-Robin (rooker1): Now which house might that be? The one on the inside or on the outside of the corner? I'll see if I can get an aerial shot for you. I'll be sure to check back periodically to see what developers have in store for that industrial area. I'm sure whoever buys up the land will pay a pretty penny though, it is prime real estate. Thanks for stopping by.
I knew these old maps would come in handy, I'm glad I kept a box of them. So yesterday our first pic was from Westport (1), and today we head out to the islands, to Shelter Island (2).
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg127.imageshack.us%2Fimg127%2F9550%2Fgreenacreregionalmaposioq8.png&hash=d1640c51eb17684110f2ed014d2f43848460fcbc) (http://img127.imageshack.us/img127/9550/greenacreregionalmaposioq8.png)
(Links to full size 1400x800)
It's a popular area. Cruises often depart from here, and part of the island features a similar canal system to Wesport. However, it is more for decoration and works within the terraced system of walls.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg171.imageshack.us%2Fimg171%2F4823%2Ffracturedislandsriverrz8.jpg&hash=9287c8841f2c63d47ebdee6e0e7a218852cdf822)
Congratulations on OSITM, Matt! The canal/district map from the previous update is a wonderful addition, as it allows us to have a sense of where a particular building or neighborhood is located when you mention it. Shelter Island appears to be quite industrialized, judging by the buildings that are present. In any case, you have given us a nice update.
&apls
Hello Matt,
The house on the inside corner. I'll be making some upgrades to the house because I bought the property next to mine. ;)
I remember this picture (or at this area) from before. I beleive you were talking about the onslope el rail transition you were able to do. This is one of my favourite pictures from you. It is easliy seen how much work went into this area, with the el rail bridge, plop water and those beautiful walls. The only thing I would suggest is to make the sidewalk continue right to the bridge. How does one do this you ask? Well....take any zone drag across the 3 squares that are missing the sidewalk texture and than move forwards over the road while holding down the ctrl button, now let go and if you have done this right you should now the sidewalk textures and No zones. ;) Than the picture would be as near perfect as it could be.
I look forward to tomorrows picture. See you later, maybe even for a quick chess match which I beleive the score is now 5 to 1 in your favor.
Robin :thumbsup:
Congratulations on your promotion to OSITM, Matt. I'm sure you'll do great things here during your month in the spotlight. You've already started off with a terrific photo which shows off your skill with tricky elements like GLR, bridges and city planning in general.
Looking forward to seeing Greenacre's development during the next few weeks...
Joan
After looking through this relatively new MD there's no question why it should be showcased in OSITM. Well done Matt, and I look forward to more!
All the best,
-Haljackey
Hey, Matt!
Well, I'm feeling a lot better now! In fact, I went swimming today at the local YMCA (Unfortunately I'll have to go again tomorrow for school...darn you, cold high school pool! Darn you!). So anyway, back to you! Anything new going on?
Alright, now the past two updates! I love that satellite image of all the canals. It really gives a feel for how much the canals change the way the town flows. It's fantastic! The most recent update has the best picture I've ever seen here! I love that nice, blue, classic Edmonton ploppable water, which personally I like more than Jeroni's transparent ploppable water. What can I say, I've been around a long time in the SC4 community! For almost 4 years, I think...Okay, I really need to stop blabbing and talk about your update! The other thing that makes the picture awesome for me is the use of the palm trees. I don't see them as much as I used to, and they're so cool! My one suggestion for this picture is to somehow make the GLR slope not so steep on the left-hand side of the image. I'm not really sure how it could be fixed, since it's a steep drop and you only have a tiny space to work with, but something should probably be done if you want to be picky.
Great to talk to you again, and I can't wait for the next update!
Hey Mattt, this picture is really great my friend, I really like the transition between canal and water. &apls :thumbsup:
the regional view is really realistic my friend. &apls
Congrats for your OSITM ! &apls &apls
Arthur. :thumbsup:
Hello Matt,
Good to see you in the MD section!
So you have a new job - the regional liaison? That's great, I feel similar sometimes :D
Great farmlands and even better canals! :thumbsup: Joan is right, "natural" is the best word to describe your work. The regional view is interesting too - very diversified. So I guess you will show us much more touristic attractions of Greenacre.
I see you made much development along the seashore, I'm very curious of it. And I would like to visit some of these small charming islands... ;)
Great work Matt! Congratulations of the OSITM award!
I must remember this place.... ;)
Adam
Replies
-metarvo: Thanks! In hindsight I probably should have put that satellite image up earlier, but what can I say? We'll be back there in the future. That section of Shelter Island is fairly industrialized. If you follow the road off to the right it leads to a port, and cruise ship loading dock. Very busy some times, but that tram helps relieve congestion. Glad you enjoyed.
-Robin (rooker1): Oh really now? Someone's moving on up the Westport ladder. Next you'll tell me you're running for City Council, then I'd have to hear from you all the time (heh heh, only kidding) Right now I have you down for appx 4 tiles worth of land... sizable estate. That pic was actually one of my favorites too, and you have seen it before; it inspired this tutorial (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=766.0). Now that there is a GLR onslope piece, it's outdated, but the priciple still works. Thanks for the tips on how to continue the sidewalks. I'll recommend that the city engineers get right to work on it. We shall play some chess, but it may be a while, things are busy right now, but perhaps this weekend. You know where to find me.
-Joan (Jmouse): Heh, if only they could all be that good. I certainly hope great things will be done here this month. Whether they're great successes or great flops is another matter, heh heh. I'm glad you liked the photo. It is one of my favorites. I like this next one too, those I don't know why... it's simple, yet something about it. Anyway, always good to see you.
-Haljackey: Welcome to Greenacre Haljackey. I've seen what you've been up to with GTR (nice work by the way) and I'm glad you're enjoying things here. Thanks for stopping by and I hope to see you again.
-Albus of Garaway: Glad to hear you're on the mend. Hope the water wasn't too bad for you at school. That pic really gives you an idea of the age of this region. I still use the blue stuff from time to time. I tried the TPW in this area, but it wasn't the same. The dark blue here seems to give great depth to the water (or I could just be seeing things, heh heh, either way...). The GLR slopes are steep around there, and I have been trying to figure out how to work with the space constraints. I think I may have figured out a solution that does not involve installing a cable car system (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Francisco_cable_car_system) but time will tell. Hope all is well.
-Arthur (art128): Thanks Arthur, SG knew what he was doing when he made these canal pieces. They work so well in so many places... I just wish he made/released more of the terrace (fancy) canal pieces. Ah well, I'm having fun with what I have. Thanks for stopping by.
-Adam (Ennedi): Hi Adam and welcome to Greenacre. Yeah, it's a tough job, but it's free travel, so what can I say... not too bad. I did try to get a natural feel with the region, though I'm not sure about the more urban/dense city areas. It may be a while before we visit them, but there will hopefully be many good things to show for it when we do. I think it's interesting that you want to see more of the coast line and some of the islands because that's actually where we're going next.
Heading south from Shelter Island, we come to the ferry launch (3) near Mustang Harbor that leads to Brooke's Bay (to the east). It's a fairly simple area. You wouldn't know that less than a mile northwest is probably the busiest port in the area.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg8.imageshack.us%2Fimg8%2F7315%2Fgreenacreregionalmaposifi4.png&hash=c035116074bab042318fec4a0a49988d8f747d2a) (http://img8.imageshack.us/img8/7315/greenacreregionalmaposifi4.png)
The Landing, as it is called by the locals has a few shops, but it, along with the park, mostly provides a good place to walk and take in the sea air. There is a somewhat slower pace in this little corner of the area which is near a railyard and a shipping port. You wouldn't really know it from looking at it. I was lucky enough when I took this pic to get a shot of one of the ferry captains actually tied up to the dock. Not sure if that's legal, or how he got up to the boardwalk, but no harm, no foul it seems.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg124.imageshack.us%2Fimg124%2F9813%2Fbrookesbaydec6071164498rd4.png&hash=c741f6d8f4660d4d8bc66f722b6cd413cfab0c50)
Hey Matt I missed a wee bit here, sorry bout that!!! First off Congrats on going OSITM!!! Simply awesome!!!! Last few updates have been top notch here for sure and I cant wait to see what else is in store... Oohh I know what else I had wanted to say what I saw in the prev update with the PW I wonder how that would look with TPW hmmm???
I agree, this is a good one, too! You have a nice combination of elements there. I've always liked those boardwalks and the wide choice of accessories. The park is a good addition to the surroundings, too, and the storefronts at the right center are a clever way to carry through the Sunday-afternoon-stroll atmosphere. With all that good stuff nearby, I'm sure property values will rise quickly and the neighborhoods will develop accordingly.
You're doing a fine job here...
Joan
Congrats for your OSITM-award there! &apls :thumbsup:
And wonderful updates in the last time here... :thumbsup:
Looking forward to more... ;)
Hello Matt,
I want you as Mayor of Greenacre to take this petition seriously. I have got alot of suport and plan to take this as high as I can.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi278.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk83%2Frooker1%2FPetition-1.jpg&hash=f540cb5b7e77ae1dedeed89361220865797e0c62)
Robin ;)
Replies
-Pat: There's nothing to apologize for my friend. I'm glad you're enjoying the updates so far. As for the PW v. TPW thing in that pic. I did try it with TPW, but it lost the effect. It looked like a shallow little stream and didn't quite mesh with the force the waterfall seems to be generating. There will be places where TPW will be used though (and in some cases both).
-Joan (Jmouse): I was trying to get something simple, yet attractive in that pic, and from the sound of it, I may have done it. You are right about the property values and development though... as I was leaving the area, work looked like it was beginning on a number of the stores. After this promotion thingy is over, we'll have to swing back and take a look.
-bat: Thank you very much. Always good to hear from you here.
-Robin (rooker1): Well, I'm not actually mayor of Greenacre, or even of Westport, but I will route it to the proper people who will review it in due course. I understand your concerns regarding the properties and would hate to see anything happen to contaminate the beach there. Most of it seems to be manufacturing though. At any rate, it may take them a couple of days to get back to you on the matter. I hope that's ok. I am going to have a chat with the postal service... I'm not sure what happened to that letter, but I hope it wasn't during transit.
So you would think I had a pre-planned route for this photo trip wouldn't you... nah. Incidentally, if you do see any areas on the map you'd like to visit, feel free to ask. I'm sure a good pic can be found somewhere around there. I know some interest has been expressed in the islands so we'll certainly take a few there. Today however we're going to loop back toward Fergus Coast (4). The area as a whole is divded into two areas: Fergus Coast and Upper Fergus Coast (real original eh?) and they're under the same government, they just haven't quite grown together yet.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg261.imageshack.us%2Fimg261%2F7223%2Fgreenacreregionalmaposiqz9.png&hash=ee787646a90373835b42cf1a6d0c08942267de6b) (http://img261.imageshack.us/img261/7223/greenacreregionalmaposiqz9.png)
Now Upper Fergus Coast is a fine little art community and a sleepy little area. Part of the draw to the town is the historic station. It's modelled in the greek-revival style and was built when steam trains still ran the line regularly. Though I've yet to see one, people say that if you listen closely on quiet nights, over the sound of the waves breaking on the shore, you can still hear the chugging sound down along the tracks. I'm not so sure about it though. I would love to see a good steam train run the lines again though. Either way, the story has provided fodder for rail fans and ghost fans alike who come to spend the day here hoping to catch a glimpse (or sound) of the train.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg26.imageshack.us%2Fimg26%2F5954%2Fwaitingforthetraindk3.jpg&hash=0aa70182324fbfc646cc0ba8ea64f748475c8851)
Hey Matt,
I too hope nothing happened to the letter during transit. ::) ;)
Great picture, I just wish there was no palm trees in it. &mmm I hate Maxis palm trees, especially in a nice deciduous setting. Other than that I like this picture.
Seeya later,
Robin :thumbsup:
That's a neat little community there! I think I've driven through a place that looks exactly like it up in Northern British Columbia except without the cobblestone roads and palm trees.
Incredible work there, your region is looking super my friend. &apls
I love that picture there Matt, I really like the walkways &apls
Replies:
-Robin (rooker1): Nope, the letter arrived safely as far as I'm aware. I would expect a response in a few days or so. They're usually pretty quick about getting back to people over there. As for the palm trees in Upper Fergus Coast there... they were planted by the owner of the office building there... wanted it to look 'more like Rodeo Drive' or something. Seems the locals told him he'd need more than two, and that they didn't match. We'll see what he does.
-Battlecat: Welcome to Greenacre. Glad to hear it was able to bring up some memories there. I hadn't actually based it on any area in particular, but I know there are a bunch of old stations out there. I have been to BC once before, but not to the northern part. Nice place as I recall. Hope to see you around again.
-Simpson: Welcome to Greenacre and thank you. It's developing slowly but surely, and there is plenty more to see.
-Arthur (art128): Thanks Art. I liked playing around with the SFBT lots I used there, and had to find a good way to connect them. Darmok's rural paths fit that role nicely.
Still bouncing around the islands without actually going around them yet. Today's pic comes from the industial port of Mustang Harbor (5). It's a fairly dense town on the waterfront. Some nice spots, some aren't so nice, but it's all-in-all a productive little city.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg24.imageshack.us%2Fimg24%2F1796%2Fgreenacreregionalmaposicc8.png&hash=35662b2dc75505b7269bc09614f94d96dfec4b01) (http://img24.imageshack.us/img24/1796/greenacreregionalmaposicc8.png)
Links to 1400x800 resolution as will the rest of these maps for this OSITM round.
The factories at the harbor are a mix of manufacturing and processing. Some of them produce and process goods for export, but some handle the incoming cargo, such as from local fishing boats. This section is more of the manufacturing quarter, but the railyard is a hold over from the fishing days. It still gets the job done and doesn't seem to show any signs of modernizing the facilities, at least not yet.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg19.imageshack.us%2Fimg19%2F2735%2Fmustangharborportfactorzi3.jpg&hash=21eb5de8f006eb8432d6081c4d7a448bd8e5a759)
Ohhh.....dirty, dirty.
Hey Matt,
Good to hear that the letter arrived okay and about the palm trees. ;) ()stsfd()
I'm really glad to see some residential houses up against the industrial area. Would be really cool if they were all low wealth row homes. Something from marcszar (Baltimore Duplex Rowhouses (http://sc4devotion.com/csxlex/lex_filedesc.php?lotGET=1936) or Troy Rowhouses (http://sc4devotion.com/csxlex/lex_filedesc.php?lotGET=1940)) or JBSimio (The SHUR Project Beginnings (http://sc4devotion.com/csxlex/lex_filedesc.php?lotGET=632) or SHUR Brownstone Set (http://sc4devotion.com/csxlex/lex_filedesc.php?lotGET=1270)). Also, I figure in an area like this. of low wealth and the properties not being worth very much, maybe the road should be that red SAM texture. ::) The little train yard looks very well placed and fitting for this area....it is the one by NCD, right? Last but not the least, those two pair of industrial buildings, maybe one pair could be demolished for something different.
Other than all nit picking, I think everything else is great.
Robin :thumbsup:
Wow the second picture is fantastic my friend
And as well the region picture is super :o
I'm looking forward to the next update :)
Take care,
David
The region overview is wonderful! It looks really beautiful! And wonderful two pictures of your city!!! :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
That's quite nice looking for a dirty industrial area. It's dirty as one would expect, but there's just enough green to offset that nicely. I really like how the pathway there acts as a buffer between industry and residential. It's a nice touch.
Nice touch with the grimy water. Is that a water mod or photoshopped? The surrounding factories and foundries fit in good, as well. Great work, Matt!
~ Dan
Hey Matt loved the last two pics here and they have a certain class about them for sure, but what I dont know??? Its good though that much I truly do know!! Far as your response to me from the last time I cant wait to see more use of the TPW and PW... I am sorry to hear that the TPW didnt work out there in that stream and I can so agree that the good ole PW still has it wonders to behold for sure....
Hi, Matt!
Please forgive me from being absent from Greenacre for so long, my friend! There's no excuse for it and I do apologize.
Many congratulations on your trip to OSITM--it could not have happened to a more fitting MD! Things are certainly coming along swimmingly, too! I love your region views so much--the island looks just fantastic--and the close shots of the different areas are even more of treat!
Keep up the good work here, my friend, and I will do my best to make sure that I'm not away for such a long time again!
Dustin
Replies:
-Robin (rooker1): Thanks. I'm glad you liked it. The freight station is by northcountrydude, and he does some fine rail work. I have a few brownstones by JBSimio, and they could probably stand to make their way in there. Time will tell. I got a letter today that you might be interested in. I like the two brown buildings, but I can see what you mean about the larger ones (with the smoke stacks). One's a cannery, and the other, well not sure what it is. I'm actually surprised you noticed the brick streets (built before the SAM), but good eye.
-Simpson: Glad you're enjoying, and thanks. Hopefully you'll enjoy today's pic too.
-bat: Thanks bat. Always good to see you around here.
-Battlecat: Thanks. There aren't many areas I have seen that don't have some form of plant life, and I like how it turned out here. A road and a retaining wall put the residential area a bit above the port level. Better views, and it acts as a nice separation between areas like you mentioned.
-Dan (dsrwhat316): There is a water mod (Hawaiian Holiday by Peg (http://www.simtropolis.com/stex/index.cfm?id=11828)) and c.p.'s Italia terrain mod (http://sc4devotion.com/csxlex/lex_filedesc.php?lotGET=1527), but there is no photoshopping in the pic. Best I can tell, what you are seeing is the terrain underwater with a little plop flora here and there.
-Pat: Glad you like them, even if oyu might not be able to pick out why. PW and TPW will always have their place in my plugins folder. There will be more of it in the future.
-Dustin (thundercrack83): You're up early, but good to see you here nonetheless. There is nothing to apologize for though. Happy to see you. I tried to make a different area in each tile, even if it's the same basic concept (farm areas for example). Hope you enjoy the rest of what this month has in store.
We're going back to Shelter Island (the southern side) today and a nice marina (6).
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg11.imageshack.us%2Fimg11%2F3012%2Fgreenacreregionalmapositl4.png&hash=41e269749065ac0b66b280c7de2af072d55ed326) (http://img11.imageshack.us/img11/3012/greenacreregionalmapositl4.png)
It's mainly for locals, but even the average mariner who happens by here likes to stop in every once in a while. It doesn't have the same white sandy beaches as some other places, but it's still a popular place to spend the day.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg297.imageshack.us%2Fimg297%2F9053%2F72680124he9.jpg&hash=fbdff21832091dfffcef08d8b14d101f35741b40)
Also, We have received a response from the Westport Office of Mayor and Council in regard to that petition I forwarded to them on Robin's behalf:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg530.imageshack.us%2Fimg530%2F4847%2Fgreenacrewestportletterkp1.jpg&hash=941e5f50514e7bf1cb5cc69240cde63494c64dfb)
That's a beautiful small port there! Nice work on that picture!
Looking forward to more... ;)
Nice port there matt &apls
and also the industrial sector looks great ! maybe if you use the curve of the FARR :thumbsup:
Replies:
-bat: Thank you very much. The area in general is one of my favorites.
-Arthur (art128): Thanks Art. I thought about the FARR S curve, but there are one or two tiles that don't like to develop on it and I wanted to get a denser feeling. Perhaps there are some industrial buildings out there than can be made to extend over the lot edge to fill the gap. Thanks for the thoughts.
Going around the southern side of the island for our seventh pic here. It's not of any particular city, but more of the greenery of Greenacre (7).
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg19.imageshack.us%2Fimg19%2F2576%2Fgreenacreregionalmaposixj6.png&hash=7eb83eb117f6086a0f1197a87cba3f19b738fa5d) (http://img19.imageshack.us/img19/2576/greenacreregionalmaposixj6.png)
No towns today, but one of my favorite bridges along the Coastline route (that would be the rail line, not the road). One of these days I ought to dig up a map of the railroads aroudn the island. If you look closely, you can see the telephone line meandering alongside the road. Wildflowers dot the area along Firehouse Creek and its rapids, and the ocean breeze makes this a nice place for a drive or a ride on the train.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg293.imageshack.us%2Fimg293%2F1014%2Fcoastlinebridgeuk9.jpg&hash=02c5371426ed5c3d45dede6817fffd280e462364)
Welcome to page 6
I have the 100 replies ::)
This new update is super, I really like the second picture my friend.
I'm looking forward to the next update
Take care,
David
Hey Matt congrats on becoming a Best Seller once you leave OSITM, who knows maybe you will hit Classics??? The bridges are looking great here and most of all I love the TPW & PW mix there!!! Great Job!!!!
Replies:
-Simpson: Thank you for the welcome to page 6 and congratulations on the 100th post. I am curious to know what you liked about the second pic. I tried some new tricks in it and I am curious to know what people notice in it. Thanks for stopping by, and here's the next little update.
-Pat: Thank you very much Pat, and happy birthday my friend. I am a bit surprised at the reception Greenacre has received so far. Classics would be nice, but time will tell. Until then, I'll just keep having fun with things and seeing where they go. I like how the bridges turned out, though I was thinking about breaking the rail bridge into two with the island there. What do you think? Also, did you notice the name of the creek running through there? One of these days I'll have to show the rest of the area along the creek. Also, thanks for the compliments on the water, coming from one who works with it like you, that is certainly a compliment.
Today, we're going to cut back up the coast to another major agricultural area of Greenacre ( 8 ).
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg26.imageshack.us%2Fimg26%2F7261%2Fgreenacreregionalmaposiqh7.png&hash=069c43a83cb03e50f2d8e9eb755b212b75c93413) (http://img26.imageshack.us/img26/7261/greenacreregionalmaposiqh7.png)
This little area reminds me a bit of Green Acres (yes, that one (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Green_Acres)) but the little center of Duck Creek. Persistent water is not as plentiful here as it is in the valley. Sure there is water close by, but it's the Pacific Ocean and a bit too salty for farming needs, so irrigation ditches and reservoirs dot the area. Many of the residents gather around at the general store to swap stories or grab a good soda or some other sort of beverage. There is a larger city fairly close by, but even folks from there will come out here just to relax and get away from it all. The folks around here are a welcoming bunch, so feel free to stop in and say hi.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg144.imageshack.us%2Fimg144%2F2360%2Fsmalltownandfarmseq4.jpg&hash=50af6280000d6fe94cecdf232e1c4ffd1a22894d)
Hey Matt thank you very much my friend its much appreciated ;) I am hopping to have a great day lol... gotta travel and see my mom and a lawyer :) Dont worry I am a good boy lol... Anyways about the breaking of the bridge I think it would be a good idea as I was looking at more... At first I thought it was fine but thinking of a example where I know a bridge like that is actualy broken up is in my hometown of Rockford, IL...
Tried to see if I could find a pic of it online nope go figure lol... Anyways about the name of the creek I just caught it now and that is sweet!!! Firehouse Creek now I would be intreted in knowing how that creek got its name for sure... See you next update,
cheers
Patrick
Nice farming area. I like that little block of stores, looks very much like an old style farming town.
Two really nice new pictures of Greenacre there! Looking forward to more from this beautiful region... ;)
Hey, Matt!
More great stuff here! I love those irrigation canals, especially. I downloaded them a while back, now I just have to find a use for them! And as always, your region views never cease to impress!
Oh, and congratulations on 100 replies, my friend! After your time in OSITM is over, you'll be headed to the Best Sellers!
Can't wait to see what you have up for us next!
Dustin
Hey Matt, hope better-late-than-never still holds true! Really like yesterday's photo. You did a good job on the TPW, and the little island is an especially nice touch. Of course, the bridges look great and the curve in the road looks very natural in that exact setting - not necessarily as easy as it looks.
Today's rural scene looks really good, too, and I like your use of the canals. We have irrigation ditches around here - lots of corn, cotton and rice production - but they're really ugly! Our local farmers could take a lesson in environmental aesthetics from SC4!
A very pleasant visit in Greenacre today...
Joan
Replies:
-Pat: Glad you enjoyed and rest assured, we'll see more of the creek in the future. Hope all went well today.
-Battlecat: That's what I was going for. Glad to know I achieved it. Could probably use some parking, but we'll see. Thanks for stopping by.
-bat: Thanks bat. This month is just getting started, and there is still much to see.
-Dustin (thundercrack83): I'm not sure how well they'd fit into Marathon, but I'm sure tha tif someone could find a use for them there, you certainly could. They are a great set of lots. My compliments to SimGoober for all of his canal stuff. I can't believe I've already made it to "Best Sellers" it seems like I just started this thing. Oh well, part of the fun. Take it easy Dustin.
-Joan (Jmouse): Joan, around here there's no such thing as late. Any time is a good time. Just glad you're able to stop by. Glad you enjoyed the water, and the curve just seemed to fit right in there. It may not be as easy as it looks, but David's sure helped to make it easier. I'll admit the irriagtion ditches here are pretty clean (and I hope they stay that way) but I've seen some around farms too that match your description. No real incentive to weed them I guess. Great for plant life though. That's quite a compliment about the environmental aesthetics too. SC4 does make it easy to get some neat farms (much better than SC3K, which was a decent attempt). Thanks for stopping by, and I'll see you next time.
Today's pic (9) takes us up to the northern side of the island. It's a farming area too, but not as commercially oriented as the other two areas of the island. Many of these farms tend to be for higher end specialty stores, or for personal enjoyment (people living the "Green Acres" farming style).
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg297.imageshack.us%2Fimg297%2F9449%2Fgreenacreregionalmaposimk9.png&hash=ba9e0dc53ec0b7296542b20965217370fc1d0086) (http://img297.imageshack.us/img297/9449/greenacreregionalmaposimk9.png)
Some of the bridges up this way are some of my favorites from the island. You don't see many covered bridges anymore, but this one gets the job done and also sees a fair bit of traffic too. Truck drivers should be careful though as the height limit may be a bit shorter than they expect. A few trucks have had to be pulled out after they got wedged in there. Sturdy bridge though... hardly any damage from it. The area is also home to a few wild horses, and you can see some of them grazing in the grass on the side of the road.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg297.imageshack.us%2Fimg297%2F6297%2Fduhocheightscoveredbridxk6.jpg&hash=6551c6586dfa40e481abb3c704f2dfc39dea2282)
Hello Matt,
The last two updates are very nice. I really like the last one, the bridge does look great especially the setting you put it in.
Robin :thumbsup:
Hey Matt,
the threes lasts update are really great my friend, I love that river and the details you put around it. :thumbsup:
Also th farm picture is excellent too ! ;)
Arthur. ()stsfd()
Hello Matt,
Waterfronts and irrigation canals look very good, and I love this picture:
Quote from: threestooges on February 08, 2009, 02:35:30 AM
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg293.imageshack.us%2Fimg293%2F1014%2Fcoastlinebridgeuk9.jpg&hash=02c5371426ed5c3d45dede6817fffd280e462364)
&apls &apls &apls
Adam
That's a pretty little bridge in the latest update. Nice work on that waterway!
I've always loved that little covered bridge, and it looks especially good in today's photo. I didn't realize you could achieve such an illusion of depth with TPW, but the effect is excellent.
Hope you're enjoying your time in OSITM - I certainly am... :thumbsup:
Joan
Matt looking real good here with this one!!! BTW matt check this out (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=1204.msg221139#msg221139)
Replies:
-Robin (rooker1): Thanks Robin. I'm glad you've been enjoying the pics so far. The last two have been two of my favorites this far. Out of curiousity, are you planning any response to the Westport Council? I hope they didn't discourage you. I noticed the local businesses were behind you on it... perhaps something will happen. Always good to see you here.
-Arthur (art128): Thanks Arthur. It's amazing how much the community has at its disposal for flora. The amount of detail you can add is great. Glad you've liked the pics so far.
-Adam (Ennedi): Good to see you Adam. I'm actually tempted to enter that one into the picture competition. I think I'll wait until the bridge is released though... I like to enter pics there that others can make as well, to show what the game we all have is capable of. Maybe I should work on getting it out there. At any rate, glad you enjoyed it. Hope to see you soon.
-Battlecat: Thanks. Every once in a while things just seem to fit together. Glad you liked it.
-Joan (Jmouse): Thanks Joan. I'm not sure if there is a real one there, but Yosemite Natl Park is what inspired the design. I never did like the game covered bridge too much... really steep roof and all. I think I got lucky with the apparent depth of the TPW too. Best I can tell is that the crater I made to use the rain tool let a fair bit of the bridge pillar show through. Since we have larger tiles (2x and 3x) of TPW, it's easy to get it to overlap without getting any negative effects from the slope (though I think I did this with the basic 1x pieces). It's been a fun month so far. I'll see what I can come up with for the end.
-Pat: That is really cool Pat, and quite an honor. If the Coastline decides to renovate the bridge and break it into two sections, I'll be sure to get you an updated copy. Always good to see you.
I was trying to figure out where best to go next. I know we've seen a lot of farmland, and there is more to Greenacre than just farms, but since we're up here, and I mentioned the recreational farming (as it were), I thought it would be a good idea to get a picture of it too. We're just down the road here at (10).
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg17.imageshack.us%2Fimg17%2F4792%2Fgreenacreregionalmaposixu0.png&hash=5c7047e1c6f55b2522a7d50b6dcb2fd235c76f4b) (http://img17.imageshack.us/img17/4792/greenacreregionalmaposixu0.png)
As I mentioned during our trip through the Valley, apples are one of the principle crops of Greenacre and the climate up here really seems to help their growth. The owners of this farm (with the fancy looking prefab hut things) do a fine business shipping their crop across the island. The big draw however comes during apple season. They are one of the hosts of Apple Days. and annual celebration, and people come to such farms from all over to pick some from the trees themselves. They don't get fresher than that (unless you eat them off the tree, which could be a bit awkward).
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg14.imageshack.us%2Fimg14%2F1443%2Fappleorchardvw1.jpg&hash=9ca4eeb1ffbe18fc1cb41e465888abd43cea78e6)
Matt that is soo wonderful there with that farm!!! I would so love to see apple day celebration... I knew you would love that and did you notice in my update that a banner also features your pic too ;) I couldnt resist its that great of pic and I love it!!!
very nice picture again Matt, I like the way that the road have no sidewalk.. :thumbsup:
Picture 9 and 10 are really wonderful! Great work on them!
Looking forward to picture 11...
Very nice pic, and region :o
PAGE 7
Great update, and how'd you make the road have no sidewalk? :D
Nice job on the orchard, Matt. I especially like the fenced parking areas, but you've included a lot of excellent details. That's a nice farmhouse, but the outbuildings, crates and trucks add what it takes to make this look like a working establishment rather than a pretty but inert piece of ground. Good work on all the fences, too - they can get pretty tedious sometimes.
Looking forward to another day in the life of Greenacre!
Joan
Replies:
-Pat: I hadn't noticed it until I read your post. Glad it could be of some use to you. I was a bit surprised to see it both on your desktop and update. Any new pics from your region for waterfalls in the near future?
-Arthur (art128): Thanks Arthur, the absense of sidewalks was actually just the luck of the pic, not sure how I did it.
-bat: You won't have to wait long now. Just scroll down a bit. Glad you're enjoying things so far.
-Sciurus: Thank you. There's still quite a bit of it that hasn't been shown yet. Plenty of time for that though, and plenty of room for it to grow too.
-LE0: I'm not entirely sure. I don't think farm lots make sidewalks when they grow, and the trail lots I used (by Darmok, and the parking areas manipulated by me) don't seem to add any either. I think the bit that is there came from the TE'd pieces.
-Joan (Jmouse): The fenced parking areas stemmed from my use of Darmok's trail set and wanting a parking lot. The farmhouse, lot and all is actually a farm lot from... someone in the BSC... I really ought to know who it is, but it came from a pack I downloaded. I can look into exactly who if you'd like, but all credit for the activity goes to them. For the most part, I had the pieces for this pic already, I just put them together.
The pictures seem to be coming along nicely. I think we have a good start for the natural attractions that Greenacre has, and some of its rural areas. Today we're going to head south and check out a part of South Coast (11).
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg10.imageshack.us%2Fimg10%2F7779%2Fgreenacreregionalmaposiem4.png&hash=9c3ae79a2f25c28afd77ddc3e38e36d945ff3f80) (http://img10.imageshack.us/img10/7779/greenacreregionalmaposiem4.png)
South Coast is a narrow, but long city that stretches from the cantilevered bridge by the bay to the outlet of Firehouse Creek you saw in the 7th pic. The area you are seeing here is SCCC (South Coast Community College) and, despite having a few warehouses nearby, the students here are lucky to have one of the nicer public graduate campuses in Greenacre. Not to mention, it's right there by the beach.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg17.imageshack.us%2Fimg17%2F3228%2Fscccnb7.jpg&hash=ddf34d1cb66b3873d7731baafed4328c5eba1cc3)
Nice place, but I don't want to study next to industries! ;D
well I have to say
:o :o :o :o :o :o
Awesome stuff in here, gona keep a keen eye on this
Joe
i have to say that's awesome Matt, I really love this school complex.
Maybe, just maybe, the industry are too close of the pool and the university.
Arthur. :thumbsup:
The SCCC looks beautiful! Nice work on that area!!! :thumbsup:
That's a fantastic college campus.
Nice looking campus, Matt. I like the way you've used the paths and added interest to the campus with auxiliary buildings. You're getting pretty brave with those canals, too, aren't you! ;) I'd like to see more of whatever is down that way - a mosaic maybe?
Another successful day in OSITM...
Joan
Replies:
-Sciurus: That would imply the students there actually study. It is near some of the finest beaches in Greenacre after all, heh heh. Sure, you go to class, but then you can go read on the beach (yeah, read... right). Glad you enjoyed it.
-JoeST: Welcome to Greenacre Joe. We'll be here when you are, so stop by any time.
-Arthur (art128): Let's hope they have a good filter on the pool then. Perhaps (and Robin may be interested to know this) the school could expand, and since it would be for educational purposes, it could be possible under emminent domain in Greenacre.
-bat: Thanks bat. I was surprised how well the game city college turned out there too.
-Battlecat: Thanks. There are others around, but those will be for another update.
-Joan (Jmouse): I think the auxiliary buildings are what actually makes this something reasonably interesting to look at. There's nothing much to those canals there, they just wind through the park there. We will see more of South Coast, and I would certainly assume a mosaic may be in order, but until then there are more pics to prepare. Until next time.
So this one may be a bit late, but for the twelfth day of our little photo excursion we're visiting a neat little valley and the campground there (12). Took a little while to get back, so I'm sorry for the delay on it.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg100.imageshack.us%2Fimg100%2F2730%2Fgreenacreregionalmaposijs1.png&hash=44f7ddcbbee0bcab0bebac62bf421b2b8104f05c) (http://img100.imageshack.us/img100/2730/greenacreregionalmaposijs1.png)
The Hackenbush Campground (owned and run by Dr. Hackenbush) has been around for many years. It's a quiet retreat nestled in Bluebell Canyon which is named for the bluebells that grow around here in the spring. Private cabins give visitors a relaxing respite from city life as they commune with nature. The creek here provides some good fishing too. There was talk of building a racetrack (horse racing) around here too, but startup capital was a bit low. If they do get around to it, go put $5 on Sun Up. I doubt you'll be disappointed. The campground and the surround area could stand some improvements, and we may swing back by here to see if the doctor changes anything.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg12.imageshack.us%2Fimg12%2F3052%2Ffoxenfirridgecampandcreie0.jpg&hash=def83b8e122195a0027c5dd0d3adff5067484a31)
Nice picture of that river! And the houses next to it are wonderful! Beautiful place! :thumbsup:
If you can go to the beach, it's so cool! $%Grinno$%
If my school was like that, I was happy! :D
That's a nice little batch of cabins, and a beautiful picturesque setting! Love what you've done with the plopable water there.
Good campground layout, Matt. That would be a nice place to spend a weekend fishing, walking through the woods and just enjoying the countryside's peaceful beauty. And you're doing a really fine job with TPW - the blending of colors looks great...
Until tomorrow...
Joan
Replies:
-bat: Thanks bat. If I recall, it's a campground pack by citynut. Works pretty well too. Always good to see you.
-Sciurus: As long as you are actually studying, there's no problem. But I guess it helps to sort out those who are there to learn, and those who are there to get a tan, heh heh. Thanks for stopping by.
-Battlecat: Citynut did a fine job with them. The lot borders had to be blended in a bit, but it's really well done. I may retool the PW though in the future, add some transparent stuff and the like. Thanks for the compliments though.
-Joan (Jmouse): There's actually a very nice waterfall just down the trail a bit. The water is down this time of year, but when they creek picks up, we may swing back by here to see them at full strength. The blending of color in the PW is actually a result of the shadows from the trees. Glad to know it looks good though. I'm always looking for new things to try, ands it's good to know when one of them works.
I know some of you have been wondering about the denser urban centers of Greenacre, and today you'll get your first glimpse of it (13).
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg440.imageshack.us%2Fimg440%2F4480%2Fgreenacreregionalmaposiyo8.png&hash=ebb5ef6f935edf9475a4e13c89705f32e9e07300) (http://img440.imageshack.us/img440/4480/greenacreregionalmaposiyo8.png)
Nothing quite like a penthouse view is there? Though it's not exactly a penthouse, the view from the top of the Driftwood Building (the blue one in the foreground) is pretty good. It overlooks the high speed rail line, has easy access to the streetcars, and the plaza across the street is a major focal point of the area around the holidays. The name comes from the building's financier Otis B. Driftwood. He got a start in theatre in New York, but decided to make his way to Greenacre. Not sure exactly when though.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg440.imageshack.us%2Fimg440%2F6027%2Fdriftwoodbuildingpl4.jpg&hash=2c0cd72efe3bec84a9a71010401900b8bb1ec13a)
Nice shot the Transit flowing in your City :thumbsup:
Yes nice shot, but if I was you, I did the place with Maxis' stones and not with the sanstones ;)
Nice work around that plaza there! Looks beautiful! :thumbsup:
A pleasing photo today, Matt - colorful and lively with a lot of interesting variety. Love the plaza and it gives me an idea I might try soon. I like the Driftwood Building, too. There isn't a single high- or even mid-rise in my "reorganized-plugins-in-progress" folder yet. I've made no secret of my dislike for tall buildings (personal taste - there are some truly awesome BATs out there), but I wouldn't mind having that one.
So, looking forward to the next installment...
Joan
Replies:
-Nexis: Thanks. Aside from the highway, which hasn't quite made it to the area yet, most elements of this area's transit are shown in the pic: bus, streetcar, road and rail.
-Sciurus: It might fit better that way, but the lot (a Christmas type lot from SFBT) just fits there so well. I actually built the area around it. The lot really shines in December, but that would've taken a bit of focus away from the building in the foreground. Thanks for the thought though.
-bat: Thanks. The area has changed quite a bit from when it first developed, but I think it's at or near a point where I like it. Glad you liked it.
-Joan (Jmouse): Curious to know what that idea is, but I'm sure I'll find out soon enough. To be honest, I haven't built with much medium or high density before. I know this is a commercial building, but I don't know if this is a custom one or not. I just made up the name here, but if you're interested, I can certainly check out the name in game. I'm not too experienced with dense cities and tall structures, but I'm trying to learn. Glad to know it seems to be working.
Happy Valentine's Day everyone. I hope you were all able to spend some time with friends and loved ones today. We're going to head just a bit further south for today's pic (14).
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg18.imageshack.us%2Fimg18%2F6826%2Fgreenacreregionalmaposipa1.png&hash=980a459fc36acd784808784abc5262509eb1d1ec) (http://img18.imageshack.us/img18/6826/greenacreregionalmaposipa1.png)
This area, known as Independence, is an interesting area. It started as an industrial center, but recently there has been an influx of residents too. This seems to have been partly a desire to live closer to work. To the south (left) is the valley, and the northern area (what we saw yesterday) had not yet developed. As a result, there is an odd mix of residential, industrial and a wee bit of commercial. Though the train stations around here seem rather close, the one at the very bottom services the high speed line and the green one further up the track from it handles commuter traffic. Time will tell how this area develops. We'll have to check back in later to see what's new.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg23.imageshack.us%2Fimg23%2F3299%2Findependencepointindustzk6.jpg&hash=9e7059407463a43963f28e76652c8f9a98c11a24)
Great work with that MD, Matt! Congrats on OSITM, too! ;)
The picture is really lovely. I like the transition between industrial area and suburbs. And the way railway winds through the area is also pretty wonderful. :thumbsup:
Unfortunately, there are some things that doesn't look good to me. The street in the upper-left corner has a really awkward, steep degree when going op the height. I think one of slope mods would help. ;) Also, those two abandoned commercial buildings make the south-east area in the photo look worse than it really is. However, you can find some abandoned shops and houses everywhere in the world, so it isn't that much of the problem.
Can't wait for the next update!
Piotr
3 great pictures Matt, the park in the last on looks fantastic my friend ;) but my favorite rest the second one , with this tower and plaza.
I really love the wall you use for the train.
Arthur. :thumbsup:
Hi Matt!
I'm sorry, I missed some beautiful update my friend.
Your pictures are, as well, very réalistic.I also love the river :thumbsup:. I'm looking forward to the next update.
Take care,
David
Hey Matt the last few updates have been looking real great here!!! BTW have you ever had one of those moments where you swear to god that you left a comment and you know you said something but you go to see that it never posted??? Well this is one of those moments here lol!!!! Anywho Hackenbush campground was great there and the river is exceptionaly great!!!
Bit of a departure from the "norm" today. A lot of diversity, though, and rather typical of some older neighborhoods. Down around the Gulf Coast, industry - oil and gas mainly - was a kind of in-your-face part of the landscape. The green spots and red brick paths do a lot ot soften the stark effect.
Later...
Joan
Hello Matt,
Hey I've been missing a while so have some catching up to do. Congrats on the OSITM award - very well deserved. I've enjoyed catching up on the picures and have to say that your canal district was AWESOME. I really enjoyed that and think you've done a very good job with it.
It's a great idea giving us the whistle stop tour of the island and all of the shots are looking good - yout TPW usage is top notch.
All the best
Paul
Replies:
-Piotr (Sheep49): Thank you very much and welcome to Greenacre. I agree with you about the street and the commercial buildings. I don't mind the buildings too much (especially considering they're right next to some industril stuff, but I'll try to have them clean it up next time I go through. As for the street, you are completely right and that part was actually made back before I had a slope mod installed (as I've said before, this thing is old). Glad I was able to get the look of an area in transition too. Thanks for stopping by.
-Arthur (art128): Thanks. The park was made with the SFBT park set and I believe a set of paths by jeronij, and some Maxis stuff, used right, it gives good results (though I'll speak with parks and recreation about redoing the tennis courts there. Contract it out to the NUTs. Buddybud's walls (lining the tracks back on the 13th) are a really neat set to work with, and I still haven't used all the pieces in it yet. Always good to see you.
-David (Simpson): No need to apologize, it's good to see you. Which pic with the river were you referring to? there have been a couple. there was the creek by the campground (12) and the one with the bridges back in (7). I'm glad to hear they are realistic too. It's one of the things I've been working on. Here's your next update.
-Pat: Glad you've been enjoying them Pat. They've been fun to make too. I have had many moments like that my friend. There are also a number of times I want to comment, don't have the time and promptly forget about it. What can you do though? It's always good to read you, whenever you post though. I'm impressed by the number of compliments I've gotten on that creek there too, it's the original PW. Nothing too fancy, but I like the way it looks.
-Joan (Jmouse): I hadn't realized I was developing a 'norm' and I'm not sure if I can. I have to keep people like you guessing, that way you might forget about the traffic data that I still haven't shown you, heh heh (blame the people in GDOT). This area reminds me a bit of where I did my undergrad work. You could drive for five minutes down a road and go through several different neighborhoods (nice residential, commercial, not-so-nice residential, industrial, more commercial, and nice residential again) which is what this pic reminds me of. Let me know if you have any suggestions for making the transition or the industry itself more realistic.
-Paul (Paroch): Long time, no read my friend! Good to see you again. Thanks for the thought on the award. The praise for the Westport is saying a lot coming from you. I remember what you did in West End. This quick pic tour has been fun, and has helped in a number of ways. I have been wanting to show people more of the island, but didn't want to rush the full updates. This has given me the chance to do that. Also, there is something to tie it all together at the end of the month. I think you in particular might enjoy it. Until next time, hope you enjoy.
Before we begin today, there has been a theme running through the last few updates and it's not related to SC4. I'm curious to know if anyone's spotted it. If you do, let me know. I might let the first person to get it pick where we go next on our photo campaign.
A while back I had mentioned that the Greenacre government was finally expanding it's facilities. It is also centralizing them, and moving the embassies up into the area as well. Today's pic (15) comes from the soon to be former embassy district.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg147.imageshack.us%2Fimg147%2F7306%2Fgreenacreregionalmaposiom5.png&hash=d533972546c0ec68be950a7a39e6aac4e0c2abd6) (http://img147.imageshack.us/img147/7306/greenacreregionalmaposiom5.png)
This station (which will likely be recreated in the new district) is the Rufus T. Firefly Memorial Station. Serviced by both the Coastliner commuter trains and the high speed network, it provides excellent regional access for diplomats as well as the folks who just live in the area. It, like most of the rest of the district, was built around the embassies. It will be interesting to see what happens now that the area's focal point will be moving.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg403.imageshack.us%2Fimg403%2F9167%2Fnortheastcraterstationnw5.jpg&hash=960e2359a19e8461e8933ac9f1169cbe1a7ad40a)
Hey Matt :)
I'm talking about this river: &apls
Quote from: threestooges on February 13, 2009, 03:51:49 AM
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg12.imageshack.us%2Fimg12%2F3052%2Ffoxenfirridgecampandcreie0.jpg&hash=def83b8e122195a0027c5dd0d3adff5067484a31)
Very well done, so réalistic :thumbsup:
The last update is incredible, as well :thumbsup: I'm looking forward to the next update
Take care my friend,
David
Very nice station, could I know where did you find this? ::)
So, still beautiful, but I answer what does numbers on the map serve? ()what()
Wow! Several great updates, but that train station in the latest update is just amazing. An excellent variety of details around it blends it into the area very nicely. The pedestrian overpass is a nice touch!
Replies:
-David (Simpson): Thank you very much. I was thinking about changing it a bit to add some TPW, but from the response it has received I think I'll leave it alone.Glad you've enjoyed.
-Sciurus: The station is Underworld's Cross Station (http://www.simtropolis.com/stex/index.cfm?id=13717) which can be found on the STEX (not sure if it's on the LEX yet, but it should be). The map that has been appearing with each picture, and its numbers, are to track where we have been on the island. Each number is where in the region the corresponding pic was taken (Feb 1, is 1 on the map, Feb 2, is 2, etc). Hope that helps. Always good to see you.
-Battlecat: Thank you very much. See my response to Sciurus above if you are interested in where to find the station. The overpass is the GDV Pedestrian Overpass With Toll Function (http://www.simtropolis.com/stex/index.cfm?id=2916) by goldiva. It functions as a toll booth (makes a nice revenue stream if needed) and just looks good. Couldn't very well have people wander across a busy avenue to get to the station. Glad you liked it. I'll keep an eye out for your next update too.
Back on the 11th, we saw the north side of South Coast. Today (16) we'll visit the south side (or perhaps you could call it east, either way...) which is over by the Loophole Inlet. There's a bit of speculation about how this body of water got its name. Some believe it is for the way it loops back around the hill there, others maintain it's named after a local attorney from the South Coast area. I'm sure there's some record somewhere, but it's fun to listen to the debates.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg21.imageshack.us%2Fimg21%2F8430%2Fgreenacreregionalmaposinh2.png&hash=bc09c3540ea79d988fd25a24e04a9b56cdb1df9b) (http://img21.imageshack.us/img21/8430/greenacreregionalmaposinh2.png)
The southern area of South Coast is known for its beachfront mansions (don't ask how that apartment building got in there... the developers around here seem to throw up anything if it will fit sometimes. Take a good look at this pic because his is the last time we'll likely see it like this. The town has been working to install a beachfront tram for the benefit of residents and tourists to each parking congestion and traffic. Next time we swing by here, we'll likely see the tracks laid, and hopefully the system up and running. Until then, I hope you enjoy.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg21.imageshack.us%2Fimg21%2F8343%2Fsouthcoastbeachfronthomng1.jpg&hash=fe1375413d6b4c386e32c41bb2191fd0840d3926)
Nice work in this new update Matt :thumbsup:, the beach look super, very nice houses my friend :thumbsup:
Ah ok for numbers, and for the station too :thumbsup:
Very good (update or preview? ;D)
Guillaume.
That's a nice beach frontage! The addition of the tram would probably result in quite a tourist attraction, nothing like a relaxing ride along the shore. That apartment really does look a bit out of place next to those mansions! Developers do the weirdest things on occasion.
Ahhh, beachfront housing! I'm a bit surprised the zoning commission let grungy apartments sneak in under the radar, but maybe some enterprising developer will buy the land and make some improvements. The brick streets look good - I've never used them before, but they work well in this setting.
Later...
Joan
It looks to me like southern South Coast is quite lenient when it comes to zoning and restrictions. I would imagine that the proximity of that R-§ apartment building lowers the value of those nice houses just a little. ??? Then again, I don't know which was here first, so who am I to judge? This sort of thing happens in RL, too, so it makes Greenacre that much more realistic. Nice update, Matt.
:thumbsup:
Matt I agree with Joan on that one in how in the world did the ugly apartment sneek in there??? Goosh that is a distraction there and a eye sore which I am soo surprised no citizen group has called for renavation or demolitation!! Anyways the train station is looking real great there!!! I cant wait to see more!!!
Replies:
-David (Simpson): Thank you very much. Glad you like it.
-Guillaume (Sciurus): Update/history for that beach pic. This area has changed a bit since then.
-Battlecat: Thanks. The plans for the tram certainly seem like the system will move people around pretty well. As for being a tourist attraction, well, it'll have to compete with the beach, but it will certainly add to the overall effect. The only question is: tram, or T-RAM?
-Joan (Jmouse): Did a bit of research into thing about that apartment. See below. The brick streets were from the original mod by ardecila, back before the SAM, but this is one area of Greenacre where I think it looks really good. The SAM though really has opened up some new options.
-metarvo: It would look that way, wouldn't it? It does happen in real life too, much to the joy of the residents of some of the houses. Things have changed though. Glad you've liked it so far.
-Pat: Believe it or not, none of the residents have said anything, however, I think some of those places are vacation homes, so the residents aren't always there. Glad you liked the train station, and more is on the way.
Many of you have expressed concern over how that apartment building in South Coast got there. The more people who asked, the more I thought about it. Long story short, I called the zoning board down there to inquire. The land is zoned to allow for such development according to the zoning map. However, that particular lot is also listed as being a 2 bedroom bungalow... and was being taxed as one. This was the first they had heard of it. Something tells me that the owner may be cutting a rather large check in the near future (or they could just try to take the property, which might be the better option if they can pull it off).
I know we've been here twice already, but I had to meet with the Shelter Island Council today (17) at that tram-shaped diner in the park. They have really good burgers there, put a little avocado on it and it's really good.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg100.imageshack.us%2Fimg100%2F8563%2Fgreenacreregionalmaposiay7.png&hash=6e8ac345ba7ff5f2b3ec19e74ef00696429ccc2e) (http://img100.imageshack.us/img100/8563/greenacreregionalmaposiay7.png)
Unlike the marina and the cruise ship port, this is really an area for the locals. You'd have to know this was here to find it... I guess that secret is sort of out now. Oh well. It'll be good for the businesses. The streetcar service back from pic 2 extends out here, and was the inspiration for that diner. They just took an old car and plopped it out there. When the weather's nice, it's hard to beat a good lunch in the park.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg252.imageshack.us%2Fimg252%2F155%2Fdowntownglrmq4.jpg&hash=e7a4a5e2bf65da8f60198eec05d1386612eb7958)
3 wonderful pictures I missed there Matt, but better later than never ;) !
As for the pictures, this last one is very nice this little park with the tram is very fine my friend, also great use of trams. :thumbsup:
The second one is nice too , even if I don't love some little things,
As first, these parking lots aren't connected to the street, i think that gray piece (the T one) give the cars to nowhere ! Also one other things : Small poor apartments - Rich villas - rich villas - small poor apartments (i think you understand what I mean ::) )
And the last is by far my favorite, this train station looks soooo good my friend even more with those overpass there ! great work with it. (BTW, where you get it ?)
Arthur. :thumbsup:
Hey Matt,
Looks like I missed a few pics as well. &ops
I like the train station and those tunnels before and after it. Is it a bad thing if I wonder how it all goes together and go and take a look at it in LE to see what kind of arrangement I can come up with. ::) I find myself doing that more and more when I get new custom content.
I like this tour of the island you are taking us on. Seems very aimless, which in my opinion is very nice, I just hope we aren't taking the bus, but a helicopter or something like that. ;)
See you later,
Robin (https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi278.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk83%2Frooker1%2Fchesssmiley-small.jpg&hash=d70bae30bf143d7f94b92f2d2ce24ddebe717e2f)
Great little park in the last update. I'd love to have a transit system like that in my area!
Love the diner in the park, Matt! You always do an especially good job laying out your parks. I'm interested in the GLR and how it works out for you. Wondering if the system is widely used and what kind of population density it takes to justify it. Also, is GLR just a way of getting around in town or do the tracks extend into the 'burbs, perhaps as a park-and-ride system?
Very attractive update today...
Joan
Great use of GLR, and the alley in the lower left corner behind buildings looks nice too. :)
Matt that was a fantastic pic there!!! I am for one glad that there is now action being taken against that one apartment building... Far as the dinner ooo nice toch!!!
Replies:
-Arthur (art128): No such thing as 'late' when it comes to a reply around here, always good to see you. The parking lots actually connect to the street just off the pic. That small area is reserved parking for the lifeguards. I know what you mean about the villas v. the apartments, and that's been taken care of (see my previous post). The train station is Underworld's Cross Station (http://www.simtropolis.com/stex/index.cfm?id=13717) which can be found on the STEX (not sure if it's on the LEX yet, but if it's not, it should be). The overpass is the GDV Pedestrian Overpass With Toll Function (http://www.simtropolis.com/stex/index.cfm?id=2916) by goldiva. Thanks for stopping by.
-Robin (rooker1): Absolutely nothing to worry about. Always good to see you here. You can take a look at the station (see my response to Arthur above for the link) but I believe the station and tunnels are all one model. The tour is pretty much aimless. I'm just going where I think I can find a good pic or two on a given day. Some trips are for a purpose, but I'll still manage to get a pic while I'm there. Certainly not taking the bus either... at least, I'm not... I hope you haven't been. There's plenty of room on the helicopter. It makes the trips back and forth aroudn the area much easier. If you're looking for a game of chess, just let me know. I'm always ready.
-Battlecat: Thanks. That park is one of my few attempts at messing with the LE. Give the GLR a shot. Now that it's draggable, in avenues, and in roads, there is so much flexibility with it and, if you're like me and love trains, it's an excellent network to play with. My compliments to the NAM team for their work on that.
-Joan (Jmouse): Thanks Joan. I don't do much LE work, but that park is one of my attempts. Thought a diner out there would be fun, and I knew it would go next to the tracks. It seemed to work pretty well. Not sure of the transit data (as soon as I finish up this advertising project I'll get back to pestering the DOT to get their information together) but in this area, the GLR circles the island and easily gets 200 riders/day at most stations. Not sure if it's financially self sufficient yet, but it's a staple of the island, so I doubt it's going anywhere... well, aside from the stations of course. Good to see you.
-LE0: Thanks LE0. I love playing with the GLR, and JBSimio's SmallTown series is really well designed. Those alleyways can just come together when they grow (or are plopped) like that. It's a great bonus for them. Thanks for stopping by.
-Pat: Thanks Pat. Yes, when we get back to South Coast (for a full, formal, update) I'm sure we'll see something different around there. Thanks for the thoughts on the diner. Rest assured though, I'll still be looking to you and the rest of ITC for my lotting needs. Hope all is well.
Today, we're headed to a small town between Westport and South Coast (18): Western Pass. This area is one of the only roads between the cities and connects the rest of the beach cities to the valley farmland.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg17.imageshack.us%2Fimg17%2F3456%2Fgreenacreregionalmaposirp1.png&hash=ade3d5d5d3cfbaf2263a0731a976dbc27322e620) (http://img17.imageshack.us/img17/3456/greenacreregionalmaposirp1.png)
Not all housing communities in Greenacre are high wealth areas. This little tract, lined with ranch-style houses back from the late 1940s, developed around the lighthouse back after WWII. Its proximity to the tracks keeps land values slightly lower, but it's close to the beach, and there's a neat little pond across the way just a hop, skip, and a jump over the tracks.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg17.imageshack.us%2Fimg17%2F1606%2Fwesternpasshousingandlitq5.jpg&hash=23e536bcb1496eaba8f6a2bc7e2b5b88d7e7d294)
Very nice preview or update (I don't because there's all time one pic :D) &apls
And why is there a headlight on the middle of the village, I must tell you I don't understand ()what()
Guillaume :thumbsup:
Matt,
Nice pic, the light house is a nice touch, but I can't help but wonder if there is any history as to why it is there.
And I absolutely love that you were able to get the train in the pic, if that doesn't show some life and action, I don't know what does than.
I just wish the back ground didn't show in the pic, but everything can't be perfect I guess.
Great stuff here Matt, I really enjoy stopping in here everyday.
BTW, the smiley was code word for, "I'm up for a game if you are". ::) ;)
See ya later,
Robin (https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi278.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk83%2Frooker1%2Fchesssmiley-small.jpg&hash=d70bae30bf143d7f94b92f2d2ce24ddebe717e2f)
Nice subdivision there! I must admit the lighthouse made me double take a couple of times. It seems to be a bit far from the shore to be effective at it's job, did Western Pass do some filling to extend the coastline making the lighthouse obsolete? Looks very cool!
Nice-looking older neighborhood, Matt. That's an architectural style that will someday be gone forever as those old houses are either abandoned or refurbished one by one. Often young new owners want to modernize and end up losing the original design.
And the lighthouse is there because it was moved to preserve it for posterity when young new owners wanted to build a modern one! :P
Later...
Joan
Replies:
-Guillaume (Sciurus): Call them whatever you want, there will be one of them a day for the rest of the month. It is essentially a preview of the island, but the pics will be used for something in the end. Scroll down a bit for information on the lighthouse. Good to see you.
-Robin (rooker1): Details about the lighthouse are further down the page. You can almost see the coffee table bouncing across the living room of that house by the tracks, can't you? As for the background... well, it seems I forgot to cut it out this time... whoops. I'll have to fix that (probably tomorrow). You should know me by now, it doesn't take much to get me into a chess game.
-Battlecat: The lighthouse, though it's not right on the coast, is still quite effective. The shore is just off the bottom of the pic. Details of how it came to be there are just down the page. Thanks for stopping by.
-Joan (Jmouse): It's sad to see it go too. There's an area around here that used to have little beach houses... people bought up the lots, ripped the houses down and built McMansions that were far too big for the lots. It lost a lot of its charm in my opinion. A few houses have still survived though. The lighthouse is actually the redevelopment of one of the houses there... apparently, it's the new style. Only kidding. It was there before the houses were. Always good to see you here.
It seems like the lighthouse caught everyone's attention, so a bit of explanation may be in order. It is a functioning lighthouse for the city of Western Pass. In the picture that was shown, the shore is just down the hill at the bottom of the pic. The lighthouse sits approximately 160m (appx 500ft, appx 10 tiles) away from the shore, and was built up the hill for better visibility. There is a sudden height increase in the terrain to the north and, rather than build a taller building, they decided to scoot it back from the shore to solve the problem.
Interestingly enough, I used to live in Reno, NV, where the only body of water is the Truckee River. There is a community there, in the middle of town, with a lighthouse. I haven't been able to find a picture of it yet, but you can catch a glimpse of it as you drive down the freeway. This pic reminds me of it every time I see it. One of the stranger things I've seen, but, functional or not, it is something that'll catch your eye
Today's pic is a special request of sorts. I was asked what area was my favorite, and why. Considering that we've already been there three times during this month (and about to add a fourth), it may be easy to guess that I like the Shelter Island area. In particular I like the area in today's pic (19).
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg136.imageshack.us%2Fimg136%2F1204%2Fgreenacreregionalmaposith6.png&hash=9a012804c074b036d3ce996433709b231b8c480f) (http://img136.imageshack.us/img136/1204/greenacreregionalmaposith6.png)
I have always been a fan of trains (surprise), and this certainly includes streetcars. The creation of the GLR is one of my favorite (among many) additions to the game as it gives one more way to add in rail travel. As a result, any pic with a train in it will certainly capture my attention. I'm not sure why, but the way the buildings have filled in around the marina here just looks good in my opinion. The various bits and pieces really show off some of the best creations that our community has come up with. It may end up developing into a group of modern apartments, or it may stay like it is, but either way, I like this area.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg207.imageshack.us%2Fimg207%2F6159%2F67880856ci9.jpg&hash=ad45476d3a199f2fb9037fdbc0c85d146534e71b)
Ok, I call that how I want, so I call that an update, but very little update so :D
In you pic, I really like the slope of your tramwzy, it's very nice, but I don't really like the two tramway stops, it's not very realistic when those are so near, I hope you'll correct that ;)
Guillaume :thumbsup:
Matt! It's been too long!
I love that sloping GLR! It looks so smooth. I really like how the area with the apartments is elevated, and then it slopes down to older houses near the shore. Very realistic!
Oh, and do you by any chance have a model train layout? If so, I'd love to see pictures of it!
Some wonderful new pictures there for the OSITM there! Nice work! :thumbsup:
That explains the lighthouse perfectly! Thanks for clarifying that. Love the latest picture, you're absolutely right about the GLR standing out beautifully.
Hey Matt,
Even though I lost again last night in our chess match, it was my favourite game so far to date, I just want to thnk you again.
This picture does look great and I can easily see why it is one of your favourite areas. Something about islands, I like too. But, Matt I do see a few things that could be improved, of course, as always just my opinion. ;) First of all, just let me say that I know your style of play. You are one of the last people that still play the game a it was designed and you let grow what will. With that said, I wish those houses were not in the building area. Either other buildings of equal size, parks, or even parking lots may look better. And do you see that one patch where the side walk is different, remember the little trick I told you about adding in side walks, well it would work there as well. Last but not the least, see the dead end road with the turning lanes, well it doesn't look right. Maybe those could be changed to the greay streets instead.
Correct me if I am wrong but that area is a peninsula, right. Can I get a higher view of the area when you have a chance. I really like to see how others deal with the area. ;)
I do like the church in the fore ground, the buildings that grew as well as the way you set up the GLR.
Oh, BTW Matt I saved today's newspaper for you.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi278.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk83%2Frooker1%2FCoverpage1a.jpg&hash=833553aaf73cb4d5e2f3b985efedf9905bc43b3e)
Have a great night Matt.
Robin :thumbsup:
Matt some great stuff is happening here for sure wow!!! You will be happy to hear I am wrapping up the MDK here shortly over this weekend and along with my texture pack which be used in the MDK... Still waiting on the other stuff lol....
OK now what is the council going to do about "The Heralds" accusations about the IND and the council sneaking out the back door???
- concerned citizen
Another fetching photo, Matt! The mid-rise buildings work well together, and the positioning looks good too - very true-to-life. Adequate parking space noted as well. :thumbsup: That little church at the bottom center is just the kind I like. There are some stunning custom cathedrals out there which fit perfectly in many scenarios, but my own preference will always lean toward the smaller churches. They look so warm and inviting.
The GLR looks fabulous - love that gentle slope. Hoping I have the correct area on the map pinpointed, it looks like it makes a nice little loop in and out of the peninsular. BTW, you've incorporated the walls into the scene perfectly - I almost missed seeing them because they fit in so well.
I can see why Shelter Island is special to you - it's lovely...
Joan
Replies:
-Guillaume (Sciurus): That's a good point about the tram stations, but the way the area was planned out, one was meant for the residential sections and one for the harbor. The harbor/ferry station gets used mostly during rush hour when people are going to/from work. It prevents having a horde of people walk from the station down to the harbor (there isn't actually a set of stair that's close there either.The slope was a bit tricky to get just right, but I like how it turned out. Always good to see you.
-Albus of Garaway: Hello again my friend. Glad you like the GLR layout here. It has factored into the island in so many ways and I really like how it's turned out. I have model trains, but haven't had the time, or really the space to put anything together that I could call a 'layout' however, I do have some N-Scale stuff that I could try to take a picture of next time I think about it. Good to see you.
-bat: Thanks bat. I've been trying to show a variety of areas of Greenacre. Hope you're enjoying.
-Battlecat: Glad I could help. I sometimes have to remidn myself of its proximity to the shore if I scroll by it after a while. Without seeing the shore nearby it could look a bit odd. Glad you liked the GLR from the last pic too.
-Robin (rooker1): That was a fun game, and you had me going for a bit there too. A good game of chess is quite relaxing, and just plain fun. Anytime you're up for one, just let me know. When you reference the houses in the building area, do you mean the smaller ones up with the towers, or the ones along the shore? I missed the sidewalk gap, and you're right about the little turn lane there. I'll see if I can get the transportation department on it next time I'm out there.
As for the paper article, I am surprised the press got it out so soon. I was just in a meeting about this the other day. Why do they have to come to the federal government? This is a local city matter. We don't tell them their zoning procedures. However, they're reviewing their environmental standards. I still don't see it being a big issue, but then again, I'm just the intermediary between federal and local. We'll see what happens in time.
-Pat: Glad to hear the news about the MDK Pat. It'll be good to get that into candidacy. The other stuff is coming. I had a chance to fiddle with the BAT today. I started messing with the station wall color, and now I'm changing the roof tiles. It's getting there though. I can guarantee you that all due consideration will be given to the matter with Westport, however, as no decision has yet been made we have been asked not to speculate. When I get something for certain, I'll be sure to let you all know.
-Joan (Jmouse): Glad you liked the available parking. That was one thing I was glad to see when the buildings developed. IF not I would have had to plop some in, but they saved me the trouble. Jon (JBSimio) did a fine job with his school pack, and that particular religious one is very well done. It fit right in there too. About once a month there's usually a bbq after services. One guy makes this excellent tri tip. The GLR does loop around the peninsula, as well as the entire island. I wanted to allow it to keep a realistic slope so I laid out the line with rails beforehand. Jeroni's wall do just seem to blend in nicely. I had almost forgotten they were there until you mentioned them too. I also like how the game forced the retaining wall along the GLR line behind the church/school. Glad you enjoyed it, and it's always good to see you.
One of these days I'm going to try to post the update earlier in the day (preferably before it becomes tomorrow) but today we are making our way back across the island and passing through Indepedence (20).
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg4.imageshack.us%2Fimg4%2F111%2Fgreenacreregionalmaposi.png&hash=2e16f4335180ef212df977c970feded706446c69) (http://img4.imageshack.us/img4/111/greenacreregionalmaposi.png)
As I've mentioned before, this area is in the middle of a transformation. You can see a bit of this area in pic back on the 14th, but here is something up close that really seems to show what's changing. The canals, unlike the ones in Westport, do not provide any present function. They were originally used to ferry goods until the railroad swept through. Now they are being redeveloped as high tech industries and commercial offices begin to make their homes nearby. You can see the developing edge as you look across the pic. Gordon Miller Elementary is a new school built here to cater to the new influx of local residents. It's a fine school with good (if slightly bizarre professors) that shares the area with some... interesting neighbors. Also, one of the area's remarkably long freight trains seems to be making its way through now. You might want to just park your car if you have to wait one of these things out, but they're great fun to watch if you like trains.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg21.imageshack.us%2Fimg21%2F7474%2Findependencepointtransi.jpg&hash=fbde14df85101c8f854596a4f3f97b5f5d80d106)
Nice place there in the middle of your island!!!
The small park and the school next to it are wonderful!! Nice work on that part of your region! :thumbsup:
Looking forward to picture 21 of this month... ;)
Ok fo station, I understand you don't want to have traffic jams in a very nice place like this ()stsfd()
Very nice place of course, but it's a school we can see on left?
Guillaume :thumbsup:
Hi Matt !
2 incredibles pictures in this page 9 my friend. They are super, as well :thumbsup:
Another good daily, Matt - you're really on a roll!
I see a middle-class neighborhood here that's a notch or two below the median. The little park brings a much-needed break, though. Without it and the school grounds, the photo would suffer for the omission. Once again, you've ventured successfully into mixing industry in with the rest of the environs, too. Guess school - and the nutty professors - are out for the weekend?!
I know what you mean about long freight trains, but the few things I learned about the different types of cars plus the graffiti makes the wait more interesting. And those two trains on the left give new meaning to, "Reach out and touch someone!"
Looking forward to another scene tomorrow...
Joan
Matt good news indeed about the stations, so if I understand right will you also be revamping the large and medium too? Anyways a nice canal area there and also I like that double train shot there!!!!
Great picture! You know how I love rails... ;)
I'd love to see some pictures whenever you get the chance. I personally have an HO scale model railroad based on a section of Santa Fe tracks in Streator, Illinois (Outside Chicago).
Replies:
-bat: Thank you very much bat. Glad you liked it. JBSimio's schools make it much easier to make things look good.
-Guillaume (Sciurus): Yes, that's a school in the center there. I know it's an odd area for an elementary school, being next to a freight yard, but the faculty are excellent. As for the traffic jams. I'd like to avoid them, but when a freight train goes through... well those roads are pretty much blocked for a while. Other than that, it's pretty easy going.
-David (Simpson): Glad you've liked them. Hope this one meets your expectations too.
-Joan (Jmouse): This pic-a-day thing really keeps the pressure on, but I've made it this far. The school is indeed out for the weekend, otherwise the area would be swarming with kids. Attendance is only around 200 right now, but it's expected to increase as the industry becomes residential. I'd like to learn a bit about graffiti and the meanings, but then I might be afraid to bike along some of the areas I do now. As for those trains... yeah, just keep your hands and arms inside and everything should be fine, though there usually is fairly little room between trains on most dual lines. Always good to hear from you. I have a texturing question for you next time you're on MSN.
-Pat: Yep, things are in progress, and a pic has been posted already in my BAT thread. Thanks for the comment about the canals, and I love the fact that there are at least three trains in the pic at once. I got lucky when I took the pic that they were there.
-Albus of Garaway: Glad you enjoyed, and it sounds like you have a nice setup. Is it geared toward switching, or does it also include a full loop for running? HO is a good scale with plenty to offer. I'd like to go with G-Scale when I do finally make a full layout, but that comes with time, land and money. My N-Scale is middle steam period. I have a 2-6-0 Mogul for the Northern Pacific that I may attempt to re-letter to either Virginia & Truckee or a custom road name and some various rolling stock of V&T, NP and other various lines. I'd like to re-create mainline operations of either central or southern CA. I'd love to see pictures if oyu have them, and I'll try to get a few of my stuff.
Going back once more to the Westport area, partly to meet with the town council there on the zoning issue that was raised. I'm surprised to hear the environmetal claims considering the local power source (21).
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg24.imageshack.us%2Fimg24%2F111%2Fgreenacreregionalmaposi.png&hash=d8e8be4de8a11a3f7bf05c1dcfab5e0e2272c4f3) (http://img24.imageshack.us/img24/111/greenacreregionalmaposi.png)
At the northern point of Westport, just as the city begins to climb the hill, the power company decided to take advantage of the prevailing winds that would sail up the hill. This modestly sized wind farm provides enough power to keep the tower going, and is one of the cleaner (if not cleanest) facilities in Greenacre. There is also a small park and community pool at the top of the hill just off the wind farm. It's completely a local spot. Very few tourists would look for a park by the power plants. I'll be busy with this meeting for a while, but you've been to Westport alreayd, feel free to go have a look around. I'll catch up with you when things are done.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg14.imageshack.us%2Fimg14%2F8894%2Fwestportpower.jpg&hash=3ecdeb4af3c0f97ec2f82fec0c28e07fdbf6a12a)
Hi Matt,
Some great OSITM dailies there. That station with the palm trees is very nice and bequtifully placed. The GLR is looking good, the canals and the Via Rail all add up to make Greenacre the place to be this month.
I'm liking this tour more and more.
Paul
Nice wind field :thumbsup:
Guillaume :thumbsup:
Two excellent updates in the past couple days I see. That's a pretty cool wind farm there, nice detailing with the dirt access roads. I also really like the canals that are slowly being decommissioned in the previous update. I think a some cities would try to convert them into some sort of recreational area, but in the case of Greenacre there appears to be no shortage of green space. I'll be interested to see what happens to this area!
Matt, you continue to give a lot of thought to detail, and that makes your layouts stand well above the average. The tractors, water towers and dirt paths are a clever addition to the scene. The park is a good idea as well - kind of reinforces the "clean energy" concept we associate with wind power.
You make me wish February had 31 days...
Joan
Hey Matt you gotten yourself a good windmill farm there!! I do hope its windy enough to keep the lights on ;) You know it that some group is going to come in here and complain to you that wind is not the way to go still...
And now a windmill field :o
These are greatly done my friend. &apls
Replies:
-Paul (paroch): Hello again Paul! Glad you're enjoying things so far. I've been trying to cover most of the island this month. Hope I'm doing a good enough job. Out of curiousity, what exactly is Via Rail? Hope to see you soon.
-Guillaume (Sciurus): I could probably add something to it, but I'm not sure what, it was a new thing for me to try. Glad you liked it.
-Battlecat: Thanks! John's (Darmok's) dirt paths are an excellent set of lots. They've seen quite a bit of use around Greenacre. The future of the canals from the last pic isn't certain just yet. They no longer carry goods, but they do add something to the area. They may get converted as time goes on. We'll see. You're right though that Greenacre has no shortage of green space. I hope they keep it that way.
-Joan (Jmouse): The tractors were a lucky bonus from John's (Darmok's) rural path lots (the ones you see lining the scene) and the water towers were a fortunate matter of necessity. Though Westport gets much of it's water from the canals, these help give it some decent pressure. Not entirely sure how the pool and park ended up by the power area, but you're right about the clean energy thing. People don't mind a swim next to these things too much.
-Pat: The breeze coming in from the coast is enough to keep the blades turning, and the lights aren't showing any signs of dimming yet. If they wish to complain about wind not being the way to go, I suggest they take that up with the power company and the Westport Council. However, I think these things will be there for some time to come.
-Arthur (art128): Glad you enjoyed it. I've been trying to show a variety of things from Greenacre, I figured that would have been something different.
This month seems to be rapidly drawing to a close, and with it comes the deadline for this little project. A few more pics ought to do it and then we can get back to our usual touring. Just up the bluff from the Driftwood Building (13) is the S. Quentin Quale park (22).
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg168.imageshack.us%2Fimg168%2F111%2Fgreenacreregionalmaposi.png&hash=5f2a4af6671d0f8c4e3d77959ac12341ab62c440) (http://img168.imageshack.us/img168/111/greenacreregionalmaposi.png)
The S. Quentin Quale Park, or as it has come to be called by locals "Squintin' Quail" Park, is a relatively quiet place for locals to relax. The sounds of the fountain do much to drown out the sounds of passing traffic, and local residents can be found taking advantage of the giant chess boards (pieces are also available for checkers too). I ought to talk to the Westport Council and see if I can convince them to put one in somewhere over there. I think they'd really like that.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg518.imageshack.us%2Fimg518%2F5088%2Ffoxenfirridgesquentinqu.jpg&hash=5b5439b11e394c892aebbe0d5d7b8e19f09dcf6c)
Once again, Matt, I've missed some updates here in Greenacre, and once again, you've made me pay dearly (in a great way!) by having so much wonderful stuff to catch up on!
I am so very sorry I haven't been here as often as I'd like to be, my friend. It's inexcusable, and I will try as hard as possible to break this habit.
Take care, Matt!
Dustin
Those giant chessboards are so much fun! I wish we had a couple somewhere around here. Nice update!
The S. Quentin Quale Park and Windmill field are looking both really nice! Nice work on these two pictures!
Looking forward to the last five pictures of this month and of course to the updates after the OSITM-month..... ;)
Hey Matt, haven't I told you once or twice before that I really like your parks? :thumbsup: The setting is perfect for this one, too. There's a rather eclectic mix of buildings but in this case, they look pretty darn good together. I've seen that chess park before but never used it. Might give it a try, though, now that I see how good it looks in game.
Later...
Joan
Matt I think you have your niche there with the parks my friend!!! you know how to place them and set up just right so it looks damn good!!! this park is no execption, great job!!!! BTW I did put a squash to the rumor mill about the wind farm, believe after this weekend that poor sim aint happy with me after seeing my point on it lol ;D
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg12.imageshack.us%2Fimg12%2F3039%2F3onhosetwo.jpg&hash=8d5d817599891a9a851ad8f909ad10abf2fdd1c1)
if you catch the fog pattern idea lol :D
Nice mix of buildings :thumbsup:
Replies:
-Dustin (thundercrack83): Always good to see you my friend. I'm glad to hear you've been enjoying the catching up process. Nothing wrong with not having time to post (I would have liked to drop a line in Marathon a few times now, but not enough time to write a detailed message the past couple of days) so I know where you are coming from. I'm curious to know, after having gone through a fair number of them recently, which has been your favorite so far? Hope all is well, and I'll see you next time.
-Battlecat: I know what you mean. I've seen the full size ones maybe once or twice. Great little things to mess around with if you can find someone to play. Glad you enjoyed.
-bat: Glad you enjoyed. I can't believe how fast this month has gone. It'll be good to get back to the full updates here in a bit. I have some interested stuff planned. Until then, take it easy.
-Joan (Jmouse): You may have said something once or twice (but that's not to say I don't mind hearing it again). The chess park is one of my favorites from the pack. I've used it in a few areas (or more) but I just like how it fit in here. As for an ecclectic selection of buildings, it really is. I'm still getting the hang of urban building, but I kind of like the hodge-podge look of this. Gives it a sense of development over time I think. Or something like that.
-Pat: A niche? I don't know about that, but they are fun to make, and when you're given good stuff to work with, it makes things that much easier. Glad to hear you're taking care of things on the Westport front. When I heard that guy tell me his complaint 'was all wet', I didn't realize he was speaking literally. Can't say I disapprove of the approach though. Sometimes the direct method is best. Glad you're liking things so far.
-LE0: Thanks. A number of them are actually Maxis designs. They did a good job on a number of these things. The custom ones aren't too bad either. Glad you liked them.
I mentioned this a few pages back, but there is a theme tying a number of the OSITM posts together, this update is one of them, and so was the last one. If someone is able to figure it out by the end of the OSITM period the council has authorized me to work out some sort of honorarium (a.k.a. gift). What exactly that will be is still ebing determined, but if you're interested in giving it a shot, happy hunting.
Today's update brings us back to the Shelter Island area (yes, we've been here a few times now) but the area in this pic is the northern most part of the overall Mustang Harbor facilites (23).(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg93.imageshack.us%2Fimg93%2F111%2Fgreenacreregionalmaposi.png&hash=193aa98829f58b2be62926de9ce2eaa913fdfbb5) (http://img93.imageshack.us/img93/111/greenacreregionalmaposi.png)
This area is the Captain Jeffery T. Spaulding Wharf, named for and old adventurer who used to live in the area. He was a big supporter of the port's creation, so they named this section of it after him. This is one of the cruise ship ports in the area. Not exactly the most glamorous being near a garbage processing dock, but people rarely notice it when they board the ship. By that point, they're usually involved in the ship's activities/cast off party, that they don't even notice it as the ship departs.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg515.imageshack.us%2Fimg515%2F3987%2Ffracturedislandsoct.jpg&hash=92fe03a76645833cf9c0dedf22deb1df12a568b8)
That's a nice port there Matt, you used the great pieces to go on it my friend.
Also, the park is great too.
Arthur. &apls
Hi Matt,
Just want to tell you that I've just begun to read that MD of yours, I'm now at page 4, so far I really like what I see. &apls
I'll try to find some more free time this week to finish it. But I must say that you have a green thumb. You even have me liking your development around the canal area... and I'm usually not too keen on those canals, go figure! You reconcile me with those pieces.
I'll keep posted on my reading progress, my teacher tells me that I should be able to read complete sentences by the end of the month!
Hehehe...
Take care my friend
-John
EDITED:
Hey I just made your 200th reply! I think it's the first time I do a double zero! (You see I'm also good at maths!)
Excellent port, you've use a nice diverse selection of port components there. Looks great!
Nice new picture of that harbor! And looking forward to the interested stuff! ;)
Replies:
-Arthur (art128): Glad you liked them Arthur. I know there are a few open areas still out there, but the area filled in pretty well.
-John (Darmok): Welcome to Greenacre my friend. It's interesting to be on this side of the reply screen now. I am really pleased to hear you've been enjoying things so far. There are certain CJs that I have heavily drawn from. Also, those rural trails of yours have gotten some amazing compliments. My thanks to you for putting those together, they really make rural areas so much better. Also, I'm glad to hear you like the canal pieces. Perhaps some area around Bywater might see their use? I'd love whatever feedback you can provide too as you go through. Good to have an experienced eye on things. English and math. You're really pulling out all the stops for this post, I can tell, heh heh. Hope all is well with you, and I'll look forward to seeing you around Greenacre in the future.
-Battlecat: Thank you. There really is an excellent selection available out there. Peg's garbage port, and shipping dock, Jeroni's seawalls and breakwater, the GLR, Ploppable boats (by a person whose name eludes me at the moment... I'd check, but you'll find out why not a bit below), and believe it or not, the actual Maxis port.
-bat: Thanks bat, see my response to Battlecat for what all went into it. Always good to see you here.
So it's usually at this point (or it has been) that I show you the region map with a new number on it and give you a glimpse of some area around Greenacre. I've really enjoyed my time in OSITM this month, and had hoped to finish it with a bang.
I wasn't counting on that bang being my computer.
Not sure what happened, but it seems to have overheated today in class, it's sluggish and, though it loads to the desktop, is generally non responsive. I'm going to check things out and look for an interim solution, but as it stands right now, I only have the school's computers (and I don't think they'll let me install SC4).
Rest assured however, that Greenacre is not done. I will get this taken care of and I will be back. There are a few things I was planning for the end of this month, and for the little extra bit after it. They will still get done, and I will still show them here. It'll just be a little while before that happens. I'm not one to go down easily. Thank you all who have posted, lurked, or even just clicked into here accidentally. Until the next update, take it easy.
-Matt
%wrd
Oh, my. That's not good at all, Matt. I hope you can get that computer fixed or get a new, better one soon. Since your computer still works somewhat, I would recommend backing up your files while there's still time. On a lighter note, that wharf looks very good. :thumbsup:
Ouch, too bad about the laptop, Matt. We'll leave the light on for you, though, so take your time and come back when you can.
Looks like I almost missed an update today, but it's never too late to pay a compliment. That's a great-looking port you've created there. The layout is well planned and the size is manageable without overpowering the space.
If I can help in any way, just let me know...
Joan
Thats gotta be horrible because this is really nice md, but trust me, my pc i cant even play sc4 anymore, it is spyware infested and unusable, so i use parents laptop to go online. %wrd
Matt,
now up to page 7, liking everything so far, like the covered bridge over ploppable water (page 6) no wash effect, surely due to the plop. water I guess.
Really like the SCCC college setup up to one detail... I have to nitpick, you expect it! Nothing much really, I just would have switched place between the softball fields and the agora so it would not be so near the road, because this close the traffic would surely be a nuisance for the people in the back rows... (end of nitpicking)
Really like the Independence sector, looks very busy but nonetheless appealing.
Well that's it for today, I'll try to read more tomorrow.
-John
eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeks Matt that is not good about your computer!!! I do hope you can get it fixed without major loss... Also the last pic you did post was great with that warf!!! BTW the fire department appoligize for their actions againts that constiguant, they say it was a slip of the hose lol...
Ouch! Certainly hope it's nothing serious. Good luck with the repairs.
Oh no! I hope you get everything fixed! Don't let it worry you too much, though. That only makes everything worse. ;)
Replies:
-metarvo: Thanks for the good wishes, and glad you liked the port.
-Joan (Jmouse): Thanks. I almost thought it was a bit small, but it got everything in there that I needed, so I guess it worked out well.
-LE0: Sorry to hear that. Hope your parent's laptop has some decent protection on it, and I hope you can get back to the game soon enough too.
-John (Darmok): Yes, the lack of wash is from the fact that there is no actuall water under the bridge (used that rain tool trick). SCCC turned out well, but you are right... the sound from the road might be a little dictracting. I'll see if I can convince them to move things around. Glad you liked Independence too. My first time trying that style of development.
-Pat: Glad you likes the port pic. Also, I don't see why the fire department is apologizing for anything... sounds like they were just testing their hoses. Nothing to worry about there.
-Battlecat: Hopefully it was nothing too serious. Thanks for the thoughts.
-Albus of Garaway: Thanks for the thoughts. Things seem to be working out so far.
General update:
First of all, thank you everyone for your thoughts. Sorry to have dropped off a bit here lately, but I think things will be picking up here again shortly.
I took the computer apart the other day to check for visible damage (fortunately there didn't appear to be any) and gave it a try after getting it all back together again. Seems things are again functioning as they should be. Greenacre and other important files have been backed up though, just in case. I've been a bit tentative in going wild with the system yet. Don't want to open a file and have things go south at the wrong time. However, things seem to be working as they should and I think I should have something for you all tomorrow (well, technically later today, but you get the idea).
Though there have been a few days lost here toward the end of the month, I hope to finish off the OSITM month with something fun that these pics have been building up to. Until tomorrow, take it easy, and thanks again.
-Matt
Hi, Matt!
I'm so sorry to hear about your computer woes, my friend. After recently retiring my almost six-year-old machine, I know how on one hand, the game puts quite the strain on a computer, but on the other, you just can't handle not playing the game!
Good luck with everything, my friend, and I'll be looking forward to what you've got for us next!
Take care, Matt!
Dustin
Reply:
-Dustin (thundercrack83): Technology is certainly fun, but I've come up with something (ok... I tried to come up with something, but settled on something else) for the end of the month here.
Since it is now technically March, it seems Greenacre's time in OSITM is coming to a close. I wanted to thank everyone who has posted here over this month. I hope the brief tour of Greenacre was enjoyable. Today, though, marks the culmination of the month's endeavors. As I mentioned at the start, Greenacre's goverment was pursuing an advertising campaign. We've just received the final version from the Flywheel Studios (incidentally, that contest is still on and, as a hint, it has something to do with the names I've been using). It was originally slated to air with the theme to Green Acres (but copyright issues with the broadcaster and all prevented that) instead, a last minute decision was made to use Concerto for Trumpet and Orchestra: Allegro by Haydn. Enjoy.
http://www.youtube.com/v/ia5iRV9iOuI&hl
Well, Matt; I'm sorry I've been a bit quiet around here over the past days. This promotional video is excellent to say the least. If I had the money, I would book a trip to Greenacre for sure! Well done.
Love the video, Matt! Every shot brought a smile and an, "Oh yes, I remember that one." An excellent choice of music, too.
It's been an exciting month! You've showed off a wide range of creative planning and building skills, from a charming port to a variety of neighborhoods to everything in between. Your parks continue to steal the show, and your rural areas are quiet and peaceful. There's no doubt Greenacre is the place to be!
You're an excellent tour guide... :)
Joan
Wow, what a video, Matt! A perfect way to end a wonderful month, my friend! Your time in OSITM could be used as a template for all future MDs that are chosen for the showcase!
Here's to February, and to what lies ahead in March!
Take care, my friend!
Dustin
To the travel agents! $%Grinno$% Bu-bu-bum-bumedy-bu-
hang on it doesn't exist &cry2 :'( &cry2 :'(
Hi Matt !
You've done a fantastic work on this video my friend, this is superb, as well.
I'm looking forward to the next update
Take care,
David
Cool video, nice way to put a finishing touch on the past month. Looking forward to seeing what's next!
Great video. It's a perfect portrayal of the feeling of Greenacre. Oh, and best song-choice ever! ;)
Mat wow!!! That video was WICKED!!!! Contest?? Huu whaa??? Anyways there is a work around if you want to use songs that you want without using youtube ;) Anyways I would use fileden to host the video and it works in the same way...
That's a nice video with a lot of wonderful pictures in it! Nice promotion to Greenacre! :thumbsup:
Replies:
-Casper (caspervg): No reason to apologize. Always good to see you here. I'm sure the Highsbury government wouldn't mind footing the bill for one of their distinguished ambassadors like yourself. Perhaps we can reciprocate the embassy thing. Hope all is well with you.
-Joan (Jmouse): Glad you liked the music. It's not what I had originally intended, but it fit. The clips were originally cued to a different song, but youtube and its copyright stuff wasn't having any of it. Glad you liked the parks. They're fun to make. Greenacre has been as much about experimentng with new styles as it has been just having fun.
-Dustin (thundercrack83): Thanks for the compliment Dustin. There were a few things that got put on hold in the last bit of the month, but overall I really enjoyed this. There are a few things planned down the line here too. Hopefully I can get them together as we go here. I'm not sure that there is necessarily a template for how to do well in OSITM, but I'm certainly glad to hear I met expectations.
-carkid1998: Welcome to Greenacre. No reason to cry. Greenacre is as real as necessary. Just contact your local MD travel agency and they'll be happy to book you a room. At present we don't have an international airport, so you'll likely have to make a connecting flight from LAX or John Wayne in the LA area, but it's worth it.
-David (Simpson): Glad to hear you enjoyed it. Perhaps I'll do another one of these in the future. It took a bit of time, but it was fun to make. As for the next update, well, you'll see.
-Battlecat: Glad you liked it. I'm still looking to see if there is a way to show it with the original soundtrack, but I thought it would be a fitting end for the month. Speaking of what's next, see below.
-Albus of Garaway: Glad you liked it. All the pictures from the month really came together nicely (almost like I had this planned or something). The song is another story. If you play the video at the same time as the theme from Green Acres, you'll see what it was supposed to be like. Always good to see you.
-Pat: Sounds like a possibility. You'll have to tell me the details next time we're on MSN. Glad you liked the video. Given the number that you have made, that's a fair compliment too.
-bat: Thanks bat. Most of them were the ones I came up with during this month. Glad you enjoyed it. Feel free to book a trip to Greenacre any time (or contact a real estate office to ask about home prices).
I want to thank all of you who posted last month. OSITM was fun and I'm glad you all enjoyed the quick trip around Greenacre. However, after showing bits and pieces of the whole thing, I'm not sure where to take you all next. Since you've all been around the island, I thought I'd try something new.
You all get to pick the next spot to tour. You've seen the general area. Just let me know where you want to go. You can identify it with one of the numbers of the previous pics, or you can just indicate a spot on the map (try to be as descriptive as you can) or even just a type of area. The spot that generates the most interest/best reason is where we'll head next.
Here's a quick pic to refresh the recollection:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg93.imageshack.us%2Fimg93%2F111%2Fgreenacreregionalmaposi.png&hash=193aa98829f58b2be62926de9ce2eaa913fdfbb5)
I'll check back in a few days to see what the verdict is. Until then, take it easy.
-Matt
That's a cool idea. Northwest (By the arrows on your map) of the lake up behind the cliffs there is an area of forest that is a similar size and shape to the lake. Just past that is a developed area we haven't visited yet. At least that's what I think it is. Anything interesting up there?
Actually there are several areas on the overview which look interesting.
I've wondered about the wooded northwest corner for some time now, and there's another wooded area due west of the numbers 14 and 20. Of course, you still have a bunch of islands to develop, too. I'm sure whatever direction you decide to take next time will be an entertaining experience.
Later...
Joan
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bakeryhilldistillery.com.au%2Fwp-content%2Fimages%2Fdistillery.jpg&hash=7b90a32f3a9d4700a959f4fc36ce4dd3e4631505)
shhhhhhh Joan I think something fishie is happening in the woods there like a distillery :D OK so my intrest is well perked there too Matt lol....
Rural or Urban
Business or Pleasure
Greenacre
We're there for you
That, and the music, Matt, just caught that PBS/BBC "documentary" ambiance perfectly.
I'd like to know more about Crater Lake- is it like the Salton Sea- landlocked, saline and full of agricultural gunk or has it somehow escaped that fate? What is the large tab-shaped projection into it on the north shore?
Inquiring minds want to know.
David
Nice region picture, as well Matt &apls
I'm looking forward to the next update my friend ::)
David
Nice new region shot there, Matt!
Looking forward to more from this region / island(s)... ;)
Replies:
-Battlecat: There are many interesting things around there. It's also one of the oldest parts of the region (and thus in great need of repair and such) however, there is a really nice campground we will pay a visit too. Thanks for the suggestion.
-Joan (Jmouse): The northwest corner will have to wait for some time now, but the area just west of 14 and 20 (well, you already know a bit about it) will be our next stop. Thanks for the thoughts.
-Pat: What? A distillery? No... that can't be right. There were at least 12 of them up there last time we checked. Most of them are legit too. They say it's something about the weather up there. It's those illegitmate ones you want to watch out for. Good rule of thumb is that if it's green it's probably best to avoid it (wonder what they're going to do for St. Patrick's day... hmm...). Always good to see you.
-David (dedgren): David! Haven't seen you around these parts for a while. Glad you liked the video. It was meant to run with the Green Acres theme instead, but it seems that things still under copyright by WMG... the replacement music worked quite well though.
And it's all made possible with the support of viewers like you (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PBS#.22Viewers_Like_You.22)!
Crater Lake has in fact avoided the fate of the Salton Sea. Fortunately the area gets plenty of rain, and the creeks that flow down from the mountain there help to keep the water diluted and clean. There is some agricultural gunk, but it's not that salty. There is discussion of building a treament facility down there (mostly for the event of a worst case scenario) but the main sticking point seems to be who will foot the bill on the project.
And if you call and pledge your support today, we'll throw in a free Greenacre tote bag at no extra charge! (I think I've lost it)
The tab-shaped projection is the local marina. It services local boats and also several seaplanes (Ripptide's CdS Seaplane Base - locked on the LEX for some reason). There are a few other entance points people use for the lake, but this is the only formal/paved one.
Always good to see you.
-David (Simpson): Thank you David. It was just something to refresh everyone's memories before we get going again.
-bat: Thanks bat. More is on the way.
Sorry I've been away for a while. After that promotional campaign last month I thought it would be good to take some time off and let things settle down. The higher-ups tell me the ad was well received both at home and abroad. Hopefully this will lead to more tourism in the future. Today's update takes us to one of the best places in Greenacre to get away from it all.
5.01
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg27.imageshack.us%2Fimg27%2F9267%2Fgreenacreregionalmap04.png&hash=ebf836ffd45b5c51a47b445bba0cce8fee924e07) (http://img27.imageshack.us/img27/9267/greenacreregionalmap04.png)
Sierra Camp Regional Park is one of the larger spots in Greenacre that has been preserved. The only development on this land has been a campsite. Here's the entrance. That little store there is the last spot to pick up the essentials (like toilet paper) and it's a long drive back down if you forget something, so make sure you run through before heading on up.
5.02
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg27.imageshack.us%2Fimg27%2F6422%2Fsierracampentrance.jpg&hash=d0cb46399f37a5dfec5721a289e178fedbdf3e57)
The drive up there is a pleasant one. in addition to some excellent vistas there are all sorts of sights along the way. The area practically bursts to life in the spring time. Wild horses can be seen grazing among the wildflowers.
5.03
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg27.imageshack.us%2Fimg27%2F395%2Fsierracampwildflowers.jpg&hash=d58ce7b2847d42f02876f8cceff075fac8ab3566)
I know this was a short little bit, but rest assured, more is on the way. I'm just going to run up ahead and make sure everything is prepared for our arrival. Until next time.
Quote from: threestooges on March 16, 2009, 06:57:59 PM
The tab-shaped projection is the local marina. It services local boats and also several seaplanes (Ripptide's CdS Seaplane Base - locked on the LEX for some reason). There are a few other entance points people use for the lake, but this is the only formal/paved one.
That file has been locked because it has been converted into a functional airport with the AC Functional Airports (http://sc4devotion.com/csxlex/lex_filedesc.php?lotGET=1664). It says so in the download description and gives the link I just provided.
-Swamper
Nice update! That is a great natural area and a very scenic road! Looking forward to seeing what else is up the road there.
Hey Matt, sorry for not posting here more often ..
Your last updates are just fantastic my friend, the video is just perfect ! &apls
Also, your rural are is always nice my friend. Nice mix of little flora and trees, that fit perfectly.
And Matt, what is those blue lines in the top of the region ?(North East just above the residential area in the "valley" ) I don't remember to saw that before...
Take Care,
Arthur.:thumbsup:
Hi Matt ! ::)
Ok this new update is, as well, superb !! &apls I really love the last picture with the RRP :thumbsup:
I'm looking forward to the next update my friend
Take care,
David
Hey Matt, the park is looking good. I'd love to see more of that railroad - to see what areas it serves.
The redwoods fit well into the scenario, and you've done a good job of placing your ground cover in the second photo. The horses are a nice touch, too. I'm anxious to see the rest of the park - I could use a few days off, and it looks like it would be a nice place to relax! :)
Later...
Joan
Replies:
-Swamper77: First of all, welcome to Greenacre. Secondly, thanks for thr information about the Seaplane Base. It's a really nice lot and I'm glad it has been made functional.
-Battlecat: Glad you liked it. It's not much today, but it's something.
-Arthur (art128): No worries Arthur, it's always good to see you around here. I'm glad the video was well received (but if you can find a copy of the Green Acres theme, sync the video up with it and you'll see what it was meant to be like. Not sure what blue lines you are referring to, but if you could either highlight them or give a little more detail, I'd be happy to find out. The region map hasn't changed much except for the addition to show locations. Hope you enjoy today's little bit.
-David (Simpson): Glad you liked it. The RRP is really a well done addition to the flora options. I've been using it, along with gizmo's stuff quite heavily in this area. It's not really an update today (more of a teaser) but I hope you enjoy it anyway. Take it easy.
-Joan (Jmouse): We'll explore the railroad soon enough (if you haven't guessed, I like trains, heh heh). That line there is mostly an industrial service branch, but there is some decent passenger service along those lines too (the rails ring the forest up there). If you liked the stuff I used for the last picture, I think you'll enjoy what today's pic has in store. It's a very popular site, but I've made reservations for you, just give them a call to confirm the date. The cabins are quite nice.
I was hoping to avoid teasing shots and actually have an update ready (I also wanted to have it up last Friday) but getting pics of the area is taking longer than I thought, but is coming together nicely. It'll take me another trip or two up there to get everything, but until then, here're a few of the cabins up by the pond. They were built by Mouse Designs, of the NUTs Group. Excellent little structures, they'll be here for years to come.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg520.imageshack.us%2Fimg520%2F671%2Fsierracampcabinspond.jpg&hash=c82f6a1c7e446255aa3c39a80df82f820a5731a8)
-Matt
More great stuff here, Matt!
Your use of the RRP flora is just amazing--so realistic, my friend! And your region views are always a treat, too!
Looking forward to more!
Dustin
Great looking campsite, Matt! The whole area, including the TPW looks terrific. You've done a great job of lotting the cabin, too. I'm very, very anxious to see how this area develops.
Later...
Joan
Nice cabins! That's a picturesque area if ever I saw one. Looking forward to seeing more as always!
Welcome to Page 13 of this magnificent MD !
Hi Matt,
I'm always impressed by your rural areas my friend. Your add of little lot, like on the top right corner and on the bottom is a terrific touch !
Also , That little pond looks excellent , and that reflection on the water give it a really nice touch !
Like Dustin said, your way to use these RRP flowers is just amazing my friend !
Take Care,
Can't wait the next update.
- Arthur. :thumbsup:
Nice teaser Matt!! the lake is looking incredible. :thumbsup:
I'm looking forward to the next update my friend.
David
Nice integration of Chris's (chrisadams3997) paths into the rest of the landscape, Matt. You can always tell when someone takes time and care with something.
David
Matt that is wonderful update there sweet I truly enjoyed the cabins!!!
Replies:
-Dustin (thundercrack83): Thanks Dustin. It's easier to make things look good when you have good looking things to begin with. I'm continually impressive with all the custom flora out there these days (the RRP, gizmo's flora, rocks, PW, TPW, etc). Hopefully one of these days I'll be able to pick up a trick or two from you on the urban building thing, but until then, glad to hear you like the rural/woodsy side of Greenacre.
-Joan (Jmouse): Coming from someone whose rural skills are quite accomplished (I've seen what you can do) I take that as a fine compliment. I may have already mentioned this, but the lot of the cabin is exactly the same as the one you sent me. Everything on it you see was added in-game. The base texture worked so well with the terrain mod too. You did an excellent job with the cabin and I'm looking forward to seeing what progress you have on the rest (the camp may need to expand if it continues to get this sort of reception).
-Battlecat: Thank you very much. The credit for the cabins should go entirely to Joan. She and the rest of the NUTs will hopefully have something pretty interesting in the works here soon. More is on its way.
-Arthur (art128): Thank you very much. The "reflection" is actually a lucky accident. It's the terrain mod showing through (I think I have a snow mod or something in there somewhere) and it worked out quite well. Hopefully you'll enjoy the rest of the camp as much as that little bit.
-David (Simpson): Glad you liked it. That pond is just the swimming hole actually, there's a lake up the hill though. We'll see that this update.
-David (dedgren): Thanks David, high praise indeed from you. It was actually Joan's cabins that got me to try it, and from there they jsut sort of spread. You're right that you can always tell when someone takes time and care with something; they call it 3RR. Hopefully updates will take less time in the future for me (though with no less care). Incidentally, I have what I need now, so I should have something for you soon. Always good to see you here.
-Pat: Glad you enjoyed it. Credit for the cabins goes to Joan, I just got to show them off.
It has been far too long since Greenacre has had a full proper update here. That is something that we'll change today. I'm happy to report that the renovations have been completed on the Sierra Camp facilities. You've seen the old general store and a bit of the view on the way up there. In addition to that road, a hiking trail was added for the more adventurous camper. The trail head is just off the parking lot of the general store, and it winds its way back up the hill. You can take the direct route (up a really steep hill) or the longer one which is less steep and goes through wildflower fields
This is the main area of the camp. As you can see, Sierra Camp was designed to offer its guests a fine array of outdoor amenities. It's not the typical camper's campsite. In addition to a main lodge, the camp also offers horseback riding, tennis, basketball, swimming, hiking, and that firepit/fire circle thing is a great place to roast marshmallows.
5.01
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg5.imageshack.us%2Fimg5%2F8623%2Fsierracampcenterovervie.jpg&hash=2882c6dd77292c208ac59bb51254e2f7123fbe05)
This is the site people see when they first enter the camp. Staffed by employees of the Greenacre Department of Forestry, the ranger station handles all the camp's administrative activities out of this little building here. From parking passes, to visitor info and trail maps, to being first responders when the occasional guest decides to ignore the trail map and gets lost, these people are there to make sure that everyone has a good time and things stay in good order.
5.02
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg5.imageshack.us%2Fimg5%2F5741%2Fsierracamprangerstation.jpg&hash=0569bc6f407887fb1c218793fdefd0ee5904280e)
Though the crushed gravel paths around the camp are certainly fit for autos, the only time you'll see one there is when people are loading or unloading. Otherwise, they may park in the main lot near the Essence Gyser. The lack of cars at each site helps with the "roughing it" feel and keeps the paths open for hiking and horses. The Essence Gyser (in the middle of the pic there) rivals Yellowstone's "Old Faithful" for regularity of eruptions. While you can set your watch to Old Faithful, at Sierra Camp: Time is... of the Essence.
5.03
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg5.imageshack.us%2Fimg5%2F4572%2Fsierracampcenterplaza.jpg&hash=f32f8b0082ca71b77f9fb88031ab4b5a420463e1)
Just past the Essence Gyser is the tack room for the corral (on the right with the stagecoach in front) and the main lodge (called the Cabin). The Cabin features, among other things, a meeting room for business retreats or indoor soccer and such (for the summer camps) as well as a restaurant and cafeteria run by Simio Foodservices. As I hear, it's a subsidiary of Monkey Around Productions (a major architecture and design firm). If the food is even half as good as their buildings, we should be in for a good meal here.
5.04
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg5.imageshack.us%2Fimg5%2F2638%2Fsierracamplodge.jpg&hash=904a55b16fc533c642025862fb317b6ecb7acc8d)
The view from the back is pretty nice. The trees open up and it has a view down to the city in the distance. For as far out in the woods as the park is, there is still some reminder here of civilization down the way. Facing to the west, the sunset dinners are a fine treat (if not potentially a bit bright). Perhaps we can swing back for that later. For now though, take a quick look and we can see the rest of the area.
5.05
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg5.imageshack.us%2Fimg5%2F2867%2Fsierracamplodgebalcony.jpg&hash=0604c7e5fea346ee75266f3fc7daee2d5a9f43f5)
Here's the swimming hole. I believe I've already shown you a picture here before (with those cabins on the left), but now that renovations are complete, take a look at the area.
5.06
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg5.imageshack.us%2Fimg5%2F9053%2Fsierracampswimminghole.jpg&hash=297246665d37b113bed10b6c567f2dad5d020d62)
Just a few more campsites up this way along with a few more cabins. Bearing in mind there is no vehicle traffic permitted here besides loading/unloading, being surrounded by those paths isn't so bad.
5.07
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg5.imageshack.us%2Fimg5%2F7029%2Fsierracampcampsites.jpg&hash=299ab715b74213d0e6212aeca784ac8d7d738f51)
Before we lose the light here, I figured it'd be nice to take a hike. Hope you wore good shoes, we have much to see. We'll start off at the lake and work our way past the falls, down the hill to that wildflower field I showed you some time ago.
5.08
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg5.imageshack.us%2Fimg5%2F7571%2Fmosaicfull.jpg&hash=12af70508adc35e419888da49ec9013dc7348197)
Hope you enjoyed that. Timing should be good enough to grab a seat for that sunset dinner. We'll head over to the firepit later. Until then, enjoy the meal. It's on me.
5.09
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg5.imageshack.us%2Fimg5%2F5935%2Fsierracampsunsetdinner.jpg&hash=cd7ea2d9b0caf989faeba0e666d54ced4f22614c)
As I mentioned earlier, this firepit is a great place to roast marshmallows, and perhaps swap a few stories. If they build the fire particularly big, you might be able to make a nice s'more from the top row.
5.10
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg5.imageshack.us%2Fimg5%2F1089%2Fsierracampfirepit.jpg&hash=a7fd490ea93574d61499f15b08e18bf8f5d693e3)
So that about wraps things up for now. Hope you enjoyed the new facilities. I've take the liberty of booking a cabin for you for the night. You'll have to let me know what you think. The Forestry Department is interested in getting some feedback. Until next time, have a good night.
5.11
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg5.imageshack.us%2Fimg5%2F6053%2Fsierracampnight.jpg&hash=6c49998ae396c38150ae419c760ad0ac68400dd4)
Wow . . . . . this is how I wish I could have made my state parks in Orleans County look.
Simply stunning, Matt!
Matt talk about going camping wow!!! You was right when you said it just flowed and you did a wonderful job here in this update Matt!!!
Stunning update, Matt! &apls &apls &apls
I've already told you that I spent a fair amount of time lurking here and that a comment or two was long overdue... after seeing your latest offerings I couldn't possibly stay silent any longer. You did a great job capturing the feel of a camp environment. All the main components are there and fit together very nicely. I can hear all the usual campfire songs in my head even as I write this... and the s'mores are just as good as they've always been. Your mosaic is by far my favorite image in this collection. What with the creek and the redwoods, I'm honestly wondering if you didn't sneak up here to Sonoma County and wander around my house without stopping in to say hello. (And you can definitely consider that an open invitation if you ever find yourself in the Bay area!) This update literally made my day... so thank you!
JB
PS... I have it on pretty good authority that Simio Foodservices makes some great zucchini bread and their sausage and penne pasta also tends to be a big hit with all age groups. ;)
That's a wonderful rural part of your region there! Beautiful! :thumbsup:
Beautiful update! That is a fantastic camping resort! Love all the details you've presented in your update. I particularly like how you've used normal roads, MTP trails and the Rural Renewal project trails together in some places. It all looks great!
Two words: simply stunning. Major, major attention to detail. I love it! I may have to see how I can incorporate some more detail into mine at some point. Very nice, Matt.
-- Don
Matt, the camp looks great – you've done a wonderful job of creating it. There are a lot of details here which make the entire complex look alive with the kind of activies visitors would expect to find.
The mosaic looks like it came out of a travel brochure, and the firepit is an unexpected surprise – wish I'd thought of it! 5.11 has to be the favorite, though. It captures the essence of a care-free vacation day coming to an end – muted laughter, water flowing nearby and maybe a few interesting sounds from the woods. I'm there - I'd love to see the inside of one of those cabins! :)
Later...
Joan
Oh, I didn't come there few weeks ago!! And it's still beautiful, nothing to reprochate, it's nearly perfect :D
Guillaume :thumbsup:
Well - I had quite some catching up to do in your MD Matt. But it was worth every minute spend to do so. You have made a big achievement here, Greenacres is a gorgeous, and very well made island.
I especially like the concept of starting every (or most?) updates with a regional map showing where you will tour with this through the recent developments... Very unique, and very nice!
:satisfied:
The rest of the camp looks excellent Matt, the lots are nicely placed.
Looking forward to more,
Arthur. :thumbsup:
Replies:
-Ryan (burgsabre87): Thank you very much, and I think you'll have the chance now. Hope that helped get things up and running. Looking forward to seeing what you do.
-Pat: Thanks Pat. I haven't done much on-the-dirt camping (though what I have done was fun) and I've done the cabin thing a couple times (quite nice), and I tried to give a full service site. Glad to hear you enjoyed it.
-Jon (JBSimio): Glad to hear I brought you out of hiding, heh heh. Coming from you, hearing that I got the camp feel down is a real compliment. I still can recall a few of those songs myself (actually I think we sang some at my undergrad Resident Advisor retreat a couple years ago). As for the s'mores, well, it almost goes without saying that they're always good. How do you take yours? I'll usually let mine ignite and use a bit of dark chocolate, but then it's hard to make a bad one. The mosaic was sort of a happy accident. I had started to take pics for the lake at the top for a mini mosaic, but I started to notice things lining up and just kept going. I have been up around the Sonoma area a few times before, though that was many years ago. I still remember the redwoods though, and the vineyards, and many places around the Bay Area. Not a bad part of the state to live in. I'm glad you enjoyed the update, and you're welcome.
As for Simio Foodservices, they must be doing something right, the sunset dinner has been at full capacity for the last week, and they're contemplating extending the patio for more seating.
-bat: Thanks. I think it turned out pretty well. Glad you enjoyed.
-Battlecat: Thank you very much. I think camping resort is the best way to describe the place indeed. Most of the trails you see (the ones with the fences) are actually by Darmok (of Anduin Valley Revisited (http://www.simtropolis.com/forum/messageview.cfm?catid=36&threadid=59816&highlight_key=y&keyword1=anduin%20valley) fame) and they are a fine set. The MTP pieces are fun too. Getting it all to blend together posed some interesting challenges, but Chrisadams' RRP trails are quite versatile. That made things much easier. Glad you enjoyed it.
-Don (homefryes): Thank you very much Don. One trick I've learned for the detail thing (and you can this this amply demonstrated in Adara (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6976.0) (by Battlecat), is to mix a few things together. If you take an area and cover it with a type of tree, it'll look good. If you brush a few patches of that tree around, along with another, similar type, and then hit some ground cover in places, it seems to really do the trick. It doesn't usually take much longer than sweeping the area with one type either. Then again, looking at Ashtabula (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=7257.0), I think you're already way ahead in the realism department.
-Joan (Jmouse): Glad you enjoyed it. It's easy to make things look good when you have good stuff to begin with. I'd seen the firepit area a while back, but never had occaion to play with it. I've seen them in real life, and I thought it made a nice feature for the park. A good place to hold those outdoor business retreat seminar things... or make s'mores. 5.11 is an interesting pic. I don't know if you've noticed, but the falls turn off at night (must want to save on water or something) but I basically had to snap a pic just before the falls turned off and then one after the camp fires were lit and mix the two together. Glad to know it was worth the effort. As for the interior of the cabins, I hear it's quite nice. I know the contractor who built them, so I'm pretty sure I can get you in. Take it easy Joan.
-Guillaume (Sciurus): Good to see you again. Glad to hear you've enjoyed what's been happening. Nearly perfect eh? IF you have any thoughts to help improve it, I'm always willing to take advice. Hope you enjoy what's next.
-sebes: Welcome to Greenacre, and I'm glad you enjoyed catching up on things. I know I've missed the region map on an update here or there, but I do try to get one to mark out the important areas. I thnk it helps give things perspective considering how much I bounce around from update to update. Glad you enjoyed it, and I hope to see you around.
-Arthur (art128): Glad you enjoyed it Arthur. Today's update is something a bit different, but hopefully you'll enjoy it too.
Today we'll be heading to the site of the new Greenacre Government Center. The new facilities have been built and are now occupied, so I figured I'd show you around while the office is being moved. as you can see from the map, the new location is just down the hill.
6.01
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg4.imageshack.us%2Fimg4%2F9605%2Fgreenacreregionalmap06.png&hash=2068158d1082b528a55c796f27152611a12c33b3) (http://img4.imageshack.us/img4/9605/greenacreregionalmap06.png)
Here's the area as it presently is. There is plenty of open space for expansion should needs warrant it, but until then they've made sure to leave a few trees. It is Greenacre after all.
6.02
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg4.imageshack.us%2Fimg4%2F6668%2Foverviewbsj.jpg&hash=48abe2a4af538cf2ddab623bf41ae8aa4e2adbc9)
The buildings here are the focal point of the Center. My office fortunately has a view, and it looks out over the Howard H. Fine Transportation Hub (see if you can guess where the name came from). I showed you the old trainstation from the previous embassy area during our trip around Greenacre, and here you can see they seem to have followed the design plans almost to a T.
6.03
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg4.imageshack.us%2Fimg4%2F2233%2Fmosaics.jpg&hash=c2ed5455d719c65693b6a06948effd7a0b7841d8)
Although they didn't want to leave their facilities in the old center at first, the Greenacre Supreme Court is quite happy with its new accommodations. The circular area in part houses the Court itself as well as the Justices' chambers. The smaller circular area houses the courts of appeal (yes, I know, more courts in a smaller space, but they seem to work well with it).
6.04
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg4.imageshack.us%2Fimg4%2F5449%2Fcourthouse.jpg&hash=a9cc3db80ab9af185ba4c2003de9f0f422d1e12f)
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Embassies are housed here. Though each of the present embassies in Greenacre will have a plot of land to call their own, right now they seem content to stick with a floor or so. It makes the foreign affairs department's job easier now that they can just go up the elevator for meetings instead of having to run across the island.
6.05
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg4.imageshack.us%2Fimg4%2F1295%2Fcbccenter.jpg&hash=b5789a2627b4bb706954083c8c9d26525bc29316)
Chapman Park is named for one of the foreign dignitaries to Greenacre. He accomplished many great things including the introduction of international flights to Greenacre (and presumably will still have more to come). The structures here harken back to the colonial America days. As I've said before, we've been heavily influenced by them, being so close and all.
6.06
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg4.imageshack.us%2Fimg4%2F9533%2Fpark1c.jpg&hash=ac83b99c109f61336bb45122e1fce75fcac20f7e)
The area is also the source for a few cultural venues too. One such place is the amphitheatre in the park. During the summer months they have an evening show (sometimes acting, sometimes music, they'll even have the odd open mic night). When not in use it's open to anyone who wants to reserve it.
6.07
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg4.imageshack.us%2Fimg4%2F746%2Fampetheatref.jpg&hash=5fbdf629926cc039bac608d525e19fa5efd57ea5)
News coverage and politics seem to go hand in hand these days. As a result, there is plenty of coverage here. The BBSC actually decided it was worth the investment to open a studio here. Hopefully we won't give them too much to play with. Maybe we can get them to play some old Marx Brothers movies on their screen out front.
6.08
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg4.imageshack.us%2Fimg4%2F7900%2Fnewsqdu.jpg&hash=3a7113430f6d118d59011fac00817cabad2bcb4e)
The other main cultural venue is the Greenacre Museum of History which has artifacts dating back to the founding of Greenacre, and things before. The museum houses an archaeology department and a library (of general topics) housing upwards of 100,000 books and some several thousand pieces of multimedia material.
6.09
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg4.imageshack.us%2Fimg4%2F5998%2Fmuseumf.jpg&hash=76e3d56b38ec4551b2326a5b0990dc7f4b193a64)
This is just the beginning of the area and designs are still in the works for expanding it. If you see anything you like, or don't see something you would like to see, or pretty much any feedback you have, let me know and I'll pass it along to the planning commission. Perhaps they'll consider adding it in. Until next time, take it easy.
It's excellent, and I was serious when I said it's nearly perfect, it's right!! &apls But, because there's a but, I reproach you to do too big cliffs, and it's a shame, it vitiates your city :P
Guillaume :thumbsup:
Hey Matt,
Great update.
The name of the transportaiotn Hub sounds familiar to me, but where have I heard that name before..... ::) :D
You have a very nice collection of custom content as well and perfectly placed I might add.
I would hate to do that avenue climb up the mountian. Looks like a very steep and long drive.
Robin :thumbsup:
Another excellent looking area! I really envy your skill with urban areas, I'm still running into a lot of frustration with making mine look as good. Of all the buildings there, I think the Greenacre Museum of History is the most amazing product! Love how it looks and how nicely you've blended it into the area. I'm not sure what's in the surrounding area, but a mix of medium or high density commercial and residential would be appropriate in the area with all those services and the transportation junction there. Looking forward to seeing what's coming next!.
You're a man of many talents, Matt – you can jump from a campground to a "political camp" in the blink of an eye! ;)
First of all, you chose an excellent location for the government center, as well as an excellent group of BATs. As always, your skill for "decorating" an area shows here, and I appreciate the abundance of trees.
The entire cultural complex is just lovely. The reflection pool is a great idea, and you've done a grand job on the park-like setting. There are plenty of details, and you have a knack for using asymmetrical balance successfully – not an easy accomplishment sometimes.
One thing I haven't seen in Greenacre – or, knowing me, have failed to notice %confuso – is bus stops or some other visible means of mass transit. The Transportation Hub made me think of it, but I wonder how much the overall region depends on rail and/or on other means. Also I'd like to see more of that hill in the upper left corner of 6.02 with the avenue(s) perched on narrow ledges.
Thoroughly enjoyable update this time...
Joan
Wonderful pictures there of that new location there! It looks superb! :thumbsup:
BTW, welcome to page 14! ;)
Replies:
-Guillaume (Sciurus): Glad you liked it. Yes, the cliffs are a bit extreme, but I wanted to give myself a challenge with the terrain, and this was also back before I had really practiced any technical points of terraforming. Just imagine Half Dome (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Half_Dome) in Yosemite.
-Robin (Rooker1): Glad you liked it. I had some help on the names. The drive up the cliff isn't so bad, though it is a bit long and steep. You could try the tunnel they built for the highway to the east, but that's a long, steep drive in the dark. Not much of a chance of going over the cliff though. Always good to get your perspective on things. I've been chatting with the folks in Westport, and also the Greenacre Council, they may have a response for you shortly, but it's a touchy situation. We'll see.
-Battlecat: I wouldn't call it skill quite yet. Most of what you see there was plopped and is largely eyecandy. I could show you a few areas that would make you question how I got an area that looks even this good heh heh. The GMH is the Shedd Aquarium (http://www.simtropolis.com/stex/details.cfm?id=14265) by Citynut. Great BAT that fits in quite well with the SG canals. To the west of this area is the future site of GRX (Greenacre Intl. Airport) East will be some higher density stuff. Best advice I have for a good looking urban area (aside from check out Commonwealth of Marathon (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6190.0) by Dustin. He's doing quite well with all of that) is to make sure it's not all high density stuff. Have a bit of medium density stuff leading up to it, and remember to take care of parking facilities or some sort of open space here and there. Not sur eif that helps, but it's what I've been working with.
-Joan (Jmouse): Speaking of political camps, I just saw your orders for the GRV challenge... Ms. Mouse, heh heh. I'm lad you like the progress so far, and I hope I don't mess it up too much as development continues. As for mass transit, there are a few means available. Perhaps one of these updates will be an overview of the transit networks of Greenacre... oh wait, you probably wouldn't like that, heh heh. If you look at the transit hub, at the bottom left, you'll see a bus stop and top right is the transfer to the subway. The subway network runs all the way to the freeway in the east. Along the way the tracks elevate and become GLR lines after the freeway. Though the line isn't paying for itself yet, it does move quite a few people and saves on roads (so maybe it does pay in a way). We'll get up the hill at some point too. So much to see around here, so much to see... in time though, in time.
-bat: Excellent. Glad you liked it. Hopefully I'll have some more here in the future.
Finals season is here, and it's open hunting. Good classes and all, but that doesn't leave much time for SC4. Right now GRV has been taking most of my game time, but Greenacre will pick up again after the 12th here. In the meantime, there was a local lumber mill that I found out near the NE tip of the main island. I've spoken with the railroad recently and they'll be changing over to a single track rail line there, if they haven't already.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg23.imageshack.us%2Fimg23%2F1976%2Fferguscoastlumbermilltp.jpg&hash=3d60e623c9e453063bd25c24edbc8c44d2a321f8)
-Matt
Fantastic picture my friend and I can't wait to hear from the City Council, touchy or not.
Robin :thumbsup:
Great photo, Matt - especially the TPW. Where did you get those little boats? Seems like all of us are tied to GRV II right now, but it's so much fun who can resist?
Best of luck on your finals. Everyone here understands the demands of school, and we'll see you on the other side. Besides, good things are always worth waiting for! :)
Here's to May 13...
Joan
That's one very nice looking picture, Matt. I'm looking forward seeing the picture with STR in it!
Not bad but the incredibly jagged rail is bugging me.
Replies:
-Robin (rooker1): Don't worry. I'll make sure to keep it on their agenda. It's not going to get lost mysteriously in the shuffle of papers or during the move to the new facilities... glad you liked the pic.
-Joan (Jmouse): The boats in that pic came from a lot that I first saw in Darmok's Anduin Valley Revisited at ST (and he's still going over there too). He gave me the link in his reply there a couple years ago or so, but it seems the page it links to has been lost to the internet. I thought it was by Somy (and perhaps someone here can dentify it more accurately) but I wasn't able to find it on his site either... I'll see what I can come up with though. Thanks for the thoughts too.
-Casper (caspervg): Thanks Casper, you won't have to wait long.
-JJ: Welcome to Greenacre. Yeah, the jagged rail was a bit of a bother, but since STR and a few other things have come along, let's just say things changed a while ago.
So, I was back in the area of the last pic. ITC Enterprises was doing some testing, and I make it a point to be there whenever anything goes on in Greenacre with them. Since I was there, I noticed that the old pic I showed you was out of date. The right of way has been realigned and the track is now a single path (which is a bit safer given some of the setbacks along the cliffs). Without further ado, here's the recent shot of the area.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg223.imageshack.us%2Fimg223%2F2470%2Fferguscoaststrandbridge.jpg&hash=5e203beb75f8ac1dacaaacf8c6500aa690cc6ab7)
-Matt
Morning Matt,
The single rail line looks much better. I just don't like the cliff edge, it looks to fake. Maybe you could hide some more of the edge with some larger tress or try to do some finer terraformer to lessen the sharp edge. Other than that monir point, I love it!
So you say the council is movng to a new lacation....I really hope they don't loose anything.
Keep up the great work my friend, it's always a pleasure to drop by your MD to see what's up.
Robin :thumbsup:
Really nice picture there Matt, that little pond/lake is excellently done my friend. Also, the use of the FAR is a nice touch there and make that area very realistic. Aslo, it's nice to take the photo when the train passed.
Looking forward to more.
Take care,
-Arthur. :thumbsup:
Looking great, the new STR setting looks pretty darn good, though I wonder what kind of railway company would actually downgrade their infrastructure.. I can't wait for the next (set of) picture(s)!
This is a very very nice pic, I like it &apls
Guillaume :thumbsup:
Great picture, Matt! &apls I tend to agree with Robin about the cliff edge, though. Perhaps just a little weathering would be enough to do the trick?
Hope the finals are going well, my friend.
JB
Nice pair of updates. I like the before and after conversion of the railway line. The new STR line fits the area much better!
The STR does look much better, Matt. The Maxis rail always looks kind of bulky and clumsy to me now that we have something better. And I have to agree with some of the others about the cliff, but no rush - it'll be there waiting for you after finals are done. So will we! :)
Later...
Joan
Matt wonderful stuff has been going on in here at Greenacre and looking real sweet too!!!
I've gotta agree with everyone else here: the STR looks so much better! :) Plus, we get a bonus passing train there - and trains are awesome! :D But not everything can be so ideal... The cliff in the bottom of the picture is too steep and a little too regular, thus making it look a bit unnatural. Perhaps playing around with the terraforming tools will help. ;)
Keep up the good work, Matt! :thumbsup:
Piotr
Replies:
-Robin (rooker1): I think that is the next area I'll focus on when I go by there. I've seen so much excellent terraforming going on around here, I know I'll have plenty of stuff to draw from. Oh, and while I'm thinking about it, I have a copy of the Westport Gazette Journal from my recent trip back there. You might enjoy it.
-Arthur (art128): Thanks Arthur. This is much more like what I had pictured when I first made the area. The train crossing the bridge at the time I took the picture was a fine stroke of luck too. I had just finished re-planting some trees when I saw it going by. Got out the camera as quick as I could and managed to snag it going across the trestle.
-Casper (caspervg): Believe it or not, many railways around here will pull up tracks where they aren't being used to either repair another area or to extend another line. I'm not sure what they did with the extra material here, but I'm sure they'll find a good use for it.
-Guillaume (Sciurus): Thank you very much. Glad to know you liked it. I plan to make a few more adjustments, but it's more or less in its final form.
-Jon (JBSimio): Finals are coming and going. Call it procrastinating or call it taking a mental health break, but SC4 is a great way to relax. One final down, two to go. Tuesday afternoon I think I will suddenly find myself with a lot of extra time on my hands. I think I'll fill some of it by smoothing out that cliff. I hadn't noticed it until you, Robin, and others pointed it out. Now I just have to fix it, heh heh. That is one thing I do need to work with in Greenacre in general, be particularly there. Hope all is well with you.
-Battlecat: Thanks. I really enjoy seeing progress pics in other MDs and (if I would remember to take them) I'm going to try to start doing a few more here. The STR does fit better, especially on the 1-tile wide right of way up the hill. A sheer dropoff right next to the track. Great view, but a bit erie.
-Joan (Jmouse): In the right areas the dual rail works well. A tight-turning run up a hill isn't really one of them. A couple things I'm working on there too. The cliff will also be getting worked on and, if all goes well, STR and cliffs may soon share something in common. Two finals left, and then it's summer. It's coming quick.
-Pat: Glad to hear you're enjoying it Pat. Hope to see you on MSN or something to chat about a few things.
-Piotr (Sheep49): Trains are awesome! Hopefully when I'm done with it the cliff will be too. Perhaps if I gave it more than 1 tile to drop as far as it does it might be a bit smoother. I'll fiddle around with it and see what I can come up with. Until then, enjoy this update.
We're back in Westport today.
8.01
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg9.imageshack.us%2Fimg9%2F4562%2Fgreenacreregionalmap.png&hash=575127d50febf6d0cb097f83c49dffc1d585fb70) (http://img9.imageshack.us/img9/4562/greenacreregionalmap.png)
For a rather particular reason:
8.02
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg9.imageshack.us%2Fimg9%2F1183%2Fnewspaperfinal.jpg&hash=7c9ea5a6227ab62a3cbae2363d84449f8958a676)
I wanted to make sure it was official before I announced anything, but it seems that the media went and beat me to it. A while back you maye remember a petition (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6621.msg219913#msg219913) from Robin and the response (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6621.msg220371#msg220371) from the Westport City Council. There was some fuss made about it (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6621.msg223824#msg223824) around the capitol, but it was certainly a city matter. Here's the area before:
8.03
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg9.imageshack.us%2Fimg9%2F2074%2Fbeachindustrybefore.jpg&hash=812f3aae0044b98c0ac8b0021b0e593e21b7825b)
Not much to the area, but a great location. The city maintained that there was no interest on the part of the land owners there to sell to the city or to have the area re-zoned. This was true. However, some folks did want to make a few changes. The result was a "mixed-use" zoning system which recategorized the area to allow for residential or commercial development. Some owners opted to remain industrial for now, but these next two images show the cleared areas and the development plan:
8.04
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg9.imageshack.us%2Fimg9%2F7513%2Fdezonings.jpg&hash=5568ed33ed6f7cd15e3aa6ae30e3fd6846cd851f)
A you can see, commercial and residential properties will be filling in the beachfront property.
8.05
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg9.imageshack.us%2Fimg9%2F6882%2Frezoning.jpg&hash=fbedc14a8eb0808a81dadf482b0ecd70568a2726)
Here's a view close up on how the commercial area turned out. The city added some parking in the rear to better accommodate the new shops, and it has also improved the access to the industrial buildings behind it
8.06
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg9.imageshack.us%2Fimg9%2F8839%2Fnewcommercecloseupl.jpg&hash=12031d92d6f59d9c0b66ee51069e21a052cae9c7)
This is what the area looks after the redevelopment had taken place. Certainly, some buildings may come and go as demand evens out, but the area is changing. The industry will likely remain part of the area for some time to come, but it's all but certain there won't be any large factories setting up shop there. They'll have to find other spots for that.
8.07
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg9.imageshack.us%2Fimg9%2F8271%2Fbeachindustryafter.jpg&hash=3f500d40c993952574a6609bf0acaddca50eea48)
-Matt
Hey Matt,
I really enjoyed that. Now that looks a lot better. ()stsfd()
Now I'll have to find something else to complain about, but I think it'll be very difficult.
Great work,
Robin :thumbsup:
Excellent newspaper, Matt! Interesting way to make an announcement. Greenacre does have some superb beaches, and it's a natural place for certain types of commercial establishments to set up shop. Restaurants, fast food and trinket peddlers come to mind. Hopefully the rest of the industry in that prime location will remove itself one of these days. Rezoning is a good start, though.
Looking at the overview, it's hard to believe there's still so much area to cover, but I'm glad for it. I've enjoyed watching Greenacre develop from the very start, and look forward to seeing it grow for a long time to come.
Later...
Joan
It's excellent, and beautiful &apls &apls
Guillaume :thumbsup:
Welcome to page 15!
Your pictures are fantastic! Beautiful work on Greenacre! :thumbsup:
Great update, Matt! :thumbsup:
I enjoyed the newspaper and the bit of urban renewal you did in that area. The small commercial strip definitely seems more appropriate to that area. Coupled with the beach that was there earlier, I would think this now makes for a nice little tourist destination for all those sun worshippers of Greenacre.
Looking forward to whatever might be in store for us after finals die down...
JB
the beach aria looks great! you did a good job at growing!
Nice redevelopment there! Great to see a potential tourist area reclaimed from industrial development!
This is something I hadn't expected or hoped to have happen, but I intend to fix that. Greenacre has been a bit too quiet lately, but it's time to get things going again. But first...
Replies:
-Robin (rooker1): I'll be here waiting when you find it. If you're looking for things to comment on though, I think you'll like this update.
-Joan (Jmouse): The press is certainly present around Greenacre. There may be a few more pertinent news clips in the future. Not sure what's going to happen with the rest of the area. Time will tell though. Also, I'm looking forward to keeping Greenacre going. It's fun and great to see some of the responses the updates generate. Gives me ideas of what to try next.
-Guillaume (Sciurus): Glad to hear it. I'll be curious to hear what you think of the next bit.
-bat: Thanks for the welcome. I can't believe it's been 15 pages already.
-Jon (JBSimio): It's something I don't do often, but I think I probably should. You've been doing it to great effect over in Covington with the incorporation of the FAR/R. Who knows... maybe a few hotels or something will be in the area's future... just need to find the right ones. Always good to see you here.
-danielcote: Thanks, and welcome to Greenacre. Some people are able to get some great looking areas with plopping (and I do it too from time to time) but I don't usually get as good of a result. The growing process usually gives me better results. Thanks for stopping by.
-Battlecat: Thanks! I kind of like the mixed-use result, and perhaps there's a bit more development in the future there. Time will tell. Until then, there's some new redevlopment in the works as you'll see below. On a slightly larger scale perhaps.
Some recent HD troubles and other such things have put me back on my old laptop here for the time being. Since the redevelopment project in Westport was so successful, I thought this would be an excellent time to take a look back at one of Greenacre's oldest communities that is looking at some redevelopment of its own (on a much larger scale).
The development of the area has changed over time. When it first started, it wasn't sure where it was going or what form it would take. Building just began, and the planning commission was still in its infancy at the time. Many of you have wondered about some of the outlying islands. Today we'll be visiting this one:
9.01
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg145.imageshack.us%2Fimg145%2F1305%2Fgreenacreregionalmap09.png&hash=f8d2048f87fc87cc14ca313d02c6c625f3d68955) (http://img145.imageshack.us/img145/1305/greenacreregionalmap09.png)
The area is a tiny tourist community. It's initial design was to hopefully mimic Miami, FL or Santa Monica, CA and it will likely follow that path in the end. However, as you can see, the area is certainly a bit different from the other Greenacre areas.
9.02
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg140.imageshack.us%2Fimg140%2F8683%2Fareaoverview.jpg&hash=ddbf0ce65ed8a5c495600301779fe1ecab39cd01)
As you can see, the area has some problems that can be addressed. For example, some streets could use some better slopes. Trucks going through here are grinding their gears to get up and around this hill, and an industrial area here was more a matter of need than something in the area's plan.
9.03
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg44.imageshack.us%2Fimg44%2F5358%2Fsteepslopes.jpg&hash=76fb3f3146c5bb1f8f2924ce4ffc175710806ca6)
Speaking of industry areas that weren't planned, this one sprung up and never really improved much. The local council is debating keeping it zoned or trying to do something else with the area. They are seeking public opinion on the matter.
9.04
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg329.imageshack.us%2Fimg329%2F3650%2Foldindustry.jpg&hash=42611f707cc544d9419f33b8a2858d776dd1adf7)
Here is the area that was meant to follow the Miami/Santa Monica theme. It looks better now than when I first looked at the area again, but there have already been some redevelopment efforts by the locals.
9.05
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg44.imageshack.us%2Fimg44%2F4998%2Fdowntown.jpg&hash=8907551b3f26353eb94112948d017440090578a9)
Here is an example of some of the redevelopment, and some shops that will likely stay after things are said and done. Spa Development Co. has been the driving force behind this little stretch, but others will undoubtedly take advantage of the expected increase in land values that will follow the redevelopment.
9.06
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg209.imageshack.us%2Fimg209%2F2379%2Fshopsthatwillbestaying.jpg&hash=ad08121f77fac676601beb5a9885dbd3dabbf82b)
So, now that you've seen what the area looks like, I have a challenge for you, as members of the Greenacre public. The council already has some plans but, as I mentioned, they are looking for input. They've asked that I find them some. So, if you have any thoughts for the development of the area, let me know, and I'll pass it along to them. Let me know what you think.
Isn't it strange sometimes with the industry? You want HT you get I-D, you want I-M and you get I-HT ... Had the same problem recently ...
Nice beach but when it comes to larger beach areas I prefer the classic Copacabana (http://www.simtropolis.com/stex/details.cfm?id=3519) together with the Copacabana Addon 1 Sports (http://www.simtropolis.com/stex/details.cfm?id=3559) by suico. They look nice and give you a great variety!
I think you should have lots of highrises and nightlife. Improve the beaches make it more custom content and have a few mansions and alot of stores.
Matt nice looking beach there and don't worry the same thing happened to me as well.... DANG GRV II Challenges teaching us something new geeezs i swear lol..... Really I am thankful for GRV II Challenges teaching me new ways to play the game or really honestly playing the game.... Anyways I will be looking forward to the next update of Greenacre for sure!!!
Hey Matt,
You were right, I do like this update. I like how you placed the commercial stores along the water front and the houses in behind. The only thing that I don't like is those square beaches. I wish there was something we could do to make them look a little better. Add some bushes to hide the edges is the onlt thing I can think of. Other than that wait here patiently for your next update or the next game of chess, which ever comes first will make me more than happy.
See you around my friend,
Robin :thumbsup:
I have to agree with Robin, the square beaches do look a bit silly because they end so suddenly. The mansions do look quite good tho, and with the recent commercial redevelopment, you gave the area that extra touch it needed, I like it. As for the industrial area, I would suggest to bulldoze it altogether, as I don't think that businesses would actually set up on such an island, because of it's sparse connections with the big consumers on the mainland. Perhaps it could be replaced with a few hotels and some commercial mall-like activity, that could boost the city's attractiveness to tourists. While you're at it, you could build a public aquarium of some sort, it seems like a great spot for such venue..
Casper
Great work on that beach area!!!! :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Glad to see you're back! That's a lovely little beach area. I'm looking forward to seeing how you handle the redevelopment!
Just got back from a 4th of July celebration. I'll do a proper update with replies and all later this week. I hope the holiday was safe and enjoyable for everyone.
-Matt
GRV II probably helped to make beautiful beaches like this, right? Wonderful job on them, shame though that they end so abruptly. But the beachside commerces are perfect, that really looks realistic. Hm.......thinking of something to use in the next GRV challenges.......
Very good CJ/MD btw, I will be back. ;)
Fred
Hey Matt, just popped in and realized I didn't comment after your last update although I've stopped by many times.
The island development looks good - not too crowded, yet there's still some life to it. As a rule I like slightly hilly terrain, but it takes some doing to make it work right. Just keep working with it, though, and it'll be OK. The Beaches show promise and just need a few finishing touches. A pier or wall-type structure at each end might work, or even some large rocks and vegetation. Hard to say for sure - it will just take a bit of trial and error. The little shops and houses behind the beach are perfect, though.
I'm anxious to see how all this turns out...
Joan
It's nice, but why have you surrounded two tricks in red on the third image ()what() Is it for the slope as you explained?
Guillaume :thumbsup:
Replies:
-Bernhard (Nardo69): I know what you mean. I think it's also the same thing that causes the sam building to grow over and over regardless of how many times you bulldoze it, yet if you bulldoze one you like, you won't see it grow there again any time soon. Thanks for the tip on the beaches. I'm going to have a look at them as the redevelopment continues.
-danielcote: Not sure how many "mansions" I'll have, but it'll likely be a fairly wealthy area (or at least high-priced tourist area). Maybe a few taller buildings too, but I wouldn't expect to see much beyond 15-20 stories at the most. Thanks for the ideas.
-Pat: Yeah, GRV is certainly a learning experience, and it'll keep you on your toes. I think it's helped though in some of the reconstuction of this area though.
-Robin (rooker1): The next update is here. The beaches are still blocky, but I think you know what I have planned for that. Commercial development will line the beaches in most areas here too. However, this update is going to focus on the (former) industrial area from the last update. Something a little bit... fancier, and more fun.
-Casper (caspervg): The industrial area is indeed gone, and your suggestion actually got the wheels turning in my head when I was trying to decide what to do with the area. Not much of a mall in the area, but you did have one really good suggestion that fit the area quite well. You'll see it is the subject of the update today. You know about the hotel situation, but there won't be much news on that yet. Hope your holiday is good.
-bat: Thanks bat. Always good to see you here.
-Battlecat: Yeah, it's good to be back. Not going to get rid of me that easily. The redevelopment is well underway, and it'll likley be the feature of a couple updates here.
-Fred (mrbisonm): Welcome to Greenacre. Glad to hear you're enjoying it. Quite a compliment considering what you've been doing with Winding River. Funny enough, these beaches helped make GRV. This was one of the first developed areas of Greenacre. I will say though, that GRV has given me a few ideas to try on the redevelopment though. Whatever you have planned for the GRV challenges, I'll be ready. Just taking a quick break before I get back to building there. So much to do, so little time.
-Joan (Jmouse): I know what you mean. Very few areas that I can think of are truly flat, and a slight hill can add something to an area, as subtle as it may be. There has certainly been a bit of landscaping done on the beach edges (though the ultimate goal for them hasn't quite been done yet). I think I've mentioned what that is. I'm going to see if I can keep the little shops while blending in a hotel/nightlife scene. If you think you're anxious to see how it turns out... so am I.
-Guillaume (Sciurus): It is exactly to highlight the slope. Hopefully the pics shown will be an improvement on what was shown last time. Good to see you as always.
So you all remember pic 9.04 from the last update right? Well, here's a refresher, slightly zoomed out to show the area that developers had to work with.
10.1
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg154.imageshack.us%2Fimg154%2F8066%2F101vuf.jpg&hash=237f6cf95af53ebcbf08b20fa83d1c24510c1d35)
The industrial buildings that looked rather out of place there were quickly removed and construction began on an aquarium and an institute for oceanographic studies (that's the big building on the left). At the time this picture was taken, they had just begun work on a park to connect the research facility with the actual aquarium. Though they are two separate entities, they make for one neat destination.
10.2
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg194.imageshack.us%2Fimg194%2F3271%2F102mhm.jpg&hash=3adffdd59112c35b5b5f6d38e4af81a59de69308)
This is how the Topley Bay Aquarium turned out. It's incorporated under the Sea World name, so it's technically Sea World: Topley Bay, but the locals found the former easier to say. I think they probably just could've called it Sea World, but that might confuse it with the one in San Diego. The Aquarium features several dozen exhibits showcasing marine habitats from up and down the west coast of North America from Mexico and Central America to Alaska and the Pacific Northwest.
10.3
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg194.imageshack.us%2Fimg194%2F8675%2F103lpq.jpg&hash=01b8627fbdd5e49447b8c9b147bf6c124da01046)
Naturally, parking is a big concern for the many people expected to attend. For those taking the ferry or locals driving in, there is a large parking lot with easy, safe, over-the-road access to both the museum and park. This lot is open for a nominal fee. Revenues are shared with the city. Those who are staying at one of the local hotels (we'll see those later) or are locals in the area can either make the somewhat short walk, or hope a shuttle from the resort/beach area.
10.4
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg154.imageshack.us%2Fimg154%2F677%2F104c.jpg&hash=c84af52b5c72a86a13846bd8a11779e22ba3997f)
Here is how the aforementioned park turned out. The fountains are in keeping with the watery theme of the area, and it provides a nice place just to come and stoll or have a picnic. It's also the main path between the Oceanographic Institute and the Aquarium.
10.5
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg291.imageshack.us%2Fimg291%2F4217%2F105q.jpg&hash=283ae2b939f03394cd4578fb73a9f4f2da343397)
A quick shot from the parking lot shows just how clear the water is around here. There's talk of a marina, but nothing has been set in stone yet. For now, if you want to see things from the water here, you need to find somewhere else to launch and sail in yourself.
10.6
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg404.imageshack.us%2Fimg404%2F5756%2F106dtx.jpg&hash=2194e0d2151869a98c161dad555466f1817620a9)
Lastly, to wrap up this bit, here's an overview of how the area looks now. There's still a bit of unclaimed land to fill, though it's not clear yet who's going to scoop it up. It's certainly in a more desireable location now than when the factories used to be there.
10.7
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg110.imageshack.us%2Fimg110%2F187%2F107h.jpg&hash=30967d1ba90199b501afd06f2ee5469fe865ec7e)
-Matt
Hey Matt,
Long time. Good to see another update from you. I was starting to wonder if the island had sunk. lol Just kidding.
Well as for the update.....I think you still need to do some repositioning of a few things and definately add a lot of.........stuff and details. As it stands right now......I'm not really liking it. Maybe when all said and done, I will stand corrected.
I have always pictured the Oceanographic Institute off a penesula instead of inside a cove. Maybe it just needs to be out a little further from shore.
Anyways, I'll sit back and wait for your next update. ;)
See you around,
Robin :)
It's nice, but continue to developp around the Oceanoraphic Center, before to show us waht it looks like ;) And what's this industrial zone in the middle of the island, and the palmers into this, it's not ver beautiful &mmm. Ah! I understood that you built the Oceanographic Center on it :D
Guillaume :thumbsup:
Fantastic update! That is a beautiful set of aquarium facilities! I like how you tied the two areas together with that park!
Very nice update!!!
Hi Matt
Looking at the latest update, you have done some nice work with the parks and breakwater lots. The aquarium and carpark look great where they're placed. :thumbsup:
I have the institute in my plugins but haven't used it yet in my MD. I would only suggest you push it a little further offshore. Perhaps build a single tile wide causeway out 5-10 grid squares and connect it to the end. I just think that lot needs to be placed a little off the coastline.
Overall though, splendid work as always.
Dave
Replies:
-Robin (rooker1): Greenacre is still alive and well. You're not going to get rid of me that easily, heh heh. As for the current progress of the area, I fully agree, more stuff and things will be added, and the POI fortunately floats, so moving it is as simple as resetting its anchors (which for a facility that size, it's still a big job, but not so bad as rebuilding it). Contractors are presently casting the new anchors and the move should be done shortly.
-Guillaume (Sciurus): Oh there will be more development over that way for sure, but for this area in general I though I would try a new style of updating. All the previous updates were areas that were pretty much finished. I wanted to see how it would work showing the development process. I plan to develop the areas across from the park and below that before moving to the POI again. If you have any suggestions for that area, I'm listening. Random question for you: do you do anything related to ski lifts? I was showing Greenacre to a friend of mine who gets around those forums and he thought your name sounded familiar.
-Battlecat: Citynut did a fine job with the SeaWorld lot of his. Certainly much better than I could do (the LE scares me, heh heh) though it seems you've been doing a fine job lotting yourself these days. Sorry I haven't been posting much in Adara lately, but I'm certainly keeping an eye on things. The park was one of those things that just sort of happened. I knew I wanted to connect the two things as one sort of facility and a park just seemed to be the right thing, along with a couple of fountains to keep the water theme going.
-Thomas Neto: Welcome to Greenacre, and thanks.
-Dave (tooheys): Great to see you! Funny you should suggest moving the POI 5-10 spaces out along a single-tile causeway, because I think the actual count was about 7 spaces (perhaps 8 if you count the extra land tile) as you'll see in the pictures below. The POI works like a nice little university as well as looking neat. I'll be keeping an eye out to see how it's used in Clontarf.
Right then. Back to where we've been the last couple of times. Yes, it has been a while, so here's a pic to refresh your recollection:
11.01
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg34.imageshack.us%2Fimg34%2F7929%2Fgreenacreregionalmap11.png&hash=71e2a240420785c183ea7fb80fb12d265e0d93ab) (http://img34.imageshack.us/img34/7929/greenacreregionalmap11.png)
This is what we were left with after our last visit. You'll notice (as some of you have commented already) that there's still some vacant land across the street from the park. Developers have been eyeing it. Some were smart enough to get in before the aquarium and such were built so we'll likely see some good money go into the properties as a result.
11.02
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg110.imageshack.us%2Fimg110%2F187%2F107h.jpg&hash=30967d1ba90199b501afd06f2ee5469fe865ec7e)
But first, the Oceanic Institute. As some folks have noted, it's a wee bit close to the shore. How was this determined? Well, it's a floating structure anchored to the sea floor. It can move a bit with the tides. I think they decided it was too close to shore when a wave brought it up on shore one morning and cracked one of the tanks. They told me it was a great sushi buffet that day... I still don't know if they were joking.
At any rate, it was a simple matter of moving the anchors (cheaper to redo those than the entire building) and float it out to its new home. To protect the causeway, which is nearly at sea level, concrete blocks were sunk alongside of it. They serve as a breakwater, and also add strength to the road itself, helping prevent lateral movement caused by the waves.
11.03
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg22.imageshack.us%2Fimg22%2F1801%2Fpoimoved.jpg&hash=2ceb13d79781abfe8a762f8433d7ce68026e44e0)
You may have noticed a bit of development already having taken place across the street from the park. Before we take a look at that all, here's a look at the zoning plat for the area.
11.04
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg149.imageshack.us%2Fimg149%2F4121%2Fzones.jpg&hash=103249db44ff3e7adcb2c32af377f27960e2957f)
Looks pretty sparse doesn't it? Most of it is zoned for medium density development, so the roads will be quite well used and the area should fill in nicely. Throw in a few parks, some various recreation areas, like some grass tennis courts, sponsored by the NUTs Development Group and you get something that looks like this:
11.05
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg39.imageshack.us%2Fimg39%2F1290%2Faquariummarina.jpg&hash=a13244c72dd0717242c8a1d8ea9b5887e8ba336c)
A close up of the aforementioned tennis courts:
11.06
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg198.imageshack.us%2Fimg198%2F458%2Ftenniscourts.jpg&hash=bf36c244e5cbd11d1fce1d0a4570cde8bb59dd8f)
You also get a marina for all the new residents and their boats. Sticking out into the bay, this is a semi private marina. The slips are rented from the city, but the marina, boat ramp and all such similar facilities are open to the public. A few folks even live aboard their ships here. For what it costs for a slip rental, I don't blame them. Some of those things rent for as much as an apartment would.
11.06
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg21.imageshack.us%2Fimg21%2F5629%2Fmarina2u.jpg&hash=ef0c26d6d4f4f2a68467716a7e8b92af7e0d335a)
One issue that had to be addressed was how to safely get people from the condos and apartments to the park. There are cross walks at the intersections, but most people would likely just cross the road where they were, especially when the park paths are just a short hop across the grass.
11.07
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg149.imageshack.us%2Fimg149%2F8443%2Fparkoverpassbefore.jpg&hash=d390cb30599114280a2996592de7a21a29a2ec2a)
So, in order to reduce stoppage time for traffic while ensuring safer pedestrian access to the park, footbridges were built along the road connecting to the park.
11.08
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg149.imageshack.us%2Fimg149%2F42%2Fparkoverpassafter.jpg&hash=bca34ff9516a355f5ec51a5c5d81cd32ede73d71)
The footbridges weren't the only thing to change after the development began. Commercial demand spiked with the new residents nearby. That, coupled with the research being conducted at the POI, made the area appealing to several companies who filled in some of the prime office space of the island. These towers overlook not one, but two marinas.
11.09
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg269.imageshack.us%2Fimg269%2F7773%2Fmidrisecommercial.jpg&hash=ef227529ffc6d18ae3f525826d37fd408ac04a5e)
Yes, that's right. I said two marinas. Where's the second one? You remember that road that extended south from the aquarium? The one with the power poles along it? If you want to go back and look, take a peek at 11.02.
Well, the power lines were taken down (mostly from complaints from the local residents) and put underground, and a new marina went up. This one is more tourist/vistor oriented than its counterpart. It shares the same bay as the main public beaches in the resort area (we'll see those in a future update) and as a result, sees a lot of charters and visitors. There's a nice little sail-up food court where attendants will escort you off your boat and take care of it for you while you eat. Presumably they put it in a slip, but I'd bet there have been more than a few joyrides. A few boardwalk shops and a few shops along the street make this a relaxing spot for the locals too. A second boat ramp is present here, which is handy if the other one gets full.
11.10
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg149.imageshack.us%2Fimg149%2F8324%2Fmarina1d.jpg&hash=7db747487d4cd6659154952e729b8c602c9c1c50)
That should bring us up to speed on the recent developments of the area. I'll leave you here with an overview of progress to-date on the new developments in this area. Our next visit will take us further down the road at the top of this pic (going southwest) to what's known as "The Peninsula" which is now home to some of those fancy, high priced condos. For now though, here's what we have so far.
11.11
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg149.imageshack.us%2Fimg149%2F5156%2Fareaoverviewend.jpg&hash=f61ed666e57a2cf6a2dd2ec516ee995a064a9dd5)
Let me know if there is an area of this update you'd like to see more of, or that you didn't think I covered well enough. I'd be happy to show a bit more in the next update. Other than that, let me know what you think.
-Matt
Nice update ;)
The regional map is spectacular :thumbsup:
Development is looking really good, Matt! And if you got those condos to grow, you were either very lucky or spent a lot of time waiting for them to pop up that way. I really like the wall seen in 11.05 and .06, too. And what a spectacular view the marina and park provide. Very attractive park, BTW.
Overall, there's been much improvement in and around this little peninsular - I really like what I see. And apologies for not posting after the last update. I thought I had, but guess that was because we discussed it in chat.
Good job on this one...
Joan
Hey Matt,
You didn't have to move the POI just for me, but luckily for you and the town that it was floating. I never realized that. ::) ;)
Now what really amazes me is this....
Your very first post in this great MD on December 24th you posted this picture of your map.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg122.imageshack.us%2Fimg122%2F8117%2Fgreenacreregionviewpo6.jpg&hash=cae375637010e33eb45f3d1d88d192075810c9af)
Today we see that the cities have gotten a lot larger but the map remains just about the same.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg34.imageshack.us%2Fimg34%2F7929%2Fgreenacreregionalmap11.png&hash=71e2a240420785c183ea7fb80fb12d265e0d93ab)
The terraforming and shores are so similiar that I am very jealous of your skills, but mostly your will and patience to work with what you were given in your map. I usually tear the land apart and totally end up with something different than I had started with. Bravo to you my friend. &apls
Another fantastic update on the books!
BTW, I am waiting patiently for something from you.
Talk to you later about this. ;)
Robin :thumbsup:
Beautiful work as alway! That coastal area and the marina look fantastic! You got a nice variety of homes developed up in that area. Looking forward to seeing what you do with the rest of the island.
Gosh, I really need to start keeping up with some of these wonderful MD's again!
You've improved ten fold since the last time I visited, which is impressive, considering that you were wonderful then as well. My favorite area this update is the condos near the marina. Each one is placed perfectly, snuggled into the greenery surrounding them. They must be extremely expensive, especially with an ocean view!
I'm looking forward to the next update, whenever it may be. ;)
-Jason :)
QuoteI'll be keeping an eye out to see how it's used in Clontarf.
I said it was in my plugins, not that I was going to use it ;) But, then again how could I resist a challenge like that. I'm sure it'll turn up somewhere in the first 50 or so updates ::)
Matt that is a beautiful region shot and I must agree with Robin that you work the terrain well without any significant terraforming to the original layout. That certainly does take some skill.
The marinas look grand and well laid out. Those tennis courts catch the eye too, nice.
This is turning into a very attractive tourist area :thumbsup: and I'm looking forward to more.
Cheers
Dave
Replies:
-Yan077: Thanks Yan, and welcome to Greenacre. I've actually updated it to reflect the most recent developments for this update. There have been a few developments that needed to be accounted for. Thanks for stopping by.
-Joan (Jmouse): Let's just say I'm on a first name basis with everyone in Greenacre who owns a bulldozer. A little luck doesn't hurt though, and every once in a while, a plop might be necessary. The wall you referred to is by Jeronij, and is one of my favorite terracing tricks (if you can call it that). It's so versatile and seems to fit in almost anywhere. While this is one of the higher rent areas, the real views, and the resulting high prices are found further on down the peninsula where we are going today. No worries about posting either. It should never feel like an obligation. Besides, chatting about it over MSN usually gives me a few ideas to play with. Always good to read what you have to say though.
-Robin (Rooker1): Oh yes, the floating tower is just one of the many innovative features about that facility. It does bob a bit on a stormy day though... which never leaves the custodians in a good mood after a group of elementary kids go through on a tour, or anyone who happens to get a bit seasick...
Part of the trick with the Region Map is that I often recycle it until there is some significant new development. Today will be a new one. Feel free to compare it to see how it looks. This will show all the old developments as well as a few that I'm working on that have not yet been shown. What exactly those are remains to be seen, but I'm sure you could probably spot one or two new things.
-Battlecat: Variety was one of the things I was looking for here. With such a small area, unless it's part of a housing development, repetition would stick out like a sore thumb. I haven't worked with medium and high density much, but there are some nice options available.
-Jason (Albus of Garaway): Good to see you again my friend, and thanks for the kind words. I'm sure I could find a few pics from way back when that would cause you to question my skills though, heh heh. All part of the fun though, and you never stop learning. Considering the part of the island they're on, they also have a fine view of the bay too. The ocean views are nice, but I kind of like the views toward the harbor and Navy base myself. More to see. Shouldn't be too long of a wait for an update (about as long as it takes to scroll down a bit). Hope you enjoy it.
-Dave (tooheys): Heh heh, just trying to keep you on your toes. I'll hold you to that 50 update thing too. Coming from someone who works as well with the terrain as you do, that's a fine compliment. I know you develop yours as you go, but from what I've seen you sculpt first, then build, and still hold close to the original plan. Hope you like the upcoming area too.
So as I mentioned to Robin, I have an updated region map for you all. This should incorporate all the old developments and a few new ones (anyone care to guess where/what they are?). Clicking on the image, as usual, will link to a larger version for your viewing pleasure.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg269.imageshack.us%2Fimg269%2F9335%2Fgreenacreregionalmap12u.png&hash=fa7e205e2b9b95fd0792e6d17489d8b05c7eac60) (http://img269.imageshack.us/img269/9335/greenacreregionalmap12u.png)
So, I thought about various ways to take you on a tour of this next area. Nothing really worked from any of the ways that have worked before. So, I decided to try something new. An aerial overview. Essentially a small scale of something Darmok did from time to time in Anduin Valley Revisited by Darmok (http://www.simtropolis.com/forum/messageview.cfm?catid=36&threadid=59816) with his amazing region mosaics (and I don't mean from region view either, he went for city level zooms).
Just south of the marinas (well, more west... well, kind of south west) is a peninsula that boasts some of the highest rents in the entirety of Greenacre. Some people have built private villas out here, and a few people even opted to keep the old beach houses that were originally here (you'll pay $4-5million for a 2 bedroom + 2 bath home on a fairly small lot, but there are people that will pay it), but the area is mostly filled with condos. There is a small "main street" type area that's a holdover from the area's beach-town days, but even that has begun to show signs of the increased wealth, though it still maintains it's original look. That Italian restaurant is said to be exquisite. There is also, to the left of the shot, the Swan Majestic. Most of their facilities are inside, but there is talk of them purchasing the land across the median from them to expand. It's a swanky hotel with a steakhouse whose prices are... well, not cheap. I haven't eaten there yet, the city won't reimburse me for it... says it's a luxury item or something like that... oh well. At any rate, I hope you enjoy.
Let me know if there are any areas you'd like to see closer up, and if there are any suggestions you have for the area. As with the picture above, click on it to open it to it's full size (2815x2036)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg41.imageshack.us%2Fimg41%2F1453%2Fpeninsulamosaic.jpg&hash=8de36e93b3fe3dff9e365af256eb05969f7fe7c2) (http://img41.imageshack.us/img41/1453/peninsulamosaic.jpg)
-Matt
Another one of those excellent Greenacre Updates awaits... and this one looks pretty good! Those highwealth condo's and beach houses really do reflect the wealthiness of the area very well. The red cobblestone streets and the BSC Park Trails go together very nicely, and do also convey the wealth well. I also like the usage of the FAR Curves, the double 90°-curves in the bottom-right corner in particular. The only thing I'm not sure about it is the Swan Majestic; while it is a splendid BAT, it seems to be made for downtown cores, and doesn't seem to fit into a beachfront (IMO).
Oh, by the way, name me a date and time and I'll arrange dinner in the Italian restaurant. The bill is on me ;)
Hey Matt,
I do like the marina and the area there. If I had that kind of money, that would be the place I'd like to live, provided I had my own boat.
Maybe one like this.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F_NpINLHeo8rM%2FSCGCy7USEgI%2FAAAAAAAAU80%2FCz5Vq8NVeUk%2Fs400%2F1.jpg&hash=49610832ac3cb7a0bc3a9acd6f1eb334a721d04e)(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F_NpINLHeo8rM%2FSCGCpLUSEbI%2FAAAAAAAAU8M%2Fj3-bZPJPHDc%2Fs400%2F3.jpg&hash=f8da6ddecafcf12a6babb1ca13b516c23c5f1ff3)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F_NpINLHeo8rM%2FSCGCpbUSEcI%2FAAAAAAAAU8U%2FYd6yp-tnAxA%2Fs400%2F4.jpg&hash=509ee97d9bba69ce429f9cbcaf81743ade081905)(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F_NpINLHeo8rM%2FSCGCprUSEdI%2FAAAAAAAAU8c%2FYGV0sdv4FaI%2Fs400%2F5.jpg&hash=477858dce6acd7c203da53100f10609efa193485)
And this is me zooming around the Greenacre Islands
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F_NpINLHeo8rM%2FSCGCprUSEeI%2FAAAAAAAAU8k%2FFqB21jKycyU%2Fs400%2F6.jpg&hash=434b1dcb804a84b714b0a1ba792e4415f13094df)
Anyways Matt, I wish the area had more trees along the shores, maybe even a meandering path along the shores. I think the water needs some life as well. I like how all the buildings in the area are of the same hieght....except for the one building. I also know that you usually let grow what will grow, but across form the tall building, maybe you could get another building to grow of similiar size or at least half. It's just that the tall one really stands out....IMHO.
I hope this new marina is protected well from the high seas. ::) I wouldn't want my boat to get damaged. Maybe a line of rocks would add a good amout of protection, if needed of course.
As for the new regional map....I first thank you for the update and you can be assured to know I well be examining it later for all the differences I can find......and I may even come back with them all circled and numbered in order of interest for up coming updates. ::) $%Grinno$% ;)
Have a great day and thanks for starting mine off great with this great update. Alot of "greats" In one sentence, eh
Looking for the next chess game when you have the chance.
Seeya around Matt,
Robin &apls
Nice job on the latest update! That's a fantastic mosaic!
Fantastic job, Matt! This are reminds me a bit of the Belmont Shore part of Long Beach, albeit on a smaller scale. Very cozy.
Looking forward to more from Greenacre!
Very nice region, great work on the last update my friend!!! :thumbsup:
Matt, it's been far too long since I've stopped by here. The marina area there looks very nice, and I enjoyed the closer-in look at it. I'm also absolutely impressed with your use of the water flora there--you seem to be a master of it. I think you've adapted very well to the challenges that the region you're building on presents.
As far as suggestions go on the marina area, I'm kind of wondering if the little end of that dead-end road on the north end of the little peninsula might fit better as a Street.
And for my guess as to where the marina area is located, I'm inclined to think it might be on that hook-shaped island on the eastern edge of the region.
-Alex
Very nice mosaic, Matt - the details bear careful study. You've chosen your BATs well – one would expect to see luxury condos in a choice spot like this. I like the brick pathways, too. Overall, you've successfully turned a little peninsular into a playground for the rich and famous!
Good work...
Joan
Nice region. Which one did you use, or is it yours? Your cities look perfectly developed, from the region view. &apls
Replies:
-Casper (caspervg): Thanks Casper. I'm glad the high-wealth touch carried through. Funny enough, I had the street mod before the parks and the streets were what helped my decision about which park set to go with. They do blend nicely. I was hoping for something a bit larger to grow into that area with the double-90's but I think it ended up well enough as it is. Time will tell though if someone wants to build it up a bit more. I doubt the planning board would say no. As for the Swan Majestic, it may be at home in urban cores, but I think it can work where it is here. It may just need some more land to call its own. This update will test that hypothesis.
-Robin (rooker1): I agree with the water needing more life to it, especially with such clarity. I'll get to it bit by bit, but I'm going to try to nail down the peninsula itself first. Paths along the water are an interesting idea. I was wondering what, if anything, to do with the shore. I like the natural approach, but I'm not sure how well an RRP path would fit in with the formal paths of the BSC parks. I'll see how things look. Also, while the marinas are sheltered as part of being in the bay, a breakwater might actually be a good addition. I've been experimenting with a new rock barrier thing in this update to serve as a substitute for Jeroni's breakwater set, so let me know what you think of it.
-Battlecat: Thanks! Based on how well this worked, I may actually try to do a city tile like this.
-woodb3kmaster: You know. I live in the LA area, but I've never been over there. I ought to check it out if I'm ever over there. Glad you enjoyed it.
-Tomas Neto: Thanks Tomas, and good to see you here again.
-Alex (Tarkus): Always good to see you Alex. Glad you liked the marina areas so far, and you're right as to their location in the region too. Not sure development is quite done there yet, they almost feel like something's missing. I'm glad you liked the flora touches though. I wouldn't say I was that skilled with it yet, but it's fun to work with. As for the road/street thing, I think a street would work well there too, but the traffic density is just enough that a street would become horribly congested. As one of the resident transit geniuses here, if you happen to have any suggestions I'd love to pass them along to the GDOT.
-Joan (Jmouse): Glad you enjoyed it. I figured it would be better than trying to pick out the best pictures from the area. It's amazing how far this area has developed from where it first started. How's the development style of presentation working? If it's enjoyable I may keep it up for a while. Hope all is well.
-citycapitalizer: Thanks, and welcome to Greenacre! I made the region myself several years ago using the basic Maxis terraforming tools. Glad to hear things are looking good, and I hope to see you around.
Welcome back everyone. Today we continue our tour of Topley Bay's redevelopment efforts. A number of comments have been fielded regarding one area in particular: the hotel near the marinas. It was noted that it seemed to stick out a bit and seemed out of place. Part of that, in my opinion at least was the lack of external amenities. Having a pool inside and all is nice, but it seems that it wasn't enough for their needs. Recently they acquired property across the road from them.
13.01
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg42.imageshack.us%2Fimg42%2F3075%2F1hoteloriginal.jpg&hash=36afd98e9b372c71fbfa5d423d5e5a16c2514d45)
The first steps they took were to get rid of the parking lot that filled the median and clearing the buildings from the land for their expansion. Taking advantage of this, the road was re-aligned to create a tree-lined avenue. This minimizes the need for cars to slow down for the turn, and has helped ease traffic.
13.02
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg193.imageshack.us%2Fimg193%2F4493%2F2clearing.jpg&hash=a8778d04449b1dcbcf900db16fa4bb344a0b48ca)
With the expected increase in guest traffic, as well as vehicle traffic, the hotel installed a parking garage for its guests, and a pedestrian overpass to make it easier (and safer) for their guests to access their soon-to-be installed ameneties.
13.03
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg147.imageshack.us%2Fimg147%2F4637%2F3parkandped.jpg&hash=eedca1e8d29e8f1f926890a04de4ec81bf8f8b56)
They engaged in a bit of land reclamation to enlarge their property. Environmental Impact analyses forecasted minimal impact
13.04
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg197.imageshack.us%2Fimg197%2F7852%2F4landextension.jpg&hash=2c86fe038dd070802f3a0fc584bc850a356c0b62)
A pool, complete with hottubs (for the adults) and waterslides (for the kids), grass tennis courts, and a seaside restaurant filled in the area.
13.05
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg171.imageshack.us%2Fimg171%2F7391%2F5amenities.jpg&hash=08f5223077c3c6d59af30a32d2e765cebcd51f9c)
To prevent washing away their newly built features, they looked into installing a seawall. None of the existing designs fit the bill so they went with something custom. Here's their first try:
13.06
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg170.imageshack.us%2Fimg170%2F6640%2F6seawalltest.jpg&hash=211eaa1131a73b9bc44af90bb8a517c782915b0f)
Eesh... The rocks were a bit small, and it didn't quite work. Their second attempt involved larger rocks to brack up the waves and smaller ones to fill in the gaps. Plant life took to this area quickly.
13.07
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg193.imageshack.us%2Fimg193%2F361%2F7seawalltest2.jpg&hash=290eacace010c14aefab92fde862751a615216af)
An up-close view of the new work.
13.08
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg43.imageshack.us%2Fimg43%2F199%2F8expansionoverview.jpg&hash=a5de6726b78222515ce7d06b8ea7a56beba15d90)
Here's the area when all the work was said and done.
13.09
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg170.imageshack.us%2Fimg170%2F961%2F9overview1.jpg&hash=794574555e0f3fd7e9c696f48766c70ecbb1bb1b)
Finally, one last view from more or less the same position as the first one of this update.
13.10
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg193.imageshack.us%2Fimg193%2F3299%2F10overview2.jpg&hash=4be9adf635037d053dd9040b4e21187dca04b6d6)
Let me know what you think.
-Matt
Nice update! The new amenities fit the area nicely. Also a very classy job on that custom breakwater, it looks fantastic! Which rocks are those?
Nice update, Matt! :thumbsup:
I think the hotel definitely blends in better now with the rest of the area. I was a little worried that I might have to dig out the suburban version and finish it up for you! :D
Hope all is well, my friend...
JB
Matt you have made want to pull the valves and crank that full force to make sure the water runs full force for waterfalls!!! WOW wonderful update here!!! I gotten some energy today and spent it hopefully good ;)
The recreational area and parking garage round out the hotel complex very well. Reclaiming that bit of land was a good idea, and I really like the way you've shown the step-by-step process.
Overall, recent development in this little area has really come together in a pleasing way. And I think you're presenting it well.
Good work on this one...
Joan
Great update indeed! The redeveloped area around the hotel looks really well done, and it does seem tempting to go take a dip in that pool, or hit a ball in the tennis court. Bulldozing the double OWR and replacing it by the avenue was a great idea, the result looks a lot better.
Can't wait to see more,
Casper
Replies:
-Battlecat: After seeing what you did with that dam, that's a fine compliment. The first ones I tried were the rocks from Goldiva's set, great for general use, but for the angle and the space, the lacked heft. The ones I ended up using that worked pretty darn well were Jeronij's rocks. They were a set of both white rocks and moss-covered ones in both a small and a large size. I used the large ones, filled in the few gaps with the small ones for depth, and worked in some of Goldiva's plants and the RRP marsh bits for color. The Goldiva plants were grat for blending the bottom of the wall into the sea floor too. I'd link to the ones I used, but I can't seem to find them. However, since the guy who made them happens to be around here, he could probably tell you where they are now (or send them your way himself).
-Jon (JBSimio): Thanks Jon! Good to see you around here again. Suburban version you say? Hmm... I may have just screwed up in reverse... I can always contact the demolition company if it gives you any motivation, heh heh. Things are well, if not a bit busy, but it's all interesting stuff, so it's not too bad.
-Pat: Excellent to hear the rainy season may be coming back to Waterfalls Pat. I'm also glad to hear you're feeling better again. Good to see you here as always
-Joan (Jmouse): Thanks Joan! I had thought the hotel itself was feeling a bit out of place, and when others noted it too I figured something had to be done. Up until recently, most of the areas I've shown have already been developed, so I thought it would be fun to show the step-by-step development. There's a bit more to show in the area, but that'll be for later, after another little project is taken care of. Until then, there are a few other things around Greenacre to see.
-Casper (caspervg): Thanks Casper. I think it was your post that mainly inspired the redevelopment. The hotel itself was just on too little land, which would be fine in a dense urban setting, but it did need space. The avenue was partly a matter of needing a good way to get residents over to the various amenities. I liked Goldiva's overpass, but it was only for avenues. I like the way it turned out too. We're on to a new spot today, but we'll be back to the area in the future.
So we're taking a detour today to have a look at the redevelopment of the Greenacre Naval Base.
14.01
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg34.imageshack.us%2Fimg34%2F8180%2Fgreenacreregionalmap14.png&hash=a7a0f7d18eb1acbfb486d8c836912e5438f708c1) (http://img34.imageshack.us/img34/8180/greenacreregionalmap14.png)
Here's an overview of the area. Your thoughts on its design are appreciated, and please let me know if there are areas you would like to see in more detail. The base is home to at least 5 destroyers, 4 submarines, 2 battleships and an aircraft carrier. I say "at least" since the ships are kept on rotation. The base's actual capacity isn't made public, and it's possible that it may be expanding in the future. Clicking on the image (like the regional image) will bring up a larger image.
14.02
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg186.imageshack.us%2Fimg186%2F940%2Fislandmosaicinconstruct.jpg&hash=24df83570aae5a79f2775f329b9e8e13bd0816bb) (http://img186.imageshack.us/img186/940/islandmosaicinconstruct.jpg)
-Matt
Superb job on that naval base! Good choice of lots, plus you've done a great job of transitioning between various shoreline types.
Hey Matt,
The last two updates are great.
I'll just give my opinion on the last pic though as I think other update is already great.
In this pic I think the aircraft carrier is too big for the area. It almost drawfs the entire island. ::) I still love how you don't change the terrain that much, I really envy you and the others that have the patients to work this way. I think the bridge fits in well, but the roads on the island I think should be streets instead. Cheaper on the budget and I would assume slower traffic through the Naval Base. BTW, I hate the Palm trees. Palm tree and evergreens in the same pic, what a No No.
Great stuff and it's always a pleasure to stop here.
Robin :thumbsup:
Hi Matt,
One thing I always enjoy about Greenacre is that I never know what you're going to show next. You seem to get a little bit of everything in here without any of it seeming out of place. There are certain things that I often find myself wanting to do in Covington, but they don't fit the rest of the region. That doesn't seem to be an issue here... and I naval island is the last thing I would have expected!
At first glance, I tend to agree with Robin about the aircraft carrier... although the longer I look, the more it seems OK. It may just be the edge of the city tile throwing things off there, I'm not sure. I like how you transition back and forth between the natural shoreline and the manmade seawalls and docks. I think a lot of people would be tempted to surround the entire island with bulkheads and seawalls (I know I would have done), but your approach looks so much better.
As a final aside (to Robin again :D)... I also hate Maxis palm trees. However, in reality I have seen many examples here in northern California of palms and pines in the same area. Granted, my guess is that the palms were all brought here, but it does give a "real life justification" for having the two shown together. ;)
See you next time,
JB
Matt, I'm inclined to agree with a couple of other comments. At very first glance, the carrier did seem a bit overpowering, and it's too close to the edge IMO. On the other hand, there is no other logical location for it on that island. Just judging visually. I don't believe that magnificent aircraft carrier could pass under the bridge without tearing out a few pilings. This may well be true in RL as well, though - my familiarity with military installations of any kind are limited to the time I made a wrong turn and entered an Air Force base! :)
Over all, you've done a good job of laying out the transport system here, forever mindful of the island's natural topography. In fact, you seem always to do well at working with the terrain instead of fighting it! And you always do a great job on your shorelines - making them interesting but diverse. It's always a pleasure to see a Greenacre update!
Later...
Joan
Replies:
-Battlecat: Thanks. The shore thing was more of an experiment to see what other people thought looked better: the pines v. the palms, and whether leaving bits of unwalled shoreline would work. I'm not sure about the palms/pines, but glad to hear the open spots work. The area will likely undergo a bit more development before I'm done (and already has) but I'll likely keep the open shorelines. Thanks for stopping by.
-Robin (rooker1): Heh heh, I've always admired the patience of people who take the time to terraform every bit of the land before building. I think I may have figured out why the carrier looks out of place, and that's the subject of today's, admittedly short, update. As for the roads, it's the military, they have the money (besides, with the crew and supplies required for a carrier, battleships, destroyers, subs and support craft, those roads see some heavy use. The island is a staging point mainly. As for the palm trees, heh heh, I have some pictures from around here that would make you cringe then. As Jon said, for whatever reason, it does happen fairly frequently around here. I think I know what you mean though, with the palms clustered on the island there and the pines on the opposite shore. I was curious to see what people thought of the different trees for the area, and I got a good idea. I think I will stick with the shore pines and carry those over onto the island a bit, but a palm or two may linger (I think it's a California thing). Great to see you Robin.
-Jon (JBSimio): The variety of terrain was something I had in mind when I first made the map. I had never really played on much besides flat land prior to it and I had seen many interesting ideas to draw *cough*steal*cough* from. Actually, the tree lines on the northern plateau of the island were a nod to Green Depra by chocolatemax back at ST (have I ever mentioned this is an old map?). Some of the areas have been...interesting to build on to say the least, but it's been a great testbed and just plain fun.
I was tempted to wall off the entire shoreline too, but partly due to the fact that I wanted to keep the original shape of the island and didn't want to have the wall bend every few tiles to do that (if the seawalls had a FAR version, I just might've, but it's that work with the game, not against it thing) and the natural shoreline looked good, so it stayed. The island is still slowly developing, so some things (like the carrier as you'l see) are going to change, but the shorelines are going to stay.
Also, as a final aside (also to Robin... though I could've just posted this in his reply, but since I'm here...): See? It's not just me, they have these palm tree things in northern California too. You should get some for yourself. Throw a few in Mind Scape. They're all the rage (kidding). Speaking of rage, I'm going to move on before Robin hunts me down for bad taste in jokes.
Always good to see you here Jon.
-Joan (Jmouse0: As you'll soon see, I fiddled with the carrier and hopefully it fits in better now. You're right though, it probably wouldn't fit under the bridge, but fortunately it doesn't need to. From its current position, it can sail straight and still make it to open water. That map I showed you the other night should give you a better idea of that, but the rest of the ships should be able to handle it if necessary. It was inspired (loosely) by the Coronado Bridge (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Diego_%E2%80%93_Coronado_Bridge) in San Diego, CA. It may not curve like its inspiration, but it does connect to a naval base. I have no real familiarity with military installations either, but something close works too. I was impressed how much attention the shorelines themselves got from the last update. I've continued updating them too as you'll soon see, but yeah, the one thing I try to remember when doing terrain and such, is that it's rare to find a straight line in nature. Even if I have to put a curve in something, it usually tends to look better when all is said and done.
Always good to see you here Joan.
So as I had mentioned in several of the replies, I've been doing a bit of work on the naval base. In addition to some landscaping (I think Robin might like it) I adjusted the carrier lot. I think part of what caused it to seem out of place was that it stuck out into the water as far as it did. All of the previous comments mentioned the shorelines and the terraforming. Everything else transitioned smoothly, but the carrier lot just jutted out there (and actually required some land reclamation to get the lot to fit). That was partly done to preserve the slope of the island. It did stick out though.
As a way to fix this, I brought the lot in about four tiles. It results in a steeper slope to the top of the hill, but I think it fits on the island better. Let me know if you think it worked, or what could be done. The area is by no means finished, and suggestions, as always, are welcome.
14.02
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg245.imageshack.us%2Fimg245%2F5629%2Fcarrierfix1.jpg&hash=ccfa17a508deb4a50e556501f9011160189660f7)
-Matt
Hello Matt,
It does look alot better.
But I just noticed that ther eis no seawall under the LOT. ::)
I've sent out a crew to burn down all the palm trees in the area and spray a secret fluid over the entire island that will prevent any more palm trees from ever growing!!
Robin ;)
Much, much better, Matt! - all it took was a small adjustment to make a big difference. I noticed you added some foliage to the beach and a few boats in the water, and those details certainly add some interest to the scene.
I just finished taking a retro tour through Greenacre, and it was amazing to see the progress you've made. I'll stick my neck out and say those of us who are fairly regular visitors don't usually go back to the beginning and reclaim a sense of visual continuity. I must say it was a pleasure, though, and during unavoidable lulls, very entertaining.
Later...
Joan
Sorry it took so long for me to drop in! Those tweaks to the naval base look great and are very appropriate!
Does I have posted on this topic ?
I don't suppose, but I visit this MD very commonly.
This small military base in this island is really beautiful and original.
Go on your excellent work. &apls
Replies:
-Robin (rooker1): Yeah, about the seawall and the lot... yeah... there's supposed to be a wall, but I seem to be missing the plugin, unless they developed a new type of floating concrete... yeah, that's it, floating concrete. *shifts eyes* I would take care of that but I misplaced the readme. I may just go and use Jeroni's breakwalls around the sides. The carrier seems to cover up the front nicely until I figure out what needs to go there. As for the palm trees, they may go, especially since there are shore pines just across the way. You do see the combination around here, just not usually like that though. Thanks for the thoughts.
-Joan (Jmouse): There were a few plants added, I'm still experimenting with the over all style of the island. I'll take pictures as I go and hopefully give a proper update on it all. As for the boats, it seems the local ferry service is doing quite well. Thanks for the help you've given these past few days (weeks) that sent you on those retro tours. I'll make sure it was worth the effort in a bit here. You've been an amazing help here.
-Battlecat: No worries. I should say the same for you and Adara. I should get over there more. You always seem to be doing something good over there. The base itself isn't there quite yet, and there still much open land that needs to be dealt with. Not all of it will be developed, but it will be superdetailed. I've been getting some good ideas on what to do with it too. Partly from certain visits to Adara. I'll just have to see if it can be done in the way I'm thinking. Always good to hear from you.
-Earth quake: Welcome to Greenacre. It is the first time you've posted here, but I hope it won't be the last. Glad you enjoyed the naval base. I may expand it in the future, but time will tell. Until then however, there are many other things to do around here, so I will certainly keep going. Thanks for stopping by.
What with the site's birthday being today (ok, technically yesterday at this point, but it's still a party) and thinking back over how it's grown over the past three years, I wanted to post a series of pictures about an area of Greenacre we've come back to a couple times and have watched change.
The original view:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg696.imageshack.us%2Fimg696%2F2026%2Flumbermill.jpg&hash=8e3c3f4bbfe1f85a6c982b282b461b9032a512ef)
The last shown update of this area saw the inclusion of TPW:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg223.imageshack.us%2Fimg223%2F2470%2Fferguscoaststrandbridge.jpg&hash=5e203beb75f8ac1dacaaacf8c6500aa690cc6ab7)
But comments were made about the sharpness of the cliff edge. After seeing some work Battlecat did in Adara with some rock slides, I was inspired to pop in for a bit of a test. Some landscaping, reforesting, some fiddling with TPW/PW to get the logs to show better, and a few rocks later gives us this:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg94.imageshack.us%2Fimg94%2F9788%2Fferguscoastcliffsofteni.jpg&hash=8b310efb2c2d4ecdf588eb6e3a50a20ffe2a1114)
Did it help? What do you think?
Also, I'll be a bit quiet these next couple of weeks (school and all) but I'm working on a few things that will be coming out shortly. Keep your eye out for them in the near future.
-Matt
That area is coming along very nicely! Glad you found some stuff in Adara inspiring.
I certainly like what you've done to get those logs floating on top of the water, it's a great touch that makes it look more like an active sawmill! Your adjustments to the landscape also seem to have helped a lot, the addition of the rocks works quite nicely. I really do like that scene, all the parts work together very well!
Good luck with school, looking forward to seeing what else you'll be working on when you get back!
Hey Matt,
It's amazing what a few little changes can do to the overall effect. I love the new alterations. The logs now look like they are floating, but the boats I think are sinking. lol
Robin :thumbsup:
Excellent update matt. &apls
The new version of surroundings of the sawmill is really superb.
The overall change is amazing, Matt. I think many of us could take a lesson from this - you don't have to move heaven and earth to make a world of difference!
Although there's been a great improvement in the water and logs, I see changes in the trees and a few other things, too. Guess there's much to be said for those subtle adjustments, but I think it's something one develops an eye for.
Glad to see Greenacre continuing to develop. Look forward to seeing what you have in store for us after school obligations are fulfilled.
Later...
Joan
Matt, it's the little details that make a picture great, and that last picture shows that your attention to detail is outstanding. It looks so real! I'd say that your changes have definitely improved that little corner of Greenacre. Great job!
Out of curiosity, are those STR bridges included in the STR addon to the NAM, or did you get them off the LEX?
Quick response for you woodb3kmaster:
Bridges are add-ons to the NAM. They are added into the controller, yet are separate downloads so you only need to get the ones you want. The two I used here are the Wooden Trestle (http://sc4devotion.com/csxlex/lex_filedesc.php?lotGET=1998) (STR only) and the Howe Truss (http://sc4devotion.com/csxlex/lex_filedesc.php?lotGET=2000). Both are available on the LEX, and more bridges for all sorts of networks can be found by searching under the NAM Team name.
-Matt
Awesome update, really fantastic!!! &apls
You know I've never really considered going back and updating an earlier city. But looking at your pic's it's amazing what some different mods and a few small changes can do. A very interesting update there, and the final result looks great.
Dave
In this, the third week of our 4-IN-1! series, we are proud to present another popular MD, this time from the Best Sellers list.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg301.imageshack.us%2Fimg301%2F4825%2F200911four.jpg&hash=0d811698f04f2f595e0f20413ab43868f4d46e5f)
Congratulations, Matt (threestooges). Hope you enjoy your week as much as I know we will!
The SC4D Staff
Congratulations, Matt! I'm sure we'll see some excellent stuff during the upcoming week (and further!).
Congratulations! :thumbsup:
Congratulation for your OSTIM matt. &apls
Congrats on OSITM, Matt.
Ethan
Replies:
-Battlecat: Thanks! As for the rocks, I had a steep bit of the cliff that I wanted to keep, and your recent work with rocks and landslides gave me the idea. Part of the reason I think it looked off was the lack of surrounding rocks and material. Most vertical faces fall apart a bit due to weather and all, and that would leave stuff at the bottom. The colors don't quite match, but I think it works. The logging area has been one of my favorite areas, in fact that little section of the map has produced several fun photos. Always good to see you.
-Robin (rooker1): Yeah, the logging company must be slacking off a bit in their maintenance work. But at least they have ample material available to replace the old ones. The slight changes are what can make the difference in some pics. The trick is knowing where, when, and how to make them. I find people here have been a great aid in that. It's amazing how often you can look at something and not see the obvious thing someone else will pick out in seeming seconds. It's always fun to see what people notice in the pictures. Great to see you here as always.
-Vivien (Earth quake) x2: Thanks Vivien. It was fun to make, and I am glad you enjoyed it.
-Joan (Jmouse): The other lesson one could take from this is that I just make this stuff up as I go. It's a matter of trying a few things and seeing what looks good. That's part of what makes, and keeps, this game so interesting. It offers so much to play with. It's just a matter of knowing what you want and finding a way to make it work. Glad you liked it.
-Zack (woodb3kmaster): I already posted a partial response for you but for anyone else who didn't see it, the files are: the Wooden Trestle (http://sc4devotion.com/csxlex/lex_filedesc.php?lotGET=1998) (STR only) and the Howe Truss (http://sc4devotion.com/csxlex/lex_filedesc.php?lotGET=2000). You're right that the little details help make all the difference. You show that quite well in your MD too. The thought you put into the story behind each update really gives it that extra meaning. It's sometimes just a matter of testing a few things and seeing the reaction, if it gets what you thought it would. Always good to see you around.
-Thomas Neto x2: Thanks Thomas!
-Dave (tooheys): Hard to improve on brilliance when you do things so well the first time through Dave, not sure you'd need to go back and revisit a city. It is interesting though to look back and see how styles and building ability has changed over time. I have a few images left from early endeavors that are pretty funny looking back. Great to see you Dave.
-Joan/Staff for OSITM: Thanks guys. I'll be sure to give it a good shot for this week. I have a few things in store as some of you may already know.
-Casper (caspervg): Thanks Casper. I have a few things planned. It should be a busy week. Glad to see you here.
-Ethan (ecoba): Welcome to Greenacre! Thanks for the thoughts. I plan to make the most of this week. Hope to see you around for it soon.
I would first like to thank all those who selected Greenacre for this week in OSITM. It's an honor to follow MDs like Tales at Tea Time and Commonwealth of Marathon. What with it being the site's birthday this month, I thought it would be a good idea to take a look back at what makes this site such a special place. Part of that, and in many ways a very significant part of that, is the people. Whether it be someone seeking help on a technical problem, or someone commenting on an MD, the people here have consistently been some of the most helpful and amazing people around.
But even within Greenacre itself there have been many voices that have helped shape it and have provided their feedback. All of them have been a pleasure to read, and this has been an amazing experience to create this work. With that in mind, I thought I'd also look back a bit through the progress of Greenacre over the course of this week (and perhaps throw a few other things your way too). One thing I wanted to start with was something that has been a long time coming.
Way back when Greenacre was first started, in fact perhaps when it was still just being considered, one person had a request. That person was Joan. She asked for traffic data on the region. Not a bad idea, and also something I thought would be good to finally assemble.
I just got back from a trip today, so I wanted to at least post the initial part of this before I went to bed. I expect to have a few more variations done soon. Until then, here is documentation on Greenacre's Congestion Data (Clicking on the image will open a new window with a full scale version 1638kb):
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg39.imageshack.us%2Fimg39%2F1783%2Fgreenacrecongestionmap1.png&hash=9a65bcd92511bc1d33fe40cca89ca1a46c390b36) (http://img39.imageshack.us/img39/1783/greenacrecongestionmap1.png)
-Matt
Matt, you realise Joan won't sleep for a week once she sees that ::)
Well done on being part of the 4 in 1 challenge mate. That is a great traffic view and looking forward to the next week. :thumbsup:
Dave
Congratulations Matt,
It's really no wonder why your MD is in the third week of 4 in1 OSITM. &apls
Here is my challege.... ;) Let's see what you do with this.
News Braod cast from the Local channel 3.....
"The SS Central Gremable has been found!
What does this mean to the rest of the world you ask? Andrew Patterson, a university historian says this find gives us the chance to rewrite what very well might be incorrect history.
The SS Central Gremable was built just to transfer the gold from the Greenacre islands to the SC4 Mainland World Banks. On it's maiden voyage on May 27, 1838 the ship came under attack by Sam Blacksmith, called himself the last Great Pirate. There was a chase through the tight corridors of the islands passes, but Sam Blacksmith finally sunk the Gremalbe. But what was unknown to this day was whether or not Sam had taken the gold or if it had gone down with the Gremable.
Now, the 1850s marked an extraordinary growth period for Greenancre. After the discovery of gold at Buttin's Mill, "49ers" came from all over the SC4 world to strike it rich in the gold fields of Greenacre. On March 21, 1837, the Greenacre Cronicle reported to the SC4 world that "gold has been found in considerable quantities." It could be argued that this was the greatest news scoop in SC4 world history.
The soaring SC4 world economy, fueled by the rapid influxes of fresh real money from the Greenacre gold fields, set the stage for the most powerful industrialized nation in the SC4 world to develop. This was the decade when all the islands transformed into one government per se. Gold was more than an economic boost to the country. It was the catalyst that caused great numbers of Europeans, Chinese and South Americans to prosper in a region that just years earlier was sparsely populated. The Greenacre Gold Rush relics are symbolic of the SC4 world dream.
Captian Steve Trusher's salvage team will be the ones bringing up the gold and Channel 3 will be there to keep you all up to speed"
A newspaper article, Channel 3 update, pics of the crash site and salvaging.
Just have some fun and I'll see you around.
Robin :thumbsup:
Congratulations on your OSITM! That's quite the traffic map there, looks like you've got a few places that might need attention someday! Looking forward to seeing what else you've got coming up!
Replies:
-Dave (tooheys): Thanks Dave, and if you think that one will keep Joan busy, just take a look at what I have for today.
-Robin (rooker1): Heh heh, I went back looking for a few things and noticed that I was in OSITM the last time you pulled one of these things. This looks like an interesting challenge. I think I can come up with something. Until then, I hope you enjoy today's update.
-Battlecat: Thanks! It was something I'd been pondering making for a while now, especially since Joan had asked. I've seen the technique used before and it's not as much work as I would have though. There are a few spots that may need some work, but I'll get to those in time. It's a good thing Greenacre is mostly low density, it's less likely the roads will clog.
So yesterday you saw the beginning of something I was working on, Today I plan to finish that up. Joan, since you asked, here's:
Greenacre Traffic Data (clicking on each picture will link to the full-size version):
Car Volume:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg121.imageshack.us%2Fimg121%2F9840%2Fgreenacreroadmap111609.png&hash=95add290da8ae9f0b9a05c9caed4050ed9189dc4) (http://img121.imageshack.us/img121/9840/greenacreroadmap111609.png)
Bus Volume:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg163.imageshack.us%2Fimg163%2F4426%2Fgreenacrebusmap111609.png&hash=d375d91b6a82e602925a2313bb93a7fb94466662) (http://img163.imageshack.us/img163/4426/greenacrebusmap111609.png)
Passenger Train Volume:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg121.imageshack.us%2Fimg121%2F921%2Fgreenacrepassengertrain.png&hash=106e5ef1852553fee0fe575b12092bd8d6d3cc55) (http://img121.imageshack.us/img121/921/greenacrepassengertrain.png)
Rail routes of Greenacre (The upper four are railroads, the lower four are rapid transit/tram/trolley lines):
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg132.imageshack.us%2Fimg132%2F921%2Fgreenacrepassengertrain.png&hash=0f1ebffd654db3e3884e466f847041b43c5cd9db) (http://img132.imageshack.us/img132/921/greenacrepassengertrain.png)
Now then, you've already heard of the Greenacre Valley Railroad (GVRR (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6621.msg214708#msg214708)):
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg209.imageshack.us%2Fimg209%2F868%2Fgreenacrevalleyrailroadwk0.jpg&hash=ab0306673c9e2e2aec1f4c10c18a44216e1347f1)
And you've seen glimpses of the other railroads here and there, but here's a little trainspotting tour of the other lines for you railfans out there.
As mentioned, the Greenacre Vallery Railroad caters to much of the agricultrual needs of the area, but it also extends to the Mt. Sierra area (near the Sierra Camp campgrounds). This picture was taken from the hiking trail leading up the hill to the camp.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg22.imageshack.us%2Fimg22%2F5177%2Fgvrr.jpg&hash=a0ef8010868ea492538ec308fb4a6f227eb76286)
North of it, serving the farms of the Foxenfir area, as well as a significant number of passengers too, the Foxenfir Railroad has a monopoly on the rail-based transportation in the north. It was built on a principle of good service though, so the rates are still pretty reasonable. It helps that most of the farms here are maintained for personal pleasure (and thus funded with sizeable pocketbooks).
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg132.imageshack.us%2Fimg132%2F6937%2Ffrro.jpg&hash=1767ba651dd3aefe98e850b8b01ef11b0d7238e8)
The Capitol Corridor Railroad, not to be confused with the Capitol Corridor Railway (the metro line), provides access to some of the best cultural venues in the area, as well as to the governmental sector. It runs fairly short trains, but they run frequently. It also provides access to the major industrial areas of Greenacre.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg200.imageshack.us%2Fimg200%2F3692%2Fccrr.jpg&hash=290fc443f2299812ead1c6862f5eff90b48a2a12)
Probably one of the most photographed lines in Greenacre is the Surfliner route (also known as the Coastline Railroad. It has the longest length of track of all rail services in Greenacre. The GVRR might have more track miles, but the Surfliner's run is the longest single run of them all. It stretches around about 1/2 the perimeter of the island, connecting several major cities, and many towns en route. The route's northern terminus is shared with the Capitol Corridor lines and the station is indeed grand to support both entities.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg200.imageshack.us%2Fimg200%2F6061%2Fslrr.jpg&hash=f50215f9d9cc3abdde6f564c0e5134437992fb9c)
There are four light rail groups that operate in Greenacre too: The Capitol Corridor Railway (a subsidiary of the Capitol Corridor Railroad), the South Coast Trolleyway, the Newport Rapid Transit lines and the Shelter Island Trolley Lines.
Capitol Corridor Ry provides shortline service to areas where the Surfliner and Capitol Corridor RR don't stop or can't easily reach due to development in the area. The tracks are both ground level and elevated, and plans are in the works for a subway connection too if demand warrants it. It has recently made an extension toward the Government Sector, and growth is expected to follow it around the stations.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg410.imageshack.us%2Fimg410%2F2494%2Fccry.jpg&hash=6a5df0ed4e5d22e54f3cd35a123f4007911683de)
The South Coast Trolleyway is a simple point-to-point line that runs along the beach. It provides easy access to shops and such for tourists and does provide some use for residents who work in the area, but it is primarily a tourist/sightseeing line, and with the views of the beach it provides, it certainly does a good job. Surfboards may be attached to the sides of the trams too which is a big plus with the locals who want to get over to the inlet without paying for parking. The best surfing is near the Aristocat Inn, down near the bridge, but the Trolleyway makes accessing it much easier.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg410.imageshack.us%2Fimg410%2F2629%2Fsctc.jpg&hash=7008ce03bf845f27cb4b994165cd675a3db27489)
Newport Rapid Transit is a combination ground/elevated network that connects the commercial/industrial mixed core of Newport, with the airport and many residences of the town. It reduces the load on the streets, runs very efficiently, and gets the job done, but it does require additional funding from the city to keep it running. As the area grows though, it expects to generate a profit.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg197.imageshack.us%2Fimg197%2F1130%2Fnrtn.jpg&hash=fdfbc420c9a9b7539f9766d48651314ccfcffb99)
The last major light rail system is the Shelter Island Trolley Lines. This company provides exceptional service to the Shelter Island community. This island serves as a jumping off point for cruises, and is a favored spot of tourists in general. The SITL links residents, the cruise ship port, the harbor, fishing docks, and major commercial areas together as it rings the island. Population density here is enough that the system does generate a profit. Expansion plans are already in the works to develop the island's eastern side, and the SITL is already laying rail to it.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg200.imageshack.us%2Fimg200%2F1725%2Fsitl.jpg&hash=38eb1b5da3f7e9935ea3eadadd609a07682719d6)
Hope you've enjoyed the look into Greenacre's transportation options, and the overview of the rail options. Tomorrow, since Robin has posed a challenge for me, I'll have a challenge for you all as well. Who knows, there might even be a prize of some sort. Until then, take it easy.
-Matt
Hey Matt,
Great update. I am super happy that you were able to catch a train in each and every picture.
As for my challenge to you, glad you like it and yes the last time was when you were in OSITM. I like to keep you on your toes.
As for your challenge, I am truly intrigued and I look forward to finding out what you have up your sleeve.
Robin :thumbsup:
Nice update, Those volume maps look pretty good, and they're actually pretty informative! I also like those rail shots, good job catching those trains on the go!
Excellent update matt.
The maps are just splendid. Wonderfull work.
The pictures of the Greenacre Valley Railroad are beautiful.
The 8th pic is my favourite.
Replies:
-Robin (rooker1): Thanks Robin! Catching trains isn't too tough. Finding the right areas to take the pictures was fun too. It brought back some of the older sections I hadn't been to in a while. As for your challenge, it gives me some ideas, we'll have to see how they play out over the course of the week. As for my challenge, you don't get to play now that you know part of it, but thanks again for offering up the prize.
-Battlecat: Glad you enjoyed. The volume maps were interesting to make, particularly for things like freight rail (didn't show it) where it would just stop at the edge of a tile. Wasn't the most realistic for what I was going for (though it did show the freight flow per tile well enough). The maps should be easy to maintain too: just overlay a new map after the development is done. I enjoy taking pictures of trains in real life, it seemed only natural that I add a few here.
-Vivien (Earth quake): Thanks Vivien! It took a while to put them all together, but the end result seems worth the effort.
So for today's update, I've decided to take a page from David, Robin and others and have a bit of a contest. You've seen this before; just tell me the author of the picture and where it can be found on the site, do that for all 11 pictures and you win. Why 11 instead of 10? Because I like to go one step beyond. (It's not SC4 related, but bonus points if you know what that was a reference to.) No editing your posts once you have submitted your picks, and the first one to post with all 11 correct will win. As you will see, these are from all sorts of places on the site.
Additionally, thanks to a generous gift by Robin (rooker1) Jeroni (thanks for the correction there Robin, and thanks for the generous gift Jeroni!), the winner of this contest will receive a subscription to the site. If you win and already have a subscription, you may donate yours to a member of your choice (or you don't have to, either way it's cool). Have fun with this.
1:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg25.imageshack.us%2Fimg25%2F47%2F30380362.jpg&hash=3042d6671ac71681b41a600606f45da7d29fadc6)
2:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg256.imageshack.us%2Fimg256%2F915%2F89215915.jpg&hash=dba78164789db85857ad3447b0c098d1a4e2a3bc)
3:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg402.imageshack.us%2Fimg402%2F6663%2F98439931.png&hash=f4995bea1ecab88cd97cda357c6d5d3efe1e60b7)
4:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg213.imageshack.us%2Fimg213%2F1413%2F70099297.png&hash=eddecd5378cd8fce6bac4b57f58a95ebca36b34b)
5:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg34.imageshack.us%2Fimg34%2F978%2F51524840.jpg&hash=7de5f3580158a02d88e8b682b348add1c6b5d908)
6:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg22.imageshack.us%2Fimg22%2F1834%2F59246008.jpg&hash=1698302fdc1f4b50deec5c7861c357cbc727f460)
7:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg694.imageshack.us%2Fimg694%2F628%2F64539191.jpg&hash=3326012d591da36f809cc34a4d88bb233ca994d0)
8:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg694.imageshack.us%2Fimg694%2F7748%2F69012615.jpg&hash=28371b35f3972f630ac10fb137dc0a92a9e9cce8)
9: (part of a moasic)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg109.imageshack.us%2Fimg109%2F8973%2F60420633.jpg&hash=5f96adc472da09c9208f6e6da9c6d5f7671ec6ce)
10:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg22.imageshack.us%2Fimg22%2F7654%2F29399252.jpg&hash=ac6502089e49393b418c805f92ec41fb5a459c0c)
11:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg163.imageshack.us%2Fimg163%2F4159%2F27845369.jpg&hash=8357530e16cfb988754f3076986a82bf8838b129)
Good luck!
-Matt
Matt
What can I say but fantastic updates you've made.
Love the traffic views and then you top that off by showing the rail ones too. All 8 lines, marvelous &apls
Wonderful pics, really enjoyed looking at them,and such a variety of locomotives too :thumbsup:
Then you top it all off with a little bit of Madness (http://www.madness.co.uk/) :D and throw in a comp too.
I know pics 3,7,10 and I'm off to hunt the others down ::)
Hopefully I'll be back with the answers before anyone else gets here ::) $%Grinno$%
but knowing me I'll be too late :D :D
regards
Derry
Wow! The traffic seems to be flowing pretty smoothly, especially so for a region the size of Greenacre. The overall transportation layout itself is interesting, too, and I thank you kindly for posting the maps.
Now, on to the screen shots. The trains look great - the cars and locomotives in the rural scenes are the kind I've been looking for. If I ever get some tracks laid out, I'll be able to see for sure what I've downloaded.
I can see you've given much consideration to the placement of railways and railroads. Makes me wish both long-distance and commuter passenger trains were more widely used in this neck of the woods.
When I asked about transportation data, I didn't expect such a thorough and enjoyable response. Quite a pleasant surprise, so thanks again for posting it.
Now let's see if I can locate some of those pics in the challenge.
Later...
Joan
Hello Matt,
Awesome contest. Brings back a few memories. ;) I know a few of the pics, but I am definately stuped by two of them. I'll just have to sit back and relax and see who answers these questions all right first.
The subscription is from Jeroni as a thank you for your participation and being a great members of SC4D. I look forward to seing who wins this.
Robin :thumbsup:
What? No takers yet? I hope I didn't make this too difficult. There is another update set for today, but keep in mind, the competition is good for all week, so feel free to give it a shot. As for your thoughts Derry, while it may be madness, that wasn't what I meant by going one step beyond, though that was a good guess. Any thoughts on the pictures?
-Matt
Hey Matt,
I'll give it a try for a few of them.
1.
2.Spa in Spa's Atlantic Retreat
3.TTC in GVR2
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.threestooges in here
9.
10.
11.
I have to give the rest some more thought.
Robin ;)
Yay for my ability to edit into posts. This'll make things easier. Robin, you have 2 correct. -Matt
I certainly recognize a few of them, but boy there are a lot of shots on this site! I'll have to do some digging before I make my full set of guesses!
Here's my guess for all the pictures, MAtt !
1 -
2 - Spa ,Spa's Atlantic Retreat
3 - TheTeaCat , TheTeaCat plays GRV II
4 - Emilin , Blackwater (with Islas Gemas)
5 - Rooker01 , Mind scape
6 -
7 - Pat , Waterfalls... MD by Pat
8 - meinhosen , Chasing the Daylight , Southern Pacific Daylight #4449
9 - ;D ;D I dunno if I can tell it $%Grinno$% Art128 , Svanskinahya People's republic
10 - ManuelR , Valdivia - the beauty of Europe
11 -
The update was really nice, Matt, I really enjoyed watching it.
-Arthur. :thumbsup:
Very nice start Art. You have 7 correct. Not saying which ones though. Some of these were easier than I thought, but the game's not over yet. Good luck.
Heheh, I know with one isn't correct.. It's the 10 I guess ! l :P :D Anyway, there's always that last one that no one know from where it come from, except you, Matt.. :D - Arthur.
It's a nice competition Matt. :thumbsup:
1st picture: It's a JBsimio's bat and it found in "JBSimio Inc"
2nd picture: It's a SPA's bat and I found in "Spa's Atlantic Retreat"
3rd picture: It's a pic of TTC and I found in "TTC's Challenge 8 - Getting stuff in and out"
4th picture:It's a picture of Emilin the and I found in the update of Totoromota of Blackwater (with Islas Gemas)
5th picture It's a picture of Rooker1 and I found in the "Mind Scape"
6th picture: I think it's a picture of Battlecat and I suppose is in "Adara - Rediscovering Simcity 4 -"
7th picture: It's a picture of Pat and I found in the "Waterfalls... MD by Pat ___ Back after on the mend!!!", update "Number Three......"
8th picture: It's a picture of meinhosen and I found in the "Chasing the Daylight , Southern Pacific Daylight #4449"
9th picture: It's a picture of art128 and I found in the "Svanskinahya Socialist People's republic | update2, Karnav quarter."
10th picture: It's a picture of blade2k5 and I found in "Blade2k5's Accurately Scaled Maps - Requested South Africa Maps Pictorial."
11th picture :
:thumbsup:
Excellent work Vivien. You have the locations of 10 out of the 11. It seems the 11th is proving elusive for the moment though. As for #10, the location is correct, but what map is it? I'm sure you know, but I just want to check.
Sorry for the "double post".
The name of the map is Santa Barbara.
You are correct Vivien. So, where does that leave us? 1-10 have been figured out already:
1: JBSimio Inc. (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=351.msg9941#msg9941)
2: Spa's Atlantic Retreat (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=573.msg25280#msg25280)
3: TTC's GRV II Challenge 8 (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=9237.msg284291#msg284291)
4: The Totoromota Update from Emilin's Blackwater(with Islas Gemas) (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=261.msg256889#msg256889)
5: Robin's first update of Mind Scape (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=601.msg15985#msg15985)
6: Adara by Battlecat (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6976.msg239184#msg239184) (now in the classics section)
7: An early update of Waterfalls by Pat (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=722.msg19493#msg19493)
8: Chasing the Daylight by meinhosen (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=8420.0) I thought this one would be more difficult since it was down in the Real Life Pics of General Interest section.
9: Update 2 from Svanskinahya Socialist People's Republic by art128 (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=8550.msg267280#msg267280)
10: Blade2k5's first posted map in his thread of cartographic awesomeness (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=4294.0) (I also thought this one would be tougher too but he does some good maps.)
That just leaves #11:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg163.imageshack.us%2Fimg163%2F4159%2F27845369.jpg&hash=8357530e16cfb988754f3076986a82bf8838b129)
Whoever can get this one wins.
-Matt
Is it by Fred (mrbisonm)?
It looks like his work...
Ethan
-Nope, sorry Ethan, not Fred.
I believe the bonus picture is Nike Point in Pine Cone, a 3RR township. Here's a {Link} (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=112.msg175199#msg175199) to the original photo - it's the sixth entry.
Later...
Joan
Joan, you are absolutely correct! As per the rules set forth at the beginning of this competition, you may claim the subscription, select someone to give it to, or decline it at your option. Just let us know. Thanks again everyone for playing. Hope you enjoyed it. From here we'll head down to the southern coast of Greenacre for our next update, which will be in the morning. Until then, take it easy.
Congratulations Joan! &apls
I spend a fair bit of time yesterday scouring the site for that last shot. Frustrating thing is that I was certain I'd seen it before!
Congratulation Jmouse. &apls
I'm a little disappointed not to have win because I don't discoverd the 11th picture.(but this picture was really hard to found)
Thank you, Matt, but I already have a subscription. Even if I didn't, I wouldn't feel right about accepting the prize, though. Certainly not for one lucky guess when several others worked so hard to find the answers.
Therefore, I choose to forfeit the subscription, and suggest that it be awarded to whoever got the most right answers.
One thing I will do, however, is offer to purchase a subscription and donate it to the winner if there's to be another contest in OSITM. I think it's a splendid idea that's good for SC4D and good for the members.
Later...
Joan
Replies:
Thank you everyone who participated in this little contest. Hopefully it reminded a few people of where SC4D has been over the years. It was certainly fun going back and finding some of these pictures to use.I ahd a feeling the 3RR one would be tough, especially for anyone searching for it, as I basically went to the middle and picked a picture from it reflecting it's collaboration development. As for the prize Joan, as per your wishes, it shall go to the person who had the most right during the competition.
That person is Vivien (Earth quake), with 10 out of 11 right, and all very detailed at that. Congratulations. I'll see what all I have to do to get that subscription set up. We'll be in touch.
-Derry (TheTeaCat): Thanks, and unless I missed it, elsewhere, welcome to Greenacre! The traffic views took a bit of time to assemble, but they should be easy enough to maintain, and they'll give the opportunity for development progress over time too as long as I remember to take pictures. Thanks for the link there too, though it wasn't quite what I meant about the "one step beyond" though). They have a good sound.
-Joan (Jmouse): I told you I'd post the maps eventually, and I'm glad they met with approval. The traffic flow is helped by the fact that I tend to not make people commute that far. Most tiles have at least some form of all three zones in them. The trains and light rail help quite a bit too. As for the thought that went into the placement of the rails, it was more along the lines of "my developement is going this way, let's bring the rail along and put a station where I start building." Looking back on the US, that's sort of how it happened, railroads being a major force behind city development. Here, some cities brought the railroad to it, and some just grew up around it as it went. Not much rhyme or reason here, just what I felt like as I went. I do think rail travel holds promise, both intra and intercity. It's just an expensive up front cost of entry. Anyway, I've gone on long enough, and you know how I can talk if you get me going on trains. Glad you enjoyed.
So for today's update, we're going to look at a location I promised I'd get back to last time I was in OSITM. That area is around Firefighter Creek.
16.1
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg27.imageshack.us%2Fimg27%2F8172%2Fgreenacreregionalmap16.png&hash=a0493b07746307cd969cb57a81aded91599c14f7) (http://img27.imageshack.us/img27/8172/greenacreregionalmap16.png)
Firefighter Creek has its source from a reasonably moist hill. It receives significant rain throughout the year with maintains the level of the creek. It's a fairly slow moving body of water which supplies ample irrigation for the village of Patrick and the surrounding agricultural area. If you look just up and to the left of the town, you'll see a holding pond near the water tower that supplies the drinking water for the area.
16.2
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg692.imageshack.us%2Fimg692%2F9921%2Fmcmahonoverview.jpg&hash=0cd9da6ae05ad080d5151963e9581190777bfb9c)
Patrick itself is a quiet little village that many of the local farm workers call home. For being such a small town, it does have a fair selection of shops. Several tenants specialize in antiques and it's slowly becoming a popular get away spot for those who enjoy picking up knick knacks.
16.3
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg43.imageshack.us%2Fimg43%2F7462%2Fmcmahontownoverview.jpg&hash=4cefc20a4fe3422c5c3812d0cef67cd75bc4a195)
Part of the creek's name derives from Firefighter Falls, so named for the strong spray it produces. Even though the creek isn't large, and doesn't flow that fast, the path it takes here is narrow enough to give the water quite a bit of force, resulting in the cascade you see here.
16.4
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg5.imageshack.us%2Fimg5%2F2670%2Fmcmahonfirefighterfalls.jpg&hash=ee3828d00233a474da7d025440d4e4a0d336dbd7)
The second source for the creek's name is arguably derived from this old firehouse. Still in sevice, this station provided the staging ground for battling a major wild fire that spread along the hills north of the town, along the ridge separating this area from the valley. The creek provided sufficient water for both hose crews and aerial drops.
16.5
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg29.imageshack.us%2Fimg29%2F779%2Fmcmahonfirehouse.jpg&hash=a815a120b6718c774b86e4c46441ec98ef4c571c)
One of the local farms. It specializes in husbandry and, though the field may seem somewhat small, the horses here are taken out for rides regularly as part of a local horseback riding tour that goes past several farms along the roads, stopping for a quick lunch in Patrick itself, before heaidng back.
16.6
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg5.imageshack.us%2Fimg5%2F2357%2Fmcmahonhorsefarm.jpg&hash=96a6d278cdb21a606578ccabc890425c596dbea1)
You may recall this area from an earlier shot, but here is where Firefighter Creek empties into the ocean after a quick set of rapids which are just off the lower edge of the picture.
16.7
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg693.imageshack.us%2Fimg693%2F4985%2Fmcmahonfirefightercreek.jpg&hash=ed14fe97b2eef762119bc455c0f3bce541c297aa)
Told you I'd get back to this area for a more detailed look Pat. Hope you all enjoyed.
-Matt
Ooh, what a lovely little village, Matt.
...and it happens to be named after Pat...
Coincidentally, you're a poet and you didn't know it! :) ! But really though, that's a wonderful little village and a great blend of Maxis and Custom Content. And the detailing put into the stream is really amazing. Greenacre is becoming one of my favourite MD's (Now that I think of it, I can't imagine why I never came here before!). I really like that horse farm, I make lots of my own farms with RRP fences, too! Although, Matt, I find it peculiar how you got that house to face the RailRoad. Is it a custom lot?
Ethan
Fantastic work!!! :thumbsup:
Hey Matt,
Fantasic contest and I'll get the rest setup for Vivien (Earth quake).
This group of pics are awesome. I'm not too big on the colour of the plopable water, but it's just my taste I guess. Some of your river "sides" don't seem high enough to the point that the water is alomost ready to spill over. Hope that makes sense. ;) Other than that, I Love it all.
I hope you have time for at least one more update before Sunday.
Robin :thumbsup:
A nice island, really nice island... :thumbsup:
This village is really beautiful and the small waterfall in the 3rd picture is just splendid. ;)
Great work.
I accept this "Subscription" and once again, congratulation for another participants. ;)
That's a classy little town there! It stands out quite nicely on the region map with the river. I particularly like 16.6, you did a great job detailing that farm.
Good-looking island in 16.02, Matt. I like the way the little village has developed - the W2W buildings are especially attractive and very appropriate in this setting. Excellent work on Firefighter Falls, too.
Overall, you've done a great job on this update. Each photo is interesting in its own way, and I really like the horse ranch. Reminds me of the old Houston Fat Stock Show and Rodeo, preceded by several different trail rides, including the well-known Salt Grass Trail.
Watching the participants arrive in Houston and ride alongside busy highways under the watchful eyes of police was so exciting. Soon after, the stock show and rodeo opened and was in town for at least a couple of weeks. I even got to shake hands with Roy Rogers, King of the Cowboys, when I was a child! That was the only time I ever got to see him in beautiful living color, 'cause all we had back then was black-and-white TVs! ;) Lots of wonderful memories from those days long ago.
Later...
Joan
Replies:
-Ethan (ecoba): Glad to hear you liked the update, and glad to hear you'll be coming around more. As for the house facing the rails, that's actually a part of the farm lot itself. If you'll notice, in that pic the road curves which effectively allows the lot to face that way. Surprisingly it grew that way and I think I ought to find a way to better incorporate that house and driveway into the area. Unless the owner has a railcar it'd be tough to drive right out of there at the moment. Thanks for stopping by.
-Thomas Neto: Thanks! Glad to hear you enjoyed it.
-Robin (rooker1): Thanks for taking care of that Robin, and Jeroni, thanks again for the subscription! As for the PW, it may be a bit blue, but I tried to soften it with a bit of the TPW too. It does appear to be spilling at some points, partially because I wanted it to be a very shallow stream. I've seen this in a few places before, where the slope was so slight that if the water level rose even an inch it could spread out quite a bit. Perhaps not the safest in terms of flood control, but that's the way it works sometimes. Hope it doesn't seem too unrealistic. As for more updates, I do have a few more things planned, as you'll soon see.
-Vivien (Earth quake): Thanks Vivien! As I recall, the waterfall and others of similar size, can be found in the 3RREX (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=5603.0) in the 3RR section of the site. It's under Jeronij ploppable rapids and waterfalls I believe. As for the subscription, you certainly earned it, and Robin (rooker1) is going to go ahead and get that set up. Enjoy!
-Battlecat: Well thank you very much. That's a fine compliment coming from someone who has made their share of nifty little towns. As for 16.6, you could say I had some inspiration for that one based on another MD around here, though those farms there tended to focus on cattle. For such a relatively small area it does stand out pretty well on the map doesn't it? Glad you enjoyed.
-Joan (Jmouse): JBSimio's work just fit this area so well with his Small Town stuff. I think much of it is plopped (partly why there's so much of it too) but it does get the feel I was looking for. If you don't mind my asking, what's the Salt Grass Trail? I'm not too familiar with Texas aside from a visit there many years ago. Really neat you got to meet Roy Rogers, and it sounds like the Show and Rodeo was an excellent event when it came there. Glad I could bring back some memories of it, and glad you enjoyed.
So today's update will focus on Independence, the main industrial sector of Greenacre. Filled with many warehouses, distribution centers, and some high tech firms along the canals, the area is in a battle with the local residential zones. The area is desireable, even with its industrial undertones. Residential is beginning to move in and the area is changing. Likely soon dirtier industries will pull up stakes, take the moeny for the land and set up shop somewhere else. Not sure where that'll be though. Time will tell.
However, before I show the area, I had commented to Jon in Covington about his mosaics and the way I got around "cut cars" in them (you'll see in a minute). Anyway, since Jon was good enough to put together a BAT tutorial for me as I was working on the boat for 3RR (now all I need is a "how to make a convincing weathered wood texture" tutorial), I thought I'd show here, for him and anyone else with a curiousity about it, an easy way of working around it.
So here's the problem:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg24.imageshack.us%2Fimg24%2F4738%2Fps2layeron.jpg&hash=280bf34b60053d6f9cecb0db2dd2ffe5eebae905)
When you turn off that layer, the car shows through no problem, and the blue-ish car that was in the lower layer disappears:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg504.imageshack.us%2Fimg504%2F5631%2Fps1layeroff.jpg&hash=4026efb437c3a38a91b138f9edabc4d78e67f752)
Well, pulling out the eraser tool makes it easy to erase the parts of the upper layer that are cutting off the car:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg40.imageshack.us%2Fimg40%2F446%2Fps3erase.jpg&hash=559424abcd65a9d846bd8d4af8a195b08061ef24)
This leaves you with the best of both worlds. The car now fully shows and you get the extra traffic where there wouldn't have been before. Since traffic moves around as you take pictures, you can also use this erasing technique to show more cars on the roads where the images overlap which can help improve the liveliness of a scene.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg40.imageshack.us%2Fimg40%2F8231%2Fps4result.jpg&hash=ec2ede83bbf31f82912580795d0dbecdd5d5c9e3)
So with that having been said, let's see what that can do (click on it to link to the full size 1783x4359):
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg40.imageshack.us%2Fimg40%2F8032%2Fps5moasic.jpg&hash=f1f38405f99ec30d9c5224e2bea133179ae0ce3f) (http://img40.imageshack.us/img40/8032/ps5moasic.jpg)
This has been a fun week so far, and I still have a thing or two left for tomorrow. Until then, take it easy.
-Matt
Yes, it would be hard for the farmer to get anywhere.
Such an interesting discovery! I've always wondered about that car glitch. Do you have a modd that automatically changes your streets to brick? I've noticed that they're all brick in Greenacre, or is it just the SAM?
Ethan
It also gives me pleasure to bring us to page 20 of your wonderful MD, Matt!
Matt,
I must apologize for not getting here and commenting more often this week! You've shown so many things during your time in OSITM and, while I've peeked in, I've never had the time to say as much as I would have liked to. &ops I enjoyed seeing the transportation map all pieced together like that... it's an idea I might just steal soon, if you don't mind. It's made me interested to see how well (or not) the Covington network really functions as a whole. The update with the rail lines was also very interesting and I've studied the maps several times since you first posted them. Firefighter Creek was a great rural update with pictures 16.4 and 16.6 being two of my favorites there. And finally, thank you for the little Photoshopping lesson. I'm still not sure that I have those options with the software I use, but it gave me a couple ideas that I may be able to use as a work around solution. I'm sure we'll find out soon enough! ;)
Excellent stuff all around, my friend... &apls
JB
Tricky little now-you-see-it, now-you-don't demonstration. Very clever, indeed, and definitely a keeper for future reference!
The mosaic is excellent and shows just how much time and thought you have put into Greenacre. The parks are especially interesting, in part because of their locations. They effectively break up the monotony of endless development while providing accessible recreation areas for residents. I think it would be safe to say their placement is very logical, if that makes any sense. IMO, moving or eliminating any one of them would disturb the balance and stability of the scene.
You have done a fine job during your week in OSITM, and I have thoroughly enjoyed these enlightening glimpses of Greenacre. Hope you will continue along the same lines when you're back in the trenches! And maybe we could even have a little chat about showing some population data... ;)
Later...
Joan
*Edit* I almost forgot you asked about the Salt Grass Trail ride. It is the oldest event of its kind - this {Link} (http://www.texasbob.com/travel/tbt_salt_grass.html) will give you a bit of background and give you an idea of the enormous crowds it draws. Also, February in and around Houston can be pretty raw, cold and wet. Weather conditions are not always ideal by any means, but it doesn't dampen the spirits of the participants a bit.
And FYI, in the era I spoke of, there was a Fat Stock Show in conjunction with the Rodeo - it is now called the "Livestock Show."
Hope you enjoy it, and just Google "Salt Grass Trail" to see more sites.
Clever idea using the eraser to touch up the images like that. That mosaic is very impressive, great looking industrial area in that city.
Matt, a great week you are having here. The rural update is well done with some great detail shown there :thumbsup:
Interesting trick with the mosaics and sure to be of interest to many. Your mosaic itself is very nice indeed. The parks are well laid out and I really like the canal work and its use with the buildings at the bottom of the mosaic. :)
Great work
Dave
Replies:
-Ethan (ecoba): Well, as I understand, it's not so much a glitch as that a lot only needs one tile of its front to touch a road in order to be connected. That's the way it worked here. The brick streets came way before the SAM. It is actually a brick street mod from ST by ardecila as I recall. It has since been incorporated into the SAM. I liked that it blended well with the BSC park paths I use too. Thanks for the Page 20 welcome too.
-Jon (JBSimio): Absolutely no need to apologize. Always good to see you here too. It's been a fun week, and I'm glad you enjoyed it too. It allowed me to catch up on a few overdue things I promised to get to, and let me just get back into playing again (ok, also gave me a reason to get to it). I'd love to see the transport maps for Covington. They take a bit of time to get all put together, but they seem to be worth it in the end. That horse farm in 16.6 seems to be catching everyone's eye. I should thank Battlecat for letting me steal... I mean be inspired by, his ranch style. Glad you found the mosaic tutorial interesting. If your photo program does layers it should be able to do this if you make the smaller bits each their own layer. I'll keep an eye out for new Covington mosaics.
-Joan (Jmouse): Happy to help with the editing trick. It's not anything that groundbreaking, but it's useful. As I mentioned on MSN, the thought that goes into Greenacre is more of a story of the tile. I don't plan where things will go in any great detail. I'll pick a few attributes to go certainly places and let the rest of the city fill itself in as it seems to fit. Even though Robin might disagree, I added at least one of those parks in there because I was tired of looking at the sea of industry. That may actually what brought the residential areas moving in closer, as they seemed to fit then.
I had a look at the Salt Grass Trail and that looks like a really neat way to get into the Livestock/rodeo spirit. I liked what the article said about it being fast enough to get you there while being slow enough to think about where you're going. Must be fun to see. Thanks for sharing that.
-Battlecat: Thanks. It really helps clean up any lingering bits that don't quite sync up. I also used it to clean up some smoke plumes from some of the factories in that mosaic as well. I've been trying to develop the area to be a sea of manufacturing and warehouses. Distribution centers and the like. It seems like it's just about there. I'll also have to show the high tech sector too sometime here soon. Perhaps I'll make that the next update. Always good to see you here.
-Dave (tooheys): Glad you enjoyed Dave! Good to hear you liked the rural update. I've seen what you can do with it, and that is quite impressive. I'll be sure to expand on the canals there in a future update. There's some interesting industry, commercial and residential development that's all taking place around there. Take it easy.
So to wrap up this week here, as I said at the start, the people here are what help to make this site such a great place. With that, here are the people who have helped bring Greenacre where it is today. Whether it is one comment or many, it's always good to hear from you, and get an idea about things that catch your eye here.
Post count as of yesterday (Saturday November 21, 2009)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg90.imageshack.us%2Fimg90%2F4010%2Fgreeacrepostschart11210.jpg&hash=b6b6ef7ffba3a6ef1d49aedcfc64d564ddeb51db)
Thanks for visiting, and thanks for an excellent week here in OSITM.
Avatars collected courtesy of Jmouse. If your avatar was not included and you have posted, it was either that we couldn't find one or that you didn't have one when we went looking. Still, thanks for stopping by and leaving a message.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg94.imageshack.us%2Fimg94%2F264%2Fgreenacreregionalmaposi.jpg&hash=fb262427dab35a00d3848631dd34c97eb1b89a82) (http://img94.imageshack.us/img94/264/greenacreregionalmaposi.jpg)
-Matt
Excellent finale, Matt! I knew you'd come up with something clever, though! :)
Later...
Joan
Well done Matt &apls &apls
A really enjoyable week I had (lurking mostly ::) ) but I really did keep an eye on what you were up to.
I even learned a few things ( never thought of searching for "half cars " in my mosaics.)
The revisit to Firefighter creek was great but I too will admit I'm not that keen on the colour of the PW $%Grinno$%
Thanks for the tutorial too - very handy
All in all it looks like you had a great week as part of the 4in1 &apls
Untill the next time
regards
Derry
what I'm going to write for reply?
A congratulations for your 385 messages (388 now) and see your work on your MD. :thumbsup:
oh man, so AWESOME!! :o :o :o :o
I am pretty shocked that I only posted once.
Fantastic mosaic on the last page :o
cant wait for more :D
Joe
Very interesting little graph, Matt.
I hope your hectic month has relaxed for you a bit by now.
I hope to see you reply to my post soon. ;)
Robin :thumbsup:
Intertesting regional map. :D
I greatly enjoyed this past week, and I hope to see more soon as always! Hard to believe how many posts I've made here. :)
Wow, great idea put the avatars icons on the regional map!!! Fantastic work!!! :thumbsup:
Nice stats and map! I like that inland lake! It must be very furtile soil around it seeing how many farms are around it. :thumbsup:
A great finale, Matt.
Greenacre is really a beautiful island, and looks like it would be a lovely place to live.
Looks like my avatar was not found, but it's fine, I'm just glad that you got chosen for this special privelige of 4-in-1!
Ethan
Great job :)
Replies:
-Joan (Jmouse): Thanks Joan, I couldn't have done it without you. Thanks for going on that little avatar hunt for me. That was a great help. Glad to see the results were worth the work.
-Derry (TheTeaCat): Great to see you Derry. Lurking or not it's always good to know one's work is appreciated (though seeing the response is always good). I hadn't thought of the half car thing until I had one staring me in the face. It's a rather easy fix though. The trick is spotting them sometimes. Firefighter's Creek is one of the older areas of Greenacre, and as such hasn't been updated in a while. I have a few tricks to try with the water though (one of which can be seen back here (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6621.msg220565#msg220565) during my first OSITM thing). Perhaps it'll get an update in the future. It was a fun week, glad to hear you enjoyed it.
-Vivien (Earth quake): Whatever you choose to write, it's always good to see you here. Thanks for the congratluations, and hopefully there will be many more posts to come.
-Joe (JoeST): Glad you liked it. It took a little while to put together, but that was mainly work for the tutorial. You won't have to wait much longer. An update is here.
-Robin (rooker1): I found the graph really interesting to put together. With Joan's help I've been keep track of who posted when and it's really interesting to see how it breaks downa nd all the people who have played a part in bringing Greenacre where it is today. I haven't forgotten about your challenge yet, and now that finals are over, I might have some time to properly ponder it. Hopefully you'll enjoy this in the meantime.
-Bobbi: Thanks! I thought it was a nice touch.
-Battlecat: Glad to hear it. I have one more thing for this update that you might find interesting, or hopefully useful. Not sure how far along you are with your light rail lines, but hopefully you'll enjoy. 37 (now 38) posts is nothing small in the least, and it's been great to see what you have to say for each of them.
-Tomas Neto: Glad you liked it. I'd seen it done before, and it seemed like a fitting way to thanks everyone who's been here. Take it easy.
-Daniel (danielcote): Thanks Daniel. The valley area there is very fertile. That lake was formed by rainfall that had cascaded down the surrounding hills. There were a couple updates specifically devoted to the valley area back here (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6621.msg212325#msg212325) in the first few updates. If you haven't seen them yet, have a look. There was plenty to see there.
-Ethan (ecoba): Thanks! You happen to have a place that you've seen so far that you like in particular? Sorry your avatar didn't make the list, but I couldn't find it when I made my check of things. I'll add it to the file though. never know when it might come in handy. Hope you enjoy today's update.
-Scott1964: Thanks, and welcome to Greenacre! Hope to see you around more.
Whew, It's almost been a year here. So much we've seen, and yet so much still to see. Good to see you're still here though. I thought today we'd take a trip out to the Capitol Corridor Railway. It's the light rail system that serves most of the center of the island.
17.01
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg706.imageshack.us%2Fimg706%2F8749%2Fgreenacreregionalmap17.png&hash=a1bf049ef5c4798fcf00cba67c8d5ee88e578253) (http://img706.imageshack.us/img706/8749/greenacreregionalmap17.png)
Here's a copy of the route map for the railway. It will help get you oriented as we shoot through the stations here.
17.02
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg130.imageshack.us%2Fimg130%2F3650%2Fcapitolcorridorlightrai.png&hash=18d7a358607e9f61c918fddb8e854354802b1617)
Since we're here already, we'll start out at the Howard H. Fine Transportation Hub. I'm sure you remember this place from when I showed you around our new government sector here (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6621.msg239069#msg239069). They done some work around there since then and now there is a separate entrance to the Orange Line just off to the side. It helps for the locals who don't want to fight through regular passenger rail traffic to get to their trains, about 260 to be presice according to usage reports.
17.03
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg23.imageshack.us%2Fimg23%2F4257%2Fhowardhfine.jpg&hash=bfa209ca800f5121b24fc18b10579dbfdeee3cb6)
Just down the rails a bit, and the first station that we hit once we get back above ground, is Palisades Parkway. This is the gateway to a local little industrial park. There's not much parking in the area, so the workers who at least are close to the station take the train when they can. The station fields about 113 passengers according to the last report.
17.04
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg706.imageshack.us%2Fimg706%2F92%2Fpalisadespkwy.jpg&hash=198479371a4b89a224893b130d5ebf5fb5e3355c)
A straight shot down the line is the Balboa Blvd. station. It's next to a commuter rail stop and sees slightly improved numbers at 224. It's also directly adjacent to a commercial office center.
17.05
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg694.imageshack.us%2Fimg694%2F2518%2Fbalboablvd.jpg&hash=ebe33dac5559df2218268b20d6de3d5a58c80602)
Going down the line a bit more the tracks cross over the commuter line which runs straight as an arrow through the area and then branches off to a new spur. The line crosses back over the commuter line, right near another commuter station. This is the Manhattan Rd. Station, home to the popular, and well used, Manhattan Transfer. 298 people regularly pass through this area.
17.06
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg69.imageshack.us%2Fimg69%2F466%2Fmanhattanrd.jpg&hash=74afcf5ad9cf6408046ae129785ff03957dc4267)
Further down this spur is a station that sees no passengers, in fact there's nothing around it. The trains don't even run there, yet. So why is it here? The railway owners are expecting swift development and, similar to the way Los Angeles' Pacific Electric financed its growth and stimulated LA's development by building streetcar access to places that hadn't been developed yet, so to does this line run here. For now though, it's just a lonely station at the end of the line. Moving right along.
17.07
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg707.imageshack.us%2Fimg707%2F9083%2Fsunsetst.jpg&hash=813dded747f601b6b4a0a10b1ff60acceb72ae37)
Back up on the main line now, the next station along the way is Newport Street. A few more commercial offices and a few smaller shops make this a popular spot on the way home. The station apparently receives 1732 passengers on average.
17.08
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg69.imageshack.us%2Fimg69%2F9323%2Fnewportst.jpg&hash=2a28600a7171e7494dee406644c0451bb6a61e0c)
Next up is Seal Street. With a passenger volume of 373 it's less popular than Newport, but it still plays host to a number of services including a nearby theatre. It's not uncommon to see folks dressed up for a night out sitting next to folks on their way to the store for a carton of milk. It's certainly easier to time the ride here than in you drove. The route runs remarkably efficiently. Possibly because the drivers are really quick during there station stops. I've seen a few times when a lady would be getting off here, evening gown trailing behind her, and getting snagged in the closing doors. Good thing it slides right out. The driver would be disappointed if he had to stop for such a delay as someone dragging alongside the train.
17.09
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg704.imageshack.us%2Fimg704%2F7747%2Fsealst.jpg&hash=9064763cd99a28d03f563a90217dcfa648323332)
A quick detour runs down to the Union Station station (yes, brought to you by the Department of Redundancy Department) where passengers can catch a train going region wide. Most folks just drive to the station and as of the last check this station is barely even used (aka: 2). Not sure why, but hey, it's there if they need it. As of now, no trains run the route, but there is a subway connection in the works to expand the system down this way.
17.10
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg704.imageshack.us%2Fimg704%2F1057%2Funionstation.jpg&hash=1fe483ba06f7381787f1b9adc036604331dafd4f)
Since it wasn't in the image I had of the station itself, here's one of Union Station at night:
17.11
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg693.imageshack.us%2Fimg693%2F7044%2Funionstation1.jpg&hash=73c23282be348f288585cb065bfefa162fa599e9)
This next stop is the busiest one on the line. The Church Ave station serves as a transfer stop between all three lines. Consquently, it has an average usage of 4,525. We'll transfer to the Green line here and take the full loop around.
17.12
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg199.imageshack.us%2Fimg199%2F6449%2Fchurchave.jpg&hash=13e9735d28ebce7419c7d94959de85b8bc5b0238)
Heading clockwise around the loop we first come to the Daylight Avenue stop. with 3,226 passengers it caters to a major residential area. Many residents take the Green Line clockwise from here to get to work, but a number do still hop on the Orange Line at Church Avenue.
17.13
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg199.imageshack.us%2Fimg199%2F1996%2Fdaylightave.jpg&hash=e02da9d250f25c64aaab7e72f941ac569f6504be)
Next we enter a long straight-away along Huntington Avenue. There are three stations along this part: Huntington Avenue South, Huntington Avenue, and Huntington Avenue North.
Huntington South stops at a popular little plaza. It hosts a farmer's market every so often and is a popular place during the Christmas season. Right now they're not set up, but it's a nice place to visit if you get the chance. You've seen it before back during that photo tour promotion thing we did way back when. On average it'll be visited by 2,701 people.
17.14
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg704.imageshack.us%2Fimg704%2F4692%2Fhuntingtonsouth.jpg&hash=db46591bafc7bd7d60c2c30ba837535fe2a466b2)
Huntington Avenue is a commercial office stop plain and simple. The towers line one side of the line and the sunken railroad tracks follow it on the other. 1,848 passengers.
17.15
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg12.imageshack.us%2Fimg12%2F7117%2Fhuntingtonave.jpg&hash=56be5c91776a99085a1623186e19a5be6b24f701)
Huntington North is on the edge of the office district that gives the Green Line the nickname "Commerce Loop", but there are still a few commercial services around. It's mostly apartments and condos though. 939 passengers on average use this station. Things seem to be in fairly close walking distance though.
17.16
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg693.imageshack.us%2Fimg693%2F1296%2Fhuntingtonnorth.jpg&hash=9a6fde8bbb4c4dd29245f37234bb669022b1f52b)
Jutting up just a bit further into the residential area is the Stanford Court loop. It took a bit of land but it was faster to run the train around a loop here than to try to reverse it and switch it to the return line. Though the cars are set up to be operated from either end, the driver would still have had to have walked the length of the train to get things going again. It's much easier, and safer to keep the driver at the controls and things moving forward. 506 passengers pass through this station on a regular basis.
17.17
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg51.imageshack.us%2Fimg51%2F3337%2Fstanfordct.jpg&hash=293d26b37532f801d08c43facfb01f47f03558bd)
Slipping back down onto the main loop, we hit the two industrial stops in the area, each with a 277 passenger average. The first one is Hopkins Rd. Not much to say about it except that there are several of those fancy high tech industries around here. I don't know what it is they do, but their buildings are always squeaky clean.
17.18
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg51.imageshack.us%2Fimg51%2F8343%2Fhopkinsrd.jpg&hash=a11f904a3daee511e5d84a16537f8d523816c695)
Down the line a bit more is Crocker Dr. there are a few small shops that have popped up around here to take advantage of the industrial workers who pass through the station twice a day. The bakery on the corner there has some great muffins and cupcakes.
17.19
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg199.imageshack.us%2Fimg199%2F2586%2Fcrockerrd.jpg&hash=895999755b30deb148c7956ae7330504921a86a5)
Running back to the Church Avenue transfer station, we'll grab a Blue Line train down the Caboose Spur, so named for the station at the end (Caboose Street), but we'll get there in a bit. First up is Shiela Street. It's a smaller station, but with the odd assortment of buildings around it, it still plays host to 657 passengers.
17.20
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg198.imageshack.us%2Fimg198%2F1641%2Fshielast.jpg&hash=05c2bf9f7212711d8285f6825ff9b2dbdebe55e3)
Down the line a bit, and around a couple of curves is Tucker Drive. With so many apartments surrounding it, you'd think there would be more usage of this station. Still 160 people is pretty reasonable. It'll keep the line going, that's for sure.
17.21
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg12.imageshack.us%2Fimg12%2F5817%2Ftuckerdr.jpg&hash=d99bfda3ad9a9f11814211de02757bdda66f0a7f)
Lastly, sitting at the end of the line and ending abruptly in a park, is the Caboose Street station. With 126 passengers running through it, Caboose Street lacks the loop seen up by Stanford Ct. With so few people on the line, it's just easier to reverse the train's direction and run a simple point-to-point route between here and Church Avenue.
17.22
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg199.imageshack.us%2Fimg199%2F5091%2Fcaboosest.jpg&hash=123f4ef16cc747a85598a5a40bde1547e25a15c8)
So, having taken that whole run, here's a quick breakdown of how the traffic load is spread. Many people still use their cars, but as the graph shows, significant pedestrian and light rail traffic help keep the streets from becoming parking lots. The top graph is without vehicle traffic shown, the bottom graph adds it in for perspective.
17.23
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg690.imageshack.us%2Fimg690%2F6089%2Ftrafficgraphs.jpg&hash=daf226e395594d75040741adcf9e625a4d8a2394)
Lastly, before we wrap things up here, here's some proof that a transit system can be run profitably.
17.24
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg690.imageshack.us%2Fimg690%2F5083%2Ftransportationexpensesh.jpg&hash=7c4b442e2571f72a636b17cda35c11da6bd66cdb)
Hope you enjoyed that tour of the Capitol Corridor Railway. It's a fun little system and it works pretty well.
-Matt
Nice update , but i think some of your Transitways need re-terrforming they look alittle unstable :P
~Corey
It looks like you've got a good passenger rail/GLR system going, Matt, and I enjoyed the backstory as much as I did the pictures. :thumbsup: Keep up the good work!
Matt simply stunning stuff has been happening here!! Glad I stopped in Greenacre to fill in on the latest devoplment and here is to another year...
BTW congratz on now 400 replies and welcome to the next page my friend.....
Hey Matt,
Great to see you back again, it's been some time now. I hope you did well on those exams.
That was a pleasing update Matt....Most of what you do is pleasing and enjoyable. I really like to see people's differnt types of rails working in thier cities. I know it can be a pain in the butt sometimes to get them working just right.
No worries about the challenge, I know you will get to it when you have the chance. ;)
Robin :thumbsup:
great job !!
Thats quite the nice looking system you've got in this part of Greenacre. Looks to me like you aren't having any troubles with getting people to use the system! That green roofed GLR station is a nice one, I don't recognize it on first glance.
Also, I've got to say that map is pretty impressive! Simple maps like that fulfill a pretty critical purpose for navigating since the riders don't care about the distance between two stations as much as they care about the order. That's one thing I've never actually put together in all my time making maps. A network style map requires a different approach that what I usually take at work. I tend to approach mapping for absolute accuracy. Someday I'll have to try my hand at a network map.
Great-looking update, Matt! 17.03 is especially attractive - the landscaping near the station is a really nice touch. Glad you included a placement diagram, too - I'd have been lost without it!
It looks like the tracks go airborne pretty quickly after leaving the Howard M. Fine station. This foils "beat-the-train" daredevils and keeps street traffic flowing more efficiently I guess.
Living where you do, I imagine you've seen much more than I have in the way of mass transit design and usage. So I hope you'll clear up a couple of questions about your in-game network.
In 17.12, it seems like the beginning of an awfully steep incline on the left side of the picture. Or is this just the ground-to-overhead transition piece? Then in 17.21, there's a pretty sharp angle where the tracks cross the road. This may not matter at all in RL, but it just looks a bit odd to me. Once again, you're the train expert, though, so if you say it's OK, then it's OK! :thumbsup:
This is one of your better updates, Matt - and a very pleasant scenic trip through Greenacre.
Later...
Joan
Replies:
-Corey (Nexis4Jersey): Thanks, and you're right, that spur does need some work. I'll get the local DOT on it as soon as I can, before a train derails. Good to see you here.
-metarvo: Thanks! The backstory was fun to write, and I'm glad to hear people enjoyed reading it. The system does actually function pretty well too. I was pleased to see that. Always good to see you.
-Pat: Good to see you Pat! Thanks for the anniversary congratulations and thanks for bringing us to 400 posts. Merry Christmas my friend! Hope to see you around more, and I hope you're feeling better.
-Robin (rooker1): Exams went pretty well I think, thanks! Also, while a good GLR layout may take some work, it's a fun kind of work. Glad to hear you enjoyed it. Merry Christmas my friend.
-Battlecat: Thanks! It did work pretty well on the first try, and I see your's is working well too from the looks of things. Once the area gets up and running I hope to see your traffic data too. It'll be interesting to see how it functions. The route map was actually made from the El Rail map of the SC$ game graph map I made earlier. The stations are eyeballed, but aside from that, it's mostly to-scale. I'd love to see what you could do with one though, especially with your attention to detail. Merry Christmas Battlecat. Always good to see you here.
-Joan (Jmouse): Merry Christmas Joan! Not too much beat-the-train here fortunately. Folks seem to realize that the train will always win. Especially when it's steel wheels on steel track... several dozen tons don't stop on a dime. There will be the occasional accident, but it's usually basic inatteniveness. Minor injuries usually and a trip to the body shop for both car and train (more the car than the train usually).
As for where I live though, we had mass transit, and we're starting to get it back, but LA is known now more for its freeways than its trains. I'll see if I can work in some more detail about the Pacific Electric lines at some point here in the future. The steep incline in 17.12 is the ground to overhead transition piece. It's actually not too steep. I'll have to dig up a picture, but a slope like that is actually not out of the ordinary for a light rail system.
17.21 stuck out to me for some reason, and you and Corey have both picked up on it. It will be getting straightened out soon.
Always great to see you here Joan!
One day before Christmas, and one year now since I first started working here. Hard to believe how fast the time has gone. Seems like I was showing you a postcard from Fergus Coast not too long ago. Well, I have a new picture for you. It's not quite Currier & Ives, but have a listen to this (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bBFXAEhWsio) as you look over our next little stop.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg195.imageshack.us%2Fimg195%2F4073%2Fchristmas2009b.jpg&hash=94a00ab74607afe474fa839a0f0a7d7943effdef)
Thanks for a great year here, and Merry Christmas to you all!
-Matt
Beautiful winter shot there! Is that using Peg's new snow mod or did you track down a different solution? Snow on the roof is a nice touch!
Ahhh, yes - a snow-covered farm with a heart-shaped lake. It's warm and cozy inside the house, though, where the smell of cookies baking fills the air along with shrieks of delight as children open their gifts. Shades of Currier and Ives here!
Hope everyone enjoyed a Merry Christmas - or Happy Holiday Season as the case may be - and looks forward to the beginning of a great New Year and a new decade filled with bright promise!
Later...
Joan
I hope you are having some grreat holidays!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Years.
Robin :thumbsup:
Replies:
Battlecat: That is actually the game snow cheat, David's (dedgren's) seasonal tree lots, and a bit of photoshop work for the snow on the roof tops, tracks in the snow, chimney smoke, and dirt by the feed troughs. Glad to know it was appreciated though. So yeah, Greenacre has a small history of snow in the higher elevations.
Joan (Jmouse): Indeed Joan. It's what I was going for as I listened to a few Christmas songs (one in particular). Wow... that makes me realize how long it's been since I've updated here. I really need to start playing again on a regular basis. I suppose this could be a good first step for it then. Always good to see you here.
Robin (rooker1): The holidays were quite fun, and so was the Super Bowl. I've filled you in a bit on the status of your challenge, but hopefully this will keep you satisfied for now.
So this is what happens when you get a bunch of things going all at once. Sorry I haven't seen you all around lately, but it's been one meeting after another, after this, after that. On the plus side though, I finally got out to Shelter Island again. This time, out on the east coast where most of the towers are.
18.01
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg638.imageshack.us%2Fimg638%2F7660%2Fgreenacreregionalmap18.png&hash=d79c977288df659c0ad2a0968d0027e40e83dc40) (http://img638.imageshack.us/img638/7660/greenacreregionalmap18.png)
Here's the east coast of the island. There's a significant commercial office strip running down the middle, several high rise residential structures, but along the coast it's largely single family homes. The light rail system of the island wraps through the area here and, in an experimental setup to the railway, actually runs on the streets with traffic, harkening back to the old days of streetcar service. It was manily a space requirement, and a few issues with right of ways resulted in some interesting track layouts as you'll see.
18.02
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg163.imageshack.us%2Fimg163%2F466%2Foverviewn.jpg&hash=cb89aefef270abd5885a36ec1219b526fdb6a6d1)
The main stretch of offices is well-served by the line, and it's a good thing too. Parking in this area is at a premium. There's a bit on the back side of the buildings near the park, but it's nowhere near enough to meet the needs. Fortunately, with the light rail covering the island, getting to work is easy enough. Kind of damp when it rains though.
18.03
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg716.imageshack.us%2Fimg716%2F4998%2Fdowntown.jpg&hash=3de7dcd3ae68a12a99545e43c59b79b9106f3a7b)
Just down the road is the result of putting streetcars on the roads: it makes intersections that much more fun. The Shelter Island Transit Lines (SITL), responsible for the light rail and busses, launched the line in conjuction with a media campaign reminding drivers that streetcars can't stop on a dime. It was a somewhat controversial ad, but they ran a streetcar at full speed and placed a dime on the tracks. They had the conductor throw the brakes once the car hit the dime... and then showed it plowing into a car they had parked on the tracks. Now, I know that's a bit extreme, but it got a great response from the male demographic, and the line boasts one of the safest records in the entirety of Greenacre. The picture here is from the commercial itself. You can see the van spinning off to the left of the train.
18.04
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg716.imageshack.us%2Fimg716%2F4885%2Fglrtintersection.jpg&hash=fde4fdcb0be4ea0ce772927bdaac97255de30629)
Fortunately for those who may be tempted to beat the train, the majority of the track is separate from the road. This has given the designers some fun options to work with. Residents have compliemented the grass between the tracks, though it does pose an interesting challenge for the landscapers. With trains running as often as every seven minutes, they need to move fast. Some of them have joked about tying their lawnmowers to the back of a train at the station and letting it take car of things for them... at least, I think they're joking.
18.05
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg638.imageshack.us%2Fimg638%2F6969%2Fglrnearschool.jpg&hash=acd6eb2380d32a3768cc33ab8ff0ac426218e002)
I mentioned some interesting issues with right of ways earlier. This area is probably one of the best examples. In addition to navigating through the busy avenues and roads, those blue and red houses to the left of the image were asking too much for their property so, rather than pay it, SITL decided to just go around them. If you're standing, be sure to have a good hold of something as the trolley takes a few quick turns through here. The kids from the school love it though. Those that take it home always seem to enjoy the ride.
18.06
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg196.imageshack.us%2Fimg196%2F1269%2Fschooloi.jpg&hash=007ab81bf4deb341fa22095eba955a7cc04db2a4)
You may have noticed that there are a lot of houses fronting the tracks, but a recent trip to Adara inspired the designers. They have left stretches of the forest to serve as noise barriers. They also act a bit as sight barriers too. You can just make out a train here in this picture.
18.07
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg683.imageshack.us%2Fimg683%2F5582%2Fglrtreeshield.jpg&hash=8819e5885bdd65c07d18b3afd93b71eb42a6295b)
Down along the shore you can get away from the urban feel of the area, and get back to nature. Their position on the bay makes them some of the highest priced properties on the island, if not some of the smaller ones. Unlike some of the groomed beaches around Greenacre, this side of Shelter Island decided to maintain the natural look. Most of the beach in the previous picture is owned by the city.
18.08
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg690.imageshack.us%2Fimg690%2F7351%2Fcoastalhouses.jpg&hash=ca0d3b00743817951637162b2306b0755306cd6c)
These however, are private still. Also, a few of the smaller lots are being purchased and larger houses are beginning to creep in to take advantage of the secluded feel, as well as the view.
18.09
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg196.imageshack.us%2Fimg196%2F6565%2Feastcoastshore.jpg&hash=7e1a1e93face750c408471d518e109ac2550afaf)
Sorry again it's been so long. I do have a few new things going and I'll be sure to post a new update a bit sooner this time.
-Matt
Fantastic! You've done a great job with the GLR in this town! I quite like how the grassy style looks in your town. Also, very nice job with the shoreline!
Nice little story about that commercial, that style usually gets peoples attention!
Satisfied...of course I'm satisfied, especially after that last pic.
The houses fit in perfectly with the shore line and the finer details you added in.
Robin :thumbsup:
Cool pics Matt! I really like how the GLR is used. And great story about those houses.
-Jordan :thumbsup:
I agree with the others, I love the use of ground light rail here. Very good! :)
Finally, another Greenacre update! Now, if I could just light a fire under a certain other NUTs member... But that's another story for another time and place!
I always enjoy visiting the outlying islands and seeing new development there. As CBDs go, you've created a good one here. I like the way you've used the PED tiles - unusual and very effective as a way of binding the whole scene together.
As a rural dweller at heart, I've never hesitated to express my distaste for cityscapes, but you've done a good job on this one. The city park in 18.03 looks right at home, and you've done a great job of laying out GLR (18.04). The neighborhoods look good, too. Mattb325's houses are in an elite class by themselves - like many players, I have every one of them!
I know how busy you are during this last semester of school, so I can certainly appreciate the difficulty you've had in finding the time to do an update. We can all hope the pressure will abate pretty soon.
Later...
Joan
QuoteSome of them have joked about tying their lawnmowers to the back of a train at the station and letting it take car of things for them... at least, I think they're joking
Sheep might work until they get tired. But then you'd have a lamb roast for dinner $%Grinno$%
Good to see Greenacre on the move again, and a fine update at that. Looks a great and a good story as well :thumbsup: You might want to try some diagonal fillers for the light rail, but that's a minor thing.
Dave
Wonderful work on your city! Looks great! :thumbsup:
Nice shoreline. Can it be that it remains me to Maine?
Replies:
Battlecat: Thanks. This was actually the test city for all the new GLR bits and pieces. The grass sections worked quite well around the residential areas, best around higher wealth development too. I've been studying some styles of folks who have been doing some good work with their shorelines, and picking up some tips as I go. I tried to keep a natural progression to transistion from grass to dirt, and to attempt to show tide lines. Not sure if that last part came through though. As for the commercial, it seems like people would be much more responsible around crossings if they knew the risks from visual experience. Seemed like a commercial would be the best way to get that across (and also to explain why that intersection has no signals).
Robin (rooker1): Glad to hear you enjoyed the update. I was quite pleased with how well the flora was able to work in around the houses. You can almost see the fog and smell the salt in the mornings. If you have any suggestions for general landscaping (that don't involve removal of palm trees) let me know. I think I have an idea for your storyline too, but that will be an update for another day. Always good to see you here.
Jordan (canyonjumper): Glad you enjoyed it. Also, I think I should say welcome to Greenacre! I've always enjoyed fiddling witht he GLR system, and with the creation of these new puzzle pieces, the options continue to grow. I don't normally do very dense areas, but one seemed in order to justify playing with the GLR-in-road/ave pieces. Not that you really need a reason to play with them of course. Thanks for stopping by.
buildingup: Thanks, and welcome to Greenacre! There were a few areas that were tough to fit together, but it's a fairly efficient system.
Joan (Jmouse): I suppose we could try to be persuasive for a few other folks, but then again, when I'm updating once a month, I'm not exactly burning up the track myself, heh heh. The outlying islands have been where I've been doing most of my development. As you know from the chats we've had, Greenacre has been in the works for a few years now. The updates in the islands have been done using all the experience I've gained over the years. There are still stops in Greenacre I'll revisit and just pull out the bulldozer for. I should remember to take some pictures before I get rid of stuff though. Might make a fun before-and-after. I'm not sure how the area as a whole turned out since I just started drawing roads and filling things in afterward, but I'm glad to hear things seem to fit in well. I think the ped malls you're referring to are actually the GLR lines. The park is one of the areas that just seemed to come together. I'm not sure how well the overall urban area works, but there were certain spots, like the park, I liked about it. School's still going pretty well, but I still have time for the game here and there. Glad to hear from you Joan.
Dave (tooheys): Nothing wrong with a rack of lamb. Jus tnot sure I'd want to scrape it off the front of the car. They have a thick enough coat they might just bounce off... and into traffic... oh well let the drivers worry about that. Any suggestions for versatile diagonal fillers (since the LE and I have an interesting relationship)? The fact you're enjoying the story is a big compliment considering some of the plots you put together. How's the progress going on Clontarf by the way? Good to hear from you.
bat: Thanks bat! Always good to see you around here.
Engorn: Welcome to Greenacre! There was no intentional replication of Maine, but with a lighthouse there it seems like it would have some similarity. I was actually hoping to have the whole island area feel tropical, so I may need to revisit that part. Maine is nice, but it's not quite known for being tropical. Thanks for stopping by.
So I suppose an update once a month isn't so bad for the circumstances. This time we're off to take in a bit more of the winter wonderland that can be found in some of Greenacre's higher elevations.
19.01
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg215.imageshack.us%2Fimg215%2F249%2Fgreenacreregionalmap19.png&hash=2e8d10a18c1bc74e6e1abd6e105bd50c434beb13) (http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/249/greenacreregionalmap19.png)
Snow Cloud is a small ski area located just on the fringe of the farming areas of the northern part of the island. It's a local's ski area to be sure, as there aren't many facilities around to support visitors overnight, but those who do choose to make the drive in are treated with a plesant drive through the surrounding farmland.
19.02
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg69.imageshack.us%2Fimg69%2F6950%2Ftrailmap1.jpg&hash=bc80803ab6069c657210d89fc631cd59396d2086)
Construction was swift when they built the place, though it had to be to get everything up during the off season. The lodge itself is a great work of art,
completed in just 7 months. The foundation was laid soon after the ground had dried from the snow melt, and its roof was completed just a week before the first snow of the season fell.
19.03
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg97.imageshack.us%2Fimg97%2F6138%2Fmainlodgesummer.jpg&hash=4e60a6891fccbc4d43b2b42a6f5bef3023d44112)
A cafeteria for lunch, shopping for those who forgot to pack their gloves, or want to get the latest style of ski (and didn't think to get it before they drove up here), everything that the skier might need for their day on the slopes. Hop outside, step into your skis and you have two lifts to choose from.
19.04
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg265.imageshack.us%2Fimg265%2F8574%2Flodge.jpg&hash=70cf79d07d11353c8268a456b6fdd56743d9bb34)
For those who aren't quite ready to take on the likes of Pinball, or who just want a quick refresher, Snow Cloud's ski school is a quick way to get up and running; or in the case of some, up off the ground and back on their feet (watching a line of skiers topple like dominoes is a somewhat common sight here).
19.05
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg251.imageshack.us%2Fimg251%2F9241%2Fskischool.jpg&hash=e84269ce612e6148cfca727743e30d941f293744)
The mountain opens early and those who are ready for it (and who skip/survive the ski school) a sunrise run is a great way to start the day.
19.06
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg535.imageshack.us%2Fimg535%2F7120%2Fsunriselift.jpg&hash=f5e7a403b7961ee98d14a8eeceee806453416445)
Three of the more expert runs: Blizzard, Flurry, and Pinball. If you look at Pinball on the right, you will see the severe terrain undulations that give the run its name. Skiers on the lift can occasionally catch people catching unexpected air on this run as the slope changes cramatically in places.
19.07
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg267.imageshack.us%2Fimg267%2F2686%2Fblackdiamond2.jpg&hash=da7687959e90635b712e9518b979be2b7ce09756)
Wherever you ski though, it's a good run, and you can use the ride up the hill to decide which one you want to take.
19.08
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg140.imageshack.us%2Fimg140%2F3798%2Flift1side.jpg&hash=f050c84c50a7e76f78c42192aba4ecbef8169c85)
The other lift provides good views too. It's certainly the easier side of the mountain, and a ride up this chair gives you a good look at skiiers of all experiences taking a lazy run back down toward the lodge.
19.09
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg402.imageshack.us%2Fimg402%2F1584%2Flift2side.jpg&hash=60e2cb0427c1be6dc70649f4428276c2f8545886)
The constant flow of skiiers up the lift ensures there's plenty of action on the slopes, but at the same time it means people need to get out of the way quickly or risk being smacked by the next chair creeping up behind them. There are flat spots up at the top though so groups can wait for everyone to get together before bombing down the hill.
19.10
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg28.imageshack.us%2Fimg28%2F3955%2Ftopoflfit1.jpg&hash=3cb8ddb407100d73d67a303183a4aeadbfc23aaf)
All in all, it's a quiet, local place that's a good spot to spend a winter day.
19.11
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg52.imageshack.us%2Fimg52%2F9982%2Fbaseoverview.jpg&hash=3f3993472eac34c6714b7c729057d21efc140bb9)
-Matt
Excellent update Matt! I always like seeing skiing resorts, and yours is no exception. Great use of Pegasus's ski resort stuff!
Your friend,
Jordan :thumbsup:
That's a great update Matt. I love that chalet. It reminds me of a skiing spot right near my house. You have a lot of folks enjoying the slopes. Break a leg!
Geoff
Very nicely done ski resort, I especially like the overview map :)
Fantastic update, Matt! I love a good ski resort, and the amount of detail you've put into Snow Cloud makes it all the better. Keep up the terrific work!
Very nice. I think that it's alt that people what makes it so real. &apls &apls
Hey Matt,
Good to see another great update from you.
The ski resort looks very well laid out. I have not had the chance to play with that stuff yet. Now that I see how well you have done with it, I think I had better get moving.
The regional view looks great as always. Can I spy some built up areas? Have you been playing?
I look forward to my little story line. To tell you the truth, I sort of forgot about it and thought you might have too.
Anyways....I hope all is going well for you.
Robin :thumbsup:
Really nice update, Matt.
I do like the way that you have used the ski lifts in Greenacre and the lodge at the bottom of the hill is also a very nice BAT. If I ever need a ski resort I'll have to download some of PEG's stuff, as I haven't seen it in action before now.
Ethan
Great looking ski resort! That's a fantastic detail for your region!
A very impressive update this time, Matt. The promotional brochure in 19.02 was a great idea. It adds a stiff belt of realism to the entire photo spread, and that's always a good thing to do.
I know nothing whatsoever about skiing and the various accommodations, but it looks like you've laid out the lodge and surrounds with customer convenience in mind. I love the lighting effects in 19.06, but the idea of tramping around in the snow at sunup chills me to the bone!
The different scenes you've spotlighted all look good in their own way, and 19.11 is especially attractive. Just one question, though. I don't see any street/road access, although it could be just covered by snow.
I've really enjoyed looking through this update. It's certainly a departure from the norm, but a very pleasant one!
Later...
Joan
Beautiful snow resort there I really like the pictures of it in summer aswell as winter
Will
Replies:
-Jordan (canyonjumper): Glad you enjoyed it Jordan! The models are great. I'm still trying to get the hang of the snow mod he made (neat trick with the winter/summer props though) but the snow itself is the game snow cheat. Overall though, it's proven to be an interesting set to play with. Glad you enjoyed it.
-Geoff (calibanX): Welcome to Greenacre! Glad to hear it touched close to home. Actually, the density of skiiers here is drawn from a few small local areas I used to live near. They were somewhat short runs (they offered night skiiing too) and it seemed to pack people in there. Here, it was just a nice day and people were getting out to enjoy it. This is probably more than the area would normally see, as you can see from the size of the parking lot. Hopefully there won't be too many broken legs here, but if there are, the ski patrol is right at the bottom of the slope. Thanks for stopping by, and I hope to see you around more.
-nedalezz: Thanks, and welcome to Greenacre! The trail map was a fun one to put together. I don't normally do much photo editing, but I thought it seemed appropriate, and a good way to tie everything together. Glad you enjoyed it.
-woodb3kmaster: Why thank you very much. If you liked the detail here, you should see it in Spring. Well... hmm... since Spring has sprung... I wonder if... hmm... yes.
-Engorn: Thanks, and I agree, the people props really help bring the hill to life. Without them it just looked static and dull. A bit of action always seems to help a picture out I've noticed.
-Robin (rooker1): Always good to see you, and I really should drop a line by Mind Scape some time soon. It's been too long. I'd be interested to see what you could do with the ski sets that are out there. As for your storyline, don't worry, it hasn't been forgotten. I'm just trying to find the right way to do it. I have been playing, though I'm not sure this region shot shows all of what I've been up to. Which development was it that you thought you saw? I can assure you, there are things down the line that are in the works. I may be in touch with you about that later too.
-Ethan (Ecoba): It works pretty well. It's kind of strange working with his snow mod. The way it's put together, certain props, like the skiers, aren't available unless the snow mod is on (and the skiers will only appear in the winter when it's installed), and a few of his flora props too will change with the presence of the snow mod. It's a neat little innovation, but a bit tricky to work with at times. I actually used the snow mod in its limited form with the game snow cheat covering most of the terrain (Peg's snow mod doesn't seem to have a set of snow textures for my current terrain mod). The menu items are a bit scattered too (but then that's also a part of my ecclectic plugins folder). All in all it's a pretty good set. Great models, but it does take some trial and error to get everything to line up right. I'll try to keep an eye out for a ski area from you. Let me know when you get one going.
-Battlecat: Thanks Battlecat. It seemed appropriate given the time of the season.
-Joan (Jmouse): Thanks for the detailed comment Joan. The trail map was something I wanted to make sure I had (and also what delayed the update for several days as I learned various photo editing skills), and I think it turned out well for the efforts. From my days of skiing, it was always nice to be able to get right to the lifts, but at the same time, space at the bottom of the hill is always a consideration since that's where eveyone will be heading at the end of whichever run they choose. Perhaps if the thought of a morning run is a bit chilling, start the day with a good cup of hot chocolate in the lodge and watch the die-hards freeze themselves to the lifts? The one side effect of making snow the way I did (game cheat) is that it shrouds the streets in snow as well. There's actually a road running in front of the lodge, off to the left and around a corner (you can sort of see it where there aren't any trees in 19.11. The farm fence there also gives an idea of where it is). I probably should have tried to make a few ruts in the snow from where cars had driven over it to make it stand out a bit more, but that's an idea for next time. Always great to see you here.
-Will (penguin007): Welcome to Greenacre! Glad you enjoyed it, and if you liked the pictures of it in summer, well, you're in for a treat next update then.
I just got back from my grandparent's house after spending Easter there. Hope you all had a great day too. There will be a new update coming, but it's taking some time to put together. In the meantime though, perhaps a little teaser and something to celebrate the season is in order.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg297.imageshack.us%2Fimg297%2F981%2Fgreenacreeaster2010.png&hash=d0f229ed33a3f535aa9effc9c0fdcb0a91208005)
More to come on the next update.
-Matt
not sure if i have ever posted here but, this is some really good work.
That is a great looking picture for the coming of spring :)
Nice Easter card, Matt! The Greenacre Board of Tourism certainly know how to attract visitors. Give me a little time to pack and I'll be there by sunup. :)
Later...
Joan
Wow! Great pic, Matt!
-Jordan :thumbsup:
Hey Matt,
Great Easter picture. The family and I did have a great Easter. It didn't take long for the kids to be covered in chocolate. It amazing how they can find a way to get it in their hair when it's suppose to be going in thier mouths. ::) What a mess I had to clean up.
I look forward to hearing from you and what you are up to. Any time you see me online my friend, any time.
Robin :thumbsup:
Replies:
-mightygoose: You've posted now. Welcome to Greenacre mightygoose, good to see you here, and thanks!
-kwakelaar: Thank you, and welcome to Greenace! If you liked that, enjoy because it is just a taste of what is to come.
-Joan (Jmouse): Consider the flight booked. The flowers are about to hit their peak here soon, as you'll see.
-Jordan (canyonjumper): Thanks Jordan!
-Robin (rooker1): Thanks Robin! Glad to hear you and the family had a good time. The choclate cleaning part must have been fun. Hope you took some pictures of them covered in it so you can get your payback at things like weddings and all, heh heh. They say food is something that must be experienced. I'm not sure if that's what brought the chocolate to their heads or not, but hey, it sounds like they enjoyed it.
So, it was penguin007 that gave me the idea to head back up to the ski resort in the spring time, after the snow had melted. I'd never thought about it much before then. After all, most people go to a ski resort to... well... ski.
But as it turns out, Snow Cloud ski area keeps its doors open year-round. The melting snow works wonders to bring the hillside to life, and as a result, tourists from all over Greenacre who come to revel in the open fields of wildflowers.
One increasingly popular method of getting there involves flying into a landing strip that a local farmer carved out of one of his fields. It's a bumpy landing, but it gets the job done. Until it's paved though, this will likely remain a point of entry to the area accessible only when the snow is off the ground. The ski area has a shuttle that will make runs to and from the landing strip and a private company has started running excursions to the area under the name "Wildflower Flyer." The trip includes a flyover of the ski area.
21.01
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FGreenacre%252021%2520ski%2520resort%2520summer%2FLandingstrip.jpg&hash=0515a934eb1bbe5286ec086ddb211420e1a05ce2)
Also, contrary to popular belief in the winter, there is actually a road that leads up to the ski area. It's nothing special, just some tar slurry over some asphalt. It tends to be resurfaced pretty much every Spring after the snowplows chew it up during winter.
21.02
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FGreenacre%252021%2520ski%2520resort%2520summer%2FSkiAreaRoad.jpg&hash=9697926b1949434205ef796aa3741b419c3c3d2e)
The two lifts at the resort (Poppy and Goldenrod) are actually named for the flowers that dominate the slopes beneath them. The Goldenrod lift is a bit of a misnomer though, as most of the flowers there are actually mustard. I think the developers just though Goldenrod sounded better. Go figure. For you horticulturalists out there, there are five principle species of flower you'll see around here:
yellow - Mustard (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mustard_plant)/Goldenrods (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goldenrods), blue - Foothill Larkspur (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Delphinium_hesperium), orange - California Poppies (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/California_poppy). and white - Daisies (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asteraceae).
The farmers tend to keep a close eye on the Larkspur as I understand it. There are several small cattle ranches around here, and the stuff is toxic to cattle.
21.03
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FGreenacre%252021%2520ski%2520resort%2520summer%2FBlueflowers.jpg&hash=6573d47bac2ec8ccc4ba3c5f137d53e7db51bd2a)
Catching either of the lifts is a surefire way to get a birds-eye view of the landscape. The Poppy lift, as the name implies, will dump riders off amid a field of poppies that spring up around the top of the lift.
21.04
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FGreenacre%252021%2520ski%2520resort%2520summer%2FPoppyLift.jpg&hash=7ec1b27894b0e595eb78c847fefe485722a9f465)
Conversely, the Goldenrod lift will put riders amid a field of... you guessed it: mustard!
21.05
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FGreenacre%252021%2520ski%2520resort%2520summer%2FGoldenrodtop.jpg&hash=6b47b156998b39b8ea47884ab08f83ee21d80bb9)
There are trails though that meander up the hills and through the fields of color. Depending on the difficulty level you desire, you can take the flatter, and longer, poppy trail:
21.06
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FGreenacre%252021%2520ski%2520resort%2520summer%2FPoppyLiftside.jpg&hash=77bdf96577d8b263d37067ca7cccedd691908646)
Or for the more adventurous, there's the Mustard Pass trail (I think someone finally talked to the marketing department). This one features several switchbacks, and climbs a rather steep slope. Off to the right, you can see what the Pinball run looks like in spring. The steep cliff is prone to slides, and rocks litter the bottom of the cliff.
21.07
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FGreenacre%252021%2520ski%2520resort%2520summer%2FGoldenrodmiddle.jpg&hash=6f4997838732ede1bb55237ed3ee80aba0b9c866)
Speaking of the rockslides, there's a fresh one near the top of the slope.
21.08
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FGreenacre%252021%2520ski%2520resort%2520summer%2FRockslide.jpg&hash=cc7226ebdc92086d99e97ca748af8ea07ce429ef)
The two trails are connected at the top of the hill by the Daisy Trail, which helps to form a loop, allowing hikers to experience the whole mountain easier. It runs through the shade of a valley whose walls become flanked with white daisies with the runoff from the melting snow.
21.09
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FGreenacre%252021%2520ski%2520resort%2520summer%2Fmiddlepass.jpg&hash=bf6372cbe93502ae6cab064ad753ed18dabd109e)
Snow Cloud has started to take advantage of the summer-time buzz by getting in touch with a local financier and developer. As a result of this pairing, Snow Cloud has introduced the Winterton Summer Concert Series. Right now, it's just a group of folding chairs and a temporary stage set up on a concrete pad that gets snowed over in the winter, but it's attracting sold out crowds for some pretty big name groups. The lodge's restaurant also steps up their game by planting a couple of gardens near the venue from which they supply their kitchens for the pre/post show dinners.
21.10
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FGreenacre%252021%2520ski%2520resort%2520summer%2FWintertonConcert.jpg&hash=01cb14d15846051610f27e0d6fa7024920853f6d)
The stage is positioned with the fields of mustard enveloping the hill behind it and, with the variety of flowers directly surrounding the venue, it makes for a feast for the eyes, and the nose.
21.11
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FGreenacre%252021%2520ski%2520resort%2520summer%2FGoldenrodSide.jpg&hash=b19e852623d56fa81b616c5aac5273b4362c6588)
Something to leave you with here, from a flyover of the Wildflower Flyer, a mosaic of the Poppy Lift.
21.12 (links to full size image)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FGreenacre%252021%2520ski%2520resort%2520summer%2FPoppyLiftmosaic.jpg&hash=620bb33e485cf0b7f25a3f6249303267047f47a6) (http://img39.imageshack.us/img39/3957/poppyliftmosaic.jpg)
Hope you enjoyed.
-Matt
Well, that definitely has something of a flower field in the alps. But if there are rockslides there are usually some avalanches, too, and if I see the flanks of that ski lift ... ::)
Take care!
Bernhard :thumbsup:
So nice areas !!
I really enjoy ski resorts and this one is well done &apls &apls
I can't promise you but I hope that we will release all we have done in which concerns european ski resorts ::)
Anyway beatiful region ;)
Fantastic work here! Dont think i've ever seen a ski resort in the summer before! :P
Hey Matt,
Nice to hear from you the last few days and get in those games of chess, but it's even nicer when we get a new update from you for Greenacre!
This ski pack that everyone is playing with looks great, and I'm sure I've said it before some where, but I haven't had the chance to play with it yet. Doesn't really fit my playing style....can you imagine a ski resort beside a huge dirty industrila factory... ???.... no one would ski there. Although, recently I have been trying my hand at some farming communities to round out my region play with the CAM. My region is realatively flat, but who knows maybe there are some hilly, maybe even mountainous areas and than I'll be calling on you for sure for some advise.
That farm in the first few pics....did you make that yourself? My farms all seem very plan and I see so many other really nice farms out there, including yours. Any advise here would be appreciated. ;)
Great update and I can see myself moving your MD to The Classics very soon!
Robin :thumbsup:
What a nice looking update, you have surely mastered the technique of making pleasing looking meadows. The concert venue is a nice touch to this update.
Revisiting the ski resort in the springtime is a great idea, Matt! The hilly terrain was interesting during the winter, but now we can see the finer details of this lovely landscape! It's especially interesting to see how many of the hiking trails follow much the same paths as the lifts.
You've done a good job laying out those pathways, too. I've not fooled around with them much yet, but I'll get my chance to play with them one of these days. All in all, another fine update – a good idea carried out with an eye for colorful detail!
Oh, glad to see you found those roads! ;)
Later...
Joan
Whew, Matt, you've truly outdone yourself. Your previous work was amazing already, but this sets a new standard for all MDs.. The summertime ski venue looks absolutely fabulous: I've got no words to describe it's beauty. Hope to see a new update soon!
Wow. Matt, this looks amazing! Your meadows look awesome and the concert venue is great!
-Jordan :thumbsup:
-Bernhard (Nardo69): Glad you enjoyed the fields. I have never been to the Alps, but I hear they are amazing. Hopefully one of these days I'll get over there. As for the avalanches, yes, that is a problem area. There is a reason that run is a black diamond (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alpine_skiing#Ski_trail_ratings) run on the map. Fortunately anything that does slide tends to go down the hill instead of toward the lift supports.
-girafe: I hope you do. I've seen some previews of your work that look exceptional. When you have something ready I'd love to see it, and perhaps the resort may be interested in expanding. Glad you enjoyed.
-marsh: Welcome to Greenacre, and yes, ski resorts take on a life of their own in spring. Summertime at a number of resorts can be a great source of hiking and mountain biking actually. Former ski trails are wide open for a good ride. It's exhausting though, especially considering it's all at altitude where the air is thinner. Glad you enjoyed.
-Robin (Rooker1): Robin... in Mind Scape... with farms? It can't be. I'll have to swing by and take a look at what's going on there. I'm always happy to provide some thoughts. If you see me online, feel free to strike up a conversation there, but perhaps I can come up with a bit about how I do farms. However, if you'd like to see some excellent samples of farms, I'm pretty sure you know about Tales at Tea Time (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=1346.msg307917#msg307917) but battlecat has also been doing some excellent work in Adara (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6976.msg321097#msg321097). He reminds me a lot of Darmok's work in Anduin Valley Revisted (http://www.simtropolis.com/forum/messageview.cfm?catid=36&threadid=59816&enterthread=y) (which provided quite a bit of inspiration for my style). Also, Some of the farmland of Digby by lewellan222 (http://www.simtropolis.com/forum/messageview.cfm?catid=36&threadid=43752&highlight_key=y&keyword1=digby%2D%20east%20coast) from way back in Simtropolis days had some fine bits. He worked well with the game back then. It all depends on the look you're going for.
The farm in the first picture is not mine. It's actually a custom work by Victory from way back in the day (Jul 22 2003). It can be found here (http://www.simtropolis.com/stex/details.cfm?id=634) at Simtropolis. It's old, but it works. One of the benefits of never cleaning your plugins folder I guess, heh heh. Always good to see you here.
-kwakelaar: Thank you very much, and welcome to Greenacre! You can thank Barby for the concert venue. I told her I just wanted a little something for the base of the hill (cement platform, folding chairs) and she came up with an excellent fit for the area. I've seen areas around here that can get like this in the spring time. Next time they bloom, I really ought to try to get some pictures. Granted, it's on a much smaller scale around here, but the colors are still as impressive. Thanks for stopping by.
-Joan (Jmouse): Thanks Joan! I've actually been mountain biking at Mammoth, CA one summer which is what partly inspired the idea for the trails. Some of them were rather steep and just dove down the hill, others were more meandering, and I was hoping to capture that here. Actually, since you got to take the lift up, the steeper hills were better (they weren't those cross-country trails that also went up) and it's a plus when you've been used to sea level air and are suddenly at several thousand feet trying to pedal. The trails are actually rather easy to lay, just click, hold, and remember to move your mouse slowly along the intended path. They should fill in with minimal problems. Always good to see you here Joan.
-Casper (caspervg): That's quite a compliment Casper. Thanks! I may try to expand in the future, so hopefully I can keep up the standard if I do. Always good to see you around here. Hope school's not keeping you too busy.
-Jordan (canyonjumper): Thanks Jordan. It was fun to put together. Perhaps I'll expand on the area at some point in the future.
From the spring thaw, into the early days of summer. This is the time when the thoughts of many turn to the end of school. For some it's the summer, for others, it means graduation. Today, we're going to look at one of Greenacre's centers of higher learning:
22.01
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg198.imageshack.us%2Fimg198%2F2277%2Fgreenacreregionalmap22.png&hash=39230858660f9105a6d983b8221d290085b902cb) (http://img198.imageshack.us/img198/2277/greenacreregionalmap22.png)
Cliffton University:
22.02
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FGreenacre%252022%2520College%2520Life%2Fautumn.jpg&hash=f6f1893e56e88b5abaa00db2af2f14b5c042978a)
There are two common mistakes made about the school. First, people often attribute its name to the fact that it is just across the street from the incredibly steep cliff you can see so clearly in the regional map. It is instead named for James J. Cliffton, the founder of the univeristy. When asked by the local paper if people might confuse it with the presence of the nearby cliff he was heard to remark "What cliff?" Those almost proved to be his famous last words as he walked the grounds with the reporter, but fortunately he was able to stop in time. Actually, the name and proximity of the university to the cliff lead to the school's slogan "Lowest Dropout Rate, Highest Drop."
The other common mistake is the year of the university's founding. Here, you can see the main academic building of the university. 1884, contrary to common belief, is not the date of the university's founding, it's actually the street address. Although the street that runs in front of it is now Cliffton Dr. it used to be part of the avenue that runs past the campus. As a result, it retained its original number even after the road was rerouted.
22.03
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FGreenacre%252022%2520College%2520Life%2Fmainhall.jpg&hash=495570cce4effca54872c0342c0cd196c7383345)
As you can see, it gets a bit crowded here around class. Due to the smaller size of the campus and the fact that it's smack in the middle of some higher density residential areas, there are a fair number of students who commute to school. It can lead to a bit of a jam getting out of the parking lot.
22.04
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FGreenacre%252022%2520College%2520Life%2FEndofclass.jpg&hash=6d5b23d9435666f9eb28b2a950881e0fe8088a6d)
Across the street from the parking lot is the gym and student union (also read as bookstore and cafeteria). There's a fairly active group of clubs on campus. Recently one of the theatre groups staged a guerilla acting scene where they pranked a tour group. The office of admission was less than pleased, the tour guide was confused, the parents laughed about it later, and it got several of the students to apply. The jury is still out on whether they'll be permitted to do it again. Behind the Student Union is an open sports field (currently set up for the soccer season) and some tennis courts behind it.
22.05
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FGreenacre%252022%2520College%2520Life%2Fsports.jpg&hash=0396572baa3ee4e4cb055a175cef6d97d9bfe3b3)
For those who come from farther away, or just don't want to deal with the driver, there are several dormitories available for students. There's also a basketball court tucked into the trees nearby, and a small chapel for those who are looking for a quiet place. Services are open to the public.
22.06
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FGreenacre%252022%2520College%2520Life%2Fdorms.jpg&hash=7ea5b7b3024c0e1b05b9eba07a124f270769aaf5)
This bulletin board has an interesting history. It tends to continue to build up notices and advertisments throughout the year, most of which have expired. It's become an unofficial campus tradition to set fire to it near the end of each semester. Fortunately the university is now aniticpating this and has a fire crew on standby should things get out of hand.
22.07
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FGreenacre%252022%2520College%2520Life%2FBulletinboard.jpg&hash=75f49704c6b4c724e4c49b7a99430dca8d8e1b93)
At the end of the school year here, the lots begin to empty out though as residents move out, and the summer session begins to pick up. There are also summer camps for the kids that take place at the Student Union, so even during summer, there's always a little activity here. Fortunately the campers have not started to ignite the bulletin board yet.
22.08
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FGreenacre%252022%2520College%2520Life%2Fparking.jpg&hash=8647defc0a0fb2408a8e4a9eea173bca6d31b48e)
As always, thoughts are appreciated.
-Matt
Ahh, old 'Cliffy' Clifton. Spent too much time with his nose in a book to stop and look around him.
Great Uni Matt, love the story too. :thumbsup:
Hey Matt,
First things, thanks for the birthday wishes.
Next....great update. I'm kind of lazy when it comes to making nice university layouts. I usually just plop down the availiable one shot ones. But after seeing yours, I think I may have to give it a try. Don't get me wrong though, I have always thought that Jon's university sets were awesome.
As for my farming phase....I don't think it's last much longer. I am getting very anxious to get to work on the center large tile and see how this megatropolis will grow now with the farming communities out of the way. I have enjoyed making these communities but I think I enjoy more making dirty industrial cities.
Too bad about James J. Cliffton, sound like a good guy, but a little absent minded. And the founded/street number fact is funny, I liked that one.
I say this often....but it is always a pleasure to stop by your MD.
Robin :thumbsup:
Quote"Lowest Dropout Rate, Highest Drop."
:D
Excellent university. And I love the pics of the ski resort in spring time from the previous update. &apls
Nice one again, Matt! That looks like an expensive private university you have there.. any estimates on how much one year of education would cost there? Love the explanation for the name and 1884 too: very creative :P
Building a campus using Jon's university set is something I've wanted to do for a long time. Your arrangement is inspiring, especially with all the trees. I'd hate to have to mow the campus grounds, though!
I think maybe somebody's imagination ran away with them this time. James Clifton and the cliff? Lowest dropout rate, highest drop? A street address carved in stone and a burning bulletin board? Matt, I know your graduation is imminent and the bar exam looms in the near future. You've hit the books a bit too hard lately, though. If things keep going on like this, every building on campus will house a law library and Quantitative Methods in Finance will be a required course. :o
Another nice update. :) The campus layout is good, and it looks like a pleasant place for a Sunday afternoon stroll.
Later...
Joan
Wow Matt! Great uni! I really liked the little facts, like the name and the bulletin board ;D
-Jordan :thumbsup:
Nice work on your university, and as there are very few cliffs around here, hopefully not my last words in this MD. :)
My, how time flies sometimes. As some of you know, I've been a bit busy this summer, but fortunately most of that work will be taken care of here shortly and the regular (meaning more than once a month) updates will return. I did however want to do some
Replies:
-Shaun (Diggis): Glad you enjoyed the story. Couldn't have done it without your help there.
-Robin (rooker1): You may claim you're lazy when it comes to universities, but you more than make up for it in your terraforming. You've been doing some great stuff lately in Mind Scape (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=601.msg332324#msg332324) (shameless plug) and it will be interesting to see you get back to your industry again, but I do like these rural updates. As for the number story and things like that, it's amazing how often places have stories like that behind them.
-RickD: Glad you enjoyed, and welcome to Greenacre!
-Casper (CasperVg): Always good to see you here Casper. Not sure offhand what the tuition is, but I hear they're planning to expand the campus so it will likely be going up a bit. I'll check in with them later and let you know.
-Joan (Jmouse): I'd love to see what you could do with his sets. They're an excellent collection, and in your hands I'm sure they'd shine. As for lawncare, just hop on the riding mower, put on some music for the headphones, and try not to run over any books left on the lawn by a sunbather who just stepped back inside. As for the imagination running away, Shaun is partly to thank for it, but you know the saying: "Work hard, play hard." The bulletin board story was actually derived from something from my undergrad too. I'll keep the law library in mind and suggest it to them for their expansion. Quantitative Methods is already a requirement for the business school. Glad you enjoyed.
-Jordan (canyonjumper): Glad you enjoyed. The story was a fun one to write. The bulletin board story was actually derived from something from my undergrad.
-kwakelaar: Good to see you again, and thanks. Hopefully it won't be your last word here indeed. Hopefully I'll have something to show here soon too.
Thanks again to everyone who has stopped by to comment. I'll have something of substance up in August, but until then I found this one from a little while back. Haven't actually seen a train across the route yet, but it's scenic sure enough.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FBAT%2520Projects%2FPowerPoleLEXpic1.png&hash=fed04e0e6400689414da5bc0eba59c9fa96bbda5)
-Matt
Nice scene – the simplicity is refreshing, but there's a lot of interesting detail work here, too.
I'm sure I join the many other fans of Greenacre in wishing you all the best on the bar exam. And you know we'll be here for you whenever you're able to pick up where you left off.
Later...
Joan
Hey Matt,
Really nice to hear from you.
You know....sometimes it is the simply pictures that are just as eye catching as the ones packed with details and this is one of those times. Although it would have been pretty cool if you had have caught a frieght train on that line.
BTW, thanks for the plug. ;)
Robin :thumbsup:
That's a fantastic little shot there, always nice to see your work!
Nice shot there Matt!
-Jordan :thumbsup:
Great stuff... you have some very nice pix here. And those fall trees are making me wish for cooler weather. :thumbsup:
Replies:
Joan (Jmouse): Thanks for the thoughts Joan. The bar is done, and I'm getting back into the swing of things. Hope all is well with you, and I hope this was worth the wait.
Robin (rooker1): Yeah, a train would've looks good rolling through there, but that line is more for show at the moment. In a way, I almost like the quiet feeling of it the way it is. I agree, some of the simpler pictures can be some of the better ones.
Battlecat: Glad you enjoyed. Always good to see you here.
Jordan (canyonjumper):Thanks Jordan.
Schulmanator: Cooler weather is on its way soon enough. Not sure if there's going to be any seen in Greenacre for a little while, but you can always head back a few pages to the Snow Cloud (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6621.msg315398#msg315398) ski resort and the surrounding area (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6621.msg298206#msg298206) if you're looking for something to cool off with.
As summer is drawing to a close and fall begins to approach, I figured we should take advantage of the weather and go do some golfing.
23.01
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FCh%252024%2520Golf%2FGreenacreRegionalMap24.jpg&hash=3323b2e3742db20a4af408fe78e469db8a9c9540)
A few visits back we paid a visit to the local ski resort in the area. With the tourists arriving in the summer months for the wildflower season, the surrounding area has begun to develop. This also includes a new golf course. It's only 9 holes, but it's a start.
23.02
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FCh%252024%2520Golf%2Fgolfoverview.jpg&hash=ec45eb0df42074bd4541c2c662e2eeffbdaf37b5)
Coming up the gravel driveway, guests are greeted by a wild growing area dotted with local wildflowers as they make their way up to the clubhouse.
23.03
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FCh%252024%2520Golf%2Fflowers.jpg&hash=d0b910f676270ec4dd1b9e40107c0571eb8ecdfa)
Once at the rustic building, golfers can take a few practice swings and putts on the practice greens before heading out.for a round.
23.04
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FCh%252024%2520Golf%2Fclubhouse.jpg&hash=2671c173a05ce5b7121d3137e8a1906ae23ae324)
Hole one starts things off fairly easily. Long, but straight, with ample aspens flanking the right to deter any errant shots (must to the delight of the residents across the street, and drivers. It doesn't take a keen eye to see the dents and dings on the back sides of the buildings just off the fairway.
23.05
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FCh%252024%2520Golf%2Fhole1.jpg&hash=73b942ed3bd65922288bc43c90ba1dd45082bb70)
Hole 2 takes the unsuspecting golfer by surprise. From long and straight, it's now short, crowded by trees and water separates the tee and the green. It's a par 3, but it's a tough par.
23.06
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FCh%252024%2520Golf%2Fhole2.jpg&hash=dcfa414f01bb1f94f56fd13f6267500e87751a1f)
Hole 3 eases off a bit. It's back to a par 4 again with a dogleg right. Water is there to try to dissuade those who try to go for the bunkered green.
23.07
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FCh%252024%2520Golf%2Fhole3.jpg&hash=31c043b99cbac0677c8c2ecfe2370fa8e11a42fa)
Hole 4 lets golfers unwind. Digging deeper back into the woods with a long par 5. Take some time to enjoy the scent of pollen in the air, and perhaps catch sight of some wildlife.
23.08
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FCh%252024%2520Golf%2Fhole4.jpg&hash=da968c44721d55dcf66f09ef77199b81c01911c4)
Welcome to hole 5. One of two similar holes on the course. The ponds here are popular with birds. Tip for the wise though, if you hit your ball into a flock of Canadian Geese, it might be worth it to take a drop rather than try to get it back. Those things can be mean.
23.09
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FCh%252024%2520Golf%2Fhole5.jpg&hash=340938a3ab4309c30acec231f831b014d0d5e7fd)
Hole 6 is yet another dogleg right and was designed to see if players learned anything from their previous experience on the hole before. It's no less difficult in terms of the terrain, but its handicap is greatly reduced due to its position.
23.10
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FCh%252024%2520Golf%2Fhole6.jpg&hash=8e740e7f5141dc3edb43d3290735d65c6f88f20f)
Hole 7 marks the beginning of the run back to the clubhouse. It's a wide open par 5 with several bunkers. A long drive can set up a good birdie chance.
23.11
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FCh%252024%2520Golf%2Fhole7.jpg&hash=afc11f77c18cc6e47e0c55c01076739e235ecbdb)
The trees begin to creep back in here again along the right makes this longer par 4 a tricky one to make. Keep it out of the trees and you have a chance.
23.12
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FCh%252024%2520Golf%2Fhole8.jpg&hash=f576ec77ae8e16605383cfa84bdf54343da951ab)
Hole 9 brings golfers right back to the clubhouse. The trees open up, and the pond halfway down the fairway can be carried, but the density of the bunkers around the green makes a lay up a safer shot. The panoramic view down the hill from the green makes this a fine finishing hole.
23.13
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FCh%252024%2520Golf%2Fhole9.jpg&hash=0a1b0cb0d5a98c44c05efc07def3f3f1f49aaccc)
Those looking for a more adventurous round can make the loop again for a full 18. Those looking for a more adventurous lunch can hit the 10th Tee: the restaurant within the clubhouse. Sit out on the balcony and enjoy the views and critique the golfers teeing off. The buffalo burgers are great.
23.14
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FCh%252024%2520Golf%2Fflowers1.jpg&hash=5b8abc9b581c13a37aa3736f0bb4d97b98d28fab)
The developing town nearby has plenty of space left, but the locals like it that way. It's a quiet town with many people working either at the ski resort, or locally. A number of the houses are rented for the ski season, but year round occupancy is becoming more common.
23.15
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FCh%252024%2520Golf%2Fneighborhood2.jpg&hash=67904ffbe61f2e4a00a48a279ef07871b7609316)
Despite sidewalks being present, people find it easier to cut across the vacant lots to save time, and also stay in touch with nature. Paths have been worn across the well traveled routes.
23.16
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FCh%252024%2520Golf%2Fneighborhood3.jpg&hash=74dfd43c2161e8e5ae23511dcaec15f024b4ec9f)
You can see it quite well here, as the paths help link neighbors together, keeping the sense of community. It's unlikely that development will overtake the area. Worst comes to worst, it seems likely the residents would buy up the land to keep their space.
23.17
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FCh%252024%2520Golf%2Fneighborhood1.jpg&hash=cf8e577b02cd09006da983eb7d4317f1b341b1b0)
Thanks for stopping by and, as always, looking forward to what you think.
Ooooh very nice indeed. &apls &apls
this is a well thought out course that I'm sure most people would like to play. Me....I'll find a nice "safe" seat in the clubhouse and sup some tea while I watch you chase a little white ball around for a while :D
It must have taken a while to make the course but the overall effect is worth it. 10/10
Haven't been here for a while but boy was it worth catching up. Hopefully it won't be so long till the next time;)
Derry
Great job! I think you're the best at small towns and skii resorts.
Excellent golf course Matt! Great descriptions of each hole, and the vacant lots look good too!
Your friend,
Jordan :thumbsup:
I didn't realize just how much I've missed regular Greenacre updates until I looked at this latest one!
The golf course is first rate, and I especially like the way you've discussed and compared each hole. Once again, you've found a perfect BAT to use as a clubhouse, and once again, you've found one I don't recall seeing before. When I get ready to work on my plugin folder in earnest, I'll just sit back and let you send me all those wonderful links you've unearthed.
The neighborhood in 23.15 is laid out beautifully, as are the ones in following screens. There are some older additions with homes built on larger lots in our nearest city, just as they should be. When compared to newer locations on the outskirts, though, I shudder to see houses so close together there's barely enough room to run a lawnmower between them.
I don't recall seeing trails between homes, but it's a good idea and fits in with the older-style structures. Makes it look like a friendly and inviting place to live, and what's to not like about that?! :)
Later...
Joan
That is a superb golf course! I particularly like how you've used all the flora details to blend it in! You've given me some great ideas for one I've got planned for the near future.
Hey Matt,
I too like the golf course, but I don't think I would give it a 10 out 10. I'm not too big on the paths you used, but than again I'm not too sure what I would recommend using in it's place. maybe Andreas' different wealth paths or maybe the dirt paths by chrisadams. At any rate it just looks too perfect and tidy.
The housing looks great though. I like using cp houses now, after some practise with lot sizes I now know what to expect. ;) and your layout looks great.
Robin :thumbsup:
Derry (TheTeaCat): It's just a nice stroll in the park, with a bit of sport added on. The biggest trick in making the course was running everything through the LE to remove nearly all of the original props on the lots (trees and the like) leaving just the essentials of the holes. The rest was just a matter of filling it in with flora after plopping out what felt like an enjoyable course to play. I tried to keep things varied, flora-wise, from hole to hole. Not sure if that keeps the flow or makes it all look disjointed and patchwork, but glad to hear it was enjoyable to look at.
Daniel (danielcote): Thanks! They've been fun to make so far.
Jordan (canyonjumper): Glad you enjoyed Jordan! I tried to get the descriptions for the holes sound like they were written for one of those course books that some places have to walk you through the course.
Joan (Jmouse): I know I mentioned it over MSN already, but I'll start you off with one link right now. The clubhouse is Jacky's Kabin (http://sc4devotion.com/csxlex/lex_filedesc.php?lotGET=77) by callagrafx and is available at that link on the LEX. It's probably one of my favorite buildings to use when I need something rustic and homey. It's very nicely done.
As for the neighborhoods, indeed it's nice to see space between homes. I should take a few pictures sometime of some of the housing tracts that popped up here back during the housing boom and earlier. You know, the ones with 5ft between the houses, if that? The paths between the homes was something I picked up from when I lived in Reno. Around where we lived, there were several trails and paths beaten through the bush. Probably used more by hikers than neighbors, but people who lived there certainly used them too. I liked the idea of it fostering a better neighborhood too; that idea of cutting across the back lawn to go borrow a cup of sugar or something from your neighbor. Always good to see you here Joan!
Battlecat: Glad to hear you liked it! It's a fine compliment, especially considering your use of flora in Adara. I don't recall having seen a golf course pop up there yet, but I'll certainly keep an eye out for when it does.
Robin (rooker1): I can see what you mean about the paths looking too clean, especially in what is a most rural town, out of the way from everything. Likely you'd expect to see cracks or patches, and perhaps more curve to the paths. That was one of the things I noticed when I was building it, but hadn't found a decent way around: how to get fluid, winding paths, but using what the game already has. Using the plop flora textures would leave edges that were a bit rougher than I'd have liked. I had forgotten about chrisadams' dirt tracks (which you'll see in this update briefly) but they may have been good to intersperse with the paved paths for the overall effect. Glad you like the residential area too. The mix of CP's and Mattb's houses works out quite well in the setting. Always good to hear your thoughts around here.
So, to bring things back in business here after yet another bit of time off (trust me, the next update will be coming in less time than this one took, and there will be several days of hopefully interesting developments). After having showcased several mostly finished areas, I decided to take this update and use it to step back into Greenacre's past and show the process of redeveloping an area to bring it up to speed.
The area in question is the tiny town of Fergus Junction.
25.01
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg513.imageshack.us%2Fimg513%2F388%2Fgreenacreregionalmap25.png&hash=989786f27b5d4a5bd865a4d93d3b11f594fdfafa) (http://img513.imageshack.us/img513/388/greenacreregionalmap25.png)
This area initially developed due to an avenue intersection I put in just prior to it crossing the bridge. The idea was to build a small town that developed as a result of the bridges not yet being built, sort of a company town, that later began to support itself by expanding the industrial opportunities and later taking advantage of the passing vehicles in a bit of the tourist/traveler trade. This first picture illustrates the initial attempt.
25.02
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FCh25%2520Fergus%2520Redevelopment%2F00overviewprepre.jpg&hash=d57bc1cb974d9066d487f316f3a2ae1ec0cb9dfb)
This was back before several developments, including the longer rail curves and the SAM. As you can see, I was still using the brick street mod. There was a rail station in the town, and I did my best to keep development in proximity to the station as it would likely work in real life.
25.03
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FCh25%2520Fergus%2520Redevelopment%2F00insetprepre.jpg&hash=20c291e584c2bb23488551fec48ba2025c5d4719)
However, something didn't feel natural about it. Despite the intentions and theories behind it, it didn't feel like it was coming together. Why would there be houses positioned like that around the station? Wouldn't they try to be further away? What would be there instead? So, after giving another attempt at redecorating (this time incorporating things like the gradual rail curves) I was left with this:
25.04
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FCh25%2520Fergus%2520Redevelopment%2F01Overview.jpg&hash=94b59a6a67f079aff1f2827901082578f482443c)
Which is where we start the remodeling of this update. Up close you can also see that the original "commercial area" has had significant changes and moved well away from Maxis properties. I have nothing against Maxis stuff, in fact, you've see it quite a bit before, but it wasn't conveying the look I was after, and the wall-to-wall buildings seemed to fit that look nicely. The houses on the water side of the station have been replaced by industrial buildings and the other avenue is flanked with them as well. That avenue style though bugs me a bit. I was hoping to keep it a bit more green and less industrial.
25.05
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FCh25%2520Fergus%2520Redevelopment%2F02insetdowntown.jpg&hash=49269450ee9d91890e7fa414004bb8dc6439d1ab)
As for the first update there are several patches of trees already in the area, but everything around the town looks a bit thin foliage-wise. Step 1 was to fill in the gaps with trees to get the look of a town that carved its way out of its surroundings, rather than having the space already open in the convenient shape that it's currently in. The result of mixing several styles including the CP-Jeroni elms and the Leafy Green Forest brushes yielded the following:
25.06
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FCh25%2520Fergus%2520Redevelopment%2F03Trees.jpg&hash=d631417ecd84f2a6765c43d6dcb0e87988fff86b)
It was a good step, but there is room for detailing. The water tower was just sort of sitting there at the top of the hill, so an access trail was added to it and covered in with trees. The idea was to have it look reasonably well-maintained, yet tightly wedged in.
25.07
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FCh25%2520Fergus%2520Redevelopment%2F04detailswatertowerroad.jpg&hash=15364f9df2ba77ad3bf388e19f411c7e44e968c8)
The next thing to address, as some of you may have already spotted, was the incomplete sidewalk system near there. In the middle of a neighborhood, even a sparsely populated one, it's strange to see the sidewalk start and stop so abruptly.
25.08
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FCh25%2520Fergus%2520Redevelopment%2F05streetsnosidewalk.jpg&hash=555054c853823d175cf920a177a182d5d6be591e)
I know it does happen in some places, but it wasn't what I was looking for here. Some quick "psuedo-zoning" with the control key forced the sidewalks into being. That's right GDOT, get back to work there. The end result is, hopefully, a much more continuous flow for the eyes to follow.
25.09
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FCh25%2520Fergus%2520Redevelopment%2F06streetswithsidewalk.jpg&hash=e6d26354164549a034cd84a4cbc6550da47cb28c)
Increasing the number of commercial zones along the avenue also helped change the avenue style to the greener version I was looking for (and had originally way back when). They also provided some much needed jobs and helps ease the transition from wall-to-wall building to the nothingness that lines the avenue outside of town.
25.10
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FCh25%2520Fergus%2520Redevelopment%2F07developingshops.jpg&hash=42c23bd2ec035e92dc425bd7bb0c03ffe8524a7c)
As mentioned, the wall-to-wall design of the "commercial area" (all four blocks of it) seemed to fit the style I was going for, a densely packed, lightly populated town. These buildings got to stay.
25.11
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FCh25%2520Fergus%2520Redevelopment%2F08downtownnewavenue.jpg&hash=b765f66d877b9010c012ef9eb2f2323e72ce5d7d)
Some of the industrial lots however got a bit of a change. Adding a few open parking lot tiles around industrial lots is a great way to tie them into a larger complex.
25.12
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FCh25%2520Fergus%2520Redevelopment%2F09indpre.jpg&hash=6a8f19ccb7672d7f874dc04955bf68a746674679)
Expanding them further seems to add to the realism of a sprawling complex taking advantage of the open spaces surrounding them.
25.13
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FCh25%2520Fergus%2520Redevelopment%2F10indpost.jpg&hash=37d4dfd4c008ee8755751d4b629a7b45a28d1fb9)
Those were the majority of updates I made to the area in terms of the town. I think as a whole, the intersection there looks much better, and the way the wall-to-wall buildings have their back areas intertwining seemed to create a neat effect.
25.14
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FCh25%2520Fergus%2520Redevelopment%2F11backlots.jpg&hash=f6b1fe2cf74e5f37acad0c76903461bb8aaa9176)
The town wasn't the only thing I tinkered with though. There were a few islands just in the bay there, where the creek empties into the bay. I spruced them up a little and tried to add some variety to the bed of the bay.
25.15
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FCh25%2520Fergus%2520Redevelopment%2F12islanddetail.jpg&hash=ea456c1affdccab4af0500be96347b25ce30d534)
So that's what was changed, and how it was done. Hopefully the area looks a bit more pleasing and complete than the older versions did.
25.16
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FCh25%2520Fergus%2520Redevelopment%2F13overviewfinal.jpg&hash=ad6a3e76668b31797ae2fd008c64d82eda263141)
If it does, or if it doesn't, let me know. I'm always interested to hear people's thoughts on how things are developing around here.
-Matt
This is a great little journal Matt. I just spent the last half an hour or so clicking back through several pages. You pay good attention to detail. The golf course and ski resort are particularly eye catching. Keep up the good work.
Nice Update. But you might already know what I don't like there - the avenue level crossing. Yes, it 's North America style but still, a double tracked major railway line and a major road (I assume it is otherwise you wouldn't have used the avenues, would you?) don#t fit together ...
A possible solution to appease Naggin' Ol' Nardo would be turning the DTR to STR. Put the switch right in front of that avenue level crossing and the other behind the PEG railroad supply to get a RR station where two trains may cross one a secondary RR line with 1-5 trains per direction per day and I stop nagging. I would even supply you with some lots with (German) Signals (mechanical semaphores or electric light signals, as you wish ... ;)
Take care my friend!
Bernhard :thumbsup:
Hello Matt,
Nice to see an update from you my friend. Your MD has been truly missed.
I'm not sure I like how the avenues come into the town. I tend to think that avenues are for big to very large cities. Maybe you could try RHW on the outside of the town and than avenue in town, that may look mor realistic.
I agree with Bernhard about the rail tracks, but I have seen in small towns rail going across major roads. So either way is fine by me.
After rearranging the town and adding in the curved rail, I would say it looks a hundred times better.
Always a pleasure to stop in here.
Robin :thumbsup:
While I must agree with Bernhard about the rail and to a lesser degree, with Robin about the avenues, I still think this is one of your best updates. Your screen grabs are colorful, the terrain looks good and once again, your BATs are well chosen.
You captured a very good angle in 25.04 which provides a nice overview of the town and its proximity to the water. I like the W2Ws in 25.11, and the little islands in 25.15 looks great. I know from experience that it takes a lot of time and patience to decorate shorelines.
Also, 25.09 and 25.10 are appealing, in part because of the interesting flora and the way you've arranged it. Once one gets started plopping grass, weeds, trees and so on, it can be difficult to know when to stop! &mmm
Good job! :thumbsup:
Joan
Replies:
spa: Welcome to Greenacre! Great to see you here, especially given the number of your buildings that now happen to be dotting the landscape in it. Glad you enjoyed the run through it all, and I hope to see you around more in the future too.
Bernhard (Nardo69): I had a feeling you might have a few things to say about this one. To tell you the truth, the avenue crossing was something that still didn't sit right with me at the end of the last update. Part of it is the fact that there aren't any gates that appear on the diagonal crossing for the avenues in the game, the other part was that, while it would be fine for a developing town to leave it unguarded, as Greenacre developed, the road through became more of a major route, and the rail is a fairly regular line. The trains run point-to-point along the route, so reversing need only be done a the ends, and passing isn't needed since they all run effectively the same timetable, just starting at different times.
There's a station around here that I based this sort of station around (I can post pictures of the real-life inspiration if you're interested, I would just need to go and take them). It serves at least 10 trains per day each direction, and sees probably another good 10-15 pass through, but it gets by fine with simple level crossings and gates. The gates for a given road drop about 30 seconds before the train arrives (a bit longer than necessary in my opinion, but it doesn't result in much traffic delay). The major consideration though, is that the highway in the area actually does go over the tracks, and a highway (or something close to it) is what I was hoping to recreate here. So while the rails will likely remain unchanged, the roads will be moving as necessary, as you'll soon see. I think the results should do the trick, though I'm sure I'll hear from you, heh heh. I liked the challenge of figuring out the fix, hope you like the results.
Robin (rooker1): I still need to tinker with the RHW a bit to get comfortable with how to actually use it, but indeed, it would get closer to the look I'm going for, and it would probably be much more flexible from what I've seen of it in action elsewhere. Hopefully the changes to the rails fit the bill here. For a more in depth analysis, see my response to Bernhard above, heh heh. Always good to hear from you.
Joan (Jmouse): The rail, as mentioned above, was certainly something that had stayed on my mind. Fortunately, it's now been fixed, or at least changed. I think it worked out pretty well too. Glad you enjoyed the overviews and island pictures too. The overviews were more for orientation, but I'm glad to hear they stood well on their own. As for the islands, I've slowly been overhauling the flora of the area too as I've been going. There's some new stuff in this update too. Always good to see you hear Joan.
It's not too often in Greenacre I go right back to somewhere we've been before. In fact, I think this may be the first.
However, there are two reasons for this: one being the response I received regarding the avenue-rail crossing; the second being that I knew they were right ever since I finished redevelopment for the last update.
There was something about it that just didn't sit right with me:
26.01
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FCh26%2520Rail%2520Redevelopment%2FInitialsetup.jpg&hash=504d68bfb80568f7f9be9708c202e78d40f82fdb)
If you read my response to Bernhard (Nardo69) above, you will already know most of this, but the primary thing that stood out, was the complete lack of gates, lights (outside of the minimal set in the median) and other safety devices. Now, their absence isn't the end of the world. There are a number of instances where it wouldn't seem out of place. However, this isn't one of them. If a road-rail crossing has a crossbuck, lights, and gate arms, it doesn't make sense to see an avenue, which has the capacity for so many more cars, have less than that. So, I got in touch with the Greenacre DOT for their analysis of the matter. They returned the following concept drawing:
26.02
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FCh26%2520Rail%2520Redevelopment%2FProjectProposal.jpg&hash=8bf699f240191c59e5dbb6696e25aad2493f6615)
Basically, instead of adding gates, which would back up traffic, and still leave the possibility for drivers to end up on the tracks in the path of a train, they proposed going under it. Going over it was an option, but given the nature of the terrain, tunneling was cheaper (not quite sure how that worked) and more likely to last longer. It was a shallow tunnel though, and the structural concrete still shows, but drivers no longer have to wait for trains to pass, and things seem to be back in action.
26.03
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FCh26%2520Rail%2520Redevelopment%2FFinal.jpg&hash=d8be7373bfa53dbb7c4a0d6dbadd814a59ec14b9)
Checking the GPS map directions, it verifies that the new route has been opened, and is functioning properly.
26.04
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FCh26%2520Rail%2520Redevelopment%2Fproofofconcept.jpg&hash=fb677d91197a328aa30b0fa62d87ff17cdee757c)
But there was still more to do in the area. As I noted before, the avenue was without gates. Well there was a little access road near the station that also lacked any sort of signal.
26.05
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FCh26%2520Rail%2520Redevelopment%2Fcrossingpre.jpg&hash=6f11332d218b7919a967e8b13883c993f87a6d49)
Given that the station can see as many as 4 trains an hour each way at peak times, and given that the row of buildings near the station effectively blocks the view to one side of the crossing, gates were installed here to help avoid an accident.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FCh26%2520Rail%2520Redevelopment%2Fcrossingpost.jpg&hash=69eed050ea80122b1fdacf3e5ceb5a8d674d7062)
As a result of these new infrastructure improvements, both road and rail traffic are moving along in sync again, and doing so much smoother than before.
26.07
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FCh26%2520Rail%2520Redevelopment%2FParalleling.jpg&hash=e4cc84dc4406740c9e78b26c4f7b7ed6466371ab)
Lastly, just up the creek from those bridges, there was a landslide I thought would be interesting to show. The river slowly chipped away at the cliff until a section tumbled down. It's since started to grow back over, but the remains of trees and rocks still let someone glancing over there from the train see what happened.
26.08
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FCh26%2520Rail%2520Redevelopment%2FLandslide.jpg&hash=b3c99194342c89bbf342353eaa1e4c313052e305)
Hope you enjoyed, and enjoy the weekend.
-Matt
I really like the drawing. First I thought you were drawing ist yourself but then I realised that it is a some kind of photoshop. And the landslide is very well done. Great detailing.
Hehe, you would have been disappointed if I hadn't appeared, wouldn't you? ;D
Anyway, that new layout is OK with me - including the level crossing for the access road (unless the maximum train speed there isn't exceeding 160 km/h in the village!)
Another option would have been (a) bypass road(s) but as far as I understand it is intended that the two avenues are passing through the settlement.
Another thing I'd like to propose is cutting the industry off the direct access from the avenue and instead create a small access road that crosses the avenue over the underpass (just replace the pedestrian pieces with the street FlUPs) and connects to the avenue at the end of the village.
The landslide looks great, I should try to copy create such a landslide in Urland one day, too!
Take care!
Bernhard :thumbsup:
Well now, that's an innovative fix! I doubt if such a solution would have occurred to me, but you're a lot more experienced at working on the RRs. You are so right about the traffic holdup. too. Julie amd I were on our way to the college one day, and we were caught by a slow-moving freight train long enough to block not one, but three roads! We ended up going about 10 miles out of our way to the only underpass in town.
For that reason, I'm not too sure about the crossing in 26.05. Some idiot with his head in the clouds is going to block the avenue, probably more often than not, but if Bernhard says it's OK, it's OK! :)
You've been creating some very attractive commercial areas lately. I really like those W2Ws, and they look unexpectedly good near the industrials. I might have to complain about the lack of parking space in the commercial area, but that's the only possible fault I see, and it's small stuff.
The bridges in 26.07, especially the RR, look great. Didn't you make it yourself? And of course, 26.08 is the best of the lot! The way you've done the shoreline makes it look very natural in a "wild" sort of way.
Another good update. Hope we'll be seeing more soon! :)
spectacular region, is very nice, good job
Awesome Matt! The FLuP solution is great, and the landslide detailing is nice as well :D
Your friend,
Jordan :thumbsup:
There are some really nice rural solutions here.
But I think the railroad cross was better before rebuilding it with underpasses. This is a small city, doesn't require under or overpasses.
But I still love it.
Hey Matt,
I came in here the other day and saw what you had down with that train intersection.....let me perfectly honest okay. I fell out of my chair at the site of that pic......I now think it's worse than before. I can really see a town growing, starting with the roads, all business growing on these transit ways and certain roads needing to become avenues where train lines end up crossing, although it may not be proper due to train speeds and such. But I think your tunnel is unrealistic. I don't think a train line would have been placed so close to res or comm even when the town was first starting, a one tile space on either side would have made all the difference in the world when your town was expanding to the point where you could have divided the hieght difference between the surrounding land and a bridge for the train line. Now to change that area would require demolishing most of it and I know that you don't usually do that. I hope I have made myself clear enough that you understand what I see. Anyways we could talk later if not.
Now I do really like the river. That looks breath taking and very realistic.
Robin :thumbsup:
This is our third week of the 4-in-1 run in OSITM. as you already know, during the month of November, in celebration of SC4D's Anniversary, we've picked 4 MDs in addition to the others (who will be there for the full month) to appear in OSITM: one every week. Matt is up third and with that, this makes it the 3rd time Greenacre has been to OSITM. Congratulations Matt, and it will be very interesting to see what you have in store for this week.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi901.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fac213%2FBSCLEX%2FMouse%2520stuff%2FAwardcupGreenacre01.jpg&hash=54fdf62513847284b63afaa6c55dfca6158855e9)
Congratulations from myself and The SC4D Staff!!
&apls
Congrats Matt! Well-deserved ;D
Your friend,
Jordan :thumbsup:
Congratulations Matt!
I really enjoyed the previous update as well, that was an imaginative solution to the local problem! The river looks amazing as well!
Greenacre will be celebrating its second birthday the day before Christmas, and there's no doubt that you've created some excellent updates. And you've stuck with it through law school, the bar exam, your volunteer work at a railroad museum and a variety of other activities.
So congratulations on a well-deserved honor, Matt. Maybe I can follow in your footsteps one of these days. :)
Joan
Replies:
RickD: Thanks Rick. The drawing was fun to put together, though I generally use edited photos sparingly here, it seemed fitting to illustrate the idea behind planning the underpass. Glad you enjoyed.
Bernhard (Nardo69): I would have been disappointed if you hadn't appeared. Since the train route is commuter, few trains, if any, bypass the station, so pretty much all are doing under 30 by that point. Given the surrounding terrain, a bypass road would be impractical, and would likely mean the death of the town. I'll show it again somewhere down the road, but for now, there's a new location for this update. Hope you enjoy it as well.
Joan (Jmouse) x2:
Experience had nothing to do with it. Part of it was a desire to want to fiddle with the FLUPs, and the other part was needing to find a working solution that wouldn't hold up the roads every 20-30 minutes when a train would roll through. There are a few out around this way that can run up near what seems to be a mile in length, but you don't see them too often. Usually it's a 3-6 car passenger train here. Glad you enjoyed the update Joan, and it's always good to see you here.
As for Greenacre's second birthday, I still have to make it there. For now though, there's plenty planned for the week here in honor of the site's 4th. (wow... Greenacre's half as old as the site. Seems like it's been so much longer than that. The site, not Greenacre. But the journey with both has been fun)
kalvar: Welcome to Greenacre, and thanks!
Jordan (canyonjumper) x2: Glad you liked the way it turned out, and indeed, I like the landslide as well. Now I just have to figure out what I did to get it to look like that.
kodlovag: Welcome to Greenacre! Indeed, the village itself doesn't need the underpass, but given the intercity traffic, there are enough cars passing through the area that made the elimination of the level crossing necessary. Glad you like the way it turned out though.
Robin (rooker1) x2 (technically): I always enjoy your stops by here, and I would be hurt if you were anything less than honest. I'll try to catch up with you on MSN or something to flesh out fully what your thoughts are, but yeah, I have a feeling there are still things that could be done with it. Part of the challenge of the design was the tight quarters in which the construction occurred. Upgrades weren't considered when the area developed, and losses due to construction were hopefully minimized. However, nothing is set in stone around here (part of the fun), but yeah, ideally the solution wouldn't require the redesign of the town. Hope all is well.
Battlecat: Glad you enjoyed. Given the tight spaces, and the desire to keep the soft curves of the rail line provided some very interesting challenges. Glad you like the river too. There's more to be done with it too in the future I think.
Sorry for the delay in getting this update posted (nice way to start the week, eh?) but work ran a bit longer than expected today. However, there's some stuff in store for this week (hopefully enough to keep up with the standard Bernhard set last week) so let's get to it.
Four years.
Plenty of history there. Plenty of history overall with the game too. That history has grown through the pursuit of creating and developing. It's a short week, but hopefully there will be many things to see here during that time. Some reflecting history, and some showing what may be coming down the road.
On that note, let's start with some new things in honor of the spirit of creation. For that, we'll need to head just west of the government center.
26.1
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg2.imageshack.us%2Fimg2%2F9395%2Fgreenacreregionalmap26o.png&hash=ff63aed293debacc90d816640ba5aa39a13b1e3b) (http://img2.imageshack.us/img2/9395/greenacreregionalmap26o.png)
You'll notice there's nothing in the marked area. Well, it's not by accident. For many years this area existing without "existing." It was plain to see for anyone who was around, but it was never officially noted. Now however, it's been officially declassified and acknowledged. It had to be, for reasons you'll see. Yes. It's an airport.
26.2
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FCh%252026%2520Airbase%2520-%2520OSITM1%2Fairbasetower.jpg&hash=f3c44204202da24c8dbd0114f485d2a7a834deab)
Military to be precise, with a style that dates back a few years.
26.3
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FCh%252026%2520Airbase%2520-%2520OSITM1%2Fairbase.jpg&hash=04377b92f919bb2f1336109288a808f17194f6cb)
The contents of some of these hangars is still debated, but the area is much more open these days.
26.4
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FCh%252026%2520Airbase%2520-%2520OSITM1%2Fairforcehangar.jpg&hash=16900b0a147a7715393f959dc0dbfdea8b28f156)
But overall, it's only a small part of what's yet to come. You'll notice yet that we haven't seen the runway. That's going to be a topic for tomorrow.
26.5
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FCh%252026%2520Airbase%2520-%2520OSITM1%2FAirforceoverview.jpg&hash=f7e37040a063b50cce400a25f721d0f249efb365)
Speaking of tomorrow's topic, here's a hint:
26.6
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FCh%252026%2520Airbase%2520-%2520OSITM1%2Fairportairforcefence.jpg&hash=788e6806a5691fe5666200389e68e581787667a1)
-Matt
You have my interest. And I like the chioce of planes.
Robin :thumbsup:
Nice mix of planes there! It looks great already. Is that military base crossing the border?
Nice military airport ;)
I will add more life (people, trucks or whatever) and it will pe perfect :thumbsup:
The airfield is looking good so far, Matt. I agree that it needs more details that will bring it to life, but I'm sure you've already included those in your master plan. :)
Joan
Replies:
Robin (rooker1): Glad you liked it. Now that I have your attention, I hope you like what's coming. The area was a while in the works. Hope to hear a nice critique of it.
Battlecat: Indeed, the base does cross borders. Actually, the idea for the cross-border aspect came from Adara. I needed more room, and running it across the border seemed like a workable solution. Takes a bit of time to stitch pictures together sometimes, but it's worth it. So thanks for the inspiration there.
Girafe: Thanks. Indeed, a few people might have helped the scene. I may add some at a later point, but for reasons you'll see, there's a reason it's a bit quiet there. Thanks for stopping by.
Joan (Jmouse): In a sense it is already included in the master plan, though a few people probably wouldn't hurt. I'll let you be the judge.
So the military base has been publicly acknowledged. The question is why.
27.01
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FCh%252027%2520airport%2520main%2Fcommerceoverview.jpg&hash=122a740de5f6de0a229e4deea8a598a71dd7b705)
The answer, in part, has to do with the relocation of the government center several updates back, and all of the development that went along with it. The influx of development in the area led the Greenacre government to provide land for an international airport. They wanted it to be close to the major financial and governmental areas to facilitate the arrival of new business travelers.
27.02
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FCh%252027%2520airport%2520main%2Fterminaloverview.jpg&hash=8231c18b7dd16d27ec642f813292cd19f951e8f8)
The western point of the valley had excellent prevailing winds which the air force base had already taken advantage of. Since there were no major tensions to be concerned with, the decision was made to incorporate the facility with the new airport (proper security still be considered).
27.03
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FCh%252027%2520airport%2520main%2Fairportborder.jpg&hash=399e6b200ac2fa2ba2caa0674cf802a3288cc66e)
In fact, the area has filled in so well, sometimes it's hard to tell where the base stops and the airport starts. The barbed wire on top of the heavy duty fences gives people a good idea though. Let's just say, even though there are gaps in the fences, the guards still have guns. People haven't been too keen to test out that part of things yet.
27.04
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FCh%252027%2520airport%2520main%2Fmilitaryandhangars.jpg&hash=f511a72e230690a09052b0f7f01c5fe29184a1d2)
The airport itself serves many different groups:
The small, private plane owners:
27.05
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FCh%252027%2520airport%2520main%2Fsmallhangars.jpg&hash=ccf6729c65cfa70f560ed56b720e49ef586856d2)
Regional airlines which serve other points around Greenacre, and some further beyond:
27.06
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FCh%252027%2520airport%2520main%2Flargehangars.jpg&hash=0122a0c47206a6611e0d8817afa42e82420129bb)
The main terminal itself serves a variety of large scale commercial airlines. Each of the major lines has a section for itself at Greenacre International (KGAX). For those of you who are familiar with airport abbreviation conventions, no, Greenacre is not part of the US, but for proximity purposes the K was used.
Of the several airlines serving the airport there are:
Southwest:
27.07
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FCh%252027%2520airport%2520main%2Fsouthwest.jpg&hash=6dd83e918a5989dad90cd1ff6bd4ac97fd08ef99)
Alaska (I believe one of these flights here is bound for Pineshore in the Three Rivers Region):
27.08
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FCh%252027%2520airport%2520main%2FAlaska.jpg&hash=7731e68c53cb2e0296e4baf4a3e87e5117f504eb)
Westjet (Primary Airline of url=http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=2238.msg213980#msg213980]West End[/url]:
27.09
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FCh%252027%2520airport%2520main%2Fwestjet.jpg&hash=ccf78e5051155c28745dbc6bb8a5314e26c3fb85)
Greenacre Air:
27.10
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FCh%252027%2520airport%2520main%2Fgreenarceair.jpg&hash=9ca66b9ec72608ba9e80689ef8668e8db0aa5812)
This tiny airline was started by a group of entrepreneurs shortly after the airport was built and has since been building a steady clientele. Making daily trips to places like Wildcat Junction, Clontarf, and Adara, this airline is quickly becoming a powerhouse, and a great form of advertising for Greenacre. They were able to obtain old planes from the former Reno Air airline. The paint scheme was kept as a nod to the former airline, as well as to symbolize the green of Greenacre.
27.11
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FCh%252027%2520airport%2520main%2Fgreenacreaircloseup.jpg&hash=e9aecf0d7905e03819ad721aaa94d28614f50e7d)
One thing that generally surprises most people, given the number of planes this airport serves, is the fact that it technically only has one runway. The second, unmarked, runway is generally for military use only.
27.12
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FCh%252027%2520airport%2520main%2Frunways.jpg&hash=4f3b5e0f798bddae4998f655447371f01e834e44)
In exceptionally busy times, it may be used for non-military traffic, but the ground controllers are top notch at their job. Delays are uncommon, and the second runway is hardly ever needed.
27.13
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FCh%252027%2520airport%2520main%2Frunwayshot.jpg&hash=cd4c58715b5639768b77707bfe37bac775e424b9)
There is ample long-term parking for the main terminal:
27.14
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FCh%252027%2520airport%2520main%2Fparking.jpg&hash=c4b177fe79170f7c62403109c5bdafc5b5c6dfd4)
as well as a private lot for those who store their private planes here:
27.15
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FCh%252027%2520airport%2520main%2Fprivateparking.jpg&hash=42326e9b35f32357459ab0b8951b0fe5457048b4)
A park was integrated into the design to make sure the green of Greenacre was one of the first things to greet arriving passengers. It also brightens up the area a bit, giving people a place to wait for the rental car shuttle or taxi to arrive.
27.16
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FCh%252027%2520airport%2520main%2FTerminal.jpg&hash=f3d12800cef60ab8c7d534e4fb52e5d2eab4741a)
Car travel is not the only way to reach the airport. In addition to a subway station in the park, the Capitol Corridor Railway has a terminus less than a block away, making it easy to roll your bags off the train, down the sidewalk, and into the terminal. Despite only being a short distance away, there is a shuttle which can provide assistance to those traveling with more bags than people.
27.17
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FCh%252027%2520airport%2520main%2Fstation.jpg&hash=350316bf65d5e6c8ed7b59a3cf6e2ca19b99bb12)
Last, but not least, an overview of the whole area. Yes, in retrospect, it may not be a good idea to park military planes at the end of the runway, but the pilots are skilled enough to miss them, and the odds of a crash are low. (click the picture to be linked to the full size version)
27.18
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg225.imageshack.us%2Fimg225%2F1703%2Fairportg.jpg&hash=6df30001205abd36e85c432ef6db41a243f10bea) (http://img225.imageshack.us/img225/1703/airportg.jpg)
Hope you enjoyed. More to come tomorrow.
-Matt
Hello Matt,
When it comes to airports my opinion should be taken lightly as I have little experience with making/laying them out myself. I don't think I have ever seen a very impressive airport before by anyone. And don't get me wrong, the availiable props and buildings are better than ever before. But it's the over all layout compared to what I know from real life. Now is it possilbe to make an airport layout similiar or the same as a real life airport, I have no idea. Something always seems to be missing or lacking from the layout.....can I pin point what it is every time or any time for that matter....not really. With all that mumble jumble I have just poured out of my mouth, I do like your layout generally. But I don't love it. All the airports that I have ever seen don't have that much green space or parks. If you can find some time have a look at "Pearson International Airport, Mississauga, Ontario" in Google Maps, it's my airport. ;) Here you will find lots of road, rail, warehouses and very little green, except for the empty fields on the back side.
Here you can see the over view of the entire aiport. Those buildings in the center are FEDEX, UPS and other exporting/importing warehouses.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi278.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk83%2Frooker1%2FPearsonAirport.jpg&hash=707b28bd52e3748d8a03b63a386e6c3cb596a76a)
Here you can see the two terminals.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi278.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk83%2Frooker1%2FPearsonAirport2.jpg&hash=5271caa0fc9f9405c1fc3b29c87a702c925076d6)
Here you can see that the airport is surrounded by a lot of highways. Off to the left you can see the Hotel Sheraton. In the center of the three terminals is a huge 5 or 6 level parking garage and more parking can be found on the other side of the highway, in the industrial area.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi278.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk83%2Frooker1%2FPearsonAirport3.jpg&hash=2c9d5cd9b1d892983308926bb293d113f35aced9)
Sorry for high jacking your MD wih these pics as I am sure you have already done your homework and gone looking at airports before doing your own. But I thought it was important you understood where I was coming from. Anyways, I'm just trying to make the month more special. ;)
I look forward to a MSN convo soon about the last two updates. :thumbsup:
Robin :thumbsup:
I am not an airport expert either. But still I don't fully agree with Robin on this. There are airports with undeveloped land around. Frankfurt am Main, Germany's most important airport is completely surrounded by forest for example:
http://maps.google.de/?ie=UTF8&ll=50.027373,8.576202&spn=0.153729,0.32959&t=h&z=12
I do like your airport, especially the military part. One thing that I noticed is that those two large blue planes are parked very close to the end of the runway. I could imagine that this is dangerous. And maybe some more parking lots are needed?
Anyway, I am looking forward to the next update. :)
Nice airport! It's fairly well stocked as far as airports go!
Yes indeed, this looks a lot better, Matt. It's amazing how a few crates, some work vehicles and a handful of employees can breathe so much life into a scene. The airport appears to be well planned and functional, but I'm certainly no expert on air travel.
I like the idea of alternative means of reaching the airport. A subway or train ride could be far less expensive than long-term parking, and certainly easier on the nerves! The only thing I might have added would be a parking garage, and I say that only because both the Houston and Dallas airports have them. I don't mean for it to sound like it's an omission on your part, it's a minor detail and the airport is just as complete with or without it.
I guess my turn to build an airport will come eventually, but I can't say I'm looking forward to the day.
I'm looking forward to another Greenacre update, though... :)
Joan
Hi Matt.
Nice airport (guess you know what this mean from me ... )
Well, according to the discussion of green and no green: Istanbul has two international airports:
Istanbul Atatürk Havalimani (IST) on the European side is the bigger, more important one and surrounded by buildings as in Robin's maps, the end of the runway however isn't far away from the Marmara Sea.
Istanbul Sabiha Gökcen Havalimani (SAW) (my ::) airport) on the Asian side is situated in the hills on the Asian Side. However if these area stay free of building or will be covered with buildings soon - ho knows? City and Region planning and developing is one of the many high arts of engineering Turks don't know at all ...
Take care!
Bernhard :thumbsup:
Great airport Matt! Great mix of planes!
Your friend,
Jordan :thumbsup:
Replies:
Robin (rooker1): Now that's what I like to see. There is a method to my madness, and I will respond to your post (as well as the posts of a few others here, in greater depth this Friday. Short answer is that airports come in a variety of shapes and sizes and fit themselves into some interesting spaces depending on where and when they were built. Always good to read your thoughts here.
RickD: Glad you enjoyed the airport and, like I told Robin, I'll go into greater depth into what brought about this design on Friday. I will say your work in Santa Barbara County (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=10396.msg350575#msg350575) helped out a bit and was part of what helped refine parts of it too.
Battlecat: Glad you liked it. Any sign of an airport in Adara's future?
Joan (Jmouse): I'll look forward toward seeing your version when the time comes. As for the railroad, I'll get into that aspect on Friday, but long story short, it was prompted by LAX and the light rail that passes nearby. I think I'm going to have some work to compile the needed bits for Friday given the reactions I've seen in these recent posts.
Bernhard (Nardo69): Interesting comparison between the two airports. I'll have to look at them more in depth over the next day or so here. It's interesting to see the ways areas develop over time. I think that's part of what keeps this game as fun as it does: seeing how everyone interprets life. Everyone draws from different sources of inspiration and reasoning, as they do in real life as well. Always good to see you here.
Jordan (canyonjumper): Thanks Jordan. Glad you enjoyed. Airports really have come a long way thanks to the efforts of many folks. Glad the result looked good.
So today's update is a bit of a different one. It's a mix of an oddity and a teaser.
First, the oddity:
28.01
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FCH%252028%2520str%2520tunnel%2520teaser%2F2engines.jpg&hash=73be3c6d4dd2c9aef0de7be72a4b77b77b510412)
Caught two diesel engines testing the rails of tomorrow's update.
Now then, the teaser. The following two shots are related in some way, and by that, I mean more than both of them just being pictures of rail. Feel free to guess at what they two of them could mean. The answer will be revealed tomorrow.
28.02
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FCH%252028%2520str%2520tunnel%2520teaser%2F2enginesanddtrtunnel.jpg&hash=13c1b7f8783b7ca6c8b528f45261fe5b1a932e33)
28.03
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FCH%252028%2520str%2520tunnel%2520teaser%2Fdtr-strswitch.jpg&hash=d09c620ac589bfa5f89200f64b11199dbdad8f76)
-Matt
Mmmm, they both have pink flowers in the picture? Well, maybe not. Could it have something to do with the double rail merging into a single rail?
Those are some good-looking screenies, BTW. I've not seen that tunnel before, and I suspect you created it yourself.
What could be in store for us tomorrow... :)
Joan
WOW Matt!!!
That tunnel looks awesome, you have to tell us how you did that.
Is it functional? or eyecandy?
Is it a modd? or a plop?
Can there be several versions in the game at the same time?
So many questions and so little time.
Great surprise!! &apls
Robin :thumbsup:
Fantastic airport, really awesome!!! And that tunnel, in the last update is great!!! :thumbsup:
Well that tunnel entrance just looks great! Very odd to see two diesel engines like that with nothing connecting them! I'm afraid I'm totally stumped at the relationship between the two images. Except I would suspect they're probably part of the same railway network. But that's a pretty safe bet with railways!
There is an airport in Adara's distant future I think, just like so many other things such as a major urban center and a port, even a military base or two . . . Unfortunately, even a small regional airport won't fit on the next two tiles I plan on developing!
Replies:
Joan (Jmouse): Good call on the flowers, but you're closer with the STR. You're also right that I made that tunnel myself. It will hopefully be out soon once I figure out the optimal way to work things.
Robin (rooker1): Indeed it is functional. The tunnel itself is a plop, but the mod is what removes the default game tunnel. The tunnel itself is an offset prop. Using that system, there can certainly be more than one version in the game, as you will soon see.
Tomas Neto: Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it.
Battlecat:As it turned out, the two lone diesels were a glitch where they appeared essentially on top of each other. Once they hit a crossing, the cars appeared and they spread out to a decent distance from each other. As for the relationship between the other two images, think about what happens when you combine custom tunnels with STR. Glad to hear there's an airport in the future of Adara too, even if it is a few updates down the road. I'll be interested to see your take on things.
There's a new company in Greenacre, the Scenic Trains company. In the past they had operated excursions along some of Greenacre's other lines, paying the railroads for the right-of-way use. However, tired of paying the extra premium, they decided to branch out with some track of their own. They formed the Scenic Trains Railroad, or STR for short (now that's creative).
29.01
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg149.imageshack.us%2Fimg149%2F405%2Fgreenacreregionalmap29.png&hash=32525c5dd5b7b0138f6504793900ffb11106ff0b) (http://img149.imageshack.us/img149/405/greenacreregionalmap29.png)
The route originates in Fergus Coast at the station near the harbor. From there, it branches off the mainline of the coast and heads back up into the hills, cutting, quite literally through them.
29.02
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FCh29%2520STR%2520Tunnel%2F90degreeturnnearcliff.jpg&hash=a67c6a769d4462463cd198c95f59380da3c5e660)
With glimpses of the town of Fergus Coast flitting by through the trees on one side and the wooded hills sloping up on the other, the train rolls along as the car stewards pass through the car with a local selection of wines.
29.03
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FCh29%2520STR%2520Tunnel%2Fhedgerow.jpg&hash=c7645f33d69a517fde46b758558f35a6984a4220)
Leaving the hills briefly, the train sprints out across the meadows before climbing back into the hills.
29.04
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FCh29%2520STR%2520Tunnel%2Fplains.jpg&hash=9f24b3558af8f79e773ed4a7e3f27d6a2867c889)
Passing through yet another tunnel, the train reaches a segment of dual track rail. This was originally the intended route for the Surfline Route, but terrain challenges made it necessary to hug the coast longer before attempting to run up the mountain to Greenacre's higher elevations. The track that had already been laid was left there until the STR company came in to claim it.
29.05
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FCh29%2520STR%2520Tunnel%2Fdr-str.jpg&hash=1be84c482e30adfdd08431826ad7c856c91f502b)
Here you can see just how significant the slopes are around here that made scaling these hills infeasible. For a tourist train however, that doesn't intend to scale the full height of the hills, this route works wonderfully.
29.06
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FCh29%2520STR%2520Tunnel%2Fhiddencar.jpg&hash=05af00e6809be2d9c9cb421be81a6630433d7cb8)
The tunnel in the previous picture is the signal to the train crew to begin dinner preparations. As the train begins the descent down to the coast again, passengers place their orders so that their meals will be ready for the ride back along the coast.
29.07
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FCh29%2520STR%2520Tunnel%2Fs-bend.jpg&hash=45817f8399365ebe9fa0a78f63c44b4c7b10017e)
Once back to the coast, passengers enjoy their dinner with ocean views, returning to Fergus Coast to perhaps head down to the marina for some of the nightlife, or off to a local hotel or bed and breakfast to digest.
29.08
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FCh29%2520STR%2520Tunnel%2Fsunset.jpg&hash=1e004b57d9d6975292ad6aed7ce5ba325f37e910)
Hope you enjoyed.
As for the tunnels, they haven't been released yet. There are still a few things yet to be worked out, but yes, STR tunnels are in the works, and multiple varieties (including the original Maxis DTR model) should be possible. I figured this would be a good place to show them off and perhaps get some thoughts on them. They're offset plops at present with a tunnel removal mod, which removes the standard tunnel model for these to replace.
-Matt
That is absolutley amazing. A tunnel removal mod.....that means this idea could be applied to the rest of the tunnels as well and we could have members making all sorts of tunnels. What a fabulous idea Matt.
The train tour around the island was fun....I'm just wondering about the wine selection. ::)
Great work!
Robin :thumbsup:
That's an excellent looking scenic railway!
Great rails Matt! Sign me up for the tour, some local wine and cuisine with a view sounds great :D Look forward to seeing how the tunnel removal mod progresses too--very interesting ;D
That tunnel is awesome, Matt. You did a terrific job on the textures.
You captured some really good scenes for this update. In fact, they're so good, I'm going to save them and try to copy them for practice. I've been fooling around in my test region recently, but I haven't played the game in so long I'm as rusty as than The Tin Man in a thunder storm! &mmm 29.07 is especially attractive because of the ground cover, but all of them look really good.
Looking forward to tomorrow... :)
Joan
Replies:Robin (rooker1):The wine selection is mostly domestic, from the several vineyards around Greenacre. Nothing too fancy though, as the train isn't the best place to store wine. special bottles will be stocked though if ordered in advance. Glad you enjoyed, and I hope you enjoy this update today.
Battlecat: Thanks. Glad you enjoyed.
noahclem: Book your tickets today, spaces are limited. As for the tunnel mod, it's in the works, and being refined. Hopefully they will be simple puzzle pieces when all is said and done. Bit of work to go before then though. Glad you like them. It's good to know they'll be useful when done.
Joan (Jmouse):You're welcome to copy whatever you want. As rusty as you may think you are, I'm happy to provide whatever oil is needed to get you going again. Hope to see your results soon. Until then, take it easy.
Well, I was hoping to get this posted yesterday, but time ran short on me (I passed the bar exam and met up with some friends from law school to celebrate). As a result, I never got around to the discussion of airports promised on Wednesday. What follows here now is partly an analysis of airports, and partly an explanation of what Greenacre is.
As it's been from the very first update, I've always invited feedback and thoughts about what is shown here. Everyone brings a different view on things, and it's always interesting to see what people pick up on within a given picture. I was pleased to see the response to the airport update of a couple days ago.
In creating Greenacre International, I drew upon several airports I've been to in real life. I'm by no means an expert on airport layouts or how things are supposed to work, but there are a few common things airports, at their base, have in common, the major differences seem to occur as a result of:
-population to be served
-available land to build on
-prevailing winds (which seem to dictate which direction the runways go, to allow planes to face into the wind for takeoff and landing)
-area surrounding the airport, and style to be conveyed
Generally, airports are noisy, especially in the jet age, and the more planes that take off in a given time, the more noise there is. As a result, a more modern airport, serving a larger population, is less likely to have residential property surrounding it. With large populations though, land tends to be scarce. You're less likely to see open space surrounding an airport in a city with higher populations.
As a result, it would stand to reason that you would see the area filled in by things which aren't bothered by loud noises: industrial properties, and likely a few commercial services to take advantage of the high commuter numbers.
More flights will often result in more runways, provided land exists, otherwise runway capacity may be one of the primary restrictors of an airport's capacity. This is especially true in cases where runways intersect.
As for Robin's comment:
Quote from: rooker1 on November 17, 2010, 05:41:39 AMAll the airports that I have ever seen don't have that much green space or parks. If you can find some time have a look at "Pearson International Airport, Mississauga, Ontario" in Google Maps, it's my airport. ;) Here you will find lots of road, rail, warehouses and very little green, except for the empty fields on the back side.
Toronto, Canada is a city of around 2.5M people and the metropolitan area surrounding it, is somewhere over 5M. the airport itself appears to handle around 30M passengers per year (sources: wikipedia (for what it's worth)). The airport also appears to be a hub for a variety of cargo transport companies, which would seem to account for the rail, warehouses, and general lack of greenery. Industry, with certain exceptions like office parks, generally don't seem to care about making things green and pretty.
I think I see one thing Robin may be saying though. Greenacre Intl uses a lot of grass between the runways and taxiways. In his picture from Pearson, the grass isn't nearly as uniform in color or density. However, before going further into detail about Greenacre Intl. I think it would be useful to address the airports I've drawn from.
I'll start with one whose development I've seen over the past 20 or so years: John Wayne Airport (KSNA):
30.01
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FCh%252030%2520airport%2520analysis%2FJohnWayneairport.jpg&hash=e8607ccd2f47ea94ccc659b9f58d53e53eb61e31)
This airport is bordered by three freeways: to the north by the 405 freeway, west by the 55, and south by the 73. It has 2 runways, but only one is long enough for things larger than the average private plane. Additionally, just to the south is Newport Bay, and Newport Beach, home of multi-million dollar houses, and people who are very touchy about noise.
Now this proximity has caused a bit of tension between the neighbors and the airport, but it largely seems to have worked well. It also means that, in order to reduce noise, the take off angle here is remarkably steep (and one heckuva ride). It's also restricted in the number of takeoff and landing slots per day.
In large part, I think this airport formed the base of Greenacre's, at least with the single primary runway design that looks out toward the ocean.
30.02 - John Wayne's parking and front view
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FCh%252030%2520airport%2520analysis%2FJohnWayneparkingairport.jpg&hash=1ad325624fc14a5c5204e4edd07a3a4fba631a3f)
So, another feature of this airport is that it's in a commercial/residential area, which means that the frontage of the building tends to be rather green. This is, in part, what inspired the park in front of the terminal (plus it was a way to tie in the subway and train stations).
This next airport you may have seen in RickD's MD
30.03 - Santa Barbara Airport (KSBA)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FCh%252030%2520airport%2520analysis%2Fsantabarbaraairport.jpg&hash=eab3bb2a481e08ff8da57b99448907dce8a7ef27)
Here's one of the examples of intersecting runways putting a limit on capacity, but also the prevailing winds tend to have the ones going left-right in the picture as the active runways. The purpose for showing this one is the surrounding area: UCSB (the university) is down left in the picture, and the freeway runs to the north (with a minor one on the right there). The airport is out in the city of Goleta (near Santa Barbara) and the city itself has a significant number of warehouses and other industrial aspects to it, but there's still land that you see around the airport itself. It's not green necessarily, but it is natural.
This next one is an example of a mega airport:
30.04 - LAX (KLAX)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FCh%252030%2520airport%2520analysis%2FLAXairport.jpg&hash=049a89f39e24a03af4b1b72baa4dcd430e00d42d)
Here you have the Pacific Ocean to the west, the 405 freeway to the east, but plenty of land, and plenty of pavement. The area around it is heavily developed, with plenty of cargo facilities and industrial property along the approach route. There are small residential areas nearby, but any in the flight path are rather low wealth (R$ if anything) and low density. If you note the 1 freeway there (Pacific Coast Highway) it actually goes under two of the runways near the terminal entrance. This may be something more in line with what Robin was thinking of. However, the reason I didn't use many points of it for Greenacre is that it's just too big for Greenacre's needs.
It does demonstrate some of the features I noted above though:
-population to be served: much of the greater LA area
-available land to build on: plenty of land, and I think they may still be trying to get more
-prevailing winds (which seem to dictate which direction the runways go, to allow planes to face into the wind for takeoff and landing) - note the 4 main runways following more or less the same approach
-area surrounding the airport, and style to be conveyed: Industry and cargo facilities abound, and it's a straight airport. You go to the area to catch a plane or to pickup/drop off people. It's geared toward that aspect, and there are few additional things that aren't needed, since they need every bit of space they can get.
Somewhat on the other end of the large airport spectrum is Eppley Field in Omaha, Nebraska (KOMA)
30.05
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FCh%252030%2520airport%2520analysis%2FEppleyFieldOMAairport.jpg&hash=01338c6fe76a9da36a9fb2cd0ef1cc431788096e)
This is an airport with plenty of land to work with, and plenty of land still around it. There's no visibly maintained grass here, but then this may be winter which would mean the grass has likely been dormant and brown for a while. What is noteworthy however, is that the land seems to be in a natural state, and not manicured.
Based on this one, I do plan to make some changes to the airport there in Greenacre. While you don't want nature to take over your airport, especially when birds are around, a more natural look seems like it wouldn't be a bad thing.
As for the idea to make the military base share the facility, that feature came from the Reno-Tahoe (formerly Reno-Cannon) airport (KRNO). They have a number of C-130s there in addition to other planes, but I remember watching those things try to climb under a full load after taking off, looking like they were struggling to stay aloft. Sturdy planes those were.
30.06 - Reno-Tahoe (KRNO)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FCh%252030%2520airport%2520analysis%2FRenoairport.jpg&hash=b15d88b6a8d12a02cf2e61e89e95f36fd8be1cc0)
The national guard base actually shares the same runways as the airport here, instead of, as in Greenacre, having their own private one.
30.07
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FCh%252030%2520airport%2520analysis%2FRenomilitaryairport.jpg&hash=74bbc3b5278a9b3833ed118f11c1bbe5a8c460ca)
There's also Long Beach airport (KLGB), one of the few where you still walk out onto the tarmac to walk up the steps to your plane. Walking into the terminal is like walking back in time.
30.08 - Long Beach - (KLGB)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FCh%252030%2520airport%2520analysis%2FLongBeach.jpg&hash=8d8786c305e235e80b60ab99c6eb12c53e6a45dc)
The large private plane area of Greenacre's airport owes a fair bit to Long Beach. The airport was, and still is home to a few airplane companies (including military planes) and there are many private facilities here in addition to commercial traffic. The intersecting runways and large areas of tarmac partly account for the similar sprawl of Greenacre's airport. If you are ever looking for a flight out of LA and don't want to go to LAX, consider this one. It's a great little place, and great for plane-spotters.
So, for those of you who actually made it through all of that, where does that leave things?
Airports seem to be a product of their environments and how they've grown up over time. I don't think there is any one design that works in every situation. Greenacre is a still a city that's growing and changing. They placed the airport where they did to be close enough to the population centers without being so close as to disturb people regularly with the noise of arriving and departing planes.
I'll post an updated picture of the airport tomorrow. Hope this was an interesting explanation of what all went into the though process behind the airport here.
Also, I just noticed this post (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=12056.msg353645;topicseen#msg353645) by adroman in the tutorials section. It's in the process of discussing how to build airports in the game. I'll be curious to see how Greenacre would rate among them in terms of realism.
-Matt
An excellent analysis, Matt. You certainly did your homework. I can see where the same analytical principal could be used in other areas of the game, too. In times past, I've been guilty of failing to stop and think about why I make certain in-game decisions. I believe I can say in all honesty you've changed the way I'll approach SC4 in the future.
Also, congratulations on passing the bar exam! &apls You did your homework on that project, too! ;)
Later...
Joan
Thanks for the insight and congratulations on passing the bar &apls You're a better student than I was ::)
Like KLGB, RIX in Riga, Latvia requires you to walk out onto the tarmac (after a quick bus shuttle). I wouldn't recommend the experience there however, especially if you are averse to lots of travelers wearing way too much perfume/cologne in too small a space with too few places to sit.
I haven't got around to making a custom SC4 airport yet and the discussion here should help me when I get around to doing so :thumbsup:
It gave me great pleasure to move Matt's (threestooges') MD from The Best Sellers section and into OSITM for the week and what a great week it was. Now I am even happier that his MD no longer will be in The Best Sellers section, but now will sit with the rest of the Classics!!
&apls
Congratulations my friend, from myself and The SC4D Staff!!
That was a very interesting discussion on Airports! That was an interesting read for a Monday morning!
Congratulations on your move to Classics!
Congrats on the move! &apls Custom airports scare the daylights out of me but you may have inspired me to give a small one a shot.
*whew* I made it to the end.
That was an interesting read....and how could I not read it when I can see my name several times throughout. ;) I agree.....now. I think I will need to do an airport sooner or later on the currnet map I am using.
I personelly like the LA airport. With the surrounding freeways/highways and the industrial zones snug in against them. I think I will be Google Earthing that one. ;)
Great work again and super week with you, Matt.
Robin &apls
An excellent guide to your thinking on airports Matt. I have to thank Joan (Jmouse) for pointing me toward it. Airports grow organically with the city they are located in. What I enjoy about building them in Sim City is the challenge of designing an airport and a city to surround it and make them look like they grew together and belong together.
Geoff
Quote from: threestooges on November 21, 2010, 12:09:54 AM
Generally, airports are noisy, especially in the jet age, and the more planes that take off in a given time, the more noise there is.
O yeah..., I live near a big airport and I suffer with such a situation!!! :'(
Very interesting text, my friend!!! And welcome to the Classics!!! :thumbsup:
I've enjoyed the update that's following a train on it's way :) Nice!
Matt, I just don't get out enough.
The tunnel entrances are releasable yesterday, as far as I'm concerned. The lack of an STR portal has been a major gap in the game for two years now- I think you've nailed it. I realize that there might still be techie issues out there, but we should get your great work on these surfaced where folks who can address those issues (if you can't, and I'm reading between the lines- I'm hopeless at that sort of stuff myself) can get going. I see no issue as well with using the same style to replace the DTR portal. Yours have so much more character than the poured concrete crapola that the game developer came up with. The only detail that I would add to the "vanilla" portal is patches of exposed rusting rebar.
You've rekindled my interest in airports. I have a ton of diagonal RMIP runway work that has been offered to all the airport teams, and has sat 90% complete since May, 2007. That's too long, and it's time to address that situation.
Congrats as well on Greenacre being designated a "Classic" MD. I say that because all of us out here knew that it was a classic all along.
David
Replies:
Joan (Jmouse): I actually may have changed the way I approach it in some sense too. In playing the game, especially for Greenacre, I've always tried to think about the story behind some feature: explaining why there are two of the same building next to each other (besides that I was too lazy to pull out the bulldozer), or why the road might curve wildly in an otherwise flat area. For a number of these things they've been inspired by real world things I've seen, but even with BATting, Google maps provides great perspective for realistic design. The biggest trick there is taking the time to research and analyze it all, which is exactly what we all want to do when we sit down to relax and play a game. The results do seem to help the overall product though. Always good to see you here Joan.
Noah (noahclem): Thanks for the thoughts Noah, and I'm just glad it's done with. That's not a test I'd enjoy taking again. As for the experience with the shuttle you mentioned, I can only imagine what the rest of the plane ride must be like. When you do get ready to make your first custom airport, I recommend just taking a spare city tile and just plopping out all of the pieces and trying a few combinations before committing. They're so versatile and this airport changed several times as I went through it. There are also a number of custom aircraft projects that I've seen going on which will add even more options for you to consider. Let me know when you get around to building yours. I'll add it to the Greenacre flight map.
Robin (rooker1) x2: Thanks Robin, both for moving this to the Classics and for your thoughts on the airport. Glad to see you enjoyed the discussion and I'll be looking forward to what you end up doing with yours. I'm sure it'll be something when it's all said and done. Keep me posted on its development if you think about it.
Battlecat: Glad you enjoyed it. Not exactly light reading, but perhaps some of the airports' elements are visible in Greenacre International. I know Adara is likely a bit away from its airport, but I know it'll be a sight to see when it's done.
cubby420: Nothing to fear with custom airports. There are plenty of pieces to choose from, but just take your time, figure out what you want it to look like, and be sure to save plenty of space. They do take up quite a bit of room, and they'll take as much room as you'll give them. Also, as I suggested with Noah above, take a spare city tile and just plop everything you have out to see what it all looks like and perhaps try a few small samples to see what works best for you. Then it's just a matter of time and fiddling through the various pieces until you're done. Best of luck with it when you build yours.
Geoff (calibanX): Indeed Geoff, when you build up an area in SC4, unless you do build it over time and try to wedge an airport in, usually areas are built in-game all at the same time. Oddly enough, this one had the fortune of being unplanned. I felt Greenacre could use an airport and that was one of the largest land areas left that would reasonably support the addition of one, so that's where it came from. Possibly I'll consider a plan to relocate or expand it, but I agree, part of the fun here is creating the story behind the building. It helps explain and also influence what goes where. Glad you enjoyed.
Tomas Neto: Sorry to hear about the airport problem, but also glad to hear you enjoyed the update. Thanks for the welcome to the classics section too.
Skimbo: Welcome to Greenacre! Glad you enjoyed the update.
David (dedgren): As I'm sure you've read elsewhere, while I would certainly consider releasing the tunnels as they are, I do want to see if I can get them to the point where they wouldn't need any additional updates, and where they can work in most situations. Sadly this project, along with Greenacre, found its way to the back burner for the past few months, but I'm finding some time here again and I'd like to get back to both. Hope to see one of the airport teams pick up the baton for the RMIP runways, or to at least see them done in some way as well. You do some fine work with your texturing. Also, thank you very much for the welcome into the Classics section. It's been a fun journey here, there's plenty to come, and it's made all the more enjoyable by people like you (and that goes for all of the rest of you Regulars* too)
*Regulars in the 3RR sense of anyone who has posted at least once.
I'm not entirely sure what happened to the time since late November, but a fair bit of it has included work. I'm starting to get to the point where I have a reasonably predictable schedule, or at least predictable in the sense that I think I know when I'm going to have some free time. With that being said, I'm going to try to get some regular Greenacre updates going again. I'm planning to reorganize my plugins over the weekend, and hopefully take stock of what I have, perhaps find a new building or something I forgot I had to to highlight. Thank you all for your words. It's been a great trip this far with all of you, and there is still much to come.
-Matt
Finding free time can often be quite difficult. Good luck, I'm eager to see what you'll show us next!
Well thanks for the nudge in the right direction. :thumbsup:
Nice going TS. I've gotta be honest with you. I stole some smaller ideas (hope you don't mind) how to make a decent looking airport from this MD because I'm not a master in this department at all, and your's are nice looking at, and coming up the airport in Access, I needed some ideas. Thanks ;)
Fred
Glad to hear you're back and I'll be looking forward to more of your work! It's been a few months and I still haven't built a custom airport, though I have a site picked and development is finally moving in that direction. Whenever I do I'll be referencing your MD ;)
Replies:
io_bg: Yeah, finding the right combination of free time, motivation/inspiration, and all of that is hard to put together some times, but I think things will be a bit more regular here soon.
cubby420: Happy to help.
Fred (mrbisonm): Thanks Fred. Coming from an MD veteran like you, it's good to know I've been able to return some inspiration. I'm by no means a master in this either, but you're more than welcome to steal a few ideas (as long as you don't mind me stealing a few back). Looking forward to seeing how the airport comes together for you.
Noah (noahclem):Glad to hear things are moving forward. Progress, no matter how small, is still progress. It took me a while to finally pull the trigger on construction too. Take your time and plan it out beforehand, and leave a bit more space than you think you need, it manages to fill in fast. Let me know when you do break ground on it.
This update takes us to look at some new (re)development up in the hills.
30.00
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2Fupdate%252030%2F3000-1.png&hash=4f08841821a2fc680a006b67e818042e6adbb707) (http://i1041.photobucket.com/albums/b416/threestoogessc4/update%2030/3000-1.png)
Industrial development to be precise:
30.01
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2Fupdate%252030%2F3001.jpg&hash=95afa17e65741f51d9139b5a104b231710904047)
One of the first buildings that grew up here was a Costco distribution warehouse.
30.02
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2Fupdate%252030%2F3002.jpg&hash=6faae6710d3e04e080cb2603143eafcb365ff8a8)
However, such a facility really needs a place for people to park:
30.03
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2Fupdate%252030%2F3003.jpg&hash=3bcc55138cde521c2998d3c8d369ccc119a2a3b3)
A little further to the west there's plenty of land available for new buildings to go in.
30.04
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2Fupdate%252030%2F3004.jpg&hash=c4361496501be674f8707fe1987cacab77948518)
Filing out the proper papers at city hall, the area is zoned, and ready for development. Not all of these buildings will survive to the final product though.
30.05
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2Fupdate%252030%2F3005.jpg&hash=682d6e334886717e2ee0755d6be18e37e0564012)
A little pruning, some additional development, and a few parking lots to make sure the curbs aren't packed full gives us this:
30.06
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2Fupdate%252030%2F3006.jpg&hash=fa24686d1187967c3d1c3a8a323e515b48e5e225)
Following the development further west still, we start to get closer to an existing commercial zone. Marking the transition, developed properties take the form of warehouses, manufacturing structures and other, less polluting structures.
30.07
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2Fupdate%252030%2F3007.jpg&hash=4384bb739e3778eed532cabd9c2ba776f6005b7b)
Following in line with the need for plenty of parking, parking lots fill the spaces between the buildings.
30.08
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2Fupdate%252030%2F3008.jpg&hash=4c7ab819f83f15f1bee1c8f415d8e141216788aa)
But, given that this is Greenacre, and that this is a lower density industrial park, some of those lots have been re-converted to trees.
30.09
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2Fupdate%252030%2F3009.jpg&hash=c5b07a618577ffda9b99f90c4b0255d80e0fef28)
So that's the progress for this update. In the coming updates we'll follow the progress further to the west and south to see how this part will tie into the rest of the area. Until next time, take it easy.
-Matt
Greenacre certainly is filling out - and looking good! :) Glad to see you've provided parking areas - the lack of them always looks unnatural to me. 30.06 does, indeed, show the industrial area is progressing nicely and 30.07 appears to be the result of natural development. Then the addition of trees adds a bit of softness and confirms my idea that commercial/industrial development doesn't have to be an eyesore!
I like the realistic, logical, down-to-earth approach you've used here. Good work...
Joan
Always nice to see someone making a 'good looking' or maybe rather realistic industrial park. Yours is a great example of using the space around the developed buildings to make something that is looking coherent in style. Using the same kind of trees and parking spaces is tying the whole area together.
Very nice update my friend!!! Nice industrial area!!!
Oh, it's been a long time I didn't come there! :D
Very nice update and very realistic. I like that you show how you build or rebuild some zones, it's very interesting. &apls
Guillaume :thumbsup:
Great work on that industrial area!
Looking forward to more from Greenacre. ;)
The industrial area looks great. I like the rail going through it. I find it not easy to fill irregular shaped areas with industry as most buildings are large and do not fit into diagonal areas.
Replies:
Joan (Jmouse):
I think, if there was one thing I've picked up from other authors in regard to industrial areas, it was parking. Maxis made some great buildings, and there are some great custom ones out there, but parking is one of those things that can always make the areas seem more realistic. Glad to hear you like the new presentation/development style.
kwakelaar: That means quite a bit coming from you. Andau is probably one of the most realistically developed MDs I've seen. Glad to know the area flows as a whole. I'm making this stuff up as I go, so it's always good to know what works, or doesn't.
Tomas Neto: Glad to hear you enjoyed it.
Guillaume (Sciurus): Good to see you here again. I'll be showing more of the progressive development and redevelopment as I go. Glad to hear you like the presentation style.
bat: Thanks! There will be more development on the way.
Rick (RickD): Those angled/irregular areas are some of the toughest to work with. It can be dealt with with a bit of green space or custom lots, but generally I've found it tough to work buildings up to the edge of such lots. If you have any thoughts on the matter, I'd love to hear them, but until then, I'll keep an eye on Santa Barbara for hints.
Those of you who do keep up on your Greenacre news might remember a story which broke way back when (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6621.msg288314#msg288314) in November of 2009. I've obtained a transcript from that broadcast in case you missed it:
Quote from: Channel 3 News - Eye On Greenacre - broadcast transcript Nov. 16, 2009
Robin: "The SS Central Gremable has been found!
What does this mean to the rest of the world you ask? Andrew Patterson, a university historian says this find gives us the chance to rewrite what very well might be incorrect history.
Andrew Patterson (on location at Cliffton University): The SS Central Gremable was built just to transfer the gold from the Greenacre islands to the SC4 Mainland World Banks. On it's maiden voyage on May 27, 1838 the ship came under attack by Sam Blacksmith, called himself the last Great Pirate. There was a chase through the tight corridors of the islands passes, but Sam Blacksmith finally sunk the Gremable. But what was unknown to this day was whether or not Sam had taken the gold or if it had gone down with the Gremable.
Now, the 1850s marked an extraordinary growth period for Greenacre. After the discovery of gold at Buttin's Mill, "49ers" came from all over the SC4 world to strike it rich in the gold fields of Greenacre. On March 21, 1837, the Greenacre Chronicle reported to the SC4 world that "gold has been found in considerable quantities." It could be argued that this was the greatest news scoop in SC4 world history.
The soaring SC4 world economy, fueled by the rapid influxes of fresh real money from the Greenacre gold fields, set the stage for the most powerful industrialized nation in the SC4 world to develop. This was the decade when all the islands transformed into one government per se. Gold was more than an economic boost to the country. It was the catalyst that caused great numbers of Europeans, Chinese and South Americans to prosper in a region that just years earlier was sparsely populated. The Greenacre Gold Rush relics are symbolic of the SC4 world dream.
Robin: Captain Steve Trusher's salvage team will be the ones bringing up the gold and Channel 3 will be there to keep you all up to speed"
Well, following up on that, the historians around here might find this intriguing:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FUpdate%252031%2FNewspaper.png&hash=564843f24a7fe9b061c3bae18f07b6c0c160ba0d)
Yes, that's right. No treasure recovered. I'm not sure if that's true, but I have a feeling there will be treasure hunters out in the bay there for years to come. One thing's for sure, the salvage site is employing a fair few folks.
31.01
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FUpdate%252031%2FSalavgesite.jpg&hash=b150875bb8cd09f755f7f4de1102539c8a8a743a)
Also, as you can see, the progress is moving along quite well. The majority of the ship has been documented, packed and shipped, leaving only the frame to go.
31.02
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FUpdate%252031%2FSalavgesite2.jpg&hash=3df657eb91b5615ac60bee9e45829a3d1f602e1e)
Oddly enough, the area sees quite a bit of nautical traffic, so it's a bit strange to think that ships passed over the salvage site so often over the years without any thought to what lay underneath.
31.03
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FUpdate%252031%2Fshippinglanes.jpg&hash=7fbd61a28bfadf948b58f7e9fe787f6d26e78a43)
The ship itself, once it has undergone study and analysis, will form the central display for the lobby of the IOS as the earliest known example of oceanic navigation in Greenacre.
31.04
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FUpdate%252031%2FIOS.jpg&hash=2370bcb45bfbb56f366522e716829f81e3742b6b)
Bit of a short one, but this update's been a long time in coming. Hopefully it felt like a full one and not just a teaser.
-Matt
&apls
Great work Matt.
The transcript was a good reminder, I had almost forgotten about that. The two dates are of interest to me....May 27th and March 21st. My birthday and my eldest son's
The bit of history and the news paper article are all very well done and definately add to the realism. And nice LOT you made on the shore. I look forward to hearing if anyone finds that gold.
Robin :thumbsup:
The salvage site is very well done. Great detailing.
31.03: Looks like a lighthouse or some buoys are needed for safety. "$Deal"$
Nice news paper there!
And great pictures of ship! :thumbsup:
The salvage site is, indeed, a well-planned area with lots of interesting details. In 31.01, the ground cover mid-left looks great, and Chris' four-wheeler ruts are very appropriate there. But I guess you knew I would question a lack of visible access. Somebody has to keep you on your toes, and your day will come! :D
I'm glad you included the long shot in 31.03. It really adds a bit more depth by giving us a feeling for the overall atmosphere. Here we have the jungle and the deep-blue sea surrounding an historic ship. Did its secret go down with it, destined to be lost forever, or will further study reveal more pieces to the puzzle?
Good job on this one...
-Joan
Robin (rooker1): It had been so long I'd almost forgotten about it too (kidding). I was wondering where you came up with those facts and figures. Now if only we could figure out what "Gremable" means then nautical historians across Greenacre would cheer. Many thanks to Joan who helped put the paper together (and in no small part helped provide inspiration for the article). You'll know if anyone finds the gold all right. Stories like that tend to not go unnoticed. Glad to hear you enjoyed the lot too. I don't fiddle with the LE much (Maxis, or the PIM-X one). Both versions scare me. However, with a bit of work, a decent lot seems to be possible for me. I think I'll stick to BATting in the short term though. Always good to hear... read your thoughts here. Hope all is well with you.
Rick (RickD): A lighthouse you say? Interesting. Well, given the cluster of islands and the shallow, narrow passages between them, perhaps a few channel markers might be in order. Glad you liked the site. The ship was "borrowed" from the viking ship park from mrbisonm (http://www.simtropolis.com/forum/files/file/19378-nexis-viking-ship-wreck-park/) found at Simtropolis.
bat: Glad you enjoyed it bat. Always good to see you here in Greenacre.
Joan (Jmouse): Oh, I'd say I'm kept on my toes by several folks around here, you included, heh heh. Though not nearly as much as is probably good, given the amount of dust I keep letting pile up in here. Glad you liked the site and the obligatory trail leading up to it. Time may well tell what happened to the treasure, or maybe it was found by the Greenacre government and is now being used to fund a series of civic renovations. Who knows? Thanks for your help in getting the newspaper done. That was a great help.
*dusts the place off again*
So, first I should apologize for the lack of regular updates.
Yes, I suppose once every month or two still counts as "regular" but I really would prefer that they be more frequent.
Anyway, I've been retooling an area on the south coast of Greenacre that's been seen before. The idea is to have it end up being a fancy-pants mansion-filled area overlooking the sea. The main road through town is elevated and shielded by trees to prevent road noise from bleeding through, and the slope of the hill helps each house have a view over the one below it.
Or at least that's the idea. Try as I might, I haven't been able to get things to a point where I'd like to see them. Something about the area isn't adding up.
With that, I'd like to ask for your thoughts.
South Coast was first seen back here (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6621.msg222814#msg222814) during that first run in OSITM. It was a brief glimpse, and I still like the look of the tightly-packed mansions vying with small-scale apartments for that precious land close to the beach.
This is where the area was when I started:
32.01
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FCh%252032%2Fsouthcoastremodel1.jpg&hash=f3e5e8ce62678352cdc92d67c0b83f021a6419ef)
You'll note the sparse hill, which is scheduled to be filled with a tropical-ish forest similar to Shelter Island (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6621.msg219409#msg219409) shown back there. The industrial area is also slated to be upgraded, but that's a project for another time, I think.
32.02
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FCh%252032%2Fsouthcoastremodel2.jpg&hash=038ca3c74ce9208d39fa825d62d5188f6cad6765)
This second picture shows more of the hill (with red cedars that are on their way out), as well as a superfluous baseball field (already gone) and a church which feels a bit out of place for the more contemporary style of architecture I'm looking for here. This area was built back when I was still getting going with custom content, and that church was, as far as I recall, the only custom one I had at that point (consequently it got used many times around Greenacre).
32.03
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FCh%252032%2Fsouthcoastremodel3.jpg&hash=41be55d117fdffd94302244c319d260ac47cbf30)
Here's the first image of the remodel in progress. I've obtained several mansions, sure... but it's lacking that lush look I was hoping for. Not quite sure why. Also, I'm looking for a better way to blend the flora types together. The tropical-ish jungle isn't quite coming together as expected. Maybe getting rid of those paths between the houses would work.
32.04
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FCh%252032%2Fsouthcoastremodel4.jpg&hash=62325830248697be0f1b69d3c09f38a4dfb25648)
Lastly, and I know Robin will love this one, some mixed use areas including some industrial on the edge of the beach. That abrupt ending is going to be dealt with sure enough, but this is just to give you an idea of how the rest of the area is developing.
Thoughts about how best to proceed in development would be greatly appreciated, as would any comment naturally, it's always good to hear what you all think.
-Matt
That's a really nice beach you have there in 32.01, Matt, and I like the elevated road through town. If you have your eye on mansions, though, there will have to be a few changes made.
You've already mentioned upgrading the industrial area, and the garbage dump will have to go, too. I believe there's a mod somewhere which allows you to delete the dump without having to wait for it to disappear naturally.
There are things you can add to attract higher-class Sims, too. Get rid of the grid and replace it with curvy streets and quiet cul-de-sacs. Larger lots (yards) are appealing, so if you're just starting out here, consider leaving a vacant lot or two between each house and fill it with shady trees. Later you can zone larger lots.
Of course, there are always the basics like education, safety (police and fire protection), recreational areas (parks) and easy (easier) access to the workplace. Short of plopping EVERYthing, you just have to work your way up to the point where you want to be.
You can achieve your goal here, though, with some foresighted planning...
-Joan
Thanks for the thoughts Joan. I think I have the demand and desirability aspects working well for the moment (though I can say that garbage dump is on its way out for sure), what I'm debating more is the visual style. As it stands, there are two paths I'm considering: a spread out are with mansions carved out of the jungle is one way to proceed, but I've had areas that have gone that way already; the other avenue is to have dense, yet high wealth development, as people crowd the shores to get into a desirable area. Some mansions, but also higher wealth towers: a beach town where property values skyrocketed. That's more of the question I'm pondering. What elements would best convey that look and feel?
I didn't answer right away like I usually do because I wanted to give myself some time to collect my thoughts on this little area of yours. ;)
So........ :P
I hate (I know, strong word) when people over use the stone walls in thier cities and I think you may have over done it here. A little pet peeve of mine. I think it might have been a lot nicer if you had of followed the hill side and used the natural elevation for better views of the water for the houses and just cut in a two lane RHW with side roads off of it. Leave maybe a tile or two of space between the highway and the backs of the houses for a nice stone wall.....say jeronij's, and some really nice trees.....say girafe's and Simfox's.
Also I think I might have put the commercial on the main street going down to the beach and fill the water front road with houses instead. Maybe change the residential street to a road and make the water front road a street that follows the water front. On the west side it might go under the bridge, through a tunnel to have easy access to the industrial area just to the north and on the east side it would stil go through the industrials there and go back up to the highway. This way you would easy flowing through traffic.
Last but not the least I think I would invest in a beach modd to give you real beach sand shores and than decorate them with grasses, trees and rocks.....similiar the way Yan does in Corsica, where you don't want beaches and where you do plop beach stuff.
As for the garbage dump, I would be inclined to leave it there. It is in the industrial area and furthest from town being on the north side. You know me by now, I have to mix bueaty with some uglyness and I think this would be just perfect.
I think the issue I have is the overall shape. It looks to unrealistic with so much stone walls, the beach front looks like it belongs in a major city, Miami maybe.....a little too perfect for a small town. 31 parking lots, enough for 310 cars, I think it's too much. That line of palm tree lots, way too perfect. I know you don't like LE, but making some simple lots there would make the world of difference. If you don't want to do it, tell me the lengths you are interested in and I will make them for you. ;)
Okay, okay, not my MD so I should stop now. I hope that wasn't too hard and you'll still talk to me. :P ;)
Always a pleasure to come to your MD Matt and see what you are up to. I look forward to seeing what you think about waht I have siad here and what direction you decide to go in now after hearing from Joan and I and anyone else that chimes in.
Robin :thumbsup:
That's a nice small city with a great looking beach!
Looking forward to more... :)
This beach! I think it egals the Normand ones... how big they are! :o
Well, it's a nice city you've done, I like it. Maybe the surelevated road is not appropriate, I saw better a road on the ground with houses close to it.
Guillaume :thumbsup:
Joan (Jmouse): There wasn't much foresight in this update, but I think it turned out pretty well. Let me know what you think. I think the density of the area is coming together, at least on the beach side of the main road.
Robin (rooker1): Thanks for the thoughts; they're always greatly appreciated. I think you'll like this update, in part, and loathe it in part. You were right about the walls. The concept I had didn't mesh with the means I tried to use to get there. The walls have been removed and replaced with a more natural look, providing the noise barrier I was looking for, without the contrasting flora and stark bareness of the walls.
The main reason I chose to plop the beaches as lots was for the uniform and manufactured look of them (I know, sounds odd, right?). I like the contrast from the natural shores and it allows better versatility. As for the parking spaces, that too derives from a local memory:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FCh%252033%2FSouthCoast10.jpg&hash=150344a7eb7437c89824fc1b933415258bb61d29)
Huntington Beach, CA and many other beaches in Southern California are focal points for more than just the locals. People come from upwards of an hour away to reach the shore. This necessitates ample capacity on a given day. Now, granted, there aren't nearly as many people living near the area here (for now), but it's meant to serve more than just this community.
I like the idea of the tunnel linking the industrial area. I'll have to work on it when I get working up that way next.
bat:Glad you enjoyed it bat. Always good to see you here.
Guillaume (Sciurus): Not too familiar with the Normand beaches, unfortunately, but I'd like to see them at some point. Glad you like the way these turned out though. I wanted to keep the main road through town elevated since it is meant to be more of a thoroughfare than a part of the town; more of a smaller highway than a city street. That's also why there aren't any houses near it. Hope you enjoy the renovation of the area.
If you remember from the last update, the South Coast area wasn't living up to my expectations. It wasn't dense enough, the buildings weren't close enough together, and the floral theme was practically non-existent (that's the change that Robin'll love)
33.01
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FCh%252033%2FSouthCoast5.jpg&hash=b8ceafa2af8993bcc2506c2d71052cd0d72b172c)
Now then, as is true around southern CA, palm trees blend well with oaks, pines, and anything really. I tried to carry this look from just flora areas into the lots themselves.
33.02
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FCh%252033%2FSouthCoast4.jpg&hash=30ecd8b6416bbe1c5606ce449d30bb6bffd75c6a)
The floral theme carries through to the school ground as well, hopefully tying things together better.
33.03
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FCh%252033%2FSouthCoast6.jpg&hash=b9f1bde41fe96d9dd7d2b92dcf787d26021bff1b)
Now then, as far as the beach goes, it now transitions to the regular, unrefined shoreline, in a much more realistic and less-abrupt fashion.
33.04
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FCh%252033%2FSouthCoast3.jpg&hash=5a60184c0d005c32da6f02531da14a41225f0a58)
Redevelopment of the commercial areas along the roads leading to the beaches allows for more visual diversity, and plenty of business opportunity for the shop owners from everyone going to the beach (and those coming off the beach for a bite to eat).
33.05
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FCh%252033%2FSouthCoast7.jpg&hash=285f6f44408003fc1bcc36487e9506b618c67584)
All in all, with the beach-front mansions (tightly packed to maximize beachfront space), the regular arrival of beachgoers, and the streetcar system to move people up and down the beach, it all seems to flow fairly smoothly.
33.06
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FCh%252033%2FSouthCoast2.jpg&hash=fc49fdb95af272b58282554dfa47a8f61c2bb551)
So much so that the party will continue even into the sunset.
33.07
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FCh%252033%2FSouthCoast1.jpg&hash=59a1f3d51e5fc51fd4655d77ecbbb155005a9029)
Now then, that raises the question of what happens at night when the residents are planning to go to bed and all the visitors are heading home. Well, that's what the walls and the trees were originally for, but the new flora seems to block the noise quite well. The road has also been turned into a divided road, allowing higher speeds and providing more of a buffer to avoid people drifting into oncoming traffic.
33.08
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FCh%252033%2FSouthCoast8.jpg&hash=888424c1c829da98fa0c52c5067baaa928f02177)
So that's where the area sits now. Certainly closer to what I'd originally intended. Still more work to come on the other areas surrounding it. So I'll leave you today with an overview of the area so you can see how it all now (hopefully) fits together better.
33.09
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FCh%252033%2FSouthCoast9.jpg&hash=2ffc565af8356f8a2e070493651c8c2132d31c8f)
As always, any thoughts or suggestions are always welcome.
-Matt
Again wonderful work on that beach!!
Great update, Matt! The shorelines and beach area look really nice. Also I love the GLR along the seaside, gives townies a chance to go to the beach without spending tons of money on fuel and polluting the air. I'm looking forward to next issue.
The beach looks good now, Matt, and pretty realistic. You are right about the density of residential and commercial structures because any beach-front real estate is a highly coveted commodity.
I have no objection to stone walls because I like to use terracing as a landscaping tool. I seem to recall Dave (tooheys) using them quite effectively. Maybe he'll expound on the idea in the NUTs thread if he ever comes back.
As for the flora, the palm trees fit in with the environs although I'm not sure about planting them on a soccer field (footie pitch) 33.03. :D I like the way you've finished off the beach in 33.04, but it makes me wish we'd finished our beach ends.
I might have expected to see more hotels and high-brow restaurants crowded behind the beach in the hopes of snagging some tired and hungry tourists. This is a throwback to my own memories of the beach in Galveston, Texas, though. I recall my mother and I going to one of the seafood restaurants there when I was fairly young. I ordered baked flounder, and when the waiter put the plate before me, there laid a whole fish. Whole...
...Here's lookin' at you! ::)
-Joan
Nice work on that beach but you should fix your GLR skin.
I like how it turned out. As for loathing anything.....the palm trees are your own chioce, other than that, I am very happy.
I would still like you to change the flow of traffic. I think the main strip along the shore should be street and there should be roads going through the res area. I do like the tram line, that was a nice added touch. And very nice job finishing off the beach ends.
Nothing I loathe in this update....not really. ;)
Robin :thumbsup:
Very nice work on the beach area Matt! &apls I think the lotted beaches turned out very nice and that more uniform, pre-fab look suits the area very nicely. I think using SAM (maybe Hableurg's asphalt streets) and smoothing out some of those slopes could make the area look even nicer.
Look forward to more :thumbsup:
That beach area really came together perfectly at the end :)
I really like the whole atmosphere of the place - its very California.
As for the beach itself, it looks gorgeous :)
Nice beach, really a great work!!! :thumbsup:
Developing well planned and very good updates!
Replies:
-bat: Thanks bat. It's taken some work, but the area here is slowly coming together.
-Casper (CasperVg): Thanks! Good to see you back around here. The GLR was initially only a means to get visitors up and down the beach itself (as shown back here (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6621.msg288541#msg288541) with the South Coast Trolleyway), but it is being developed from a touristy novelty into a system that will hopefully reduce the increasing burden on the surrounding roads. I'll be interested to get the European take on it.
-Joan (Jmouse): Thanks, and it's always good to read your thoughts here. Hotels aren't quite within the zoning plan here (kept intentionally more residential), but you're right about it being a good tourist location. Perhaps a few hotels will pop up down the line. The concept of palm trees on the field/pitch was the idea that trees were kept in an area that was originally quite dense, and one that I wanted to keep looking a bit dense. I'll admit, it'll raise a bit of a problem if someone goes running full-tilt, but I've seen games played close to obstacles like that before without too much difficulty. If it were a professional pitch, it'd certainly be much clearer around the edges. Thanks for noticing it though.
-Skimbo: Thanks. Glad you like it. The GLR has been taken care of. The dual skins came from a recent rebuild of my plugins, where both the Leipzig and BART skins made it in. I've kept the BART theme for the buses, but opted for the Leipzig style for the GLR. Thanks for bringing that up.
-Robin (rooker1): I couldn't help but give you a bit off ribbing given your general dislike of the way the game tends to integrate its palm trees into lots and roads. The tunnel, as you'll see, worked out nicely, and traffic is flowing much better indeed. Always good to see you here.
-Noah (noahclem): The beaches are actually the Beaches for Irregular Coasts found here (http://www.simtropolis.com/forum/files/file/2045-fmbeachesforirregularcoasts/). The slopes tend to be a bit tricky, but I may try to straighten them out in the future; the SAM too would be a good idea, and it seems like the asphalt street would help mesh the lots with the streets. However, given the relative travel seen by both areas, I think I might also keep them distinct colors, to suggest/reinforce the different materials. I like the thoughts.
-nedalezz: Glad to hear you like it, and also glad to hear it's reminiscent of California too. I'm going to see how well it works blending/altering the flora pattern as development proceeds down the coast while trying to keep the same California feel.
-Tomas Neto: Glad you like it. There's still more to come.
-ricardomiranda: Thanks, and welcome to Greenacre.
Today, we focus our attention to the other side of the beach.
First, Robin noted that a tunnel to the industrial area near the bridge would help with the flow of traffic.
The area around the bridge head is suitable for it, having both good soil properties and strength, as well as having several higher population buildings around to justify it.
34.01
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FCh%252034%2F34-01.jpg&hash=f51dd90102e75c89948a649408003ea89a9ba731)
Removing the retaining walls and road to ensure proper tunnel-laying conditions exist:
34.02
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FCh%252034%2F34-02.jpg&hash=633263ad9998bb7628484750f69443c4b602a363)
Unfortunately, the automatic terrain adjustment was just too much for the bridge footing to bear.
34.03
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FCh%252034%2F34-03.jpg&hash=a733311616dfa583518b881662e138776d056205)
However, it's replaced quickly enough., and there is new land on the other side ready to be developed.
34.04
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FCh%252034%2F34-04.jpg&hash=a371bf008217b8baeaa6b24efeb910050c85fb77)
Now then, we turn to the area around the bridge and tunnel. The hard edge of the beach may have struck you already, and the barren land under and around the bridge generally sits in contrast to the lush areas further down the coast from last update.
35.05
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FCh%252034%2F34-05.jpg&hash=d524f6b01f465d893967f80c51714122ded23da8)
Some work with a selection of flora options, including Chrisadams' RRP, c.p.'s oak/maple forest, and the coconut trees by goldiva, and the area seems like it's more natural (hopefully)
35.06
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FCh%252034%2F34-06.jpg&hash=f98e3fd4b447b7f1536571c148b3cccb7c34c7c2)
Some additional work under the water, around the bridge pillars, and down along the shore, using goldiva's tropical flora and reefs, the underwater area begins to match the floral density of the shoreline.
35.07
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FCh%252034%2F34-07.jpg&hash=741f206f0f3e63ea244b0235649442015fc9eba5)
From here, we'll move north, and up into the industrial area that the tunnel was built to aid.
-Matt
Matt, Matt, where do I start...
You have about the best back-and-forth with your readers I've ever seen in an MD or city journal. The only rival I can think of is John (Darmok) back in the salad days of Anduin Valley Revisited [linkie] (http://www.simtropolis.com/forum/topic/909-anduin-valley-revisited/). I know how hard that is to maintain.
Oh, and did I mention the K-Point?
Greenacre has always been a thinking person's MD. I'm pretty sure that's why you attract such great constructive comments. I need to go back about a year and catch myself back up- it is great to see you still at this.
Beaches? They are so hard to work with- that's why I never needed no stinking beaches. Seriously, the hard edges have always been very offputting to me- my middle name should probably have been "Natureabhorsastraightline," but my parents felt obligated for some reason in 1952 to honor the next Vice President [linkie] (http://img5.imageshack.us/img5/1484/nixonlaughing.png).
Anyway, that all for now. Nothing to loathe here. Move along, move along.
David
Nice work on that bridge!!
And looking forward to the industrial area... ;)
Fantastic.
I always find it very interesting when an author gets into 25 pages plus to go from the thier lastest update and than to go to thier first. What a huge improvement in your style, technique and overall game play! &apls
I see you have some new palms, very refreshing overt he maxis ones. The finer details you have added to the bridge side of the beach and in the water looks great. It's funny how this game has lead away from actual city building to overall realism in every aspect....from city to farming to very quante nature scenes.
Nothing to complain about this update. I am very glad that you had the grid turned off in the first and last two pics.
Robin :thumbsup:
This is an especially good update, Matt. It's always interesting to see how MD authors deal with the various challenges SC4 presents (34.02). We all know tight spots happen as development progresses and sometimes it's impossible to be as selective with the "B" tool as we'd like to be. You certainly made the best of it, though.
I've noticed your knack for building tunnels (34.03). I seldom even think about them unless I'm faced with a mountain and need to get to the other side. I'm so glad you included the step-by-step guide, too. I'd never have figured out how you got from point A (34.01) to point B (34.06). Nice job on the under-bridge seascape, too (34.07).
Excellent work...
Joan
Replies:
-David (dedgren): That's high praise indeed being compared to AVR. Not sure I have that level of interplay, or even as much as 3RR, but I do enjoy seeing their reactions, and as I'm sure you've seen, there have been plenty of great suggestions by folks. I'm not too sure what you mean by a "thinking person's" MD, but there definitely have been some thoughtful comments along the way (yours included).
As for the beaches, I had been working with Joan on a lot to help blur the transition, and we may still move forward with it. It's been mainly a matter of texture working to get the alphas properly faded. At any rate, I'm glad my attempt to blend the edges in worked reasonably well. Nature doesn't quite get along with straight lines too well, sure enough. Even man-made beaches have their touches of nature too.
Always a pleasure to see you here; with a highly complementary and insightful comment as usual.
-bat: Thanks bat! I've always liked tight-knit sections of transit that weave around each other, and the effect the tunnel adds is one such example. Hopefully the beginnings of the "industrial sector" won't disappoint.
-Robin (rooker1): Scary to go back to those first pages here, isn't it? Oddly, in a way, I'm kind of revisiting those pages with each subsequent "renovation" I do of an area. Greenacre started to take shape maybe a year or two before it was first published. A lot has changed since then, and it's interesting to go back to the older cities to see where things have been.
I love the work people have done in increasing the realism for practically every aspect of the game too, and it doesn't seem to be showing any signs of slowing.
The grid itself was left on intentionally to give better perspective on the construction (what little there was involved), but yeah, a few clean pics are really needed to show off a completed area.
-Joan (Jmouse): If you like to see how issues are dealt with as development progresses, you'll see a good example of it in a few updates from now (yes, I actually have a bit of a reserve built up now). I don't know that I have a "knack" for tunnels, but it certainly fit the bill there due to the proximity with the bridge footing.
Always good to hear your thoughts Joan.
This is what the area looks like now that the tunnel has been added, and the road connected.
35.01
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FCh%252035%2F3501.jpg&hash=8e90c4775a4fa077abec65c9e4362186cdc1386b)
This is the area we'll be working in. Things to do:
-get rid of that blasted garbage dump
-get ridge of the hodge-ppdge industrial buildings to make room for a more cohesive theme
-add some additional residential area up on the hill to begin a terraced look
-add a bit of commercial zoning on the new road from the tunnel
35.02
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FCh%252035%2F3502.jpg&hash=abea65af5c6b419ab88ed892aa31052fb564373a)
The end result of prep work and zoning.
35.03
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FCh%252035%2F3503.jpg&hash=2aa58240c1b1f1e06061db8a92cc039632628a9b)
Moving on up the little bay (north) from the tunnel and bridge, we find some newly accessible land, ripe for development. With the new connection between industry and residences, several commercial offices and stores were built to capitalize on the increased traffic to the warehouses and the Canada Dry bottling plant.
35.04
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FCh%252035%2F3504.jpg&hash=e3c9b7383c20d6afc40524859c8120e1f68ce98d)
Down the road a bit are some additional warehouses and some larger industrial complexes, taking advantage of the local freight station for easier shipping. With the storage, and transit infrastructure, it's likely this place may soon develop a secondary port to compete with Mustang Harbor.
35.05
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FCh%252035%2F3505.jpg&hash=e6400b3a64aa90cad13d67bbf0da0070c4f9d000)
Meanwhile, up the hill, a new swath of multi-story condos and apartments have gone up, taking full advantage of the views from up there, but suffering slightly from the minimal parking. Fortunately though, a number of the residents are able to just walk down the hill to work along the road.
35.06
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FCh%252035%2F3506.jpg&hash=3bf2f2b51e1e83c73733e73feea50cb11a6c2390)
So that's about it for this time. Here's a look at how everything's changed from where we started.
35.07
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FCh%252035%2F3507.jpg&hash=0989cd5cf01490809b5251690718956c0def514c)
Thoughts, as always, are welcome.
-Matt
It's been (again? :D ) a long time I didn't post there... just to say:
Great transformation!! &apls &apls
On question: how did you do to erase garbage?
Guillaume :thumbsup:
That area is looking really great now!
I agree completely with your decision to move/get rid of the industrial area, Matt. Based on my own RL observations, industries are more hidden and often on the outskirts of towns. I can't speak for large cities, but when we used to go to Dallas, I never saw any although we made the trip, took care of business and left with no detours.
I like the way you're dealing with terracing. I'll be doing a lot of it myself one of these days. The jetty or seawall in 35.03 looks good, too. It kind of adds a finishing touch. Returning to the subject of commerce and industry, the Canada Dry building looks right at home in 35.04. We had a similar Coke facility in town - a huge building right on one of the main drags. The offices are well placed in that photo, too.
I guess 35.06 is my favorite in this batch, in part because it's an attractive close up which shows off your work with landscaping. In fact, I'm seeing a lot of improvement in your work and good ideas carried out since you started playing the game more often. It pays to play. ;)
Good job...
-Joan
Hello Matt,
I hope all is well with you. How goes the job hunt, still working as a volunteer?
I really like the new tunnel to the industrial area and that you tore down the old area for this new one. Great chioce of custom lots. The rail through the area is perfect and I like the FARR peice. ;)
I wish you would change your electrical power lines to PEG Power Tower Pylons 1 (http://www.simtropolis.com/forum/files/file/21686-peg-power-tower-pylons/) or fukuda's High Tension poles 1 (http://www.simtropolis.com/forum/files/file/16152-high-tension-poles/)...I hate the Maxis red ones. :angrymore:
I do like jeronij's rocks wall for the shorelines, but check these out.....nbvc's Riprap Seawall (http://www.simtropolis.com/forum/files/file/26175-riprap-seawall/) and nbvc's Riprap Seawall Addon (http://www.simtropolis.com/forum/files/file/26255-riprap-seawall-addon/).
I don't really like the terrace section, but I can't really pin point what it is I dont like. It just looks a little awkward. I'll give it some more thought and come back tomorrow.
Robin :thumbsup:
I really enjoyed the seaweed and small rocks under the bridge, you can pass me the link? I still enjoy a good deal of your city!
I like how you made all those changes, especially with the beach. I'll "steal" some of your ideas ;)
Great job revamping those areas in the last couple updates &apls Zoning for larger-sized industrial lots can really work wonders. Hope to see more soon :thumbsup:
I like the tunnel underneath the bridge. $%Grinno$% :P
Replies:
Guillaume (Sciurus): However long it is between posts, it's always good to see people back around here. As for "erasing" garbage, landfills will process trash over time. The problem is, they usually keep getting trash dumped on them. Remove your landfill from all roads, put the game on "fast" and wait 20 game years or so. The garbage should be gone. Another trick you can use is to put down an incinerator or other garbage processing lot so that your capacity is above your production. That way, the excess garbage in the landfills will be rerouted to your waste-energy incinerator. Hope that helps.
bat: Thanks bat. Always good to see you here.
Joan (Jmouse): Always good to read your comments Joan. You're very thorough and the insight really helps me to see if I'm able to pull off what I'm trying to do. From the sound of it, I think I'm on the right track. Now I just need to get in there and practice it before I keep forgetting what I've learned.
Robin (rooker1): The job hunt has gone quite well, as I think you're now aware. The hunt is over and that's partly why Greenacre has been as quiet as it has been these past months (far too long for my tastes). I have a few more industrial ideas brewing. It's just now a matter of sitting down with the time/energy to do what I'm imagining. I have been thinking about switching the lines to PEG's too. Much more realistic than the red/white candy canes that are normally there. Wouldn't mind them on water crossings, because they do catch one's eye, but all over the place does get a bit annoying. chances are good the terracing bothers you because it's so steep and things are built right up to the edge at the top and bottom. Not sure how best to adjust it in the narrow space, but I'll think on it.
ricardomiranda: Steal as many as you like. I only ask that you drop me a link to your results. I'd love to see what this inspires. As for the link, Goldiva's Tropical Sea set (http://www.simtropolis.com/forum/files/file/13068-gdv-mayor-mode-tropical-sea-set/) should handle most of it. Chrisadams' RRP (http://sc4devotion.com/csxlex/lex_filedesc.php?lotGET=1886) should handle much of the rest. Search for "rocks" on the LEX to find a few good rock sets. Jeronij has made some good ones as has c.p. if I recall. Thanks for stopping by.
Noah (noahclem): Glad you like the results. It's interesting for me to go back over a spot in Greenacre and see stuff that looked great to me at the time and find ways to improve it both due to the custom content released since then, and also by improved playing skills and methods. The larger industrial buildings really do work wonders, as does the process of linking Maxis industrials with a few parking lots to simulate one large complex. Thanks for stopping by.
scott1964: Thanks, and welcome to Greenacre. You can thank Robin (rooker1) for the tunnel idea.
So today (well technically yesterday since it's now after midnight... which means it's Christmas here now... Merry Christmas to you all!) marks the 3rd anniversary of Greenacre, as it was December 24, 2008 when I first started this MD. It's amazing where the time has gone, but it's been a great time along the way.
I had been hoping to put something together for this, but time ran short on me (not that the several weeks of inactivity was any indication of that of course). Anyway, what I thought might be interesting would be to take a look back at some older region shots moving up to one taken today. They're shown in chronological order. Not too many major differences, but it's interesting to see the areas where development has started to creep outward.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FRegion%2520images%2FGreenacreRegionalMap.png&hash=fd571d7813cacc25870b597e968998fb04f53859)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FRegion%2520images%2FGreenacreRegionalMap-4.jpg&hash=0f2730ddeddd9b97aff09ede6a6bc00cfecc2cf4)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FRegion%2520images%2FGreenacreRegionalMap-12update082109.png&hash=eeaeacb5a17ba1c39001252a4a4f63a4b8c7f00c)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FRegion%2520images%2FGreenacreRegionalMap2011-12-24.png&hash=07ab40db1033d55a98d3ae71b0bd682683ae12dd)
Not the biggest show, I know, for all of the down time, but I do plan to get back to things around here and I'll try to keep the dust off. Thanks for joining me for the last three years, and here's to many more years to come.
-Matt
Hey, don't worry about it. Inactivity happens to all of of us sometimes, as it has to me over the last few weeks. It's nice to see the way your region has changed over time. Merry Christmas, Matt.
Merry Christmas my friend, I hope your holidays have been very happy this far....Mine have been excellent.
Robin
Merry Christmas!
And great work on that island(s)!!! It is looking beautiful!
Looking forward to more... ;)
Congratulations on three years of Greenacre &dance
The timeline of regional views is nice and it's great to hear you have more planned &apls
It's always interesting to look back from time to time. After all, you need to know where you've been in order to figure out where you're going.
Here's hoping you had a Marry Christmas and will have a Happy New Year, Matt. Congratulations on Greenacre's third Anniversary. I'm so pleased to know you're committed to keeping this great region going and going and going! :thumbsup:
Happy New Year my friend, I wish you and yours all the best in the coming year.
And I look forward to at least twelve updates next year. ::) :P ;)
Robin :thumbsup:
Whats the red line in the second map? ???
Hey there Matt looking real good here in Greenacre and its been 3yrs already wow!!! Merry Christmas late and also hope you had save New Years too :thumbsup: Cant wait to see more and btw what is up with that red line in the second pic as pointed out by nascar guy?
Replies:
metarvo: Yeah, RL does happen, fortunately it's been in a good way so far. Plenty of stuff to take care of, but better that than being bored, right?
Robin (rooker1) x2: Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and your family as well Robin! 12 updates you say? well, seems on average I've done 36 over three years, so oddly enough, I think I'm on track. Here's one to start the year off right. Looking forward to your eagle eye and reading your thoughts on this.
bat: Merry Christmas to you too bat! Greenacre is growing nicely, and I expect there will be a few more opportunities for some development shots in the future. It'll be interesting to see where it will have gone then. Thanks for coming along for the ride so far.
Noah (noahclem)[/b]: Three years and hopefully many more to come. The progress pictures weren't the best, as I'd mainly been using them for localizing shots on the updates and didn't have too many clean ones to choose from (hence the red stuff on the second one). I'll have to keep that in mind for later.
Joan (Jmouse): Christmas and New Years were quite nice for me. Hope things are going well in your neck of the woods too (or at least as normal as things can get). Funny thing about looking at where you've been, if you keep looking back you'll start bumping into things; so in the interest of avoiding collisions, off we go to the next update. I'll try to keep a better log of region shots though. It could be interesting to get a shot from each update from here on out. Looking forward to your thoughts on this next one, as always.
NASCAR_Guy: That's me not having a clean picture somewhere in the middle to post and having to use one of my old localizing maps in its place. I try to orient each update by showing where on the island it is, but I've been a bit slack in keeping updated region shots (hadn't thought about the idea until this last update). That particular line was from when we visited Westport (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6621.msg217735#msg217735).
Pat: Great to hear from you again Pat! Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you too. As I mentioned in my reply just above, it was a result of not having a clean picture to use, and instead having to use one of my old localizing pictures. In retrospect I could probably edit two of them together as they were based on the same underlying region shot, but I think it shows things well enough there. As you were waiting for more... here it is.
Update 36:
(from the "Bet this was the last thing you expected to see here" files, an update within 10 days of the last one in Greenacre)
We're back up to the hills for a bit more residential development.
36.01
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FCh%252036%2F3601.png&hash=2ec23356a47e7dc976b88c8c76ec53d64535dfad)
Specifically, we're starting with this vacant area here. Development is likely going to take place over the next two updates.
36.02
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FCh%252036%2F3602.jpg&hash=3355e37ee543c3b97a36ea9b3f242aedfbc2c926)
Pressed up against the cliff to take advantage of the views there are several larger complexes with smaller lots on winding streets. Bits of commercial will dot the area too.
36.03
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FCh%252036%2F3603.jpg&hash=401b15d3779fc90e7d5bac19553f4f4dc7ac3c35)
Filled in, the area takes shape. Simio designs is front and center with one of their larger apartment complexes. With views looking down the hill and on out to the ocean, on a clear day there are few locations you can rent with such a view. Surrounding it are several smaller buildings, catering to a large number of university students, and many single family homes.
36.04
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FCh%252036%2F3604.jpg&hash=77bb7fd91dce441162eb285606d99b7d7338727a)
But, the cliff face there, something about it didn't sit right with me. It's supposed to be steep, but that's almost sheer and doesn't look quite right. It might fit for half dome, but most cliffs and hills have a bit more in the way of depth and character. This can be remedied fairly easily though.
36.05
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FCh%252036%2F3605.jpg&hash=7dd5dc76aa39fc0c942eb3d27c735602f4304ee5)
Now that all of the major work is done, here's a closer up look at a few of the areas, starting first with the area out front of the apartments.
36.06
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FCh%252036%2F3606.jpg&hash=0ab50e40b483cba1cc5bc3525b8995046e95e6ea)
While most of these homes are single family, the area does attract some aspect of college life to it. There is the occasional noise complaint from the odd party, but for the most part the residents are all quite respectful of their neighbors. The college presence helps bring life to the neighborhood too.
36.07
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FCh%252036%2F3607.jpg&hash=c13f4f67a40fbb83168abc3933f6aa2e260bc590)
Helping with that "neighborhood" feel, a couple of community gardens dot the area. Surprisingly there has been a push by some of the student organizations to keep them productive. Though the gardens are small, what they produce is enjoyed by those who tend the fields.
36.08
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FCh%252036%2F3608.jpg&hash=6ca05c6ad38cb7d669eb9923feded92946576aeb)
A sign of the life here, after work and class the area floods with traffic and the building lights flicker to life.
36.09
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FCh%252036%2F3609.jpg&hash=12d94ab57bddafe2ab5e40c280121fc0403ca202)
This sunrise shot gives you an idea of the view that can be had of the area just below. It's not recommended to venture too close to the cliff edge, though many still do, but the view is great.
36.10
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FCh%252036%2F3610.jpg&hash=a79326d0b4a3100e51027f5c39907c28c60616d1)
One last overview to show where things have gone so far.
36.11
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FCh%252036%2F3611.jpg&hash=ae9b7afd2af20be77674d3a21af12b3034024f70)
That'll do it for this update. Next time we'll go across the avenue, but for now, any comments, criticisms, or anything else for that matter about this update, I'd love to hear it.
-Matt
That's one steep cliff there. The area looks nice. Wouldn't want to live right on the edge, though. ;)
I really like the cliff. It's similar to what I strive for in my own work. I especially like the way you've shown us your work step by step.
The little uncluttered neighborhoods are nice, and allowing a bit of commercial here and there is a good idea. I don't see any civic services yet, but either they're still to come or I'm looking right at them without seeing them.
Looks like you've cranked out another good update, and I'm pleased to know more are in the works.
-Joan.
Quote from: threestooges on January 04, 2012, 11:00:13 PM
Robin (rooker1) x2: Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and your family as well Robin! 12 updates you say? well, seems on average I've done 36 over three years, so oddly enough, I think I'm on track. Here's one to start the year off right. Looking forward to your eagle eye and reading your thoughts on this.
I was just being a smart ass and trying to give you a little push only because we are always so eager for an update from you. :P ;)
Over all I like the update, my only problem which you did start to remedy is that cliff. I think it looks a little unrealistic in that it looks more like a sheer wall than an irregular, natural cliff curved by nature over thousands of years. When you made that change in the northern part, I was so happy and was hoping that would continue that idea along the entire cliff. I do know from your past updates that you do not like to change and terraform the land that is already there and if you did decide to do this it would destroy many buildings in that area as well.....another no no for you. But I was still hoping. With a slightly less steep cliff, you would be able to decorate it with some trees, bushes and rocks.
Also for a small town there seems to be too many avenues in one small area. I would suggest getting rid of one of the ones that follow along the cliff side. But maybe I need to wait until the entire area is built up? Is there going to be more commercial buildings there?
Well there you have it, my two cents.....and maybe a little more.
Take care my friend!!
Robin :thumbsup:
Nice work on that area!
And great shot at the evening of this place!!!
Looking forward to more...
That looks really nice. I'd love to own/rent a dorm right next to the cliff - as you said, the view would be excellent. And easily accessible too (well.. if you found a way to safely get off the cliff to catch a tram there.. :) ) Looking forward to more!
Nice work! &apls I love the way you smoothed out the cliff to create a more realistic and varied feel. The backstory gives character to the area and development has turned out great :thumbsup:
The cliff continues to bug me, as well. We face some fairly severe limitations imposed by the game when we try to get "verticality" into our landscapes. Some thoughts:
1. Different rock mod. A rock mod that had more detail in it might serve to further add to the realism enhancements you begin making in 36.05.
2. Setback. The buildings- especially the multistory ones, at the top of the cliff strike me as being located way too close to the edge, for both structural and safety reasons. Every once in a while a tall building is built right up against a cliff, generally to gain some sort of site-related aesthetic advantage, but that should be, IMHO, an exception rather than the rule. As for safety, I can't imagine that a developer would not add fencing and other barriers to keep the incautious occupant away from the brink. A grassy lawn that ends with no transition at cliff's edge just isn't plausible. You'd think at a minimum there would be planted barrier vegetation, and perhaps natural vegetation as well.
3. Less Uniformity at the Brink. You are right, the Half Domes of the world are few and far between. Most clifftops, even ones that run along fault lines, are not perfectly uniform in linearity and height as a long stretch of the one here is. Erosion, other weathering processes, rockfalls and the like will create an irregular edge in most every clifftop. I know here you are dealing with a fundamental game constraint, and the terrain simulator does not lend itself to fine adjustment, but I would try if I were doing Greenacre to break up that long straight stretch at a minimum. Using a greater setback of the brink from development will help.
4. Vegetation. I have seen very few cliffs, even in places like Yosemite, that are perfect monolithic rock. Plants and sometimes small trees seem to find a way to grow out of the most vertical of places, and in the smallest cracks and pockets. I have never looked into whether there is a way to mod flora so that it can be placed on close to vertical game "surfaces." I know the cutoff for trees is something around 45 degrees of slope. I think this is well worth looking into, as breaking up the cliff face here and there with some vegetation would be far closer to a RL equivalent than unbroken bare exposed rock.
It's easy to be a critic. That said, you have set such high standards over the years in Greenacre that I felt like it would be inconsistent with what you are so apparently trying to achieve not to speak up. In the end, there may be little you can do beyond perhaps moving some things around, and don't do that just to suit me. I've put this on my list, my friend, to experiment with as well, and will return at some point to add further thoughts.
David
Quick reply, and question for those more familiar with the current generations of rock mods out there:
The cliff:
Yeah, it's one of those things that looked good when I was making it (the thought being a glacier carved it out) but by this point it does stand to reason there would have been erosion by now. That, and it doesn't look as good as it used to. I was going to move ahead to the other neighborhood, but I plan to tweak the cliff now.
That being said, I like the gray/white look of the current stone, but it is one of the older mods out there. If anyone has some suggestions, either post them here, or shoot me a PM. I'll give a look into them and see what I can come up with.
I'd like to find a way to tweak the cliff without triggering a landslide and wiping stuff out down below, but yeah, if it's going to look like I want it to, some changes will need to be made. Take your opportunity to add your thoughts and have a chance at helping guide Greenacre's development.
-Matt
Yah, Matt is going to revisit the cliff!! *I jumping up and down now*
Rock Modds.....
On our LEX
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fsc4devotion.com%2Fcsxlex%2Fimages%2Fbeximg%2FBrown12LEXL.jpg&hash=4afa86e7d652d39a4cbd311779832f27fb6a7899)
ENN Rock Mod Set 1 SDby Ennedi (http://sc4devotion.com/csxlex/lex_filedesc.php?lotGET=2103)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fsc4devotion.com%2Fcsxlex%2Fimages%2Fbeximg%2FSandstone1_grey_012LEXL.jpg&hash=2cc5bc61ac50c255e670f371f6169229cd89e486)
ENN Rock Mod Set 2 HD by Ennedi (http://sc4devotion.com/csxlex/lex_filedesc.php?lotGET=2104)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fsc4devotion.com%2Fcsxlex%2Fimages%2Fbeximg%2FAubracRock_jpg01.jpg&hash=3bf9fc5a7f2717b55ca027ffa2cf16b8241ba661)
TSC Orange_o_ Aubrac Rock by Orange_o_ (http://sc4devotion.com/csxlex/lex_filedesc.php?lotGET=1954)
Simtrop.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.simtropolis.com%2Fforum%2Findex.php%3Fapp%3Ddownloads%26amp%3Bmodule%3Ddisplay%26amp%3Bsection%3Dscreenshot%26amp%3Bid%3D21682%26amp%3Brecord%3D47720&hash=3aa408dbb3d70bc841a1e412be0b24b152fe014d)
Tropical Mossy Rock Mod 1 by Heblem (http://www.simtropolis.com/forum/files/file/21682-tropical-mossy-rock-mod/)
Heblem actually has a lot of great ones....Check out these ones. (http://www.simtropolis.com/forum/index.php?app=core&module=search&do=user_activity&search_app=downloads&mid=198321)
There are a few to start my friend. Good luck, you are going to need it. I remember when I went water modd hunting, I tried about twenty of them before I was some what happy.
Robin :thumbsup:
I can just agree with the above comments, Matt! It all looks wonderful except for the tall structures near the cliff.
Can't wait to see the next update, and perhaps the modifications of the area.
I agree with Arthur!!! Very nice work, Matt!!! :thumbsup:
Nice to see you're back at it! There's got to be a nice view from that clifftop!
Greenacre....a long time Classic and definately one of my most favourite interactive MDs. Great pics, great read and fantastic person are all great reasons to move this MD to the OSITM this month.
Congrats Matt on your 4th time in OSITM!!! &apls
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi901.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fac213%2FBSCLEX%2FMouse%2520stuff%2FGreenacre-ed.jpg&hash=cb2fb07c3d60e80f3f7f8229431dd436ae6f2ff4)
Congratulations from The SC4D Staff! &apls
Congratulations on being selected Matt! &apls &apls
I'm looking forward to your plans for this month!
Congratulations Matt! This should be a great month :thumbsup:
Congratulations, Matt. Certainly a well-deserved honor.
Congrats on the fourth OSITM and the nice Award ;), Matt &apls
Replies:
-Rick (RickD): You're absolutely right. I like the steepness of the cliff, but not quite realistic. It'd be an interesting view to scoot right up to the edge though. Glad you liked it and I'll be interested to hear what you think of what comes next.
Joan (Jmouse): If you liked that cliff, wait until you see what I've come up with. Hopefully it's an improvement. The civic services (schools, etc) are scattered outside the area and also are still to come in the specific area. I haven't quite decided when or where though. It's in the queue though, so I'll be getting to them soon enough.
Robin (rooker1): You've seen a hint of the cliff already (which you'll see again here today (didn't think there was any harm in sharing it now) but yes, there are some changes coming. Hopefully they'll help and I'm sure I can count on your analysis of it. As for the avenues, you'll see as it develops. They're there for a reason. What that reason is, I'm not entirely sure yet, but there's a reason. I think.
bat: Glad you enjoyed it. I may need to do more evening shots if you think that would be a good idea. Always good to see you here.
Casper (CasperVg): I'll have to dig up a picture, but I actually had a really nice view from my apartment on campus my junior (3rd) year of college: city lights sprawling off into the distance. You might find a way down the cliff, or they could put in some stairs, but boy what a hike that'd be. Great way to get in shape though; and great place it would be for a Slinky (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slinky).
Noah (noahclem): Let me know what you think of the new changes that'll be coming in an update or so. Congrats on the OSITM this month too.
David (dedgren): Always good to see you here my friend. We do face some limitations in the game (seemingly fewer each day) but that one was certainly avoidable. In the following update (this weekend) I'll have more on that. I'd be interested to hear your thoughts on the changes. They're mainly terrain-based, including some floral barriers, but hopefully they will make things look a little better, and feel a little safer for those enjoying the view.
Robin (rooker1) x2: Thanks for the links. They proved usdful, both for rock mods and for triggering a LEX Raid which spawned the idea of updates for this month.
art128: I tweaked the terrain a bit. There should be a bit more of a setback from the edge now. It'll be up this weekend. Let me know what you think.
Tomas Neto: Thanks Tomas. Good to see you here.
Battlecat: Feels good to be back at it too. Glad you enjoyed.
Robin (rooker1) x3: I know it's on behalf of SC4D and the staff, but couldn't resist showing a 3rd response from you between updates, heh heh. Thanks for delivering the award and hopefully it'll be a good month's showing.
Battlecat x2: Thanks. Looking forward to reading your thoughts on them.
Noah (noahclem) x2: Thanks Noah, right back at you.
Joan (Jmouse): Thanks Joan. Hopefully you enjoy the show this month.
Framly: Thanks Framly. Hopefully I'll be able to live up to the past ones.
Our game has come a long way.
The original Maxis game: SC4 Vanilla. It had some great qualities to it; the foundation upon which our community has formed. It allowed for the best city simulations and building options of seemingly any game yet.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FOSITM%2520Opener%2FOSITMopener1.jpg&hash=7460052bc71b91e3b80314ecd1a7e662961a36b0)
Borrowed this one from the Berlin map that comes with the game. Seems like it had starter cities already.
After a while though, people began to find new ways to tweak the game. We started getting some more options; ranging from new buildings, to new terrain and water mods. This open-ended development that was left to us set the stage for many things to come.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FOSITM%2520Opener%2FOSITMopener2.jpg&hash=57f4146ca79d8e77426dd262bd426afd88cf36bf)
Gradually, and increasingly, more people began to pick up the developer's tools and began to build. The game got a new lease on life as the options began to grow in all menus (the menus started growing too).
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FOSITM%2520Opener%2FOSITMopener3.jpg&hash=df017488e169e53bc983b2a2e1d91414ae7d083a)
They grew to the point where you can make an area almost devoid of Maxis material. Transit networks, automata, every aspect of the game seemed open for development.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FOSITM%2520Opener%2FOSITMopener4.jpg&hash=5beeea6b089f592932cfcac73ea84045c3acdf66)
Now, thanks to the continued efforts of those in the community: both the developers and those who work to showcase the fruits of the labor, either in a Mayor's Diary, in the Show Us Your... pictures threads, in the Picture Competition; new developments still continue to be made and show no sign of stopping.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FOSITM%2520Opener%2FOSITMopener5.jpg&hash=b9c94494252e29ad5cabe582b82fb06f67bc7a17)
That is what I hope to showcase this month.
There will be the same Greenacre updates (and hopefully a few more than I've been doing in the past months), but there will be an emphasis on what's new out there: what's just out, and perhaps even glimpses of what may be coming.
Yes, this is also an excuse for me to play with all the stuff I just picked up on a recent LEX Raid while prepping for the next update.
So with that, thanks for coming along for the ride with me this month. As always, thoughts, tips, and suggestions are always welcomed.
-Matt
Very nice trek through time and thank for replying to me three times.....bet that doesn't happen often. :P
Robin :thumbsup:
That's an excellent visual and written history of SC4 and its community of the years. Also, phenomenal work with those cliffs and MMPs. That looks like one for the picture competition thread!
Looking forward to what's next :thumbsup:
Sounds like a neat approach to the month. You're absolutely right about how different the game is today from when it was first released! Looking forward to seeing what you showcase.
Congratulations Matt. Looking forward to see what you going to show us this month.
What an interesting - and memory jogging - bit of time travel, Matt! A great start to what I know will be a grand display of talent and imagination here. And I do like your new cliff much better than the old one. Which rock mod are you using?
Looks like it's going to be an exciting month in OSITM - with maybe even a cliff hanger or two.
-Joan
Congratulations Matt. Very well deserved. Good idea for your month in the spotlight. I'm looking forward to the "timeline of change".
Geoff
Congrats on your 4th OSITM-award! And nice first update in this special month... ;)
Sweet sauce, I'm gonna be watching closely :D congrats for your 4th OSITM, you certainly deserve it :D
Joe
Replies:
Robin (rooker1): Can't say that it does, nor should it usually since that tends to mean it's been a while since I last posted. I'll say these were beneficial though, as you'll see below in a sec.
Noah (noahclem): I may just consider popping it in the competition. However, take a look at the rest of this update and let me know if there's a better one to consider. Glad you liked the history, as brief as it was. I was hoping it got the point across well enough.
Battlecat: Here's the first of the show coming up. Not sure I do flora quite as well as you so I'd be up for some pointers, but any thoughts in general would be good.
vester: There will be plenty to show, as you probably already know. Plenty of work behind the scenes, but I think it'll all be worth it in the end. Also, unless I forgot about a post of yours before: welcome to Greenacre!
Joan (Jmouse): I thought it'd make a fitting intro for the month, given what I have planned. As for the rock mod, it's one of those things where controllers may overwrite each other, so I'm not positive it's solely one controller. Anyway, it's c.p.'s url=http://sc4devotion.com/csxlex/lex_filedesc.php?lotGET=1637[Olympic texture (from the olympic terrain mod)[/url] with Ennedi's standard definition Sandstone Rock mod (http://sc4devotion.com/csxlex/lex_filedesc.php?lotGET=2103). link=topic=6621.msg412630#msg412630 date=1328221389]. I think, more than anything though, the variations to the slope helped it more than anything. The texture change does help too though. I'll be interested to hear your thoughts on the new version as a whole. As far as cliffhangers go, when have you ever known me to taunt like that? Don't answer that; but yes, there are some surprises ahead.
Geoff (calibanX): Thanks Geoff! Sort of an old-new thing planned, we'll see how it works.
bat: Thanks bat! Hope you enjoy the month here.
Joe (JoeST): Don't watch too closely. I don't want people to figure out I have no idea what I'm doing. Looking forward to any thoughts/comments you have as I go.
So, as promised, we're heading back to the hills: specifically to turn them into hills instead of a sheer cliff face more reminiscent of Half Dome than anything more usual for nature.
37.01
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FCh%252036%2F3601.png&hash=2ec23356a47e7dc976b88c8c76ec53d64535dfad) (http://i1041.photobucket.com/albums/b416/threestoogessc4/Ch%2036/3601.png)
So here's how we left things last time:
37.02
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FCH%252037%2520OSITM%25204-1%2F3702.jpg&hash=6e0130626dff07cfb26bb195b8e9ea82e47c64ba)
Not the best, but then I didn't want to get rid of the stuff I'd already built down below; but then the buildings up top look like they're ready to slide right off if there was even a light breeze.
37.03
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FCH%252037%2520OSITM%25204-1%2F3703.jpg&hash=b4e9223a3394660c932081449dded3e823c5b14e)
Something had to give, and as it turns out it was the under-planned and hastily done lower section. The grid's on so you can see the space that's available for work.
37.04
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FCH%252037%2520OSITM%25204-1%2F3704.jpg&hash=4ac6d14bcd1e3b26f25468ceabf64ea7ddcc05df)
as far as landscaping, a cliff like this would likely have lost some rocks over time, so I laid down a healthy dose of the ones I could find that matched the color closely enough.
37.05
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FCH%252037%2520OSITM%25204-1%2F3706.jpg&hash=3bf1d99e0e411ec16fc2173b12729d0fc7e8a740)
After that, I filled it in with some smaller pebbles (a selection from Peg's newer rock sets). They helped blend the rocks into the terrain. After that, I worked in some trees, taking advantage of the new advances in seasonal plop flora (all plopped right around Sept 1).
37.06
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FCH%252037%2520OSITM%25204-1%2F3708.jpg&hash=0f257e0818baa18a634cf733e3b5b82cda628f6f)
The hills themselves were looking a bit barren and plopping rocks on them just didn't fully look right. Some smaller trees and bushes on flats spots, on the other hand, fit quite nicely. (you may have seen this one before).
37.07
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FCH%252037%2520OSITM%25204-1%2F3709.jpg&hash=0910692c64ab313debc04dd0b0659ab0b2b81bf4)
Add a few trees and some dense grass up top to give some good roots to the soil to avoid landslides, the upper area has a bit more leeway before the ground falls away, The adventurous folks can trek on out there, but the average person is less likely to take a nasty step.
37.08
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FCH%252037%2520OSITM%25204-1%2F3710.jpg&hash=1eec5cb80e91982f73b015185965c3c7fa481d04)
Filling in the trees, rocks, and grass along the bottom on out to the north edge of the cliff.
37.09
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FCH%252037%2520OSITM%25204-1%2F3711.jpg&hash=9418935e1c72a92f62f6a5f1439a603584913575)
Wrapping up with a season check and a quick winter shot.
37.10
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FCH%252037%2520OSITM%25204-1%2F3712.jpg&hash=501929b02a011ee919a5065243605b278951186c)
Follow by one from Spring. I like the subtle color variety:
38.11
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FCH%252037%2520OSITM%25204-1%2F3713.jpg&hash=296d194dc8059efe256d76f3f4cb697e01a7b9f2)
These seasonal trees really do go a long way in improving the realism and photo opportunities of the game.
38.12
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FCH%252037%2520OSITM%25204-1%2F3714.jpg&hash=537d304938e7afeb2ea8fc21016b454bc6653df1)
Going back to that "looking down the cliff" shot from last time, I think it's improved a bit with the changes.
38.13
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FCH%252037%2520OSITM%25204-1%2F3707.jpg&hash=21e0c7c1d08a17a9aeb0044561309fafa622658d)
Yeah, I think it did:
38.14
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FCH%252037%2520OSITM%25204-1%2F3715.jpg&hash=9caea8d403b88fc01ec9e06b5e48d1b2a3f57b03)
My compliments to everyone who has been involved in figuring out the secrets of seasonality for flora plops, and to everyone who took the time to make the models for it. They're a great addition.
-Matt
Now that's what I'm talkin'bout!!!
No complaints this time from the peanut gallery....only praise!!
Very well dene Matt. It's great to see you take everyones input and make the changes in game.
Robin &apls
Really spectacular results with the cliffs Matt &apls &apls I reserve judgement for now on which is best--the first is top-notch, though there are a couple other contenders. It'll sound like a copy of my last reply, but the rock mod, terrain editing, and MMPs come together really, really nicely.
The new rock MOD looks great, Matt. I've installed the brown sandstone version, and I'm eager to see how it looks in game. 37.06 looks so much more realistic. I'm not sure how you managed to get the green areas in 37.07, but they look good. 37.09 looks good, too with the autumn colors. Those seasonal trees really do work well. I like 38.13 and 38.14, too. I'm fond of dramatic angles, and these fill the bill.
This is really a grand update, and I truly enjoyed looking through the photos. :)
-Joan
Wow, Matt! The improvements to the cliff are beyond the wildest dreams I might have had when I made the original comment. I can see in all the work that some of the sense of precipice-style "cliffiness" is lost (although 38.13 and .14 are pretty impressive when it comes to conveying a sense of abrupt elevation change), but what you gain in adding the fallen rocks and scree and occasional bit of "hanging on" vegetation conveys a sense of realism that the previous pics did not. That's a nice choice of rock mod- they have certainly come a long way since the limited choices of 2007 or so when I was just starting 3RR. 37.06 and .07 are my favorite pics for conveying the best sense of what you have done overall- they show a really a nice job in breaking up the repetitive textures of even this extremely well-made rock mod.
That's a bravo, my friend, and a K-point for charging back and showing us how it done in Greenacre.
David
Quick reply:
-Joan: The grassy areas are a result of the slope getting shallow enough that it's on the "flat land" side of things, which shows the grassy textures as opposed to the rock textures. When I was fiddling with the cliff initially I ended up with those spots. They looked lonely as just little patches of grass, so the trees and bushes followed, leading to what you see now.
Just play around with it and see what comes of it. The trick I've learned with terraforming (if there is one) is that nature isn't pre-planned. Pick a story and think through it (river carves valley, etc) or just scribble it out and then think what would happen as a result.
-Matt
First of all, congrats on the OSITM! The improvements you made in that cliff certainly increase the realism a lot. Nice work :thumbsup: Looking forward to seeing more!
Fantastic! I'll take this as a tutorial for improving the cliffs in my MD. ;)
The new look of the cliffs with rocks and seasonal trees is really fine. I like the use of rocks and sand. :)
First congrats on Your fourth OSITM!
As i never saw this MD before i had to look first and then the last days i´ve read into it and looked to all pages. What should i say: it was like a journey through the time as You started this MD long before i discovered the game, very interesting and inspiring, so much great ideas and i found a lot i can learn from. :)
Something i thought was that Your region is very personal, a landscape to show all the aspects of the game and how to master them - wow! &apls
Definitely i will come back and look how this island will develop further,
greetz, Carl
Not too much to add here, you've really nailed the high detail approach perfectly. I was looking for something that might be good as a suggestion, but no, everything looks great. Even better on each revisit!
The seasonal trees look stupendous by the way, having seen them used so effectively, I'm probably going to start using them in Adara before long as well. Looking forward to the next update!
Great new views of that area! :thumbsup:
Looking forward to more... ;)
Replies:
-Robin (rooker1): Now that's a bit of a surprise. No critiques at all? A 10/10 from you? That takes some doing indeed. Hopefully the rest of the updates here will be up to that standard.
-Noah (noahclem): Coming from someone who has been doing some fine work with the flora brushes like you, that means a lot. Glad to hear the results are worth the renovations. I'll be looking forward to further thoughts on the next updates too.
-Joan (Jmouse): Threw in a quick reply to your post earlier, but I'm glad the results pass the test in the aesthetic department. I love it when I can find that perfect angle for a picture. I've still not found out how to produce it though. I just have to wait until I see it. Always good to see you here Joan.
-David (dedgren): Some high praise from one of the premiere players when it comes to landscapes. I'd love to find a way to get a rugged appearance for steep slopes that doesn't look like a scene from Half Dome. Something to ponder perhaps. At this point though, I'm glad I've been able to come to a suitable compromise, and indeed, it's impressive how far things have come since the early days, and even more interesting to think how far they still can go. Always good to see you here.
-Ioan (io_bg):Excellent. Glad to hear it worked out like I'd hoped. Thanks for the congratulations too. This should be an interesting month I hope.
-Rick (RickD): Fine praise indeed when it's consider to be on the level of a tutorial. Keep me posted when you get some pictures posted of new cliffs.
-Kergelen: Welcome to Greenacre and thanks. It always seems like blending several bits of flora together produces the best results.
-Carl (carlfatal): Welcome to Greenacre and I hope you enjoyed the ride back through its history here. It's hard to believe it's been three years already, but it's even more amazing to think that this MD started even a year or so before that, as far as the building and planning (for as much as I plan things here) went. Looking forward to seeing your work around here and seeing it progress over time too.
-Battlecat: Like I said to David, that means a lot coming from a master of flora. If you have any suggestions, feel free to interject at any time. I'm sure there are things that could be improved, but that's something true for pretty much any update or picture. Incidentally, Adara with seasonal trees would look absolutely stunning.
-bat: As always, my friend, good to see you, and, as always, here's a bit more to keep your wait short.
Let's try to keep the interest up here this month. I had hoped to have this up over the weekend (and a bit more of it) but on the real life side of things I recently got promoted, which came with a new office, in a new building, which resulted in needing to wrap up all the outstanding projects at the old office in the course of a week. Long story short, long days, and little SC4. There's going to be more this week, but I wanted to at least get things started with this:
There was a stretch of track, just down the hill from our last update, where the trains just rocket through on an intercity path.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FOSITM%25204-2%2F3802.jpg&hash=898836726c5f2fc7a4d874af3dc28adf48a14751)
With a desire to update and upgrade the rail opportunities in a city where traffic is steadily increasing, a commuter station was built above the tracks.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FOSITM%25204-2%2F3804.jpg&hash=54440c27b5873d2995667aacd08c987d437fe072)
Keep an eye out. Later this week I'll expand on the renovations of the network. Also, ignore the little bit of black there on the tracks. That's a by-product of a bit of railroad R&D that's in progress.
-Matt
A big congratulations on your promotion Matt! &apls :party: I hope you enjoy your new office and position :thumbsup:
Very nice pictures and good job with the grade-separation. Those walls and Mattb325's new sunken station fit perfectly. Having the light- and heavy-rail stations adjacent makes for a nice little transport hub and the pedestrian overpass is a great touch as well. I've got a suspicion of what's going on with the R&D and I like it!
A couple small suggestions: First, I would lot some walls onto that police station that's poking out next to the tracks. I've been really happy with the WFK ones (I think they're called WFK Old Walls but I'm not 100%, they're the ones used on Kazuki's RBP walls (http://klex.blog85.fc2.com/) anyway) and I think they'd match those highway walls nicely. Second is just a little preference I have for TIA stations: I prefer the ones where the median area with the tram rails widens at the station to have enough room for passengers to wait without being in the path of trams or cars, such as the BSC SFBT GLR Tram Mod (http://sc4devotion.com/csxlex/lex_filedesc.php?lotGET=879) (remove the included automata files if you want to keep your existing light rail trains).
I'm excited to see more of the area and whatever else you've got in store for us next! And best of luck with the new work!
Congrats for the OSITM, truly well deserved &apls
Fine work on the cliff, and always a pleasure to stop by your MD :thumbsup:
That's looking really nice! :)
Congratulations on the promotion, Matt, and I'm pleased to know there is another kind of promotion in the works for you as well. I won't wish you the best of luck in the courtroom. You don't need it. You already have the skill and talent to excel. ;)
I'm not nearly as knowledgeable as Noah about all things transport, so I can't really comment in that area. But the photos look good, and I like the idea of the commuter station.
When it comes to updates, be sure to keep your priorities straight. Fun first, and if there's any time left over, you can do a little work if you want to. :D
-Joan
Replies:
-Noah (noahclem): Thanks Noah! It's going well so far. It means getting up a bit earlier due to a longer commute, but all things considered, it's been going well so far. Curious what you know of the R&D efforts.
As for lotting walls, I'm absolutely rubbish when it comes to much beyond basic lotting. Start adding walls to the mix and yeah... if you have any thoughts (or lots) I'm always up for something new. I like the SFBT stations as well. I just hadn't gotten around to getting the avenue pack yet.
Funny you should mention keeping the automata too. You'll see why here soon (as in, in the time it takes you to scroll down to the update).
Yan077: High praise from an MD'er like yourself. Hope the updates live up to expectations for the month.
bat: Thanks bat! Glad you like it.
-Joan (Jmouse): Thanks Joan! It's been working out well so far (see reply to Noah). Now for the next update, I took a bit of inspiration from you (and Arne) and now have realized something I've been trying to get around to doing for probably the better part of a year now. Greenacre's getting a light rail facelift.
So, as some of you may know already, Greenacre is located just off the southern California coast; out there past Catalina and all, but still a fair jump from Hawaii. In construction, it was inspired by several places I've lived. One of those areas: the LA/Southern California area was once known for a top-notch and remarkably expansive light rail system (well, a couple: the LA Railway, and the Pacific Electric were the primary players).
Anyway, there was a time when the Pacific Electric stretched all the way into the Orange Empire (now known as the Inland Empire of California) which is around San Bernardino and Riverside for those still following. The streecars, some capable of travel up to 70mph, would roll along through the orange groves and other fields. They provided a link between cities that hadn't existed before, and played a large part in shaping the LA area into what it is today.
38.03
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FOSITM%25204-2%2F3805.jpg&hash=14cde24649d41ac96131203109239362821bb978)
Now, that same heritage has arrived in Greenacre.
38.04
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FOSITM%25204-2%2F3806.jpg&hash=73239410f30f7e70083d37e56c2340ab91a51400)
After obtaining and restoring some older cars, and having a few new ones made to complete the replacement, the older cars on the line were replaced by the Pacific Electric Heritage Fleet in regular use throughout several cities in Greenacre.
38.05
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FOSITM%25204-2%2F3807.jpg&hash=4368940b79236bd2a675daef18ed68c245c67548)
The design is based off the old Hollywood Car body style, with a lowered middle to allow easier access to the car. Specifially, Vester Enterprises, producer of many varieties of streetcar design obtained plans from PE717 (http://www.oerm.org/pages/pe717.html), which currently resides at the Orange Empire Railroad Museum (http://www.oerm.org/), and used it as the basis for Greenacre's fleet.
38.06
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FOSITM%25204-2%2F3808.jpg&hash=42745f508a45c18854d2d41b5b4e71686533482e)
The Greenacre Chamber of Commerce hailed the new cars as a benefit to tourism as well as to the transportation infrastructure itself and extends its thanks for the delivery of the cars. Greenacre officials (from GDOT) relate that they are proud to help keep part of rail history alive as they press forward with plans to expand the system.
More on the transportation upgrades next time.
-Matt
Nice evolution. I like the idea to build a station there, it's practical for the commuters and they do not use their car. :thumbsup:
Guillaume :)
That's an interesting bit of history, Matt, and it adds a lot to the essence of this update. I love those tram/train cars, too. Of course, Vester Enterprises is known the world over for quality workmanship. And it does not surprise me one bit that you chose an historic car as the model you wanted to use.
Very entertaining update this time... :)
-Joan
The streetcar looks great. And your short story about the Pacific Electric is also very intersting. I will try to find more information about it on the web. I like reading about these things, even if it is rather useless knowledge. ::) $%Grinno$%
Beautiful tram update Matt &apls &apls I really like your custom skin and the bit of history is a very nice (and surprising) addition :thumbsup:
I am a big SC4 transit fan, and I think the tram skins look phenomenal.
This is a wonderful update, i like this old RL picture... ;D
And i like the tram skin, it´s a really nice old streetcar. But these links to the train museum are not the stuff You should give to guy like me: the next weeks i´m only lurking into US railway stuff not able to play SimCity or write some comments. $%Grinno$%
Greetz, Carl
Replies:
-Guillaume (Sciurus): I'm really glad to have found that station. It fit the area perfectly and was one of those things I didn't know I needed until I saw it there. Good to see you back around here Guillaume.
-Joan (Jmouse): Get ready for some essence then, or perhaps a quick snooze, not sure which. I'm continually impressed by the work he does, and I'm floored that he took the time to produce this for me. I hope these updates do his work justice.
-Rick (RickD): Get ready for some more useless knowledge then. I figured if that little blurb was of interest, then a bit more was in order. Thanks for helping to prompt this update.
-Noah (noahclem): Greenacre was based, in large part, on several places I've lived, and in using the GLR in the first place, I drew heavily from the Pacific Electric. Drawing it out in some areas has actually helped shape Greenacre's growth.
-benedict: Thank Vester for the execution of the skin. He does wonderful work with them, and I believe he may be working on others too. Hope you like the upcoming bit of transit history in this update too.
-Carl (carlfatal): You've probably seen a few of the following pictures in your internet travels, but hopefully this will help satisfy your lurking... or maybe it'll just make it worse. Not sure... Either way, hope you enjoy this update too.
So, I noticed some interest in the Pacific Electric and the tram skin that Vester made. With that, I thought I'd take some time off for a bit of a history lesson.
Wait, wait, don't scroll away that fast, there are pictures too. Some of them are even from SC4.
RL and site outages kept me a bit quieter than I would have liked to be this month, but yes, we're here: the last day of the month, nearing the end of OSITM. That being said, just because the month ends, doesn't mean I'm done with what I was planning. To the contrary. Thanks to the site outage and some RL from this past week, I still have plenty to show; so March will become the unofficial continuation of interest month.
At any rate, the Pacific Electric Railroad: formed from several smaller acquisitions in the LA area, it soon grew to become one of the best, and as far as I recall, the largest, electric urban and interurban passenger railroads in the world.
39.01 – Route map of Pacific Electric
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fupload.wikimedia.org%2Fwikipedia%2Fcommons%2F6%2F69%2FRelief_map_Pacific_Electric_Railway.jpg&hash=d684469acef49fbe841567c91da87d4b5ed9b68a)
If you want to see something interesting, pull up a map of the LA freeway system compare it to this map. Notice any similarities? Many of the major freeway routes were built along (and over) the existing interurban routes. Why not build alongside them? Well, back then the car was the wave of the future and all (and the Pacific Electric was losing ridership to the car, and a few other factors) but yeah, many of the new metro rail lines are now being rebuilt in freeway medians. Anyway...
Back in the day, the lines would run anywhere from a single car, up to trains of several cars, as frequently in some places as one every several minutes.
39.02
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pacificelectric.org%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2012%2F01%2FRC-PE-Hollywood-Highland-July-1952.jpg&hash=b87d2afc3b3312ee8ae574d680fcc4862e827e9e)
39.03
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FOSITM%25204-2%2F2.jpg&hash=139ba61eea61ea266e11bddc1c8c23a81465e99f)
Given that the LA area was much less developed than it is today, many lines ran through open areas or farmland. If you've heard of the Inland Empire (Riverside/San Bernardino/etc) it used to be known as the Orange Empire, and for good reason.
39.04
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pacificelectric.org%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2009%2F12%2FMP-00385.jpg&hash=049070b01c07c53b1e107e5fded78091cacdfd78)
39.05
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FOSITM%25204-2%2F8.jpg&hash=7aca23453db6c9d157b4020ee4dd30842c3c534d)
The routes even provided people a means of reaching the beach from downtown LA in under an hour. Huntington Beach actually obtained its name from Henry Huntington, one of the principal figures behind the development of the system. He built the line to the area, and a sleepy beach town of a few hundred boomed to several thousand almost overnight.
39.06
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F_nHk4eRE8Qbc%2FSBC-spq0jTI%2FAAAAAAAAAs8%2FNX-Rsylamzg%2Fs400%2FPacific%252BElectric%252Bcar.jpg&hash=ff77ec1202bd2e31340b12edbeedbd71b1d68036)
39.07
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FOSITM%25204-2%2F6.jpg&hash=0b506870d013e922ebca959418a834e0754d39b8)
The Hollywood Cars (as this particular car style came to be known for their regular appearance on Hollywood Boulevard) also lived up to their name as the style featured prominently in movies like Who Framed Roger Rabbit (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Who_Framed_Roger_Rabbit).
39.08 – Who Framed Roger Rabbit
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.oerm.org%2Fpages%2FMovie_Set_RogerRabbit_010_12091986WDV_sm.jpg&hash=78b8bbe2004567abea2344e322a9cf59ab3258f2)
39.09
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FOSITM%25204-2%2F1.jpg&hash=f4f6e23d1ad07fd5394375f5a22ccdd100f005c3)
To put it in perspective: here's the area before Universal Studios. You can see the road that would be today's current US 101, with a lone Hollywood car trundling along beside it.
39.10 – Cahuenga Pass before Universal Studios 2
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pacificelectric.org%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2012%2F01%2FRC-PE5180-CahuengaPass-southbound-July-1952.jpg&hash=273a18a9aaa25e13a92b9e8cf0a5c466a9d8e054)
Commonplace, yet almost strange to imagine with the reputation drivers around here have, the streetcars here were often right in the mix without any sort of dividers or barriers.
36.11
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pacificelectric.org%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2012%2F01%2FRC-PE5110-Van-Nuys-July-1952.jpg&hash=3c59be03f3bdbafaa540ba724ef75c5ffb8ba227)
39.12
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FOSITM%25204-2%2F3.jpg&hash=8683d06cdb7595c5ced03d0cd24d71fcabff11ad)
In Greenacre, their tradition still runs strong, carrying passengers in all areas and in all capacities. The ports benefit strongly from their presence, allowing workers easier access without having to battle the freight traffic that shifts through on a regular basis.
39.13
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FOSITM%25204-2%2F7.jpg&hash=bc5327be93ec86d0c2b8535d2b58f89242e9a19c)
Bottom line, GDOT is planning several upgrades to the existing routes, and several extensions. Their goal, should it prove cost-efficient, is to link Greenacre in a way similar to the way the Pacific Electric linked the greater LA area. The routes may be more permanent than those of buses, but the wear on the parts and maintenance costs are projected to be significantly lower in the long run.
Residents of Greenacre are about to see a lot more red.
39.14
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FOSITM%25204-2%2F5.jpg&hash=c4605eb5055e829efb996d0c44234e65a15e7eea)
Hope you enjoyed, and thanks for making this month as good as it was.
-Matt
An outstanding OSITM for Greenacre, Matt. The tram updates are nothing short of spectacular, and represent the highest reaches of MDing art. The seamless combining of SC4 scenes and RL pics within a well-written narrative in the final OSITM update is a model that anyone interested in authoring a world-class MD would be well-advised to read closely.
David
Great work with the tram. &apls
Thank you for the roundup about the Pacific Electric. That routemap is impressive. It is really a shame that it was discarded in favor of roads. I guess the Pacific Electric would be a great relief for LA traffic nowadays.
Matt, thank you for such an interesting month. Anyone can always find something of interest for themselves.....from RL pics mixed in with in game pics, industrial areas to beautiful res. to water fronts to road geekery.
Great work and thank you!!
Robin &apls
Heh, another piece of California that's gone. Fortunately, there's Greenacre. Great updates, Matt :)
Cheers,
Willy
That was an enjoyable historic ride. It's a pity they removed almost all US tram lines in the middle of the XX century. I'm eager to see more :thumbsup:
A fantastic update to cap off an outstanding month &apls &apls &apls I really like the way your tram lines look, and combined with your custom trams from Arne and a bit of photoshopping you're able to use Greenacre as a great medium for telling the story of southern Californias trams in the 20th century. Besides the nice views of Greenacre it's also nice transport history lesson.
Again it's been a pleasure sharing OSITM with you. I see no reason not to continue with our plans for cooperation... and to that end, here's to a month of continued interest!
Love the tram network. :thumbsup:
Love the mix of MD and RL.
Hi Matt!
Thought I hopped in to see if there's still some life in Greenacre juste to see your 4th time OSITM - Congrats, be me, too! (even though a tad late ... ) :-[
Nice work on the cliff update as well as on the electric cable lines. I knew there has been something like this, the better someone who's got a larger knowlegde shows some of them (and even transported them to SC4) ;)
Take care my friend!
Bernhard :thumbsup:
What a superb update, Matt! The RL photos mixed in with game shots lends a heaping helping of credibility to this presentation. The old autos in 39.02 brought back a memory of the time when my son said, "You were lucky. You actually got to ride in cars like that." ;)
Your interest in all things rail, along with Arne's (vester) interest and BATting skill make for an unbeatable team. 39.07 is a favorite because it paints another picture of Pacific Electric's unique history. Actually, you have woven an engaging historical thread through the whole update that holds it firmly together.
This stands as the best update you've done so far in Greenacre's 3+ years here at Sc4D. Congratulations on an outstanding fourth time in OSITM.
-Joan
Replies:
David (dedgren): Glad you enjoyed it David. It's high praise indeed coming from the master of blending RL into a Mayor's Diary. I'd though about making it longer, or more historical, but didn't want to risk boring anyone. Seems I left them wanting more. Looking forward to 3RR's birthday tomorrow. Always good to see
you here.
nbvc: Thank you very much. Vester outdid himself with the tram and it was a pleasure to put them to good use.
Rick (RickD): It is a shame to see the routes of the past now gone. It would have been a great relief for traffic if they were still running today, as thousands of people still pour in and out of downtown on a regular basis. They're working to rebuild it, it seems, but it's a huge capital investment. Plus, if the PE were still around, it'd be all electric too, which would be a nice plus on the environment.
Robin (rooker1): Glad you enjoyed it Robin. I tried to mix a bit of everything in, but I wish I'd had more time. There were still things I wanted to get done that I just ran out of time for. Oh well, something to add for this month then I guess. Always good to see you here.
Willy (Swordmaster): Welcome to Greenacre. Yeah, it's sad that the routes have largely vanished, but if you want to see some of the remaining cars that are still operational, and run on a daily basis, pay a visit to the Orange Empire Railroad Museum if you're ever out by Perris, CA. It's a great step back in time to see what these old cars were really like. Thanks for stopping by.
Ioan (io_bg): It is a pity most of the lines are gone, but up in San Francisco, they still have a very nice system working up there. Not sure if it draws a profit, but I went there for a couple days, parked my car and never touched it again until I left. The cable car system, as much as it is a tourist icon, is also an efficient system for getting where you want to go. They also have a few PCC cars that run the streets as well. Very nice city for train buffs.
Noah (noahclem): Great to share the month with you Noah. I generally try to avoid photoshopping (let the game speak for itself) but in the right circumstances, it's a nice addition. Showing off Arne's handiwork was just such an occasion that deserved it. There are many things that have influenced Greenacre, and the PE was certainly one of them. To a degree any of the streetcar lines in Greenacre owe some part of their design to the PE (and also my general love of trains). Here's to next month being as good as the last.
Arne (vester): Thanks Arne, it wouldn't be nearly what it was without you and your skill at automata. You're the reason this past update was possible. This project was sitting on my back burner for months hoping that I could get that model made (and you went and did it as fast as you did, thanks again for that).
Bernhard (Nardo69): Bernhard! It's great to see you here again. It's been a while. Glad to see you've enjoyed what you've seen here. There's plenty more to come, and if you have any suggestions on the rail or trams, I'd certainly love to hear it. Also, how's that railroad tutorial of yours going?
Joan (Jmouse): You were lucky to get to ride in cars like that. I'd love to have one myself some day in the future. Great styles back then that just haven't quite been matched by today's models. However, more to the update itself, Arne is quite skilled at what he does, and I was proud to show off his handiwork. Since the update was so well received, I think I may do a supplement to it in the future, but until then, there's another big thing in the works. More on that to come later. Always good to hear from you Joan.
So some of you may have noticed last week that Siilijoki (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=12162.msg415389#msg415389) by Noahclem, experienced a bit of a storm. Well, thanks to the jet stream and a recent low pressure system that moved in, that same storm has now hit Greenacre.
40.01
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FUpdate%252040%2Frainontheharbor.jpg&hash=0700268f82cadaee1fa75ff998abbb36eeab16a6)
I was planning on taking you for a tour of the Greenacre wilderness and a new campsite that has recently undergone some renovation, but the storm has caused the creek, and the storm drains that help feed it, to pick up a little extra water.
40.02
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FUpdate%252040%2Frainonthecreek.jpg&hash=7069950789670a83fa7b9947fa23ebb2c2b07a85)
So that is something that should probably wait for another day.
However, I did get this in the mail:
40.03
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FUpdate%252040%2Finvitation.png&hash=be433697a56c1e56a8d78b18ea068ed2a6879e93)
It doesn't say anything about not bringing guests, so you're all invited as well. If you get a chance tomorrow (March 12) take a minute to swing by Three Rivers Region (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=112.msg417176#msg417176) and leave a post to help celebrate its 6th anniversary.
Since the storm has rained a bit on the parade here, I'm heading out now, before it gets any worse. You're welcome to grab a seat on this plane, or grab the next one. Either way, I'll hope to see you in Greenacre for the festivities.
40.03
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FUpdate%252040%2Frainontheairport.jpg&hash=040c426519901b7e93a34cd2502159abb0ba28a9)
Until then, take it easy, and try to stay dry.
-Matt
Nice update. I like the rain effect and the curvy road at the creek. Have fun at the party. :)
Perfectly executed &apls &apls I especially love the flooding in the second picture. Great final airport segue into heading to David's party too ;)
I agree with Noah. That flooded creek is the best of its kind I've ever seen. As for the plane ride, I think I'll wait until the weather clears up. Clear up to...
Time to brush up on the backstroke...
-Joan
That flooded creek is absolutely gorgeous!
Nice tram pictures in update 39. :thumbsup:
And great storm effect in update 40. :thumbsup:
Looking forward to update 41. :)
Replies:
Rick (RickD): The rain effect was something new for me to try (thanks to Noah for giving me the idea and tutorial for it) and I like the results. It fit for setting up the 3RR birthday too. Good to have seen you there too, with your organized fun.
Noah (noahclem): Thanks, and thanks again for giving me the idea for it. Sorry it didn't get in last month, but it was still fun to do. The creek itself, and the surrounding area, will feature in to the next few updates as I overhaul the area. I figured using a progress pic would work well. Good to see you at the party too.
Joan (Jmouse): Flooding was minimal, fortunately, and it was good to see you made it to the party at 3RR too. Spring time is a fun time as far as weather goes. Given that, the creek area and its nearby campground will be a focus of the next few updates. Good time to see the area too, with the recent rain, the waterfalls in the area should be flowing nicely. Hope you had fun at the party.
Battlecat: Glad you like it. It looks like that pic was the highlight of the update. It was fun to make too. Good to see you made it to the party.
bat: Glad you enjoyed it. Two thumbs up for the last couple updates; I like it. Good to see you made it to the 3RR party too.
41.00
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FUpdate%252041%2F4100.png&hash=ca1bd2b564671c5b917ce9393644c5cd1a7fe99d) (http://i1041.photobucket.com/albums/b416/threestoogessc4/Update%2041/4100.png)
So some of you will likely recognize this picture. The rain has subsided though, it being Spring, there are still a few storms left in the forecast. Bouyed by the past rainfall, the creek by the Hackenbush Campground is in full swing. We've visited the area before (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6621.msg221821#msg221821) and already I'm sure you can see some changes.
41.01
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FUpdate%252041%2F4101.jpg&hash=0c632e4cd402d22b8a4b209c4981f00ebc6518f3)
There are still more changes to come, but those will be covered in the next update(s). Old Dr. Hackenbush is planning to update his campgrounds, but we'll catch up with him later. While the stream is high, there are more important things to see.
41.02
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FUpdate%252041%2F4102.jpg&hash=663208915a7e542663c19aaeda2fef0448bd8481)
Like rapids. The creek hits two sets of them as it rolls along.
41.03
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FUpdate%252041%2F4103.jpg&hash=7f37888e31aaa58164914d0174e5a7e35dbd225f)
An overview of the area as it stands now.
41.04
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FUpdate%252041%2F4104.jpg&hash=630539ec0236aa8650fbfa3994de0727f10daf7f)
So even that is a bit of an improvement, I think, from how it used to be. Those new water pieces work wonders when used well. Thoughts on it are welcomed and encouraged.
Coming up in the following updates: Dr. Hackenbush's renovation of the campsite (if you all think it's worth it), the waterfalls and hiking trail that leads to them, and the creek's path as it flows out to the sea. Let me know what you think of that plan and any suggestions you have along the way. As it's a plan in progress, things are open to changes.
-Matt
Nice update. I like the location of the village near the river and below the cliffs. Also nice cuerved road :thumbsup:
Great work on the creek &apls The original picture of the area was very nice but you've definitely taken the view up a notch here. I really love working with that new water too and plan on doing an update kind of like this one soon--if I can lay off the RHW for a bit ;D
One thing I would suggest is adding a bit more flora to the area surrounding the creek. Girafe's seasonal and HD trees and cattails would look perfect and there's lots of good MMP stuff from other VIP members--including some nice fishermen that would compliment the earlier storyline.
Looking forward to more as always :thumbsup:
Now that creek is really amazing, no kidding. Very neat.
Quote from: threestooges on March 12, 2012, 12:22:13 AM
Willy (Swordmaster): Welcome to Greenacre. Yeah, it's sad that the routes have largely vanished, but if you want to see some of the remaining cars that are still operational, and run on a daily basis, pay a visit to the Orange Empire Railroad Museum if you're ever out by Perris, CA. It's a great step back in time to see what these old cars were really like. Thanks for stopping by.
Hey, thanks for that idea. I've only ever been to the East coast, so I still got a lot to see if I ever get to CA.
Apart from that, I live in a town where the old PCCs (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/60/PCC_Lambermontplaats.jpg) are still in use as well, although I actually find the American designs prettier. I bet they were too wide for European streets. Yet, I somehow hope they never replace them - I don't think they're planning to. Says a lot about the manufacturing standards of the 50s and 60s, these things never seem to break down. It's the same with the railroads - we're still driving machines built in 1955 here, and they're more reliable than those delivered last year. Strange world.
Cheers,
Willy
The river and road is looking really nice.
Fantastic views of it.
You've done an excellent job on the creek, Matt. Those are some of PEG's rocks, aren't they? I'm eager to try out the new water pieces, too.
By all means, show us the updated campground. Personally, I don't care for flies, mosquitoes and things that crawl around in the dark. Give me home sweet home anytime. But campgrounds are pleasant to look at, and I'm sure yours will look great.
Replies:
Kergelen: Thank you very much. It's more of a campsite than a village, but that will be made more evident after a few more updates. Glad you liked it. Also, since I think this may be your first post here, welcome to Greenacre!
Noah (noahclem): The game can do some wonderful things when it's left to its own views. I didn't change this picture much (if at all) from the rain image. That's about what it looked like before I added all the effects to it. Truly a testament to the custom content creators out there that made these things in the first place. Don't stop with the RHW yet, I'm loving it.
Willy (Swordmaster): Glad you enjoyed. The PCC's around here, when they were in use, were largely narrow gauge track. Width-wise, I think they'd fit fine on European streets. I think the main difference in the aesthetics came from the desire to have the US car styles match the new-fangled "bus" that was coming into play at the time. I'm not familiar with Europe's PCC development. What was going on there around the time they were conceived that may have influenced their design?
bat: As always, great to see you here bat, and thanks.
Joan (Jmouse): those indeed are (mostly) Peg's rocks. The rock cluster works really well as a gap filler. It has a large-ish footprint, but a small plop size so you can cluster things around it, or it around things. I'm still trying to find the blend of rocks and rock mod that flow best together, but there's plenty out there to choose from, so I'd love to hear your thoughts about what blends well and doesn't. Looking forward to seeing your work with them too.
I appreciate all of the posts you all have left. That being said, I would like to thank you all for taking this journey through Greenacre with me. It's been a fun road to take along the way, and I appreciate you coming along for the ride. However, after three years of keeping it going, it's been going less and less these days. I know I haven't had as many updates as I would have liked, and it's not fair to you all. So as a result, I will be closing Greenacre; ending it here.
So long and thanks for all the fish.
-Matt
By the way, April Fool's Day here still has another three hours to go. Still working on the next update. I'll hopefully have something more complete to show tomorrow.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FUpdate%252041%2F4105AprilFoolsTeaser.jpg&hash=e32e3d3b8dcd1713799bd4e20675c2558178eaee)
You're not getting rid of me that easily.
-Matt
:O
You had me going for a moment there, Matt. Glad to see that it's just an April Fools' joke, though; Greenacre is getting too good to simply end it here. I look forward to seeing where that stream is headed!
Zack
Quote from: threestooges on April 01, 2012, 09:30:25 PM
I appreciate all of the posts you all have left. That being said, I would like to thank you all for taking this journey through Greenacre with me. It's been a fun road to take along the way, and I appreciate you coming along for the ride. However, after three years of keeping it going, it's been going less and less these days. I know I haven't had as many updates as I would have liked, and it's not fair to you all. So as a result, I will be closing Greenacre; ending it here.
So long and thanks for all the fish.
-Matt
Okay, you had me there... for a second. ;D
Quote
Willy (Swordmaster): Glad you enjoyed. The PCC's around here, when they were in use, were largely narrow gauge track. Width-wise, I think they'd fit fine on European streets. I think the main difference in the aesthetics came from the desire to have the US car styles match the new-fangled "bus" that was coming into play at the time. I'm not familiar with Europe's PCC development. What was going on there around the time they were conceived that may have influenced their design?
I personally
do think it had to do with street width. Trams here are narrow-gauge as well, but given that some streets here are even one-way out of necessity, I bet from what I've seen that most American designs would have been too wide. Cf. this image:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm5.staticflickr.com%2F4152%2F5039356428_f7dbdd5d48.jpg&hash=d113cb216d287d5584c697c31a144cee370056d7)
(pic by Gerard Stolk on flickr (http://www.flickr.com/photos/gerardstolk/5039356428))
Buses have never been a real competition for the city trams, since they're too wide as well. But I'm by no means a tram expert, so it's more of a guess on my part.
Cheers,
Willy
Hehe, you scared the crap out of me too! :D Nice one ::)
Beautiful WIP there BTW, you've given it such a lush, verdant feel &apls I look forward to seeing how it turns out :thumbsup:
I actually believed you. I should have exoected something like this, but april fools day is already over here. :P
Shame on you for scaring me like that, Matt! Besides, I think you know what would – or wouldn't – happen if you give up on Greenacre.
I hope to be working with the same water soon, and I'll be trying different combinations of rocks. I'll show and tell after I do some experimenting.
I'm not crazy about the PEG rocks piled against the cliff, but I'm not sure yet what would look better. It's the very problem I'm currently working on, though, so I'll discuss it with you when I get farther along. It's quite different from – and a bit more of a challenge than – decorating the edge of a pond or creek.
As always, I'm looking forward to seeing more of Greenacre...
-Joan
That was not funny.....had me going.
Robin &sly
Zack (woodb3kmaster): Heh, what can I say? I saw the date and couldn't resist. Ultimately, the stream is heading toward the ocean, but it'll take a while to get there. Right now I'm going to stick around the campground. That said, it might be kind of interesting to follow it all the way down to the ocean. Who knows what would be found on the way. Happy Easter, and don't worry, Greenacre won't be going anywhere for a while if I have anything to say about it.
Willy (Swordmaster): They do seem a bit narrower. You wouldn't happen to have the measurements of one of the cars, would you? They look shorter in length for sure; I'm guessing you have some tight corners around there? I can dig up the specs for the US models. I'd be interested to hear how it shakes out across the way there. Glad I didn't fool you for too long. Happy Easter.
Noah (Noahclem): Heh, what can I say? I couldn't resist. Rest assured I have no plans to end Greenacre anytime soon. That being said, your wait to see how the area is turning out should be short, as I'll be getting back to it today. Always good to see you here, and Happy Easter.
Rick (RickD): That's what makes it all the more unexpected. Though I'm not sure who I should take everyone thinking I'd be shutting things down here so soon, heh. Glad to see it worked though. Happy Easter.
Joan (Jmouse): Have to keep you on your toes. Though, as for what *wouldn't* happen, you have me confused, though I can speculate, and if it has to do with one of your projects, I can't say I'd be thrilled by it. Wouldn't stop me from bugging you about it though.
I have a feeling you'll have fun with the water; knowing your meticulous attention to detail, it's going to drive you nuts though. Trying to pick which piece to use in the set for each part gets tough, and to fix one piece usually means destroying three others. As you may have noticed, the stream gets a bit lazier in its construction as it goes (in terms of "picking the right piece").
The thing I've been struggling with between the rocks and rock mod, is trying to find colors which blend well together. The gray rocks against the white-ish cliff is a bit awkward. I've started trying to blend a few colors together. It helps with the visual variety and may just blend the boulders in as well. Looking forward to seeing the products of your experimentation. Happy Easter.
Robin (rooker1): Did you expect anything less from me? I'm surprised you thought I was going away that easily. Rest assured I plan to be at this for a while to come.
I'm not sure whether I should be pleased or worried that I got so many people to think that I was closing down Greenacre, heh heh. Figured it'd be fitting for the day. But don't worry, Greenacre will be around for a while if I have anything to say about it.
Now then, as for Greenacre, as indicated, here's the continuation of the campsite redevelopment.
This is where we are now:
42.01
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FUpdate%252042%2F4201.jpg&hash=a0f4130ce987b0eb08cad3ddaf1e7d3ffc96b351)
Ol' Doc Hackenbush's campsite is going to be getting a bit of a facelift. I really like the Newman Inc. lot set that the current site is based on. It's well assembled, and has some nice models and seasonality. However, it suffers from the mega-lot crime issues, didn't blend well with the flora surrounding it (and I didn't want to get into the Lot Editor), and didn't feel quite as fluid as a campsite.
So Doc Hackenbush is starting from scratch. First up was the parking lot (or lack thereof). Yes, it's paved, it's lined, and provides space for 51 vehicles (no RVs or caravans). There's also a small visitor's center/ranger station, as well as a tower that, during the day, provides people a nice view down the valley.
42.02
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FUpdate%252042%2F4202.jpg&hash=66cf1b9a76d5a81a20c5dee6db6cd362a33c4ce6)
Here's the valley with all of the old buildings removed. Plenty of land to work with. Grid on, so I can see just how much space I'm working with.
42.03
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FUpdate%252042%2F4203.jpg&hash=fee4293446c2a37e577e24350d286a596351b310)
The first part of the campsite is a collection of tent sites and the park's firepit/amphitheater in which nightly stories are told, song sung, and marshmallows toasted. Always having been one for theatrics, Doc. Hackenbush installed some stage lighting in the watch tower to add the proper mood to the stories at night. Due to the production of the show, the tower is closed after sunset.
42.04
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FUpdate%252042%2F4204.jpg&hash=b64ff8a01a146d7b0e869f25a553eee5065d21e6)
Moving on down the way are the more "upscale" accommodations. Featuring a tried-and-true blueprint from JMS Designs, a division of NUTCorp, these multi-room cabins are great for family gatherings, corporate retreats, or large parties in general. There's plenty of room between them, so the noise is minimized.
42.05
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FUpdate%252042%2F4205.jpg&hash=bca043b0b27b7163ae4edbe35778fe62efd8082d)
Now, as for getting around the facilities, it used to be that you could drive right up to your cabin. It proved problematic after rains, and cars were always getting stuck. Maintenance proved tough too, as the roads were constantly rutted. Now, pedestrian paths take campers to and from their destinations. It adds to the woodsy feeling.
42.06
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FUpdate%252042%2F4206.jpg&hash=0fa9bfe45731bd1cfd983f46f9fcfaa3b48e9f7c)
The cabins have their own paths as well, and you'll also note a hiking path along the creek too, denoted by a darker dirt that was used.
42.07
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FUpdate%252042%2F4207.jpg&hash=81213a6ac9ed346fd03be2dd06fcd607fe8935ad)
So here's where the redevelopment has led us so far:
42.08
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FUpdate%252042%2F4208.jpg&hash=3df585f64c0ad875c7eada3f111a53ef9625a627)
Popping down stream a bit, there's still plenty of room left; but what's going to go in there? Thoughts are welcome, as development is still progressing. Doctor Hackenbush is fairly flexible there. He's planning a hiking path, but beyond that, he's kicking around a few ideas.
42.09
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FUpdate%252042%2F4209.jpg&hash=9fbcc973909bbd3716118209e2dc8e9a717a194f)
Looking forward to hearing your thoughts on it all.
-Matt
Great redevelopment &apls I particularly like the "up-scale" accommodation from JMS Designs. The new layout of the area seems very nice--I'm curious to see how you'll fill it with flora without hiding all the lovely elements you've created. A walking trail seems like a nice use for the extra space--maybe horse-accesible as well? My only other idea so far is an archery range.
Btw, this area looks like a bit of a flood hazard--I hope there are good safety/evacuation plans in place ;D
I haven't made much progress with the rocks yet – been busy elsewhere. I tend to spend several days on one thing, then switch gears and do the same with another project. At the moment, I'm the process of creating a brand new plugin folder. So far, I'm only up to page 100 on the LEX and still have 200+ more to go.
The campsite is looking great, Matt, and I like the idea of walking paths. I'm firmly opposed to having motor vehicles in an area where people come to retreat from the smog and pollution in town. Is there a restaurant, and various sundries like toothbrushes for sale in the visitor's center? The cabins have a small kitchen, a "living room" and sleeping accommodations for at least six people. Eight if they're all good friends. Is outdoor cooking allowed near the cabins?
The little tent city is appealing, and I've always liked the amphitheatre. It looks like Doc Hackenbush has made a lot of progress, and still has more to do. I think Noah is right about the archery range, and maybe some other entertainment venues would be nice as well. How far from the nearest town is the campground?
I'm eager to see where you go with this next...
-Joan
It's looking really nice. ;) The river is nice, too. :thumbsup:
First off, let me say that the last little river-side village is very well done. I really like the way you've made use of the MMPs. :thumbsup:
However, having gone through one before, a flood in that valley is very possible...I think I'd build my house on top of the hill/cliffs. ;)
Oooh~ Nice camping site you've started developing there, Matt!
I've never been in a camping location, so I couldn't tell you if it's properly planned or not.. But from what I've seen in photographs, it appears to be right!
I like its location, just between a cliff and the river, somewhere where building anything else would have been almost impossible. Nice choice.
Looking forward for more pictures of it. :)
-Arthur
Let's see here... April... May... June... July... I wish someone would remind me it's been too long between updates. Off we go!
Replies:
Noah (noahclem): I need to get around to BATting an archery range, or at least the bits and pieces. That shouldn't be too hard to do. It'd be a great addition. Not sure where I'd put the stables, but I think horses would be a great addition as well. In a way, I want to hide some of the details with the flora. I know I want it all to be there, but I kind of like the idea of things barely seen, that depth of detail. It's hard to achieve without hiding everything entirely, but time will tell if I'm able to pull it off. Right now, I'm trying to figure out the best flora mix. As for a flood hazard... um... yes. Yes it is.Haven't figured out a good way around that, but who wants to go camping during the rainy season?
Joan (Jmouse): Well, speaking of switching gears, here comes something completely different. As for the campgrounds, outdoor cooking is allowed. There's enough of a setback maintained on the campsites that it's unlikely for anything to be set ablaze. Besides, who wants to go camping if they can't roast a marshmallow or two right outside? The nearest town is deceptively close, about 20 minutes. That's part of the beauty of the canyon location: the bright lights of the city are greatly muted. On an overcast night, they can reflect a bit, but usually they're not noticeable.
bat: Thanks for the comment bet. Glad you liked it, and always good to hear from you.
Shark7: Thanks for the comments and welcome to Greenacre. A flood is certainly possible, especially since spring thaw is what helps fuel the waterfall in the area. Flooding is rare, but storm warnings are announced and the campground can be closed if need be. There are no long-term residents there. Having been through a flood as well, it's not a good thing, but the campground is elevated enough that it would take some significant storming to have the creek swell to that side.
Arthur (art128): From the campgrounds I've been to, there's a bit of planning and a bit of "eh, this'll work here." Not sure if it's properly planned either, but it's been working out so far. I'm still stuck figuring out the best flora mix to use, but in the meantime, we're off to explore more of Greenacre.
So, I've stalled out in the flora department. I'm trying to figure out the best mix to use for each area, so rather than bore you all with that, I've moved on to a new area for now. We're going back to check out the new expansion going on at Cliffton University.
There was a vacant field near the school that had been sitting vacant for a few years now. Not much there but the old water tower. Cliffton, in a deal with the local city counsel, agreed to build facilities which would be used for K-12 education in addition to expanding the Cliffton campus.
43.01
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FUpdate%252043%2F4301.jpg&hash=11c272da6d6cb4520ece0ce025a22b22dfed5945)
The first step was to figure out what sort of building would fit the bill.
43.02
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FUpdate%252043%2F4302.jpg&hash=2259ea2d4c0a40726e1a59125d792c89adeb4ff1)
I liked this second one, but for the space available, it just didn't work for what the university reagents had in mind.
43.03
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FUpdate%252043%2F4303.jpg&hash=98b68c177d7f9cfdccef03dfca34d9ed40208d19)
This has always been one of my favorite designs by JBS Architecture, but it's hasn't found the right spot yet.
43.04
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FUpdate%252043%2F4304.jpg&hash=4be139ec2c6eceb22944ce67ddd27f84173c2e28)
The first one combined the proper mix of architectural aesthetic and size, and a second building in similar style quickly followed suit.
43.05
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FUpdate%252043%2F4305.jpg&hash=2431dbb9f67d2070a2f10f6cdb780f3c8c4a244b)
An outdoor patio for student dining, as well as the first go at landscaping along the avenue. The hedge is on its way out though.
43.06
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FUpdate%252043%2F4306.jpg&hash=743c85d86f143ed4ae075167fb4f475113cb36de)
With a paved parking lot, the younger students have somewhere safe to play when out at recess. The fence should do well to keep them out of traffic.
43.07
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FUpdate%252043%2F4307.jpg&hash=0dbaf29bef30ebe20b9d673ea9d1252fcc850c88)
Those playing soccer or frisbee on the field there should be wary of errant shots however. There's no longer a hedge, but there's also no fence to stop things rolling down that hill.
43.08
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FUpdate%252043%2F4308.jpg&hash=037601885a78c90ac19206b2944223b757b597fb)
Filling in the area: paths and open grass.
43.09
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FUpdate%252043%2F4310.jpg&hash=1c59a72ea8a882496f9cc295a3aa0a5b2aac0abf)
This is where the current border of Cliffton University. Now that the expansion is well underway, this border will have to be dealt with.
43.10
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FUpdate%252043%2F4310.jpg&hash=1c59a72ea8a882496f9cc295a3aa0a5b2aac0abf)
First the trees are removed.
43.11
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FUpdate%252043%2F4311.jpg&hash=701d73dcb5c2a84d7384d4eeef0819de91ed7a19)
Then the paths and roads are joined, completing the expansion.
43.12
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FUpdate%252043%2F4312.jpg&hash=91306c77c78328d99f0295f499f05a1ff1780a6d)
One last educational building and some landscaping to replenish the surrounding forest.
43.13
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FUpdate%252043%2F4313.jpg&hash=20cf84ec3bf1eeaca5d272b03289f27584b51590)
The area overall:
43.14
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FUpdate%252043%2F4314.jpg&hash=dcc5debc717e618ae2a8130f4f2e1ae5e8ffb69f)
The area at sunset:
43.15
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FUpdate%252043%2F4315.jpg&hash=ff60afb3ae633b8fd1a74b6b2865fb53493407fa)
And at night:
43.16
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FUpdate%252043%2F4316.jpg&hash=700d4bf63510700930b3b939ac9dfd3bed177f4c)
So that wraps up the Cliffton University expansion for this time. There may be more in store as the university capitalizes on the growing population around it. We'll get to that later though.
-Matt
The expansion of Cliffton Uni looks really good, I like the way you integrated sports and leisure areas into the design, as well as the fitting architecture styles
Great work with the additions to the educational campus &apls The details of the schools are nicely put together, as are the flora and landscaping. Great fall colors too :thumbsup:
Glad to see a new update here. It is interesting to follow you through the development of the area. It reminds me very much of my own playing style.
The finished area turned out very nice and believable. I would have changed only one minor thing. I would turn the smaller building in the lower right corner 90 degrees, so that the main entrance does not face the avenue. Imagine all the students running out of the building directly onto the avenue.
I must agree with the others, it is really great to see another update from you.
Very nice and well thought out expansion.
Robin
It's great to see another Greenacre update, and as always, I really like the way you share your thoughts with us as you develop your ideas.
The transformation from bare bones (43.05) to finished product (43.15 and .16) is amazing. You have done a good job of adding the obligatory sports venues as well. I agree with Raphael (RickD) that turning the smaller building would be worth a try, but otherwise, you've done a fine job of creating a complex academic compound.
I hope there won't be as much time and space between this update and the next one... ;)
-Joan
Casper (CasperVg): Thanks Casper! Cliffton is going to go through several updates. The hope when I'm done is that it will look like a university that has expanded over time and taken influence from several decades. Since you're well-entrenched in university life, if you haveany suggestions, fire away.
Noah (noahclem): Thanks Noah. I feel like I could stand to add a few more finer details, but I'm not quite sure what it needs. Maybe I just need to spend a day on campus and find out what's missing. If you have any thoughts for sections, I'm all ears.
Rick (RickD): I love your playing style. I can only hope mine will produce the same results. Your story in Empire Bay has been fun to follow. I still can't help but expect Family Guy puns based on the Pewterschimdt legacy there. The beauty of this game, over real life, is that a building can be rebuilt in the blink of an eye. The board of trustees of Cliffton University have authorized some renovations.
Robin (rooker1): I'm pleased to see the reception for having a new update. I'm just sad that it's been so long that everyone's surprised by it. I should try to keep things more regular here, instead of having regular irregularity. Always good to hear from you Robin.
Joan (Jmouse): Based on discussion within the university's board of trustees, the building has been relocated as you'll see below. Thoughts of additions are welcome as well.
The university's board of trustees convened a meeting based on public comments on the new expansion. One change that was discussed was the orientation of one of the buildings.
44.01
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FUpdate%252044%2F4401.jpg&hash=13be10e8a6ae9874b5f545e62e6e985afa86e321)
The building has since been rotated to face off the avenue creating a safer environment for students leaving the building and less traffic created by people stopping for drop-offs and pickups. When asked about the rotation of the building, the board replied "You mean it didn't always face that way?" before quickly exiting the press conference.
44.02
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FUpdate%252044%2F4402.jpg&hash=5e0877107df20a7a2a41e37e860afe6c3162587b)
The newly paved parking lot has been seeing some good use, and the local commercial enterprises have been thriving with the new influx of traffic.
44.03
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FUpdate%252044%2F4403.jpg&hash=d35c32394733708bb00b0331da399c2a24cdd58a)
Perkin's Cafe has been one of the greatest beneficiaries of the expansion, quickly becoming one of the premiere late-night hangouts for the students (inebriated or otherwise). They're particularly known for a dish called the Garbage Plate Challenge: a mountain of hashbrowns (around a pound's worth), 5 eggs, 1/4 lb bacon, 1/4 lb sausage, 4 British bangers, 4 slices of fried bread, sauteed onions, a generous helping of chili, and if you order the 50/50 half of it is covered in gravy, all of it is topped with cheese. It'll generally feed a group of four, but if you can finish it by yourself in under three hours and not die, you get your picture up on the Wall-of-Fame (referred to by some as the "Wall-of-Shame", but those are just the jealous ones who couldn't finish it) and your meal is on the house. In keeping with the name, it's served on a (clean, unused for garbage) aluminum trash can lid.
The coffee there is pretty good too. Order it after midnight and it'll hold a spoon upright in it.
44.04
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FUpdate%252044%2F4404.jpg&hash=7f4ffec6016bbf9f589d3ce976105c337f09b65a)
All of the incoming students will need a place to stay, and since fraternal (and sororital... is that a word?) organizations tend to lay down roots, there is plenty of off-campus housing available. The university does not permit affiliated organizations to post their letters on the outside of their houses, which is something the city council enjoys. However, once the weekend nears (Thursday nights) any number of students can tell you where the next big shindig is.
44.05
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FUpdate%252044%2F4405.jpg&hash=b3a2f70c129d2f53ee5f5d7a7a778cabf7a515ab)
Now, Perkins Cafe has some decent coffee, but for some of the best in town you'll find little better than a little place that took over an old Thai restaurant. They haven't updated their banner sign yet (budget problem) but with the business they're doing that should change soon. There's already a well-worn path from "frat row" to the shop, and it gets wider the closer it gets to finals season.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FUpdate%252044%2F4406.jpg&hash=33fb78d47d295086f875b7e78e01c2b28a21cbbc)
Also, the light rail system runs by the area as well, so that will open up new areas of the town to Cliffton, and that little corner gas station is making a killing as well.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FUpdate%252044%2F4407.jpg&hash=3a67719aac8c1753f42aa0f2bb36670e9b612617)
Hope you enjoyed. As always, comments and suggestions are always welcome. Want to see some area of Greenacre? Just ask and maybe we'll see it soon.
-Matt
Very nice update, Matt. You've done an excellent work with this area. The newly rotated college does the job better. I just think it could need a bit of lotting in order to put some slope conforming fences.
Nice work with the area, and the humour in the update is a really nice touch. :)
Now imagine the confusion when the students arrive the next morning and the building has turned 90 degrees. :D
The Garbage Plate Challenge ... uhm ... no. I'll pass. ;D
Good one, Matt. Even better is the narrative which fairly screams *BEWARE* You are outnumbered by NUTty college students! I like the mixture of architectural styles in 44.05. Not sure how realistic is comes across, but it sure beats the ordinarily cookie-cutter look of student housing. And the small building does look more plausible facing the street. :thumbsup:
-Joan
Nice update Matt &apls The garbage plate challenge actually made me hungry enough that I had to take a break from reading to make myself breakfast :D --though certainly not hungry enough to pass the challenge. The development of the college area continues nicely and full of character. The re-orientation of the college was a great move and I'm glad to see trams making their way through the area. Looking forward to more :thumbsup:
Nice work, Matt. I think the word is sororal, by the way.
Cheers
Willy
Replies:
Arthur (art128): I agree some slope-conforming fences would help, but the LE scares me, heh. I know I wrote that tutorial on it a while back, but aside from knowing the basics of how to do things, I lack the aesthetic ability and knowledge of props out there to truly use it to its best effect. Glad to hear the rest of it is fitting the bill though. Always good to hear from you Art.
sim_link: Glad you enjoy the humor. I try to add a little bit here and there where I can. Gives a little extra to the people who take the time to look a little closer to things.
Raphae (RickD): Confusion? What confusion? The building has always faced that way. Maybe they should lay off certain beverages and Garbage Plate Challenges. That's their story and they're sticking to it. Unofficially, of course, the final results did turn out well I think. Rotating the building was a good touch.
Joan (Jmouse): I think the university is expecting to continue expanding. When it will do so is up for debate. As for the housing in 44.05, that isn't official student housing as much as they are private residences which have been taken over by the student body. Campus housing by the university is something that the board is looking into developing, but for the fraternal and sororal (Thanks Willy), they just took over what was there. Always good to hear from you here Joan.
Noah (noahclem): Breakfast is always a good decision. Not quite sure it's physically possible to eat such a creation (and frankly with the amount of stuff in it, the eggs would almost be more of a binder than an ingredient. Plenty of trams in the area. At some point I hope to pull off the look as well as you do (tips are appreciated... actually, we'll discuss that later). Always good to hear from you Noah.
Willy (Swordmaster): Thanks for the tip there Willy. Should have looked that up (but then again, it amused me to guess at it). Glad to know what the actual word is. Hope you enjoyed the rest of it.
So I've been working on several projects, but none of them were small enough to produce a finished product in any polished form. So that being said, the next few updates are all going to be progress updates. Excuse the inherent flaws, but feel free to point them out so I make sure not to miss them. This is all in-progress work.
Where we're going now is back to the naval base in Mustang Harbor. The area grew over time and, from a tactical point of view, the islands are making ship movement increasingly difficult with bridges and ferry traffic taking over the area. Additionally, being tucked in the islands, makes it difficult to move things out in an expedient fashion should the need arise. As a result the facility is going to be moved to a bay on one of the outer islands; specifically to Point Atascocita. We'll get to that later. For now, here's the overview:
45.01
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FUpdate%252045%2F4501.jpg&hash=0b4e3adcd4eeb6f5bcc67a546b9f41c7901a91ac)
Ignore the depth of the water. That, as well as the lack of flora, will change as things go forward. Dredging operations are already under way.
That said, here's what all needs to be moved:
This carrier is soon to be retired, but a replacement is expected to be christened from the NDEX Shipyards shortly:
45.02
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FUpdate%252045%2F4502.jpg&hash=e0af2a47788c6f865346acabc6420ce30ed26b81)
A collecti0on of destroyers play double duty; acting as naval units as well as assisting the Coast Guard when operations necessitate it (Greenacre does have a fair bit of water to cover). These will be relocated.
45.03
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FUpdate%252045%2F4503.jpg&hash=bc2d81569e04ee0c56c3b568c52963d21d674e03)
The subs here are scheduled for some tweaks, but they will make the move as well, with a new facility to be constructed at the new base.
45.04
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FUpdate%252045%2F4504.jpg&hash=8a4540395ea0124174f569c81610a439390fa1c6)
Two battleships inhabit the harbor. Both are slated for decomissioning, and are not expected to be relocated to the new facility. There have been rumblings from some of the historic preservation groups about the planned decommissioning, but no plans have been announced for preservation. The structures surrounding the docks are planned to be removed as well to allow for new development.
45.05
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FUpdate%252045%2F4505.jpg&hash=dcc860826cd327dec32f49ea9190b78f526beaef)
The Coast Guard station here is instrumental in patrolling the waters of Mustang Harbor as well as the greater surrounding waters, and it is planned for this facility to remain operational. The storage shed behind it is slated for demolition to make room for additional parking.
45.06
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FUpdate%252045%2F4506.jpg&hash=726075913c0f6ac16c7f5e324d4606780cea42f9)
Here's the area after the ships have been moved and demolition completed. Concrete pads have been left for new development as soon as the city is able to complete approval for the re-zoning plans. It's anticipated that several infrastructure improvements will be needed.
45.07
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FUpdate%252045%2F4507.jpg&hash=11d4c5d21313a6cc123038fbda4339711c4eaa2e)
This particular parcel has been selected to be turned into a park. Civic planners have made it a point to preserve some green space in what is expected to become a highly dense area.
45.08
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FUpdate%252045%2F4508.jpg&hash=b108e367ddf5080adcda953c160a3ccbd556f782)
The concrete was removed, and a decorative seawall was constructed, including a carousel. Who doesn't love an amusement ride by the sea?
45.09
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FUpdate%252045%2F4509.jpg&hash=15ab2b43d13f2300c05ee5b32771a032bda03032)
With a playground and gazebo for picnics, this open space will hopefully prove useful to the new residents that are expecting to reside herein the future.
45.10
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FUpdate%252045%2F4510.jpg&hash=eae9cac79360872fd7fc4823e8d7cb3db01d8bbb)
As I said, this is a work in progress, so any and all thoughts about the progress of things are appreciated. Hope you enjoyed, and I'll see you back here in about a week.
-Matt
Great to see you back here! Too bad the navy has to move out... but urban renewal is such a fun thing to do.
Cheers
Willy
It's great to see a new update, Matt. As for being a work in progress, I've always thought of SC4 Dx/RH as a game one never really finishes. You can quit playing your region, but you never truly finish it.
Moving an entire naval base and fleet is a huge undertaking. Just the amount of manpower needed boggles the mind. I've always liked that aircraft carrier in 45.02, and 45.05 reminds me of The Battleship Texas (http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/state-parks/battleship-texas), an integral part of the San Jacinto Battleground Monument (http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/state-parks/san-jacinto-battleground) which is a designated historical site. Maybe such a compromise would smooth the ruffled feathers of Greenacre's historical society.
That's a nice little park in 45.10, and I can imagine ways of making it even more inviting as time goes by. I'm eager to see what kind of housing pops up on the newly-cleared naval base. I would guess ritzy mid- to high-rise apartments, but that remains to be seen.
Good update. Interesting, well carried out and it left me looking forward to the next update. Very much so...
-Joan
That's quite a transformation. Well done! :D
Quote from: Jmouse on October 13, 2012, 05:12:29 PM
I can imagine ways of making it even more inviting as time goes by.
I'm eager to hear.
It already looks great. I didn't know there was such a variety of naval lots available. I think I need to do some downloading. ;)
I actually like to see work in progress pictures. Now in times of extremely polished MDs it is a nice change. It will be interesting to see the area change.
Replies:
Willy (Swordmaster):
Yeah, moving can be a pain; all that packing. You'll get an idea of where they're going to end up this next update though, as it takes shape. Scrapping the area and starting from scratch... well, at least stripping the buildings, is kind of fun.
Joan (Jmouse): Perhaps I'll have to sit in on a few of the Navy's planning meetings to see if there are any plans for the retired ships. Glad to hear you've enjoyed the update, and it's true, even if you think you get an area looking good, you get better at what you do, something new comes out that's even better than what there was, or you get a new idea to try, and you can be right back at it. Hats off to everyone who has been helping push this game forward. Good to hear from you again Joan.
Schulmanator:Thank you very much. It's just getting started, so I'll be interested to hear your thoughts as it progresses.
Raphael (RickD): Peg and BSC (via the SNM pack) have some great lots out there. What you saw at the old base was Peg. What you'll see in the new base will be largely BSC (with a ship from NDEX too). If you came looking for pictures without polish, you came to the right place, my friend. I'm impressed by the detail and polish that many people out there seem to be able to obtain, but I always wonder how they got it there. Glad to hear you like the presentation here.
You saw where the naval yard was, now let's go take a look where it's going to be while the planning commission sorts out the zoning plans for the island.
46.00
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FUpdate%252046%2F4600.jpg&hash=91e11364df74431401b57fdd08249d031acf64ef)
Point Atascocita: named for the spear of land that juts back in front of the white cliffs at the top of the picture, creating a quiet bay. This point is one of the naturally high points of land on the surrounding islands. It has historically provided an excellent line-of-sight waypoint for mariners. Now towering ships will also help orient travelers through the area.
46.01
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FUpdate%252046%2F4601.jpg&hash=314780a62d8d8d7d5390666f8a7f10ea78e4dcd9)
Moving through, the navy wanted to connect the island off the point. Rather than a bridge, which would be expensive to upgrade should the need arise, and present a choke point to base maneuvers, they opted to engage in an expansive fill program.
46.02
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FUpdate%252046%2F4602.jpg&hash=1715c34d54e4481dd3356a49a76af45950409292)
A bit of dredging was done to ensure the new harbor would be deep enough to support the hulls of the ships it would soon be hosting.
46.03
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FUpdate%252046%2F4603.jpg&hash=3871f8bca6e4b6a1f5b421e6701350c2ecbfe919)
Turning our view 180 degrees, looking out the entrance to the bay into the ocean, the dredging has been mostly completed and the shape of the bay is taking a more defined shape.
46.04
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FUpdate%252046%2F4604.jpg&hash=a932a00f3a5434927d71be1e25898c747b030c5b)
This base will continue on to the next map, and as you can see the dredging has allowed greater depth in that direction. Also, the entry to the harbor has been more defined, and a concrete breakwater will be implemented to maintain calm waters in the harbor.
46.05
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FUpdate%252046%2F4605.jpg&hash=63c74ca2f3ea7b0a953f97d8b1b3eb9151dc859d)
Now then, some aesthetic work on the surrounding waters. This area has not been touched since the Greenacre was founded. It hadn't even been registered as a proper city before now. Some terrain work was needed. Now you can see how it's always been, instead of just how the lazy cartographers had mapped it.
46.06
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FUpdate%252046%2F4606.jpg&hash=13195928d9d22e765075b320e4a65ebc60efe2fc)
Here are the results of the work. Bit of a change from how it started. For the better, I say.
46.07
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FUpdate%252046%2F4607.jpg&hash=7551c8f26397c293b1d71988f3c2e531f9cf9792)
Up for next time: additional naval development, or a look to see how the residential planning is going. Your call.
-Matt
Love the redevelopment from the last update &apls Those white, vertical seawalls are perhaps my favorite and the little shown so far already looks great. The old naval area was very well done and I certainly look forward to seeing how the revamp will go. I do suggest the idea of reducing the transparency of your water. A more uniform look for water beyond the shorelines will give you a more realistic look I believe and I have a feeling your other goals for the area can still be realized after a transparency change. As for what next I could do either, but if pushed would vote for the naval base. Looking forward to the next one :thumbsup:
I'd say the dredging was definitely needed; it looked a bit shallow. I am curious to see how the new configuration shapes up.
I'm glad you showed the former and new locations of the fleet. Otherwise I would have been completely lost. Would it be possible to see a map with the borders turned on?
To be sure, dredging was vital to the mobility of the incoming ships. You've done a good job of defining the harbor's shape, a terraforming job I've always found to be a bit tricky at best. It looks like Point Atascocita is turning out to be an ideal naval base location.
I agree with Noah. You've piqued my interest in the new base, and I'm eager to see where you take it in the next phase.
Replies:
Noah (noahclem): Oddly enough, while the terrain mod looks pretty good, those edges will be covered over bby other seawalls (also of a white, concrete, block-like nature). The old area, looking back on it, felt too wedged in. I liked the idea of the naval base on a hillside, but the area of the island didn't provide enough space to fully allow the infrastructure development. That's something the residential area will end up addressing too when we get back there. A transparency change sounds like it would be in order. I plan to incorporate a fair bit of water flora, but indeed, for the type of water it is, and the area, it's unlikely people should be able to see all that deep. I may hit you up to remind me how to change it. I remember doing it before. I just need to recall the property to edit in the Reader. Thanks for the great thoughts.
Schulmanator: Thanks for the thoughts. Glad it got the job done. It may be tweaked a bit more as things go, but for now, this is the basic shape. Mentally add some water flora and reduce the transparency of the water a bit and that's about how it may or may not turn out. How's that for specificity?
Joan (Jmouse): I can provide a map with the borders turned on. I'll put it in with the next update. Perhaps by then the fleet will be on the move. Glad to hear you approve of the base's name. Hope you enjoy what comes next.
So I just finished moving (hooray, back in Southern California!) so I haven't quite polished any areas yet, but in the interest of trying to keep more regular updates here, and given that the idea of these updates is to show the development of the area, here we go with the Point Atascocita Naval Base.
The base structures and moorings are still under construction, but they can partially be seen at the top of this picture here. The submarine fleet has been relocated, but the remainder of the fleet is out on maneuvers preparing for the transition until the facility is ready. For today's update we're going to look at the base housing that's being developed.
This is the area where we'll start. The grid is on for your viewing pleasure.
47.00
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FUpdate%252047%2F4700.jpg&hash=5d61d744500ffb8049de86e48be1497a70759f23)
First up, a main access road. This will later serve as a main entryway to the base.
47.01
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FUpdate%252047%2F4701.jpg&hash=7ef3c02a00dd57d7cf26f674c0de36266e73bbed)
A first attempt at the road. Even with a slope mod installed it comes out a bit bumpy.
47.02
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FUpdate%252047%2F4702.jpg&hash=c5a3cc4a15716fade0fcb20fc2e8be44bf92939b)
So let's break out the railroad tool and take advantage of the lower maximum slope.
47.03
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FUpdate%252047%2F4703.jpg&hash=dbed9b059d69a7502b5ac26dd9880e61c5c3fb50)
Rebuilding the road. So much better.
47.04
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FUpdate%252047%2F4704.jpg&hash=8a8e6b9f6bb28321063c2ce9b3d9d37357845e2b)
Now that the road is taken care of, the base will need some security. Some surfing of Google maps showed several base housing developments tucked safely behind checkpoints. So here's one of the ones for Point Atascocita. There's also the main road that'll be going through the area too.
47.05
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FUpdate%252047%2F4705.jpg&hash=cf8c2eb2995410f377df581706da36fc82e7be94)
The sign out front bids visitors welcome to the Point Atascocita Naval Base. The hum-vee stationed in the road on the other hand speaks of proper paperwork, and no loitering. The fact that this is a transit enabled lot didn't hurt the slope much either. There's a bit of a kink in the road, but it's fine for now.
47.06
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FUpdate%252047%2F4706.jpg&hash=f42575106c6c6502898385a4573c3dc968803912)
Now then, on to this area for some officer's and family housing.
47.07
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FUpdate%252047%2F4707.jpg&hash=ac8d1638666dbd9ffc4d50cd195c496ce90be434)
Some road plopping makes short work of leveling an area, and avoids mistakes with the leveling tool.
47.08
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FUpdate%252047%2F4708.jpg&hash=7ac152088f994a8d750be7b847eb41d44b56ca96)
The first round of growth was fairly random. Nice for a general neighborhood, but for base housing, they were looking for something a bit more uniform in nature. Time to get judicious with the bulldozer.
47.09
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FUpdate%252047%2F4709.jpg&hash=dbae8c82d0f466be8498642658fcd8a85f121eef)
Much better. Point Atascocita contracted with the NUTs Architectural Firm utilizing their popular "Mouse House" floor plan.
47.10
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FUpdate%252047%2F4710.jpg&hash=2b8a6822f0045421e748ad3b8260b2e14e6e6ec8)
Now, families on base need a place to send their children. As there will also be need for other classrooms (for naval classes) a school, recreation field, and lunch plaza have been added.
47.11
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FUpdate%252047%2F4711.jpg&hash=e8cb4dcb3c6f79b2c58c9e0d429518723db87374)
Wedged in next to the generator facility is a small commercial area that, in part, provides gas at a greatly reduced cost for service members and their families. Basically, if you have clearance to be on the base you can fuel up here.
47.12
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FUpdate%252047%2F4712.jpg&hash=225fd12e949bd8b05bf5e0c6a6bc091c89d5c63e)
When next we visit, we'll look at how they're getting along with the actual port facilities, the construction of a seawall, facilities for the enlisted personnel, and general base beautification. As always, comments, thoughts, etc. are appreciated.
Great update....I like work in progress updates.
I think the school is a little too big for the housing you have there now...but maybe you plan more housing in the up coming updates. I like that you choose the mouse houses, they look great.
I look forward to the area filling in.
Robin
Development of the Naval Base and surrondings is looking very good &apls The mouse houses look great and I like the entrance and other facilities on base. It sounds like a fun project :thumbsup:
Very nice update! Good idea to keep the grid on.
I'll really have to keep track of this since, in the long run, there will be a naval station in my region, too. I'll also need to read up a bit of how they tend to look over in the States.
Cheers
Willy
The development of the new naval base has been/is interesting to watch. I, too, enjoy seeing in-progress updates. The base is starting to look more and more like a military installation. I don't know where you got those funny-looking little houses, but I have to admit, they do fit in pretty well.
I'm sure that, as time goes by, there will be more demand for all kinds of RCI development, so I think you did well to build a larger school complex. I've really enjoyed this update, and I'm glad to know you're going to update more often. Also glad to know the move went smoothly. It took me two weeks to move in three of U-Haul's largest trucks and an assortment of trailers.
Good work you're doing on the base...
-Joan
-Robin (rooker1): Thanks Robin. I have more housing planned indeed, but that will come in a later update. Or it may just randomly appear in a picture. I'm trying to keep taking pictures as I go, but sometimes I will go through a swath of development and completely forget. The Mouse Houses felt like the perfect choice for the era and style of housing: fairly prefab, nothing too fancy, something out of the 50s. They fit the bill just fine. It was a bit of a pain waiting for them to all grow in though. Plenty of work with the bulldozer.
-Noah (noahclem): The project continues, but as you'll see, I put your suggestions into practice with respect to the flora. That's actually what launched this tangent of a tangential update.
-Willy (Swordmaster): For the finished pictures it's best to turn the grid off, but I've always thought it helped show off developing areas and gives a better sense of scale in how things all fit together. Once I finish my research on it, I'll send it your way. What I've noticed so far is very little wasted space. They also seem to blend recreational areas right into business areas. I'll likely end up posting a few pictures here like I did with the airport too.
Joan (Jmouse): I think you know the person that made those houses. Pretty well too I'd imagine. I'm not too worried about RCI demand here insofar as I can get it to balance well enough to support the stuff I'm adding. Having filled the majority of a UHaul helping others move, I can only imagine the fun that must have been had in loading three plus trailers. It's amazing how much we accumulate sometimes that we don't realize we have, yet still use. Always good to see your thoughts here Joan.
So one of the things that has been occupying my time between updates has been what to do with the large amount of water which occupies the area. I like the water texture I have, but the flora I've been using doesn't quite fit the bill, and there could be more.
48.01
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FUpdate%252048%2F4801.jpg%255B%2Furl%255D%253Cbr%2520%2F%253E%253Cbr%2520%2F%253EHaving%2520used%2520goldiva%27s%2520tropical%2520sea%2520set%2520and%2520gizmo%27s%2520water%2520flora%2C%2520they%2520look%2520good%2C%2520and%2520fade%2520off%2520nicely%2520as%2520the%2520depth%2520changes%2C%2520particularly%2520with%2520the%2520water%2520transparency%2520of%2520this%2520particular%2520mod%2C%2520as%2520this%2520picture%2520shows.%253Cbr%2520%2F%253E%253Cbr%2520%2F%253E48.02%253Cbr%2520%2F%253E%255Bimg%255Dhttp%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FUpdate%252048%2F4802.jpg&hash=b3099c33db73cf8ee07ece2f837630e7852fc835)
I'd like to explore the possibilities of what's out there though, and how it all looks at varying depths. I started with Gizmo's water flora. It was great when it came out, and still is today. However, its colors are highly saturated, which can look good near a stream or something, but I'm looking for a bit more of a faded look that might accompany a foggy shoreline near deep water.
48.03
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FUpdate%252048%2F4803.jpg&hash=70528d35a503764846b00caf4612bcf367f28366)
Chrisadams' Rural Renewal Pack provide a number of great flora options, and many of them are able to be used underwater. Interesting to note is that the yellow flowers (both regular and bold varieties), pink flowers, and white flowers cannot be plopped underwater, yet the blue flowers can. In particular, I like the grass, I've used it as a gap filler before, and I think it can be used to ease transitions to areas with more sparse vegetation underwater too.
48.04
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FUpdate%252048%2F4804.jpg&hash=8af645efc344c9580f20c16413c4fc93c7ff1fc8)
Recommended to me by Noah (noahclem) who uses it extensively and to good effect in his MD Siilijoki, the VIP flora packs have some interesting, and high definition, flora pieces. They can also be plopped underwater. The ferns, as they're called in the menu, and shown here toward the bottom of the picture, have the closest look to deep fields of seaweed that I've seen yet.
They are seasonal, which, while normally a good thing (and they work well at it too) makes it tricky when you're using the plop for something other than its intended purpose. That being said, some careful timing on the photos is all that's needed to make it look as expected.
48.05
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FUpdate%252048%2F4805.jpg&hash=32afa3e42fa339cfe7c5a6c7c46345fed4679c63)
The VIP pack, as I was playing around with it, also has some fun things like fishermen, herons, and cows (also pigeons, and chickens, but they're not shown here).
48.06
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FUpdate%252048%2F4806.jpg&hash=4086821266ed4b0e8a91fd5691935f4b2a66c290)
This is what I was referring to when I mentioned the season changes. The "seaweed" I'll be planting will get a bit yellow, but it still looks good. The one thing I wasn't too keen on was the size of the large cattails. I'm sure there are locations where they can look good, but the scale of them won't work too well here. I have seen areas where they can get tall though, I'm just not sure if they'd be that tall. They do look good though.
48.07
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FUpdate%252048%2F4807.jpg&hash=1dea96cf0dc96a204babdb3e4ffa2a137ab632e1)
Here is all is put into practice. I started with a sweep of the VIP ferns (the dark green) and cut it with a few of the taller green plants by gizmo to break things up a bit. Using Chrisadams' RRP grass I cut in the edges of the flora to smooth the transition to the barren/rocky areas. It's not big, but that little bit of texture does help. A few types of rocks form gizmo, goldiva, the RRP and VIP help anchor the plants as they would in real life.
48.08
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FUpdate%252048%2F4808.jpg&hash=51f11d21f251c2cd04fc44e25ba58ce052c206cf)
Applied to the current section of shoreline, it looks like this:
48.09
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FUpdate%252048%2F4809.jpg&hash=58c8cc6a5d7301c408785d9b3abe9122cb7b9440)
Even in the "off season" when the plants change color the look still doesn't look too bad at all.
48.10
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FUpdate%252048%2F4810.jpg&hash=cf546e89d47e1e7f071ea8d9ef5589b436f8e06c)
Curious to know your thoughts on the progress, as well as any tips for making good underwater flora.
Also, this update was brought to you today by Willy's (Swordmaster's) "menu button remover tool" thingy. It does a great job of removing that pesky button left at the bottom left of pictures that is the bane of so many MD'ers. Look for it coming to the LEX here soon.
-Matt
Can't believe this is your first dabbling with those kind of MMPs. The result looks quite stunning. I wonder what those above-water rocks are you applied. Is it Heblem's sand? I never manage to make it look that good on the water line.
I'm not sure how far you want to go to get things looking your way, but I'd suggest Model Tweaker (http://sc4devotion.com/csxlex/lex_filedesc.php?lotGET=2072) as a possible route to shrink some of the props you find too large. I've done it with a couple of them, to quite good effect I dare say.
Cheers
Willy
Thanks for that overview of underwater/seaside MMP's there, Matt! Very informative; I didn't even know about that VIP Pack. Looks very good on that pier though, looks like you nailed it. The seasonal effect is interesting too, almost looks like the weeds are dying off from excessive pollution or something like that
very very nice!!!really interesting....must play around with this stuff as I'm inspired by your post :thumbsup:
Matt, this has turned out to be a terrific experiment. I didn't know how much I needed something like this until I saw it. I agree that Gizmo's water flora is too bright and saturated, but we have a lot of alternatives now that we didn't have then. Chris Adam's flora was one of the earlier alternatives, and I still like it a lot.
I also like the way the finished product turned out (48.10). It looks very natural and realistic. Water flora has always been something I dread having to work with, but somehow it doesn't seem quite as frightening now.
Excellent work...
-Joan
Even if I don't come here enaugh, I like your MD because you explain each step of your work, thought process, which is something I don't do... Maybe I should do that a bit more, I love it. :)
QuoteCurious to know your thoughts on the progress, as well as any tips for making good underwater flora.
Looking good, VIP flora pack does the job. You can also work with NBVC rocks, and Heblem tropical grass, looks very good underwater.
http://community.simtropolis.com/files/file/24399-hbs-tropical-flora-pack-mayor-mode/
http://community.simtropolis.com/index.php?app=core&module=search&do=user_activity&search_app=downloads&mid=201408
Two great updates there. :thumbsup: Looking forward to more... ;)
Looks like the experiment was quite successful! The end result in the last couple pictures is quite stunning. You have some really neat ideas for uses of these different flora that make me feel like trying my hand at these underwater areas. I agree with you that those larger cattails are too large, I use only the small ones and more commonly girafe's cattails on the LEX.
Looking forward to seeing more of this project :thumbsup:
Oh yes ??? Thats cool.Thanks for your mmp tips, I finally ideas for my coast. :)
Willy (Swordmaster): Well, I've fiddled with the first few before, but not the VIP packs, and in the interests of comparison, I decided to show them all. Also, I've never really sized them all up like that before (usually just plop-and-go) so it was interesting to look at their various properties. The sand is from Peg, and the rocks are a mix of the several sources I showed. The trick to getting it that close to the seawalls is plopping it before the seawall. I may go more into that as I go forward.
Casper (CasperVg): I just recently found out about the VIP pack too, which is part of what prompted this update. Hopefully there's not too much pollution around here, but I suppose with any port it's inevitable. I'm going to keep fiddling with things and I'll keep posting the results until it gets there. Always good to see you here Casper.
Gugu3: If I have inspired even one person for something to do in this game, I've succeeded. Glad to hear it's given you ideas.
Joan (Jmouse): Joan, knowing what you can do with your rural scenes, that's high praise. I'll be interested to see what you do now that I've posted this. I'd like to see a before/after to see what ideas it gave you. I still really like Goldiva's and gizmo's stuff for the most part, and in a pinch are some of my go-to flora bits. Water flora is basically land flora, just with more water. That sounds like a joke, but it's not really. It'll tend to be bushier/leafier because it has more moisture to draw upon. Best of luck with your work with it.
Ol.S / Benoit: Good to see you here, and that chat we had last month was a good one. It gave me some ideas for this update (and the project is almost done too). I'll look into these two packs you linked here. I'm curious to see what they can do.
bat: Thanks bat! Always good to see you here.
Noah (noahclem): Again, like I said with Joan, knowing what you do with flora, that's high praise. I'm not sure what I have is all that great, or if it's even finished yet (probably never will fully be) but good to hear it's looking good so far.
Dantes: Good to hear I was able to give you some inspiration. Hope to see some interesting pictures from your shores. Let me know when you post the pictures.
It's that time of year again. Christmas eve is here (Christmas morning for some of you already. Hope you're enjoying it). As I've tried to do the last few years, here's the annual Greenacre Christmas photo. Also, as it is, it's been four years since Greenacre first debuted. I have some thoughts on what to do about that further down the line, but for the moment, I would like to thank everyone who has posted here, or even just stopped in to lurk, over the past four years. The comments, thoughts, and questions have provided much in the way of inspiration and development in the way Greenacre has grown.
This photo comes to you from the South Coast area and shows off some of the Christmas lights in the area. Big houses with lots of ground to cover and space to light up. I got the idea by a local custom that they have in Newport Beach down here: the local boat parade. Many of the houses and boat owners in the bay bedeck things in many lights. It's a great sight, especially with the lights reflecting off the water. This is a smaller scale version of it, but nonetheless it draws its inspiration from there. The houses, trees, and even the local streetcar system have done their bit. Perhaps in a few years this too will become a tradition drawing folks from across Greenacre too.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FChristmas%25202012%2FChristmas-SouthCoast-2012.jpg&hash=f25f0b14da4789c62cc4f5a91062c9171ee4c5dd)
In this season of togetherness and giving of thanks, thank you all for being here, and here's to more years to come.
-Matt
Merry Christmas Matt and a huge congratulations on 4 years of Greenacre &dance Cheers to many more years indeed :party:
Excellent work with the festive lighting here &apls I imagine Christmas has a somewhat different look in California than in northern Finland :D I hope you have an excellent Christmas!
Merry Christmas, Matt. And happy birthday Greenacre ;) Nice picture to go with it, although parking there would be a hassle for some on that slope.
Cheers
Willy
Merry Christmas Matt!!
Very nice picture there.
Wow, four amusing and amazing years. Your annual holiday photo somehow symbolizes the spirit of Greenacre, Matt. It brings back a flood of memories along with a bright promise of more to come.
So with that, I'll wish for a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all who have contributed to the success of Greenacre.
Here's to many more years of fun and flora... ;)
-Joan
Congrats on 4 years!! &apls
Also nice christmas photo. And Merry Christmas to you.
A year longer than law school, Matt. No student loans to pay back, though.
Greenacre is my first planned "start to finish" read for the new year. I'll be back.
David
Noah (noahclem): Well, for one thing, in Southern CA, snow is something that comes with a 2 hour drive to find. It's nice to see the palm trees festooned with lights though. What's it look like in your neck of the woods?
Willy (Swordmaster): Thanks for the thoughts Willy. Next time I'm around the Santa Monica area I'll try to remember to snag a picture of some of those lots. Much as we make fun of the original slope of SC4 roads and lot sloping, I think they drew their inspiration from some places around there. There are parking lots that do the rollercoaster thing, and yes, it is a bit of a hassle sometimes.
art128: Thanks art, it's been good to see you around here for the past few years. Glad you enjoyed the picture, and hopefully I'll see you around for the years to come.
Joan (Jmouse): The Christmas pictures have always been a fun thing for me, especially considering that one of them was the first picture of Greenacre. Thanks for being around for the journey.
bat: Thanks bat! I hope your Christmas was a good one and that the new year is treating you well.
David (dedgren): Student loans... yes.... Certainly Greenacre has been more fun than those by a long shot. Always good to see you here David. Hope you enjoyed the trip into the past. Now to start work on the future.
So Greenacre is not dead. Not by a long shot. I've just been in one of those building periods where there's not even enough to compile an update. Usually it's trying something small, deleting it, and trying again later. Perhaps that in itself could make for an update, but it's more of concept testing. If I go over a month without an update again though, I may just do that, if for no other reason than that it would be good to have an extra set of eyes.
So with that here's where the next area of focus will be (shown on an updated region view). For your viewing pleasure, clicking the picture will link you to the full scale one:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FUpdate%252049%2FGreenacreRegionMapupdate49.png&hash=a77002c07a752eb042a615bbe010007bdb82dc9b) (http://i1041.photobucket.com/albums/b416/threestoogessc4/Update%2049/GreenacreRegionMapupdate49.png)
For a closer up view of the area, here's my attempt at a cross-border mosaic, crude though it may be. You can tell where the map edge is, but by the time I'm done, it'll blend right in. This one links to a larger one if you click it too.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FUpdate%252049%2Fzoopre-overview.jpg&hash=483ec0ac48e16aa7e06242c24d42ef965fd26a72) (http://i1041.photobucket.com/albums/b416/threestoogessc4/Update%2049/zoopre-overview.jpg)
So yes, still here, still alive, and planning to fill in a rather large open area... with arguably a different kind of large open area.
-Matt
I knew you were alive, but good to hear GreenAcre is as well.
Robin :thumbsup:
Nice cup of Greenacre in the morning, delicious. And with a promise to see large open areas filled with other large open areas in the future, twice as delicious! :D
I'll take you up on those pictures. Flicking around google street view doesn't get me anything interesting. (Well, in that regard at least.)
Cheers
Willy
Great to see a bit more from Greenacre Matt! It's nice to see an update on the regional map and I'm very excited to see more of the area in the cross-border mosaic--it's title makes it particularly interesting ;D And how high are those northern cliffs?! They're huge but not too huge and really look nice from what you can see at this angle.
Looking forward to what's next!
-Noah
I like the cliffs, too. It looks like you're using the same rock mod as I am. Now you've aroused my curiosity about the tree-lined shapes. Farm fields maybe?
And I'll chime in with everyone else by saying that it's great to finally see a Greenacre update. I think I've mentioned before that, if you wait until you have the time (or money, etc.) to do something, it will never get done.
I hope to see another update soon – or sooner... ;)
-Joan
I'll be looking forward to seeing your new work. :D
Replies:
Robin (rooker1): Greenacre, as long as I'm around, will never die. It may update sporadically, but rest assured, I still enjoy it.
Willy (Swordmaster): It's the best part of waking up... or something like that. I think you'll get a decent idea of what's on the way with this progress update. Haven't found a decent picture of the area I was thinking of, and can't seem to find it on Google either. Perhaps it was smoother than I recall it, or perhaps I just haven't found it yet. I don't get out that way often, but next time I do, I'll give it a look.
Noah (noahclem): You found the secret of the last update Noah, so I think you know what's coming. I accidentally flooded the lower areas when I was putting in a land-bridge this session, so I'll have to check the actual altitude of the slope next time around. I was pleased with the slope I carved out for them. I've done several that were sheer drops over a single tile, but these do seem to have a realistic slope. Always good to see you here.
Joan (Jmouse): If I read my plugins right, the one I have is Ennedi's sandstone1 mod. That could be partially tweaked by other mods I have installed that tweak other parameters of it, but by and large, it should be Ennedi's. The tree-lined shapes were originally intended for farm fields. I was thinking about something more rural and hobby-farm styled than the argi-business stuff that was down in the valley. However, this area is destined for a bit more urbanization and something other than farms. I'll be interested to hear your thoughts.
Schulmanator: Wait no longer. I have a few other projects going too as you know, but enjoy this one here first.
So I was hoping to post with a grand showing of progress, but this project has been proving a bit more nit-picky than I had expected. That being said, here are some progress pictures. Perhaps you'll have an idea of what's being planned now.
So I picked this up from the local planning commission regarding development in the area. Green seems to be proposed residential, yellow for proposed industrial. The grey is a parking facility and the brown... well, that's a private venture.
49.01
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FUpdate%252049%2F4901zoozoningmap.jpg&hash=272fe33b90af532f6dbc257710361bf155ce2eb7)
This is the area as it existed before:
49.02
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FUpdate%252049%2F4902.jpg&hash=9090e6d391a455a58da5097604425f22fe0406f2)
There's a road that was extended into, and across, the creek.
49.03
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FUpdate%252049%2F4903.jpg&hash=1da98cb8d5a608f5a288dfc7ccd55ce7ab763953)
True to the plans, the grey was indeed slated for a parking facility, complete with a few shuttle stops, presumably for what's up the road.
49.04
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FUpdate%252049%2F4904.jpg&hash=bb549c60f8266c3ce807e7575e2e824b6a2d4b01)
This picture here came from across the creek. It's still highly in development, but perhaps it'll give you an idea of what's coming.
49.05
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FUpdate%252049%2F4905.jpg&hash=ca40a415db0916f415b2e6a6b5da6f47fce4ccfd)
That being said, and shown, I'm looking for good suggestions for convincing natural barriers (like rock walls) and would welcome any suggestions for ways to create walls that don't look quite like walls.
-Matt
Brown...mmm...let's see. Oh, I know. You're going to re-create Area 51. :D This does look like an interesting plan, and I'll be watching to see how it turns out. I'm not sure about putting a parking lot next to the creek, though. Such property usually fetches a premium price, and it seems like a waste of resources. But I've seen you pull a rabbit out of the hat before, so I'll just wait and see.
Of course, 49.05 is a favorite, even though it's still under development. I'm not sure why you're searching for walls that don't look like wlls, but try these: here (http://sc4devotion.com/csxlex/lex_filedesc.php?lotGET=2074)
Interesting start on an area that looks like it's going to contain some interesting elements...
-Joan
Very nice work so far. I think I have figured out what you are up to.
I do like Joan's suggestion on a wall that doesn't really look like a wall. Although I think on the outer perimeter I would put a double fence lined with a thick row of trees on the inside and outside. Just my thought though.
Good luck with the project and I can't wait to see the next update.
Robin
Lions? Hmmmmm, perhaps a safari park?
Okay, forget about it, I'm not visiting. Bears on the parking lot? Lions too? I don't mind some wildlife but this is getting dangerous. I hear bears will try to enter cars if they set their mind to it. On the other hand, haven't heard of any trying to climb on a train so maybe I'm safer than I think. Let's see what happens.
Joan, I think those premium creekside prices are tempered a bit by the railroad track. Especially freight produces quite some noise at night.
Cheers
Willy
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi901.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fac213%2FBSCLEX%2F4-13threestooges_zps42fbec7f.jpg&hash=8b36bdda694571b7cd6a8cf9cabdc08c0ab37bbe)
Congratulations my friend. Your work in Greenacre is an excellent example of dedication to the art and craft of MDing.
Ha! Five times? You must be on to something ;) Congrats Matt, 't will be a great month.
Cheers
Willy
Five times OSITM ... WOW! &apls &apls &apls That's probably the best proof for a persistent character :)
I have to admit that I've never read the whole MD from the start although I'm sure it's worth it! With all your experiments and explanations I actually should read it ... Well we'll see ... I might do it sometime.
I'm looking forward to a great month!
Quote from: rambuckel on April 01, 2013, 12:53:56 AM
That's probably the best proof for a persistent character :)
That's the Matt I know... ::) ;)
Congrats my good friend, a very well deserved move indeed. This MD is one of my favourites and from time to time I come for a visit several times to take in your latest updates while sipping on a hot coffee early in the morning. Now I can look forward to a month with at least more than one update. :P ;) This is sure to be a great month and I can't wait.
Robin :thumbsup:
Congratulations on OSITM, Matt. Five times is quite an achievement. I look forward to seeing the reward that the rest of us will get in the form of great Greenacre updates. ;)
&apls
Welcome to the five time awarded club, Matt! &apls
Congratulations! This is a huge achievement :)
Can't believe i've never read the whole MD
Haven't you all looked at what day it is today?
There's no way this thing got selected for a 5th time.
Happy April Fool's everyone!
Wait... hang on.
*rummages through papers*
Huh, apparently this is real.
*clears throat*
In that case, thank you, esteemed members of the OSITM Committee for inclusion of this questionably coherent mess that has been the product of my beating on the game with a hammer. I look forward to trying various hammers this month. Sledge, ball peen, claw, framing, carpenter's, cross-peen, drilling, knife-edged, lathe, lump, rubber mallet, splitting maul, brass, upholstery, jackhammer, steam hammer, perhaps even Mjolnir if the situation presents itself (but I doubt I'd ever get that one off the ground).
Above all, and most certainly though, I except at least one update devoted to the use of the spiking hammer.
With that, I'll get around to the first posting of percussive progress later today.
Thanks to everyone for sticking with me throughout the years.
-Matt
What a great laugh, :D :D :D thanks Matt!! &apls But than again, I would never expect anything less from you. So you had better step it up now. And you made me look up some of those hammers, including Mjolnir. Yah, good luck with that one.
Robin :thumbsup:
This is probably the only MD that would ever mention the spiking hammer. Looking forward to that!
Cheers
Willy
Good luck getting Mjolnir from Thor. He clings on to it.
Looking forward to see what you can do with the rest of the hammers.
I think the bigger problem would be lifting it. Loki was unable to move it, though I've always wondered what would happen if Thor tried to put it on the Hulk. (probably something akin to buttered toast on the backside of a cat).
Looking forward to more of this MD. I know it's been slow, but I'm always looking for new ideas for a CJ/MD (I haven't started one yet due to technical issues), and this one (scanning the archives) is full of really great ones, especially in the presentation of the region.
Replies:
Joan (Jmouse) x2: Those walls proved useful. I'll get back to that area later this month. It's still in the works, and I have other projects from the back burner to deal with as well. I like the picture you chose for the OSITM picture too. Hope the month lives up to expectations.
Willy (Swordmaster) x2: You think I'm on to something? One of these days I might just figure out what it is.
rambuckel: Here I thought I was just being stubborn (kidding of course). Hope you enjoy the read-through of it, and what's in store for the month to come. Pretty sure you've posted here before, but if not, welcome to Greenacre!
Robin (rooker1) x2: Stubborn is what I do. If you're going down, go down swinging. Good to hear you have coffee to keep you awake during the reading (kidding of course). Time will tell what the month has in store, but indeed, more than one update is to be expected. Glad to hear you enjoyed my hammering home the joke.
metarvo: Hope to live up to the expectations. Looking forward to your thoughts this month.
art128: Party time. Thanks for the welcome to the club Art.
MTT9: Thank you very much! As for the rest, there's never a better time to start.
vester: Yeah, I didn't expect that one to go anywhere. Never know though. As for the rest of the hammers, I would imagine I could drum up a pretty good beat with them.
APSMS: Welcome to Greenacre! I'm glad to hear you've found a few ideas from here. Hopefully there will be a few new ones for you this month. Best of luck getting started on yours. If you have any questions, feel free to ask.
So to get things started here, let's go back to the site of the old navy base:
50.00
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FUpdate%252050%2F5000.png&hash=2b85bfd9ed9d82223a24736e3ec72960219ef33b)
As a quick refresher, this is the island, and that top right concrete slab is where we'll be working this time around.
50.01
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FUpdate%252050%2F5001.jpg&hash=0f0ab3c656ca2f159aa294db11a77c51f4b62722)
The slab was left over from the former aircraft carrier and support buildings for it. Removing it and getting a road system laid down was the first priority.
50.02
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FUpdate%252050%2F5002.jpg&hash=ffe4e0a276b4ab1f2159e4526a69e420156af2a8)
A quick grid system of a main road and side streets was the simplest for the planning commission to approve. They wanted to get this area redeveloped as quick as they could.
50.03
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FUpdate%252050%2F5003.jpg&hash=ec512f6cebe60d01f375c68f50cfa3ad43d3f101)
Speaking of getting things redeveloped quickly, construction had begun even before the zones had been finalized.
50.04
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FUpdate%252050%2F5004.jpg&hash=9dc2db3ab300cf976ce9f23953b2e6b0024e697c)
So this was the basic result. A bit of density, but not quite the mid density mass I was hoping for. Oh well, that will change in time. A seawall has also been added now that the original port's breakwater has been dismantled. This was added to prevent liquification of the soil so close to the water.
50.05
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FUpdate%252050%2F5005.jpg&hash=29132f9dc3f5ad6a918448c6c8bc77a46c8bd6b3)
However, that's not where things will end here. As this area is expected to be dense, and as people are expected to drive, they will expect places to park, and the sidewalks aren't going to cut it. Clipping out some of the buildings to replace them with parking lots (JBSimio's college lots) has both the visual effect of the parking, and also encourages denser building by providing fewer lots for the sims to develop.
50.06
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FUpdate%252050%2F5006.jpg&hash=546815ac3d4e4a0cb526539b3d77ad4092636e69)
Not quite done yet. There's parking, and places for people to live, but without a place to play, things will get a bit dull. This looks like a good place for a small park, and to get rid of a few more zones to encourage denser development.
50.07
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FUpdate%252050%2F5007.jpg&hash=294bb2febc418bbbe624f7a01f78aa3a5089f428)
Strike a few roads and add a few BSC park lots and we're there. Keeping the playset back from the road helps draw families into the park, and keeps kids farther from the soon-to-be-busy road.
50.08
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FUpdate%252050%2F5008.jpg&hash=a6f50bb356451e24974b8beebe7df206ef8a6246)
Lastly, for now, up on this hill there was the old mess hall for the base. With fewer naval troops in the area, but increasingly more families, a school would be in good order here.
50.09
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FUpdate%252050%2F5009.jpg&hash=9bd0c61f70aa89b4e3abb8428915ee881fbb58f9)
Casper's Milton Elementary makes a fine fit for the space provided. A few MMPs of grass and palm trees help tie the lot in to the surroundings.
50.10
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FUpdate%252050%2F5010.jpg&hash=035487deaed35ea2a4288e3f4d15584fe5adc587)
So here's the area now that the redevelopment has occurred. Bit of a change from a concrete slab. Already it's denser than when first zoned, the park has helped with land values (and thus seems to encourage the denser development), as does the school. The parking lots add a touch of realism and keep the area from looking too cluttered.
So here's an overview of the island as it stands now. Next time we'll be taking up the matter of what to do with that other giant slab circled in red.
50.11
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FUpdate%252050%2F5012.jpg&hash=6d37077b8d0f395a14486d9cf5d01dc3e888d2c6)
Yes, the water is eventually going to get a flora treatment to it too. Hope you enjoyed and, as always, looking forward to your thoughts.
-Matt
Very good. I still love that marina. Poor kids who have to bike their way up that hill to school :D
Cheers
Willy
Great update, I love how you walked us through your thought processes.
Good chioce on the school and thnk god it has a fence on the cliff side. Too bad there are no stairs up the cliff side to the school, great shorcut.
Robin &apls
Big congratulations on being one of the very few to make it to 5x OSITM! Very well deserved &apls
Lovely shorelines around here and great redevelopment of the old naval base! Looking forward to whatever hammering comes next :thumbsup:
Congrats from your OSITM partner, Matt!
I have to admit, that I didn't come across your MD yet ( &ops ), so there is something to cath up for me...
Nice update btw. I like how you let us know your thoughts while developing your work. I'm curious what you're going to present this month!
:thumbsup:
Looking good... and congrats on the OSITM. I will be curious to see what you do to de slab in the next update.
Looks good, Matt. I like the way you're showing us the entire process. One of our original NUTs used to do that, and it made for some really interesting updates.
And I'm so glad you've provided parking areas. That's something which is often lacking in MDs. Of course, in some European countries, bicycles are the preferred mode of transportation – Copenhagen comes to mind – but folks need a place to park their bikes, too. ;)
I like the way things turned out, and look forward to seeing the other concrete slab sprout...something. ()what()
Well done on being selected for OSITM a 5th time, and congratulations - you're number one on Ben's Top ten this week.
It's clear that Greenacre is the place for me this month. The demilitarization, if you will, of this area is providing more space for residents, but at what cost? Generally, military bases provide valuable employment and they attract development in their own right. I hope there are enough jobs for the new citizens moving into this part of the region.
It's a good idea to think about little things like parking which are sometimes overlooked. It has always bothered me to see these dense, often Maxis-heavy cities that include little or no parking. I admit I've been guilty of going down that road myself a few times. It also seems quite thoughtful to me for the playground to be placed away from the road. Safety is a good thing. :)
Nice update! :thumbsup:
Replies:
Willy (Swordmaster): That was a fun marina to make. Outside of certain beach lots, he's made some excellent waterfront pieces. As for the uphill ride, that won't be an issue for much longer. Soon they'll have to go uphill both ways.
Robin (rooker1): You'll be getting a lot of the walkthrough approach this month. I like the construction approach to things, and based on the responses I've had when I show it, it seems like others like to see how it comes together too. If you liked that school, I'd love to hear your thoughts on this update.
Noah (noahclem): Thanks for the thoughts on the fifth time here. The shorelines are getting close to the top of the list of what to work on next. That'll be a bit of an undertaking though, so it'll have to wait a bit.
Tandini: Right back at you, and welcome to Greenacre! Here's to a good month together. I'll be keeping an eye on your Journey Through Finland (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=15466.0) during the month as well. Nice start on things there so far.
Schulmanator: Your wait is over. Now let's see what you think of the results.
Joan (Jmouse): Greenacre, with the exception of its rails, is by and large a car country. Parking is something I often overlook, but try to remember to provide it when I can. Some areas will have more than others by design, but hopefully this area will have the look of having just enough for its needs. Always good to read your thoughts here Joan.
benedict: Stunning news! Thanks for sharing. Knowing the quality of what's out there, I'm a bit surprised, to say the least.
metarvo: You've touched upon a very interesting point. One which I hope to address some time this month. I know we'll get back to the naval base, but it will indeed be interesting to see the effects of such a sudden shift of so many people.
Parking is always one of those things I seem to need to remind myself to add in, since there's really no penalty in the simulation if you don't have it, but the areas look so much nicer after it's been added that it's one of those things I try to do whenever I can.
And now:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FGreenacre%2520Quotes%2FGreenacre-Update-in-progress.jpg&hash=0af3d7a9546e86bfb94456a13ad09a0fb5dcac37)
Image drawn by our good friend Robin (rooker1). Character design inspired by Mark O'Hare.
On to the update.
From dictionary.reference.com:
Quoteham·mer[ham-er] (noun):
1. A tool consisting of a solid head, usually of metal, set crosswise on a handle, used for beating metals, driving nails, etc.
...
5. A metal ball, usually weighing 16 pounds (7.3 kg), attached to a steel wire at the end of which is a grip, for throwing for distance in the hammer throw.
"A metal ball...attached to a steel wire..."
That could be useful in this update. So with that, this update is dedicated to the wrecking ball: the misunderstood hammer.
You remember this school, right?
51.01
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FUpdate%252051%2F5101.jpg&hash=5b9e1ea14d69951246797d900f37d61516ce7e67)
I hope so. If not, go back and read the last update. Anyway, as Robin (rooker1) wisely pointed out,
Quoteit has a fence on the cliff side
which is a good thing. The bad thing is... there's a cliff.
Also, as was pointed out during a city council meeting, the facility is exceedingly small for the student population it's expected to serve. There's little room for the kids to play at lunch. There is no significant parking. The former building looked better there. There's too much traffic that travels along the main road there. The kids can't learn with all that traffic noise (never mind the double-paned windows). There's too much traffic, kids could get hit. It's a stupid idea to have a traffic barricade in the middle of a roundabout. Some guy's car keeps leaking oil in his neighbor's driveway. Trout season seems like it's later this year than usual and, most importantly, why wasn't the school plan put up for public commentary?
Well, the councilmembers seemed well prepared. They pulled a copy of the minutes from months ago showing the agenda item, as well as an attendence count showing all of two people were present at the meeting: the architect who designed the building, and an old guy who wanted to know what they were going to do about trout season this year.
That being said, when a meeting room full of irate constituents demands change, it's time to pull out the wrecking ball and start over.
51.02
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FUpdate%252051%2F5102.jpg&hash=a8d76e5241a0b6b5288a0370b1fbc2a93e9a2133)
You remember that patch of concrete, right? If not, you really should go back and read the last update.
It's been designated as the spot for the new school. Several designs were proposed to accommodate the expected number of students, as well as to provide the most room for exercise and outdoor activity.
I love the design of this first one, but it takes up too much room on such a small patch.
51.03
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FUpdate%252051%2F5103.jpg&hash=f9eafa42527f52be9b814827c8561aeae06aab6a)
Others, however, prove too small when compared to the towers surrounding them.
51.04
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FUpdate%252051%2F5104.jpg&hash=f9c825c6c1ad7e60906fb8709d74df8e28ea57f0)
After all plans had been presented, this one here seemed to fit the bill best in terms of size, look, and compact layout.
51.05
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FUpdate%252051%2F5105.jpg&hash=b72a8c3fe2033f0f0979587390417edfa257d02d)
What's next was preventing the errant student from stumbling into the water. Seawalls were installed to prevent that, as well as to discourage soil erosion. One problem though, the engineers who installed them left a bunch of access ladders.
51.06
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FUpdate%252051%2F5106.jpg&hash=f8a0f30223a15c44a65c8cdb7414aa26f28e9868)
These would have to go. Otherwise administrators would be fishing students out of the rocks on the other side every lunch period. Love the 3-wide piece from the set, but single pieces took care of the problem.
51.07
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FUpdate%252051%2F5107.jpg&hash=a90d2af27153f4e4cbc5c91b0030c8fe6ae9f57a)
Next issue addressed: parking, and lots of it. There was an existing parking lot for the residential tower next door. The two facilties now share the expanded lot. School personnel on one side, residents on the other.
51.08
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FUpdate%252051%2F5108.jpg&hash=cf3d3c265c0f56688bb6ea4bd710e4e6fb7d06ac)
The final issue to address was the need for outdoor activity: sports fields, play equipment, grass. You know, those things that require you to be out in sunlight. A playset, basketball courts and a baseball diamond were initially considered.
51.09
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FUpdate%252051%2F5109.jpg&hash=7d20051475884c53d89c4f6396110706ac027522)
Problem was, open courts near a road would lead to stray balls (and the resulting stray children) going into the road. With as many cars as will be traveling through this area, that design was quickly re-thought and a fence was installed, courtesy of NUTs Contractors.
51.10
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FUpdate%252051%2F5110.jpg&hash=5687ea2a681c87463d0871d6c03a4acf0dd9d225)
Landscaped, the area looked pretty good. The baseball field was replaced by a soccer field. The theory being that it gave a more open look to the area, as well as allowed for a variety of uses for the space.
51.11
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FUpdate%252051%2F5111.jpg&hash=45754ef780675c7ed70ac1c281ca750ae7873bab)
Not quite there yet though. Having the fence around the ball court was one thing, but still, having kids go that close to the road didn't make much sense. One car accident and the courts wouldn't be that safe. Moving them to the back of the building seemed to work out better. The playset was also relocated to make room.
51.12
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FUpdate%252051%2F5112.jpg&hash=5ed5c6913aec89885213bab70f2a580423b3df3f)
But that doesn't quite complete the picture. The administrators were worried about kids climbing up on the seawall ladders yet hadn't considered the unfenced area near all the fast moving chunks of steel. A hedge was considered at first, but the varieties available wouldn't quite work with the soil conditions.
51.13
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FUpdate%252051%2F5113.jpg&hash=80f1219f942ee3b9f6730b8a83a0bec848ec386d)
A chain link fence with plenty of trees was opted for instead. The trees added much needed shade to the area and helped blend the border created by the fence.
51.14
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FUpdate%252051%2F5114.jpg&hash=4e333edeb731ca80376b9e539833ed4cc7eac358)
With a few extra trees added to the remaining grassy areas, that about puts the work on this section to rest.
51.15
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FUpdate%252051%2F5115.png&hash=26ddbafb71158aa5b0766b3707b9ea2ad2e5bfe1)
-Matt
Great couple of updates! Seems like you leave no detail left to chance.
By now, I'm sure you know I'm not one to rush around and try to make the first post following an update. I like to come back several times, and usually I notice some details I missed on the first, second and third viewing. For once, I'm going to make an exception, though, because this is certainly one of your more entertaining and informative updates. I won't be the first to post this time either, but I certainly won't be the last.
Yes, I remember the school in 51.01, but I also noticed how you decorated the shoreline and I like it. Also I remember the patch of concrete I hoped would "sprout...something." I like the school in 51.03, too – I believe it's in one of JBSimio's school packs. Personally, I would have dragged out the wrecking ball and made room for it, but you and I have very different playing styles.
Now for the fun part. Following the thought processes you used to choose the school and its accompanying accessories was fascinating. I could almost picture you in front of the computer with the monitor as the only light source. The expressions on your face tell the story. *No, that one's too small and it looks like...mmmmm...something undesirable.* But finally, the light dawned – the one right above your head – and the disconnected pieces started falling into place.
The finished product looks really good, and very much like a well-planned school ground should look. Good job on this one.
Excellent work on the surroundings of this school Matt. You did an awesome job managing the school fields. I like it, looks very realistic.
Another great update my friend.
Your thought process is always long winded, but interesting none the less. ::) ;) Not sure if I would have choosen that school in this situation as I actually liked your first choice better, but it did need to be relotted and if you were not interested in doing such things I would have no problem doing something quick for you in the future. So I guess the question now is...."What is going where the old school was?"
Even still, your end result is very pleasing and realistic and this is my opinion and your MD. :thumbsup:
As always, great visiting, no coffee this time but kids in the background demanding I explain what all these pictures are from and for. &mmm
Robin &apls
It seems like building a school in that spot opened up a can of worms, with roads and everything else under the sun that need fenced off. It looks like all of the hazards have been successfully dealt with, though. That school in particular has been a mainstay in my Plugins folder for as long as I can remember; it happens to be one of my favorites. :) Good work, Matt. :thumbsup:
Nice work with the school. :thumbsup:
Excellent work with the new school area &apls I'm really happy with the end result and it's a nice presentation style, explaining your planning and thought process. I also like that first school you were considering but I think the one you selected is a better choice--fits in nicely with the surrounding tall buildings.
Keep up the great work this month :thumbsup:
Oh, and I love the drawing :D
Great work on the school. :thumbsup:
That is a very realistic school layout. I like that you do not simply plop a school but also build the facilities that usually come with it. The basketball court does look like a prison, though. I can see the reasoning with the road, but still. Maybe, it can be used to lock away the bullies? ;D
Great process with the school. I like the idea of the trees between fence and schoolyard :thumbsup:
Brilliant Matt. I for one like the basketball court, looks very realistic (like everything else here).
Cheers
Willy
It's going to be an interesting month here for sure Matt. ::)
I love how you go through steps and then add your opinion of them to get the final result. And entertaining, if I may add. :D
Great Work :thumbsup:
Even something not traditionally thought of as a hammer can fit the bill.
Like one's head, hitting the desk, after a poorly timed (is there ever a good time?) CTD took out the planned update before any photos of significance could be taken.
Oh well, at least I know what I'm going for. Expect an update tomorrow afternoon. Replies will be included there as well. Perhaps coffee too; I know it'll be involved in the rebuild.
-Matt
Oh, no! :o Those things are never good. I hope you're able to build everything back better than ever. I've learned over the years to save often, and I've found that datpacking helps to cut down on CTDs too. Nonetheless, I still lose some hard work once in a while.
Congratulations, you're number one on BTT for a second week.
Replies:
MTT9: Thanks for the thoughts. I've been trying to increase the detail of my designs, as well as how I show it as I go. Glad you liked it.
Joan (Jmouse): The shoreline was actually already decorated before that update. I'll flesh (flush?) it out more once I finish off the area and get to the sea floor. It is one of JBSimios. Most of the ones I use are his. He made several great sets. Your mental image isn't too far off. You just forgot the cup of coffee. As I've said, Greenacre is hammered together, so the month's theme is quite apropos.
art128: Thanks art! I took another stab at a school today as well. I'll be interested to see how it stacks up to the previous one. Always good to see you here.
Robin (rooker1): I'm not sure what to say about being long-winded-yet-interesting... thanks? Heh, it does take some doing to fully explain the process I use, but hopefully it's something people like to see. I also like the style of the old school, but as you noted relotting would help. I just hate to pester other folks with silly requests like that, because it's a flood gate that could be opened. Besides, I kind of like the challenge of working with what I have on-hand. I may take you up on the offer at some point though.
As for what's goes where the old school was, I think it'll get the commercial services treatment. Everyone around there needs somewhere to shop, etc. Hope the kids enjoyed the update too, even if it did revolve around school.
metarvo x2: I've used that school building a couple of times around Greenacre as well. Cliffton University a few updates back was one such example. As for the can of worms, I think any school facility, at least the ones around here, have a fair bit of fencing to them; both to keep kids from wandering off, and to keep an eye on who/what may be wandering in. As for the CTD, yeah, they happen, and when I went back to rebuild, I was careful to save regularly. You start to forget about it after a while, and then something like that happens and you remember why you do it. Glad you enjoyed the update.
nbvc: Thanks!
Noah (noahclem): You can thank Robin for the drawing. I mentioned a wild idea rolling around in my mind and he was kind enough to sketch it out. I'd say it's fitting. Glad you enjoyed the school update because there's another one coming around the corner right now.
vester: Thank you. Hope you like this next update too.
Raphael (RickD): I used to just plop-and-go as you'll see with today's update, but the facilities surrounding the actual functional building almost seem necessary at this point. I've seen basketball courts with and without fences. Traditionally I've seen fences like that more on tennis courts (where you're trying to belt the ball past someone), and perhaps the fences wouldn't be needed so far back on the school ground, but indeed, as you noted, it could be a good place to corral the bullies. Dodgeball cage matches... there's a scary thought.
Kergelen: Glad you enjoyed. The trees may be a bit dense, but yeah, something was needed to give a visual break between the yard and road/warehouses. I know I'd prefer to see trees more than a parking lot if I were out playing.
Willy (Swordmaster): Wonderful to hear Willy. Incidentally, I have a question for you on the topic of realism. Something that perhaps could be incorporated here before the month is over. I've posted a thread on it elsewhere for you to find.
sunv123: Glad to hear it was both useful and entertaining. I'll be sure to do more updates with this style in the future.
benedict: Excellent news, though still somewhat surprising to hear. I'll take it though. Thanks, as always, for keeping that list running.
The use of hammers is sometimes underappreciated. That's why there's today's update: A Square Peg in a Round Hole.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FUpdate%252052%2FGreenacre-squarepeginroundhole.jpg%3Aorigin%253Cbr%2520%2F%253E%253Cbr%2520%2F%253Eal&hash=9651bf90b13e59bcf442334f9d38c2a0dd2ca1e1)
Many of you mentioned you liked that one school that I considered in the last update. I like it too, but it's one of those ones that really needs a particular space with particular surroundings to really look right. It's a large building, consequently it would need a large base of students. It's also consumes a lot of land, so it wouldn't look right in a skyscraper forest where land would be at a premium. So I found an area of Greenacre that had a mix of population and sprawl. We're going to find this school a home today.
52.01
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FUpdate%252052%2F5201.jpg%3Aoriginal&hash=7bf1f11369beffaa147bfb7009d5ac9d87fb791d)
This area is back when I first started considering the spaces *around* the civic buildings and not just the civic buildings themselves. I liked the parks and all that, but you can see the original approach I used for my education/medical coverage. Plop them next to each other. They serve the same effective range, and people in those ranges would use both services. Makes sense, right? Problem is, small building for the area, and no other school facilities.
52.02
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FUpdate%252052%2F5202.jpg%3Aoriginal&hash=a85f477a1dfc3d6970a7723b161b056b27a58e3c)
Well time to clear that area out and make room for a school that'll fit the area better. A couple of things I noted with the school after first plopping it: there are driveways at both the front and the back, and there's already a little bit of fencing around the play area.
52.03
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FUpdate%252052%2F5203.jpg%3Aoriginal&hash=8b252ed5141053bd5d1bf8f1f76933fe73ec34c3)
With those thoughts in mind, I wanted to make sure both the front and back sides were close to roads, which meant re-orienting the building. Once I decided on that, I figured I might as well just use the whole space. After clearing everything out, I used the plop-a-road leveling technique.
52.04
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FUpdate%252052%2F5204.jpg%3Aoriginal&hash=c26c2294445f8c4a22e8cfe043ebf759a7edd7ae)
Turning the school and putting it at the corner allowed easier addition of parking spaces to connect to the backside without consuming too much space.
52.05
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FUpdate%252052%2F5205.jpg%3Aoriginal&hash=abeb6ee57077246f7d0ffe524c18115362ddf7f7)
Again, I stuck with the fencing. This is a slightly newer/fancier school in design than the last one. An ordinary chain-link fence just wouldn't do for the area. The BSC Park Fences seem to do a nice job though.
52.06
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FUpdate%252052%2F5206.jpg%3Aoriginal&hash=2c3365e050fa5d03a5a2ecbc5c497984e2ebb54a)
Since I used a soccer field in the last one at the expense of a baseball field, I thought I'd try my hand at fitting a couple of them in here. Additionally, I used a couple of Peg's food court lots to add in an outdoor lunch area, similar to ones that I had at the elementary school I attended (yay southern CA weather).
52.07
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FUpdate%252052%2F5207.jpg%3Aoriginal&hash=c83c426c3e75f24250ccf8cc117f9a5c7cdf04b3)
The next trick was how to tie it all in. The other school had just used grass, but this school was developing a bit more formal of a feel to it. Paths seemed to be in order. Since I had already used a couple in making the lunch area, I used the NAM ped malls to connect the rest of the facilities. The rest of the grounds were filled in with the BSC Park Filler pieces. I'm not sure if it makes it all feel more like a high school than an elementary school, but I suppose all the trees would afford kids a great area to play hide-and-seek/tag.
52.08
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FUpdate%252052%2F5208.jpg%3Aoriginal&hash=1e44b3dd7dfa59bedf2dede31e9559507da29f8a)
So that's the school. Hopefully with a different feel than the one from the previous update.While we're here though, and on the subject of older playing style and renovations, I'd like to show you why I don't lot.
Or at least, what happens when I do lot.
So Marrast made some excellent small footprint stations (1x6, 2x6) and they're great. I wanted to try my hand at lotting way back in the day, and this is what I came up with.
52.09
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FUpdate%252052%2F5209.jpg%3Aoriginal&hash=35522ad04abd2552d38c015f6f889b422e05bcee)
Yes, take a good long look. It's not a bad park, but the problem is, it's a train station. There's very little parking and, after looking around the area, it's a waste of space that could be better used for other things: like more parking for commuters. JBSimio's college parking lots and a couple swipes of the SAM parking option do the job.
52.10
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FUpdate%252052%2F5210.jpg%3Aoriginal&hash=764b39714ae472d7272a901da649d5a882bb2f3a)
Some more housing wouldn't be amiss either.
52.11
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FUpdate%252052%2F5211.jpg%3Aoriginal&hash=a20bbd974f68fcf7baec2b198e2f6203bb4f2948)
So this is how it all sorted out. Still not entirely happy with it, but I'd like to hear your thoughts.
52.12
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FUpdate%252052%2F5212.jpg%3Aoriginal&hash=cb51b96544df3ce29112be93afeb2ef44662bfcc)
For now though, I'll leave you with a quick mosaic of the area (to make up for the posting delay).
52.13
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FUpdate%252052%2F5213.png%3Aoriginal&hash=0f47b5ab30e97cb12aa79b34e6f3560351e8604e)
As always, thoughts, suggestions, and criticisms are encouraged.
-Matt
Love it Matt. You're making school cool again. ;)
52.09 needs a smooth rail curve. That in itself will lead to solutions for everything else.
Cheers
Willy
Congratulations - you're number one again this week on BTT.
BTT is more an index of popularity than anything else - the formula used relies on update-to-replies ratios. Your MD has been very popular the last few weeks, with a nice boost resulting from being OSITM.
Matt, your step-by-step updates are always helpful and informative. Some of the things you do might look easy, but I know from bitter experience that they aren't. Anyone can use MMPs, but getting them to look right can be pretty tricky.
I do have an issue with 52.12, though. Placing apartment buildings that close to a RR track could be a turn off for would-be tenants. Or, if nothing else, it could substantially reduce the rent that could be charged.
On the other hand, my daughter and I lived in a rent house for nearly a year which was very close to the tracks. We hardly noticed when a train went by, but when my husband joined us, he certainly heard the train sounds and could hardly believe we were used to them. Still, I think commercial property would be more appropriate in that location. Our playing styles and the areas where we live in are very different, though, so what looks right to one of us might look wrong to the other.
I'm glad you included that mosaic. Nice work...
-Joan
Impressive work with both the school and the station. ;)
Though I would have see a little plaza just before the station. Instead of three lines of parking, just two and one tile of plaza... hmmm... :)
Replies:
Willy (Swordmaster): 52.09 won't be getting a smooth curve just yet. There's going to be a railyard nearby so I wanted to sort a few design things out first. Glad you liked the school though. The variety of school buildings is impressive, but combined with what you can do with the surrounding fields and facilities, the options are plentiful.
benedict: Thanks for clearing up that curiosity for me benedict. I'm sorry I couldn't snag the 4-peat on it, but this week's top-of-the-charts MD is quite a good one as well, so I'm pleased to come in second to it.
Joan (Jmouse): Glad to know Greenacre serves as a useful tool for those looking for tips. That was one of the intentions I had for it when I started, and it's one I hope to keep going with it as long as I can.
MMPs are indeed a bit of a pain to work with sometimes, especially when one gets slightly out of place. It's sadly too easy sometimes to misplace one and end up needing to remove a significant chunk of your work as collateral damage in order to fix it. Usually I just try to work the mistake in. Nature is seldom linear, and little mishaps like that can help achieve that look of randomness that's hard to find.
As for the apartment buildings in 52.12, residential units that close to the tracks are fairly common around here. Where I used to live, you were a stone's throw from the tracks, and the building across the street from me was directly adjacent. The property values are a bit lower as a result, but people still live there and, if you're like me and love trains, the reduced rent is a nice plus for desirable accommodations. Today's update will hopefully show a bit of what's around the tracks in Greenacre at the moment, and how various areas deal with it.
art128: Thanks for the thoughts art, and I'm glad you liked the last updates. As for the plaza idea, after reading your comment I completely agree. Hopefully I was able to cobble something together that will fit the bill. Also, congratulations for topping the Top 10 list this past week.
So as the month draws to a close, I figured I'd hammer the month home with one last update, inspired by something Willy (swordmaster) said way back at the beginning:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FGreenacre%2520Quotes%2FGreenacreQuote-swordmaster-spikinghammer.jpg%3Aoriginal&hash=b54fe7d95b477b5064062f972e9f79031c35564b)
So now it's time for a rail-related update. We're going to ride the rails from the station we left off at last time, and take a trip down around the eastern coast of the Greenacre mainland. Along the way you can expect to see a number of the varying communities and industries that line the route, as well as the stations serving it. Additionally, we'll look at the state of the line, and try to make some improvements as we go.
The route today is lined out in red:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FUpdate%252053%2FGreenacreRegionMap13-2-5.png%3Aoriginal&hash=050eb907d0b4348cf195f78759322bfb4f0617dd)
You all likely remember this image from last time:
53.01
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FUpdate%252053%2F5301.jpg%3Aoriginal&hash=2ad1317b509d7c0615d6cceb79ad99f203cf489b)
As Greenacre regular art128 noted, there was a bit too much parking lot, and not enough space for people waiting for a train to walk around. He suggested a plaza, and for a short-term fix, here's the result. As you can see, the plaza area triggered a new bout of development.
53.02
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FUpdate%252053%2F5302.jpg%3Aoriginal&hash=17a496aa18e395611643a5e8750cf6ffaedd8e17)
A close-up of the area shows a clock (something no rail station should be without), some flowers, and decorative brick work (NAM ped mall). It does seem to add a bit to the scene. I'm still not entirely happy with it, but at least now riders are less likely to be struck by traffic while waiting for their train to arrive.
53.03
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FUpdate%252053%2F5303.jpg%3Aoriginal&hash=fc56a7178266af5beadf433b54b72859bb83e2a9)
Nearby is what currently passes for a compact railyard. There are a couple of signal bridges to direct traffic, as well as some switches to allow for re-routing/reconfiguring trains as needed. Somehow though, the gaps between the rail sets just doesn't quite work for me. There's no good fix I've found for it yet, but time will tell.
53.04
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FUpdate%252053%2F5304.jpg%3Aoriginal&hash=94499f8f2e5b2e78a4a06c218893de8da1b18f32)
Heading west from the station, the train quickly plunges into an industrial center. Warehouses line the tracks, avenue medians are sparse, and the new gate crossings for the avenues really look top notch (thanks to the NAM). On this section of the line, track space is at a premium as freight rail competes with local and long-distance passenger runs.
53.05
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FUpdate%252053%2F5305.jpg%3Aoriginal&hash=2cfe1a1b8f2fdff3538393a6af60342aee9b7ae3)
David's (dedgren's) rail switches (part of the RAM, now incorporated with the NAM) were one of the things that really started the railroading revolution that the game has been seeing lately. This image comes from an area north of the industrial complex, and shows a before/after shot of the tracks. That smooth curve not only looks better, but will allow for trains to safely take that corner at higher speeds.
53.06
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FUpdate%252053%2F5306.jpg%3Aoriginal&hash=16a82bf9111cb459358d6208166c5a177178f97d)
This brings us to one of the larger stations that's at the center of the mainland. Aptly named Central Station, it serves as a hub for most of Greenacre's long distance routes. The rail Y-stack is a bit unrealistic (at least for freight rail) due to the slopes, but darn it if it isn't a fun bit of eye candy. In RL, light rail and shorter trains are generally able to handle the slopes better due to their lighter weight. Some folks around here can correct me if I'm wrong, but generally even a 4% slope is steep for most heavy rail.
53.07
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FUpdate%252053%2F5307.jpg%3Aoriginal&hash=4410688626e6de41ee20b2745e9cd6fbe330efe0)
Speaking of improvements, this parking lot, tucked in to the side of the freeway, could use a facelift. The pieces used were fine at the time, but I've fallen in love with the parking set made by JBSimio for his university pack.
53.08
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FUpdate%252053%2F5308.jpg%3Aoriginal&hash=6ed91aa882e23f4919966ab1646123791927e5f4)
That's much better, and it also added an additional 29 spaces to the lot. Ignore the texture change of the freeway for now. It all used to be Maxis highway, but I believe that's Project Symphony from the new NAM at work. I may just need to re-plop the interchange. That's a thing for another day though. Today's update is about the rails.
53.09
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FUpdate%252053%2F5309.jpg%3Aoriginal&hash=a91debf910a37dd8b23f67dec975cf293cfa061f)
Central Station touts a 4-lane avenue for passenger drop-off and parking access. It also claims an easy connection to the local light rail line. The problem is that "easy" means crossing eight lanes of traffic, four of which are freeway on/off ramp. This should be updated, but it'll take more planning to fully figure out. The density of the area is going to prove problematic.
53.10
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FUpdate%252053%2F5310.jpg%3Aoriginal&hash=6081b67f0df2c4828c9daca001174a9c6499e82b)
Departing Central Station toward the east, the tracks dip into a sunken channel. Light rail lines for the area pass overhead. In the early morning hours, there are few trains running the line, but I wanted to show this area off as also being part of the new NAM. This is the El-Rail facelift, and boy did it do its job. That bridge is gorgeous.
53.11
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FUpdate%252053%2F5311.jpg%3Aoriginal&hash=342cfbe0f523345de4877e6ae82742c72b93e1f6)
Leaving the more urbanized areas, the rail line continues north before cutting a path east, down the mountain towards the water. The steep slopes required careful planning to make the route work. Steep hillsides and narrow valleys required this section to be only a single track wide. It doesn't see the same traffic that the urban centers do, so congestion hasn't been an issue yet, but it does limit capacity. On the plus side, the views out the window can be quite stunning.
53.12
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FUpdate%252053%2F5312.jpg%3Aoriginal&hash=95c307bb728110364445ec144d2e8b8a0bf6578c)
At the base of the mountain, pressed against the shore is the small town of Fergus Coast. It's a tourist destination for those looking to get some peace and quiet. The marina here is a particular draw. They have an old Greek Revival style station here, and this is where our ride will end for this week. That sharp curve there is the next thing on the list of improvements to be made.
53.13
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FUpdate%252053%2F5313.jpg%3Aoriginal&hash=49e6a30468b83642acf58d182082654912279b98)
One last image to leave you with: the train rolling on down the rails to other destinations, ferrying its passengers along the seashore. Gentle waves lapping at the beach can be seen through the trees that rush by. An older telegraph, now telephone, line stretches along the route as well, a relic of an older technology re-purposed for modern use.
53.14
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FUpdate%252053%2F5314.jpg%3Aoriginal&hash=9cf59ec012f3d2305a1620bca1dc6abb713c131f)
Hope you all enjoyed the ride, both in this update, and over the course of this month. It's been fun making these updates, and reading your comments has been all the more encouraging. I'll keep going with this rail trip in the next update, but until then, I look forward to your thoughts on what you've seen so far, and any suggestions you may have for how to improve it.
-Matt
Great railroad update. This was a very enjoyable OSITM. :thumbsup:
It has been a fantastic month Matt. Interesting updates and great pics, couldn't have been better.
The rail ride was my favourite as it took us through several areas of Greenarce and I find it very interesting the different ways people put together thier cities and the transition from one type of area to another. I like the continual improvements you make to an already 4 plus year old MD/region.
I always like to compare people's maps from when they first started thier MD to current day and yours looks great.
Click on img for larger pic
December 24, 2008, 07:13:48 PM
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg122.imageshack.us%2Fimg122%2F8117%2Fgreenacreregionviewpo6.jpg&hash=cae375637010e33eb45f3d1d88d192075810c9af)
VS
April 29, 2013, 02:44:30 AM
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FUpdate%252053%2FGreenacreRegionMap13-2-5.png%3Aoriginal&hash=050eb907d0b4348cf195f78759322bfb4f0617dd)
Here we can see that you have changed your terrain modd and added a lot of new towns and cities. But what I am really impressed with.....is the fact that the map and the lands look the same. You never went over board with sculpting the terrain.
Great work as always and another fantastic OSITM month under your belt!
Robin &apls
If I had a hammer... I guess it would be used to put down railroad ties. :)
Nice update, Matt. It illustrated how our rail systems have improved over time due to additions like the RAM. 53.12's 90° turn bothers me a little, but it looks like a solution is in the works. On the other hand, the waterfall makes up for it. The parking lot improvements are well done. I find myself using that set all the time too, and not just for schools. It's too bad the month is drawing to a close, but it's been a fine ride.
:thumbsup:
This lovely rail journey was a perfect end to what's been an exceptionally fun OSITM to follow. Outstanding work Matt &apls My favorite pics were the waterfall area and the rail/EL crossing with that facelift mod. That station area is quite the mix of different networks with big intersections--not that that kind of thing is interesting to me ;) I'm curious to see you return to the area for the highways as you mentioned, hopefully you enjoy the Symphony mod--it certainly looks very nice there.
I also really enjoyed the new school area from last time. Glad that nice school building found a home :thumbsup:
I concur with everyone about the good OSITM run. Yet I could have used a little more railroading in this update. $%Grinno$%
All quite good, though you seem to have a bit of legacy trouble with short curves (yes, the curse of MD longevity). I'm also not a fan of the Y-stack, as you could have imagined. It's not the slopes that are troublesome but the curves. I bet with this radius, there should be a speed limit of around 10 MPH, which in turn makes it impossible to take such slopes. But then, the same goes for the other wide radius curves. Consider a solution to be in the works ;)
Cheers
Willy
Good work so far on the plaza Matt. Really adds a lot to the station.
Once again, you have made quite a showing in OSITM, Matt, moving effortlessly from a concrete slab on an island, through the halls of education, on to a rail yard and ending up with a scenic train ride. I'm not a big fan of rail travel, mainly because I've never seen a passenger train or a depot. But, there have been plenty of times when I've "enjoyed" waiting for 15 long minutes while graffiti-covered freight trains crawl through town at a snail's pace.
Still, I can appreciate the detailed descriptions you included. The plaza in 53.02 and .03 looks great, but I never could have figured out what, if anything, was missing. That's some fancy stacking in 53.07, with a more subtle setup in 53.11. And who could resist looking out the window at a beautiful waterfall.
It seems that every Greenacre update shines a new light on the region and your carefully-laid plans for it. And I wouldn't mind borrowing that hammer for a while if you don't mind. ;D
Hmm, well this is a curious post to have to make.
I took a trip up to Seattle this past weekend, laptop in tow. Last time I ever let it get checked as a part of my luggage. Got up to Seattle, and it blue screened on loading. Tracked it down to the hard drive. Somehow it got turned on (it did the little restart progress bar thing it usually does when it's been put to sleep via lid closure) and then I'm guessing was subjected to several blows due to gravity.
Long story short, it's in for data recovery now.
That includes Greenacre.
Time will tell what's salvageable from it. Hopefully everything, but if nothing else, at least my pictures. At any rate though, I do have a computer, and I'm working to get it up to speed (went ahead, bit the bullet and bought a new one). For the time being though, Greenacre is going to be on a bit of a break, as are my other SC4 projects.
Not to worry though. It's not the end, as much as it is setback. I'll be back one way or another, and perhaps put into motion a thought I've been kicking around recently.
Thank you all for your comments, both on the last update and all throughout this MD so far.
-Matt
Ahhh that's some bad news. But as Willy and Noah keep telling me after every CTD lately...."I'ts the games way of telling you, you can do better". In this case it's Life or the damn luggage handlers. Anyways, sucks spending money on a new lap top but keep your head up on recovering your files and hopefully you are baak up to speed soon.
And I was so looking forward to my Bagel, coffee and Greenacre this morning......
Take care Matt!!
Robin
We are used to reading about loss of data and projects which ends just because of this.
The good thing of your post is that you say is not the end, just a stop, and you will return with the same project or another project which I'm glad.
Wow, that is bad news. But as long as the hard drive is still spinning up there is a good chance that data can be recovered. I'll keep my fingers crossed.
One of those handlers must have thought, "damn Greenacre, I hate it."
Put a contract out on them, Matt. I'm sure in your branch you have the necessary contacts to get that done.
Cheers
Willy
two years ago, my laptop did the same thing, but out of the blue ;) I still work with it at the moment, so I hope that you can get greenacre back...
Best of luck getting your data recovered Matt and have fun with the new machine :) Looking forward to whatever the future of Greenacre turns out to be!
It's always a shame to lose something so dear to your heart. Once the shock wears off, though, you may find it's a new beginning instead of a sad ending. Of course, I hope you're able to recover everything or most of it, but whatever the outcome, I know you'll deal with it in a positive way.
Thank you all for your comments here, they were nice to read through.
Near as I can tell, short of pulling the hard drive apart and plucking electrons from it one by one, the data is pretty well gone.
However, I plugged in my old external hard drive and found an old backup (April of 2011 "old"). Yes, it really has been two years since I last backed things up. Yes, I should have done it more often. Yes, it doesn't take that long. Yes, it had old Greenacre stuff on it (and a number of pictures too).
So Greenacre survived, at least in a two-year-backdated form. That said, Greenacre is more than just the map itself. I could take the two year reboot and try to rebuild, but I think I've come to the decision that the next you see of Greenacre, it will be a new map, starting from scratch.
Well, ok, not the *next* you see of it. I found an old picture from the first attempt I made at building an airport. I think I posted it way back when, but yeah, this amused me.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FGeneral%2520SC4%2FSouthernCrater-Mar29271148698624.png%7Eoriginal&hash=0db293f58a85b56ea8ff43cc8bc64f9a767f1487)
Amazing how far things can come, isn't it? If that's the development in two years, imagine what the next two will yield.
Until then, take it easy, and looking forward to your thoughts on the airport.
-Matt
It's sad to know the original Greenacre is gone, but happy that you've decided to start afresh. We have so much new custom content now along with some stunning terrain mods and amazing MMPs. Do you plan on terraforming the new GA, or starting out with a map and tweaking it?
From what I gather, 2013 has been a bad year for computers. I'm sorry about Greenacre, Matt. It's good that you're going to restart it, though. Hopefully, this airport of yours will have good luggage checkers that take care of things.
New map, with new plans and new ideas; I'm sure we'll see a quality effort here. I'm already looking forward to it. Will it be an island again? If so, you may be limiting yourself with the rail options ;D
As for that airport, well, . . . . well . . . . what's the word? . . . oh, nevermind.
Cheers
Willy
New fresh start....I like it and I can't wait to see you break ground. I wonder what kind of map you might choose this time round. I might suggest to you to pick one that you can show off your rail passion.
At any rate, Good Luck!
Robin
It's awful to lose that much. But I have found that each time I go back to something it gets better. I am sure you will continue to rock with your new stuff too.
Thanks again everyone for the thoughts. As for Greenacre...
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FUpdate%252054%2520-%2520New%2520Beginnings%2F541.jpg%7Eoriginal&hash=189f2725794d423df049c5782b210cc2c2eed870)
Well, I built an island once.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FUpdate%252054%2520-%2520New%2520Beginnings%2F542.jpg%7Eoriginal&hash=ba05a2a4187d101c7bda04eecc73fda4e8a2f276)
Pretty sure I can do it again.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FUpdate%252054%2520-%2520New%2520Beginnings%2F543.jpg%7Eoriginal&hash=c8a950fe0790f31480781fac499c5d8d4149d36b)
Also, there's been a bit of a scale adjustment (large tiles, at 10x10).
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FUpdate%252054%2520-%2520New%2520Beginnings%2F544.jpg%7Eoriginal&hash=7387470b61b7f62ea2afa5f11968ca19e389131a)
So that's where things are now. I've already sculpted out land that's pretty much half of what Greenacre used to be, and I still have plenty to go.
That raises an interesting option however. There are so many maps that are already out there. I'm debating using one of them. Thoughts?
-Matt
After Willy posted a link to dobs' maps, I've been looking at them myself. There are so many stunning choices, I've been having second thoughts about my choice. The real secret is doing what feels right to you, though.
I'm sure whatever map you decide to use will turn into a very interesting combination of imaginative work and city design skills. But remember, you're not committed to anything until you're truly committed - in more ways than one.
Good to see you at it again Matt!
There is something to be said for creating your own hand crafted map, a great satisfaction about saying I terraformed this myself.....espeacilly if it turns out great. But on the other hand, there are so many fantastic maps out there with so much fine detail they cannot be beat. I thgink you should find one that tickles your fancy. Instead of spending all the time creating a map, spend it on looking for a great one.
Either way, what ever you decide, I'm sure your following will continue to do just that.....follow! I know I will. ;)
Good luck
Robin :thumbsup:
No use telling a lawyer to do it any other way than his own ;D
Way to go my friend.
Cheers
Willy
Looks like an outstanding start :thumbsup: I used to be an avowed self-terraformer but have since been thoroughly swayed the other way. I'd recommend at least looking around at the available RL maps but I'm sure whatever you come up with will be great either way :)
Joan (Jmouse): I think, what it's boiled down to, is the detail already present in the Real World maps is so much better than what I could achieve with the terrain tools. You'll see what I mean.
Robin (rooker1): Greenacre was a fine example of enjoying a hand-crafted map. However, since I'm planning to increase the final scale of the region, and that I wanted to do more than just enlarge the original map, I think I will be pursuing the RL map option, as you'll see below.
Willy (Swordmaster): Sure there is. Judges do it all the time.
Noah (noahclem): You're not the only one who had been swayed the other way now.
So for those of you who skipped the comments and dropped down here to the main post, I've decided to forgo the crafting of a region by hand. Partly due to the scale increase, but primarily due to the amazing detail of some of the real world maps out there. That said, I'll likely tweak parts of whatever map I end up using (you'll see which one that ends up being in a bit).
As far as which map, I wanted to keep the Greenacre feel, with an island if at all possible, but certainly with plenty of waterways, hills, and varied terrain. It came down to three maps from the ones I'd looked at and, thanks to a suggestion from Robin (rooker1), I put them in game, rendered out a few tiles of each, and got a better idea of what I'd be working with.
The first place I tried was Kerguelan South. It had the terrain variety that I was looking for. Getting it in the game though, it really showed what I was up against.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FUpdate%252054%2520-%2520New%2520Beginnings%2FKerguelenSouthsizedemonstration.jpg%7Eoriginal&hash=cdb0d86db000008667223bda6ed7a40fb2e2592a)
As you can see, those are some significant hills which, while they would be fun to build on, might be a touch extreme for what Greenacre is/was. Also, showing the scale there, that's 4x4 *large* tiles, and it only takes up that much of the overall map. Perhaps a bit too big for what I'm looking for right now.
Next I tried St. Lucia, which had the island shape I was looking for.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FUpdate%252054%2520-%2520New%2520Beginnings%2FGreenacre-StLucia.jpg%7Eoriginal&hash=41bf39cee2fe9036b5013702f5856db5b03f0e65)
Remember how I had commented that I wasn't really looking for a volcanic island/single mountain island?
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FUpdate%252054%2520-%2520New%2520Beginnings%2FGreenacre-StLucia1.jpg%7Eoriginal&hash=127b11f861777989b697364842db67656bb570a3)
Here's why. Again, the hills are rugged. Fine map, don't get me wrong. I love it. But for Greenacre, it's not quite right.
Then we come to the last of my short list. The new Greenacre (and not because I decided against the other two, but because it actually works for what I want to do):
Seattle:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FUpdate%252054%2520-%2520New%2520Beginnings%2FGreenacre-Seattle.jpg%7Eoriginal&hash=8793918733382c49ac58853b0cec18c296767e44)
With 9 large tiles rendered there, you can see there will be plenty of land to work with, and there will be terrain variety. Anyone familiar with Washington, Seattle, and the Olympic Peninsula area will also know: there are plenty of waterways up there. There will more than likely be some terrain work as I go forward. In particular, a number of those little harbors/jetties that you see sticking out here and there. If I want a marina somewhere, I'll add one, but I think those are leftovers from the rendering process of the Real World. However, this is Greenacre. Reality doesn't factor all that much into it as you may have noticed by now.
At any rate, welcome (back) to Greenacre. Next step is to get the tree/terrain/water mods sorted. I'd kind of like to use the old Olympic terrain mod by c.p., given the map's RL location, but I'm up for suggestions.
Until next time, take it easy.
-Matt
I should stop by the MDs here more often. $%#Ninj2
Seattle is always a good choice ;D
I know that seattle map, having used it before. The satellite data for that map is a little low-res; drunkapple has a higher res seattle one (link) (http://community.simtropolis.com/files/file/26745-seattle-the-emerald-city/). It's rather big, but you can cut it down to what you want/need.
Great to see that you have finally choosen a map.....and a very good one at that.
I really like all the water ways and all the possiblities for harbor fronts. Some of the land elevations look pretty extreme still, but not as much as the other two.
I can't wait to see some progress....city building that is. ;)
Robin :thumbsup:
Nice to have you back, Matt!
I've never been a real fan of giant regions, but I have to say that Seattle map looks quite good. I'm sure you'll be able to make awesome things with it. :)
The Seattle region map looks like a perfect fit for your playing style, and you're familiar with the real-world city and surrounding terrain, too. It's great to see Greenacre finally up and running again, and all of us are eager to see some new updates.
Yeah, trying to work over so many map tiles, rebuild a plugins folder, cherry picks mods from an assortment of old and new, and get back up to speed on all the new content, running a business and all that other stuff Real Life entails?
Yeah, a bit busy.
On the other hand...
Shiny new toys:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FGreenacre%25202-1%2F2015-03-21_00015.jpg&hash=7f65d46869b25f3461ba7707a7e930051ce62462)
I couldn't resist.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FGreenacre%25202-1%2F2015-03-21_00001.jpg&hash=39ea269d7d00aad1fa71d753b62b5259d9d56bee)
Got it.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FGreenacre%25202-1%2F2015-03-21_00002.jpg&hash=c9cb9b0881d5ec2a11f9500a9004fe94e5d7ee3f)
Started playing with it.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FGreenacre%25202-1%2F2015-03-21_00007.jpg&hash=380a7c6cd76b22f7098222624e40bb5e1048aea0)
I mean, look at the water above. So many variables under the hood at work at once.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FGreenacre%25202-1%2F2015-03-21_00004.jpg&hash=508d57a5e757dead1c4a28855dc39f0f51fd3188)
Including poop; figure that one out. I have to admit though, watching the pollution flow following the current was kinda fun.
The emergency services were pretty cool too. Rather than just send 1-2 truck to the local university when it caught on fire, it was an all-hands-on-deck situation. I'd love to find out the story behind that.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FGreenacre%25202-1%2F2015-03-21_00014.jpg&hash=4a2afea889514d71c4e7267b3a44362e4516e467)
The possibilities for interchanges too. This one is derpy, but I made it, it's mine, and I made it in just a few minutes.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FGreenacre%25202-1%2F2015-03-21_00013.jpg&hash=0650a26d497a8b9259c2fcb66f91f49c5256aab9)
There are a few things I can't say I'm fond of, but I'll leave those for the next update. Though this town bears the name Greenacre for now, this is really a test run through to see what it all can do. So with that, hope you don't mind the prolonged hiatus; enjoy some eye candy.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FGreenacre%25202-1%2F2015-03-21_00009.jpg&hash=ad0f9c2d6b190c21c4b1f183bdbb906e6b134051)
Welcome back to Greenacre.
-Matt
I'll be the first to welcome Greenacre back into the spotlight, and to welcome our first Cities: Skylines MD. I still have a steep learning curve ahead of me because the cockeyed perfectionist that roams freely in my head won't settle for anything less than...well, you know. :D I look forward to following your progress and learning a thing or three from your work.
Oh my, on a large scale, on the full map, from what I can extrapolate from my experience so far, is that it has the potential to drive a perfectionist stark raving mad...
...or perhaps just NUTs.
The possibilities for what can be done are impressive though.
-Matt
Nice to see your new work! :D
I stumble over the youtube video: Cities Skylines Map Editor(Importing real maps) (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OZNgD-u_-UU)
Thought that might me something for you.
You can skip a lot of it, as he repeat the same process quite a few times.
Still looking forward to see someone mod trains for this game.
Thanks for the video Arne. I may give a custom region a try at some point. For now though, I think I'm going to be running this as a test region before making the jump into making it all look pretty.
Schulmanator, glad you're enjoying it. It's a bit of a change, yeah, but I've been enjoying it.
So, as annoying at it was that there were no parks such as soccer (football) or baseball fields, the community has been rapidly putting stuff together. Whether it's the best modded out there is yet to be determined. I'll be happy to see stuff start coming up from this site so we'll know it's not going to be game breaking, but for now, this stuff sure is pretty:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FGreenacre%25202-2%2F2015-03-23_00002.jpg&hash=b762b922237b4e2bf7c059838fa576b9bf860323)
The traffic simulator is surprisingly robust from my surface-level look at it so far. It lets us do so many things, like double roundabouts, and does a decent visual job of letting us know we done goofed.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FGreenacre%25202-2%2F2015-03-24_00001.jpg&hash=3d3ca64c0299bfc7f8dff52390ad0fb33fe14066)
With details like large roundabouts that you can connect from practically anywhere, I can see some flexibility. Don't mind the cars in the middle, they were on what used to be the road.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FGreenacre%25202-2%2F2015-03-24_00004.jpg&hash=6944b4eaee806d48f9f4d7b8c056ed31ce0f55c0)
As a means of testing it, I tried upgrading the roundabout to a 6-lane one way. It worked, but it also added traffic lights at each intersection. I'll have to figure out what the base-network of the roundabout it. In retrospect, I think it might be highway or something.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FGreenacre%25202-2%2F2015-03-24_00006.jpg&hash=1e3167883f81acde4c906c2d2acb0353cc766d96)
It's been handing the traffic much better than the double-roundabout from earlier. That's even with the traffic lights. I know the game advises against having intersections too close together, but it seems like there's more than just that at work for their simulator.
I'll look into it more once I can distract myself from making pretty pictures:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FGreenacre%25202-2%2F2015-03-23_00001.jpg&hash=5106dd0b517d2a9d9d60cd7dfd93c7b8f98c8185)
-Matt
Wow, oh my! ;D So this is the game that's literally taken the city-building community by storm these past few weeks. Well, it's not SC4 ( ::) ), but C:S looks impressive nonetheless, especially in the hands of a skilled city builder. The curved roads and the suface-level perspective are nice touches. Nice update, Matt; it's good to see Greenacre going again.
:thumbsup:
Really awesome start on the new Greenacre Matt &apls Beautiful pictures and nice insight into the C:S. And with fire and poop, what's not to love? :D
K-point for you sir!
It looks like you've made a lot of progress in a very short time. I can't seem to get past the three-street point, similar to the second photo you published March 24 &mmm, but I like where you've taken the game so far. I especially like the sports fields. The last one reminds me of a scene in the SC4 Greenacre which I couldn't find – it might have been on Imageshack - but I recall it had a sports field with a large body of water behind it. I'm seeing some really nice scenery here, and I like what I see.
Matt love the new way that Greenacres has gone,
https://www.youtube.com/v/umS3XM3xAPk