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QuoteAshtabula [ash-tuh-byoo-luh] -- city, Ashtabula county, northeastern Ohio, U.S. It lies along Lake Erie, at the mouth of the Ashtabula River, about 54 miles (87 km) northeast of Cleveland. The site was settled in 1801; its name, of Algonquian origin, possibly means "river of many fish" and was applied to the township (1808). In the 1850s Hubbard Homestead and other houses in the town were stations on the Underground Railroad, an escape route for slaves. The town was the site of one of the country's deadliest railroad accidents on Dec. 24, 1876, when an iron bridge collapsed under a Lake Shore and Michigan Southern Railroad train, killing 92 people. Modern Ashtabula is a St. Lawrence Seaway port with a fine harbor; it handles with Conneaut (to the east) large quantities of coal and iron ore. It is also a trading center for the Lake Erie resort area and manufactures a variety of products, including automobile bodies and forgings, fiberglass, plastics, corrugated boxes, and chemicals. A regional campus of Kent State University is located in the city. Inc. village, 1831; city, 1891. Pop. (2000) 20,962; (2005 est.) 20,321.
(source: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/ashtabula)
Background and Region DevelopmentMy SC4RH region is based on Ashtabula County (described above); for the most part, the names of the city quads correspond to the real life townships. Due to SC4 constraints, however, I had to make some adjustments and create alternate names for two of the quads. I spent probably a month creating the grayscale map for import into the game. It's not perfect, but somewhat a reflection of real life, and I'm quite happy with the result. Ashtabula County is the largest county in Ohio, and is approximately 25 miles wide and nearly 35 miles at its longest height (along the eastern edge where it borders Pennsylvania). The county's terrain varies greatly from north-to-south as well as east-to-west. Its distinct features were carved out by the glacier millions of years ago. The glacier covered the northern edge of the county before retreating back north as it formed the Great Lakes. The ridges along the northern edge of the county show the glacier's delineation. Through these ridges some rivers managed to gouge their way. Two of these rivers, the Ashtabula River and Conneaut [
kon-ee-ot] Creek make their way to Lake Erie within the county limits, while the Grand River, which begins south of the county line, travels north and then exits west before making its way to the lake. South of the ridges, the land levels out significantly, creating a mostly flat landscape for farming. A few creeks here and there add variety to the flat landscape, however.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F1-0%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%2F1-0-0RegionView.jpg&hash=48e7a2d95f5bfc05df36aa57dd353aa69812fb42)
Region overviewBecause I did not want to leave out any of the great terrain variations, and because the size of the county is so huge, I decided to reduce it to about 25% of its original area, thus fitting nicely into a 5x7 region of large quads. I also made adjustments to some of the areas along the lake shore to eliminate having two city quads that would not be easy to develop and maintain. My overall plan is for this region to be heavily rural. The original maps I used as my base are from the early 1900s -- well before interstates and four-lane roads.
Pre-workI have been working on this for awhile as I tested things out, got used to FAR/FARR, and played with some other things. I'm on my third start now, after learning some tricks along the way which will help make this as great as it can be! I also began work on 4 of the quads: Ashtabula (city), Saybrook-on-the-Lake, Plymouth and Saybrook. Other issues arose, in that some content I was using adversely affected my agricultural demand, stopping it way short of what I wanted it to be. So I decided to start from the VERY beginning so I can show my development from the beginning.
I hope you enjoy your visit here!
-- Don
Table of Contents| Introduction (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=7257.msg230435#msg230435) | Intro | page 1 |
• www.dictionary.com entry for Ashtabula
• Background and Region Development
• Pre-work | | 14 March 2009
1 image
3 comments |
| 1.0 - Ashtabula (city) (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=7257.msg230593#msg230593) | #1 |
|
• signpost grid
• network plan with signposts
• leveling the rights-of-way | | 15 March 2009
9 images
1 comment |
| 1.1 - Ashtabula, network continuation (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=7257.msg231508#msg231508) | #2 |
|
• river crossings
• harbor work | | 18 March 2009
9 images
1 comment |
| 1.2 - Ashtabula, more waterway prep (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=7257.msg232435#msg232435) | #3 |
|
• river and creek bed leveling
• ploppable water
• culverts
• trees added | | 21 March 2009
8 images
1 comment |
| 1.3 - Ashtabula, planning the power grid (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=7257.msg232780#msg232780) | #4 |
|
• Town of Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania (off-topic)
• plopping the utility poles | | 22 March 2009
5 images
2 comments |
| 1.4 - Ashtabula, development begins (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=7257.msg233534#msg233534) | #5 |
|
• my 100th post on SC4D!
• random images of developed Ashtabula, showcasing the farms and the utility poles | | 25 March 2009
15 images
3 comments |
| 2.0 - Saybrook-on-the-Lake, a quick build (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=7257.msg234770#msg234770) | #6 |
|
• network planning
• Red Brook and culverts
• trees | | 29 March 2009
8 images
2 comments |
| 2.1 - Saybrook-on-the-Lake, more countryside (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=7257.msg235491#msg235491) | #7 | page 2 |
• random images
• farming
• utility poles | | 1 April 2009
14 images
5 comments |
| 3.0 - Plymouth: a river, ridges and three covered bridges (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=7257.msg236350#msg236350) | #8 |
|
• Western Reserve references
• network planned with signposts
• real-life depictions featured
• covered bridges | | 4 April 2009
11 images
2 comments |
| 3.1 - Plymouth, power grid and trees (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=7257.msg237625#msg237625) | #9 |
|
• pre-development images
• foreshadowing of mini-towers
• random images | | 9 April 2009
12 images
6 comments |
| 3.2 - Plymouth, farms among the hills (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=7257.msg238444#msg238444) | #10 |
|
• over 1000 views!
• region overview and comparison to real life
• my subtransmission mini-towers revealed
• random images | | 12 April 2009
23 images
2 comments |
| 3.3 - Plymouth, a mosaic (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=7257.msg239159#msg239159) | #11 |
|
• inquiry into Pierpont's name
• huge north-to-south mosaic | | 15 April 2009
1 image
6 comments |
| 3.4 - Maps of Ashtabula, Saybrook-on-the-Lake and Plymouth (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=7257.msg239948#msg239948) | #12 | page 3 |
• origins of Pierpont's name revealed
• link to Region Overview map (hosted externally) | | 18 April 2009
0 images
3 comments |
| 4.0 - Saybrook, more creeks and culverts (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=7257.msg240772#msg240772) | #13 |
|
• introduction of new region locator
• North Ridge and South Ridge roads discussed
• prep work on the Saybrook quad (grid, network, creeks, trees) | | 22 April 2009
7 images
7 comments |
| 4.1 - Saybrook, pre-development details (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=7257.msg242115#msg242115) | #14 |
|
• random images across the quad featuring FAR/R and my utility poles
• tidbits about the area in real-life | | 28 April 2009
14 images
5 comments |
| 4.2 - Tips and Tricks for Plopping Utility Poles - a Tutorial (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=7257.msg242115#msg242115) | #15 | page 4 |
• MD statistics: Ashtabula 6th place in growth for April; behind 5th place by 4 posts!
• tutorial with basic drawings and "grid on" images | | 1 May 2009
38 images
12 comments |
| 4.3 - Saybrook, it's a wrap (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=7257.msg242115#msg242115) | #16 |
|
• received "Of Special Interest This Month" accolade for May 2009
• Mayoral warning: residents want water; development halts!
• full mosaic of Saybrook
• east-to-west mosaic following South Ridge West (SR 84)
• original map plus updated maps
• the untimely death of a dear friend | | 6 May 2009
5 images
8 comments |
| 5.0 - Kingsville, planning strategy part I (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=7257.msg242115#msg242115) | #17 | page 5 |
• approaching 3000 views
• view of region so far
• details on making signpost grid | | 9 May 2009
16 images
3 comments |
| 5.1 - Kingsville, planning strategy part II (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=7257.msg245768#msg245768) | #18 |
|
• more on using signposts as temporary markers
• signpost code
• how I mark diagonals, FAR and FAR curves
• work on Ashtabula River and Conneaut Creek | | 13 May 2009
14 images
5 comments |
| 5.2 - Kingsville, preparing the roadways (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=7257.msg246807#msg246807) | #19 |
|
| • leveling the roadways | | 17 May 2009
10 images
7 comments |
| 5.3 - Kingsville, roadways (almost) complete (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=7257.msg248490#msg248490) | #20 | page 6 |
• surpassing the 100 comments mark
• heading off to Las Vegas for a week
• random images | | 23 May 2009
9 images
14 comments |
| 5.4 - Kingsville returns from hiatus (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=7257.msg336287#msg336287) | #21 | page 7 |
• 14-month hiatus ends; update on RL events
• tying off loose ends in Kingsville
• random images | | 21 July 2010
17 images
5 comments |
| 5.5 - Maps and region update (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=7257.msg337036#msg337036) | #22 |
|
| • map update | | 26 July 2010
1 image
_ comments |
Table of Contents updated 26 July 2010
Congratulations on your decision to start an MD, Don. I have a feeling it will be most pleasurable to see a rural MD develop from the beginning. I'm ready to see more. :)
Welcome to the MD world, Don!
Your map looks fantastic, my friend--I cannot wait to see how you develop things! Oh, and I learned something, too: I always though it was "ash-TAB-yoo-la," not "ash-ta-BYOO-la." Now I know!
Take care!
Dustin
So, I assume you either live there now, or are from there? I know two people who grew up in Ashtabula and have since moved to Virginia...
metarvo and all: Thank you for the great encouragement!
Dustin: I'm glad you learned something about the pronunciation! ;)
Yoder7652: I actually grew up in the area and still have extended family there. I lived in Monroe Twp. until '75, and then in Ashtabula Twp. (east of the city) until '80. My family then moved to Mercer County, Pennsylvania, where my folks still live (yes, Dustin, I'm a former Pennsylvanian!). I've since lived various places and am now near Chicago. I'd be interested in knowing if those you know lived in the city or in one of the neighboring townships.
1.0 - Ashtabula
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1.0.1 - Ashtabula undeveloped
In my testing, I had already laid out the entire transit network for Ashtabula, Plymouth, Saybrook and Saybrook-on-the-Lake. In fact I even posted two mosaics (both on this page [linkie] (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=314.msg224393#msg224393), posts 365 & 367) of a couple of scenic areas. Because I had already created a nice network layout, I tediously documented it elsewhere so I could rebuild it all the same once again. It was a nice layout, and, well, there really isn't anything I want to change about that.
Starting with Ashtabula, I will share how I lay it all out, based on a real map. I use the sign posts for marking off a lot of things. Firstly, I make a grid on my large city quad. Ugh, yes, I know we are "breaking the grid," but it helps me get everything positioned. I use a "period" to designate major gridline crossings (every 4th gridline, starting from square 127x127, near the center), and a "space" to demark every 7th tile along the major grid line. Why every 7th? Well, it works for me, and I find a 6x6 space to be easy to work with in terms of developing an urban area. What we have then is the major gridlines 28 squares apart. This distance is roughly 0.25 mi. Now, in my small villages that have a few streets as well as here in Ashtabula where, eventually, I'll have a growing population, I will utilize this 7x7 grid to lay out the streets in the more populated areas.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F1-0%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%2F1-0-2Ashtabulagrid.jpg&hash=502b7e1d6b4857380d72d85c63acca7cf541d622)
1.0.2 - Ashtabula with working grid
So we have our signposts in a grid. Next I compare the grid to the map and mark off where my network crosses the major gridlines.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F1-0%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%2F1-0-3_Scan_of_map.jpg&hash=9651dead0fdceaf3aab74389e5f079d3fdcb044f)
1.0.3 - Image of scanned map
I then "connect the dots" and make adjustments as needed to allow for the FAR/FARR networks and such to interact with each other.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F1-0%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%2F1-0-4_Ashtabula_network_layout.jpg&hash=d226178bd5150d833c36ff3bfba8ab04902e095e)
1.0.4 - Ashtabula with network plan plotted out
Next I need to level out the rail and road beds. I need to have these be smooth. In my testing I found I really like how Ennedi's slope mod [linkie] (http://sc4devotion.com/csxlex/lex_filedesc.php?lotGET=1512) works for the rails, but it can be quite tricky for the roads. If you let it do its thing, you'll end up with a virtual roller coaster for a road, one that dips below and above the surrounding terrain significantly. So I've found that in some cases, I like the rail's slope for the roads better than the road's slope. So, except in extreme cases where I really do want that steep gradient change on a hill, I use the rail tool to mark out my roads as well as rails. The trick I found for keeping the FARR puzzle pieces very level while still allowing for slight gradients is to drag 8-tile-long stretches of rail adjacent but staggered like so (occasionally the rail won't work and I'll have to temporarily switch to road):
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F1-0%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%2F1-0-5_Asht_rail_8-tile.jpg&hash=62d59f7ba9c2319abfb869a8b1f5e3ca3503e476)
1.0.5 - Staggered 8-tile rail segments
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1.0.6 - Rail segments showing transition from diagonal to FARR
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1.0.7 - Steep hill marked by the "r" posts (left-to-right) where I don't want to use rail for leveling
The ends of these 8-tile-long stretches overlap with every other stretch as shown. This keeps the ends of the FAR or FARR from dropping down, which can happen if I only use 6-tile segments. I will later bulldoze these and lay my FARR pieces on this new right-of-way.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F1-0%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%2F1-0-8_Asht_FARR_vs_8-tile.jpg&hash=5d0ea4f11e771a6d81baa7493377f4d06dc3a6da)
1.0.8 - Bulldoze the 8-tile segments and plop the FARR pieces
For the road pieces, I use the same technique. In situations where the existing slope is too severe for stretches of rail (with Ennedi's slope mod), I will concede to using 8-tile stretches of road to allow for better variation.
Another thing to consider with both rail and road is where other networks will cross. With this slope mod, it can be very hard to create an intersection if you didn't level the ground along the way. This is where planning ahead with the signposts comes in handy for me. I plop a road or rail piece on the south or east end of the intersection; sometimes I will utilize the god-mode terrain tools set to the smallest size if I need to make further detail adjustments or if I don't want to disturb the land far beyond where I want the network to go.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F1-0%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%2F1-0-9_Asht_FARR-road_intersection.jpg&hash=1b35a71160acca83f6cfb7d3ad01003c05e860ab)
1.0.9 - Leveling road/rail crossing
That concludes this update!
Edited to fix link to Ennedi's slope mod
Wow, you certainly went to a lot of work planning ahead for this project! I'm looking forward to seeing how it looks when you start developing!
Thanks, Battlecat; yes, I do a lot of pre-planning! When I try to do things "on the fly," I'm never as happy with the result.
1.1 Ashtabula, network continuation
As I work on the network near the river crossings, I realize I should get the three bridges done here.
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1.1.1 - Rail bridge before
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1.1.2 - Harmon Hill Road bridge before
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1.1.3 - 10th Street bridge before
Prior to this point, I already did some work on the river's end at Lake Erie ...
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F1-1%2520Ashtabula%2F1-1-4_river_mouth_before.jpg&hash=8fca58d99d92463dedc158625b4cc7af3d7d9be6)
1.1.4 - River mouth before
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1.1.5 - River mouth after
... and placed the bridges for SR 531 and the railroad here.
I did some further leveling and "troughing" for the land-water that I'll be adding later from the true water to the south edge of the quad. I have more to do in the southeast corner of the quad where the river enters from the east and exits south, but I'll get to that later.
On my 3 crossings, I need to do some leveling to line up my bridge ends, and then redo the river bed again while lowering the tiles where the bridge crosses. This is for the rain, which will allow me to make the bridges.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F1-1%2520Ashtabula%2F1-1-6_Harmon_Hill_bridge_after_1.jpg&hash=d5570815da23096c0ff8e3ea72d3d911810a53e1)
1.1.6 - Harmon Hill Road bridge after
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F1-1%2520Ashtabula%2F1-1-7_rail_bridge_after.jpg&hash=1717c77a11b44c5788c9cf99bcdd7395963a91d9)
1.1.7 - Rail bridge after
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F1-1%2520Ashtabula%2F1-1-8_10th_St_bridge_after.jpg&hash=a76a980a56dcfeb94682f3c666eaf41482023ca5)
1.1.8 - 10th Street bridge after
Of course, one of the drawbacks to using the rain tool is, well ...
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F1-1%2520Ashtabula%2F1-1-9_river_flood.jpg&hash=c567ae3cea76239b0e9d55fc25b37c13dade7bf6)
1.1.9 - Harbor flood
... so I'll have to fix those bridges and such after I exit and re-enter the quad. No big deal. It's just §§, right?
-- Don
EDIT: Returning visitors may wish to scroll up to see the scanned map (image 1.0.3) I inserted in my previous post (the one I said was "forthcoming")!
You know I'm not sure if they actually lived in the city or not. The two I know are actually married...high school sweethearts. They are Kristen Danalchak (now More) and David More. Both have older siblings that I do not really know, and Krissy's mom worked in one of the local schools there.
Thanks, Yoder7652. Don't know those names ... but my aunt is an elementary teacher at one of the city schools (I can never remember which one).
1.2 - Ashtabula, more waterway prep
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F1-2%2520Ashtabula%2F1-2-1_Asht_streets_no_trees.jpg&hash=d8856a038c2f1cd8c2c2076b3f94c17ff6cd3a9a)
1.2.1 - Streets, no trees, no ploppable water
I finished out the preliminary streets. There will eventually be two more neighborhoods east of the river and an industrial park near the lake shore east of the river, but I'll wait to do those later on when I return to increase development.
Next up I'll do a little work on a small creek on the east side of the river. I did some leveling of the creek bed, and installed culverts where it crosses Columbus Avenue and State Road. East of that, it becomes shallower until we reach its inception near Middle Road.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F1-2%2520Ashtabula%2F1-2-2_Asht_river__creek.jpg&hash=5162dfb3b6542cd6df4d089b2202285e12cf164b)
1.2.2 - Ashtabula River and creek
I also finished up some work in the southeast corner of the quad on the river there. In real life, the river actually runs over the road on the Kingsville township line; I opted to install culverts rather than a bridge here, and finished the river to where it exits along the south edge.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F1-2%2520Ashtabula%2F1-2-3_Asht_river_SE.jpg&hash=12ec8834d8344cfe31771d7188357938fbeb6659)
1.2.3 - Southeast corner of the township
Time to add some trees:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F1-2%2520Ashtabula%2F1-2-4_Asht_Columbus_Ave_culvert.jpg&hash=dad6ced2aa0159976d1d902102eb7d5e014381fb)
1.2.4 - Columbus Avenue culvert
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F1-2%2520Ashtabula%2F1-2-5_Asht_State_Rd_culvert.jpg&hash=843f28a7b56a0a17e59d364d524738936072c07b)
1.2.5 - State Road culvert
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F1-2%2520Ashtabula%2F1-2-6_Asht_10th_St_bridge_trees.jpg&hash=1a6b88416ec04f9dceb7d2a44ff3602ccd9a00cf)
1.2.6 - 10th Street bridge
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F1-2%2520Ashtabula%2F1-2-7_Asht_rail_bridge_trees.jpg&hash=f63edbb0c27a13cb45da2adcd03da987a23b0573)
1.2.7 - Rail bridge over river
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F1-2%2520Ashtabula%2F1-2-8_Asht_Harmon_Hill_Bridge_trees.jpg&hash=5c17d86035b2de133e652a7c47df0b2b2f98fb6f)
1.2.8 - Harmon Hill Road bridge
Next time we'll get some utility poles plopped and do some development (finally!)
-- Don
+1 karma point, please...there we go!
You've earned it, Don! I'm seeing some things here that are just amazing--the way you laid out your network with the sign posts is one of the most creative things I've seen in quite some time, and the ploppable water work is wonderful, too!
Oh, and I see your a former Keystone stater, too! Mercer County's only a hop, skip, jump, and 4 hour car ride from the only "town" in PA--Bloomsburg!
I will be waiting with eager anticipation to see what you have next for us here, my friend!
Take care!
Dustin
Well, I'm speechless, Dustin! I certainly never expected that my signpost method would be worthy of a karma point, and I am blown away! Thank you so much for the recognition!
And ... it is I who learned something from you today: I knew that Pennsylvania had boroughs [linkie] (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/borough) and cities, but never knew there was an incorporated town! So I had to look:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F1-3%2520Ashtabula%2F0-Bloomsburg.jpg&hash=4a7937835b1ff6cf5b19f1d3a8b138b332838236)
1.3.0 - USGS topographic map of Bloomsburg, Pa.
So there you go! I haven't yet learned what the criteria are for a village to become a city here in Illinois; I live in the City of Des Plaines, area 14.4 mi² (37.3 km²), population 59K, and yet nearby Arlington Heights, which is nearly 5 miles from north to south and boasts an area of 16.4 mi² (42.5 km²) and a population of 76K, is only a village. I don't know of any "towns" in Ohio, but here in Illinois, you'll find incorporated villages, towns and cities.
1.3 Ashtabula, planning the power grid
I'm ready now to begin doing some development; but before I do this I want to do a little figuring of where my utility poles are going to go. This involves a lot of plopping and re-plopping until I get the desired results, and then, I will need to come back and plop some over again. Any time the terrain on which a utility pole sits changes in any way, chances are the utility pole is going to disappear. But it's important to plan the grid before laying out zones to avoid zoning where the poles are. A few of the residential properties have room for utility poles, but most lots in general do not, so I try to leave a utility right-of-way to allow for easy plopping of the poles. In urban settings, I'll run the main supply poles along the sides of the major streets while running poles between the side streets (through back yards) for ease of zoning. I will also utilize the railroad right-of-way for running subtransmission lines when it makes sense to. So here we go ...
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F1-3%2520Ashtabula%2F1-3-1_State_Rd_at_tracks.jpg&hash=c8ed227ff480f456c545a07fa1afa944fb4d8c41)
1.3.1 - State Road at the tracks
... plotting them along the tracks, which required removal of some trees ...
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F1-3%2520Ashtabula%2F1-3-2_Columbus_Ave_at_tracks.jpg&hash=6e81ee8a2ebe1edb4001d7843123d1f813e2d8da)
1.3.2 - Columbus Avenue at the tracks
... and across the river ...
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F1-3%2520Ashtabula%2F1-3-3_Rail_bridge_at_river_1.jpg&hash=6e716a1b59a2bc47b93850f65fe1f3f9b2705fc0)
1.3.3 - Tracks at the river
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F1-3%2520Ashtabula%2F1-3-4_Rail_bridge_at_river_2.jpg&hash=dfb235b6dc49e13327fb09af648d653414ac0bd2)
1.3.4 - Tracks at the river (rotated)
... to the West 17th Street substation.
-- Don
Wow, I'm amazed by the amount of planning that's been done here! The way you made those rivers is really neat too.
I knew I would see a good power grid here, Don. :thumbsup: Somehow, that reminds me of a strategy that I use. I tend to place transit networks and power lines first, and build around them. It's also rather impressive that you're following a map so closely, which can be quite rewarding in terms of realism. The ploppable water also looks very good, if I do say so myself. Keep up the good work!
&apls
HAPPY 100th POST TO ME!
Splime, thanks for the compliments, my friend.
Metarvo, I had to build a region for my utility poles! ;) This is the real-life place where my poles come from (they're limited to Northeast Ohio).
1.4 - Ashtabula, development beginsFor my 100th post, I am pleased to share some pictures of development in Ashtabula, featuring my utility poles. Things are growing nicely. I did, however, get a little concerned that my agricultural demand was at times negative once again. This is the problem I had in prior attempts, and it was really disappointing. I have no schools and no commercial at this point; just low-density residential and agricultural. I decided not to panic, and somewhat randomly continued adding residential zones. To my surprise and satisfaction, the ag demand did teeter between positive and negative for a time -- each time it went positive, another farm or two would develop -- and eventually it stayed positive (and rather high, at that). This should prove quite beneficial when I start a neighboring quad (probably Plymouth, to the south, since I already have some really exciting plans I can't wait to share). Another thing I'm thrilled about is that Ashtabula's city budget is already well in the black, and I didn't need to cheat to get there. Of course one of the main factors behind this is the lack of city services, educational enrichment or health services. But that's fine for now; as long as no fires break out (I'm sure I can afford a fire station if needed)! I'm very leery of doing too much that will negatively affect the ag demand right now, because I don't want any of that to spill over in the region until the neighboring cities get on their feet. So, I am going to put Ashtabula on hold; however, I do want to get the utility poles laid out to give this a more "finished" look. So enjoy the random pictures (city date, 29 December 0004), and I'll be back next time to start on a neighboring quad. Eventually I'll come back to Ashtabula and start developing the "city" area.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F1-4%2520Ashtabula%2F1-4-01_West_Avenue_at_Carpenter_Roa.jpg&hash=051f8be52566691b81de7dbc997b42a705f33b5c)
1.4.1 - West Ave. @ Carpenter Rd.(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F1-4%2520Ashtabula%2F1-4-02_Tracks_on_east_side.jpg&hash=19bbf0712665750faebc608195ac6eaa05115393)
1.4.2 - Tracks on the southeast side(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F1-4%2520Ashtabula%2F1-4-03_State_Rd_south.jpg&hash=85f99a8b73ca711e330ed3fb08c911a48648b7e9)
1.4.3 - State Rd. south(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F1-4%2520Ashtabula%2F1-4-04_State_Rd_at_tracks.jpg&hash=48a82267d5c76ad12578d2ecef6c3d0fa4c48dce)
1.4.4 - State Rd. @ tracks(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F1-4%2520Ashtabula%2F1-4-05_State_Rd_culvert.jpg&hash=b8bc98bbd9b0895dc222df70d8fb1fb0d2f0e7cc)
1.4.5 - State Rd. culvert(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F1-4%2520Ashtabula%2F1-4-06_Middle_Rd.jpg&hash=e75f64883c3bfc4728c5ac59e50f9eedee4349f7)
1.4.6 - Middle Rd.(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F1-4%2520Ashtabula%2F1-4-07_Middle_Rd.jpg&hash=5205dffd3dfe3a8da355f3c86a0e2fc0b37adddf)
1.4.7 - Middle Rd.(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F1-4%2520Ashtabula%2F1-4-08_LaBounty_Rd.jpg&hash=167886b5e48e97fbdf13089336ea42b2bd58a58e)
1.4.8 - LaBounty Rd.(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F1-4%2520Ashtabula%2F1-4-09_LaBounty_Rd.jpg&hash=544640c2c7aabc658fb8e9c9e70ab39d74470d39)
1.4.9 - LaBounty Rd.(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F1-4%2520Ashtabula%2F1-4-10_Sill_Rd.jpg&hash=2bf2d928690000b4538f7d220c979a7de6bfd810)
1.4.10 - Sill Rd.(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F1-4%2520Ashtabula%2F1-4-11_North_Ridge_East.jpg&hash=ed2214f4bd335791581fe49d7b2ff3eb3ece919f)
1.4.11 - North Ridge East / US 20(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F1-4%2520Ashtabula%2F1-4-12_Blake_Rd_at_tracks.jpg&hash=6b894a4e3b7d7251fbcefc5c63a30e531e15c7a6)
1.4.12 - Blake Rd. @ tracks(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F1-4%2520Ashtabula%2F1-4-13_Blake_Rd.jpg&hash=91d32b3786e47ca8b207694d9ba31f806a4bff37)
1.4.13 - Blake Rd.(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F1-4%2520Ashtabula%2F1-4-14_Hadlock_Rd.jpg&hash=eafa61a9d2b3415020fa510e4a6579e1d67cf9bb)
1.4.14 - Hadlock Rd.(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F1-4%2520Ashtabula%2F1-4-15_Hadlock_Rd.jpg&hash=2cf6233da6c2dc37b0bada3274b67368fca591b6)
1.4.15 - Hadlock Rd.-- Don
Off to a great start Don. I too am in the major preplanning stages so it was interesting to see the sign tool, never thought about that before. Anyways, the nature added and the development makes this look to be a very promising region.
moin homefrys,
those pictures look really nice! :thumbsup:
a good idea to re_do an realistic tranportationnetwork ...
still miss the life on the streets, though. :P
can't wait to see more ...
b_schlurf
Your method of work is interesting :thumbsup:
projectadam, b_schlurf and Orange_o_: I'm so pleased that you have stopped by for a visit. I hope to see you again soon!
2.0 – Saybrook-on-the-Lake, a quick build
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F2-0%2520Saybrook-on-the-Lake%2F2-0-1_Saybrook-on-the-Lake.jpg&hash=3bc641f0bd447ee0976cadc95a96f95ce5304c90)
2.0.1 - Saybrook-on-the-Lake
Welcome back. Well, I said I'd go to Plymouth next, but decided to start on Saybrook-on-the-Lake instead. Directly west of Ashtabula, this is one of two quads that is "made-up," due to the constraints of the game. In real life, this quad is part of Saybrook Township, which is adjacent to the south. I also altered the land on the west edge to eliminate a quad to the west of this one with very little land. Saybrook-on-the-Lake is not a fictional placename, however, as the intersection of State Routes 45 (Center Road) and 531 (Lake Road) and Carpenter Road make up a dot on a real map with this name, so I chose it for this quad, rather than something fictional like "West Ashtabula."
Because the land area here is so small and the terrain has few variations, I was able to get the streets and rail laid out rather quickly and easily. The only outstanding feature is the creek that enters from the south and spills into Lake Erie near the center. This allowed me the opportunity to use the ploppable culverts again. Something I would like to see, however, would be a culvert that's about half the size of this one. The drawback to this one is that it requires a 15-foot clearance from the road surface. I'd like to have shallower creeks in places, and a smaller culvert would be beneficial. I'm not well-versed in making offset props, so, for now, I'll make this one work.
Here are some post-development/pre-zoning pictures:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F2-0%2520Saybrook-on-the-Lake%2F2-0-2_SotL_network.jpg&hash=444ac435ade6c4d06f650be8470bf25bc54b394f)
2.0.2 - transportation network
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F2-0%2520Saybrook-on-the-Lake%2F2-0-3_SotL_trees.jpg&hash=cb25bdf3d305150f02afb078622909fb498f1880)
2.0.3 - trees
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F2-0%2520Saybrook-on-the-Lake%2F2-0-4_SotL_Red_Brook_at_Wade_Ave.jpg&hash=30ce211eed11f015e77ba8dd1435ab5fafd123cb)
2.0.4 - Red Brook @ Wade Ave.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F2-0%2520Saybrook-on-the-Lake%2F2-0-5_SotL_Red_Brook_at_Wade_Ave_cl.jpg&hash=40d803ed9c04cff2d0eb4226001d56dcd174d304)
2.0.5 - Close-up of Red Brook @ Wade Ave.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F2-0%2520Saybrook-on-the-Lake%2F2-0-6_SotL_Red_Brook_at_Carpenter_R.jpg&hash=c368b70841a3333b26ea317c210ca62f49982e12)
2.0.6 - Red Brook @ Carpenter Rd.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F2-0%2520Saybrook-on-the-Lake%2F2-0-7_SotL_Red_Brook_at_Carpenter_R.jpg&hash=3a40581a9af372d2bfde6704002a27d01097d19e)
2.0.7 - Red Brook @ Carpenter Rd. close up
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F2-0%2520Saybrook-on-the-Lake%2F2-0-8_SotL_Red_Brook_at_Lake_Rd_clo.jpg&hash=92bcca13c445891a6e919e6f2371c61e9910125e)
2.0.8 - Red Brook @ Lake Rd.
I thought I could package Saybrook-on-the-Lake into one complete update; however, I have 14 more pictures to share! So, we'll do that in the next update.
-- Don
Absolutely outstanding work, Don. I've been scouting around for fellow culvert lovers for a while- now we need to see if we can get someone to BAT some quarter-size ones for installations like this
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg27.imageshack.us%2Fimg27%2F5317%2Fculvertsnearleroy2.jpg&hash=09202cf14376f42f5461515325edc57c756ce1e7)
in low and swampy areas. I really like the rolling hills and how you've spent the time to make sure there's no abrupt tile-to-tile sharp breaks on your roads. Ashtabula is definitely bookmarked for return visits.
David
Hi, Don!
Sorry for missing so much wonderful stuff here in Ashtabula, my friend. I promise to try and make it in here much more regularly.
Saybrook-on-the-Lake looks wonderful--I'm with David on the culverts, too, amazing job with them! Those are the kinds of details that, prior to their creation and use, that I would have never even thought of to add in, but now that they're available, it's that much more incredible. And to see them used so well here, it makes me want to head in and start doing some work with them of my own!
Oh, and I'm glad I was able to show you the only "town" in Pennsylvania, too! And I can see my apartment on the map you posted, too!
Take care, my friend. I'll be looking forward to seeing what you have for us next!
Dustin
Welcome to page 2!
David (dedgren), thanks so much stopping by and for the kind words. I do love the culverts; and, yes, we do need half and quarter sizes, for sure. In addition to swampy areas, I'd also like having shallower creeks as well. I'm not versed in off-set lots or props. As for the smooth roads, this has always been something I've strived for, and I'm pleased to finally be sharing this with the community. Thanks for noticing!
Additionally, I have a question for your and the broad audience. What are you using to make your fantastic maps? I can do most anything I want with the means I have at my fingertips except for one thing: railroad tracks (the line with cross-hash marks). Looking for something I don't have to pay for. Any suggestions are most welcomed.
Dustin (thundercrack83), please don't apologize. You have your own wonderfulness going on, and I'm just glad to have you stop by every so often. Visit again soon, and I'll likewise stop by your neck-of-the-woods soon. And I want to personally thank you for your fantastic idea of a logo/border for the pictures. Mine is subtle, and I'm quite pleased with it. Let me know what you think!
2.1 – Saybrook-on-the-Lake, more countryside
I don't have much else to say about Saybrook-on-the-Lake at this point ... just pictures to share. These are all from city date 30 August 0004*. I have left room for Ashtabula to sprawl over into the northwestern portion of this village later on, so just as with Ashtabula, I will eventually be returning to Saybrook-on-the-Lake for further development. Meanwhile, enjoy the following.
*need to verify at home later
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2.1.1 - Ninevah Rd.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F2-1%2520Saybrook-on-the-Lake%2F2-1-02_SotL_Cemetery_Rd_substation.jpg&hash=8d4028d9d320bd94fdffcad12d674d01b7edc0f3)
2.1.2 - Substation on Cemetery Rd. near W. 10th St.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F2-1%2520Saybrook-on-the-Lake%2F2-1-03_SotL_north_neighborhood.jpg&hash=e27da70d1aec2dabcef79cb92888572117023f07)
2.1.3 - Residential neighborhood north of W. 10th St. near the Ashtabula border
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F2-1%2520Saybrook-on-the-Lake%2F2-1-04_SotL_Cemetery_at_Carpenter.jpg&hash=a20695e3028195b613cd8a43a076141043a2ffb3)
2.1.4 - Carpenter Rd. at Cemetery Rd.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F2-1%2520Saybrook-on-the-Lake%2F2-1-05_SotL_Wade_Ave.jpg&hash=c338191e00bb05f6520298f520ec90440f97eebd)
2.1.5 - Wade Ave.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F2-1%2520Saybrook-on-the-Lake%2F2-1-06_SotL_Tryon_Rd.jpg&hash=769782e851f619e5fb4f10bb7b841587430d528f)
2.1.6 - Tryon Rd. - one instance where I was able to plop utility poles on the property and in the farm field
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F2-1%2520Saybrook-on-the-Lake%2F2-1-07_SotL_Tryon_Rd.jpg&hash=ff97ffb9dadf7cd61823857d243d380a62940d24)
2.1.7 - Tryon Rd.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F2-1%2520Saybrook-on-the-Lake%2F2-1-08_SotL_Merchants_at_Brooks.jpg&hash=3ace6771588154cf130d28e0d50444bea29f6d44)
2.1.8 - Merchants & Brooks Rds.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F2-1%2520Saybrook-on-the-Lake%2F2-1-09_SotL_Wade_Ave.jpg&hash=ada1c162b4923f5c1c80c930440706fba1584f61)
2.1.9 - Wade Ave.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F2-1%2520Saybrook-on-the-Lake%2F2-1-10_SotL_Carpenter_at_Renko.jpg&hash=0085278f0265d5bb46264ce1dc581780f3aab829)
2.1.10 - Carpenter Rd. at Renko Rd.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F2-1%2520Saybrook-on-the-Lake%2F2-1-11_SotL_Cemetery_Rd.jpg&hash=6ab7757353981b4cab31156f1e838e6fba444d99)
2.1.11 - Cemetery Rd. - another instance of poles plopped on a farm and fields
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F2-1%2520Saybrook-on-the-Lake%2F2-1-12_SotL_W_10th_St.jpg&hash=523242dee45e291fbb91f70c6fa3d59a394153fc)
2.1.12 - Zoom out on W. 10th St. & Cemetery Rd.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F2-1%2520Saybrook-on-the-Lake%2F2-1-13_SotL_west_of_Center_Rd.jpg&hash=f623f70c08335422ff76af2d215c0a5589e49237)
2.1.13 - East of Center Rd., south of Carpenter Rd.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F2-1%2520Saybrook-on-the-Lake%2F2-1-14_SotL_Red_Brook.jpg&hash=1c5f1939be39d81543d08a17f6dadbf3f49398a1)
2.1.14 - Red Brook between Carpenter Rd. and Wade Ave.
Next time I will be moving on to Plymouth (for real). See you then!
-- Don
splendid countryside ! good job ;)
Looking great! Love the rural development and how you've placed your power poles. Keep up the great work!
Hi Don! Excellent start you've made on your MD. Your planning abilities eclipse most I've ever seen (if you're one of the precious few exceptions, you know who you are! :) ) The rural areas are just beautiful - laid out to perfection right down to the small details.
I've been out of the loop most of the week, but now I've found Ashtabula and plan to be a regular visitor. With your work already showing great promise, it will be fascinating to watch you re-create a RL area here.
Keep up the good work...
Joan
Beautiful Farmland!
Don,
That is some really amazing work. I think that you can start putting your recreation levels next to someone like Mr.Beer (from Simtropolis). I love the work you've done with the power poles and substations- I've been experimenting with your sets with on and off success (the lack of success comes from my playing style... your BATs are very well done). And I'm a big sucker for creeks, farmfields, and open land - all three of which you've done exceptionally well and shown thus far.
Now I'm going to have to get off the exit next time I pass through NE Ohio and explore around the real Ashtabula.
Great work!
warconstruct, thanks; I'm glad you like!
Battlecat, thanks; the poles do make it difficult to develop along that side of the road. When I'm able to entice some r§§§ to the area, I can get some 3x4 residential lots in, and they usually have room for my poles.
Joan (Jmouse), I've seen you around a lot of MD's, and I'm so pleased to have you stop by here!
danielcote, Thank you, also, for the kind words.
meinhosen, I may have to venture over to ST and take a look. The name sounds familiar, and it's possible I've seen his work, but it's been a long, long time since I've been there. Thank you for the high praise! Keep in mind, if you do venture off I-90 and take a look around, it isn't going to look quite like this! For one thing, as I mentioned in my intro, the size has been reduced by about 25% to fit better in the game, and my region is based on maps from before interstates. But in real life, there are some really nice areas; along the rivers is the most picturesque. See below for one of the newest tourist attractions which is convenient for a quick look as you're passing by (it's very close to SR 11 & I-90).
3.0 – Plymouth: a river, ridges and three covered bridges
I forgot to capture a shot of the tile loading! Darn!
A little Ohio history lesson: before Ohio became a state in 1803, much of the northeast portion was a territory of Connecticut, and was justly called The Connecticut Western Reserve [linkie] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Connecticut_Western_Reserve). There are many references to this found elsewhere, such as Case Western Reserve University [linkie] (http://www.case.edu/) in Cleveland and Western Reserve Transportation Authority [linkie] (http://www.wrtaonline.com/) in Youngstown, to name a couple. There are also many, many instances of municipality names that reflect directly on New England and England, such as Andover, Windsor, Trumbull, Plymouth, Saybrook and Sheffield. One of my favorites is Wooster, Ohio, in Wayne County. It's pronounced the same as Worcester (Mass.), derived from Worcestershire, England, I suppose. I guess the settlers liked the name but hated the spelling, so they opted to simplify it! But I digress.....
Back to Plymouth. As the title of this update suggests, we will experience lots of terrain variations here. The Ashtabula River enters from the east (from Sheffield), winds back and forth and exits east into Kingsville. Then, in real life, a portion of the river is the dividing line between Ashtabula and Plymouth Townships about 2/3 of the way from east to west. The township border then follows a creek for a short distance before following straight lines south to what is now the intersection of Garrison and Jefferson Roads, and then west along Garrison Road beyond its terminus at Ashtabula-Austinburg Rd. Of course I can't duplicate that in the game, so the northwestern portion of my Plymouth is part of the real-life Ashtabula Township and city.
Since I had already done a dry-run of this quad, I didn't plot out my grid with signposts. I skipped ahead to just plotting my network out.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F3-0%2520Plymouth%2F3-0-01_Plymouth_network_signposts.jpg&hash=a5ac6fc3d0e8f4e0fb1ec1f7e4bcc423602a8adc)
3.0.1 - Transit network plotted out with signposts
In my dry-run for this quad, I was really pleased that I was able to duplicate some of the real-life features, such as the railroad crossings over Main Ave. (State Route 84) and under Plymouth Ridge Rd. (State Route 83) just a short distance apart, with only a minor change in gradient.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F3-0%2520Plymouth%2F3-0-02_Plymouth_rail_at_Main_and_Pl.jpg&hash=e770453fd8587e22578aa5093c6fcca4f621f88e)
3.0.2 - Rail over Main Ave. and under Plymouth Ridge Rd.
I am also pleased with the way the rail follows the minor gradient from Plymouth Ridge Rd. to its crossing at State Rd., and then its curve south to more level ground ...
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F3-0%2520Plymouth%2F3-0-03_Plymouth_FARR_grade.jpg&hash=e50c863de1d3406e589e9be9e0ff9948633bbefc)
3.0.3 - Rail grade with FARR (fractional-angle railroad)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F3-0%2520Plymouth%2F3-0-04_Plymouth_rail_at_State.jpg&hash=4847395446286abb30975542fbdfbef8b75645bd)
3.0.4 - Rail crossing at State Rd.
... and farther south to where Plymouth Station will go.
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3.0.5 - Future Plymouth Station
Another nice gradient is the railroad underpass at South Ridge West (State Route 84) near the Saybrook Township line not far from the overpass at Woodman Ave. Today, this portion of the rail is now gone and an improved bicycle/walking trail now follows the old railroad grade.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F3-0%2520Plymouth%2F3-0-06_Plymouth_rail_at_SRW_and_Woo.jpg&hash=c68bbdf5af242fb13e301c0a429a780bbcb7617b)
3.0.6 - Rail under South Ridge and over Woodman Ave.
In real life, W. Prospect Rd. (US Route 20) does not zig-zag through this portion of the city ...
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F3-0%2520Plymouth%2F3-0-07_Plymouth_W_Prospect_Rd.jpg&hash=e67b377c75c73b67e6eb5987d5866aa9affcaf19)
3.0.7 - W. Propsect Rd. at West Ave.
... but using FAR (fractional-angle road) here would prohibit most of the street crossings (because orthogonal street/FAR intersections have not yet* been created), which would be less realistic to me.
*though I think I smell something good cooking over at David's (dedgren's) place (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=112.msg236098#msg236098)!
We also have 21st St. (State Route 84) and the railroad crossing the river near each other. The real-life rail crossing is the site of the worst railroad disaster in American history [linkie] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ashtabula_River_Railroad_Disaster).
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F3-0%2520Plymouth%2F3-0-08_Plymouth_north_crossings.jpg&hash=af1eb66c9eb6ea25065e8082c8b283568d62649e)
3.0.8 - title
Another note about Ashtabula County is that it is very proud of its covered bridge heritage [linkie] (http://www.coveredbridgefestival.org). To close out this update, I'll feature three of the covered bridge crossings at the river. The first one, State Rd., is now the real-life site of the longest covered bridge in the United States [linkie] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smolen%E2%80%93Gulf_Bridge). It was once the site of a much shorter covered bridge that was situated lower in the gulf, somewhat like my depiction.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F3-0%2520Plymouth%2F3-0-09_Plymouth_State_Rd_Bridge.jpg&hash=2caa16b80e6889b39a963421e3f138e51dc44e49)
3.0.9 - State Rd. Bridge
In real life, the river crossing on Plymouth Ridge Rd. was also the site of a covered bridge at one time. Since then (and before I was born), a bypass to the north was built, and the covered bridge no longer exists. My depiction is closer to the road's original path.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F3-0%2520Plymouth%2F3-0-10_Plymouth_PlymRdg_Rd_Bridge.jpg&hash=b5681a172b37c59355de033f9e9526905de5729d)
3.0.10 - Plymouth Ridge Rd. Bridge
Finally, the crossing on Dewey Rd. is where we find Olin's (or Olin) Bridge [linkie] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Olin%27s_Covered_Bridge). This real-life bridge is the only extant covered bridge in the county that is named for a family. I happen to be distantly related to this family. The bridge has been renovated, and a museum stands nearby at the old family homestead. Here's my depiction:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F3-0%2520Plymouth%2F3-0-11_Plymouth_Olins_Bridge.jpg&hash=7fb45bb7cc77a51f68504c1f3bb3ae29349c25c5)
3.0.11 - Olin's Bridge
More from Plymouth next time.
-- Don
wow :o impressive work :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Hi!!
I must say, that the way you "prepare" your cities/region is amazing!! A brilliant work on planning, almost real!!
Just, Brilliant!!!!! &apls
Youcefk69, thank you for the encouragement!
JJsa, thank you; I'm glad to know the realism is coming across. That's what I'm striving for. Come back again soon!
3.1 – Plymouth, power grid and trees
I just have some final pre-development pictures to share this time; the transit network is done, the power grid is in place, and some trees are planted.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F3-1%2520Plymouth%2F3-1-01_Plymouth_north_river_crossin.jpg&hash=0caeb4b30b617aca9793cdae40b5772053f6f15a)
3.1.1 - North river crossings
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F3-1%2520Plymouth%2F3-1-02_Plymouth_W_Prospect_at_West.jpg&hash=9a06eb20a6b44d2fb9847cd43aa2005153e8f092)
3.1.2 - West Prospect Rd. (US 20) at West Ave.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F3-1%2520Plymouth%2F3-1-03_Plymouth_State_at_SRE.jpg&hash=2edaecc4e39dc9b8547686d1f870f92d953d1d0f)
3.1.3 - State Rd. at South Ridge East (SR 84)
The next three pictures show my first crack at crossing the river gulf; however, I was not happy with the result. I fired up the BAT and worked on a better solution, which I will share in the next update.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F3-1%2520Plymouth%2F3-1-04_Plymouth_poles_at_river.jpg&hash=02386629b35f91752f5ed6029b44c5b7a1d25492)
3.1.4 - Utility poles at river
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F3-1%2520Plymouth%2F3-1-05_Plymouth_poles_at_river.jpg&hash=62f010bffed9cfbc6af156c477c017d964f80585)
3.1.5 - Utility poles at river
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F3-1%2520Plymouth%2F3-1-06_Plymouth_poles_at_PlymRdg.jpg&hash=62a7d1d6e3193c820c8e61c5edccadc5ca616138)
3.1.6 - Utility poles at Plymouth Ridge Rd. (SR 83)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F3-1%2520Plymouth%2F3-1-07_Plymouth_Jefferson_Rd_substa.jpg&hash=397013d0a584d0d02aacfca23df1df7f724111c7)
3.1.7 - Jefferson Rd. Substation
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F3-1%2520Plymouth%2F3-1-08_Plymouth_poles_at_Jefferson_.jpg&hash=0e0d49dada3241ef06c9084d94832db964bc29c0)
3.1.8 - Utility poles at Jefferson Rd. (SR 46)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F3-1%2520Plymouth%2F3-1-09_Plymouth_poles_at_Plymouth_R.jpg&hash=3d48b578210d02fe23a1b328da454624ad0702dd)
3.1.9 - Utility poles at Plymouth Rd.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F3-1%2520Plymouth%2F3-1-10_Plymouth_State_at_Plymouth.jpg&hash=d641656a6f0c0aec4d0dce0bab3497473da74e71)
3.1.10 - State Rd. at Plymouth Rd.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F3-1%2520Plymouth%2F3-1-11_Plymouth_Plymouth_PlymGagevi.jpg&hash=f3061665371a4d659f08078bf19b080b2bc9680b)
3.1.11 - Plymouth Rd. / Plymouth-Gageville Rd. / Brown Rd.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F3-1%2520Plymouth%2F3-1-12_Plymouth_Jefferson_at_State.jpg&hash=4cb445120970e985161491555300590d907839c1)
3.1.12 - State Rd. at Jefferson Rd. (SR 46)
-- Don
Edit: Woo-hoo, my 128th post!
This is a very nice use of the rural roads, and the power grid is also well done. This is a great example of planning, Don. Good work! :thumbsup:
Fantastic MD. I love the amount of preplanning put into everything.
The river and the bridges that pass over it look great as well. Actually everything looks really good and I can't wait to see some buildings. ::)
Keep up the great work,
Robin :thumbsup:
Hi, Don!
I've been in Texas and Oklahoma for the past few days, so I've been on sporadically, but I just had to stop in here to Ashtabula and comment on the ever-growing and just outstanding stuff you are doing here! Your road and rail network look absolutely stunning--I know where I will be coming for rural inspiration!--and to say that the power lines are a "nice touch" is a gross understatement. It adds a depth of realism that I simply cannot get enough of, my friend!
I'm always keeping an eye on things here, and I'll be looking forward to what you have for us next!
Take care!
Dustin
Interesting , I'll definitely will keep my eye on it , i love the planning u put into it!
It's just impressive :o, the preparation of the city before the devloppment, it's so American $%Grinno$%
Guillaume :thumbsup:
Hi Don! Sorry for my temporary absence - had some computer issues to deal with.
You've done a great job of laying roads on that hilly terrain. Hope you'll share some of your techniques with us one of these days. I'm anxious to see how you finish off Ashtabula River - you've already made some excellent bridge choices.
A lot of experienced players start out with a transport and utility system in place as you're doing, and it's always interesting to watch the development unfold. I always hope I'll learn a thing or two, but it hasn't happened yet! &mmm Guess it's like reading a book about tennis - it's helpful but no substitute for getting out on the court and actually playing the game.
Looking forward to seeing a lot more of your work here...
Joan
Wow ... I noticed after my previous update that we were approaching 1000 views, and as I'm starting getting ready to post I see we're at
1136 views! I certainly appreciate the interest and am humbled by all the great comments and words of encouragement!
metarvo: Thanks, my friend. So far, I have attempted to mimic real life as much as I can. There is really no substation in Plymouth, but of course my substations provide the power for the quads. The other variance from real life is that there were 3-wire subtransmission lines running down Jefferson Rd. (to Jefferson), but I opted not to create these, as I already have plenty of utility poles to sift through in my menu!
Robin (rooker1): Thank you for the great compliments! Development is on the way.
Dustin (thundercrack83): I'm so glad you stopped by amid your busy schedule. I hope this update won't dissapoint. I love the utility poles, even though they take a LOT of time to place. But it's worth it, IMO.
Corey (Nexis4Jersey): Thanks for the kind words. Come back soon!
Guillaume (Sciurus):
Quote from: Sciurus on April 10, 2009, 09:07:38 AMIt's just impressive :o, the preparation of the city before the devloppment, it's so American $%Grinno$%
Well ... yes, it is! This area of the US was well-planned, and many of the roads do create a grid pattern. What's nice, though, is that we now have FAR/R to represent the roads and rails that don't follow the grid. I remember my older cities and regions, and how grid-specific they had to be. Being able to mimic real life (as much as possible) is really proving to be a fun challenge! Thanks for coming by.
Joan (Jmouse): Computer issues - UGH! Had that with our desktop PC a couple months ago. Finally died a horrible death (luckily it was the motherboard and not the hard drive, which I have successfully pulled and it's in tact! *whew*). I'm hoping I can do more with the river as development on the new ploppable water [linkie] (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=112.msg236501#msg236501) progresses over at 3RR. I will have to show *more* of what I do and *how* I do it; maybe it will give you inspiration. You'll have to wait on that, however, as I am working well ahead of my actual postings (I am already well into Saybrook, which is my next quad to share). So when I move on to territory that I haven't yet tested in, I will try to share more here. It will probably be 2 to 3 weeks from now. But that doesn't mean there won't be anything to see here in the mean time.
Before I get to my update, I thought I'd take a moment to give my region a more indepth explanation. I realize that my region view in my opening post is not easy to read; additionally, I have discussed how my SC4 region differs from the real-life county due to SC4 constraints. So I have made this image to help explain these variances as well as allow you to see the names of the quads (which are pretty much impossible to read in the opening post). Also keep in mind that I've reduced it by 25% from real life (half the width and half the height) to give me quads that are approximately 2.5 mi. (4 km) square:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F3-2%2520Plymouth%2F3-2-a_region_overview.jpg&hash=8cb9e01e4359e670493c9fa0b419fb863379c7d5)
3.2.a - Region overview and comparison to real-life mapThe black lines and text indicate the real-life boundaries and names, and the green lines indicate
my region's quad boundaries. The two quads in green text, as mentioned in an earlier post, have no real-life counterparts, although the names themselves are not fictional; and
my Conneaut occupies a smaller portion of land than its real-life counterpart.
3.2 – Plymouth, farms among the hillsIt took over 15 years to develop all of the farms, but I finally got it (mostly) filled in where I wanted. As mentioned in my earlier update, the northwest corner of Plymouth is (IRL) an extension of Ashtabula city, and will eventually be filled in more with residential, commercial and light industrial. Right now, besides some low-density residential, I have the Black Hole waste management facility there.
As alluded to in my previous update, I had to take a short break from development here to do a little BATting of a series of 4 "mini-towers" for my utility wires to cross the river gorge. I tried using my utility poles to scale the slope, but it just seemed too unrealistic; and in real life ...
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520UtilPoles%2520Minitower%2Ftower.jpg&hash=71c89e00e69a2e3b241d3df71b065f93ab85f924)
3.2.b - Subtransmission tower along Plymouth Ridge Rd. (courtesy of Street View at Google Maps ... there are towers here at the gorge to carry the subtransmission lines across. So in an ongoing effort to imitate life as much as I can, here are the towers in place:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F3-2%2520Plymouth%2F3-2-01a_Plymouth_minitowers_mosaic1.jpg&hash=8ca56ab4656dc2f95c0fdcd078dabddc08d400c9)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F3-2%2520Plymouth%2F3-2-01b_Plymouth_minitowers_mosaic2.jpg&hash=6b6827c37868a15d8a41ab567c314f0ae85a04f6)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F3-2%2520Plymouth%2F3-2-01c_Plymouth_minitowers_mosaic3.jpg&hash=bb895a622d9cb9a87fce5ec773b3427b6335ec60)
3.2.1 - Subtransmission towers mosaic at Ashtabula RiverFor more information on these towers, please see my development thread [linkie] (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6511.msg233559#msg233559).
We'll move on to Saybrook next. Meanwhile, enjoy these random pictures of Plymouth:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F3-2%2520Plymouth%2F3-2-02_Plymouth_nw_industrial.jpg&hash=2856dfeb356c1a65a2609fac6f20652002f787f2)
3.2.2 - Black Hole trash facility near Woodman Ave.(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F3-2%2520Plymouth%2F3-2-03_Plymouth_river_north.jpg&hash=b768b82c3953c7a383d977b78b757b9cdfaec79b)
3.2.3 - Ashtabula River north(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F3-2%2520Plymouth%2F3-2-04_Plymouth_PlymRdg_bridge.jpg&hash=35f3bdd1a3ef9da18083eac433e556d151c197a8)
3.2.4 - Plymouth Ridge Road Covered Bridge(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F3-2%2520Plymouth%2F3-2-05_Plymouth_State__tracks.jpg&hash=13fa0726013e800cc0159457e176e93ef84a63c3)
3.2.5 - Intersection of Seven Hills Rd., Beck Rd. and State Rd. at tracks(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F3-2%2520Plymouth%2F3-2-06_Plymouth_rail_curve.jpg&hash=495bc2d46f257c068f8edadcc0d992a252ae2fc5)
3.2.6 - Rail curve (east of State Rd.)(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F3-2%2520Plymouth%2F3-2-07_Plymouth_Plymouth_Rd.jpg&hash=dddcc59e709d1d8f751ebbec8762ec950774a1a8)
3.2.7 - Plymouth Rd. (west of State Rd.)(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F3-2%2520Plymouth%2F3-2-08_Plymouth_Howard-Runkle-Seven.jpg&hash=e196247bd86067988cb1928c08c0c8bebbda1943)
3.2.8 - Howard Rd., Runkle Ave. and Seven Hills Rd. intersection(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F3-2%2520Plymouth%2F3-2-09_Plymouth_Plymouth_Sta.jpg&hash=063ec18a612520994153c9922e4108b3dbe2e190)
3.2.9 - Plymouth Station(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F3-2%2520Plymouth%2F3-2-10_Plymouth_Plymouth-PlymGgvl-B.jpg&hash=a36648dbea9c29d597de1a82dac53e0d557ddef1)
3.2.10 - Plymouth Rd., Plymouth-Gageville Rd. and Brown Rd. intersection(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F3-2%2520Plymouth%2F3-2-11_Plymouth_State_Rd.jpg&hash=5655938a33b5381a0efad76fe708cba956d517ec)
3.2.11 - State Rd. south of Carson Rd.(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F3-2%2520Plymouth%2F3-2-12_Plymouth_E_Morgan_at_tracks.jpg&hash=5703c9c4aa53df224ddd2c45b2e5e2d7c95f2f2e)
3.2.12 - Morgan-Meaney Rd. at tracks(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F3-2%2520Plymouth%2F3-2-13_Plymouth_southwest.jpg&hash=be1fae23d4faba2e33b592bf7e87c91676074269)
3.2.13 - Southwest township(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F3-2%2520Plymouth%2F3-2-14_Plymouth_central.jpg&hash=f3f0cec7c134aa0220d357b4278d4d3f3b693688)
3.2.14 - Central township(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F3-2%2520Plymouth%2F3-2-15_Plymouth_northern.jpg&hash=72ad0f56a6fc3cd3635aaa4e0e8e53c50c6a1c41)
3.2.15 - North township(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F3-2%2520Plymouth%2F3-2-16_Plymouth_northwest.jpg&hash=abf65a3c607182c09605e38d9f17fb42590c5ddc)
3.2.16 - Northwest township (extension of Ashtabula city)(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F3-2%2520Plymouth%2F3-2-17_Plymouth_minitowers.jpg&hash=e12df5aec2b9d72bdc8425ed520837f4eacffa57)
3.2.17 - Subtransmission towers(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F3-2%2520Plymouth%2F3-2-18_Plymouth_minitowers.jpg&hash=d146c20ef21cb37ea82919984607354ff790c3eb)
3.2.18 - Subtransmission towers, north end(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F3-2%2520Plymouth%2F3-2-19_Plymouth_minitowers.jpg&hash=99aabb719f99cc82e5295d7f9099d34659199859)
3.2.19 - Subtransmission towers at river crossing(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F3-2%2520Plymouth%2F3-2-20_Plymouth_minitowers.jpg&hash=c52d0d7bef2bcc383bf5d2872e192ddf50906075)
3.2.20 - Subtransmission towers at Plymouth Ridge Rd. (SR 83) and crossing tracks(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F3-2%2520Plymouth%2F3-2-21_Plymouth_minitowers.jpg&hash=f914ec7344544ce40dec76b4cfae0712c1678f11)
3.2.21 - Subtransmission towers, south end-- Don
Don,
I'm continually impressed every time I stop here. It took looking back over your pics a couple of times to realize the level of detail that you've put into everything you do... from naming roads and railroads (including RR subdivisions... that took some dedicated research... &apls) to your eye for detail when it comes to transitioning power lines for different types of terrain and usage.
Very well done!
It's very beautiful, I love!! But one question: how can you use differents fields than SC4? Could you tell me please where you found them and how you use it, if it's plop or grow ;) Thanks for the answer,
Guillaume :thumbsup:
EDIT: I saw there's a city which is named Pierpont. And near my village, (20 km), there's already a city which is named Pierrepont :D
You amaze me ... yes, you there, stopping by for a visit ... maybe commenting, maybe not. In the past 3 days since my last post, there have been over 100 views! Thank you all so much. I am humbled, indeed!
meinhosen: thank you so much for the kind words. I was glad to have found the old topographic maps (from the early 1900s) from which I am able to get much of my information. Of course, many of the railroads have changed hands multiple times since then, but it's fun to see the old names.
Sciurus: thanks for the compliment. I do believe all of the farms were downloaded off the Lex, and they're all growable. You can do a broad search on "type" alone, and pull up all the wonderful farming lots out there. They really do add a nice amount of variety, don't they? On Pierpont, I tried to find the origin of the name for the township and village in Ashtabula County, but found nothing. I don't know if it's tied to another place with the same (or similar) name, or if it's tied to a person (found some people with the name in my search, but didn't note any ties to Ashtabula).
3.3 – Plymouth, a mosaic
While I'm working on some other stuff (maps in particular), I thought I'd show a north-to-south mosaic that I put together. That's all for this time around.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F3-3%2520Plymouth%2FPlymouth-mosaic01.jpg&hash=969cee19ef42c7176d6e9a49f33c6e22531a1d43)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F3-3%2520Plymouth%2FPlymouth-mosaic02.jpg&hash=f29401461cdc2417cdd7c7bd0d6329fc6389d100)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F3-3%2520Plymouth%2FPlymouth-mosaic03.jpg&hash=9a787cad0e4cedcba3eb5f9ce72ff5b8513e1860)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F3-3%2520Plymouth%2FPlymouth-mosaic04.jpg&hash=3952d009c2eb2512a8c5c739b02b7f34eef9d27e)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F3-3%2520Plymouth%2FPlymouth-mosaic05.jpg&hash=32bca40e466e5fcdcfa05b163f22ec6d603b42d5)
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3.3.1 - Plymouth mosaic
-- Don
That is one of the most incredible mosaics that I have ever seen, Don! Placement of the poles alone is enough to make my eyes pop out with excitement, but then when you add in the railroads, the farms--just incredible stuff, my friend!
Ashtabula is a must-see, for sure!
Dustin
Wow! :o It's an enormous mosaic, and for Pierpont, maybe some people who came from the french village Pierrepont, founded this city ()stsfd()
Guillaume :thumbsup:
That is an enormous mosaic! This region looks fantastic, I love the details you're putting into this, particularly your use of power lines!
Very impressive mosaic, Don. You're doing a wonderful job on the rural areas, using the latest tools to their best advantage. I especialy like the way you've left some space between the homes in some cases. It's more along the lines of what I'm used to seeing and thus more realistic in my eyes.
Congratulations on an outstanding update...
Joan
It pleases me to say that I walk away from every trip to Ashtabula with new inspiration. This mosaic brings so much rural realism together in one place. You have done some good work here, Don.
:thumbsup:
This MD is absolutely amazing when it comes to rural realism, unfortunately I don´t get much time to play the game these days, but Your work certainly inspires!
I particularly like Your railroad network and the switches by the freightrailstation.
It is also nice to see that You get the raintool to work, for me it has proven difficult to use since the cities in which I use it tend to be corrupted after a while, so these days I don´t dare to use it.
Keep up the good work however, I will follow Your cities as they unfold.
Dustin (thundercrack83): I'm glad you like the poles; I do too! Also glad you enjoyed the end-to-end mosaic. I owe you a visit soon!
Guillaume (Sciurus): I'm pleased to inform you that my mom shares this tidbit about Pierpont (Ohio): "I found an article on Podunk [linkie] (http://www.epodunk.com) which states that Pierpont was named for a landholder by the name of Pierpont Edwards." As I told her, I was disappointed that the county's historical society had no information about Pierpont online. Thanks for stopping by as always ... and also, thanks, Mom!
Battlecat: Thanks for the kind words, my friend.
Joan (Jmouse): Always nice to have you visit. I too am used to houses with space in between, and have employed this technique a lot, even in some more densely populated cities I've done.
Metarvo: Picking up inspiration from others' work is what this site is all about, that's for sure, and I'm glad to be on the "giving" end this time around.
Swesim: Yes, the rain tool is tricky. What I've learned is that it's always best to use it before doing any other development, particularly on any land that is lower than the spot you're working on. When I'm done dragging the bridges across, I will usually save, exit and re-enter the quad. In any case, I am glad you stopped in.
3.4 – Maps of Ashtabula, Saybrook-on-the-Lake and Plymouth
As mentioned in my previous update, I took a break to work on maps of each of my first three quads. Click on each of the three buttons below to view the full-sized maps. The first map took me a while (lots of trial and error), but the other two came together a bit faster. Each quad's image is 2048x2304; click on the initial image to view full-sized (depending on your browser).
EDIT: Click the button below to view the *new* Ashtabula Region Overview map. From there, you can click on the completed tiles to view the corresponding full-sized maps of those quads. Thus far, Ashtabula, Saybrook-on-the-Lake and Plymouth are completed. Enjoy!
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(end edit)
Now I need to get back to work on Saybrook so I can continue my regular updates! :-\
-- Don
Excellent!! &apls And thanks for Pierpont ;)
Guillaume :thumbsup:
Stunning maps, Don! Absolutely stunning, my friend! The detail is amazing--especially the railroad tracks!
Keep up the great work, my friend!
Dustin
Really good maps, Don. I've copied them to an Ashtabula folder on the desktop and will refer back to them from time to time. Past experience has shown well-made maps to be very useful in keeping up with development as a region becomes more complex. Thanks for including them.
Later...
Joan
Guillaume (Sciurus): Thanks for the compliment ... and you're welcome!
Dustin (thundercrack83): Those tracks were a puzzler at first. I would love to have a good program that will draw a line with hash marks, like a real map ... but instead I built those by hand to start, and then employed my favorite tools, "copy" and "paste!" You may be surprised that I go through a tedious process to put those together, utilizing a number of programs: Paint, PhotoImpact (a now outdated photo/graphics program), Microsoft Excel and Microsoft PowerPoint! It's fun, but takes a while. Hopefully my next one will come together nicely. I now have my own version of "puzzle pieces" which helps.
Joan (Jmouse) and all: If you've not visited since commenting, scroll back up to my previous update for a new look at my maps! I've added a NEW Region Overview map (hosted elsewhere) to which the individual maps are linked. This will be easier for me to update as more maps are produced!
4.0 – Saybrook, more creeks and culverts
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4.0.1 - Saybrook ("loading" image)
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4.0.2 - Saybrook locator map
Saybrook was an interesting township to get the network into with the help of FAR/R. One of the notable features you'll see all along the north end of the entire region is the two highways and two railroads that run along the ridges parallel to the lake shore; the highways are appropriately named North Ridge (from the west edge of the region to the Kingsville Township line) and South Ridge (from the west edge of the region to just short of the east edge of the region).
The following images show my prep work in the quad. First is my signpost grid, like what was shown in my first quad, Ashtabula. Note that the northeast corner has an offset grid. This portion of the grid is actually an extension of Ashtabula's grid. Being a 28x28 grid, where 28 tiles = approximately 0.25 miles (0.4 km), centered on the quad, it doesn't line up with the edge of the quad. So later on, I may wish to "grow" Ashtabula beyond its boundaries (as I have already done in Plymouth and Saybrook-on-the-Lake), and I'll want the streets to line up with Ashtabula's street grid.
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4.0.3 - Signpost grid
Next, I plotted my transportation network with signposts, based on my RL map.
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4.0.4 - Signpost network layout
I laid out my rails and roads ...
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4.0.5 - Complete network
... added my creeks and culverts ...
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4.0.6 - With creeks
... and finished off with some trees.
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4.0.7 - Trees added
I'll be busy most of this weekend, so I don't know if I'll get a chance to post until some time next week. I'll have more preparation pics from Saybrook for you then.
-- Don
Wow, Don, that is quite a transportation network. It is so realistic and well-planned, and yet it has a natural feel. The creeks also flow quite naturally. Keep up the good work!
&apls
Wow, Don!
As always, your preparation is astounding, my friend! And the finished product is even more astounding! Those creeks look so realistic, it's unbelievable!
I am always waiting on the edge of my seat to see what Ashtabula will bring us next.
And good luck with your maps, too--the work that goes into making them sounds like a lot, but when they're finished up, they look fantastic!
Take care!
Dustin
moin homefryes,
i have to agree with metarvo ... looks like you got a big plan to have it as real as possible! :thumbsup:
b_schlurf
Those screen captures are just splendid, Don. And the pre-planning that goes into this project is astounding. I've always dreamed of doing work like that, but never figured out how to make the little creeks look right. Besides, I'm more of a "build it tonight, blow it up tomorrow" kind of player - I have a very busy bulldozer!
Nevertheless, you're doing a great job and watching how you develop your region is both educational and fascinating. You're way ahead of me when it domes to doing things right the first time! :)
Later...
Joan
Don, I am making it back around the circuit again, looking at the MDs that I have found to be of interest over the past months.
I saw pic 4.0.7 in your recent update and just about fell on the floor. You, my friend, better than anyone else (and that competition is pretty intense) have captured the vision behind the whole FAR/FARR/Wise Radius Curve thing. That pic could be templated straight onto a RL landscape- I am in awe.
I will be back over the weekend with an extended comment, some suggestions and a few promises- one of which involves FAR street intersections. I can't wait to see how you would use them.
This is beyond stunning work.
David
I agree with dedgren above, this is one of the best screenies I´ve seen in a long time, it could just as well have been Google earth or something we were looking at...
Keep up your wonderful work!
Quote from: dedgren on April 24, 2009, 06:47:22 PMI saw pic 4.0.7 in your recent update and just about fell on the floor. You, my friend, better than anyone else (and that competition is pretty intense) have captured the vision behind the whole FAR/FARR/Wide Radius Curve thing. That pic could be templated straight onto a RL landscape- I am in awe.
Just popping in to make a quick reply ... still "conferencing" half of tomorrow (Sunday morning), and I don't know if I'll get a chance to prepare an update.I'm speechless!
David (dedgren), coming from you, the mastermind behind FAR/FARR/WRC, this is truly the highest compliment, and I am honored and humbled! I was working on an earlier (now dead) version of Ashtabula when you first introduced FAR/R. I was then inspired to start over completely
(which included making a more true-to-life grayscale map) so that I could utilize these amazing pieces to more accurately portray the roads and rails that run parallel to the lake shore. So, for FAR/FARR/WRC, and for this high compliment, I thank you, my friend!
-- Don
Wow your region is great &apls &apls :D
As of writing this, we're have just surpassed 2000 views! Thanks everybody for stopping by!
metarvo: I will have to get a scan of the map posted to compare to my finished transit network. It's quite close to RL, thanks to FAR/R. I appreciate the compliment, my friend!
Dustin (thundercrack83): thanks for the kind words! I'll hopefully get a map of Saybrook put together and ready to post within the week.
beutelschlurf: absolutely! I did, however, add a couple of connector rails in Saybrook, and I'll explain why in a future update.
Joan (Jmouse): I have to remind you (and all) that this isn't the first time I've done Saybrook, as it is the last of the 4 quads I tested. However, stay tuned, as the next quad I feature will be one I have not done any testing on. I will share more details of the whole planning process I go through.
Again, David (dedgren), I appreciate the high praise! I couldn't do this without the amazing visions you have turned into reality. I'm looking forward to the other advice you have for me that will make this even better!
Swesim: thanks so much for the compliment!
Ashton: I'm glad you like my region. (I don't have any "grid on" pics this time around, but I will get some for the next update so you can see my tricks for plopping the poles)
4.1 – Saybrook, pre-development details
Following are some random shots around the township, featuring FAR/R and my utility poles.
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4.1.1 - Ashtabula-Austinburg Rd. & Center Rd. (SR 45) at the south edge of the quad
This next area is a bit more curvy than it was in real-life; it's as close as I could get it, due to game constraints. Later on (in RL), a bypass and overpass were added to carry Ashtabula-Austinburg Rd. over the tracks to the north of the intersection. I'm guessing it was in the 1950s (Mom?). And much later, the tracks were abandoned; the rail bed is now the site of a paved bicycle trail.
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4.1.2 - Munson Hill - intersection of Ashtabula-Austinburg Rd., Forman Rd. and Munson Hill Rd. at the Pennsylvania System Railroad
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4.1.3 - Chapel Rd. & Ashtabula-Austinburg Rd. at the Plymouth border
In RL, this next area is the site of a large transmission-to-subtransmission substation, with transmission lines that run from a power plant near the lake front in Ashtabula Township to points west-southwest.
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4.1.4 - Sanborn Road Substation
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4.1.5 - South Ridge West (SR 84) and the Pennsylvania System Railroad at the Plymouth border
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4.1.6 - South Ridge at Gerald Rd.
Following is just one example of a spot where I have since improved the culvert crossing by raising the road.
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4.1.7 - South Ridge at Center Rd.
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4.1.8 - South Ridge at Depot Rd.
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4.1.9 - North Ridge West (US 20) at Brown Rd. (left) and at Depot Rd. (right)
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4.1.10 - North Ridge at Center Rd.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F4-1%2520Saybrook%2F4-1-11_Saybrook_N_Bend_Gerald.jpg&hash=f5c52de46bdf0ab213e34cb665d7441987c993e0)
4.1.11 - North Bend at Gerald Rd. and Lake Shore & Michigan Southern Railroad
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F4-1%2520Saybrook%2F4-1-12_Saybrook_Lake_Gore.jpg&hash=f3f4fea5568eceafa4f152cfda988e7bafd4e467)
4.1.12 - Lake Rd. (SR 531) and Gore Rd. in the northwest corner of the quad
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F4-1%2520Saybrook%2F4-1-13_Saybrook_Center_tracks_n.jpg&hash=399cc7e5e5a1f0975d91c6c5cb0daa3214d70daf)
4.1.13 - Center Rd. at LS&MS R.R.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F4-1%2520Saybrook%2F4-1-14_Saybrook_Center_Rd_substatio.jpg&hash=7bff3d8de59fee4bd42b92814b39b4805d210016)
4.1.14 - Center Rd. at New York Chicago & St. Louis Railroad
See you next time!
-- Don
where did you get those power lines from??? %confuso
HEY Don,
It's no surprise to me that you have surpassed 2000 views this quickly. Your MD, pics and ideas are fantastic. I'm not sure what I like better, than rail, roads or the little river. They are all top notch!
I look forward to what comes next!
Robin :thumbsup:
Don,
Your Saybrook updates are far and away the best yet. I'll echo what David mentioned on the previous page about pic 4.0.7 - and add myself that it's very impressive (along with the map(s)) you posted, too. I'm also a big fan of the how you did the RR crossing in 4.1.2- I like the flow of the roads, streets, and rail.
Looking forward to more!
As an Ohio native, I am proud ()stsfd() You're scenic settings so good, words can't describe them.
It's just impressive, and wonderful too. But, how many time does it take you to do? :o :o
Guillaume :thumbsup:
Wow! Unless my eyes deceive me,
Ashtabula just missed
the top 5 mayor's diaries by growth [linkie] (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=1300.msg242686#msg242686) (for the month of April 2009) by
4 posts (includes my posts and your replies)! Totally awesome! Maybe next month we'll
crack that top 5! ;) But 6th place for such a young MD feels great, too; and
over 1600 views in April as well. Thanks as always for all your support!
YOU PEOPLE ROCK!!!Quote from: rootbears on April 28, 2009, 06:00:39 AM
where did you get those power lines from??? %confuso
rootbears: well, my friend, I'm not sure if you're referring to the utility poles or to the minitowers back on page 2 [linkie] (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=7257.msg238444#msg238444), but they're all my creations. I just want to be certain you realize there are no actual power lines with these in the game; only what your imagination "sees!" If you like them, read on. You will hopefully find this update informative.
Robin (rooker1): thanks as always for the kind words. After seeing the statistics, I'm even MORE pumped about this! Come back again soon!
Quote from: meinhosen on April 29, 2009, 05:09:47 PM
Your Saybrook updates are far and away the best yet. I'll echo what David mentioned on the previous page about pic 4.0.7 - and add myself that it's very impressive (along with the map(s)) you posted, too. I'm also a big fan of the how you did the RR crossing in 4.1.2- I like the flow of the roads, streets, and rail.
meinhosen: I'm glad you like Saybrook and the maps. I will get a Saybrook map posted soon (I hope). That railroad crossing you referenced is also one of my favorites as well, thanks to FARR!
WillG_75: I'm glad I've made you proud!
Guillaume (Sciurus): Well, your question is tough to answer. I am working ahead of what I'm posting (by about 3 posts now, at 2 posts per week). Looking at my files, the quads I haven't yet touched are dated 8 March 2009 (that would be the day I imported the grayscale image to the region and named all of the quads). That means one week from today I'll have been at this for 2 months, and I have just begun work on my 5th quad, Kingsville (25 more to go for phase 1!). If I had to estimate, I'd say I spend anywhere from 5 to 14 days per quad depending on how much land they had. Furthermore, I've taken a little time out for the minitowers and mapping projects. Long answer for a short question ... I hope my answer makes sense!
4.2(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F4-2%2520Saybrook%2F4-2-01-Tutorialtitle.jpg&hash=752a1b91ae16745a38283b23fd348aa1131e8983)
4.2.1I previously mentioned I would provide some "grid-on" pictures to show the placement of my utility poles. I decided to go a step beyond and provide
a tutorial with some drawings to give a little more detail into the tips and tricks for plopping them. The following are
guidelines that I've adopted based on my preferences for spacing between the poles and other factors.
A. Orthogonal placementFirstly, there are two important things to note when placing the poles:
- There must be a slight space between the utility pole and any tile that has a "pathed" network on it.
- It is extremely difficult to plop a pole exactly where you want it on most lots (regardless of zone type). This is because of props on the lots (trees, fences, cars, buildings, people, etc.); the poles cannot be placed too closely to any existing prop, and some of the props you might not always be able to see (timed props that come and go during the game's day/night sequence). For this reason, I mostly zone only between the poles, or, as shown in the residential neighborhoods around Ashtabula, I have run the poles behind the residential lots along pseudo-alleyways, as can be seen in real life.
On a simple open stretch of orthogonal road, I standardly place the poles 1.5 tiles apart.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F4-2%2520Saybrook%2F4-2-02-Poleplacementalongastretchof.jpg&hash=1fed8e5ffefcc6e0628cffa9d40df276009f4425)
4.2.2 - Pole placement along a stretch of orthogonal road(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F4-2%2520Saybrook%2F4-2-03-Showingthe3-tiledistancebetw.jpg&hash=30ccb162544c6f26c6f47b2504c0eb9d7ca8d095)
4.2.3 - Showing the 3-tile distance between every other poleNote that I do not place the poles directly on the grid line. This allows me to zone in the open spaces as desired:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F4-2%2520Saybrook%2F4-2-04-Zoningonopentilesbetweenthep.jpg&hash=ac3789744bafc0295e119e10fe65e3c134169ff7)
4.2.4 - Zoning on open tiles between the polesFor residential areas, I tend to run the major supply poles down the side of the major roads, and then run the poles through the neighborhoods between the streets. I can then zone any tile that does not have a pole on it.
I utilize a 7x7 grid for my residential streets (where appropriate). This is a personal choice, and has served me well. The distance in four city blocks works out to be approximately 0.25 mi. (0.4 km), so 16 blocks is about 1 mile (1.6 km).(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F4-2%2520Saybrook%2F4-2-05-Placementinresidentialareas.jpg&hash=6de9f64af25932aa33b44d9a4bb36fc3402b8c6a)
4.2.5 - Placement in residential neighborhoodsNote that in these neighborhoods, 6 utility poles span a 7-tile stretch. This spacing is closer than the spacing shown in the first example; quite often the poles in dense neighborhood are placed closer together than they are in open areas. This also allows fairly even spacing at street crossings, and also allows for intersecting power lines to cross in the middle the street grid:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F4-2%2520Saybrook%2F4-2-06-Intersectinglinesinthemiddle.jpg&hash=00ac440cb182cda2a3a3fa9f4f9bf46207e97f67)
4.2.6 - Intersecting lines in the middle of the residential block
B. Diagonal placementDiagonals are a bit trickier.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F4-2%2520Saybrook%2F4-2-07-Layoutofpolesonadiagonalroad.jpg&hash=b4410c21dcebd90a120178eb85c22056bde14eb5)
4.2.7 - Layout of poles on a diagonal roadDiagonal placement does allow a bit more flexibility with the distance between the poles, however. Standardly I place 5 poles across a 6-tile stretch, but making adjustments as needed is easy; it is not too noticeable if I need to stretch that out to fit a particular situation (to align the poles between curves or at an intersection, for example).
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F4-2%2520Saybrook%2F4-2-08-No-plopareasdesignatedbyther.jpg&hash=7bae6207c4517c2a6a7a52be3cce0f0c040987bc)
4.2.8 - No-plop areas designated by the red hash marksWhat one must notice is that the poles cannot be placed any closer to the road if you wish to have any tiles suitable for zoning. The poles cannot be placed in the no-plop areas as shown above (because of the road pathing); if you utilize the available alternating tiles and place the poles at a 1x1 distance, you eliminate most possibilities for zoning where the poles are.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F4-2%2520Saybrook%2F4-2-09-Zoninginopentilesbetweenthep.jpg&hash=bfbe3e24246e88a01742c96d5e725bc2ea549a44)
4.2.9 - Zoning in open tiles between the poles
C. FAR placementThe most difficult to place are the poles along the fractional-angle roads (FAR).
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F4-2%2520Saybrook%2F4-2-10-PolesalongFAR.jpg&hash=9a332d3bafad8813cc7b7c50b757beaa838955eb)
4.2.10 - Poles along FARI found the simplest way to position these poles is by following the FAR pieces exactly. As shown in the next diagram, alternate poles are 3 tiles apart offset by 1 tile, just as the FAR pieces cover a 3x1 stretch:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F4-2%2520Saybrook%2F4-2-11-3x1distancebetweeneveryother.jpg&hash=5253bf302022357a0c8c60c89bc08bb926a8727d)
4.2.11 - 3x1 distance between every other poleThough the linear distance between these poles is a bit larger than that of straight-line poles (as shown in the first example), the difference is not really obvious, and it all works together visually.
Just like with diagonals, there are no-plop areas associated with FAR.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F4-2%2520Saybrook%2F4-2-12-No-plopareasdepictedbythered.jpg&hash=c9b7d61885fe554925807fbe469cfdd9655b0046)
4.2.12 - No-plop areas depicted by the red hash marksWith this particular placement option, we do have zoneable tiles, however.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F4-2%2520Saybrook%2F4-2-13-Zoningbetweenthepoles.jpg&hash=266dc3f8c7c1fe58ed30ff30b1eeae9dde83561e)
4.2.13 - Zoning between the polesOne of the goofy problems with this, however, is that just about any lot that would fit in this space (residential and commercial alike) will likely have a building right *smack* in between your poles, thereby the [imaginary] power lines run right over the building! Totally unrealistic, but it simply can't be helped, unless you prefer to run your poles behind all of the zones and well-away from the road. I do not prefer that option, but the choice is yours.
With FAR, there are varying options for placement that still employ the 3:1 distance ratio:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F4-2%2520Saybrook%2F4-2-14-Optionalplacementshowingno-p.jpg&hash=fe6f31d89580c37da7c391d528ad53d2a24f454d)
4.2.14 - Optional placement showing no-plop areasComparing the previous two images, you can see just a slight shift in the placement. This option still allows us to zone in the tiles between the poles:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F4-2%2520Saybrook%2F4-2-15-Zoningbetweenthepoles.jpg&hash=779a62c08ba5e7667b560d593fc255b141003a0a)
4-2-15 - Zoning between the polesYou still get the wires-over-the-house problem, but I just ignore it!
Now, the third placement option raises a zoning issue. Can you tell what it is?
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F4-2%2520Saybrook%2F4-2-16-Thirdplacementoption.jpg&hash=b3d6004961054f4f14101ae9c2b809353e0d21ac)
4.2.16 - Third placement option(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F4-2%2520Saybrook%2F4-2-17-Tilesunsuitableforzoningdeno.jpg&hash=72419ecb7de139bb5c3ca2baa4f414667e68033b)
4.2.17 - Tiles unsuitable for zoning, denoted by the X'sThese seemingly available tiles between the poles do NOT support zoning of any sort. In this case, the southbound road path does not cross the tile adjacent to (immediately to the left of) the available tile. Because of this, nothing will grow on this lot, or, if it does, it will immediately abandon because it lacks a full road connection.
There is, however, an alternative zoning method (tested thus far with residential only) that will usually work with all FAR situations, depending on R§§§ (high-wealth residential) demand. Zoning 3x4 low-density residential areas (hold the CTRL key down and drag to do this) will work here. Another great feature with these 3x4 lots is that there is usually plenty of room to position the utility poles where you want them on the lot.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F4-2%2520Saybrook%2F4-2-18-Low-density3x4residentialzon.jpg&hash=799c19d522eabb85a1cee6b94da86b3054ecd2c1)
4.2.18 - Low-density 3x4 residential zones along FARThe advantage of the 3x4 zones is that (in my experience) nothing else will grow on these but 3x4 R§§§ properties. If you try zoning 3x3 lots (with the CTRL key down), it will very likely split into 3 separate 1x3 zones, leaving one to either not grow or abandon due to the lack of a road connection. I will show a picture below from one of my test quads to show the 3x4 R§§§, as I don't have any of these zones currently in my region (since my region has no R§§§ demand as of yet).
And just to show an example of navigating the poles around a curve, here's a FAR-to-diagonal transition:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F4-2%2520Saybrook%2F4-2-19-Navigatingacurve.jpg&hash=0d7cc7b3b0499b17b7a48ab259786dd6b22df22e)
4.2.19 - Navigating a curveSo, I hope you have found this as informative as I have! Looking closely at the last picture above, I have now realized a possible way to prevent having non-zoneable tiles along FAR between the poles. I have many instances in Saybrook that reflect option 3 (above) and cannot zone any of the tiles (except 3x4 residential), which is frustrating. This may not work in every situation, but having studied this to make the tutorial, I may be able to redo some of my problem areas.
If you are at all interested in having my utility poles for your own use, you may let me know here or via PM and I'll send you the link from which you can download them. They come with a detailed readme file, and you can install some or all of them, based on your preference.
Following are some in-game examples of utility pole placement with the grid turned on:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F4-2%2520Saybrook%2F4-2-20.jpg&hash=435d101bc9fd99e8da621a05d179f862a214362d)
4.2.20 - Some agricultural lots have room for poles(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F4-2%2520Saybrook%2F4-2-21.jpg&hash=b5f86e04e47326e82d5b7a4c72b4d897558531e8)
4.2.21(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F4-2%2520Saybrook%2F4-2-22.jpg&hash=a17a00cdc4768b8a269098c2990e911368082b55)
4.2.22 - Here I employed a junction on the mainline poles with the transformer pole on the agricultural lot(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F4-2%2520Saybrook%2F4-2-23.jpg&hash=fdcdde32ef79ae45f02770fe2ecde0f8c297978e)
4.2.23(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F4-2%2520Saybrook%2F4-2-24.jpg&hash=a87a9973dd891d3d66ff092d391819bbca419072)
4.2.24 - Crossing a FAR or diagonal road will usually require an extra distance between poles; it's often that way in real life as well ... it's just not as easy to notice from the ground!(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F4-2%2520Saybrook%2F4-2-25.jpg&hash=6349833fb0d11eb28857f6d99baf3341ecd0593f)
4.2.25(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F4-2%2520Saybrook%2F4-2-26.jpg&hash=3cde8532405c0a893b989d2a9ee2b8d60845d3c9)
4.2.26(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F4-2%2520Saybrook%2F4-2-27.jpg&hash=9e2f8f96887726343e58de6cab01e6dfd56b55f1)
4.2.27(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F4-2%2520Saybrook%2F4-2-28.jpg&hash=a1eb2bcaa8744806fc86784790f3546276934046)
4.2.28(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F4-2%2520Saybrook%2F4-2-29.jpg&hash=16b230a25572be225c638d1f08f38de7990968b5)
4.2.29(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F4-2%2520Saybrook%2F4-2-30.jpg&hash=7af60c2219a44616285cd9392fc48634e4a4894f)
4.2.30 - Note the poles I was able to plop on the church lot(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F4-2%2520Saybrook%2F4-2-31.jpg&hash=21c66e513657b7af2171255a203e63a4a47bf697)
4.2.31(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F4-2%2520Saybrook%2F4-2-32.jpg&hash=eb5d9dce494050450887cb04e0115554639c5ff5)
4.2.32(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F4-2%2520Saybrook%2F4-2-33.jpg&hash=63906a82ffcf832de90ed29425af7983d3d770b7)
4.2.33(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F4-2%2520Saybrook%2F4-2-34.jpg&hash=5b2e541c401671b9c4bd50e54f3edb5c6cbe7148)
4.2.34(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F4-2%2520Saybrook%2F4-2-35.jpg&hash=df4ddfc2fa443edaec6a9f895df9f4e58f3671f7)
4.2.35(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F4-2%2520Saybrook%2F4-2-36.jpg&hash=e76ffe2b2faef6342142ddca1c14ec57edcd64d6)
4.2.36(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F4-2%2520Saybrook%2F4-2-37.jpg&hash=207f49d89376dc900e70274eac5336feecb3e142)
4.2.37(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F4-2%2520Saybrook%2F4-2-38.jpg&hash=b237d583643a16cfea8e1afc19519f7c7f522e81)
4.2.38 - Example of a 3x4 R§§§ lot along a FAR road with utility poles plopped on it (yeah, sometimes the trees are right in the way of the [imaginary] wires)-- Don
Congratulations, Don!
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- The Staff
I just knew I should have waited until tomorrow to post my update! :D My sincerest gratitude to the staff for this great honor! :sunny:
-- Don
Congratulations on getting OSITM, Don! Truly dedicated planning has brought Ashtabula a long way, and another fine example can be found in this tutorial. Keep up the good work!
&apls
That was a great explanation of how you place your powerlines and zone around them. And you have the well-deserved award of being nominated for and receiving a place in the Special Interest section for the month! Congrats and good job! &apls
Congratulations, Don, on receiving this well-deserved honor! And thanks for the tutorial. I've not had occasion to plop any poles yet, but now I'm encouraged to give it a try.
As always, looking forward to seeing more of your outstanding work...
Joan
So, for the answer, it's a bit difficult for me, french, to understand. But it goes... ;)
For the city, congratulations to have been entered into this famous forum &apls
Oh, I forgot a thnig: your city and your tutorial is beautiful and excellent, congrats again &apls
Guillaume :thumbsup:
moin Don,
congratulation to you, you deserve it! &apls
b_schlurf
Congratulation, your method of work is always so interesting. Even if I do not post regularly, I follow the evolution of your country &apls
I'm in awe, Don. Completely in awe. I'm not even sure what else to say!
It's going to be a great month here, I can feel it!
Dustin
Congrats on that award! And nice work on that tutorial! Nice MD! :thumbsup:
Congrats to you :thumbsup: &apls!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks for the tutorial, it was interesting to read.
I´m looking forward to more of Your wonderful rural pics.
metarvo: Thanks! I'm glad you liked the tuturial.
meinhosen: Thanks; I'm glad you found the tutorial useful.
Joan (Jmouse): Thank you! I hoped people might be inspired by my tutorial.
Guillaume (Sciurus): Thank you for the kind words.
beutelschlurf: Thank you; I'm honored and humbled!
Orange_o: I'm so honored to know you've been stopping by! I, too, have been secretly checking up on some of your amazing work as well.
Dustin (thundercrack83): one more huge THANK YOU to you and the Staff for the OSITM honor bestowed on Ashtabula! It's a shame I'll be away the last week of the month! I'll try to squeeze a few extra updates in before I go!
bat: Thanks so much! I'll have to stop by Capporth City soon!
ashton: Thanks my friend!
Sweism: Thank you; wait no longer for more rural pics, as they're here!
4.3 – Saybrook, it's a wrap
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4.3.1 - Saybrook - loading quad
*whew* It took over 35 years to develop the farm land in Saybrook, and there are still more areas I wish would have filled in. But ...
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4.3.2 - Saybrook - Mayoral adviser's warning
... I've reached a point now where the residents are getting unhappy with me, so they've pretty much put a moratorium on any further development! Guess they showed me!
I put together a full mosaic here. Kind of fun to do, but I don't think I'll do it for all quads. Due to its size, you still don't get to see it full-sized (perhaps if I had broken it up into smaller chunks and put them together on a web page, it would have been better ... but I don't think I'll bother at this point). Click the thumbnail to view the larger image.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F4-3%2520Saybrook%2F4-3-3-Saybrook-fullmosaicreduced.jpg&hash=8c0abb29dddf9c5585180e6d79e4274cc1931995) (http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g290/homefryes/SimCity%20Projects/2009%20-%20Ashtabula%20Region%202/4-3%20Saybrook/Saybrook-fullmosaic.jpg)
4.3.3 - Saybrook - full mosaic reduced (click to view the larger image)
Here is an east-west mosaic that mostly follows South Ridge West (State Route 84). This is one of the really nice things about FAR, in that it's hard to follow straight and diagonal roads across from one end to another without a lot of serious zig-zagging.
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4.3.4 - Saybrook - east-west mosaic
Here's my original map. I realize now that I totally missed a creek and swamp in the southeast corner of the quad! Oh well ... I guess this creek will end at the Austinburg/Saybrook line (I forget to include it in Plymouth as well)!
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4.3.5 - Saybrook - original map
And now you can compare the original map to my Saybrook map. My region map is updated (click the button below) with a link to the newly created Saybrook map (remember to click on any of the four thumbnail maps to view their respective full-sized maps).
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F0-Maps%2F_Map_button.jpg&hash=2cfb213c4da4a24f09a0624c008068e25090cbde) (http://home.earthlink.net/~homefryes/simstuff/ashtabula_region/ashtabula_region_map.htm)
We'll head over to Kingsville next time, where I've already begun some preliminary work.
I've really struggled with whether to post this or not, but I feel I should. On a tragic note, a dear friend of mine lost her life over the weekend due to a negligent driver (Daily Herald (http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=290935) and Chicago Tribune (http://www.chicagobreakingnews.com/2009/05/motorcyclist-killed-by-driver-painting-fingernails.html)). Please be cautious when driving; don't allow yourself to be distracted while behind the wheel! [stepping off my soapbox now]
-- Don
This is magnificent &apls
Guillaume :thumbsup:
It is always sad to hear there has been a loss of life, but to know it was caused by sheer stupidity on the part of an inattentive driver is beyond tragic. My condolences to you, Anita's family and her many friends.
The overview of Saybrook (4.3) is beautiful, Don. The mosaic was a good way to show off your rural skills. One of these days someone will create some pie-shaped wedges to fill in the FAR gaps, but since SC4 was designed to be an orthogonal simulation, we have to use our imagination sometimes.
Your maps are amazing - makes me ashamed of my own lack of planning. That's probably what's wrong with my game. I would do well to take some examples from our better MDers I guess!
Later...
Joan
Just taking a quick break from studying so I'm sorry I can't leave a more detailed reply (especially after all the work you put into that power pole tutorial). I have to say though, you've certainly earned your spot here with these other MDs for the month. You show a fine attention to detail and that last region shot and mosaic are just great.
I'm sorry to hear about the loss of your friend. Such an event is always tragic, I hope you, her family and friends are as well as you can be.
I'll have an eye out for your next update, but until then, I hope things are well for you.
-Matt
You're a good friend Don :thumbsup:
Please refrain from triple posting. -Tarkus/SC4D Admin
It seems Ashtabula becomes one of my favourite MDs! :thumbsup:
I really like your rural landscapes, the way you build roads and rails is very well thought - I must look at your previous updates again to learn it better :)
Great tutorial about placing utility poles! It would be good to make a short announcement with explaining the theme and a link to your MD in the "How to build..." tutorials section! :thumbsup:
I'm really sorry about the death of your friend - my condolences. My thoughts are with you and your friend's family. Yes, we must be extremely careful on the road - after making over half million kilometers by a car I saw a lot of examples of an incredible stupidity. We should always expect that other drivers can be careless, feel bad or being simply an idiot. We must be responsible for ourselves and for others.
Adam
Great work on Saybrook, Don! I really do like the first picture... you've done wonders with the FAR/FARR and the SAM and it really shows. The map- fantastic. :thumbsup:
I was sorry to read of your friend's passing. I think Ennedi best summed up what I would have said (he probably said it better, too).
This mosaic is an illustration of rural beauty. You know, I thought I saw small dots next to the roads and rails on the map. Do those represent power lines? In any case, you have placed yours quite well. Of course, it seems like the residents think that you're letting one utility go to develop another, according to that sweet little warning you got. ::) With that aside, your development along the FAR is some of the best that I've seen. Keep up the good work, Don!
&apls
:(
I'm deeply sorry about your friend's death. I just want you to know that you have my best wishes, Don.
Today I read the first 5 pages of your MD. What a beauty you make here. I am impressed.... from all detailed planning, to the inspiring maps, the result shown in pictures and the added tutorial. The Saybrook map is awesome!
I am sorry for your friend and her family. I read the newspaper link and watched the news item.. it made me sad. I hope that the cardrive will get something more than just a speed ticket ()sad()
Wow - coming up on 3000 views! Thanks as always for the continued support!
Guillaume (Sciurus): Thank you, my friend!
Joan (Jmouse): Thank you so much for the kind words. I'll tell you, what David (dedgren) is cooking up over at 3RR [linkie] (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=112.msg244600#msg244600) will completely change the way we currently have to do intersections! I can't wait until they're released. It'll be FAR on steroids! Once you find a strategy for planning that works for you, you'll be doing just fine!
Matt (threestooges): Thanks for the great compliments! Thanks also for the words of sympathy; I'm hanging in there.
Ashton23: It's so hard when someone touches a life the way she touched mine. Getting my feelings out was therapeutic for sure.
Adam (ennedi): Always a pleasure to have you stop by; thanks for the compliment! I will follow your advice regarding the tutorial (in the next few days). I appreciate the kind words as well regarding my friend.
meinhosen: Thanks, I'm having a BLAST with FAR/R and SAM. How did we ever play the game without them?! ;) Thanks also for the sympathetic sentiment.
metarvo: Thank you for the compliments. Mosaics are fun, and especially interesting with FAR. The dots on the real map are actually buildings. On newer USGS topographic maps (http://terraserver-usa.com/), you will see things like high-voltage powerlines and gas lines (represented by •----•---- and ----- respectively). The topos I'm using are from the early 1900s, so these items probably weren't present back then ... either that or they just weren't represented. Thanks also for the kind words.
sebes: Welcome to Ashtabula! I'm glad to add another resident to the region, and I hope you'll enjoy your stay. I too hope for a proper and satisfactory outcome to the investigation, however long it takes. Thanks for the kind words.
5.0 – Kingsville, planning strategy part I
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5.0.1 - Kingsville - loading quad
Welcome to Kingsville. Before we get started, let's see the regional development so far ...
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5.0.2 - Region view
... and where Kingsville is in the region:
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5.0.3 - Kingsville - locator map
The Ashtabula River passes through the very southwest corner of Kingsville (not shown in the following image) while Conneaut (pronounced kon-ee-ot) Creek enters and exits the eastern border flowing almost to the center of the township where it makes a 180° bend. We'll also find a number of small creeks and streams.
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5.0.4 - Kingsville - untouched
Since receiving a lot of comments and compliments on my planning steps, I thought I'd show a little more detail into how I go about doing this.
Using the Terrain Query tool (hold the [CTRL] key down and press [X] to bring up the entry box in the upper left corner, then type "terrainquery" - CAPS not required).
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5.0.5 - Kingsville - terrain query tutorial
Then use the regular query tool (forward slash) and hover over the land. David (dedgren) gives a thorough explanation of what you'll see in the query dialog bubble here [linkie] (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=112.msg237782#msg237782). We will only concern ourselves with the bottom row for right now, which is the "cell x" and "cell z" information to locate the center of our quad. All of my quads are large (256x256); keep in mind the cells are numbered starting with zero, so our exact center will be on the corner of 127x127 and 128x128. So let's locate that spot and right-click on the screen to center the quad there.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F5-0%2520Kingsville%2F5-0-06_-_Kingsville_-_locate_center.jpg&hash=3c7630f97e1c0300654630e30426e7a9c93db4ee)
5.0.6 - Kingsville - locating the center
We probably won't remember exactly where that is (I never do!), but let's place a signpost; you can always move the signpost after it's placed.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F5-0%2520Kingsville%2F5-0-07_-_Kingsville_-_signpost_tool.jpg&hash=577649f3f2a7f850e9c5d20f0cf8165b3e9b3e74)
5.0.7 - Kingsville - signpost tool
With the signpost tool, simply click on the quad to place the signpost. I enter the text "ctr" for the center. Use the query (forward slash) tool again to find the center, and then click the signpost tool menu button to move the signpost to our center (left-click on the signpost and hold the button down while dragging the mouse to reposition the signpost).
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F5-0%2520Kingsville%2F5-0-08_-_Kingsville_-_signpost_in_c.jpg&hash=5fca4c05cc8628b5cea147657a3c9b50dbd8b54a)
5.0.8 - Kingsville - signpost repositioned to exact center of the quad
I then place another signpost in cell 127x127, which is a half-tile off center. Though you can't see it in the following image, I place a [.] in this signpost. As noted in an earlier update, I make my grid 7x7 tiles with major gridlines at 28x28. So, moving west from the center, I'll place a signpost 7 tiles from my [.] signpost and place a [space]* in this one; then 7 more tiles away with a [space]; and a third with a [space]. Now, the 4th signpost will get a [.] to indicate the major gridline.
* A signpost has to have something in it. A blank signpost will not stick, so I chose to use a [space].
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F5-0%2520Kingsville%2F5-0-09_-_Kingsville_-_begin_from_ce.jpg&hash=966f0105a9c518470435e97619aac80639d4cdc8)
5.0.9 - Kingsville - signpost line heading west from center
We'll continue this 3-to-1 pattern all the way to the edge of the quad. Our last signpost will be in tile 1x127.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F5-0%2520Kingsville%2F5-0-10_-_Kingsville_-_left_center.jpg&hash=4337747e738e3635237c6b2298d23d3516af51c6)
5.0.10 - Kingsville - west end of signpost line
Next, we'll return to the center and work our way to the right (east). Our last signpost will be in tile 253x127.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F5-0%2520Kingsville%2F5-0-11_-_Kingsville_-_right_center.jpg&hash=937897224fdba5e2facf8e3eb5f860557bacc404)
5.0.11 - Kingsville - east end of signpost line
Here's our bisecting east-west line.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F5-0%2520Kingsville%2F5-0-12_-_Kingsville_-_horiz_center_.jpg&hash=c2a93c231e8bbb30419a9899adf0f18f070ed901)
5.0.12 - Kingsville - east-west bisecting line
Let's then do the same thing north and then south. On this quad, we'll run into the lake heading north, but our southern-most signpost is in tile 127x253.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F5-0%2520Kingsville%2F5-0-13_-_Kingsville_-_vert_center_l.jpg&hash=9c89713e6a0c4c0a2a1e50a55fc5f22724639fd3)
5.0.13 - Kingsville - north-south bisecting line added
Next, from my southern-most [.] signpost, I'll place my posts west and east. The reason being is it's quicker to do our north-south lines next from near the edge of the quad rather than the center (less going back-and-forth). In fact, I really didn't need to do the initial east-west bisecting line (above), but I did that for illustrative purposes.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F5-0%2520Kingsville%2F5-0-14_-_Kingsville_-_near_south_bo.jpg&hash=847d66877184a4bc9d865da8fa36c16cfc8e0003)
5.0.14 - Kingsville - southern-most major gridline
We'll install all of the north-south signposts along the major gridlines denoted by the [.] signposts.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F5-0%2520Kingsville%2F5-0-15_-_Kingsville_-_add_verticals.jpg&hash=25caea0ad9d34865bd6bc1c2c0b6e44a37cad13d)
5.0.15 - Kingsville - north-south gridlines
And, finally, we'll complete our east-west major gridlines.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F5-0%2520Kingsville%2F5-0-16_-_Kingsville_-_complete_grid.jpg&hash=817801046d7e25b8b12cc9608eb5b884c84271f1)
5.0.16 - Kingsville - all major gridlines complete
That's how I place my grid which I use for planning the network. I employ this tactic even if I'm not transferring a real-life map into the game, just because it helps me line things up nicely. Next time we'll show how this compares to my real-life map.
-- Don
Don, this sounds so logical and you make it look very easy, although I suspect it will take some getting used to. In the past I've used a street tile here and there to mark something, but that has the disadvantage of disturbing the terrain elevation sometimes.
Also, I've saved 5.0.2 as a reference along with some shots from Covington by JBSimio. Both of you create the kind of rural areas I strive to make, so maybe I'll figure it out one of these days by studying your work.
Thanks for the explanation - it was a big help and I'll probably start out by trying it in a test region.
Later...
Joan
It's excellent, wonderful, but there's just signs for the moment $%Grinno$%
Guillaume :thumbsup:
I'd like to say keep up the good work Don :satisfied:!!!!!!!!!!
Joan (Jmouse): You're right in that the street or road tile plopped here and there to mark things off can really louse up the terrain, particularly when one is working on hilly terrain. The beauty of the signposts is that when I get done plopping all those signs, I have spent not one §imoleon! Zero! I hate using money cheats, and will only use them if I have to. Read on for more about signpost placement.
Guillaume (Sciurus): Yes, of course, my friend. The signposts will all go away once the transit network is all laid out.
ashton23: Thanks for the encouragement!
5.1 – Kingsville, planning strategy part II
We left off with a shot of the finished signpost grid. Next, I'll attempt to show you how I "transfer" my real-life map to the game. Unfortunately I didn't do a great job at capturing it the way I'd have liked to, because frankly I wasn't paying attention to what I was doing and didn't take enough pictures to depict it. But hopefully this next image will help. You've seen a couple of these in previous quads, and I plan to incorporate them in future updates regarding planning for each future quad, because they're kind of fun to look at. This is the original early 1900s map over which I have placed a grid. This grid matches the signpost grid I plopped into the quad; note the numbers along the left and bottom which correspond to the tiles within the (256x256 large sized) quad.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F5-1%2520Kingsville%2F5-1-01_-_Kingsville_-_original_map.jpg&hash=3cd0caef8eb0447b81832812868257cdc507d7ef)
5.1.1 - Kingsville - original map
One caveat is that, because I needed to make adjustments to the lake shore (to avoid a quad with very little land), and because the real-life township border on the east side of Kingsville and continuing all the way to the south end of the county is horribly off-parallel with the others (it's true, bad surveying back then, I guess), I skewed the map to make it truly square. In the process of doing so, many of my roads got skewed as well. So, it's a little funky, but since the skewed maps are what I used to make my greyscale map, I try to live with it as best I can. I still try to keep straight roads straight, even if the RL map is showing them skewed.
So, referring to my RL map, I first locate where roads meet the edges of the quad. These images don't really "show" anything except how I mark these locations, but if I were to do a "terrainquery" on this tile where SR 84 meets the south edge, you'd see that it's somewhere in the vicinity of [x=225 z=255] (scroll up to the map). It might not be exact, as I had to keep in mind how this will play out with things that need to occur in the adjacent quad, but it's close.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F5-1%2520Kingsville%2F5-1-02_-_Kingsville_-_SR_84_south.jpg&hash=bf0857162f3f2c21b6e0f1399829e981f2aa7d90)
5.1.2 - Kingsville - SR 84 at south border
Here is where SR 90 crosses the border. Again, a "terrainquery" would reveal that this is tile 134x255.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F5-1%2520Kingsville%2F5-1-03_-_Kingsville_-_SR_90_south.jpg&hash=72d846538d11ce9363c87d9d6443591615e9ee89)
5.1.3 - Kingsville - SR 90 at south border
Though I obviously will not change these two border crossings, here is where SR 84 and the New York Chicago and St. Louis Railroad cross. A "terrainquery" would reveal that the railroad is at tile 0x184. You can see my signpost "line" adjacent to the railroad which corresponds to the red line at z=183 on the map above.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F5-1%2520Kingsville%2F5-1-04_-_Kingsville_-_SR_84_west.jpg&hash=8ff81ee4fa2af95332524a54e0db7dbd2a1d6f5c)
5.1.4 - Kingsville - SR 84 and NYCSLRR at west border
Finally, this is where US 20 and the NYCSLRR meet the eastern border; you can again see their proximity to the signpost "line" (in this case at z=71).
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F5-1%2520Kingsville%2F5-1-05_-_Kingsville_-_US_20_east.jpg&hash=bad79dd17def66270047620c221280b0d2d01060)
5.1.5 - Kingsville - US 20 and NYCSLRR at east border
Now, you may be wondering what the letters in my signposts mean. At the edges of the quad, I use the name of the road in the signpost. For the purposes of marking off where my roads, rails, etc., will be placed, I use letters to indicate what network type will be in that spot.
• t=rail (train)
• r=road (as in black with lines and can connect to neighboring quads)
• s=street (my default for this entire region will be the SAM-4 gravel-with-dirt-berms streets)
• d=dirt roads (my default is SAM-3)
Where two networks intersect, you may see signposts containing some of the following:
• tr=rail/road intersection
• ts=rail/street intersection
• rr=road/road intersection
• rd=road/dirt road intersection
• rsd=road/gravel street/dirt road intersection
That's just a few; there are numerous possibilities. For overpasses, I'll use a forward slash between the letters, as in t/r for a railroad overpass over a road.
Other network notations you won't see here for a long time (because we aren't that advanced yet) are
• a=avenue
• o=one way road (followed by a directional n for north, w for west, etc.
• h=highway (could be rural highway or Maxis standard, it really doesn't matter).
I'm also using c for creek and other variations on that as I level my waterways and to mark the ends; and I've also used (lower-case) L for powerline if I need to plan out where the high-voltage towers will go. These are techniques I use to help mark stuff out that I thought you might find useful.
SR 84 and SR 90 run concurrently for a short distance; the rr signpost indicates their southern intersection.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F5-1%2520Kingsville%2F5-1-06_-_Kingsville_-_South_Kingsvi.jpg&hash=c816f6cf860df33dd064c53004457a065f8f26ad)
5.1.6 - Kingsville - SR 84/SR 90 intersection
This is a portion of SR 84 southest of SR 90. When I'm marking off orthogonal sections, I'll place the signpost in the middle of the tile, but for diagonals and FAR pieces, I place it on the line between two tiles. The red box shows where we will have a diagonal-to-FAR curve, and to the left of that in yellow is where we will have straight FAR pieces. The dashed green line indicates where the diagonal road will go.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F5-1%2520Kingsville%2F5-1-07_-_Kingsville_-_SR_84_southea.jpg&hash=7813d8d75f23816e4cdd981ed67426cc5e3ec592)
5.1.7 - Kingsville - signposts marking diagonal-to-FAR curve and FAR pieces
Here, further south and east, we again see the diagonal-to-FAR curve in red, the straight FAR pieces in yellow, and the diagonal road along the dashed green line.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F5-1%2520Kingsville%2F5-1-08_-_Kingsville_-_SR_84_southea.jpg&hash=8e08af9e80eacd4d2486128f5ccbc76a6387f62d)
5.1.8 - Kingsville - signposts marking diagonal-to-FAR curve and FAR pieces
Now, for a little river leveling, in the southwest corner, we have the Ashtabula River making a brief appearance as it passes through (marked by the w's for now).
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F5-1%2520Kingsville%2F5-1-09_-_Kingsville_-_Ashtabula_Riv.jpg&hash=783ac25fa6857640714b188a356d549ebecced9e)
5.1.9 - Kingsville - Ashtabula River in southwest corner
I leveled out the river bed; it's much lower than in the previous image. I took the elevation measurement from the neighboring quad (Ashtabula) to match it here. The diagonal stretches of road allow me to occasionally raise the elevation slightly. This helps with the realism in that the river flows downhill from the south border to the west border (and, as seen in Ashtabula and Plymouth, onward to Lake Erie).
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F5-1%2520Kingsville%2F5-1-10_-_Kingsville_-_Ashtabula_Riv.jpg&hash=7a25780400a01f0ac8707ff21e3c2d143e138a33)
5.1.10 - Kingsville - Ashtabula River in southwest corner
I added a little creek here.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F5-1%2520Kingsville%2F5-1-11_-_Kingsville_-_Ashtabula_Riv.jpg&hash=4791fb1f665f77ededf2abe8a3f752fd7aac4175)
5.1.11 - Kingsville - Ashtabula River and tributary in southwest corner
Here we have Conneaut Creek as it enters and exits along the eastern border, with South Ridge Rd. in between ...
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F5-1%2520Kingsville%2F5-1-12_-_Kingsville_-_Conneaut_Cree.jpg&hash=39a671ac8ce28362cdfd4efe963a762300ba22d6)
5.1.12 - Kingsville - Conneaut Creek along the eastern border
... and near the center of the quad where the creek makes a 180° bend.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F5-1%2520Kingsville%2F5-1-13_-_Kingsville_-_Conneaut_Cree.jpg&hash=491b5296a6fa49a1b89dcd03332ba5ec75648844)
5.1.13 - Kingsville - west bend of Conneaut Creek
Finally, here is an overall view of my signposts marking out the transportation network (in addition to the signpost grid we saw in the previous update).
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F5-1%2520Kingsville%2F5-1-14_-_Kingsville_-_signpost_map.jpg&hash=d7e022f2bf98d6a2c30d1a788c1c0fa9927bc76b)
5.1.14 - Kingsville - transportation network marked by signposts
I have already laid out the rail and road pieces an smoothed out the terrain for the networks, just as I explained back on page 1 [linkie] (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=7257.msg230593#msg230593), so I won't do all of that again here. I hope I've achieved (at least somewhat) giving a better understanding of how I plot the road based on the signpost grid and the real map.
-- Don
Impressive, the number of signs is impressive!! :o But I think it should be more bueatiful when it'll be developped! $%Grinno$%
Guillaume :thumbsup:
So I just took some time to check out this MD and oh my! Holy crap man, this is awesome! :o The way you plan out your city is very creative and inspiring! I've never seen those landmark signs used like that, but it sure is creative.
And what realism! The end result of all this intensive planning is just stunning! I love how you curve your road and rail networks, as well as the way you show off your cities in mosaic form. Excellent job! I'll be following this one for sure from now on.
All the best,
-Haljackey
Another great tutorial, Don. I've copied it to a Word.doc for study later. Your work is so unique, and all that pre-planning definitely pays off. I especially like the way you form the little creeks and streams.
I'm sure you've already mentioned it, but I'm going to be lazy and ask: Did you hand terraform your region, start with a basic map or what? It is just fascinating to watch this region develop. You've already made an impressive showing in OSITM, and the month isn't even half over yet. Good job.
Later...
Joan
Homefryse have you checked out Ryan B.'s Orleans county yet ()what()
This has to be one of the best uses of the in-game sign tool that I've seen. It looks like it would be repetitive work after a while, but I can see from the "finished" pictures earlier that this method definitely pays off. Keep up the good work here, Don!
&apls
Are there any dependencies for the plopable water kit?
The insight into your planning is incredible. Now that I've seen the planning, I can't wait to see the result.
Woo-hoo - one more entry to the big 1-0-0!!
Guillaume (Sciurus): Indeed, it is a large number of signs! It's all part of my planning process. I trust it will look much nicer without them all once I get all the roads laid out, the trees in place, and the signs removed.
Haljackey: As the sign says, Welcome to Ashtabula; I'm glad to have won over another follower!
Joan (Jmouse): I probably did mention earlier how I did my terraforming, but I don't mind telling again. I actually took the real-life maps (as shown in the previous update) for each quad and, using the photo/graphics program I have, traced the elevation contour lines, assigning RGB values for each elevation level. I then assembled all of the individual greyscale quad maps together, sized it appropriately for the game and imported it. I will occasionally do some in-game terraforming to make adjustments (with the god-mode tools), but for the most part, I've not done much else except for some initial smoothing when I named all of the quads. Hope that answers your question.
ashton23: At your recommendation, I did indeed check out Ryan B.'s Orleans County (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=7611.0). Quite impressive. I have the utility poles, while he has the signage! (If US 20 runs through Orleans County, I may have to borrow his highway marker for Ashtabula!) As for the ploppable water, I believe it's JRJ Transparent Plopable Water (http://sc4devotion.com/csxlex/lex_filedesc.php?lotGET=1227) by jeronij ... but I'm not 100% positive. Can anyone help verify that for me? They are the first tools in my mayor-mode trees menu.
metarvo: My good friend, I'm honored that you're plugging my MD in your signature! What I really like about using the signsposts is that you can turn them off when you want to see how things look without them, they don't cost any §, they don't alter the terrain, and when I'm completely finished with them, I can simply use the signpost bulldoze tool to get rid of them.
meinhosen: Thanks, my friend, for the compliment! With upcoming RL events, the wait for development may take a little longer than usual. Hopefully it will be worth it!
5.2 – Kingsville, preparing the roadways
Well, as life would have it, I am running severely behind on my "working ahead" concept. I'm dangerously close to having my MD caught up to my behind-the-scenes work! To add to the mix, my partner's step-mother (or "step-mother-in-law," if you will) passed away last evening. She was 72 and quite ill, so we're all relieved that she's in a better place now. This should, however, not adversely affect what's going on here, as I'll maybe even have a little extra idle time away from work this week. However, my plan for getting extra updates in before my vacation next week has totally gone by the wayside. I do hope to get two more updates in by Saturday; but then I'll be unable to post next week. My apologies in advance! Perhaps in my down time next week, I'll be able to do a little work on the MD to get ahead once again.
I said in my last update I wouldn't share images of my road-leveling techniques ... but I lied! I hadn't realized that I did in fact capture some images of that, so I will show them here. Might buy me a little time to get ahead in my developing!
As mentioned before, I am using Ennedi's slope mod [linkie] (http://sc4devotion.com/csxlex/lex_filedesc.php?lotGET=1512), and prefer the leveling that the rail tool produces over that of the road tool (for the most part). Sometimes the terrain is too rough for the rail tool, particularly when leveling for FAR/R puzzle pieces. I then use the road tool to make those short (8-tile) strips, and then run the rail tool directly over those strips to level further; works like a charm! (Running the rail tool over the road works if meeting or surpassing the ends of the stretch of road.) But, as mentioned before, I will opt to use the road tool where I need a steeper hill than the rail too will allow. This first image is a good example of this, as I needed a good hill both north and south of this intersection.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F5-2%2520Kingsville%2F5-2-01-Kingsville-NorthKingsville.jpg&hash=42d255cd8c90f083e412de8cb47e923deff6448a)
5.2.1 - Kingsville - North Kingsville (intersection of US 20 and SR 90)
Moving west we see where US 20 intersects with Infirmary Rd. and crosses a small creek.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F5-2%2520Kingsville%2F5-2-02-Kingsville-WCenterInfirmary.jpg&hash=f012861db7cbb68d00fc61d49376cda4705a1a89)
5.2.2 - Kingsville - US 20 (W. Center St.) at Infirmary Rd.
Further west, a nice little hill along US 20 (W. Center St.)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F5-2%2520Kingsville%2F5-2-03-Kingsville-WCenter.jpg&hash=403380b17c0901442e5a4dc0ed7d8049a6beceb9)
5.2.3 - Kingsville - US 20 (W. Center St.)
This is the New York Chicago & St. Louis Railroad near the center of the quad. A diagonal S-curve piece will go where the parallel strips are shown.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F5-2%2520Kingsville%2F5-2-04-Kingsville-NYCSLRReast.jpg&hash=f12240e3836ff929016b9059677c0957bd4f5f61)
5.2.4 - Kingsville - NYCSLRR near center
Here is where Infirmary Rd. crosses the tracks.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F5-2%2520Kingsville%2F5-2-05-Kingsville-InfirmaryNYCSLRR.jpg&hash=92ad46540c4c3cefed4ef00a46804ba8ab81ae82)
5.2.5 - Kingsville - Infirmary Rd. at NYCSLRR
This is Kingsville (the village center). It was quite a challenge actually laying out the roads, due to the slope variations and intersecting roads, but I did eventually get it all worked out nicely.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F5-2%2520Kingsville%2F5-2-06-Kingsville-villagecenter.jpg&hash=0aa24fdedd44148bfde7e0db1f11c6b3c1b7b2fa)
5.2.6 - Kingsville - village center
Just east of the previous image, this area also produced a few challenges when laying out the roads.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F5-2%2520Kingsville%2F5-2-07-Kingsville-villagecentereast.jpg&hash=2a9e429f5f11b6f8147145c5bd7e587b3bee8dbd)
5.2.7 - Kingsville - village center east
South and east of the village center is this area.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F5-2%2520Kingsville%2F5-2-08-Kingsville-villagecentersout.jpg&hash=8d0365660a0e5dd9aa9cc5f2c6ed327e213e7120)
5.2.8 - Kingsville - southeast of the village center
Further east of the village center is where South Ridge Rd. crosses Conneaut Creek.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F5-2%2520Kingsville%2F5-2-09-Kingsville-SouthRidgeatConne.jpg&hash=af876820b99d8e9521015e52a19b1cc41c9a3100)
5.2.9 - Kingsville - South Ridge Rd. at Conneaut Creek.
Finally, South Ridge Rd. well east of the village center, with the creek on the north and south sides of the ridge.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F5-2%2520Kingsville%2F5-2-10-Kingsville-SouthRidgeeast.jpg&hash=904eab67165636259ab8056c7029be7d6ff60765)
5.2.10 - Kingsville - South Ridge Rd. east of town
Later ...
-- Don
It would be and great honor to bring such a magnificent MD to 100 posts, and onto the Best Sellers! Congratulations, Don!
Sorry for being absent for a bit, I do apologize. But from what I've seen catching up, I am impressed--falling-off-my-seat-in-amazement impressed! With outstanding work like this, Ashtabula is going to be one for the record books, my friend.
Here's to 100, 200, 300 more!
Dustin
This continues to be amazing. The amount of pre-planning you do for each tile is incredible and it really shows on the resulting product. You certainly earned you OSITM award! &apls
I'm looking forward to seeing the development that takes place in this area. With all of the excellent planning, I'm sure it will look great. Keep it going, Don! :thumbsup:
This MD is really interesting to read, You put so much thought and planning into this that I am amazed everytime I read Your updates.
I can´t say that I have Your patience for planning when it comes to playing the game, but it is interesting to see how others do nonetheless...
Don, the way you lay out your quads gets more and more interesting with every update. I've tried using the signs, for now just blocking in areas for R, C and I, and I think it's going to be a great help. So guess I'll be trying out your method of leveling the terrain next! :)
And I just noticed another advantage of using the signs - you've reserved space for churches, schools, etc., which I always forget to do. Great idea.
Later...
Joan
Dustin (thundercrack83): Thanks for taking Ashtabula over the 100 mark! I've not been around Marathon (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6190.0) as much lately either, but I do stop in when I can! Take care, my friend!
Battlecat: I appreciate the compliments!
Metarvo: Thanks so much; sorry the development will have to wait a bit; but hang in there!
Sweism: I'm analytical by nature, so I have to plan! But I enjoy it, and I'm glad you like what you see.
Joan (Jmouse): I'm glad you are finding other uses for the signposts. They really are handy, in my opinion. In actuality what you saw in respects to the "Church" and "School" signposts were street names, but I have indeed used them to mark proposed locations for zones and buildings as you've pointed out. Thanks!
5.3 – Kingsville, roadways (almost) complete
I apologize to all of you, my loyal viewers, because I didn't get to my mid-week update as planned; and as mentioned before, I'm heading off for vacation tomorrow!
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F5-3%2520Kingsville%2F5-3-a_-_Paris_Las_Vegas.jpg&hash=f63895b7cfe710fa655792445482fb2e9c8231bc)
5.3.a - Paris Las Vegas
I won't be posting while I'm away. (No free internet access! Bummer!!) To tide you over, I have a sort of lame update, since I haven't been able to devote as much time this week as I'd hoped, so I haven't gotten very far. But I hope you enjoy the pics regardless.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F5-3%2520Kingsville%2F5-3-1_-_Kingsville_-_Dibble_Creamer.jpg&hash=c025eb65e19cc96525d7ba47dc42afe0fc52030c)
5.3.1 - Kingsville - Dibble Rd. at Creamer Rd. and Buie Rd.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F5-3%2520Kingsville%2F5-3-2_-_Kingsville_-_S_Ridge_Dibble.jpg&hash=e355608a54445e5134fd25af3fcea9a3ca18129c)
5.3.2 - Kingsville - SR 84 (S. Ridge Rd.) at Dibble Rd. and Infirmary Rd.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F5-3%2520Kingsville%2F5-3-3_-_Kingsville_-_W_Center_Infir.jpg&hash=baa5533f814b7b34e43b5d2c28407f502f9bec9f)
5.3.3 - Kingsville - US 20 (W. Center St.) at Infirmary Rd., and Middle Rd. (to the north)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F5-3%2520Kingsville%2F5-3-4_-_Kingsville_-_Lake.jpg&hash=ede6d37305eeab11bb3ff38be0cae681d0e3e043)
5.3.4 - Kingsville - SR 531 (Lake Rd.)
I wonder what I'll do to connect this dirt road to the FAR piece? ......... ;)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F5-3%2520Kingsville%2F5-3-5_-_Kingsville_-_E_Center_Harmo.jpg&hash=8450b987ef4d1ea3af3ffe52c166197cf3749527)
5.3.5 - Kingsville - US 20 (E. Center St.) at Harmon Rd.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F5-3%2520Kingsville%2F5-3-6_-_Kingsville_-_Poor_Gore.jpg&hash=020aa2df7b5a463f3e176bedf021c72c5693f94d)
5.3.6 - Kingsville - Poor Rd. at Gore Rd.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F5-3%2520Kingsville%2F5-3-7_-_Kingsville_-_village_center.jpg&hash=7d0f40264c8a1dd5b404211e4e039f4ed2b09dfb)
5.3.7 - Kingsville - village center
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F5-3%2520Kingsville%2F5-3-8_-_Kingsville_-_South_Kingsvil.jpg&hash=82bda953e1c67fa354cae71d4816da28b9fafa51)
5.3.8 - Kingsville - South Kingsville (junction of SR 84 & SR 90)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F5-3%2520Kingsville%2F5-3-9_-_Kingsville_-_Fox.jpg&hash=a549e95a0ae34f502d91aa6f6427b16577d5c4a0)
5.3.9 - Kingsville - Fox Rd. aside Conneaut Creek.
To all my friends in the US, have a safe Memorial Day weekend! I'll see you all on or after the 31st!
-- Don
Have a great time in Vegas, Don!
Hmm, nowhere to connect a dirt road to the FAR? I'm sure if you send it up to David (dedgren) you might find yourself with a puzzle piece to fit the bill ;)
Nice setup to the road network. Enjoy your trip, I'm looking forward to the next update!
I've been following Ashtabula from the start, and it's been wonderful watching your meticulous planning and developing these first few quads. IMHO, you're really on a par with The JerseyDevil73's famed recreation of Edmonton! Keep up the outstanding work!
Hope the Vegas trip was good. The detail in this MD continues to impress me and, looking at the region shots, the benefits of the signpost development really show themselves. It looks great. Also, the powerpole tutorial (and its usage of course) just adds to things, as does your bridge selection and the history behind it all. I know I don't comment here much, but I'm certainly following along. Great work.
-Matt
Hi, Don!
Happy birthday, my friend!
There's not a better time to stop by the shores of Lake Erie than that! Ashtabula continues impress the heck out of me and knock my socks right off! I hope you had a good time out in the desert, and I look forward to more here in northeast Ohio!
Take care!
Dustin
Happy Birthday, Don! The latest update was an interesting one and I'm anxious to see where you take Ashtabula from here!
Later...
Joan
QuoteI wonder what I'll do to connect this dirt road to the FAR piece? ......... ;)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F5-3%2520Kingsville%2F5-3-5_-_Kingsville_-_E_Center_Harmo.jpg&hash=8450b987ef4d1ea3af3ffe52c166197cf3749527)
5.3.5 - Kingsville - US 20 (E. Center St.) at Harmon Rd.
Be watching your email over the coming weekend, my friend.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg30.imageshack.us%2Fimg30%2F4426%2Ffarsamintersectiontease.jpg&hash=e6f75b853efc9584f737b6234e07159823d86a75)
Help is on the way!
David
Wow! I love your attention to detail. Great job on your MD, Don! :thumbsup:
moin homefryes,
looks like a testig base for the farr, in here!
great job :thumbsup:
b_schlurf
Wow. Nice attention to detail!!! Ive been there a few times and this looks very good. I live in Mansfield. I love CJ/MD's about Ohio. Its funny tho, I was looking at a map of Ohio to find some names for my new region I was starting and came up with Ashtabula as my downtown. Great Job!!!!
I love all the detail that goes into this MD :thumbsup:
Don, I should check the mds section more often. :P
I didn't know this region existed until know :o
the region shot blew my hair back.
great, great work!
dave
very impressive
your last region view seems like a shot taken straight from Google Earth ! Wonderful achievement at realism &apls
jf
Very cool indeed!
It's been fourteen months since I've posted in my MD! Yikes! So, did you miss me? A lot has transpired in RL since I was last here. After the Las Vegas trip, we got to thinking that maybe we would just move there! I decided I needed to put SC4 and Ashtabula on the back burner and shift my focus to making plans to move. We searched houses, planned our attack, and have now made Las Vegas our home! We found a house in January of this year and moved in March. Since then, I've been job hunting (not an easy task in this economy) and just recently landed a position; I'll start work on August 2!
With that major hurdle out of the way, I started getting the SC4 itch once again. Hopefully I'll keep this going a bit longer this time. I may try to be less aggressive on my posting schedule and just take my time. I recently started looking at SC4D again and tried to get caught up on all of the latest developments. I don't know if I'll ever get completely up to speed; I haven't even downloaded the latest NAM yet! I'll probably do that soon before I begin the next quad in my region. Meanwhile, after searching high and low the other day for my SC4 disc, I finally got Kingsville to a good stopping point.
meinhosen: My road connection issue was indeed resolved. That particular intersection was not included in the pictures below, but an identical situation on the north end was captured.
Battlecat: Sorry to keep you waiting so darn long for an update!
woodb3kmaster: Thanks for being such a loyal follower; I hope you'll continue to watch.
Matt (threestooges): Thanks for following along! I'll be warming up the signposts when I move on to the next quad.
Dustin (thundercrack83): Thanks for the birthday wishes! Does this mean I can pretend I'm a year younger since this was from last year? No? &cry2
Joan (Jmouse): Ditto on the birthday wishes; I'm sorry I've kept you waiting over a year for an update!
David (dedgren): I did receive the pieces to finish off those intersections. If I've not said it before, thank you for all the wonderful work you do to add realism to the game! I can't wait to see all that I've missed out on during my time away.
girlfromverona: Thank so much!
b_schlurf (beutelschlurf): I guess it does! "So FAR/R, so good!" :P
tahill79: There are some really beautiful areas in Northeast Ohio; I'm particularly fond of Lake County, with all its rolling hills and trees. I know where Mansfield is, though I've not been there. Are you still working on the region mentioned above?
Nexis4Jersey: I love detail!
dave (superhands): I'm glad you enjoyed your visit; hopefully you'll see more good stuff in the not-too-distant future here at Ashtabula!
jf (rhizome21): Thank you for the kind words; stay tuned for more region shots in the next update.
KoV Liberty: Thank you!
5.4 – Kingsville returns from hiatus
As stated, I've pretty much tied up all the loose ends in Kingsville for now. It could use a bit more development, but that seems to have stalled (as has been the case in the other quads in this region). Frankly, I think it needs a few more trees, too, but it will do for now. I'm as anxious as my viewers to see what's next, and getting Farnham and Conneaut going to complete the eastern lake shore is my next plan of action. Please enjoy these pictures of Kingsville; we'll move on to Farnham next.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F5-4%2520Kingsville%2F5-4-01_-_Kingsville.jpg&hash=8632b3836cd7226e077001dcffd5471f979d32c5)
5.4.01 - Kingsville - Village of Kingsville.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F5-4%2520Kingsville%2F5-4-02_-_Kingsville.jpg&hash=b1f2880a2718e7ab2f109c7fd9b7c549fa84457f)
5.4.02 - Kingsville - close-up of Kingsville.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F5-4%2520Kingsville%2F5-4-03_-_Kingsville_east.jpg&hash=3ae4562702a560a53fafd45764f3776735a1dd34)
5.4.03 - Kingsville - eastern part of Kingsville.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F5-4%2520Kingsville%2F5-4-04_-_Kingsville_-_covered_bridges.jpg&hash=a1bb0d1eb8d0e3275c1567dc1ea33f472fd7891c)
5.4.04 - Kingsville - covered bridges across Conneaut Creek east of Kingsville.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F5-4%2520Kingsville%2F5-4-05_-_Kingsville_-_S_Ridge_Rd.jpg&hash=11389a2c2909fb76f2ab80ea3ed8128bde1d337f)
5.4.05 - Kingsville - South Ridge Rd. well east of Kingsville; note Conneaut Creek is both north and south of the ridge.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F5-4%2520Kingsville%2F5-4-06_-_Kingsville_tracks.jpg&hash=9f33802a38ddcffb2ef2dbc1d755a1a8c437065f)
5.4.06 - Kingsville - SR 90 north of Kingsville.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F5-4%2520Kingsville%2F5-4-07_-_Kingsville_-_North_Kingsville.jpg&hash=385f8f8bfd85f0c9100a4569e3be5fb8c1303e87)
5.4.07 - Kingsville - Village of North Kingsville.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F5-4%2520Kingsville%2F5-4-08_-_Kingsville_-_North_Kingsville.jpg&hash=50204b1f401d7db30d626a4eccc2f11bcc5d54af)
5.4.08 - Kingsville - close-up of North Kingsville.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F5-4%2520Kingsville%2F5-4-09_-_Kingsville_-_Lake_Rd.jpg&hash=2a5d0777b3951198ee71c304a1649451c4002420)
5.4.09 - Kingsville - Lake Rd. (SR 531) in the northwest corner of the quad.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F5-4%2520Kingsville%2F5-4-10_-_Kingsville_-_Lake__Harmon.jpg&hash=e05ab9b51add7cdf4dc17ba3c4994f193029854e)
5.4.10 - Kingsville - Harmon Rd. at Lake Rd.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F5-4%2520Kingsville%2F5-4-11_-_Kingsville_-_railroad_interconnector.jpg&hash=38b6147502fd1c18b12c4f0ae36e0f28757c949a)
5.4.11 - Kingsville - railroad interconnector (completely fictional but functional for the game).
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F5-4%2520Kingsville%2F5-4-12_-_Kingsville_-_W_Center.jpg&hash=cb2865576f5844d3356928dc059611163ab0db43)
5.4.12 - Kingsville - W. Center St. (US 20) west of North Kingsville.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F5-4%2520Kingsville%2F5-4-13_-_Kingsville_-_Wright_St.jpg&hash=8b9487fac098ce2a8fdb78e2566b4c860dafd91f)
5.4.13 - Kingsville - Wright St. south of Kingsville
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F5-4%2520Kingsville%2F5-4-14_-_Kingsville_-_Ashtabula_River.jpg&hash=3c1eab221473914e071caf53e42f2a5a18f2085b)
5.4.14 - Kingsville - Dibble Rd. at Creamer Rd. and Buie Rd., and the Ashtabula River in the southwest corner of the quad.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F5-4%2520Kingsville%2F5-4-15_-_Kingsville_-_South_Kingsville.jpg&hash=62986c1509d126c16a1bf0b243e439b7aab7c4ce)
5.4.15 - Kingsville - Village of South Kingsville (more like just a crossroads).
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F5-4%2520Kingsville%2F5-4-16_-_Kingsville_southeast.jpg&hash=dee815afb96abbf543b4cc787a122c4bf1dc987e)
5.4.16 - Kingsville - a little south of South Kingsville.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F5-4%2520Kingsville%2F5-4-17_-_Kingsville_-_southeast.jpg&hash=d8c84930a961e1fff3362fe000ca16c51b452b6c)
5.4.17 - Kingsville - rolling hills between Fox Rd. and Brydle Rd. in the southeastern corner of the quad.
Until next time....
-- Don
It's great to see Ashtabula up and running again, Don! You've done a great job bringing Kingsville to life; it all seems so real. I look forward to seeing what's up next for the region!
--Zack
Really great update.
This pictures from Kingsville are splendid. I really like the 1st and the 7th pictures.
I'm impatient to see the next update. :thumbsup:
Welcome back, Don! It's good to see that Ashtabula's still going. I've taken a break from playing SC4 for 2 weeks to a month on a few occasions, and it seems like everything changes in just that relatively short time, so I can only imagine what it would feel like to go without it for over a year and then come back. I'm so glad you did come back after all of that, though. It doesn't look like you've lost any of your playing skills from what I can see in this update. I especially like SR 90 and the surrounding area in pic 5.4.06.
:thumbsup:
Welcome back to the big, wide, wonderful world of MDing, Don! Nice rural areas. Ashtabula is one of the few MDs which looks good from any zoom level. I really like the rolling hills which are most evident in 5.4.15-5.4.17. That's exactly the look I'm trying to achieve in my region, but not having much luck yet.
You've placed the fields well – not too crowded. I prefer to see them fenced because that's what I'm used to seeing, and fences add a finishing touch. Rather like framing a picture, but that's entirely a matter of personal taste. :)
I'm a great admirer of your work and your unique ideas. I still use the "signage" method you introduced about 16 months ago! I'm so glad you've brought Ashtabula back...
Joan
Welcome back! Glad to see you haven't lost your touch! Looking forward to seeing this continued.
Zack (woodb3kmaster): Thank you; it's great to be back! Stay tuned as I have more good stuff in the works.
Earth quake: Thanks! It was definitely a challenge getting the FAR to come together on those little hills (in picture 1), but glad it worked out.
Metarvo: Yes, a 14-month hiatus is WAY too long. I tried to stay in touch with all the developments along the way, but I did not succeed. I still haven't installed the newest NAM!
Joan (Jmouse): Thanks! I love those rolling hills in the southeast corner as well. Wait until you see Farnham in my next update (have I got a "signage" picture for you)! Perhaps I should look into the fences. I agree that they'd look really nice on some of the fields.
Battlecat: Thanks, friend. Glad to be back at it!
5.5 – Maps and region update
Before moving on to Farnham, let's dedicate this update to a recap of the region and look at the map for Kingsville. Here's a view showing Kingsville and the neighboring quads to the west. (You'll note that I took this shot after already completing the networks in Farnham, so just pretend that's not there for now!)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F5-5%2520Kingsville%2F5-5-1_-_Kingsville_region_view.jpg&hash=316abd7b5a3596917cb5272df52344f61911fd01)
5.1.1 - Kingsville - region view.
Prior to my previous update, I already completed and uploaded the map for Kingsville. So we now maps posted of the first five quads in the Ashtabula Region: Ashtabula, Kingsville, Plymouth, Saybrook and Saybrook-on-the-Lake. Click the button below to view the Ashtabula Region Overview map. From there, you can click on the completed tiles to view the corresponding full-sized maps of those quads (each will open in a new window).
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg290%2Fhomefryes%2FSimCity%2520Projects%2F2009%2520-%2520Ashtabula%2520Region%25202%2F0-Maps%2F_Map_button.jpg&hash=2cfb213c4da4a24f09a0624c008068e25090cbde) (http://home.earthlink.net/~homefryes/simstuff/ashtabula_region/ashtabula_region_map.htm)
See you in Farnham next time.
-- Don
Excellent way of presenting your region and its individual quads, Don. I've taken an interest in regional and quad mapping recently. Do you create yours by hand or use map-making software?
The farmland looks terrific, but have you ever stopped to think we seldom if ever see things from the angle we have to work with in SC4? Short of having a close relative who's a crop duster or helicopter pilot, it's almost impossible, so I guess that's where imagination, creativity and an artistic eye come in!
Now you've aroused my curiosity, and I'm eager to see what you have in store for us in the next update.
Are we there yet, are we there yet, are we there yet? :D
Later...
Joan
Great to see you back. Your MD is fantastic and the region shots are outstanding.
Wow at that region shot, truly spectacular. Your region looks incredibly realistic.
Glad to see this one back, and good to see you back again Don. Glad the move went well and congratulations on finding a job. I hope things settle down for your and that you have some free time left to play the game. From the looks of things, you haven't picked up much rust in 14 months. As for catching up on new things, there's plenty of stuff out there, but plenty of time to browse through it too. I'll look forward to seeing how you incorporate it into Ashtabula as it goes. Welcome back.
-Matt
damn its so realistic i first had a hard time to believe it was accually simcity!
great job &apls
Fantastic map and way of presenting it, I must say. And the railroad in picture 11 from your previous update looks so smooth, I can't seem to get my eye off it.
- riiga