Boston Central Artery/Tunnel Project (Big Dig)

[sloppet 3]

quote>

I'm sure this will be one of the most popular and high rated downloads here! It is just perfect, perfect I say!

[Lazamair 0]

This looks fantastic!

I would get to talking to the modd squad about getting the path data in place...

[Montu 0]

WoW! You have really outdone yourself here! This is really amazing, and this would be really awesome to implement in our highway system in SC4! Great job!

[blahdy 21]

Thanks

Work to create ground-highway -to- underground highway transition portal is started.

Detailed work for inner tunnel section:

[blahdy 21]

Okay, enough work for today   It's quite far from being done, but at least you can get a general 'idea' of how it will physically look like:

[hamsterTK 93]

*dies* that is purdy.

I dont like the road surface texture though. The texture on the slope doesnt match the texture in the tunnel, and neither match the surface of any in game roads. I think you oughta use textures that match the road surfaces.

Love the lighting

[blahdy 21]

Originally posted by: hamsterTK *dies* that is purdy.

One Question, how will cars go down the slope. If this is purely an overhang it might look odd. Is it going to be a slope piece you set in a trench, with a overhanging section to go over the tunnel portal, and connected by onslope pieces?quote>

Once I'm done with the models, I'm going to need help from modders in proper LODing (so the bottom portion does not stick out in game), making it act as ground traffic <-> subway converter (see NDEX Freeway Transition) and pathing, so you can actually see cars going down the ramp.

People suggested to ask NDEX guys to see if they can help; I'll send request to them once the models are ready.

[hamsterTK 93]

ahhh. i figured that when i read more, so i edited. so are you gonna think about changing the road surface to match?

[blahdy 21]

Originally posted by: hamsterTK ahhh. i figured that when i read more, so i edited. so are you gonna think about changing the road surface to match?quote>

I might, depends on how it actually looks in the game itself, with actual simcity roads connected to it.  If it looks ugly, then I'll change it to make it coherent with Sim City style.

Otherwise, I like the way it is now, b/c the textures used for the road on the tunnel is actually exactly the same real world texture you would see if you actually drive through one of the I/93 or I/90 big dig tunnel portals in Boston (concrete panels with scratched ground for better friction).

You can also notice that road texture inside the tunnel itself is asphalt, as that is also the case in real world.

We'll see how it looks though in-game and adjust as appropriate.  Thanks.

[cammo2003 20]

The new portal would be an avenue one then? Because the SC4 freeways are three lanes on each side...

[blahdy 21]

Originally posted by: cammo2003 The new portal would be an avenue one then? Because the SC4 freeways are three lanes on each side...quote>

Nope, it will be three lanes.  You saw only two lanes, because well.. the new portal is under construction   It needs to be corrected.

Note that SC4's freeway's 6 lanes width (3 on each direction) is shoved into 2 amazing tiles, so the physical look will be same as if it was an avenue -- but, the new tunnel portal will be 3 lanes on each side for highway configuration when completed.

Depends on what you guys want, but I may also make a wider tunnel portal with additional lanes, for special tunnels you want in your cities -- i.e. underwater river/harbour crossing and you want a large tunnel for it.  Let me know if there is interest in that.

[sloppet 3]

This is OUTSTANDING!! Gret worko blahdy!!

[blahdy 21]

Okay, here are couple more pics...the tunnel superstructure is taking shape now.  just need concrete shoulders completed, then we will start seeing nice signs/lights, etc good stuff being added. 

 ignore the lane marking/paintings btw... they are all wrong.  (again, still not done!)  it will be 3 lanes on both sides when completed.

[sloppet 3]

*is still amazed* I think I have to think how will I spend the time before you release them on the STEX!

[blahdy 21]

lol, glad to hear you like them!

it will be worth the wait though... i'm toying with the idea of releasing more tunnel portal types with different variations.

[newyorkrunaway1 110]

this is an amazing project. i can not wait to put this in my city. it will finally eliminate the above ground highway in my downtown! woot woot!!!

[lrfox 2]

Still looking incredible. love the fact that it's even more identical to the real thing. As for someone who sees this on a near daily basis, i would agree w/ you on the road texture... in real life it goes from that concrete surface to blacktop, i guess it does just depend on the in game appearance. you have to sacrifice realism for gameplay reasons sometimes... that's just part of the game.

I guess just keep it up, it still looks awesome.

[mightygoose 92]

yes yes yes

[blahdy 21]

hehe thanks for following up to updates

okay, first sign-post going up!

Some amazing amount of details here!  looks so much like the real big dig tunnel transition portal.

[vester_DK 477]

Well this project is great. It reminds me of the NDEX tunnel project *).

*) Not the real name of the project. It was a projec to sim. a underground tunnel system like the big dig., by using the subway tunnels work as highway tunnels.

EDIT: It was is name: NDEX Freeway Tunnel Transition Project!

[blahdy 21]

Originally posted by: vester_DK Well this project is great. It reminds me of the NDEX tunnel project *).

*) Not the real name of the project. It was a projec to sim. a underground tunnel system like the big dig., by using the subway tunnels work as highway tunnels.

EDIT: It was name: NDEX Freeway Tunnel Transition Project!quote>

thanks;  yup, NDEX freeway transition project is the one, and they are back, live and kicking (i think ardecila got pathing worked out now).

The goal of this Boston Big Dig project is to not compete with NDEX's freeway transition project per se, but actually to enhance it by providing real-world models.  Since Boston has been the pioneer when it comes to a state-of-the-art tunneled urban highway network in the US, it seemed like a good fit to model after..

[blahdy 21]

Okay, I've extended the road surface by another 1 tile at the end, to create a nice transition interface from SC4's ground highway to the BAT model without looking ugly:

[ardecila 125]

blahdy - I dunno if you realize this, but the SC4 ground highways actually squeeze 6 lanes into LESS than 2 tiles. The highways are narrower than 2 tiles.

If you'd like, I can provide you with a gmax file containing a tile of highway literally taken from the game. It is properly scaled and textured. You might find this helpful.

[blahdy 21]

Originally posted by: ardecila blahdy - I dunno if you realize this, but the SC4 ground highways actually squeeze 6 lanes into LESS than 2 tiles. The highways are narrower than 2 tiles.

If you'd like, I can provide you with a gmax file containing a tile of highway literally taken from the game. It is properly scaled and textured. You might find this helpful.quote>

yea, i just realized

If you could provide me with that gmax file + textures, that would be realllly appreciated!  Then I'll rescale my model above to match it better.

Thanks!

[Shadow Assassin 336]

Hmm, I'd suggest use a default one way road texture rather than your own painted on one. This will ensure that it looks good when transitioning from ordinary oneway to underground.

[blahdy 21]

Originally posted by: Shadow_Assassin Hmm, I'd suggest use a default one way road texture rather than your own painted on one. This will ensure that it looks good when transitioning from ordinary oneway to underground.quote>

it'd be nice if someone could provide one-way tile for gmax? is it possible ?

[sloppet 3]

So far great work blahdy! Keep it up!

[JBSimio 152]

WOW seems like a pretty weak response for something this good, but it's the best I can think of at this point.  Maybe once I compose myself again, I'll think of a better word.

JB

[blahdy 21]

hehe JBSimio

first electronic sign is up.. looks pretty good in gmax.

[Shadow Assassin 336]

Here ya go.