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SimCity 4 Devotion Custom Content Showcase => NUTS Place => Team Custom Content Projects => NUTS Creations => Topic started by: threestooges on January 14, 2008, 04:46:09 PM

Title: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: threestooges on January 14, 2008, 04:46:09 PM
If you follow Three Rivers Region (or if you are one of the people I have been pestering with BAT questions) you may have noticed that I've started tinkering with the BAT. If not... I've started tinkering with the BAT.

I have attempted a few things which I may show at some point, but right now I am working with David (dedgren) on some Central Pivot Irrigation (CPI) farm fields. I'll start to post some pictures of it's development, but most of what has been developed so far can be seen in 3RR (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=112.2580). Below are a few of the pics of what is in progress so far.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg183.imageshack.us%2Fimg183%2F4180%2Ftsruralwindmillrf7.jpg&hash=7e4b683fdd2981c118a329426d1cf4c2de8ee3e5)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg244.imageshack.us%2Fimg244%2F8556%2Ftscpitestpicv2jo6.jpg&hash=9232a7dc93a2dbc91ed3318645f32697b417c229)

This may be an easy question to answer, but when I create props to use in game, there are no shadows created by them. Is there something I'm missing, or is there some trick I haven't figured out yet? Comments and suggestions are always welcome.
-Matt (threestooges)
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: dedgren on January 14, 2008, 05:32:34 PM
Let me be the first to comment and thank you, Matt, for turning your talents toward doing stuff that I could only dream about accomplishing myself.  Your work so far is the centerpiece of the most buzz (500 views in two days and two pages of comments) that 3RR has ever seen.


David
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: mattb325 on January 14, 2008, 05:42:44 PM
Quote from: threestooges on January 14, 2008, 04:46:09 PM
This may be an easy question to answer, but when I create props to use in game, there are no shadows created by them. Is there something I'm missing, or is there some trick I haven't figured out yet? Comments and suggestions are always welcome.
-Matt (threestooges)

In the Maxis PIM - when you are making a prop, set the "is ground model" to "yes"/"true" (I can't remember exactly what the words are as I'm at my work PC).

For existing models, you can edit that property in the desc file easily enough in the SC4tool or the reader.
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: threestooges on January 14, 2008, 06:48:00 PM
-David: Thank you. I should thank you in return. If it were not for the CPi project it might have taken me a while to get enough to start a thread with.

-mattb: Thank you for that quick response. I've poked around with the SC4Tool and found the property. It works now and I should have the changes made shortly (after a bit of reading for law school though).
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: JBSimio on January 14, 2008, 08:12:24 PM
Welcome to the "club," Matt!  I love the CPI units!  It's one of those things that I see everywhere, but never knew I was missing until you posted it here.   &apls
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: Pat on January 15, 2008, 02:04:37 AM
Matt that is very wonderful, I soo love the windmills...  I would still love to extend the offer to you if you want it of course....
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: threestooges on January 17, 2008, 10:15:00 PM
-Jon: Glad you like the CPI. It's existence is entirely up to David (dedgren) as he was looking for someone to BAT some together. I remebered that someone made an attempt at these some time ago, but I'm glad that I'm getting the chance to give them a shot myself.

-Pat: Glad you like the windmill. It should look better now that I actually put a shadow on it. I would be happy to accept the offer, but right now, I'm just going to work with the CPI stuff for a bit. After that all gets put together and I actually start producing some lot-able BATs I'll certainly need someone to lot them (as you will see in this little update, my lots could use some work).


Thanks again to everyone who has commented so far. Again, I invite any comments, criticisms etc. I wanted to post a little something to show some progress on some of the pieces. The windmill now has a shadow (thanks again Mattb) and I have rescaled my cattle guard a bit.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg216.imageshack.us%2Fimg216%2F2380%2Fcpi1pt0.jpg&hash=cd147c5035c7f5ed11bb329554417390db984706)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg132.imageshack.us%2Fimg132%2F8866%2Fcpi2sf5.jpg&hash=3a3d7502742920da80495ef3986ad8448e826654)
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: Pat on January 17, 2008, 10:23:56 PM

Matt that is awsome, when you are ready lemme know and we will get you setup on BLaM.... The lotting I can handle as well as a few others  ;) 

Other then that tidbit of news the newer windmill looks real good with the corrected shadowing of course... The lot yea could use a bit more of improvement, Instead of using the road texture, use a dirt track overlay on brown base texture other then that it looks nice!!!
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: threestooges on January 19, 2008, 08:13:39 PM
-Pat: I certainly will keep in touch with that. The lot is really just a testbed for the props. David is the one who will be lotting the whole thing. I just plopped a few things down to give everything some perspective.

I've had the chance to fiddle with a few more props. I've retextured the windmill into a slightly more modern steel design. The texture may be a bit bright on the blades, but I welcome opinions. I've also put together a water basin and just for fun, an outhouse (or tool shed  depending on the angle). Again, all comments and questions are welcome.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg405.imageshack.us%2Fimg405%2F5871%2Fsteelwindmilandouthousecg8.jpg&hash=f8febabd70d77af02fc1c545d1ab406f03ca1bdb)
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: JBSimio on January 19, 2008, 08:21:26 PM
Nice job, Matt!  To be honest, I like this version of the windmill better... and I personally don't think the blades are too bright at all.  The shed looks good.  Perhaps you could rotate it 10-20 degrees, just to break up the normal grid alignment?   I like the water basin, but something looks off around the edges of it.  Maybe it's just the jpeg compression though.   :thumbsup:

JB
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: threestooges on January 19, 2008, 11:28:58 PM
-Jon: Thanks for the thoughts on the windmill and shed. I went ahead and rotated the shed a few ways (15, 30, 45, 60, 75 degrees). It's a small prop, but it adds variety (and won't take up too much HD space). In regard to the basin, if you are referring to the apparent edges, then jpeg compression is what likely caused it. It should be smooth all around and there is a little spigot to fill it with, but I see what you mean in the pic. Strangely, there appears to be no shadow cast by it... I'll double check the desc to see, but that might also play a part.


Just wanted to post one more thing tonight before heading off to bed. Since this is a three day weekend around here, I wanted to take advantage of the extra time and step away from law school a bit (not entirely though...but enough) and took some time to tinker with a bridge I had been working on some time ago. The original covered bridge was fine but I thought improvements could be made. This is just the basic piece as I've yet to figure out a design for the base/pillar but I wanted to show it anyway.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg254.imageshack.us%2Fimg254%2F3313%2Fcoveredbridgefs7.jpg&hash=f7ddbd99ff69c497d3260b4a00f4b4639182ddef)


-edit-: Since there haven't been any new posts since my last one, I thought I would save the sapce and just edit this post. I've made some more progress on the bridge. I think it may be getting close from the modelling standpoint, so I may be able to test it out in game shortly to see if cars can actually fit under it. Let me know what you think.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg99.imageshack.us%2Fimg99%2F1170%2Fcoveredbridgefullvq7.jpg&hash=ea7ce7e22c0cab42007d4645f284b6afd2aa4fee)
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: Pat on January 21, 2008, 03:46:36 PM
Matt that is a wonderful covered bridge...
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: kwakelaar on January 22, 2008, 12:07:14 AM
That is quite a nice looking bridge, the modelling is looking good, only thing I could suggest is maybe to try and make the roof texture a bit more scruffy.
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: RebaLynnTS on January 22, 2008, 01:19:00 PM
Lovely bridge.
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: threestooges on January 22, 2008, 05:05:39 PM
-Pat: Glad to hear you like it. I've had a chance to fiddle with it a bit more (as you'll see below).

-kwakelaar: I agree about the roof texture. I'll work on the textures a bit more as I have time. For what you'll see below, I just wanted to get it in game to see a) that I still remembered how to make one of these things and b) to see if everything fit together.

-RebaLynnTS: Thanks for the thought. I always wanted an alternative to the game's bridge and thought there could be some variety.


So I had the chance to work some more with the bridge (and soon it's off to read some more for law school) but before I do that I wanted to show what I have been able to get done. It's now a functional bridge (as shown by the cars) and for the most part, the pieces fit together. There are a few gaps, but that can be taken care of. One thing I have yet to figure out is how to get the shore/wave effects around the base part of the pillars (but then again I also need to extend them a bit more... only 20m long right now). Again, all comments are welcomed.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg504.imageshack.us%2Fimg504%2F6361%2Fcoveredbridgevq2.jpg&hash=1a613dc1d360d88a5ff50e267c951a37f8ef5fe3)
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: Pat on January 22, 2008, 09:03:07 PM
WoW Matt Im totaly blown away by that wonderful bridge and I think there is a tut here on doing just that, I dunno I could be wrong???
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: threestooges on January 22, 2008, 11:03:43 PM
-Pat: There is a tutorial for doing just that. I've used it before (and will use it again). It's not too big of a problem to iron out, it'll just take a bit of time. For some reason, looking at the pic, I think the pillars supporting the roof could be a bit higher, but I'm open to suggestions.
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: Pat on January 23, 2008, 12:03:52 PM
Yea I do agree there Matt that the pillars should be a tad bit higher and also that maybe then adding a guard rail or something to that effect...
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: jeronij on January 23, 2008, 01:31:58 PM
Wow Matt, excellent bridge  &apls ¡¡¡

I am glad to see that someone took the time to read that tutorial  ::)

I can see a firm candidate for a NAM compatible bridge in this model  ;) , but there are some minor adjustements which would help to make the bridge perfect:

The joints between the pieces do not fit. I'd suggest you to check this tutorial: How you get rid of the glitches between pieces (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=158.0) which will solve that problem  ;D

If you used the IDs provided in the tutorial, the bridge may not be NAM compatible atm, so feel free to contac me (PM) so I'll give you proper ID's for everything  ;)

To make the shadows and wawes show, you need to add T21 exemplars for every bridge tile, but please dont do that until you have definitive ID's   $%Grinno$%

You may not be aware of the SC4D Bridge Engineering Department (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?board=160.0), where I invite you to have a look, and share your excellent bridge  :thumbsup:

I am glad to see the birth of a new great talent around our community   &apls




And yes, make the pylons taller and make the Maxis pylons fit with yours the best you can ;D ¡¡¡
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: threestooges on January 26, 2008, 11:10:33 PM
Replies:
-Pat: Well that settles it, the roof supports will be lengthened a little. I figure if I'm going to use odd-shaped/non-box LODs to show off the cars, I might as well really let them be seen. The current rail is actually 3m high right now, but it blends into the rest of the frame. Perhaps I can get it to stand out a bit more. Thanks for the comment, and I may have something for you shortly (see pic below)

-Jeroni: The tutorials are amazingly useful. The joints are fitting better now. I had read that tutorial before, but I kind of went on auto-pilot when I made the model/LOD overlap and did it backwards: the model extended past the LOD (but that was a quick fix). Thanks again for the IDs and other bridge making information. I hope more people will take the time to visit the bridge thread. It's a great resource on this site.


I've hit a bit of a wall with the bridge modding for right now. I know more or less what I need to do, but I'm not quite sure how (T21 exemplars, working with the Reader, etc) to do it all yet. I'll be tinkering around with it to see what I can do, but until then, the project won't be going to far for a little while. As far as the CPI system goes, I'm in conversation with David (dedgren) and may be constructing a few more things for it shortly. However, in the meantime, I took advantage of the fact that it wasn't raining here today to go for a bike ride. I live down in Costa Mesa, CA so rain is expected this time of year, but I was a bit surprised to see snow:

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg135.imageshack.us%2Fimg135%2F4941%2Fsnowinthehillsnd4.jpg&hash=57798d1ee26231c29302129665c61c1cc8b26aed)

I took a few pics of some of the small/medium sized office buildings around the area too, so while the bridge and CPI have slowed down a bit, I've decided to start up something else:

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg139.imageshack.us%2Fimg139%2F9391%2Ftsofficebldghw7.jpg&hash=4514e4b6c25c84884f12eec76d9834107229e826)

As usual, all comments etc are welcome.
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: RebaLynnTS on January 27, 2008, 10:54:00 AM
Looks interesting so far.
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: Pat on January 27, 2008, 02:35:00 PM
Matt that is really intresting and I wonder what its kind of business its going to be???
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: threestooges on January 27, 2008, 11:12:48 PM
Replies:
-RebaLynnTS: It wasn't much to show, but it has started to take shape now.

-Pat: I haven't really decided yet, but the building it's (very) loosely based on is a bank, but I'm thinking real estate/property management commercial stuff (yeah, I know that's detailed but it could probably work for anything like that). Something in the CO$$/CO$$$ area.

Right now, this thing is shaping up to be a pretty hefty little thing (would fit on a 4x4 lot right now) so I'm not sure if I should scale it down or not just yet. It's meant to be a big building, but I suppose that can be changed later if necessary.

One thing I would like to ask to anyone who knows: what is the best way to get a reflective/shiny look to textures? The red/pink rectangles are going to be windows, but their real-life counterparts are highly reflective so transparency isn't an option.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg254.imageshack.us%2Fimg254%2F6928%2Ftsofficebldg21jz4.jpg&hash=65032bf731b5767a679fe1ed9cade2c550415fa9)

-edit-
I've made some more concrete progress and I think it's finally taking shape:

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg183.imageshack.us%2Fimg183%2F5899%2Ftsofficebldg22kt5.jpg&hash=2127cf2918b5b33bce9cfd01c5e1ea0a8bdf1bcd)

Any comments/suggestions on the above question, or on the overall project are, as always, greatly appreciated.

MOD EDIT: For those having trouble with the second picture, try going to this link: http://img292.imageshack.us/img292/3476/tsofficebldg22jk3.png Matt, I'd really recommend using jpegs next time, pngs still cause problems for some browsers. - Fred

-Edit- Fixed the pic, thanks Fred.
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: threestooges on January 30, 2008, 10:01:24 PM
Since a few days have passed, I suppose it wouldn't hurt to make this a new post (show some life in here to the casual passerby). First off, thanks for the tip Fred. I didn't realize I had saved that as a png, but give me a minute or two and I'll have that fixed right up (no reason to send people to another site if I don't have to).

Secondly, after another suggestion by David in Three Rivers Region, I went ahead and cobbled together a little grain silo. The preliminary model :

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg251.imageshack.us%2Fimg251%2F7314%2Ftsgrainsiloka0.jpg&hash=2e65a38c77f6cced34e0cc3bea22161834d7504f)

and the current, textured version:

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg149.imageshack.us%2Fimg149%2F9995%2Ftsgrainsilotexturedmt0.jpg&hash=b058f95e400bcf1c4836f4ea231ee9d7f17e1970)
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: Pat on January 30, 2008, 10:07:10 PM
Matt wow that is beautiful!!! I love that grain elevator!! and btw Dont scale it down at all, a bigger CO$$ is always good....
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: jeronij on January 31, 2008, 10:02:38 AM
Hello Matt,

the shape of the grain silo is very good  :thumbsup: , however I miss some details in the roofs and in the silo itself.... not sure what you should add though... I never made rural buildings  ::) ... and also perhaps an open door/windows somewhere in the model would help to enhance the overall realism ... just some quick suggestions that came to my mind  ;)
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: threestooges on January 31, 2008, 03:00:51 PM
Replies:
-Pat: Thanks for the compliment. I don't think I'll scale down the office. It seems to be pretty close to its RL inspiration. To be honest, for most of the BATs I have made (Windmill, cattle grate, office and grain silo) I've just had a picture and kind of freehanded it until it looks good.

-Jeroni: Thank you very much. I haven't really started on the details yet (I wasn't sure what to include either). The roof does need something, perhaps a few vent pipes and the like. Now that you mention it, the silo is a bit bland... I'll figure out something to do with it though. I also plan to add lights and perhaps some billboard type advertisements on the long, vacant wall along the back.

Nothing new to show yet, but I'm working on a few things. Probably an update by the weekend if all goes well.
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: RebaLynnTS on January 31, 2008, 05:19:10 PM
Everything is looking great.
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: JBSimio on January 31, 2008, 05:43:04 PM
Hi Matt,

Great looking silo!  I agree that sliding one of the doors partially open would be a nice touch.  The running track along the top is great there, by the way.  Actually, now that I look closer, I see that they are open.  Perhaps just a better contrast between the door textures and that of the floor inside will show that better.  The roof textures and the shed walls look especially good.  The roof could use a little "junk" as you said, but probably not too much.  A couple exhaust fans or something similar would be enough to break things up nicely.

The commercial building looks like it's off to a good start.  I'm not very good with shiny or reflective glass, so I'm afraid I have no suggestions there.  I generally rely on the interior to add some interest to my windows.  ;)  Looking forward to how this one progresses!

Jon
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: threestooges on January 31, 2008, 09:37:12 PM
Replies:
-RebaLynnTS: Thanks.

-Jon (JBSimio): I think I found a way to make the doors stand out a bit more (took me a while to realize there was no light inside at first and therefore all textures would be... wait for it... dark) and I just added a few vents for the roof which you'll see below.

Well, I said an update for this weekend, but I couldn't wait. Contracts and Criminal Law reading and I took a bit of a break to add a few things to the silo: roof junk, lights, stuff like that. On the back(?) of the building (the side without the ramp) you might notice something that looks like a faded... thing. It's my first attempt at wall-side advertising (I thought that wall could use something) and it's designed (in theory) to look like an old, faded sign but it's nowhere near what it will look like in its final form. So without further ado:

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg139.imageshack.us%2Fimg139%2F2720%2Ftsgrainsilotexturedlighat3.jpg&hash=ff51e9ee1eee91d21144250b1e100a366d69c070)
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: RebaLynnTS on February 01, 2008, 09:14:55 AM
You can call me Becca, and your stuff is realy good. The textures tend to be repetitive, but I don't think it is all that bad. It is something I had trouble with when I first started BATting. Now I use a base texture to make individual textures for each part of my BATs.
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: threestooges on February 01, 2008, 10:51:40 AM
-Becca: Thank you for your continued support here (and suggestions). Texture repetitiveness has been a bit of a problem at times (but I've been finding workarounds) but I'm curious to know what you mean about a base texture for individual textures. Do you mean that you have a basic texture that you put on indiviudal pieces one at a time as opposed to a whole chunk at once or do you mean that you take a base texture, create a new texture from a piece of it and then use it on the model? Always glad to get help where I can.
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: RebaLynnTS on February 01, 2008, 12:18:53 PM
The second option. I will generally find something I like on the web, or on one of the CDs I have. Then start a new image sized to fit the piece I am texturing. I'll then take the original image (resize it if needed) and copy and paste it through out the new image (this stage, you still have a repeating pattern). Then I start tweeking it in random places until it no longer looks repetitive. From there (as I recently learned to do) over lay layers for rust, dirt, and other defects. Combine the layers into a whole, and save as a BMP. It is a long, envolved proccess, but usually ends up looking very good.
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: Pat on February 01, 2008, 02:32:15 PM
Matt that is looking real good and more defined there!!! The pipe vents on the roof is I dunno how to explain it but other then dont seem to fit right, its either the size or the color? But other then that the Nite lites are looking real good and the doorways are sweet!!!
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: threestooges on February 05, 2008, 07:06:43 PM
Replies:
-Becca: I'll take a look into that layering trick. I'm not too familiar with photo editing (aside from changing simple colors on textures, etc), but there will be time for that. It certainly seems like it will add quite a bit to the basic texture.

-Pat: Are you referring to the the vents along the lower roof or the two little things on the top? The lower ones were put there principally for the purpose of breaking up the roof a bit. I'll fiddle with their size, color, etc but ultimately they are based on a design I've seen on vent pipes on warehouses around here. Thanks for the comment about the lights.

Sorry I haven't been around here recently. Law school has been picking up a bit (including a trial brief for our research/writing class which makes things interesting) but it's certainly manageable. However, this has left me with less time to BAT than I would like, and other projects are on hold for one reason or another.

-Grain Silo: I've made some decent additions to this one, and am just waiting on some feedback on it. I will post this shortly.

-Office Building: Textures are being applied, but nothing really to show. Roof junk and perhaps patio furniture will be the biggest details going forward from here.

-Covered Bridge: The models seem to be together for the most part, but I have yet to figure out the modding part of it to actually put it into the game as a working bridge. Right now I can draw the bridge, but none of the models show up. I will have to check that I put everything together correctly, but for right now it's on hold.

-CPI Stuff: versions of it have been sent to David (dedgren) to use with his crop circles in development over in 3RR. Recent upgrade: the windmill (regular and steel) props are now available at 15, 30, 45, 60, and 75 degree intervals as well as the orignial.

So that's where things are right now. Thanks to everyone for their comments and continued support. Rest assured that I have not given up (I tend to be a bit stubborn that way) and I will have a few things to show in (hopefully) the upcoming days.
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: RebaLynnTS on February 06, 2008, 08:20:40 AM
All I can say is, keep up the good work. If I learn any more new tricks, I'll be sure to share them.
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: Pat on February 06, 2008, 05:28:55 PM
Matt no problem and its always RL first then SC4 second or family I still havent figured it out yet lol.... Anyways cant wait to see what progress you do come up with when you can....
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: threestooges on February 06, 2008, 09:12:50 PM
Okay, so I found some time to fiddle with the Reader (it's my first time using that thing, it's fun, but it reminds me of a saying I use from time to time: "If it doesn't work, hit it with a hammer. If it still doesn't work, get a bigger hammer.") I really haven't quite figured out what I'm doing (as the pic below will partly show) but I think I'm on the right track. I copied the file used for the CSX Kwanyoni bridge and edited it to fit my models. This appears to have resulted in a functional bridge. Woohoo! I just need to figure out how T21s work and what they apply to (because right now it's all just a bunch of numbers to me) before this thing gets anywhere near being released.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg139.imageshack.us%2Fimg139%2F738%2Fcoveredbridgemi9.jpg&hash=01cdbb4d05683f36c769d6dec1d3ea022478b709)

As I was saying, I'm still not quite sure what I'm doing yet (somehow it has street lights, but I haven't figured out which T21 controls this, or which ones control the wave effects at the base of the pillars) but I'm starting to learn. If anyone knows the reader a bit, and they have some suggestions, or if you have any comments/question/etc with the bridge as a whole, please let me know.
-Matt
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: RebaLynnTS on February 07, 2008, 07:14:39 AM
If you have not read the tutorial on t21's I recomend it.
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: Pat on February 08, 2008, 03:11:57 PM
Matt that is just looking beautiful the bridge in as a whole... Other then the street lights showing up lol.... oooh btw T21 TuT (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=70.0)
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: threestooges on February 08, 2008, 09:02:53 PM
Replies:
-Becca: Thanks for the suggestion. I've been poking around the various tutorials out there and I think I'm actually starting to figure out what's what.

-Pat: Thanks for the compliment and thanks for the link. I think I finally figured out the street light thing (heh heh).

So the bridge is to a point where I think it looks good, and is functional. I have to figure out how to switch the picture shown in the bridge menu and then I think it might be ready to send off for final checks/testing. I took the opportunity to try it out in game. Let me know what you think.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg517.imageshack.us%2Fimg517%2F2565%2Fduhocheightscoveredbridaw5.jpg&hash=002fa05216f253d11089580173c9f1835402e04e)


Warning: attached is an untested bridge file. Please DO NOT use unless you have received permission to do so. This is done mainly for your protection since I am not sure if there are any defects with the file yet. While I believe it works so far, failure to follow this warning may result in unpredictable effects.
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: jeronij on February 08, 2008, 11:48:29 PM
I think it looks very good  :thumbsup:

Perhaps, and only perhaps, the roof is a bit too saturated... but the modelling is excellent, and the modding too. Thanks for creating this beauty  &apls &apls
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: Pat on February 12, 2008, 11:15:59 AM
Matt no problem at all and I love the progress on the bridge, so is it out yet anywhere?
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: threestooges on February 12, 2008, 12:10:39 PM
Jeroni: Thanks. Without your help, this probably wouldn't exist. The roof has a bit more detail, etc that can be seen in the pic (seems to blur when in jpeg form), but I'll see if there is anything I can do. Also, what is the best way to get the file to you? I've sent it to David (dedgren) to fiddle with, if nothing else, I'm sure he can get it to you.

Pat: It's not yet out in the public forum. Mostly I want to make sure that any and all bugs are out of it before unleashing it on the unsuspecting user. This is my first actual use of the reader and anything modding related so I want to make sure everything came out right. When that's done though, I expect to release it.
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: Pat on February 12, 2008, 09:48:34 PM
Very super sweeet Matt!!! If you want anyone to test it out let me know  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: City Builder on February 13, 2008, 12:17:06 AM
 &apls I really like the bridge model, but I do have a thought that the roof is just a bit too flat looking or maybe it's just too dark so that it looks flat or hell, maybe it's just my eye sight, but I do really like the covered bridge.  Nice job.
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: threestooges on February 19, 2008, 10:07:22 PM
-Replies:
-Pat: I would be happy to send it your way (as long as you realize I have no idea what I'm doing, heh heh). Is there a file hosting site you use, or would you prefer it by email? Keep in mind that it will likely change in some form before release (we'll see what testing yields).

-City Builder: Thanks for the compliment. The roof is actually flat (your eyes are fine in that respect) and I wasn't sure when making it if I wanted to keep a minor pitch in the roof. I kind of like the way it is now even though the flat spot is shingled. I didn't like the game covered bridge in certain spots and I'm glad to have had the chance to make one myself.


First off, law school continues in full force and I have a trial brief paper thing due in about a week (or so) so time will be limited as I polish that up. In the meantime however, I have done a bit more work on that office building. I'm not sure if I just added too much roof space, but I'm not sure what to put up there. The building that it is based off of doesn't give me much to go on (it's pretty clean) and I've just kind of gone my own way with it. Up next is a fair bit of detail work: roof stuff, patio stuff (benches and maybe some potted plants if someone knows of some good plant models), and railings along the patio walls, etc. and the back still needs some work before I show it. So let me know what you think, any and all comments are greatly appreciated.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg264.imageshack.us%2Fimg264%2F2246%2Ftsofficebldg23dr0.jpg&hash=e034aa28d74bfa909c9fb442f8f7d5c76081a45a)
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: squidi on February 20, 2008, 12:47:41 AM
looks nice so far.
i would change the roof texture on the top that you have not that periodic repetition
and you can make something like a waether station or some dishes on the roof.
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: Pat on February 20, 2008, 10:26:09 AM
Hey Matt,

   Email is fine and that is easier then going threw a song and a dance on Fileden or anyother hosting site lol, check my profile for the addy....   Hmmmm the office building is coming along pretty nicly and I do like the overall apperance of it but the roof texture does need a little revamping and also some more roof junk would be nice to see....  I think that Autovino or Simfox has done a tut on Raytrace for making the windows transparent its here somewhere but if you cant find it, here is one that should also help here [linkie] (http://simcities.com/forum/index.php?topic=1885.msg16031#msg16031)
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: JBSimio on February 20, 2008, 06:42:05 PM
Hi Matt,

First, let me say that I really like your covered bridge.  I've never been fond of the one included by Maxis, and this will be a very welcome alternative!  &apls

I agree with Squidi about the roof texture.  You may also consider staggering the end points for the ducting on the roof... this should add a little visual interest and break things up a bit.  What kind of lot size will this building be?  I like the overall design quite a bit.  My only real "complaint" at this stage is that it seems rather bulky.  I don't mean that it's too large as a whole... but that the different pieces are all in large sections and the overall result makes it look a bit flat.  (I hope that makes some sort of sense.)  Maybe some framing on the large first floor and center windows to break that up would help... similar to how you outlined the doors, but not quite as thick?  In the same line of thought, you could set the rows of windows back from the wall just slightly so they look framed within the building instead of "painted on."  The building has a lot of great lines and many things to look at (which is always great)... some minor tweaks will take this one a long ways.   :thumbsup:

Jon
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: threestooges on February 20, 2008, 08:12:07 PM
Replies:
-squidi: I like the idea of a weather station of something. the way I made the building, I ended up with a fair bit of roof space to work with. A few antennas etc. would certainly work there. I'll work with the roof texture to see what I can do. The very top part is meant to be a gravel coating to a tarred roof, and the lower parts are tile. Thanks for the suggestions.

-Pat: Certainly there will be more roof junk (it's too big not to) but I'm not sure just what yet. Also, the detail work is nowhere near done yet (much less started really...). I'll take a look at those tutorials and see what they have to say. Always good to hear from you.

-Jon: Good to see you. I'll shift around the ducts (in that pic I was just feeling out how much space I have to work with). It looks bulky because it is bulky; you'll see a pic of the building it's based on below. It should occupy about a 4x4 lot... and I'm wondering if I want to drop it down a bit. I just started building on a 'rule of thumb' measure. I'll see what I can do in terms of framing, and I see what you mean about the windows. The reddish ones however, are actually flush with the actual building; a great look that I can't quite figure out how to replicate properly (if you have any thoughts) so I'm wondering if I should go for something more traditional or what. Lastly, I plan to add benches and bushes to the patios to give them some life. Do you know a good way to make a decent looking bush/planter?


Thanks to everyone who has commented on this project so far. For reference, here is the building this is based on:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg509.imageshack.us%2Fimg509%2F7523%2Fjamboreebuilding1ys5.jpg&hash=f83feb1de226e36fa5c04bdefb234faa13170199)
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: Pat on February 20, 2008, 08:30:38 PM
Thats sweet matt and its always great to see the RL inspiration...
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: threestooges on February 20, 2008, 11:00:08 PM
-Thanks Pat. It's certainly a sizable building and I remember it from when I lived around here many years ago (up until the end of 3rd grade). It still looks the same.

So here are the results of a little more tinkering and a bit of staring at the screen. Some planters, benches and window trim etc. more to come and I still need to work with the roof texture.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg143.imageshack.us%2Fimg143%2F7906%2Ftsofficebldg24sa1.jpg&hash=05cd207e5d95c202cf5a91f6005b388db669243f)
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: Pat on February 21, 2008, 12:26:04 AM
getting better there Matt....
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: Pat on February 22, 2008, 09:44:58 AM
OK Matt givin some time since my last post I think its safe to bump a bit lol.......

I do have some results here on the bridge, which btw is really sweet, I didnt yet compare it to Colyn's bridge seeing as that from what you said is used as the base model... But anyways here are pics of it in action as of last night before my wife kicked me off the computer lol....

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg182.imageshack.us%2Fimg182%2F7200%2Fmattbridgetest1sv6.jpg&hash=052f71bbeeae8716fabd1c6d569e4a02913374a2)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg182.imageshack.us%2Fimg182%2F1613%2Fmattbridgetest2ek0.jpg&hash=e96709baaea2b2f30f514ce0ae08b999c75fb417)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg99.imageshack.us%2Fimg99%2F6595%2Fmattbridgetest3wg6.jpg&hash=903d94137acc9e0fffe3909644ec9f2befda9d9f)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg182.imageshack.us%2Fimg182%2F9414%2Fmattbridgetest4tk7.jpg&hash=fe320fbc06e934f9045ecbebe18f728842c4690d)

The only thing I have noticed that is where the bridge meets the land is that little gap... I dont know if that can be avoided or if Colyn had the same problem's?  Either way UDI works so far and when I go back ingame today I will see how it looks against dry land...
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: RebaLynnTS on February 22, 2008, 10:18:04 AM
It's a speed bump :)
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: threestooges on February 22, 2008, 10:54:21 AM
Actually I used the bridge exemplar file from Colyn's bridge and edited that to match my models. The modelling is entirely my own (which explains why there is a heavy duty speed bump). What I gather from that is that I rendered the start/end piece with the road slightly above 0. So, to fix that all I would need to do would be to fix up the model and re-export...nothing too bad.

However, this does pose an interesting opportunity of sorts: since I will be re-exporting (at least) the start piece, are there any cosmetic changes that anyone would like to see? I've heard it mentioned that the roof texture might be a bit saturated and flat so I might change that a bit (but I would like to hear thoughts on it), and from the looks of it, the clearance might be a bit low (judging from that fire truck) so making it a bit taller is on the table too. Please let me know of any comments/suggestions you may have, and thank you again pat for putting that thing through its paces (keep it up if you'd like).
-Matt
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: RebaLynnTS on February 22, 2008, 12:17:11 PM
I think the three things you mentioned are about all that might be worth doing, for sure. The only other thing I see is some funny shadowing inside the bridge. I am not sure how transit models work, but extending the roof out over the road area on each piece, in both directions (Past the LOD) would fix that in a normal BAT.
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: Pat on February 22, 2008, 06:48:06 PM
OK as I promissed here are my dry land takes....

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg295.imageshack.us%2Fimg295%2F4785%2Fmatttestoldbi5.jpg&hash=9871cf5e19f41122ca4166dbbe605ac6904a31ea)

OK here is an Idea I was thinking about lighting up the texture of the roof...

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg404.imageshack.us%2Fimg404%2F1871%2Fmatttestnewrh7.jpg&hash=b4326a3c93031eef7b8532afb365e948537c1632)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg185.imageshack.us%2Fimg185%2F2306%2Fmatttest1wp9.jpg&hash=fef50c6d3571ef205a9de9061ad9746925ba82e8)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg404.imageshack.us%2Fimg404%2F1853%2Fmatttest2auj7.jpg&hash=f4314492b5474cc1b95a6e77589842d09f4ef8c6)

Now here is the full bridge with TPW, This is just a small teaser of it lol

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg404.imageshack.us%2Fimg404%2F8018%2Fmatttest2op6.jpg&hash=e1955a52d52a4a1440fb3e063f69c8d0c70b2e68)

if you want to see the full pic well you will just have to check out my MD lol.....
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: JBSimio on February 23, 2008, 04:53:32 PM
Quote from: threestooges on February 22, 2008, 10:54:21 AM
However, this does pose an interesting opportunity of sorts: since I will be re-exporting (at least) the start piece, are there any cosmetic changes that anyone would like to see? I've heard it mentioned that the roof texture might be a bit saturated and flat so I might change that a bit (but I would like to hear thoughts on it), and from the looks of it, the clearance might be a bit low (judging from that fire truck) so making it a bit taller is on the table too. Please let me know of any comments/suggestions you may have, and thank you again pat for putting that thing through its paces (keep it up if you'd like).

If you need to go through it again anyway, perhaps you could change just the flat roof section to more of a shallow pitch?  You'd end up with that barn roof look in the end... but it still wouldn't be so tall like the Maxis version.  Just a thought.

I see what you mean about the flatness of that building.  Maybe the wall and glass textures should look a bit more like each other to mimic that seamless effect.  It would also make for a pretty cool "Oh wow... look at that!" moment when the lights come on. ;)   I like the most recent additions and I'm looking forward to watching it progress.

Jon
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: threestooges on March 05, 2008, 01:14:40 PM
Replies:
-Becca: The shadowing is partly from the road texture and partly from vertical pillars; and yes, extending the model beyond the LOD has the same effect as a regular building.

-Pat: The pics look great, and I've seen the rest in your MD (here) (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=722.520). Good stuff.

-Jon: I added a pitch to the roof and fiddled with the bridge footings. I'll also give that window thing a shot on the next version of that building.

It has really been a while since I last posted here, but good news everyone. I have had the chance to remake the bridge models and I've handed them over to Jeronij to prep for their (hopefully) upload to the LEX. Updates on that front will come as soon as they are available, and hopefully I will have a few new things to post here too.
-Matt
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: Pat on March 05, 2008, 01:32:54 PM
Sweeet Matt Im looking forward to the Release of the new bridge!!!  I am also eagerly awaiting the other devolpment as well.......
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: threestooges on March 07, 2008, 10:51:30 PM
So far, there is no new news regarding the bridge, but in the meantime, I have made "progress" on another project.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg213.imageshack.us%2Fimg213%2F4442%2Ftsofficebldg25yi6.jpg&hash=94a8caf627a22c7e04b5a98aeabd3bced8af79af)

No, it's not an old pic. This is version 2. In the creation of the first one I came across a few things that made certain elements (making small adjustments, plans to nightlight the interior, etc) rather difficult. While it would have been possible to rework the old one, I believe this may be the more efficient route. It's also allowed for a simpler redesign, and it will now fit on a 3x3 lot (if things go the way I'm currently thinking). The process should go a bit quicker though. Take it easy and, as always, comments are always welcome.
-Matt
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: jeronij on March 08, 2008, 05:38:12 AM
The bridge will be released quite soon, dont worry about that  $%Grinno$% , the NAM team is on it  :thumbsup:

Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: threestooges on March 08, 2008, 10:05:06 AM
Excellent news. There is no hurry on it though of course. Take whatever time is needed. I want to make sure it's perfect before it goes out.
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: Pat on March 08, 2008, 10:42:33 AM
Matt Im happy that the bridge will be hitting the LEX near us soon!!!! On the new project do you have a name for the building yet?
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: threestooges on March 08, 2008, 10:27:28 PM
-Pat: It should be on the LEX shortly. Since it's in the hands of the NAM team now, it would seem that it will be coming out when the next NAM update is ready which means (I've wanted to say this...yes I'm a nerd like that): it will be ready when it is ready. As far as the building goes, there is no planned name yet. Haven't given it a thought yet, but I'm not that good at naming things though, if you have any suggestions... at any rate, glad to see you stopping by again.

So as I was saying, the second version is going a bit quicker as the pic below will demonstrate. It's not much, just another progress pic, but comments again (as always) are very welcome.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg520.imageshack.us%2Fimg520%2F5605%2Ftsofficebldg26fv9.jpg&hash=e741c60e69dd3b135288a6c9189bbba504c67bae)
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: JBSimio on March 08, 2008, 10:34:18 PM
It's coming along very nicely, Matt!  The proportions look a lot better this time around and it doesn't have that squat appearance anymore.  3x3 sounds like a better size to match up with other things too.  You may want to overlap and close up your interior corners... just to save headaches later when you're lighting.  But that's more of a "technical" pointer than anything to do with how it looks. 

I'm also glad to hear that the bridge is getting closer.  I can't wait to have a nice covered bridge again!  :thumbsup:  Hope things are well on the west coast... don't let it fall in the ocean before I get there, OK?  $%Grinno$%

JB
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: threestooges on March 09, 2008, 03:37:26 PM
-JB: I'll shore them up when I start to finish it off. Right now, I'm working to figure out the shape first. Thanks for all of the advice you've given me recently, and I'll take whatever else you have.

Those that have been following this thread know that I have finished a covered road bridge. I thought about making a rail version, but as history has shown, old bridges like that (and the steam trains that would have used them) had a tendency to burst into flame... not a good thing. As a result, my next bridge will be for rail traffic. I had worked on this a ways back (it was my second BAT that I made outside of philippbo's tutorial) and it had made itself comfortable in the folder. I figured, since I seem to know what I'm doing now, I would give it another shot. It's modelled after a Howe Truss (http://www.girr.org/girr/tips/tips2/howe_truss.html) and is very interesting from a physics/engineering point of view.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg266.imageshack.us%2Fimg266%2F4176%2Fhowetruss1rn2.jpg&hash=55d44a516ed579d0eef8929e192208fe06906153)

As I understand, the train puts weight on the tracks, which puts weight on the roadbed. This is transferred to the vertical bars and is applied to the top, horizontal beams. It is then channeled into the angled beams and presses outward, forcing the bridge deeper into its footings.

I'm trying to decide if I want to limit it to a short span, or try to fabricate some sort of pillar for it. The pictures I've seen haven't shown very long spans, but what the heck, I'm making the bridge so... let me know what you think.
-Matt
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: RebaLynnTS on March 09, 2008, 05:14:13 PM
There is such a thing as being to realistic. These are for a game, and if you want to strech the laws of physics a little, I say .. do it.
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: City Builder on March 09, 2008, 08:11:58 PM
As someone told me once, "Make Both"!  Make a shorter bridge and make one with pilings for larger expanses.  I'd use both as I love bridges and can't find nearly enough of them to appease my desire for bridges.  I often go out of my way to ensure that I have a bridge somewhere in my cities.  Looking nice so far.
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: Shadow Assassin on March 09, 2008, 10:33:39 PM
The key to breaking the laws of physics is to make sure the universe doesn't catch onto what you're trying to do.

If necessary, think 'pink elephants'.

Of course, the same thing can be applied to learning how to fly.

As an aside, though, that bridge looks great. I'd definitely use it.
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: threestooges on March 14, 2008, 10:56:08 PM
Replies:
-Becca: Consider them stretched. I came up with what I think is a decent enough pillar to hold up the bridge when the laws (and bridge) would be getting close to the breaking point. Thanks for stopping by.

-City Builder: There will be pillars for this bridge. I just adjusted the pillar properties so they will only appear after 5-6 tiles or so, so you'll get 2 types from the file of 1. Some new developments follow below.

-Shadow Assassin: Sounds like something from Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (working my way through it), but you know what the last guy who tried to fly from the roof of a 10 story building said as he passed by the second floor: "So far so good."


I've had the chance to expand on the bridge and get it into the game. As usual I'd love whatever feedback you have. It's a thick bridge by design, but I wonder if I made the beams too thick. Also, I think I messed up the pathing files (can't get a train to visually cross the bridge), but I think all I need to do is copy the files from a bridge that works so no worries there. The first two are basic bridge pics placed next to my covered bridge for comparison:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg152.imageshack.us%2Fimg152%2F1926%2Fhowetruss1zf5.jpg&hash=2fe88c45575c79c6991c914b69aed48b93f48e49)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg168.imageshack.us%2Fimg168%2F9361%2Fhowetruss2ua6.jpg&hash=be49b192ad9e99e2593a087509d3e50850934a10)


These second two are my attempt to put the bridge into a fitting environment:

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg168.imageshack.us%2Fimg168%2F8654%2Fhowetruss3hx2.jpg&hash=e79212a4607532955b6b55e44cccf96917ad0679)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg168.imageshack.us%2Fimg168%2F4044%2Fhowetruss4ap4.jpg&hash=e9b3d53084871824bd99a717cc3142f713ebfedc)

Thanks to everyone who has commented so far. It's good to get the feedback, and good to know that there is interest in this besides my own. Take it easy.
-Matt
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: Pat on March 15, 2008, 09:57:35 AM
OOOOOOOOOH Matt my god you are true bridge master of the old!!!

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.freesmileys.org%2Fsmileys%2Fwhacky110.gif&hash=b95ed191b8e6997ae285df9dd01e411c79a202c5)

Just dont go crazzy with details to much about realizm even though the one pic of the bridge over the valley is perfect!!! again if you need a testing let me know!!!
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: threestooges on March 26, 2008, 08:43:17 PM
Well now it has been a while since I've had the chance to post anything here. I would like to apologize for that, and also to anyone that pops in here expecting to see some more pictures. I have been in and out of the BAT, but most of it has been Reader work and that's not as much fun to show off as bridges over valleys. All of the various project have been proceeding nicely, albiet slowly. I'm still trying to decide on a good design for the Howe Truss pillars (or rather a good texture) it's looking like a column of rocks braced by wooden support beams right now.

At any rate, it may be a bit until I really get back into it. We have a trial brief due in two weeks, followed by a Moot Court competition on the same issues, then finals at the end of April. I will certainly be taking a few 'sanity breaks' here and there as a way to relax, and hopefully I will have some new things to show in the coming weeks. However, I hope you understand if not. Take it easy, and thanks to all who have commented so far.

-Pat: interesting graphic there. I will certainly have a need for someone to test this thing when it's near to being ready. You did a great job with the last one so I'll be interested to see what you do with this one. Also, If you have any suggestions for a new 'old' style, let me know. Always willing to seek out inspiration.

-Matt
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: Pat on March 26, 2008, 09:46:31 PM
Matt I sure will keep you notified if I find a wicked old style bridge...
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: Heblem on March 28, 2008, 10:17:42 AM
Nice bridges  :thumbsup: &apls
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: threestooges on April 01, 2008, 09:30:20 PM
Replies:
-Pat: Glad to hear it. Also, depending on available free time, I may have a building for you to tinker with in the LE.

-Heblem: Thanks.

As much as I should be working on my trial brief, and outlines, studying, etc. (yay law school) I can still use a study break every once in a while. I took some time to re-adjust the bridge model a bit. As the pic below shows, the structure has been taken in a bit. The piece on top of the pillar is still the same shape as the original (partly for comparison, and partly because I forgot to replace it). If I get some more time, I should be able to wrap it up in a few hours or so of work. I just have to find/make time for that work. Shouldn't be too bad... anyway, here's the pic.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg257.imageshack.us%2Fimg257%2F6842%2Fhowetruss2gt7.jpg&hash=b24cf16e3ef9f52efa2a0856937bb47423899d0c)

Thanks again to everyone who has commented so far.
-Matt
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: FrankU on April 02, 2008, 01:16:27 AM
Beautiful bridge there!

I think a pillar every 5 or 6 tiles would be quite in the range of realism, somewhere between computer game, SciFi and historical correctness.
The laws of physics allow us to draw everything we want, so any brigde you make applies to the laws of physics..... ()what()

Anyway, a small comment: your in game pictures show the bridgfe lying directly on the soil. I think it would look much better if there was some kind of stone or concrete foundation.
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: Heblem on April 02, 2008, 10:19:23 AM
Looking at the covered road bridge, for to be honest I think that roof need some more details, it looks kinda flat, but anyway those are great bridges  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: Pat on April 02, 2008, 12:12:33 PM
alright Matt I'm ready when ever you are on that building....  The support base on the rail bridge looks absolute frackin sweeeeeeet!!!!!!!!!!!
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: threestooges on April 02, 2008, 11:12:30 PM
Replies:
-FrankU: I haven't officially decided on the pillar spacing, but it looks like it will be somewhere in that range. I want to make sure it's possible to have a pillar-free bridge over a canyon, but still give it some look of realism over longer spans. I've been working on some footings for the bridge and you'll see them below.

-Heblem: There is a small angle in the roof, but jpeg compression makes it a bit blurry. It looks a bit better in the game. Right now, it is (I think) with the NAM team and should be released with the next NAM. If you think it could be improved, I'll look into changing it a bit, but I want to avoid the big pitch that the game covered bridge has. Thanks for the comment, and your honesty. I am still learning this stuff, so any input is good.

-Pat: It will be a little while with the building (especially now with finals, papers, etc coming up). In front of it is the rail bridge, but that's about it. It's actually that office building from a little while ago. Textures are the main thing I'm working with, and I still need to figure out how to get the windows right. As far as the support goes, I'm not too sure about the textures, but I'm glad you like it so far (to put it lightly).

One of the biggest comments I've been receiving is the floating bridge/lack of footings. Something I've been meaning to work on, but never finding the right style/textures. I think I'm finally getting there though. Two questions I have now: how's the footing looking so far, and should there be cross bracing on it?

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg521.imageshack.us%2Fimg521%2F4444%2Ftshowetruss1qv8.jpg&hash=e0ea6ce19ec09b748d1b01557ae854753b4b8fa2)

Stangely, though it looks angled and whatnot, everything on it is at a 90 degree to everything else. Why it looks like this is beyond me, but either way, thoughts are welcome.
-Matt
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: FrankU on April 03, 2008, 03:48:57 AM
Oh, great footing!
Never thought of someting like this.
And yes: there should be some cross bracings, because without diagonals you have no stability.
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: City Builder on April 03, 2008, 05:31:00 AM
Looking at that footing however it would appear to me that the rocks have been concreted into place and the wooden trusses on the outside isn't to contain the rocks but rather more of a decoration system, so diagnoal bars wouldn't be needed in my opinion.  Even with cross bracking those individual rocks are going to come tumbling our of the brace work unless they are held in there by concrete or some other forum of adhesion in which case adding diagnal trusses to it might maike it look over bearing.  Remembering this is a game sometimes beauty has to come over reality, and what might now work in reality can be made to look and work beautifully in non reality (games.)

Just my opinion and the short of it is, I like them the way that they are now and adding any further bracing to them in my opinion is going overboard.
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: bat on April 03, 2008, 07:08:34 AM
Wonderful work on the rail bridge there so far! And great work on the other bats from you, threestooges! :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: Pat on April 03, 2008, 08:25:35 AM
Matt I like that alot wiht the wood supports and the rock pillars!!!
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: threestooges on April 26, 2008, 12:08:01 AM
As promised, with the release of the new NAM (and of course with the help of Jeronij) there is now a certain new bridge available on our LEX. It's available here (http://sc4devotion.com/csxlex/lex_filedesc.php?lotGET=1599). Hope you enjoy it, and I hope to add a few more in the coming months (most likely after finals are over).
-Matt
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: threestooges on May 14, 2008, 05:33:58 PM
I'm not usually one to double post, but it has been some time since my last one. Now that law school has finsihed for the summer and the summer employment has not yet begun, I have actually had free time (kind of a strange feeling) and as a result, have made some progress on the Howe Truss Bridge. The bridge footings are in place and, pending the adjustment of some LOD issues, this should be ready to go fairly soon.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg117.imageshack.us%2Fimg117%2F7786%2Fhowetruss5vz5.jpg&hash=2af2999bd2a3a9adbd898b760cc2331515ac8424)

Let me know what you think.
-Matt
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: Tarkus on May 14, 2008, 05:38:19 PM
I think that most certainly merited a double post.  That is an absolutely fantastic looking bridge you have there! :thumbsup:  I especially like the bridge footings. 

-Alex (Tarkus)
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: Pat on May 14, 2008, 07:16:09 PM
OMG Matt that is just wicked!!!
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: BigSlark on May 14, 2008, 07:36:36 PM
Matt,

That's an amazing looking bridge, I'm looking forward to playing with it.

Cheers,
Kevin
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: Chrisadams3997 on May 14, 2008, 10:19:51 PM
Just poked my head in here, and I've got to say that that bridge looks great.  The modelling and texturing are excellent :thumbsup:, so keep up the good work Matt.

Chris
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: threestooges on May 20, 2008, 01:04:52 AM
Replies:
-FrankU: I see what you were saying about the need for support, but City Builder had a point with the concrete look to them. Considering the style of bridge, you could say the concrete was added to bring it up to modern code, and if used in an historic capacity, that it was just built that way. I just kind of liked the way it looked without the cross bars to be honest. Thanks for the comment and I hope to hear more from you.

-City Builder: I think the rocks could hold their place under their own weight, but you are right about concrete helping. To play off of what I said to FrankU above, it looked pretty good without the cross bars, and the rest of the bridge is busy enough that I didn't want to detract from it too much.

-bat: Thank you very much. Aside from the stuff I've made for 3RR, I think the only stuff that has been released (or is in the process) are bridges so far. I do have some other stuff planned though. Hope to see you around here again.

-Pat (x2): Thanks for both comments, I think it turned out pretty well and it's in Jeronij's hands right now. If all goes well and no major issues are found, I hope this will be on the LEX soon.

-Alex (Tarkus): Coming from a transit guy like you, that is a compliment. I have a new one in the works right now (as you will see below).

-Kevin (BigSlark): If all goes well, it might be released soon enough. Thanks for the compliment.

-Chris (Chrisadams3997): I'll keep it going, and I hope you'll do the same. Your rural stuff, as I have said before is quite well done. I'll be keeping an eye out for its official release.

The Howe Truss is being tested right now, so hopefully there will be good news on it, in the meantime however, I have started work on (wait for it) another bridge. This one will also be for rail and possibly for another project as well. I'm planning two versions of it: the step one shown here, and one with a more gradual arc. They will be wooden bridges. Let me know what you think.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg120.imageshack.us%2Fimg120%2F1605%2Ftswoodentrestle1fv1.jpg&hash=cefd0f9f4cfe1187ae5855197be7785ff3a1c3f1)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg294.imageshack.us%2Fimg294%2F193%2Ftswoodentrestle2qa4.jpg&hash=718d54b0a30392351bde2ed51edf97deea4536be)
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: Pat on May 20, 2008, 07:12:15 PM
OMG WOW Matt that is simply stunning Job there!!!!  I will get you pics of some more bridges when I take anther trip to my mothers house (Wausau, WI) and a friend of mine (Rockford, IL)
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: threestooges on May 29, 2008, 07:59:06 PM
-Pat: Thank you very much. I'll take whatever pics/inspiration I can get; and speaking of pics, Let me know what you think of a certain one (especially) below.

Two pics for this update. One of the bridge I'm working on, and the other of the MDK Memorial Building. All thoughts and criticisms are welcome on these. I still need to finish up the floor textures in the MDK building, but aisde from that, it might be getting there.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg46.imageshack.us%2Fimg46%2F613%2Ftswoodentrestle3yj6.jpg&hash=bd1d00d9c28ec5f258c38581c3237a9b6f3c2359)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg78.imageshack.us%2Fimg78%2F279%2Ftsofficebldg28hj1.jpg&hash=f42657d22495cbc92bc373872ccaf54086e44b97)

-Matt
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: Pat on May 29, 2008, 10:49:37 PM
Matt Im speachless!!! WOW!!!!!!!
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: threestooges on June 09, 2008, 11:46:25 PM
Repiles:
-Pat: Thanks. I hope you make some good use of the MDK Building, and I hope to see some developments on it when you have some.

I really need to keep this place updated more regularly, but I have something I'm toying with from the BAT Request Thread. There was a request for palm trees with lights. I don't remember any such props, and no one else had chimed in either, so I decided to try to make some (there are other lit trees, so why not palms?). Comments, as always, are welcomed.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg122.imageshack.us%2Fimg122%2F8999%2Ftspalmtestvs2.jpg&hash=0c1b392f1cd6bd579c00b9df8bed11d6d11aecba)

-Matt
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: Chrisadams3997 on June 10, 2008, 10:13:25 AM
From a distance they aren't bad, but up close the leaves look too squarish.  Also the way that the overlapping is visible close to the center looks a bit unnatural.  But it's definitely getting there.  I'm presuming(sorry if I'm wrong) that the leaves are squares with an oppacity map used to produce most of the leaf.  Instead, use splines to produce an actual leaf shape and make an oppacity map to just dirty up the fringes of it(so it's not perfectly rounded and too defined).  You can even turn the spline into a patch object, propagate it's surface(to get more vertices), and apply a bend modifier too it to make it not entirely flat, though I don't know just how much impact that will have in the end.

The trunk is fine, and the lights look cool however :thumbsup:.  Keep it up.

Chris
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: threestooges on June 10, 2008, 11:59:00 AM
Chris: The leaves are actully extruded splines (but of a very basic shape). I wasn't sure how much detail would transfer to the game, but you are right; a more defined leaf shape would improve it. I should have use a bend function on them too (did it for the trunk) but I thought it would work with a simple rotation... oh well, nothing that can't be easily changed. I'll see what I can do about an opacity map too (textures have never been my strong point, but then what better way to learn?). I'm not entirely sure what you mean by turning it into a 'patch object' but I'll look into it to see what I can find. Thanks for the advice. It is greatly appreciated.
-Matt
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: City Builder on June 10, 2008, 12:04:00 PM
I agree, the trunks look good but the leaves have something to be desired.  I might be exceptionally harsh on this since I spend about $2k a year having all the palm trees on our property here in the desert trimmed up each year.

I don't know what kind of detail you can get into with them, or want to get into, but it would be great to finally see some Palm Trees that are shaggy palms.  Shaggy palms are palm trees that are not trimmed up, but rather the palm frongs that die, lay down on the trunk, and sort of look like a brown hoola skirt at the base of the live green branches.  I don't know if anybody else has attempted this, but it's the au-natural look around here for homeowners that don't wish to pay to have the palm trees trimmed up each year.
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: Chrisadams3997 on June 10, 2008, 12:08:22 PM
QuoteI'm not entirely sure what you mean by turning it into a 'patch object' but I'll look into it to see what I can find.

Instead of extruding the spline shape, when you've got it made, right click on it.  In the lower right quad I believe, it'll have convert to... and have editable spline(which it already is, will be grayed out), editable mesh, editable patch, and editable poly.  A patch is flat like a spline, but can be divided up into more surfaces and thus edited more readily by a modifier like bend than an extruded spline.  Plus it'll be flat, so you don't have the dark edges on the sides of the leaf.  

Once it's a patch, there'll be a spot in the geometry box of the modify panel that'll say something like 'propagate surfaces' that'll give it more faces to work with.  It's might not be necessary, but it's an idea.

Chris
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: threestooges on June 10, 2008, 02:54:03 PM
Replies:
-City Builder: I'm reasonably familiar with the shaggy palm look, and I may just give those a go too. First thing's first though. This is my first try messing with something along the lines of flora. It's interesting trying to model nature... trying to get it to look... well, natural, and not repetitive. I will give it a shot though, once I figure out (more or less) what I'm doing with the basics.

-Chris: Thanks for that. I fiddled with it a bit and I see what you mean about it. It makes the bending effects and all easier, and it does take care of that dark edge thing. I went ahead and added a bit to the frond shape to add some detail and added another layer of leaves to attempt to get a sense of depth.

A bit of a change. I think I'm starting to get the hang of this, but again, comments are greatly appreciated.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg136.imageshack.us%2Fimg136%2F2348%2Ftspalmtest1iv2.jpg&hash=5ea0f458a4a5ba39d957c8d2133cf10ce65e636a)

-Matt
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: Chrisadams3997 on June 10, 2008, 03:43:13 PM
The leaves are looking much better :thumbsup:  The main thing I'll say now is that the top is a little flat looking.  Take a look at some RL images to see how the leaves connect, as well as how they layer.  Here's a good example I found(that is... actually a 3D model, go figure...)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.the123d.com%2Fplants%2F123d%2F3d_palm_tree01.jpg&hash=288ef3584adf082245cb9a99ecdbd6192deec999)

I don't know if it's the same type of palm you're making, but you get the picture.

Chris
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: Pat on June 10, 2008, 04:19:18 PM
Matt that is looking good there and I shall later tonight post a pic of development of MDK...
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: threestooges on June 10, 2008, 10:37:43 PM
Just some quick...
Replies:
Chris: It's funny what happens when you start getting used to the Google Earth view of things. I completely forgot to include some upward growing fronds. I wish I could model like that pic you showed, but perhaps at some point... At any rate, I've been working to try to get rid of that flat feeling to it. I think I'm getting closer, but right now, all I've been able to do is create odd shadows or other such things.

Pat: Thanks. I think I might actually be getting an idea of how to use this thing. I'll be looking forward to that preview of the MDK. Take it easy, and it's always good to see you here.

-Edit-
Some new developments, I think it might be starting to get there.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg361.imageshack.us%2Fimg361%2F6570%2Ftspalmtest2te7.jpg&hash=1b2828d7c4096aab32bfb519400efd885c7fe87d)

-Matt
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: Pat on June 14, 2008, 05:43:49 PM
Matt those Palms are looking real good there!!! Also for anyone else following along check in my BLaM thread for the development pics of MDK...
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: threestooges on June 17, 2008, 04:36:14 PM
Reply:
-Pat: Thanks for the compliment.

First I should again thank Pat for his work on the MDK building. You can see his work HERE (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=1320.100) and I highly recommend that you do so, it keeps getting better.

Secondly, thanks to some suggestions and a little help from Chrisadams3997, I have fine-tuned the fronds of the palms a bit. I think there is still some work to be done, but I'm getting there. I would show you the in game pic, but right now I'm having export issues (it shows up as something different in the game). I remember knowing how to fix it at some point, now I just need to remember how. At any rate, here are the preview pics from the BAT.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg403.imageshack.us%2Fimg403%2F5779%2Ftspalmtest3hr9.jpg&hash=558b346a2f8f8fc1c2a535d00bd1ae355c4de673)

As always, comments and suggestions are greatly appreciated.
-Matt
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: Alfred.Jones on June 18, 2008, 01:23:05 AM
Those look excellent Matt :thumbsup: They would look fantastic along a waterfront or beach :)
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: threestooges on July 02, 2008, 07:11:57 PM
Reply:
-Alfred.Jones: Thanks. It is largely due to Chrisadams' help that these things look like the do now. Now I just have to figure out what to do with them.

No new updates on the palm trees, but that is partly because that trestle bridge I was working on earlier may be making its way onto the LEX at some point soon. I decided to take the opportunity to start work on a new bridge. I know there has been some talk about lift bridges (and making them actually lift) so I thought I would take another stab at it (making it, not making it lift). This is just a progress pic of the tower section, but I would like suggestions now as it is easier to make adjustments before having built things up too much. Let me know what you think.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg383.imageshack.us%2Fimg383%2F5960%2Ftsliftbridge1rk9.jpg&hash=abe6b1285ad6086fd64c40187ec391fd7ddb0d3d)

-Matt
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: Pat on July 12, 2008, 10:43:24 PM
Hey Matt Congrats on joining ITC!!!  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: threestooges on July 12, 2008, 10:47:05 PM
Thanks Pat, glad to see you're keeping busy with LBT. I figure this'll be a good way to get more feedback (in addition to the great stuff I've received so far).

-edit- I figure this would be a good time to make my first official post here with the ITC team. I have the basic pieces modelled for the lift bridge and I've cobbled them together to give the basic idea. Next up is texturing unless anyone has any suggestions (or I'll take suggestions for texturing too... I'm not picky).

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg148.imageshack.us%2Fimg148%2F1236%2Ftsliftbridge2se8.jpg&hash=1436cc3b52bf7eebb5647908855f916a1ad5ecd6)

-Matt
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: Chrisadams3997 on July 14, 2008, 06:37:41 PM
It's a nice start, but I think it needs a bit more 'machinery'.  In south Louisiana we had lift bridges all over the place, but there aren't any pictures of any of them anywhere ::), so I went looking around for something that would make a good example of what I'm talking about and found quite a few good images of this bridge that offers some good direction.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm2.static.flickr.com%2F1076%2F869892725_6abd9c9c56.jpg%3Fv%3D0&hash=df2cb3c3e039adca9d105f9b55664f2983e72d43)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm3.static.flickr.com%2F2372%2F2419557051_8bcfe2632b.jpg%3Fv%3D0&hash=b7d16dc7c9e41b01edc2aa823892c9fd8fa2f34f)

There's a number more HERE (http://images.google.com/images?imgsz=small%7Cmedium%7Clarge%7Cxlarge&ndsp=18&um=1&hl=en&client=safari&rls=en&q=BURLINGTON+CANAL+LIFT+BRIDGE&start=0&sa=N)

And Here's another (http://images.google.com/images?q=Houghton-Hancock+lift+bridge&um=1&hl=en&client=safari&rls=en&sa=G&imgsz=small%7Cmedium%7Clarge%7Cxlarge) with lots of good pictures.

The structure itself looks fine, but there needs to be the mechanical housing on top, with the large chains coming down(out of the two large nose looking appendages in the pics) and the counter weight(right underneath the mechanical housing)

The Orange painted structure over the middle of course isn't necessary, but it would be cool :thumbsup:, and this is just an example of the types of elements that could be added of course.

Also, since I've just made a new color corrected road texture, I'll attach it here for you(or others) to use if you'd like, it's a much better match to in-game roads I find.  Comparison pics in This Post (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=2352.msg166413#msg166413)

Chris
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: deathtopumpkins on July 14, 2008, 08:39:53 PM
Hey Matt! Excellent work here. That lift bridge is something that is severely lacking in this game. If I were you though, I would build the orange-colored structure over the roadway from Chris's pic though. They seem to usually have it in RL. Also, I agree about adding the machinery.

About that rail bridge (last posted May 29th), would it be possible to do a version of it that is a solid wooden trestle, without the arch? Like this:  ::)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi188.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fz194%2Fdeathtopumpkins%2F2460616468_0a9c95e1ea.jpg&hash=6d3ef1b06d43aaab26afdbbce608690d202f595b)

All of the work you've shown on here is truely fantastic!  &apls (even the palm trees! :D)
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: threestooges on July 18, 2008, 10:52:07 PM
Replies:
-Chris: Thanks for the pics. I'll certainly take what help I can get. I haven't figured out the mechanics of the top part yet, but these give some good ideas. As I mentioned over in your thread, this is nowhere near done yet, just the basic structure to make sure it looks ok. I think I may stick with the undertruss for this bridge as a change of pace from my other ones, but who knows... it's easy to make a couple versions (and some fun LODs too).

-dtp: Thanks for the compliment there. I don't know if I should call it a lift bridge as it won't actually lift (unless timed props are possible, but then that may just result in cars visually disappearing instead of stopping when the bridge is up) but yes, that is the basic design idea. The rail bridge is still under works too, but I can certainly make a solid wooden trestle version. It would actually be easier than the arch version (no custom coding/RULing). I need to find something to do with those trees too... maybe I'll just try to bundle it into an ITC prop pack if one goes out or something like that.


I just wanted to post here to let everyone know I'll be out of town this coming week. I don't know if I'll have much internet access available, but I think I will have a bit of BAT time, so I'll try to have something new to show when I get back on Saturday. Thanks again to everyone who has commented here so far. The thoughts and encouragement are always greatly appreciated.
-Matt
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: deathtopumpkins on July 19, 2008, 09:14:27 AM
You're welcome. Timed props are definately a possibility. Pegasus made a couple different lift and draw bridges for his canal kit that open using timed props, but yes, the cars do just disappear. I actually think the solid version would be a wise choice because it seems to have been used more in RL (correct me if I'm wrong). I don't believe I've ever seen an arched version.
Just stick the palms in some prop pack. I'm sure people will find uses for them.
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: Pat on July 21, 2008, 07:29:08 AM
Matt looking real good here!!! Cant wait to see further progress here and Love those bridges....
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: threestooges on July 22, 2008, 01:26:11 PM
Sorry this won't have all replaies and all, I'm up around Lake Tahoe and am barrowing the local library computer. I have made some progress on a bridge and wanted to share:

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg155.imageshack.us%2Fimg155%2F5924%2Ftsoldwoodentrestle2iv2.jpg&hash=0daab6c292d18163ab0b2e1800e8cbe3ccc2f787)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg155.imageshack.us%2Fimg155%2F1065%2Ftsoldwoodentrestle3tc1.jpg&hash=815933d47cc478df5405c557095f4188ca4d035d)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg155.imageshack.us%2Fimg155%2F5945%2Ftsoldwoodentrestle4lt7.jpg&hash=ac9ad2436a98f47e0e67db4c34a506d36334b77b)
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: Chrisadams3997 on July 22, 2008, 01:46:22 PM
Very cool, obviously the LOD's are in an early state, but the model itself looks good.  The texture could certainly use a little desaturation however.
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: Pat on July 22, 2008, 02:04:10 PM
Matt that is very sweet so far and I cant wait to get ahold of the finished product!!!
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: deathtopumpkins on July 22, 2008, 02:31:54 PM
 :thumbsup:
;D
You made my idea. It looks great, but I would alter the color a bit if I were you. I think it looks to reddish-brown, and should look more old wood-ish.
It looks really good though.
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: Jmouse on July 22, 2008, 05:14:47 PM
Matt, that's going to be a fine-looking bridge when you finish with it. Other than constructive comments already made, there is one thing I'd try to change - the third photo shows it best. Would it be possible to knock out the center support - the one that sits directly in the water? In RL, debris from upstream would catch on it and possibly undermine the whole structure. Besides, it hides the beauty of the stream.

I love the overall design, especially the wooden base, so I'll be watching the progress on this one for sure!

Later...
Joan
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: threestooges on July 23, 2008, 02:50:23 PM
Replies:
Back around the internet again, and I thought I would give some proper replies this time.

-deathtopumpkins: The pic you showed was just too good to pass up. I just threw some basic textures on it and I'm probably going to try to 'age' it a bit. Even though the 'new bridge' thing looks nice, it's not often you see them that way.

-Pat: Always good to hear your encouragement. I haven't checked yet, but any further progress with the building?

-Chris: You are right. Right now the LODs are literally boxes. I'm afraid that if I make them too complex, the game will throw a fit when it tries to draw it. I will see if I can blend the base into the ground better though... if you have any thoughts let me know. Also I will try to look over your bridge when I get the chance.

-Joan: There is a bridge with an arch or raised center portion in the works (I just have to figure out, or find someone who knows how to RUL). This one is designed to cover mainly dry washes, or longer expanses. Perhaps I'll look into spreading out the supports or something though as you do have a point about debris.

Well, time is starting to run out again here... they only give 30min at a time and there is a line, so I will see what I can come up with for the weekend and hopefully show some developments then. Thanks again for all of the thoughts, it really helps me see things that I probably wouldn't notice otherwise.
-Matt

Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: Chrisadams3997 on July 25, 2008, 11:48:35 PM
For this the LOD's don't need to be that complicated.  The vertical supports could be incased in a single box, then the cross beams would each be copied(assuming they are a simple box, otherwise you'd have a simple box closely enclosing the more complex geometry) and attached to the LOD for the vertical ones.  But if you'd like, you can send it to me once the basic modeling is all done(I wouldn't need textures, just geometry) and I could make the LOD's for it in no time :thumbsup:.

Chris
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: paroch on July 26, 2008, 12:36:44 AM
Hi Matt,

great work you've got here.  Lift bridges are a bit alien to me.  I don't recall seeing one in the UK (although I am sure someone will tell us where there is one).  But it certainly looks an interesting project.

As for the latest wooden trestle bridge - that is a real beauty.  I look forward to seeing it develop throught o the LEX.

And congrats on joining the ITC team :thumbsup:

Paul
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: CasperVg on July 26, 2008, 12:40:26 AM
Looks really nice, can't wait to have it in game  ;)

@ Paroch, good guess; there's the Kingsferry Bridge (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kingsferry_Bridge) in Kent  :P
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: Monorail Master on July 26, 2008, 06:54:52 AM
WOW It is nice to meet someone else named Matthew on this site. Well I'm just wondering if you can make the bridges for OWR, AVE, or Ground Highway that look like the level bridges on the Bridge/tunnel complexes in the Hampton Roads area (the cities of Hampton, Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Portsmouth, Newport News, and Chesepeke) in Virginia? Like the Chesepeke Bay Bridge-Tunnel or the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel. Picture below.
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: Pat on July 26, 2008, 06:43:22 PM
Hey Matt yes actualy a little progress between RL stuff and Podcast preping... I got the thumbnails done for both lots  for the 6x6 and the 3x3... Next up will be the readme's and then finally up and away!!!  I gotten both lots to grow and that has been a hold up for awhile, yes I know of Buggi's extra cheats but that is fine but I like a good challenge to grow stuff lol...
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: threestooges on July 27, 2008, 08:07:45 PM
Replies:

-Chris: Thanks for the ideas on the LODs. I'm trying to keep them as simple as possible, but I would be happy to let you take a look at them. I've also been looking at the bridge thing, have you heard from smoncrie yet (I've been away for the last week and haven't been able to keep up with developments)? For right now, I have a quick new project on the burner right now, as you'll see below, but that bridge is next. If oyu don't mind my asking, do you do this sort of modelling stuff for a living, or how did you get invovled in it?

-Paul: One thing I've noticed about this site, is that if you ask a question, you'll tend to get an answer. Thanks for the compliments on the two bridges and ITC thing, I still have a few things to work through on them, but they're getting there.

-Casper: Thanks, and thanks for the link to that bridge.

-Matthew (Monorail Master): I think there are a few more of us around here (though I think the Davids around here hold the lead), but it's good to meet you. It is certainly possible to make bridges for OWR, AVE, and at this point pretty much any transit network available. I'll be putting something together about it in theBridge Engineering Department (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?board=160.0), and if you are interested, give it a shot. As far as a bridge/tunnel goes, it would need islands (like the real ones) to anchor the bridge and start the tunnel. If you have any questions on the process, just let me know.

-Pat: Good to hear that things are going well (both for the lot and the podcast). Glad to hear they will grow properly too.




Now then, onto the next update. While I fiddle with the LODs for the trestle, I've started work on a project for David (dedgren) in Three Rivers Region (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=112.msg168766#msg168766) which, if you haven't seen or posted in before, go check it out, it's great stuff. There will be a few versions of the basic telephone pole: 1 crossbar, 3 crossbars, and 1 crossbar with a transformer thingy. Each of these will have the following angles: 18.4 (for use with FAR/FARR), 30, 45, 60, and the basic 90 degree iterations. There was an odd problem in the renders of a few, but here's what's going on so far:

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg373.imageshack.us%2Fimg373%2F9421%2Ftstelephonepoles2op2.jpg&hash=0a44c90f2ef9e9278cb755c055a7ecd69cd9d185)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg174.imageshack.us%2Fimg174%2F2747%2Ftstelephonepoles3gj7.jpg&hash=d40fcd5cd4e6b1196d57ad9cf4fe7cf38ff3838d)

If anyone has suggestions for the odd renders there, please let me know. Most of my solution revolves around re-rendering, but that takes time. Depending on how busy work is this week, I may have some pics to show on the two bridges too. There has been progess, but none of it is really picture material, if you know what I mean. Thanks for all the thoughts everyone, i hope to have these things done before school starts up again.
-Matt
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: deathtopumpkins on July 27, 2008, 08:16:04 PM
Those poles are looking good! Those are good wood textures too. You should try them on the trestle, if you get a chance.

About the poles, though: What is the feasibility of using t21 exemplars for the poles so they don't have to be on a lot, and they just automatically show up along roads?

Matthew (Monorail Master/Mr. Monorail Man): I was considering that very same thing the other day, and I might give it a shot, as all I've got on my project slate right now are a few simple, yet tedious things, and it would be nice to dabble with the bat again. It also helps that I live about 10 minutes from the HRBT (but you already knew that  ;)), and been stuck in many tunnel closures, giving me plenty of time to study it. I'll see what I can do, and PM you if I make any real progress. I've never tried bridges before, but this site has everything I could ever need to know on it, I'm sure.
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: Jmouse on July 27, 2008, 08:47:39 PM
Love the poles, Matt, and paid my respects here (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=112.msg168971#msg168971).

Later...

Joan
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: Chrisadams3997 on July 28, 2008, 01:03:34 AM
Quotedo you do this sort of modelling stuff for a living, or how did you get invovled in it?

Heh, nope, just figuring it out as I go like most of us.  I just happen to like figuring things out ;D.  As for the poles, Matt beat me to the texture fix(over at 3RR), but they are looking great.  Smoncrie sent me a PM several days ago indicating that he was looking at the bridge as well, though I don't know how far he's gotten.

Chris
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: Diggis on July 28, 2008, 03:04:56 AM
Matt, have you got the BAT update?  It looks like game textures meaning you aren't getting new group ID's in your lots.  Common issue, and you need the update from the maxis site (or possibly here, not sure)
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: threestooges on July 29, 2008, 10:20:44 PM
Take a busy day, add a bit of nature into it (the shaking kind) and things get interesting. As some of you may already know (apparently it made national news) a 5.4 earthquake centered 8 miles under Chino Hills, CA, which is approximately 20mi north of where I live, occurred around 11:30am this morning. It shook my place pretty good for about 30sec to a minute and, from what I hear, the biggest thing was a few cracks in the runway at John Wayne Airport (just down the street). On the plus side, it slowed things down for my morning, and things went smoothly at work. At any rate, I'm fine, and I hope everyone else in southern CA can say the same. With that said, there is no update tonight, but certainly some replies are in order:

-dtp: Funny you should mention the pole texture and the trestles... they're already on there, and they look much better. Now I'm just trying to get the LODs to behave. The use of T21s had occurred to me, and was my original intention for  them. The only thing is, I have no idea how to do them. I know David has some plans for them in 3RR, lot-based or not, which I'm sure will solve a few problems. If you have any bridge questions, let me know and I'll see if I can offer any advice.

-Joan: Thanks for the thoughts, and as a novice BATter myself I take that as a fine compliment. The dimensions are listed in 3RR, let me know if you need anything more.

Chris: Sorry I haven't gotten back to you on the bridge... not a very good job as bridge moderator on my part, but I will try to take care of it during the weekend if Smoncrie hasn't gotten back to you by then. As for the poles. I could have sworn I had all the patches, etc. Would you happen to know specifically which one he was (or you are) referring to (and could you provide a link)?

-Shaun: Same as my response to Chris, I thought I had everything I needed for the darn thing (apparently not) and the same thing goes: if you happen to know where to find it, could you provide a link?

Thanks again to everyone for all of their help and support in this thread. I'd be curious to know what if anything was said about the earthquake outside CA. I've been through a few of them and, as long as they aren't the big ones, they an interesting ride.
-Matt
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: Jmouse on July 30, 2008, 12:57:31 AM
You're very welcome, Matt. I don't sling compliments around like buckshot, but when I like what I see, I say so! I would be delighted for the opportunity to borrow your phone-pole models, but let me explain the idea to you in a PM first so you can decide if they would be of any help.

And glad to hear you're OK. I have a cousin in Fallbrook who I've been thinking of all day, but nothing has come through the family grapevine yet so that's good news, too.

Later...

Joan
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: deathtopumpkins on July 30, 2008, 09:54:00 AM
Oh. Well, glad they look better. Any pictures soon?
I don't even have the slightest idea either, but there should be tutorials on here, or you could talk to people who do. I'm sure it can't be that hard.
I'm still reading through all the tutorials and bridge-related threads, but I'll be sure to send you a PM if I have any problems.

Hope your house and everything's fine after the quake.
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: Chrisadams3997 on July 30, 2008, 04:03:50 PM
Glad everything is ok Matt.  As for the LOD's, unless there is something I'm not thinking of, these shouldn't need anything but a plain box LOD.  The main reason you'd have to have it closer is if it's going underground, or if you've got 'depth of view' issues.  Or to simplify that somewhat cryptic statement, if one element of the model has to show in front of a given prop, and part has to show behind.

And I'm not sure where you'd download the script update now, as I can't even find the 'official' SC4 site anymore :D, so I'll just save the trouble and attach it here.  It needs to replace the script of the same name in your "Gmax root folder\gamepacks\BAT\scripts" and it'll fix up that problem right up.

Edit:  While on the subject of scripts... I make this utility for 3ds Max the other day, but thought it might come in handy for LODing you're bridges, so I converted it over to GMax.  It's a basic utility that makes a copy of a selection and converts into into a single editable mesh, named LOD_, that can then be renamed LOD3 and copied to make 4 & 5, or attached to a present LOD.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg237.imageshack.us%2Fimg237%2F7779%2Fgmaxlodwj5.jpg&hash=9d6ba8c6970a0878d591949d3ed5d102c842e6d0)

Here's an example from my dairy queen model using the tables from inside(just as an example).  You can see the originals, then the LOD_ mesh(which I moved to show it next to the original models).  This is best used for lower poly items that need a close fitting LOD(such as the pilings and crossmembers of your bridge ;) ), as you'd never want an LOD with 2200 poly's..., but you can also(and I'd advise it) add an optimize modifier(under editable mesh modifiers) to the LOD_ to cut the poly count down if you're using geometry that's moderately high poly.  I cut the poly count on these seats from about 6900 polys down to the 2200 seen with the optimize modifier...

It's a fairly basic utility and doesn't support grouped objects(just ungroup them--or a copy of them--first), and of course the selection should only include geometry(no shapes--e.i. splines--or lights, dummy objects, etc.)--Now Parses out any incompatible selections and ungroups geometry as well, e.i. will work no matter the selection.

Just place it in the "startup" folder inside the directory where the ModelNames script goes and it'll appear right under the BAT rollouts.
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: Pat on July 30, 2008, 10:08:13 PM
Matt I am glad to hear you are OK and all is well.... Man I know I can handle wind blowing aka a tornado but the ground shaking under me umm yea I think I would loose my marbles lol....  So I will not take it shaken but stirred please lol.... sorry bad pun  :D  Anywho Matt I hope you get the poles straighten and the bridges fixxed up from the little shaker....


BTW to answere one of your questions at leasthere linkie for script fix on bat (http://simcity.ea.com/coolstuff/bat/index.php) just scroll down to where it says about the script...
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: threestooges on August 07, 2008, 02:07:58 AM
Replies:

-Joan: I hope you were able to get through to your cousin, though I'm sure everything is all right. I hope the poles were useful for you. I think I've about wrapped them up for my purposes, but I hope you'll let me know when you're ready to show your work.

-dtp: There will be a picture with this update (though not of the trestle just yet). The trestle is next on the list since it is almost done, so pictures of it will be coming up soon too. The apartment held up quite nicely during the quake. It knocked my plate off the table, but at least I had finished lunch by then. I've looked into some T21 things, but for right now, I'll leave that to David and the other FAR(R) people.

-Chris: I think the LODs are there. They are just basic boxes, but for some reason the first test gave some weird graphics where the supports entered the ground. The script fix appears to have worked and the poles are now finished. As far as the 'official SC4 site that links to societies, the old site can be linked to at the bottom of the page (took a little searching). I will try that lod creator when I get back to the lift bridge... I can tell that it'll need it. I'll have to remember that optimize step too. Thanks for the help with with, and I'll look forward to seeing your next creation.

-Pat: Coming up next from double-0 six (on the richter scale) studios, a recently revised version of the poles (that actually shows the poles). Inspection and engineering crews are checking over the bridges, but there appears to be little damage if any from the seismic event and production should continue on schedule.

It's surprising how fast time can pass, but here it is, what seems to be a week and a half later, and I have a pic of the poles to share. There are three full versions: single cross bar, single with transformer, and a 3-bar. Each has standard, 18.4, 30, 45, 60 degree rotations. Height is 14m and corssbar width is 3m (if memory serves). There is also one with those metal steps. I don't know if the steps are too big, but thoughts are welcome on all of them. They may be making a debut in 3RR at some point soon.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg60.imageshack.us%2Fimg60%2F4138%2Ftstelephonepoles4it6.jpg&hash=fbb4cbbdd4c30844f8db97519acf4327564b7e18)
-Matt

Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: Pat on August 07, 2008, 07:25:07 AM
Matt them poles are looking very very sexxxie!!! Man I wish they could be converted to get rid of them high tensions wires that maxis has siiiiiiiigh....
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: City Builder on August 07, 2008, 07:36:49 AM
Quote from: Pat on August 07, 2008, 07:25:07 AM
Matt them poles are looking very very sexxxie!!! Man I wish they could be converted to get rid of them high tensions wires that maxis has siiiiiiiigh....

Totally agree, they look great.

I absolutely hate the ones that Maxis supplied, giant red and white industrial, cross country power poles that I wouldn't normally see in any commercial downtown areas in Los Angles or any other place that I've lived in for the past 40+ years.  Sure we see them out in the sticks, where they run across the state to move the power, but if you looked at SC4's cities and had to run them instead of using the zoning for power transfer good golly would all my cities be ugly as sin.

Anyway, that wasn't supposed to be the point of my post, just wanted to say that the power poles look great.

I've been thinking about this problem of power poles (not too much as I don't want to have an anurism or something) but I've seen power poles that look good, but don't actually supply any power, and it makes me wonder why people don't just make the power pole model and then give it the attributes of a windmill or some other electric supply function.  Then one could use the power poles to make nice long runs of power lines and only have to place a "real" power pole next to a zone where they need power, then they get the great look of some user created power poles, and some functionality to some degree.  I know I'd use them.  In one set all I had to do was make sure the ground was pretty much level so that the landscape under the pole didn't turn black and the power wires lined up.

Just rambling my thoughts on this.
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: smoncrie on August 07, 2008, 08:49:12 AM
The Maxis power poles will be replaced if you create a model that has a group ID of 0xbadb57f1 and an instance ID of 0x0AD30000.  This is the model used for straight lines (no turns or branches).

Other power pole models have instance ID's of  0x0AD20000, 0x0AD40000, and 0x0AD50000.
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: Diggis on August 07, 2008, 09:26:48 AM
But to match the lines you need to make them the same height as the maxis ones?  There are no IID's for the lines that we can find as far as I remember.
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: Jmouse on August 07, 2008, 09:33:45 AM
The finished product looks really good, Matt. Glad you included the three-bar model, BTW, and hope you get the IID issues worked out.

And thanks again for loaning out the poles. For the time being, my To-Do list runneth over, but I'll get around to working on that project eventually, and when I do, you'll be the first to know! :)

Later...
Joan
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: deathtopumpkins on August 07, 2008, 10:02:26 AM
Those poles are looking great! I can't wait to see what David does with them.

And glad to hear the trestle's almost done. I've been looking forward to it.
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: threestooges on August 10, 2008, 08:03:23 PM
Replies:

-Pat: You may have started something with that comment. It'll take some time and research, but it's something to look into. Hope all is well with you.

-City Builder: Thanks for the thoughts. One benefit of these will be the lack of lines to worry about lining up. Also, if they are on lots they can be placed close enough to conduct power (I think).

-smoncrie: Thanks for the information there. If things work out, and I find the time, I may just tinker with those IDs a bit.

-Diggis: Good question Shaun. I'm not sure of the answer, but hopefully someone around here knows (or I'll go ahead and find out).

-Jmouse: The ID issues seemed to have been fixed and there will actually be a couple more additions to the whole shee-bang before it's all wrapped up. Good luck with the Mouse House final works, and I'll talk to you later.

-dtp: The waits over on David's applications (see below), but the trestle will have to wait for at least another little bit.

Thanks again to everyone for the thoughts on the polels, it really gets the creative thoughts flowing from a few other perspectives. For present developments on the poles, see: this page (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=112.msg171991#msg171991) or 3RR and the ones just before. David (dedgren) has been putting these things to good use. What's even better is that he'll be sending them back this way for inclusion in an ITC release. There are a few other pole versions in the works, and perhaps a few other small bits and pieces, but for now, that's what's going on with them. Busy week ahead, but I hope to have a few things (or at least one... I hope) before it's over. Until then, take it easy and thanks for the comments.

-Matt
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: Travis on August 10, 2008, 08:13:34 PM
hey Matt, the poles look great, and fill a needed gap. :thumbsup: And btw, if you need a readme made for them, I could whip one up from the team template I made.  ;)
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: spa on August 10, 2008, 08:27:44 PM
Those are nice powerpoles and something I would definitely use. The maxis provided high transmission towers, great though they are sometimes, really don't look right strung along the back roads.
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: paroch on August 10, 2008, 11:35:47 PM
Matt,

I'm liking the Poles alot (and the Czechs are a nice bunch too :D )  Sorry, couldn't help myself.

In fact for some reason, the electricity on my street comes in overhead via such poles, so I can confirm they are looking very realistic.  One question (and apols if I missed a comment) - where will they sit in the menus?

For me these will add some nice touches in rural and semi rural places.

Paul
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: Simpson on August 13, 2008, 07:01:05 AM
Great Bat it's looking very good  ;)
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: threestooges on September 09, 2008, 03:02:59 PM
Replies:
-Travis: I think a readme could be in ordrer for these, but we've talked about that already. I like the new template too.

-spa: I agree with that. I'm trying to remember how to replace the 'game' poles and I may look into creating a more rural alternative if I can remember how.

-Paul: Poles, Czechs, they're all good. As far as their menu position, I'm not sure quite yet, David's working on that end of things.

-Simpson: Thank you very much. I will have some more to show soon.

Now that that's done, I should probably dust things off in here a bit. Things have been rather busy for me so most of the BAT projects here have been on the back burner. Recently, I have been working on road signs with can be seen in 3RR. I will post a group pic on them here when I get the chance, but for more details on those and the poles, keep an eye on 3RR.

As far as the current projects that may be making an appearance here, I think I've finally figured out what I need to for a few bridges so look for those. Also, based on smoncrie's information (and Shaun's too) I may take a stab at rural high tension lines (or something not quite so red and white). Road signs are getting there, at least the ortho versions are, diagonals and FARs will come shortly too. Still trying to get that pic, but I'll see what I can do later today.

-Matt
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: Jmouse on September 09, 2008, 03:36:19 PM
I was just looking at the signs this morning as I worked on the 3RR TOC, Matt. They'll make a wonderful addition to the game, and I'll be one of the first to grab them as soon as they're available! There have been several fairly simple ideas recently that have added so much to the in-game possibilities, and those signs are right up there at the top of the list!

Later...
Joan
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: metarvo on September 14, 2008, 05:39:32 AM
Since power poles seem to be a hot topic lately:

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg387.imageshack.us%2Fimg387%2F2780%2Farvopoles2za1.jpg&hash=ed0cc9fe58b063e25ff8991a2472175d176f506d)

Here are some of mine.  Matt, I believe that you wanted a copy of the orthogonal wood pole base model attached to this thread, so here it is.

Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: threestooges on September 14, 2008, 11:26:16 AM
Those look good, now let's see what I can do with them.

-update-
I've been fortunate enough to mess around with metarvo's models here, working with him in an attempt to replace the game's power poles. The necessary ID information provided by smoncrie at the top of the page should have done the trick, but for some reason all it does is offset the game model. The replacement does not show. I know fukuda had sucess in replacing the lines, however, from the looks of things he created a separate override file for the game's default. I tried replacing the model via the same method using his file and it worked:

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg258.imageshack.us%2Fimg258%2F9056%2Fpowerpoles1df6.jpg&hash=a3759cdcb5b9f31576f9c336e3a3bccdd781e313)

This leaves me with two questions:
1) Does anyone know why it would work that way?
2) Is there any way to get rid of that concrete base? If these things are going to be rural, that might stand out a bit.
-Matt

--Warning: Do not download this file without the express written permission of me (threestooges). The attached files are untested and there is no guarantee they will work, or even that they will be safe on your computer (though I do try to test them).--
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: metarvo on September 16, 2008, 08:51:51 AM
To tell you the truth, that base is what I've been trying to avoid. /wrrd%&  Of course, I suppose that if I had to choose between the concrete base and the red-and-white poles, the base would be the lesser of the two evils, IMO
Here's a thought.  What if that base is similar to a retaining wall?  I noticed that it seems to conform to the slopes so that it is always flat, and the poles have a flat surface as a result.  The base may in fact be a support for the poles.

In any case, here is another model, Matt.  It is a taller and thinner version of my power pole.

Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: threestooges on October 03, 2008, 04:10:23 PM
Replies:

-Joan: Thanks for that. As you probably already know there are a few additional angles on the way. I just need to verify the offsets (I can do that myself now that David has finished his 3RR plop tutorial.

-metarvo: I'm sorry I haven't had the chance to do any further testing with the poles and the bases, but I've been watching your work. It looks pretty darn good.

It feels good to get the chance to BAT again. Sorry that I haven't updated much recently, but I do have something interesting to show. A while back, I showed a wooden trestle. That has been completed for the most part and should be making its way to testing. While that's nice, I was approached with a suggestion. Some of you may have already seen an indication of this, but for those who haven't, or for those who want to see something new, I'll let the picture speak for itself.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg174.imageshack.us%2Fimg174%2F1633%2Ftsstrbridgetrestlewoodjk5.jpg&hash=8318030cedeec83a188578c26f254946b27d51bb)

Ignore the little bump on the left. That was a result of a quick rotation and preview, the final result will give travellers a slightly smoother ride. Let me know what you think.
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: Jmouse on October 03, 2008, 04:59:46 PM
Oh Matt, I want to test it right alongside the FAR/FARR pieces! :thumbsup: Since I have no experience making bridges, I wonder about the length of the span, the terraforming required, etc. You're much more experienced at BATting than I am, so be patient with me! ::)

Later...
Joan
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: threestooges on October 03, 2008, 05:30:02 PM
Joan,
The bridge can be any length (as long as the properties are set in the Reader, and as far as terraforming goes, as long as it fits the criteria for a regular bridge, you should be able to draw it. More detailed information is available in the Bridge Engineering Thread (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?board=160.0) but a bridge is generally built on three basic pieces: start/end (this is one piece and is mirrored at the other end of the bridge), a repeat piece, and a pillar/support piece. These pieces are repeated across the length of the bridge (look at the under truss for example). More complex bridges are available, but they require some basic RULing. If things work on this, I'll send you a version to test. I just need to make sure it works first.
-Matt
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: metarvo on October 03, 2008, 07:01:04 PM
Wait?  Is that a RR-1 bridge?  It looks like it has only one set of tracks.
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: Pat on October 03, 2008, 10:11:49 PM
Matt that bridge is just looking stunning, even though right now I would hate to be in a train on it and hit that bump lol... I know you said you will get it fixxed but I couldnt resist that comment  ;D  again great job on it!!!
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: CasperVg on October 03, 2008, 10:59:42 PM
Brilliant. I can't wait already  ;D
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: Earth quake on October 03, 2008, 11:57:28 PM
Simply fantastic, excellent.  &apls
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: art128 on October 04, 2008, 02:02:11 AM
excellent work  &apls :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: threestooges on October 04, 2008, 02:17:00 AM
Replies:

-metarvo: It is a RR-1 bridge (STR: Single Track Rail) and it does only have one set of tracks. As the picture below will show, the transition isn't pretty yet, but it's part of a project in the works.

-Pat: The bump has been fixed. Transit crews were set working overtime until it was levelled out, but they got it done.

-caspervg: It's wrapping up now, at least this part of it is. As for the rest, well, we'll see.

-Earth quake: Thank you

-art128: Thank you as well.

Some progress has been made on the bridge and, even though it hasn't been opened to the public (no trains in the pic yet) the bridge does appear to function as it is expected. This is an override for the basic double track network and will function like an ordinary rail bridge (found in the same menu) the only difference being that it has one less track.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg296.imageshack.us%2Fimg296%2F7543%2Ftsstrwoodentrestlecp5.jpg&hash=3a799a1dc0b1437902c20be9b529fd677e2ff799)
-Matt
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: Simpson on October 04, 2008, 02:32:02 AM
A fantastic work here as well  ;)
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: art128 on October 04, 2008, 10:26:27 AM
that look good Matt  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: Pat on October 04, 2008, 07:02:45 PM
Hey Matt that bridge turned out trainrefficly well if you ask me!!!  sorry being a bit goofie at work tonight lol...



ps Matt this is my 6100th post here in your thread as of February 11, 2007, 11:21:15 AM and you wonder what I talk about all the time lol  :D

-edit- For your 6100th post Pat, I'm glad you made it here. -Matt
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: choco on October 06, 2008, 09:02:38 AM
lookin good matt....we need some wooden tressles.

:thumbsup:
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: threestooges on October 13, 2008, 10:17:58 AM
Replies:
-Simpson: Thank you, there are more on the way.

-art128: Thank you art.

-Pat: Goofy is no problem, Chip and Dale link (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chip_and_Dale) aren't bad either. Glad to see you around.

-choco: Thanks. I have a few trestle in the works (single and double rail). My compliments on your bridges as well (still need to test them, but they look good from the pictures).

Just a quick bit in between classes here, just wanted to show that I haven't been entirely overrun by school yet. Remember the Howe Truss from a few pages back? It's a little slimmer now, but it works.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg72.imageshack.us%2Fimg72%2F1852%2Ftsstrhowetrusscn0.jpg&hash=af6078298798b3d2404f098795fcb8c010237c61)

-Matt
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: Simpson on October 13, 2008, 10:56:40 AM
Looking fine  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: deathtopumpkins on October 13, 2008, 12:16:53 PM
 &apls  &apls

Now that is something impressive Matt. Someone remind me again how we ever contemplated SC4 without that trestle?
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: papab2000 on October 13, 2008, 12:30:38 PM
Looks good  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: sim-al2 on October 13, 2008, 01:33:51 PM
Nice! I noticed the texture is a little lighter than the surrounding rail though.Also there's bears on the vertical cliff. You might want to fix that!  :D
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: Pat on October 13, 2008, 08:57:51 PM
LoL Matt  :thumbsup:  That bridge is just sooo soo very sexxie indeed!!
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: art128 on October 14, 2008, 03:09:18 AM
awesome bridge  &apls
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: Earth quake on October 14, 2008, 09:15:40 AM
Wow, just beautifull Threestooges.  &hlp
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: choco on October 14, 2008, 10:42:48 AM
matt,

after i saw these single track bridges, it reminded me of a real-life single track bridge that would be a great addition to the game.  it'll also be fairly difficult to model, but i think it'll be worth it.  any chance you could send me the single track texture my way?  also, how are those pathed?  i know next to nothing about the FARR and single track stuff going on, but was simply thinkin about the future. 

keep up the great work.....if ya need a tester..... :thumbsup: 

-edit: choco, the pathing shouldn't be a problem. I'll attach a txt file later, just copy and paste it into the existing path files. As far as the texture goes, I can send it to you, but they will change a bit down the road (a bit darker to match overall), so you'll have to change them later to have it look right. I'm curious to see what this bridge will look like. -Matt

edit: that sounds good.  im in no hurry, got my hands full with other things.... ;D  the color changing might be a moot point; please see the attached.  i wasn't sure if you got the method down yet; the procedure that cogeo described to get the transit textures to match.  i have been using it extensively in my bridges via T21 (both light rail and mono), so i thought id make up the necessary files for ya.  if you dont need it, pay no mind. 

all you need to do is add the 6 .s3d files to your bridge, then copy the LotConfigPropertyLotObject to an existing T21 for each piece.  i haven't tried adding the flat model to the bridge model.  however, if you decide to go this route, changing the transit textures would be much easier and less time consuming......as you wouldn't have to re-render all the necessary bridge models.

:thumbsup: 
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: threestooges on October 21, 2008, 08:30:44 PM
Replies:
-Simpson: Thank you.

-Deathtopumpkins: How we contemplated it without the trestle? I'm guessing by imitating Rodin's Thinker (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Thinker). In all seriousness though, thanks for the compliment. It was one of those bridges I had always thought would fit well, and now with STR on the horizon, I think it'll have its chance.

-papab2000: Thank you.

-sim-al2: Yeah, what can I say about the bears... good claws? The texture on the other hand is going to be balanced out as STR nears completion. There are a bunch of textures being made by different people. At the end we're going to bring them all in to the same color scheme.

-Pat: Never knew a bridge could be sexy, but it seems I've done it. Always good to see you around here. Hope you feel better soon.

-art128: Thanks.

-Earth quake: Thanks Earth quake, this next one might not be as pretty, but it will certainly do what it needs to do. Glad you stopped by.

-choco: I'll look into that method. It may be easier to just re-render some of these pieces, especially since I keep seeing thing I can tweak, but thanks for the suggestion.

Had some time over the past few days to put something else together. This will be available in STR form as well, but for now, I'm going to start with the basics. It's a plate girder bridge and seems to be just the right fit for an older, or perhaps industrial area. Please let me know what you think.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg507.imageshack.us%2Fimg507%2F7877%2Fgirder3au9.jpg&hash=805d3d88832fba1e51043d4348232161b70bd0a2)

-Matt
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: CasperVg on October 21, 2008, 09:22:04 PM
I'd say it looks really great; the texture on the 'support poles' seems to be tiling a little, but the overall bridge looks awesome, and will get a place in my cities (once I get into playing with water again  ::))
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: choco on October 22, 2008, 01:44:49 AM
i like it as well.  tiling doesn't bother me much in the pylons, as many real bridges have tiling effects from construction.  But i try to avoid it as much as possible though, for the sake of others. 


a small point on my earlier post regarding the texture as prop.  the nice thing about this method is that the bridge model can be converted to other networks much more easily.  in your case, you say this bridge will also have a STR version as well.  by BATing the transit texture, you'll have to export the same model twice, once with each texture.  by using the prop method, you only have to render the models once, then you apply the prop (network texture) via T21....so, you really only need to make the STR texture a prop, change the 13th value of LotConfigPropertyLotObject to the instance ID of the prop exemplar, and you have a STR bridge.  Same could then be done with road, OWR, RHW, etc.  The other benefit is the transit texture on the bridge will match the texture on the ground.  A drawback seems to be that the props dont show till the piece is finish being constructed, so only the BAT model will be in the preview and the "pre-construction" phase.  

if you need any help if you so choose to explore this option, i would be glad to help with the modding.  after 8 bridges, im finally getting the hang of these things.   

anyway, keep up the good work.  nice to have some other bridges in the pipeline......and soon to be, my cities!

:thumbsup:
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: art128 on October 22, 2008, 04:33:35 AM
that bridge look good my friend  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: metarvo on October 22, 2008, 05:59:43 AM
That looks like something I would use.  Great work, Matt! :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: Jmouse on October 22, 2008, 10:50:49 AM
Good work on the bridge Matt. I don't know anything about the technical aspect, but I know what looks good, and that bridge looks great!

Later...
Joan
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: Earth quake on October 23, 2008, 10:52:30 PM
Really nice bridge and more realistic.  &apls
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: threestooges on November 25, 2008, 04:44:03 PM
Replies:
-Caspervg: You're right about the tiling and I think that's been taken care of, at least for the STR version.

-choco: I know what you mean about trying to avoid it. The textures for that pic were largely for testing purposes just to see what it would look like. Hopefully I've gotten a handle on it, we'll see though. Thanks for the offer too.

-art128: Thanks. I'll have a few more coming too.

-metarvo: Then it sounds like I'm doing my job. Thanks for the compliment.

-Joan: You know BATting and that puts you about on the same level as me for the technical side of things, but I'm glad to know that it looks good too.

-Earth quake: Thank you very much. With each one I think I get a bit better.


Though I may have shown some of these pics before, there has been some work done on them and they are all nearing completion. They'll likely be available in the next NAM, whenever that may be, or maybe sooner, at any rate:

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg114.imageshack.us%2Fimg114%2F4157%2Fbridgesinprogressby6.jpg&hash=1a558892e4ad3218e0411ee48a0d7a71212020ae)

-Matt
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: deathtopumpkins on November 25, 2008, 04:46:35 PM
I'm loving that plate girder... looks great!  :thumbsup:

IMHO, I think the Double Track Trestle is a little too reddish brown though... could use a little more grey in that color.  &mmm
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: Jmouse on November 25, 2008, 07:17:59 PM
They all look great, Matt! You're really going places with your bridges, and that isn't a poor excuse for a pun either! ;) I'm first in line for the S.T. Howe truss and S.T. wooden trestle. And the STR. And all the curved pieces. And the FAR, and the FARR ,and on and on! This year has been one of the most exciting in the history of custom content, and you deserve to be very proud of your part in it.

Later...
Joan
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: Earth quake on November 25, 2008, 10:46:52 PM
Wow, excellent Bridge matt.  &apls
Really beautiful, I particularity like the second and Fourth bridge. :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: Bishop Hawke on December 02, 2008, 10:53:42 PM
Was Just looking through your thread and saw the covered bridge you did. Fantastic work. Was wondering if it is possible to get that bridge with rail instead of road. It would work so will in my theme park.
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: choco on December 03, 2008, 05:12:09 AM
most excellent Matt!   &apls


saw your post in 3RR, makes me wonder what else is up your sleeve..... :P


keep up the good work! 
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: art128 on December 03, 2008, 05:22:30 AM
Wow -- Matt, those bridges are awesome, excellent work my friend  &apls
I really like the two in the top  :thumbsup:
Arthur
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: Pat on December 03, 2008, 08:13:58 AM
Matt those bridges are looking real good there!!!
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: threestooges on December 22, 2008, 03:17:49 AM
Replies:
-deathtopumpkins: You're right about that, and that is actually an old version. The newer version is (if I remember right) a bit less brown. I'll see if I can dig up a pic for the next update.

-Joan: Now that the whole sheebang is in testing, I think you should have access to the Trestle and Truss. The plate girder is still in the works. Engineers have been tryng to get some texture issues straightened out, but that one will be on its way soon. Either that, or the R&D department will have some explaining to do. I'm happy to have played a part (however small) in the whole process, and I'm by no means done yet. Thanks for stopping in.

-Earth quake: Thanks. They should be on their way to release soon. Assuming there are no errors found of course.

-Bishop Hawke: That is certainly possible. I know wooden bridges like that were used at one point (turned out to be a huge fire hazard with all the steam engines) but I think that might be arrainged. It'll take me a bit to be able to export everything, but I'll see what I can do.

-choco: Makes me wonder what I have up there sometimes too. Hey look, a rabbit! ... wait... then what's in my hat? I'll keep my work going if you keep yours up too. I'll be looking forward to updates on the Saltash bridge (as well as your others)

-art128: Thanks Arthur. They were all fun to make. I think the Howe Truss (top right) might be one of my best so far, but I think all have them have turned out quite well so far (wouldn't attempt to release them otherwise).

-Pat: Glad you enjoyed them. I think the pic for this update might interest you a bit (I hope).

For those of you who aren't aware, testing of the STR system is now in progress over at 3RR (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=112.msg209126#msg209126) and there have been some nice demonstrations. I'll attempt to add mine to that too soon. Included with the test should be a selection of bridges. Let me know either here or in 3RR about any issues you find with them. In the meantime, our newest member of the ITC team has been working some magic with the LE. You can see his work on a certain Santa Barbara inspired train station (http://www.santabarbara.com/community/transportation/train_station/) in his thread (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6482.msg209103#msg209103). His work in getting the station lotted has gotten me to take another look at the model I made. As a result, I'm planning to make a few variations on the mission-style station theme. What follows below is the first of possibly a few more to come. Please let me know what you think, any thoughts or suggestions are welcome.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg355.imageshack.us%2Fimg355%2F5467%2Ftssbstationmediumsg1.jpg&hash=e8e5920a82d4e5d024e93cc7425a99c5d09b2ab5)


-edit: Just realized I forgot to show the original station (You can see it in Pat's thread linked above, but still...):
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg368.imageshack.us%2Fimg368%2F6607%2Ftssbstationdy0.jpg&hash=6bdc19addf62f76f81f851764622b5753da71e82)
-Matt
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: deathtopumpkins on December 22, 2008, 09:03:53 AM
Ahh... That's good about the color. And I've played around with your bridges a bit in the STR, and I must say, they look even better up-close in my game.

But on the train station, I think the colors might be a little bit too vivid. The green and red could both probably use a bit of a toning-down.
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: un1 on December 22, 2008, 10:05:48 AM
Looking real good there Matt.  :thumbsup: Also, your STR bridges look really good in the game!  &apls

-un1
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: Pat on December 24, 2008, 01:12:29 AM
LoL Matt gotta love the little slipps there but hey I like the other station version there!!! Hey do you want the second lot version?
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: threestooges on January 15, 2009, 12:00:02 AM
I had hoped to get this in about 2 seconds sooner, but close enough. Strange to think that it has been one full year since I formally announced my BATting attempts and opened this thread. I was hoping to have something fun to show you from the projects I've been working on, but that will have to wait until tomorrow perhaps, when I can cobble something together.

However, I would like to take this time now to thank all of you who have commented in this thread over the past year. Your encouragement and suggestions really help to keep me going, and have helped keep this alive. One year down, hopefully many more to go.
-Matt
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: Jmouse on January 15, 2009, 01:59:07 AM
Congratulations on passing the One-Year Milestone, Matt. You have created some really good BATs during your first year, and I'm sure the second year will be even better. Projects started on birthdays somehow take on a life of their own - and often it's a very special life! :thumbsup:

Later...

Joan

Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: Pat on January 15, 2009, 03:07:02 AM
Hey Matt congrats my friend for wow a whole year!!! That is soo awesome!!!!
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: kant01 on January 15, 2009, 05:23:55 PM
Hi Matt - you have some nice looking BATs here :) I just discovered your thread so I am catching up but I really like what I see. congrats on your year :D
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: threestooges on January 29, 2009, 05:17:34 PM
Replies:
-Joan: Thank you. Looking back, it has been fairly productive. Perhaps this year I can release them too, heh heh.

-Pat: Thanks. The rest of the stations will be on their way soon, as will the platforms.

-kant01: Thank you very much. Your's are looking pretty darn good too.

So it's been a couple weeks since I last posted (feels like longer), but I'm not empty-handed this time.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg90.imageshack.us%2Fimg90%2F9664%2Ftsitckfc1zy8.jpg&hash=934d123eab8a3eab4189aa7e3646e2b0917bc591)

This building was started some time back as a part of an ITC team project. With all the bells and whistles, it will resemble (I hope) a KFC. However, the style seems generic enough that perhaps a few chains could become associated with it. Hopefully I can get it textured soon and off to lotting. There are some other things that I'm working on, but those are for another time. Hope to see you then.
-Matt
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: Pat on January 29, 2009, 09:55:02 PM
Hey Matt I will be on the look out for the new toys to play with for sure!!! As long as I am not running ragged with the fire department again  $%Grinno$%  Thursday is that is what is left of today and this is the first time I got on the computer thanks to 2 medical calls and a mobile home fire...

I do like the start of the building and I do agree it can be used as a generic template but I am wondering about what is the size of the building it self??? It does look a weee bit small, more like a rural KFC...  Just wondering also is that drive thru on the left side of the building, as they are normally on the right side...


Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: deathtopumpkins on January 30, 2009, 12:40:23 PM
Nice KFC building there, Matt! I'm sure it'll make a great restaurant when finished...
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: Jmouse on February 02, 2009, 06:13:48 PM
Nice BAT with clean lines - very typical of fast-food joints. I like your glass texture - hope you'll leave them at that - but I might have added a window to the second and fourth views. Of course, it's hard to tell until the texturing comes into play, and often I think there are too many in my BATs! ;)

Looking forward to seeing how this one turns out...
Joan

Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: threestooges on February 21, 2009, 04:33:16 PM
Replies:
-Pat: The KFC draft model is posted for you Pat. Have fun with it. Also, let me know what you think about the new color scheme for the station. Hope things around the fire department have been quieter lately.

-deathtopumpkins: Thanks. I'm going to see if I can squeeze a few different restaurants out of it. We'll see how it goes though, I have to make it into one first.

-Joan: Believe it or not, there's actually no glass texture on any of the windows. I was thinking about adding some of that painted window advertisment stuff but either way I'll have to come up with some seats and stuff for the interior. The area without windows is where the kitchen/storage room is. I plan to break up the potential monotony with things like the drive-thru menu board and perhaps see what Pat can do in the LE.

Quick update on the stations. I've reworked the textures to lighten the wall color and tried a new shingle texture. The first pic is the old version the second pic is the new. Let me know what you think of either or both of the changes.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg355.imageshack.us%2Fimg355%2F5467%2Ftssbstationmediumsg1.jpg&hash=e8e5920a82d4e5d024e93cc7425a99c5d09b2ab5)


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg187.imageshack.us%2Fimg187%2F1160%2Ftssbstationmedium1.jpg&hash=328beda5e31ec24615102541113754ef684bb6c9)

-Matt
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: Pat on February 21, 2009, 06:24:44 PM
Much more santa fe looking now!!! are you going to update large one too? I believe this is the medium right?
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: Jmouse on February 21, 2009, 06:40:25 PM
Like the second one a whole lot better. The roof I'm not really sure of, but it's better than the original. Try applying a gradient and see what happens. If that doesn't help, try some Spanish tiles, but not as bright and shiny as the first roof. You definitely have something good going on with the wall textures, though. Of course, the true test is an in-game shot. SC4 changes things to suit itself!

Later...
Joan
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: threestooges on March 10, 2009, 11:10:41 PM
Replies:
-Pat: Glad to hear it's looking better. Just a few more details on the stations, and hopefully it'll be ready for export soon.

-Joan: Yeah, I think I may go back to the red Spanish tile (but nowhere near as saturated). The wall texture was a matter of luck I think. As soon as I get the finishing touches on it, I'll send it off to Pat and we'll see it in game.

So the stations are back on the back burner and the KFC has again moved to the forefront now that I've worked on the textures a bit. Having seen what Pat has done with the lot, I think the textures will work with it nicely. Still a number of details to add (vent pipes, electrical meter, gas pipes, etc). Let me know what you think.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg16.imageshack.us%2Fimg16%2F6608%2Ftsitckfc2.jpg&hash=a3029a1a523a88eaec0d55fd554b24a7c8118114)

-Matt
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: rooker1 on March 11, 2009, 04:26:28 AM
Hey Matt,

The old roof texture looks better than the new one.  The new one looks to choppy, the old one does look too red/saturated.
But what I have done for ya is this.....
check this one, (http://www.bigstockphoto.com/thumbs/3/2/1/large/123304.jpg)
this one, (http://www.sharecg.com/images/medium/20546.jpg)
this one, (http://images.google.ca/imgres?imgurl=http://textures.z7server.com/texture/i_0097_roof.jpg&imgrefurl=http://textures.z7server.com/nKatalog.php%3Ftype%3D8&usg=__HpiN1eIQbkXziaifzgUX1Ek6HIo=&h=90&w=130&sz=7&hl=en&start=55&um=1&tbnid=r9qmnhGQ-F7hiM:&tbnh=63&tbnw=91&prev=/images%3Fq%3Droof%2Btextures%26ndsp%3D18%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN%26start%3D54%26um%3D1)
this one, (http://basshead.files.wordpress.com/2008/04/red-roof.jpg)
and this one. (http://www.andrearogers.com/textures/my_roof.jpg)
Hope this helps a little.

As for the new model of KFC.....looking pretty good.

Robin  :thumbsup:





Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: Earth quake on March 11, 2009, 07:41:48 AM
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg4.hostingpics.net%2Fpics%2F363580B_Q_7.png&hash=5ae937dd23feaaf08c0ce32ce0ba25154bb2aae9)

Test with this texture.
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: Jmouse on March 11, 2009, 02:30:49 PM
Hey Matt, KFC is really looking good. I see you've done some work on the interior which is something I haven't tried yet. Yesterday I searched for a photo of a KFC online but had no luck. If memory serves correctly, though, they're white with bright red trim - hardly aesthetically pleasing - and some are paired up with Taco Bell restaurants.

Anyway, your doing some good work on this - nice roof!  ;)

Later...
Joan
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: Pat on March 11, 2009, 05:08:27 PM
 :thumbsup:  Matt the KFC is looking great there and I see you gotten some great feedback for a roof tiles for the Train stations... Talk to you soon,


Patrick
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: threestooges on March 11, 2009, 05:30:35 PM
Replies:
-Robin: I fiddled around with the old red one a bit and I think I got something a bit better. Thanks for the links though. They'll certainly help a bit in the future if not just yet (though we'll see what the reaction to this new texture is). I think you are right though, the first one was far too red (among other things). I'll post a pic of the KFC the model is based on for comparison.

-Vivian: Thanks for the texture. As I mentioned to Robin, I tried making a new one myself, but depending on the feedback, I may be trying others, including this one.

-Joan: Thanks for noticing it. This is my first attempt at interior features. The benches were a bit interesting to make (did the profile as a spline and then extruded). I think I got the scale more or less, but yeah, let me know what you think. As for the coloring of the building, I'm not much of a fan of the newer style (though it'll certainly catch the eye), but I think the older ones had a more toned-down look to them, and I think this is the case for the one that I had a pic of (shown below). Glad you like the roof. I did have some skilled help with it after all.

-Pat: Good to see you Pat. Yeah, things are starting to come togehter here. I'll see if I can get you some stuff shortly.

For reference: The KFC reference pic:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg4.hostingpics.net%2Fpics%2F429089Sans_titre_17.png&hash=fd2538ed8211a1e2c119e2b503655a1aa15e8b5a)

For comparison: What I've come up with in the BAT:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg16.imageshack.us%2Fimg16%2F6608%2Ftsitckfc2.jpg&hash=a3029a1a523a88eaec0d55fd554b24a7c8118114)

Also, the new roof texture for the station:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg19.imageshack.us%2Fimg19%2F9121%2Ftssbstationmedium2.jpg&hash=53a56e07d19ec05ad02dee727307bf90faf79ebd)

Let me know what you think.
-Matt
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: rooker1 on March 11, 2009, 05:40:53 PM
 :o

Now that roof looks perfect, I wouldn't change a thing now!!

Robin  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: Pat on March 11, 2009, 09:36:06 PM
looking sweet there Matt and I cant wait to try them out  ;)
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: Earth quake on March 14, 2009, 01:55:51 AM
Fabulous Matt, go on your excellent work.
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: Jmouse on March 14, 2009, 02:25:53 AM
That KFC pic you found looks great, Matt - I don't like the newer cheesy ones either. I agree that you don't need to fiddle with the BAT much more. I recall reading Pat's suggestion about adjusting the drive-thru a bit, and you probably need to give that a try. Otherwise, export it and see how it looks in game.

As stated before, I think this structure is very versatile. It so happens I need a locally-owned redneck bar-be-que joint, and this would fit the bill perfectly. ;D You've come a long way with  your BATting skills and I'm impressed. Very impressed.

Later...
Joan
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: Pat on March 26, 2009, 09:11:31 PM
Matt something is coming from my mad mad mind here soon lol  :D
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: threestooges on June 06, 2009, 01:14:54 AM
Replies:
-Robin: Thanks. It's off to Pat now for lotting, and then hopefully off to the LEX.

-Pat: Hope things are well for you Pat. There's no rush on this. I'll keep an eye out for what you're up to.

-Vivian: Thanks. It's all your inspiration that started it.

-Joan: The drive through has been changed and is off for lotting. If you'd like, I'd be happy to alter it for you or send you the BAT and textures for you to play with yourself. Let me know.

After some time, I finally got back around to working on the stations. I've cleaned up the large and medium ones and have started on the small version inspired by the LA&SL Railway depot in Long Beach, CA. It's in the same Mission Style as the others. Let me know what you think.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg200.imageshack.us%2Fimg200%2F9756%2Ftsitcstations.jpg&hash=50d3542e410a69985c81a5c7ccbbf6083631b15d)
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: Jmouse on June 06, 2009, 02:07:14 AM
Matt, the station is looking great, and I'm glad to see you working on it again. Don't know where you find the time right now, but I'm glad you do! :)

I'd love to have a closer look at KFC, too, so send it along through the "secret passage!" :D Can't promise much feedback for the moment, though. What with GRV II and RL, the days are pretty full.

Later...
Joan
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: Pat on June 07, 2009, 07:34:47 PM
 &apls Matt looking real great there!! I am in Miles City Montana tonight as its been a looooong day of raining and misserable driving conditions.... But we are going to make great headway tomorrow and Hopefully make it home by late tomorrow night!!!  So I have some more relotting to do then lol ooi I got a busy week coming up hehehee
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: threestooges on July 18, 2009, 04:52:50 PM
Replies:
-Joan (Jmouse): The stations are getting there. Just some fine details for the small one and it may be getting close to export time. The KFC has been sent. Hope you enjoy it.

-Pat: Thanks. Hopefully I can get these to you sometime soon so you can have some fun with them.

In the meantime though, on another project I've been considering...

Fun with opacity maps:

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg232.imageshack.us%2Fimg232%2F71%2Fopacitytest.jpg&hash=0d579f814b6acd07647b87c77b4562766c5fad5c)
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: Pat on July 18, 2009, 06:46:39 PM
Hey Matt good to see you back here  :thumbsup: BTW any progress for the platforms and train stations?
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: Jmouse on July 18, 2009, 08:06:00 PM
Now that looks like a nifty little trick to have in the bag.  :) Any chance you might let the rest of us in on how you made it and where you plan to take it from here?

Later...
Joan
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: threestooges on July 19, 2009, 05:21:50 PM
Replies:
-Pat:The stations are done. The two larger ones just need to be rendered (unless you have the finished versions already) and the smaller one just needs a few details. Platforms will follow shortly thereafter. For now however, you will find something attached to this post that I told you about in a recent PM.

-Joan: It's a nifty trick indeed. It's the basis for something to take the hard edge off those darn game beaches. One of the most common things I've heard about my beaches, and the beaches in the game in general is that they end so abruptly and that the edge should be hidden by trees, bushes, etc. Even with plop flora, a perfect border is tough to do. This is designed to make the sand appear to break up slowly into whatever terrain is underneath. There is an opacity map I attached here for Pat that gave the results you see.

To make it, I made two planes (and raised one .001 just so they wouldn't overlap) and applied the opacity map to the brown one on top. If all goes according to plan, this will make a nice, random looking end to the existing game beaches. I believe it was Alex (tarkus) who mentioned that opacity maps could be made with a gradient fade from black to white to achieve different levels of transparency. Adam (Ennedi) was good enough to provide some tips, instructions and words of encouragement, and Robin (rooker1) and Barby (barbyw) have been good supporters of this too (and you have as well).

Hope that answered your questions.
-Matt
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: RebaLynnTS on July 19, 2009, 06:10:26 PM
That is a very good idea indeed.
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: threestooges on August 02, 2009, 01:37:21 AM
Reply:
-RebaLynnTS: Thanks. Hopefully it pans out as we go here.


So after the vague concept photo, and some work with Joan (and Barby, and Geoffhaw... thanks guys) we now have this:

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg22.imageshack.us%2Fimg22%2F3859%2Fbeachendtest.jpg&hash=1688c6e6d2de2b34b121f837b91bc95e67599f1a)

This can be plopped on either side of the beach as needed, and will hopefully, when done, allow for a seamless gradual end to the beaches instead of that lovely straight line.
-Matt
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: SC4BOY on August 02, 2009, 09:11:56 AM
Love the effect.. I'm sure it can be put to use many places.. I've always hated, especially on mine pilings or pits, how the end just BAM! ended.. looks totally artificial.. putting your idea to use should help a lot
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: threestooges on August 21, 2009, 01:29:40 PM
Reply:
-SC4BOY: Thanks. There are just a few other details to iron out on it, such as better texture matching (for some reason it doesn't quite match up even though it's the same texture) and working with the opacity map to make it fit the beach pattern better.

I've been working on a few other things lately. Including this project which I found in the recesses of my files. There have been a few billboards released here and there, but these seem (at least I hope they do) to fit that rural road feeling. A number of them are rail related (yes, I realize I'm advertising them on a road...) but there are some other vintage ads like John Deere and, I kid you not, a Glide-O-Bike (links to bigger image) (http://www.plan59.com/av/av446.htm) which from what I could find produced just enough lift at speed to lift the front wheel off the ground.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg524.imageshack.us%2Fimg524%2F5040%2Fruralbillboardset1.png&hash=b85b1319c9685ab7f9a4c72f62c5b56e1c98dc0d)

Thoughts are appreciated.
-Matt
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: rooker1 on August 21, 2009, 02:45:09 PM
Very nice billboard signs.
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: CasperVg on August 23, 2009, 12:35:07 PM
I can only second that wholeheartedly.
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: threestooges on September 28, 2009, 02:44:20 PM
Replies:
Thanks Robin and Casper.

Thanks to some great work by Barby and Casper...

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fsc4devotion.com%2Fcsxlex%2Fimages%2Fbeximg%2FITC_Billboards1.jpg&hash=238d445c2b201c776b397ad88e85fef455810169) (https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fsc4devotion.com%2Fcsxlex%2Fimages%2Fbeximg%2FITC_Billboards2.jpg&hash=458f7703c8bb1199e0d95837796bd593e8ff1129) (http://sc4devotion.com/csxlex/lex_filedesc.php?lotGET=2229)

They are now available on the LEX. I may do more of these in the future, or perhaps with different styles, but for now, enjoy these and add a little variety to your roads.
-Matt
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: Pat on September 28, 2009, 03:46:31 PM
hey matt great set of billboards there!!! BTW I havent forgotten some projects lol... I am finally getting on the mend here where I am getting the energy to kick some tails and take some names  :D so expect some finger licking good things soon  ;)
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: threestooges on September 28, 2009, 04:11:09 PM
Good to hear Pat. Sorry I haven't been in touch witht he Podcast thing either, but focus on getting better first, don't give yourself any extra stress. I'll look forward to seeing what you coe up with.
-Matt
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: Jmouse on September 28, 2009, 05:10:42 PM
The billboards look great, Matt. They'll have a special spot in the new plugin folder for sure! :)

JMS
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: meinhosen on September 28, 2009, 06:22:48 PM
Matt,
Love the billboards- my day has been made (SP Daylight... you rock... thanks!).  :)
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: threestooges on September 28, 2009, 11:24:59 PM
Glad to hear it Joan. Hope the folder rebuild is going well.

Meinhosen: Absolutely, and if you don't mind I'd like to try to make a custom one for a future set using some of the RailFest pictures you posted particularly the first one (with the front of the engine steaming in the rain... beautiful image... I love to see that thing blown up and framed.). Let me know.
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: meinhosen on September 29, 2009, 03:51:01 PM
You are certainly welcome to use any of those photos.  Speaking of blown up and framed... maybe I'll have to get around to doing that one of these days.

Again, great work!
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: threestooges on January 04, 2010, 06:23:03 PM
It's amazing how fast three months will pass. It seems like just yesterday that I released those billboards. Christmas break has given me some time to pick up the BAT again, and I have a new structure in the works:

It's meant to be an aluminum sided building to sit on a 3x3 lot. Details, doors, and such are still in the works, but for basic size, shape, and texturing ideas, this is what I have so far.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg24.imageshack.us%2Fimg24%2F5201%2Fts3x3warehouse4.jpg&hash=100c7998a13ddb4aa992065afccb49c40e543c5d)

As always, thoughts and suggestions are always welcome.
-Matt
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: Jmouse on January 04, 2010, 07:31:27 PM
The texture on the building looks much better now, Matt.  Still not quite as sure about the roof texture, so it will be interesting to see what some of the more experienced BATters have to say about it. There's much to be learned by studying their comments.

Later...
Joan
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: threestooges on January 05, 2010, 12:03:33 AM
Indeed there is Joan. There is also much to gain from anyone with a keen eye too. What about the roof texture bothers you?
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: thingfishs on January 05, 2010, 12:58:53 AM
Hi threestooges,
Great looking building, it reminds me of a chicken farm I know. I agree that the roof texture could be improved when compared to your awesome looking walls. The left hand side of your roof has some diagonals in it and I think overall I would try lowering the contrast on it slightly and lower the brightness on it by a bit more. (disclaimer: I don't really know what I'm talking about ;))
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: Jmouse on January 05, 2010, 01:07:20 AM
Hey Matt! The roof seems to be a combination of what appear to be darker grey oblong tiles scattered among lighter grey horizontal strips. Almost as though the roof can't decide whether it wants to be made of shingles or corrugated tin! :) I see you've included some light brown weathering, though, and it looks great.

As it stands, the roof just looks a bit unnatural to me, and I hope I've explained myself in a way that will be helpful to you. Once again, let's see what the experts have to say. Our master BATters here have always been very generous in providing constructive critique and excellent suggestions.

Later...
Joan


Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: gottago on January 05, 2010, 03:05:11 AM
hi threestooges, really good-looking warehouse/shed, the griminess is very convincing.

About the roof, you're using a texture that represents standing-seam copper that has weathered green (verdigris). It's an expensive material and would only be used on churches or historic public buildings.  The scale is off too, it could be 20% larger; this is why jmouse can't decide what it is.

Something like this would be more appropriate, standing-seam zinc, appropriately grimed up:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi209.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb173%2Fzegadams%2Fizinc01.jpg&hash=cbf583934b1a75fa49e266694e300ef14a8679b7)

The square-pillow vents are pretty overscaled and shiny-new, which makes them stand out too much--if you shrink them by 20-30% and put a dull, grimy metallic texture on them they'll fit in much better. Also, it might be good to remove one or two pairs and re-space them--you've got quite a lot for that size structure. If I'm reading them wrong and they're supposed to be skylights, they need more transparency and a duller, darker texture.

Hope this helps! :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: threestooges on January 06, 2010, 01:00:35 AM
Replies:
-thingfishs: Free range chickens eh? Maybe a farm lot in the future perhaps. It is large enough for it. The diagonals, I'm not sure what causes them, but it's not the texture. Rotate it 90 degrees and it's fine. It might be something about the slope of the roof that's causing the issue. At any rate, there's a new texture there now which also seems to show it a bit. Thanks for the reply.



-Joan: Perfect clarification Joan. Part of that dark spot light spot thin was me trying to make certain sections look a bit more worn. New texture up though. As always, looking for thoughts.



-gottago: Thanks for the quick lesson on the roofing. To be honest, I saw it and thought the color and seams looked good. If it was copper, it would quite likely be the target of theft with the price of copper where it is these days. Someone would get to work, and find the roof gone. To avoid this problem, contractors have decided to try out the standing-seam zinc. They messed with it a bit, and it's not on the new version of the building. Thanks for the texture. They are meant to by skylights, but the opaque kind that let in a soft ambient light that diffuses easily. I did try to grim them up a bit to fit with the rest of the building though.



Here it is in its newest form, still waiting on doors, and likely some additional junk for the roof if it's needed:

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg200.imageshack.us%2Fimg200%2F9396%2Fts3x3warehouse5.jpg&hash=5d3698696d809aed2b7545b7e640dff3e1f252e2)
-Matt
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: thingfishs on January 06, 2010, 02:09:02 AM
I think this still needs some work, there are obvious lines of colour along the roof from the texture repeating. I'm sure gottago will suggest how to best remedy this. It's also now got too many skylights for my book (there's no pleasing everybody ;)) I think it will look better.

The chicken farm in question is a basic open plan building the entire floor of which (the one time I actually peered through a hole in the wall, whilst heavily inebriated... ::)) was covered with tiny yellow chickens. (I swear ;)) Not exactly free range I fear.

Quote from: gottago on January 05, 2010, 03:05:11 AM
you're using a texture that represents standing-seam copper that has weathered green (verdigris). It's an expensive material and would only be used on churches or historic public buildings.

Who knows this stuff? :D, I'm impressed.

Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: Monorail Master on January 06, 2010, 01:21:45 PM
Wow. I like your chicken farm Matt, good job

-Matthew B. Green
(yea, I'm the other Matt  ::) )
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: thingfishs on January 07, 2010, 09:32:12 AM
Quote from: Monorail Master on January 06, 2010, 01:21:45 PM
Wow. I like your chicken farm Matt, good job

:D :D :D

(it might just be destiny ;))
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: gottago on January 07, 2010, 10:02:55 AM
Quote from: thingfishs on January 06, 2010, 02:09:02 AM
Who knows this stuff? :D, I'm impressed.

Pretty basic stuff for anyone working in architecture, actually ::)  ;)

I also I agree with the rest of thingfishs' post: the roof texture looks better but is creating stripes/repeats in both directions--always a potential problem when you tile it using UVW maps. Best way to avoid this is to tile the basic texture in photoshop, making a large 1-to-1 texture the same dimensions as one roof element. Then you can dodge and burn the tiling out and grime it up to your heart's content.

You also might want to tweak the color a bit to kill the purple-magenta cast and bring it more in line with the siding--drop the saturation and push it a bit more towards green--it'll make it look more aged, too.

Also agree with tf re: the skylights, but it's your baby and do what you like best.
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: threestooges on April 10, 2011, 08:46:18 PM
Hey, more than a year later, and I'm going again. I figure this is a decent start for a KFC.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FBAT%2520Projects%2FKFCtest.jpg&hash=a04e4b22a63b3f8b7085e7c35a27006f6571e133)

I have a few signage options going too.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FBAT%2520Projects%2FKFCsigntest.jpg&hash=0f5680bf44a4226891434619c14b50a7ecec8d4a)

Both of which should be flexible enough for other companies too. Any thoughts on the other ones would be welcome.
-Matt
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: Jmouse on April 10, 2011, 09:05:34 PM
Glad to see KFC back on the menu, Matt. This is something I could try LOTting. And speaking of...could you send me a picture of the small station's footprint? A top view in the BAT would be ideal. Maybe I can use it to show you why I had problems with it and you might be able to set me on the right track. No pun intended of course! ::)
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: threestooges on April 10, 2011, 09:38:17 PM
Didn't know if you meant "small" as in the the small one I'm working on, or the smallest one I  gave you (which was the middle one in the set), so here's an overview of all three:

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FBAT%2520Projects%2FStationtopviewwireframe.jpg&hash=694c1a16d2d740575cbb50ceae5a3fc702d2448b)
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: threestooges on July 09, 2011, 03:50:31 PM
Moving along on the fast food front, here's something that those of you from California should recognize (and likely begin drooling as a result):

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FBAT%2520Projects%2FInNOuttest.jpg&hash=165dc6b11901e0b64691922cb1caf1209528d2fa)

In-N-Out Burger, complete with its distinctive sign (day and night version):

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FBAT%2520Projects%2FInNOutsign.jpg&hash=9ea865ef9aa69a4ae91e00ead9ff49427fe64be2)

Yes, I know it needs roof junk. I just need to get to the point where I can make it look convincing, and not just a pile of boxes.
-Matt
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: Jmouse on July 09, 2011, 04:44:37 PM
Looking good, Matt. And if course you know the drill: Besides some roof junk and dinginess, maybe darken the bottom edge of the structure a bit. The thing that worries me is the zigzag rooflines and zigzags at the base of the walls. It could be my monitor causing the problem. I don't have an HD graphic card, so that might be the reason.

I hope you'll finish this up. It feels great to complete a project you've had on the back burner for much too long! :)
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: threestooges on July 09, 2011, 05:00:42 PM
If by zigzags, you mean the two larger models, that's just an artifact of zooming in on the render (that's how it'll look at zoom 6) and saving it as a jpg. It'll be fine in the game. I thought I'd dirtied up the base of the wall texture, but apparently I didn't do it well enough. I'll have another stab at it though. Thanks for the feedback Joan.
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: threestooges on October 01, 2011, 11:27:45 PM
Slowly improving (hard to get worse) on my texturing. Thought I'd get some feedback if I could.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FBAT%2520Projects%2Fttrbridgetest2.jpg&hash=2db69503efab3b96aaeb28b3c9876348d0f41ceb)

Any other thoughts are welcome too, as always.
-Matt
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: Jmouse on October 02, 2011, 12:02:36 AM
Geez, we don't even have 3-track rail yet and he's already  making bridges for it. :D I like the metal texture with what appears to be rust spots, Matt. The RL side of my brain tells me a bridge would be made out of something that wouldn't rust or coated with something that would prevent rust. The SC4 side tells me the rust looks better than shiny metal.  ;)
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: jmyers2043 on October 02, 2011, 06:58:13 PM
Hey Matt

Nice looking bridge segment. How many bridge segments are between each trestle? I'm thinking the trestle model will be a way to solve rust spot repitition.

- Jim
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: threestooges on October 02, 2011, 07:42:13 PM
I was planning to have 1, 2 at the most, of these segments between each pillar. I know I'll need to do something to avoid rust spot repetition, but how would you recommend doing it Jim?
-Matt
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: Cali on October 02, 2011, 11:37:26 PM
Wonderful work. It's been awhile since we had an updated more realistic version of kfc and in n out. I love it...:)
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: threestooges on October 08, 2011, 10:09:57 AM
Progress:

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FBAT%2520Projects%2Fttrbridgetest3.jpg&hash=55e28e708ae09f11ac2889e51228f5919f31f1d0)

-Matt
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: Pat on November 29, 2011, 03:25:19 AM
Hey Matt those buildings are looking wonderful there!!! Btw who ever does the lotting they may want to check out my texture pack as it may fit those just soo perfectly for the parking lot and drive thru ;)

Also loving the bridge work too man wow!!!
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: carlfatal on February 04, 2012, 05:14:45 PM
This bridge is cool!  :thumbsup:
Could be nice to see it crossing a river but i think it would look also nice in a town over streets or crossing a huge railyard of another line (with different pillars as they look more as they have to be grounded in water).
Definitely i missed to look in here, but from now on...
Greetz, Carl
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: threestooges on March 04, 2012, 09:47:27 PM
-Pat: I've pointed them to it. They're still in the process. If you feel like picking them up again, by all means give it a shot if you want. Good to see you back around here!

-Carl: I'll try to figure out how to get it to that for, as you're right, I can see it as a good rail overpass, but I'm not quite sure how to get it as an offset prop type thing like Buddybud's old overpass skins. I'll look into it though. As for now however, it'll make a decent bridge.

So, it's been too quiet here.

Here, have a bridge:

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FBAT%2520Projects%2Fttrbridgetest4.jpg&hash=06fae0d275b01dc056712007218c0c64e109dacb)

This was supposed to appear somewhere in Greenacre during OSITM, but time ran short last month. However, it's getting close to a working prototype. I think I may need to tweak the textures a bit more, and the paths need to be adjusted for TTR use (unless riding on two different lines at the same time is desired) but I think it's pretty much there.

Thoughts are appreciated.
-Matt
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: noahclem on March 05, 2012, 05:41:35 AM
I had a feeling this one was part of your OSITM plans  ;D  Hopefully it will find its way into Greenacre during March.

And a nice-looking bridge it is!

My only thoughts so far are doing something with that boring brown texture between the tracks on the bridge (what the train is driving over in the picture). That, the pathing, and the bump at the right end of the bridge.
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: metarvo on March 05, 2012, 09:11:09 AM
It's good to see our bridge makers active again.  TTR is steadily being developed, and we are now getting to see TTR bridges.  Good work, Matt!

:thumbsup:
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: rooker1 on March 05, 2012, 11:56:29 AM
Other than tweaking the rail texture, it seems way too white/bright, I would only suggest trying the darken up the concrete bases too. 
Love the bridge, great work Matt.

Robin &apls
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: Jmouse on March 05, 2012, 01:19:39 PM
I like the texture you used on the railings (is that the right word?), and the bridge really is coming together well. I see nothing to suggest other than the points which have already been made.

Where David leads, we all follow...
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: Battlecat on March 05, 2012, 01:20:20 PM
Fantastic looking bridge!
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: threestooges on March 05, 2012, 01:51:47 PM
Agreed about the concrete texture needing to be darkened. The bump is definitely slated for smoothing (I think the model got shifted vertically in the z direction  somehow). The boring brown bit was a wooden plank texture I was trying out but it does seem to convey the intended effect. I'll see what I can come up with.

As for the "railing" texture, Joan, I assume you mean the trusses over the tracks, those are the same textures  I used back on the CPI props. They've proven to be very versatile, but I'm not sure how well they work when stretched like that. Thoughts would be welcome if an upgrade is in order.

Hopefully I'll have some time after work tonight for that. Thanks for the feedback, it really helps.
-Matt
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: threestooges on April 22, 2012, 08:00:47 PM
No pictures today, but in an endeavor to keep this thread from growing too much dust in the in-progress periods I figured I'd at least drop a note. The bridge is progressing. I've sorted out the elevation issue with the first piece (still not entirely sure where that came from), and the planking between the tracks is looking better. Still trying to sort out which concrete texture is best for the pillar, but I think I'm getting closer. Also, the LODs will be fairly tightly formed to the model itself; it'll result in several more vertices to render per tile, but it'll allow the automata to be properly visible. Hopefully a "final draft" version will be ready shortly for view.
-Matt
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: Jmouse on April 24, 2012, 02:38:01 PM
Good to know you're getting back in the bridge-building business, Matt. I know all too well how easy it is to lose that first burst of enthusiasm among the demands of RL and the lure of new projects.

Eventually you and Arne will have to teach me how to create my own LODs instead of letting gmax do it automatically. Arne says it's easy, but most of the time, things he thinks are "easy" look more like advanced trigonometry to me! &mmm

Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: threestooges on April 24, 2012, 09:11:28 PM
Creating custom LODS:
Step 1: Create shape. Box is the basic one that the BAT creates, but you can make whatever shapes you want then, after converting one to an editable mesh, you can attach all the shapes you want to it.
Step 2: Rename this new shape LOD3
Step 3: Copy the shape, and rename LOD4
Step 4: Copy again, and rename LOD5
Step 5: Make sure your model is actually in the LOD (or funny things happen) and render.

A rose by any other name may smell as sweet, but with the BAT, the name means everything. Whatever object bears the name LOD3, LOD4, or LOD5 will be the LOD for that zoom level.

But wait, you may say (and if not, I'm still going to assume you said it), there are 5 zoom levels and only 3 LOD's. Zooms 1 and 2 use the LOD3 and Zoom 6 uses LOD5, which is why you get the pixelation of buildings (I think). All a model is in the game is a picture pasted on the side of your LOD. If you've ever stretched a picture and noticed it gets pixelated, that's basically the same concept here.

Hope that helps.
-Matt
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: Jmouse on April 24, 2012, 09:48:12 PM
Thank, you Matt. It makes perfect sense if you don't think about it. :o
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: threestooges on May 06, 2012, 03:01:59 PM
Joan: Since when have I ever made any sense?

Progress, to a fair degree of completion. This took far longer than it should've but I think it's now there.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1041.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb416%2Fthreestoogessc4%2FBAT%2520Projects%2Fttrarchfinal1.jpg&hash=8125ca1f6bb8c526c1871eba8e69bafc96f1e812)
-Matt
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: RickD on May 07, 2012, 06:03:23 AM
Good to hear you are making progress. I like the model and it is great to know we will have bridges when the TTR comes out.
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: noahclem on May 07, 2012, 08:41:36 AM
Looking great Matt  &apls &apls
Title: Re: Threestooges and the BAT
Post by: Jmouse on May 07, 2012, 09:54:37 AM
I really like this bridge style, Matt, although the proper name for it escapes me at the moment. The texture you used is excellent, and I'm looking forward to giving it a test run.