The Portland & Oregon BAT Team, Chapter 1

[sparkythepenguin 90]

Date: 1/23/2006 12:36:45 AM
Author: BubbaGump
That's what I did! I downloaded it, but before I extracted, I deleted the CO$$ Ploppable and the Growable, and only kept the landmark, but it didn't show in game!

quote>

Well, Jtportland and I used different methods for the way we packaged up our BATs... I can only speak for my own stuff, so I'll suggest some things...

You not only need the lot type files (description and lot files), but you also need the model file. I usually leave it outside the folders holding the lot types. I used to zip all the lot types up, but there was a ton of complaints about zips inside of zips, so I just left the folders as-is from about after the Portland Plaza onward.

@Bixel: OK, sent you a PM. Let's get me off the GMax rollercoaster! It'll go great with my new hard drive. Thanks for the update.

@Everyone else: I'm going to have to do a bunch of work on my computer this week. I really need to install the new hard drive that I got a hold of months ago, so I will be extending my break through this week. It's going to be a pretty busy week for me, so I'll probably be incommunicado for that time...

After I have all that is nessescary to replace GMax (and to keep me sane when BATing!), I will start getting JtPortland's 200 Market finished, which has been long ovedue. Black Box shouldn't take a lot of time to get going, it's more than 75% modeled. Also I am begining to get things rolling for a special project for our friends to the north in Winnipeg (progress of which will be displayed in SYM Production's Winnipeg Recreation thread).

[SYM Productions 7]

  I can't imagine how frustrating it must be for you, Sparky, I know how frustrating it is for me to see this happen!!!  ARGH anyways you'll find a way an' then you'll be able to upload...

- CDI_spy

[BubbaGump 0]

Ok. Sparky, your buildings show up fine in the game...I have problems with JTportland's buildings!! JTPORTLAND!

 

This is how I downloaded the Fox Tower:

 

* I clicked the Download button on the STEX window.

 

* It downloads.

 

* It shows up in a new window where the CO Ploppable and the Landmark and The Growable show up.

 

* I delete the Plopable and the Growable and keep the Landmark. I don't delete the model or the thingy that says sc4desc or whatever. (sorry if my computer lingo is primitive, I've only been on the STEX for a few months.)

 

 

*Ok, so I click Extract all files

 

*I extract it to My doc/SimCity/Plugins/Commercial/Offices/Jtportland Fox Tower (i like my Plugins organized

 

*I finish extracting, and I play the game.

 

*BUT IT'S NOT IN THE LANDMARK MENU!!!!!! WHAT DID I DO WRONG??? I THOUGHT IT WAS A LANDMARK??? WHERE IS IT THEN???

 

AHHHHHHHHHH

 

-BubbaGUmp

[JaneJacobs 1]

Try extracting everything and then deleting the files you don't want. Don't know if this will make a difference but this is the order I do it in.

[bixel 1,228]

hrmm....somehow the Extract All Files thing tells me something might be extracted into the wrong place. OK. Create a folder in the plugins menu. Name it FoxTower(JTPortland). I like to make folders like this for easy reference. Put the .model file, the .desc file into the folder. Find the landmark.zip if there is one. Extract it, make sure you know where it is extracting, you can tell it to extract elsewhere. Go to that folder/file it extracted find the .Lot file that is the Landmark file. If you are unsure which one it is check the readme, usually it will say there.

 

[Edit] Even better here is my folder and the files you need

 

FoxTower(JTPortland)

    FOX Tower_0e8e8ca9.SC4Lot

    Fox10-0x5ad0e817_0xdfae1e8_0x460000.SC4Model

    Fox10-0x6543284a-0x0dfae1e8-0xee8e48b7.SC4Desc

 

Hope that helps!

[sparkythepenguin 90]

That is odd that that is occurring... I think Bixel's got a good idea. Make sure you have all 3 files in the same place. If they still don't show up... Then we'll cross that bridge when we come to it. I've had no trouble with the Fox Tower landmark file at all.

Let us know what's up BubbaGump, and if it still is messing up, we'll try our best to help! JtPortland pops in ever so often-his studies and job have pretty much have forced him into retirement from BATing. He does come in every so often, usually on the weekends, and helps out with his knowledge.

[mattb325 28,891]

I hope this all works out for you - I've got my fingers crossed as these really are beautiful buildings and they will be in my plugins for sure!

[BubbaGump 0]

Why is it this complicated? Usually extracting is simple! But nevertheless, I am determined to get AS MANY PORTLAND BUILDINGS IN MY CITY! AHHHH!!!!!!!!

[sparkythepenguin 90]

Well, BubbaGump, I've been thinking about simplifying the process for my new releases. If I can make them into DAT files, then there's be less files to worry about (I think I can figure those out now). I also am very interested in figuring out how to make those executable auto-install programs to make it even easier. Anyone know how to do that?

Once that's figured, I could go through all my own STEX BATs and fix them. I'd update JtPortland's for him if he wished. But that's up to him if he wants me to do that. I'd prefer to keep them under his own name and as updates to his existing BAT files. No sense just having 2 BAT files that are just the same, only with different installation methods clogging up the STEX.

[Andreas Roth 629]

Date: 1/24/2006 2:41:41 AM Author: sparkythepenguin

I also am very interested in figuring out how to make those executable auto-install programs to make it even easier. Anyone know how to do that? Once that's figured, I could go through all my own STEX BATs and fix them. I'd update JtPortland's for him if he wished.

quote>

 

Creating installers isn't that hard with the Clickteam Installer - I figured it out in about 15 minutes or so. Basically, you select the files that should be installed, specify a default installation path, enter a name for your installer and click on Build EXE. There's also a wizard included which will guide you through the first steps, and you can save your completed installer as a template. If you wish a more detailed explanation, just PM me.

 

Regarding the DATs, I'm not that fond of the idea. Sure, it might reduce the number of files a bit, but most of you buildings consist of only three files anyway: The SC4Model, the SC4Desc and the SC4Lot file. Obviously, you only need one model for growable, ploppable and landmark version, and the SC4Desc file is unnecessary for the ploppables anyway, since the included exemplar file will be copied to the SC4Lot file by the Lot Editor automatically. I suggest to copy the growable exemplar file from the SC4Desc to the SC4Lot file as well (i. e. with the Reader), so all releases will only include four files at the most (one SC4Model and three SC4Lot files), excluding props (they would be fine as DAT, though).

 

I'd love to see some of the older BATs updated, esp. the oldest ones have quite a few bugs (i. e. several old jtportland ones were done with these blank lots by ralphaelninja, so occasionally, only blank lots without a building showed up in the city), and some of the stats were also a bit off (garbage production too high etc. - search for T Wrecks on the STEX and download his SC4Desc pack, where he updated loads of SC4Desc files with more reasonable values). I also think that some of the older models could use a texture update (i. e. the Fox tower seemed almost a bit too bright for me, and I was never really satisfied with the brown and bright blue of the KOIN Center).

[sparkythepenguin 90]

OK.. More stuff to mull over... Thanks Andreas!

Big problem is though, JtPortland isn't BATing anymore, and may not even have those original GMax files. I'll have to ask him and get an inventory. I think I have most of mine backed up on CD, but can only guarantee the exported models are all there somewhere. As for actual GMax files, those are a toss-up. Just depends on if my computer wasn't crapping out on me at the time I made something!

[BubbaGump 0]

I tried doing everything you guys told me. Doesn't work!

[sparkythepenguin 90]

Unfortuneately, I've started to prepare my system for a good ol' wiping. So SC4, GMax, Lot Editor, etc.. is all gone. I should be up and running again by the weekend. I tenatively plan on being offline Thursday and/or Friday as I pretty much gut and rebuild this PC.

In the meantime, BubbaGump, please make a list for me of all of our BATs that you need fixed (and what sort of lot type-CO$$, CO$$$, Landmark, etc that you wish them to be) that aren't working. That way, when I'm up and running again, I'll make you up some special files that ought to work. You can PM me with the list if you want, whatever works the best for you.

[BubbaGump 0]

Thank you, Sparky! You're my best friend! well...after my girlfriend...and my other best friends and my...oh, you're in there somewhere! Thank you, SPARKY! I'll send u the PM.

[sparkythepenguin 90]

Going offline now to get this PC running better. Depending on how this goes, will be back in a few hours or by Friday.

Thanks BubbaGump! That's what I'm here for! When you have the list ready, just PM me.

Now it's time to say goodbye, just for a little bit. When I come back, my PC should be running optimally and some serious work can go tearing down the tracks! (I know, bad train reference, but a hint to the ultimate in BAT projects I project farther out...)

EDIT: Up and running along on the net again. This should continue so long as the computer situation is satisfactory to the others I share this thing with...

[sparkythepenguin 90]

OK, now for a suprise to bring this back from the dead (again!):

JtPortland's letting me finish this one:



It's the 200 Market Building, also known as Black Box. I finally got around to adding the base walls. Just got to get all the windows, landscaping, and texturing in. The tower part is JtPortland's handiwork. I just modified his original work just slightly to make it fall more in-line with the real-life one.

As always, comment away. It's verrry close to wrapping up. The Hatfield's still in Bixel's capable hands going thru de-bugging. Right now, Black Box'll kill the in-between time. I'm about to start a new BAT for the Winnepeg Project while 200 Market completes and HCH and HPP work their way to me for lot editing. Fun fun fun!

[bixel 1,228]

Hatfield Progress: I think I'm going to give it another try this weekend and see if I can still do some fixin', so just a little more wait time srry.

The Black Box or 200 Market Building, looks great so far, and I love the texture!!! Very realistic, only thing though is that extra box on the roof should be taller and less rectangly and moar square. I used to work in one of the office buildings near it and I know that top level box is at least twice as tall than the one in the pic above.

 

HPP: Once the Hatfield issue is resolved the HPP will be completed soon after that.

[bixel 1,228]

Holliday Park Plaza is finished! I may do sometwiddling with the hatifield on Sunday, who knows. Anyway, Sparky email asap at nbixel@gmail.com so I have an email address to send you the models. HPP should be 4x11 Plop with jobs, since it is a retirement home I've decided against a growable Residence, besides that would just mean extra modding work for you trying to figure out how to make a 4x11 lot grow. So give some functionality like 137CS$$ jobs or sumthing, its up to you. There are quite a few people employed there, so 137 is reasonable. Ooh I forgot the address! oh well.

https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/files//HPPDemo6.jpg align=baseline>

 

https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/files//HPPDemo7.jpg align=baseline>

[cammo2003 20]

Date: 2/4/2006 9:11:00 PM
Author: bixel

Holliday Park Plaza is finished! I may do sometwiddling with the hatifield on Sunday, who knows. Anyway, Sparky email asap at nbixel@gmail.com so I have an email address to send you the models. HPP should be 4x11 Plop with jobs, since it is a retirement home I've decided against a growable Residence, besides that would just mean extra modding work for you trying to figure out how to make a 4x11 lot grow. So give some functionality like 137CS$$ jobs or sumthing, its up to you. There are quite a few people employed there, so 137 is reasonable. Ooh I forgot the address! oh well.

quote>

Looks pretty good. Something about the cream texture up top doesn't sit right with me though. It looks perfect oh the balconies though - perhaps a little dirtying up the top might help? it looks a smidgin too clean, and also appears to be tiling slightly.

The concrete texture is perfect though.
200 market looks great.

[bixel 1,228]

Yeah...I agree, it IS a bit clean,heheh. I've done a tun of renders on this thing and I'm well... frankly tired of it. The LOTting will prolly be done by Sparkythepengiun, so all that ground texture was just slapped on.

[profecy 2]

cool, comin along nicely....

[Andreas Roth 629]

Yeah, the cream roof texture is a tad bright (esp. notable on the square block on the left), but apart from that it looks really great! I hope sparky will also create a growable - it's not more complicated than a normal growable if you know the little trick.

[SYM Productions 7]

how long has it been! and it has been worth it! i can't wait! and yes, the textures are a tad too clean, but it still looks great. is it gonna be a landmark? cause i would like to try and make it grow... good luck!
can't wait to see it on the STEX!

-Yatagan_L

[sparkythepenguin 90]

Just wanted to let everybody know that this is still an active project and that things are still happening with this! I'd have given an update earlier, but ST's been understandably down, went on vacation, and had a medical emergency. (not all in that order). Don't worry everything's fine. In the last few days, I've actually been playing Sim City again! It is nice to sit back and enjoy the many different things that I have seen on the STEX, but haven't really played around with yet in an active in-game city. So what is going on right now is that I am still awaiting word from Bixel on the Hatfield Courthouse. There are still some issues with it, and we may have to go with a Plan B (there have been like 1000 plan B's so far, I think we've cycled through the alphabet a few times...). Holladay Park Plaza is somewhere on this computer and I'll have to get to that soon. 200 Market needs plants added and some texture work on the base. So that's what's been up with the project from my end. Going to get this all rolling out again soon hopefully.

[CDI_spy 6]

Yay Sparky's back!  I'm so happy!

What exciting progress does he have in store for us...

[sparkythepenguin 90]

Well, I'm still sorta on a break. The winter is sort of my downtime I guess. Recovering from my trip to Arizona. To answer your question CDI_Spy, I am thinking about starting a City Journal. Yours really inspired a good idea with your back story, but my island will be in the Pacific, and discovered much, much earlier (depending on who you considered "discovered" it!) Now I am sending out a general "help me pleeese!" message. If anyone has any good Gmax MODELS (not exported props!) of trees, flower beds, bushes, VINES, and whatever other sort of plants, please PM me. I really suck at making plants and the ones I have worked with/found online just aren't up to snuff. Not that they're bad or anything, they are too detailed and/or dont work well with exporting. Thanks!

[Dog 0]

Ever get the feeling that we're kinda boned on the city of portland replica idea until we can build effectively with diagonals and under bridges?  I tried to do it a while ago thinking maybe finally with all the goodies in NAM I could pull it off.  So far no luck, SW mucks everything up.

Then I think, maybe if I cut it up into 3 different regions (SW, NW & N, NE & SE). . .. it would work but it wouldn't be true.  Besides I would still be stuck without diagonal bridges.  Maybe SC5, will set us free from the grid.  Until then gentlemen, I shall continue to enjoy these buildings while trying to get a decent representation of stumptown in a Sim City game.

Dog
The next time you set up a booth, i'll make sure to be there

[sparkythepenguin 90]

True that, I racked my mind trying to figure out how to effectively model Portland in SC 4... Really the only problem is downtown south of Burnside, and Southwest, where the streets run parallel to the Wilamette. NE, NW, and SE are pretty easy to deal with. I just made a 1 large tile region, and put as much of those areas in as possible, and managed to pull off downtown on the grid. Looked weird, but it worked.

A quick update for everyone:

Real-life is throwing me fouls again. I've been a little bit of a slacker as of late too... In actually playing the game and getting around to looking at everyone else's BATs, I have sort of found some things I can improve upon. Today, I figured out custom LOD's (finally!), so 200 Market is going to move a lot more closer to the STEX.

The Hatfield is still on the burner. Bixel's last render of it went just the same as the others, despite his efforts. So I'm going to remove both the ribbed roof and the metal texture that seem to be the problem. The end product should have a roof that looks very much like the Maxis-made Byallmeans Travel, a small CS lot with a roof similar to the Hatfield's.

That's what's on the burner. Progress may be slow depending on how I feel and what's going on in real-life...

[sparkythepenguin 90]

OK not meaning to bump or anything, but some progress pix to show off of 200 Market. Just really needs nightlighting, and this one can go into the export process.

Here's a series of screens, taken at zoom 4 and each angle:

And a very early night shot:

The base has landscaping that I will add in Lot Editor, thanks to custom LODs! The real building's terraced base is actually mostly grass, and the ground cover will conceal  the edges.

OK everyone, please comment and let me know what you think!

[Andreas Roth 629]

Sweeeeet! Nice to see you back in action, the 200 Market looks great so far. I'll keep my fingers crossed that you manage to fix the problems of the Hatfield eventually, now that they have bugged you (and bixel) for weeks and months...