U-Build-It (110% Interactive)

[emgmod 16]

***Replies***

CG:  Marysville Road? Sometime I'm going to sneak in my hometown into Illu'a.

SCA Jolly:  That's a good building plan. The purple is a small hillside. I PMed you links to the terrain, tree, and water mods. And as for running the company, go for it. I'll show you your headquarters in this update.

rjet131:  I thought that alphabetically lower overrides. I tried adding zzzzzz to the folder, but that didn't help.

SCA Jolly:  You get what you wished for...

Mine Improvments, AIN Expo, and the Simlympics.

After trying to find the solution of the problem and giving up, I resumed my improvment of the mine.

First, I replaced the dirt with CSGdesign's Cleared Earth. Then I used SimGoober's coal mine in the middle.

One of the things I was making was my thread for the AIN Expo. Here's a few pictures.

Downtown Daloa has grown a bit since we last visited. SCA Jolly, this is the time to chose which to

My first complex junction thing.

A golf course suburb.

An office park.

Terminal 2 at Colbitz International Airport.

Finally, several people at the AIN convinced me that I should run for the Simlympics. If I compete and win the bid, we are going on a trip to watch the games! If I don't win, there is another option to take a trip to a new city.

I shall call this city...

There is a nearby city, called Palmona. Together, they make the Strathmore-Palmona Area.

***I need from you today...***

Should I add a shiny bar in the pictures?

Should I compete in the Simlympics?

Where to expand the farms?

Sign up for the Name-A-Road Program! You get to name one road in Invernessen.

[SCA Jolly 0]

Splendid update! It does raise a number of important questions, such as....

"Should I add a shiny bar in the pictures?"

What? It should be noted that some CJs take photoshopping way too far; what we want, after all, is to see as much aesthetically pleasing, realistic architecture in an as realistic environment as possible. The less, the worse.

If you are thinking about substituting the half-opaque, grey bar of the first picture, then I wouldn't protest it too much, but it is fine as it is right now. White against dark is neat, but so is golden against dark.

The mining company is facing a worker's union problem. In these initial stages of the development, the town would be better off with a higher return from the mine, not hampered by any outrageous pension deals or healthcare arrangements. The corporation feels that a Bub's Burger near the current Wendy's Pancakes would do much to detract from the workers' dismay.

Three/more stories on the waterfront? Could not beat it with a jackhammer! The lack of developed waterfront can't be helped.

The corporation might just move into a midrise building of its own, once its inflated portfolio of foreign mineral investments pay off and are sold to unfortunate speculants.

Have you considered removing the pole of light on the walkable tiles? I always hesitate to use those myself, ending up with sandstone most of the time. Haven't gotten around to copying a lot without the prop on it.

"Should I compete in the Simlympics?"

Lympics schnympics. Fully support the notion, mind you, but a Tour d'Illu'a would do much to show of the many hundreds of kilometers of road, and the settlements that flank them. Just an idea

Very nice office park. I can't get the boldness effect off >

[Jeffmaster223 24]

Encore! Encore!

this city looks great! i think only my city journal may look better (when it's completed)!

11/10

maybe you could build marinas on the waterfront, or piers and docks! those may get more jobs, and attract more citizens!

[SCA Jolly 0]

Originally posted by: Animaniacs

Encore! Encore!

this city looks great! i think only my city journal may look better (when it's completed)!

11/10

maybe you could build marinas on the waterfront, or piers and docks! those may get more jobs, and attract more citizens!quote>

I was hesitant to advocate docks and piers, since it seems there is quite a bit of elevation to the developed coastline.

[SounderBruce 173]

Nice work on the city, emgmod! Love your airport and good luck in the Simylmpic bid!

[emgmod 16]

***Replies***

SCA Jolly:  I'll get to fixing the waterfront and the mining problem right away. Don't worry too much about it. And about the pedmall, there are two options that I can see. One would be to remove the T21, and the other would be to download a blank lot with the same texture. For now, I'll keep it as is.

Animaniacs:  I can't wait to see your journal. I'll get piers and docks on that waterfront soon. Trust me.

SCA Jolly(2):  The sea level is actually exactly 23 meters below the land. With a little bit of changing the sea level, I can raise a 15 meter segment of the land easily.

ComputerGuy:  Thank you!

The Overton Pass* Resort

I fixed the terrain mod problem. As you can see, here is a new region view.

You may or may have not noticed the small new lake. That lake is part of the new Overton Pass* Resort.

Around the lagoon, there are 11 cabins that people can rent.

Closer to the actual river, there are 6 more cabins up for rent.

On the island formed by the lagoon, there is a small shopping complex, a marina, and the construction site for the Overton Pass* tower.

Finally, the planned Overton Pass* tower. When complete, it will be the tallest building in Invernessen, until you get to the city of Daloa.

***I need from you today...***

What do you think of the resort?

Should I build the Overton Pass* tower?

Where to expand the farms?

Sign up for the Name-A-Road Program! You get to name one road in Invernessen.

*temporary name 

[SCA Jolly 0]

Oy! I like the SW region area with the ocean and all. A mighty scenic place. Also a terrific area, should one need to ship coal! No doubt a transit terminal would add capital to the town's coffers.

The resort -area- honestly looks great; the grey-hued ocean/lake bordered by pine forests and with small, wooden cottages makes it resemble northern Finland. I must say the resort does not look good in that setting. Not saying one should opt for an entirely rural area, but it could be wise to downsize the idea a bit. Right now it looks rather out of style. You have the grey of the ocean and shore, grey street and some smaller housing nearby. I think that makes for a more anonymous resort, personally.

... has that bridge always been there?

[emgmod 16]

***Replies***

SCA Jolly:  The ocean area is actually a lake. Coal will probably get shipped out by rail. You'll see the railyard in this update. The resort will still be extravagant, but to a lesser extent.

Also, I recommend visiting other CJs. Nyhaven: An Engineer's View by woodb3kmaster and U-Build-It are related due to close geographical areas.

Resort Improvments

I have taken in implemented almost all of your suggestions on ST, SC4D, and CSGf. The resort is renamed Cedar Shores, and the Overton pass tower had been downscaled. Along with that, there are other improvements around the area. Let's let the Cedar Shores marketers tell us what they are.

There are three ways to get to Cedar Shores. The first is driving Route 27 Northbound from Daloa/Route 27 Southbound from Dafter. The Adraman train service stops at Invernessen, where you can take a taxi to Cedar Shores. Finally, during the peak vacation season, there are charter flights from Daloa International Airport, Strathmore-Palmona International Airport, and Henry Edwards International Airport.

Once at the resort, there is a marina and boardwalk, where you can take a stroll, rent a boat, and relax in the peaceful Sparkling River.

Next to the boardwalk is the main resort tower, a Four Star hotel. There are a total of 90 rooms, including 3 luxury suites.

There is always something new at the Cedar Shores town center. You can walk around a open air shopping mall, buying whatever suits you.

All of Cedar Shores is powered by clean solar energy, including the water pump. This allows your stay to be as environmentally friendly as possible.

If the center of Cedar Shores id a bit too urban for you, we have rentable cabins around our artificial lagoon. There is a free boat that allows you to go from the town center to cabins and back.

We hope that you will visit Cedar Shores, for a day, week, or even a couple years!

***I need from you today...***

Like the finished resort?

Should I add a golf course to the resort? If yes, where?

Where to expand the farms?

Sign up for the Name-A-Road Program! You get to name one road in Invernessen.

[jacqulina 162]

fantastic work here my friend

[SounderBruce 173]

Very nice! Like the "green" theme. You should build a "Cedar Shores Country Club" with a golf course to the south of the river.

[jim 546 43]

I think the golf course should be south of the river, but not on the river bank. The farms could expand on the bottom-right of that last pic and some small ones on the dirt road at the top of the pic.

[SCA Jolly 0]

Ah, marvellous resort! I like it; it looks very realistic, not too flashy. =)

In one town I've lived, a golf course was laid parallel to an airfield strip. That's just one idea. Personally I think the area directly "north" (up, in last picture) of the resort has some potential. Scottish highland courses come to mind, where there's a wee bit of rolling hills and ridges and such. Very, very difficult to implement in SC4 without own lots! The game is just too 'American' styled: Flat, flat and more flat.

Perhaps a golf tournament of some medium size? I must say the area just below the resort (again, last pic) looks very... inviting of golf!

Airfield corners could do with extra grass tiles, and then trees on these to hide the borders. =)

[Mountain Dew 0]

very nice resort:

I suggest a pool and a golf course next to it!

I think you should expand the farms to the west... Into the Fronteer!

[emgmod 16]

***Replies***

jacqulina: Thank you! Especially since it came form someone with 36,392 posts.

ComputerGuy890100: South of the river? That's a good nearby spot. You should see the plan.

jim 546: Not on the river bank? Mixing in the resort with farms is a good idea.

SCA Jolly: The area directly north is cut by a railroad line, but we can make amends to that. There's hills all around the resort, so finding some good hills won't be too much of a problem.

Mountain Dew: The resort already has a small pool that can't be seen very well. The golf course will probably be across the river. Farms are now going all over the place.

The final addition to Cedar Shores will appear next update. For now...

I have built two tracks for the AINGP bid. The first takes use of the existing roadway south of Invernessen. This winding road+railroad is the first thing I have ever built in U-Build-It.

The second is the Palmona Racetrack, in the city i am building for the Simlympics.

Finally, some of the planners of Cedar Shores were at lunch, and drew up a plan for the Cedar Shores Country Club. Growing tension between the country club and Invernessen residents mean that the company is attempting to build this golf course in secret.

Actual story: I was at McDonald's, and I had a pen.

***I need from you today...***

What do you think about the AIN Grand Prix bid?

Place your final thoughts on the Cedar Shores Country Club.

Where to expand the farms?

Sign up for the Name-A-Road Program! You get to name one road in Invernessen.

[SCA Jolly 0]

It is possible the racetrack could benefit from some elevations and hills, akin to Suzuka and other good racetracks. Advertisement signs and one to three good places for the audience will bring a very high level of realism to this place. Can't imagine some signs can be all that difficult to craft, but it'd definitely take a bit to make them follow the winding roads... Possibly also consider some garages along the pitstop stretch. I don't think those've been made for SC4 yet, so it'd be a brand new thing (to me) if some could be made, for instance with formula 1 or touring cars appearing every here and there.

I see there are some farms lurking in those pictures! Care to show more?

In my opinion, a rectangular area of golf tracks will not be as appealing, aesthetically, as a more winding and landscape-adaptive one. I trust you will bind them together by the proper paths and everything. My own golf courses haven't been fantastic or anything, but one definitely tries to defy any adherence to a grid-like structure of the sort seen in cities. Might I also suggest a carefully planted landmark or three along the route =) Sim Golf comes to mind, with all those funny barns, statues and stuff.

Are you going to use a new ferry-structure, or just the pre-existing docks?

Lastly, perhaps you should also consider the name-a-road program to include bends on the Palmona racetrack? (Reminds me of Pamplona, by the way)

[kccl35 83]

Have you seen a hilly F1 track before?

[jim 546 43]

Originally posted by: kccl35

Have you seen a hilly F1 track before?quote>

The Nurburgring GP track springs to mind, there's a few ups and downs on that.

[MR.X.1 1]

oh *****...I thought I'am the onliest with this idea. but my raceway is longer^^ but yours looks nice

[SCA Jolly 0]

Originally posted by: kccl35

Have you seen a hilly F1 track before?quote>

In short, yes. When one in this case says "hilly", one meant for emg's racetrack to offer differing degrees of elevation. =) formula1.files.wordpress.com/2007/06/race5_wallpapers_m2.jpg t his is a particularly good picture, showing even in cities that racetracks (although Côte d'azur is somewhat special in all regards) can go both up and down.

The notion that racetracks are meant to be flat comes from the many city street circuits that exist, so made for the ease of production in simply modifying an existing network; there are also more of these (in a grand prix context) in the US than in Europe. It is worth pointing out that emg has created a proper circuit in this case, and not just an adaptive piece of infrastructure.

The American continent, where NASCAR is dominant as far as racing tournaments go, benefit from the landscape in that there in some places is an abundance of plains. Many a famed American racetrack offer considerable elevation; however, they have not hosted formula one tournaments, as it would demand a clear compromise. Nürburgring could not have been built today and seen use as an F1 circuit, I'm sure; it rests on a thick pillar of fame in that circumstance! I am not complaining, mind you =) While the technicians may lament the toils on suspension, it is for me a spectacular event, completely detached from the bore of completely flat racetracks.

On the thought of  "completely flat", keep in mind no racetrack (out of the ordinary) is ever completely flat. All see differing elevation, completely different to the "level all" tool we have in Sim City 4. Even airports and runways are not built on 100% flat land, but can differ by many feet from end to end.

My conclusion: If it looks good (and 'good' in this case walks hand in hand with realistic), do it.

[emgmod 16]

***Replies***

SCA Jolly:  I'll leave the hilly GP track to the Invernessen one. I actually found someone to LE some grandstands and garages, but not any signs. The golf course has hit a snag. The golf course will be accessible by ferry or by a long drive to the Invernessen bridge. Finally, you can name the racetrack bends if you want.

kccl35:  I don't really know the answer to that. I assumed that F1 cars can climb hills.

jim 546:  And there's your answer, kccl.

MR.X.1:  Great minds think alike? Can't wait to see your track.

SCA Jolly(2):  About racetracks and hills, I'll just keep it as is. Like you said, looks good=realistic.

Some of the residents of Invernessen aren't too happy about Cedar Shores. They are citing that the new resort has reduced business in the Invernessen town center, and that the new golf course is ruining the ecosystem.

During an oddly rainy week, protesters came from all over the town.

The main crowds appeared near the resort and in front of Town Hall.

On April 10, Cedar Shores hosted a meeting inside the small Cedar Shores Convention Center. However, the Cedar Shores representatives are tricky, and almost all of the citizen's concerns went unanswered.

Claiming that they addressed the concerns of the community, Cedar Shores got to work building the golf course, clubhouse, and secondary hotel building.

But people don't give up that quickly. Especially some of the more crazy ones.

They do crazy things, like sabotage cranes. This causes problems.

Problems like the police getting involved. It's a good thing nobody died during the sabotage.

Now Cedar Shores has to handle another problem. This will probably make national news, even though nobody died. It is technically terrorism. But look at the bright side. The rain is clearing up!

***I need from you today...***

How should Cedar Shores handle this situation?

How should the city of Invernessen handle this situation?

Invernessen needs to get a newer police fleet. Any suggestions on police car automata?

Where to expand the farms?

Sign up for the Name-A-Road Program! You get to name one road in Invernessen.

[emgmod 16]

Once the crane was sabotaged, the same Eco-terrorism group decided on their next target.

A truck filled with homemade explosives traveled on the Cyclone Highway through Downtown Invernessen.


Going north, the truck passes trees that are going to be farms soon.


Continuing North, the truck passes by the main entrance to Cedar Shores.


The truck takes a left turn towards the mine. It passes through the small railyard town of Sutton.


But the mining company has prepared for terrorists. At the entrance to the road, a newly built gate appeared. This may have put a stop to the Eco-terrorist's plans. He would have to blow up the gate or surrender.


Of course there's the option of attempting to run through the gate.


He didn't make it. Congratulations eco-terrorist group! You're on International news!


Here's a map, in case any of you got confused.


Plugins featured in this update:
USA Police Pack vol1
SNM Military Gatehouses BSC

***I need from you today...***
How should the mine handle this situation?
What should Invernessen do to solve these problems?
How can we stop these Eco-terrorists?
Where to expand the farms?
Sign up for the Name-A-Road Program! You get to name one road in Invernessen.

[emgmod 16]

Cedar Shores and the Invernessen City Council hosted a joint meeting inside Town Hall. Here, Cedar Shores will change their plans to benefit Invernessen and Cedar Shores at the same time. The plans for a golf course were scrapped, and one that should please the eco-terrorists emerged.

Build hiking trails. There are three hiking trails approved, one built, and two more in the planning stages. In addition, new ferry routes would be added between Cedar Shores, Invernessen, and hiking trails.

At Cedar Shores, the plan for an expansive golf course was downsized into a smaller town center with some stores operated by Invernessen residents.

To the east marks the current start of the Cedar Shores Trail.

It continues on past forests...

Through wildflowers...

And up to Lancaster Hill.

And look at that view!

Plugins featured in this update:

RRP Draggable Paths ChrisAdamas3997 - For the trail

RRP Pasture Flora ChrisAdamas3997 - For the wildflowers

***I need from you today...***

What are your thoughts on the new plan?

Are there any ways to further prevent eco-terrorism?

Where to expand the farms?

Sign up for the Name-A-Road Program! You get to name one road in Invernessen.

[emgmod 16]

Due to a lack of interest here, I am going to close this thread. If you want to see more updates, go to U-Build-It in the new CJ section.

https://www.simtropolis.com/cityjournals/?p=toc&id=1025