Sandy Flats - a desert metropolis

[rewright 804]

In introducing this journal I want to acknowlage whiteshark's Crystal Junction as it's inspiration. I wanted to try something different from my other regions, so for better or worse, here is an overview photo. More to come soon.

 

[andrew george 0]

1st post? Yay! Definitely looking forward to seeing more! If it's half as good as Crystal Junction - it'll be good!

 

Good luck!

 

A

[+Guest]

I like the terrain that you used especially the mountains.

[mattc005 2]

Yes... that is a really nice terrain  Those mountains also add a very nice touch. Tell me, on the very right side... there is a small dark spot. Is this where the aliens live?  Other then that, it's appears to be a small region... and I like smaller regions.. they look more realisitic to me for some reason, plus they're easier to work with. Good Luck!

 

  

[rewright 804]

Sandy Flats refers to an area in the South Western US, consisting of several broad valleys and the north fork of the StoneRiver. The area was just another unwelcome stretch of land settlers had to cross on their way west until silver was discovered in the nearby SawBranchMountains. Before long communities had sprung up all through the surrounding hills, and the Flats became a destination for fortune seekers from far and wide.

 Many of the mines have long since played out, but the original and largest, the Sterling  Mine, is still in operation and produces some of the highest grade ore in the country.

The intersection of railroads and interstate highways has helped SterlingCity, the areas largest city, become a boom town. It

[whiteshark365 563]

Your region is very nicely developed; glad I was an insperation. It is well planed and laid out. Good story behind it as well, not to mention I like your use of low density, and a proportionate number of freeways to the city size. I wouldn't mind seeing a trasnportation map as well.

 

Good Work.

[vidioman 21]

Neat! Maybe Sandy Flats and Crystal Junction could be sister cities?

 

I can't stand the heat, but these desert city threads are neat!

[mattc005 2]

Nice! I like the story, and how you have higher-density buildings along the main roads, which then gradually become lower density. May we have some stats and a transport map please?

 

  

[Ron Swanson 1]

Very nice region, cool use of dessert terrain. Great downtown, perfect size for me. Keep the updates coming

[rewright 804]

Winchester Square just north of downtown is representative of the many suburban centers springing up over the metro area. Many big name retailers are establishing a presence in the city as it's population continues to swell.

 

As the county's transportation map shows, a planned network of boulevards interconnecting the freeway system allows residents to quickly and easily move throughout the metro area.

[mattc005 2]

*starts chanting* Wal-Mart! Wal-Mart! Wal-Mart!   Seriously... this city in the US doesn't have a Wal-Mart yet  Shame!

 

Nah.. I'm joking... wait... no I'm not... nevermind just ignore me   Nice transportation map, by the way. From what I can tell, it is both griddy and non-griddy, and that helps it make it look more realistic. I can't really tell... but from what I see, you don't have much commercial at all in your suburb areas. Try lining the street with 1x2 commercial zones, and some small shops should appear, giving it a sort of small-town / urban suburb -ish feel, if you know what I mean. Other then that, good job!

 

   

[dominohobbes 27]

Great job, rewright. It looks just like the scenery out the plane window when flying from Oakland, California to Liberia, Costa Rica. It brings back memories of the best vacation I have ever been on

[uncrazycooper13 0]

Great job! I really like the desert terrain! Is the desert color a mod or something? Keep it up! -uncrazycooper

[MrCinatit 30]

very nice looking region, rewright. a very realistic looking area, as well as layout. nicely done.

 

and yes, uncrazycooper, it is a desert mod, which can be found here:

 

http://www.teirusu.net/

[rewright 804]

[rewright 804]

[rewright 804]

Thanks to all for the input. I'm working out the technique for the new journal layout, so I apologize for any graphical errors.

As of now I am composing the journal in Word, and using a screen capture app to get the doc in about 3 - 4 sections. I adjust them in a photo program and resave them, then up-load them one at a time to the site.

If any one knows of a program or technique (free if possible) that would simplify this I would be eternally grateful.

[rewright 804]

[thatmonkeysim 8]

wow this is looking very good cant wait to see more...

o yea that staggered R zoning looks very nice

[rewright 804]

I thought I'd put up some street scenes before lights out.

 

Here is how low density and medium density look when you stagger the lots; 1x1 and 2x1 deep. It is especially helpful in medium density because it gives you nice low-rise appartment buildings instead of high-rise which happens with 2x2 lots.

 

 

Here is a high-tech industrial park.

 

The new areas of the city have these big box power centers that offer everything from food to computers.

 

Court Square in the heart of downtown Sterling City by day and at night.

 

 

Hope you enjoy.

[thatmonkeysim 8]

wow that looks nice i might have to use tha t in my region...

[rewright 804]

Thanks TMS, I saw another member use it (can't for the life of me remember who) and played around with it some.

[rewright 804]

[rewright 804]

 

[Catcher_of_Cats 0]

i like your layouts. Btw, if the city continues to expand, wouldn't all that lovely desert terrain become green because of the grass and parks?

[hackinosa 29]

cool city/CJ, and i like how it's portrayed in newspaper form

[rewright 804]

Thanks for the responses. You're correct, Phoenix and other SE US cities do that very thing.

[thatmonkeysim 8]

hey rewright are you using any modds??

[+Guest]

This region turns out good and is reminding me about the southwestern US.

[utora 0]

What an awesome city! I really love the perfectionism of it; and it would definitely be a pity if those sandy deserts would disappear

 

anyways, keep up the job