Uploading updated Mac-Compatible transit lots

[DavidB_ 83]

Recently, I have come across a number of transit lots (bus stops, railroad stations etc.), which have been affected by the Transit Bug on the native SimCity 4 for Mac (severely reducing the maximum capacity). I have followed this tutorial and fixed several stations, as I also own SimCity 4 for Windows. However, I am wondering whether (with the original creator's permissions) it would be permissible to share my "Mac Patches" on the STEX, for the benefit of other Mac users?

[CaptCity 4,684]

Don't see why not. This has been done with other stations, and as long as you just upload the patched lot and have the original models as dependencies, it should be okay.

[DavidB_ 83]

That seems fair enough, but the way that I have been doing this involves modding the .sc4lot file, and overwriting the existing version. This means it doesn't need the original as a dependency, but I would still link to the original, and give the creator his/her due credit. Would that be alright?

[CaptCity 4,684]

Do the original downloads include model files or dependencies that provide the models? If so, they would need to be listed as dependencies for the "fixed" lots. What lots have you patched? Knowing that might help to give more specific input...

[Hamish 1,369]

These would be very useful

I would PM the author first, to make sure they are okay with it, but wouldn't be completely necessary as its just like reLOTing a building, but its good to be nice You should just be able to upload the LOT file that you have edited and link to the original file as a dependency. Make sure your file loads after the original though.

[DavidB_ 83]

That sounds good, but I do not understand how to use the original lots as dependencies. Could you please elaborate? My "patching" work involves changing specific parameters in the .sc4lot file, and saving the updated version. If you would like to know any more, please ask.

P.S. I am also intending to make a terminus version of the Modern Rail Station for my personal use. Would I be allowed to release this as a bonus lot alongside the patched version? (with Xyloxadoria's permission, of course).

[Hamish 1,369]

With dependencies, you add a link to the original download in the description and read me, the downloader will download this so that they can use the rest of the files included, such as the model file. They need the model file, or else the building won't show up in game, but its not best practice to upload the model file if you haven't changed anything inside it, thats why we link the original as a dependency.

To make your patch work you will want your download to override the original LOT. To do this you make your file load after the original, so by adding a 'z' to the start of the file name you make SC4 use your LOT file instead of the original.

Hope this helps, and makes sense

And yes, you can also re-LOT the file, as long as you upload that edited LOT and link to the original download where they can download the other files.

Glad to see another mac user taking things into their own hands

PM me when you want to learn how to make nightlighting work on macs too

[DavidB_ 83]

With dependencies, you add a link to the original download in the description and read me, the downloader will download this so that they can use the rest of the files included, such as the model file. They need the model file, or else the building won't show up in game, but its not best practice to upload the model file if you haven't changed anything inside it, thats why we link the original as a dependency.

To make your patch work you will want your download to override the original LOT. To do this you make your file load after the original, so by adding a 'z' to the start of the file name you make SC4 use your LOT file instead of the original.

Hope this helps, and makes sense

And yes, you can also re-LOT the file, as long as you upload that edited LOT and link to the original download where they can download the other files.

Glad to see another mac user taking things into their own hands

PM me when you want to learn how to make nightlighting work on macs too

Ah, I see. Thank you very much for your time, I've just PM'd Xyloxadoria, so hopefully you'll being seeing the updated rail station soon. I can really recommend the Modern Rail Station, it's my absolute favourite by far (aside from the Mac bug!). And if this works out, I'll see if I can work wonders for any other popular stations as well! Maybe I should start a "debugging on demand" service?

P.S. Have you been able to link my City Journal to the Mac board yet? It really needs some more publicity (and a bit more work on my behalf, when I've got some time ).