Need some help understanding this

[dpraptor 0]

Hi,

 

  I am kind of new to this - I was downloading a bunch of things from the props catagory.. they dont work in the plugins foilder. I am thinking that they are not finished mods?? They are there to work in lots to create things?>

 

 I see  the lot editor which I am going to get once BSC sends me the email - it has been days now.......

 

 But what catagories do I download from to get models that I are ready to use?> I am guessing the 3D models, buildings, and mods sections??

 

 Appreciate any help in understanding all this!!

 

 Thanks!

 

 

[dpraptor 0]

I need to know exactly which files are ones that you can drop in the plugins and they are ready to play. I tried some dat files - but I dont seem.

[Magneto 316]

What you downloaded are props packs. They are objects that can be used with the lot editor (which btw is available at this link) to decorate your lots. Also, they can be  referenced as dependencies for other  mods,

 

What you're looking after are lots. These have the .sc4lot extension but they can also have a .dat extension. The inconvenient is ;dat can be anything:: textures, props, BATs, lots.

 

To figure out if the file you want to download is a lot, read carefully it's description. Most of the time you have all necessary informations there, if not, then  in the readme enclosed.

[dpraptor 0]

Thank you for your response!

 

  But are lots the only files you can use in the plugin folder? What about buildings, planes, and all the other items that are available to dlownload? The 3D models section has a load of downloads there. Are they also ones you can just drop into the plugin folder to work in the game? Do BAT files also have to be modified? I am guessing that I can download files from the 3D, Lot and building sections, and they should be ready to work in the game? I know some will have special instructions in the read me files, but for the most part, are those sections OK to download for playable content without having to modify?

 

 Thanks for your help!

[Magneto 316]

Well, usually yes. But still the RCI buildings (also called BATs) have to grow on a lot, If the lot is "growable" only, you won't see it in your menus but it may grow just like any other default Maxis building if you meet all the criterias to allow it to grow (lot size, wealth, demand...).

 

Most of the custom content in the download sections you mentioned should be available without you have to modify or create anything.

 

Anyway when you'll be familiarized enough with sim city 4 terminology, this won't be an issue anymore.

[Cyclone Boom 16,875]

For a building / BAT to be used in the game, it does require a LOT file. This file is loaded by the game and contains information about the positioning of the building, props and textures used, which makes up the LOT. They can be ploppable, meaning you can build the lots where you like. Or growable, where the lots will build automatically, according to the RCI simulation. As Magneto said, this information is usually stated in the description / readme.

 

A common BAT upload will usually contain a minimum of two files; a SC4Model file, and a LOT file. But sometimes, other files are needed for additional detail to be shown on the lot. These are called dependencies, which include prop or texture packs. These packs do not function (i.e. can't be used in game) without a LOT file that uses them. When an upload states that dependencies are required, simply download it and place in your plugins folder, as you normally would.

 

As for 3ds models, these are un-rendered GMAX / BAT project files. Without being exported into a .SC4Model file and used on a lot, they aren't functional in game.

 

The only exception are with special items of custom content called mayor-mode ploppables, or MMPs for short. As the name goes, these are models which can only be placed in the game via the mayor-mode menu. They're slightly different because they don't require a lot file, and function in a similar way to growable flora (e.g. Maxis palm trees). A list of common ones can be found here.

[dpraptor 0]

Wow,

 

 Thanks for all the replies, I pretty much understand how this goes! I have gone through all the previous downloads and relocated all the non-functioning props to future work folders. Thank you for explaining that in very understandable terms!!!  :-)

 

 I was just wondering, the .dat files, some of the items, such as a cement truck I dlownloaded are showinig up in the game, I am guessing that .dat files are ok to use as long as the descrition/readme says otherwise?

 

 Thanks for your help all!!