Designing lots and transportation

[F2tr8z_wV/h9o 0]

I am new member and how can I design LOTS? Is there a special progarm? Also, I would like to know how to design trains and other mods of transportation. Any help that would be great!
  Edited November 16, 2013 by Cyclone Boom  
Moved to SC4 - Simtropolis Exchange.

[MandelSoft 2,769]

Welcome to SimTropolis!

You'd like to make new custom content for the game. However, all of these aspects do require different programs. Here's a brief overview

• To edit lots, you'll need the Lot Editor (LE), which is an additional tool developed by Maxis itself. Though the official SimCity 4 site is discontinued, the tools are available over at the EA Support section at SC4Devotion.com, along with the official game patches and the Building Architect Tool (BAT), which is used to convert gMax models into static models SimCity 4 can use.
• To make new buidlings, you'll need the above mentioned BAT. Though it is possible to make models with the more advanced tool called 3D Studio Max, it's recommended to start with gMax first to understand the basics. More information about the BAT can be found at the The BAT renders true 3D models into fake 3D models which the game can use at ease. Poly limits are not an issue, because the poly will be lowered anyway during rendering.
• The BAT comes with a program called the Plugin Manager (PIM). This program assigns properties to the model, so the game knows what kind of building, tree or prop it is dealing with. Though it does the job, I recommend you to use the community developed PIM-X Tool, which assigns more proper stats to your model.
• There are actually three kinds of transportation mods:
  • Transit Station modding. Transit station modding is the most simple aspect of transport modding. It often involves no further knowledge than general BAT, PIM-X and LE knowledge.
  • Transit Network modding. Transit network modding is basically what the NAM Team does. This involves a lot of editing textures, pathing, RUL-code, etc. For this job, iLive's Reader (THE SimCity 4 modding tool) is a vital tool. The various aspects of transit network modding differ in skill level, from texture overrides (easy, but labour intensive) to INRUL editing (expert).
  • Automata/transit model modding. Unlike other models, automata (trains, cars, planes and such that move around your city) and transit models (overpasses, elevated rail, monorail, Maxis Highway, etc.) are NOT rendered BAT models, but true 3D models. These models are much more tricky (and this is considered as advanced modding) to make and require other techniques (poly limit is an issue and you need to know stuff about texture wrapping) and tools than just gMax and the BAT. 3D Studio Max will do the job when it comes to modeling these things, but if you can't get a student license for it (the non-student version is $3000, so way outside the general consumer budget), Blender is an open source and free alternative, though the tool is a bit more clunky (trust me, I know both programs and I work with both of them for modding different games). You need to export these models into 3DS-format, which you will need import again in S3D files in the Reader.

I hope this will answer some basic questions to you

 

Best,

Maarten