Twin Harbour Region

[cammo2003 20]

This will be interesting. I want to try developing from small towns to a large city, and am not sure whether to start it waaay back when, or just 100 or so years back. I'm iffy on starting it any time before about 125-150 years ago because of the fact that things look a little too modern. I aim to get up to at least a million people in the region (yes, it is possible to have growth that rapid, one only needs to look at the Gold Coast up in Queensland to know that... (was a tiny place in the 60's, now a thriving city of close to half a million).

I haven't done much yet, and there are only two three four five things I'm decided on:
1. I'll start with small towns, which will grow, join, and, eventually, most of them will be incorporated into one massive metro area.

2. I'll be having a sizeable and dense inner city area.

3. Twin Harbour is Not the name of the city. I'm using an Auckland terrain, hence the name. The two biggest centres are named after places in Auckland, except Auckland's not the biggest of the two. My main city is going to be Manukau, and will be situated on the Manukau Harbour. I've pulled the harbour names over from the real Auck as well, they sound good. I will, however, not be modelling the transport network on the real place, as apparently it's shocking over there...

In terms of road layouts, i'm actually taking more inspiration from some of the styles used in Australia, mainly because I have a street directory on CD that has basically Australia's top ten cities in one package. (not bad, ay?).

4. This city is to become the main centre and capital of the nation of Newtonia (that's my made-up country ).

5. I'll be applying an alphanumeric route designation to the roads, for two reasons. One, I think it's cool. Two? I want to confuse all the Americans .

Just kidding about the second one. Here's a brief introduction to the alphanumeric system I'll be using (it's basically modeled on the Australian version which is gradually being introduced across the country (it even uses the same markers!)

Newtonia Alphanumeric system





Motorway & National Route
A National route is a route which has been determined by the Newtonia Roads Commission as a significant link in the nation's road network. A National Route can be of any grade, whether it be an M, A, B or even C (C-road sign not shown here). This example is of a National Motorway.


M-Road - Motorway
This is what a motorway symbol for a non national motorway looks like. A motorway is a road with the two directions seperated by a median, and without traffic lights (ie grade seperated interchanges.


A road
An A road is basically any road of significance with two lanes in each direction that is generally not a motorway or M-road. Some short-hop motorways are designated A roads as it would be confusing to change the marker over for just a few km. In simcity terms: an avenue.


B-road
A B-road is a road which the state has determined is of significance as a connection, but has only two lanes (can be in any combination). Some A-roads turn into B-roads in the inner city due to their separation into two one-way carriageways. In Simcity terms, this means a one-way street or a road.

Not all thoroughfares are numbered, as it would be overwhelming. but routes that are of significant importance.

As to why the logos are so big (sorry) I wanted to give you nice, clear signage so that it would be understood what I mean.

And finally, I present to you the terrain. I'm using a half-size version of the large Auck. map found on the STEX (full-size, it proved to be too much for my computer. I gave up after 13 hours...)

[mentarman 14]

Sounds like this will be an interesting one. I've thought about using that terrain myself. Looking forward to more.

[jay_allen1978 0]

I'd like to see how this will turn out .looks like a good region

[rob_2616 13]

I love that map!  Where ya gonna put the city's downtown?

[texanpride786 2]

nice, i like your region. cant wait to see more.

[Superchan 23]

nice, when will the cities start

[bobinator 0]

Date: 2/2/2005 12:18:49 PM
Author: rob_2616
I love that map! Where ya gonna put the city's downtown?

quote>

Yea, where's the downtown going to go?

The map looks really great too! Can't wait to see this get developed!

[Chris M 406]

The maps really cool, cant wait for some progress.

[cammo2003 20]

Ouch. Hadn't expected such a flurry of responses.

Seeing as everyone's asking where downtown's going to go, I've prepared a preliminary concept map for the location of the major centres, and also, on a seperate image, what I'm thinking when it comes to the transport system.



Idea for motorway layout (very preliminary, subject to change of mind )

Dark Green: Normal Motorways
Purple: TOLLED Motorways

Coolangatta/Tweed Heads - I'm not sure which to call that one. The reason for using one of those names is simple:



And DON'T tell me you can't see the likeness there...

[MsCharamut1969 8]

This looks very cool so far....a lot of good ideas going...I'll keep an eye on this CJ. Good luck and can't wait to see more updates.


Chara

[cammo2003 20]

Hi again everyone. Before we fully get underway, I have a few matters of business to take care of.

I've recently (yesterday in fact) deployed some new mods in my game), so I feel I should show you first.


1. The PEG Rock Mod. I (unfortunately) missed this when it was released the first time, so when I noticed it in the STEX again, I naturally went straight for it. I'm using the sandstone variety, as it's what you'll find around here, and hence is what I'm used to.



2. The Melbourne Transit Map Modd.
Being a fan of the Sydway style (Melway is ineherently similar) I decided to download the Melbourne Transportation Map Mod. I was a bit skeptical at first when I saw it, but it actually looks quite good in-game, plus I'm kinda used to the colours... Below is the key for it:



I also updated to the 29/11/2004 NAM, and I also have the stack interchange plugin, and will be using it later on.

[fenton56 0]

how do i get that map modd

[cammo2003 20]

New story.

Somewhere in the world is a nation called Newtonia. In that nation the existing capital was destroyed by a rather unfortunate, but irrelevant incident. This is NOT that story. As a result of the capital's destruction, the two most major cities, Newbury (in the North) and Westminster City (in the South) bicker about which city should become the capital. Newburians say their city is better and it should be capital, and the Westminsterians should get bent.

Naturally, the Westminsterians think the same about their city and think that the Newburians should get bent.

The national administration has recently met at a top secret location to discuss this very matter. They, naturally, came to the conclusion that neither city was a suitable candidate.

Instead they decided that the Twin Harbour region, which is at the centre of the nation, situated on two good harbours, and roughly equidistant from the two bickering cities, should be host.

In the Twin Harbour region, there are two major(ish) towns: Manukau and Auckland. These two towns also have their arguments, however it was decided that Manukau should be capital because of the flatter land around it and its location on the larger harbour, and because they liked the shape of the headland there. I shall start with Manukau City.



As a result of the decision to build the capital in this area, a new rail terminal (destined to be the new rail hub of the nation) and a short section of motorway have been built.



Currently, only platforms 1, 2, 9 and 10 are in use. The federal government isn't happy with platforms 9,10,11 and 12, presently, and there's a tender out to rebuild those platforms.

Alot more changes are underway. A new town centre (adjacent city tile) is in the construction phase (shots soon) and a new, three-crossing bridge setup crossing the harbour's narrow point has just been built. (below).



This three bridges setup required alot of terrain modification at the southern landing, and works a bit different to what you might expect. The centre bridge (marked M1) is the Harbour Motorway and serves long(er) distance commuters. The small ROAD bridge to the left serves local traffic to the industrial estate, and will eventually serve traffic to the new port.

Below, you can see the old dock, planned for decommissioning. This town doesn't currently see many ships. That will soon change, hence the decommissioning.



Finally, an overview of the current situation. I've highlighted where the new port facility is going to go. You can see I've established an industrial estate over there already.



=============

Folks, I've had a few changes of mind. Firstly, I will not (as is evident from the above) be running this journal with a historical slant.

Second, this will be an odd hybrid of city layout styles - from chaotic, to master-planned, to suburban. I may need some help with the suburban though, as I'm not particularly good at it.

I'm taking inspiration from the main cities of Australia, which are quite different to each other, so it's a good place to source ideas from.

One of your questions might be: why so much infrastructure for the capital? Surely they wouldn't want ports so close to a capital district?!? The national parliament wanted to have a city that could function on its own if the rest of the nation was destroyed.

The other question might be why I decided to ditch the historical slant. Well, there's a few reasons:

1. The difficulty involved in making things historically accurate.

2. The difficulty involved in constructing the three-bridge setup seen above. I'm not keen on having to rebuild it. I was just building it to verify that it could be done. It took alot more than I thought.

fenton56: the melbourne transportation map mod can be found on the STEX.

[bobinator 0]

Those new pics look great!

[cammo2003 20]

In a controversial decision today by the National Rail Transport Authority (NRTA), it was determined that platforms 9 to 12 of Manukau Central will be demolished and replaced with a new 6-platform section of the station with a side building.

This is about increasing potential throughput, a spokesman said. There's not much traffic there now, so it's best to demolish it while we still have the chance.

Also mooted as part of the project are:
- Pushing back the freeway a little to allow for the new terminal.
- More trackage. There will be a series of dives along this part of the station.
- A new station at Flinders St.
- Reconfiguration of the current trackage.

According to the head of NRTA operations, Donald Banks, this project is one of the most significant in the city's history. With the rail line now extending as far as Eastwood in the north, with the line soon to reach the town of Auckland, it couldn't be more important. The main connections to the south are now complete..

[Darmok 34]

Hi cammo,
Great looking map you got there!
It looks huge, thats the kind of maps that my PC can't handle (unfortunately).
I really like the way you've layed out your road network, very real looking!
Well give us more, we're waiting!

[cammo2003 20]

All images hosted at ImageShack.us

[cammo2003 20]

Hmm. I notice my views are alot higher than they normally would (over 700 already) but few are posting. Don't be afraid, I won't bite! Feel free to post CONSTRUCTIVE criticism (ie point out what the problem is, but give some ideas on how to fix that problem). I'm open to ideas. And what do people think of the pic style above? Sorry about the quality, I try to keep my filesizes down as much as possible.

Since I don't like making two posts in a row without having something to add, here's a regional transportation view (click on the thumbnail to see the big pic (warning, it is big).



All images hosted at ImageShack.us

[Quack 0]

Want me to critique? I think it would look better with the blue sprice trees put in the backyards and palm trees near the beach. Your CJ looks great already tho. so its hard to critique.

[Darmok 34]

Very good cammo, the little map where you point out where we are, is a GREAT touch!

no criticism so far, I'll keep looking maybe I'll find something...

Good work.. and don't worry about the replys, keep at it.

[+Guest]

Did you create the huge shopping mall complex? Its amazing, something the game lacks! The cj is cominng along nicely.

[bobinator 0]

Date: 2/14/2005 11:45:41 AM
Author: macsurfing
Did you create the huge shopping mall complex? Its amazing, something the game lacks! The cj is cominng along nicely.

quote>

Jtportland did for is Portland CJ


Anyways, I really like how this is coming along!

[cammo2003 20]

MANUKAU CENTRAL STATION PLATFORMS RE-OPEN!

After two years without non-terminating platforms at Manukau Central Station, the reconstruction works are finally complete. It's a great day for the city, Mayor Manwood declared. Not often do you get to see a project on this scale completed so quickly.

The upgraded station has almost double the capacity, and trains no longer have to terminate.

In addition, the new station between East Harbour and Central has just opened. While it doesn't serve all lines, the additional station will prove useful as time goes on.

Date: 2/14/2005 11:45:41 AM
Author: macsurfing
Did you create the huge shopping mall complex? Its amazing, something the game lacks! The cj is cominng along nicely.

quote>

Nope, it was created by jtportland. It can be found on the STEX and is called EDIT: Lloyd Center (I had to force myself to use the American spelling).
...More soon...

[tommy_toon 0]

Just have to say that I really like your CJ so far, it's just . . . so . . . interesting, the way you've done things. Such as the three bridges side by side, i never would have though of that. I'm curious though about your train network. Do enough people actually use it for it to be worth it, because when i try rail systems they don't seem to get that many riders. And also, at the new station you added, are some of those lines going underground? So ya, thats all I'm wondering about. Keep up the good work.

[cammo2003 20]

tommy_toon: Not many people are using the train network... YET. My region currently only has a (total) population of about 73,000. Keep in mind though that by and large the main reason I'm building much of this infrastructure now is that I tend to forget later. And yes, my lines do dive underground. The rail doesn't technically go under (it's just a lot which is transit-enabled for both subway and ground rail. The ones you see are made by the folks at NDEX. You can find 'em on the STEX. I personally love using them, as the rail system here in Sydney, aside from being constantly delayed (this train is delayed by approximately 25 minutes) is one of the most unusual combinations of underground, on-ground and elevated (for one station ) you'll ever see. Not to mention that we use Double-decked carriages.

[Monteferro 4]

Very nice work, cammo! You chose a spectacular region for your CJ, it looks stunning already. I've been using the Waitemata Harbour region for my newest city, and it's proving to be quite a challenge!

So far, the roads look very realistic, and I really like the layout of Manukau Central Station. Btw, how are you going to do the area around the Parliament Building? Are you going to surround it with parks, or are you going to make roads radiate out from the building? City planners will leap at the chance to design a nation

[tinnyboy_gummi 0]

Very well done, i currently live in a coastal city in queensland (australia) called Gladstone of about 40 000ppl, but i am going on vacation to Auckland later this year to visit my aunt, but yeah i want to congradulate you on this, very good.  I am currently workin on my own region, but im using the new york map lol its really good i wouldnt mind some tips on city building if you likfe to share you can email me or whatever at martinny_shaken_not_stirred@msn.com oh n byu the way this is my first post, so conisder yourself luky

[cammo2003 20]

Greater Manukau



This city is the new hub of the Twin Harbour Region. Currently sitting at around 30,000 sims, it's also the most populated. Greater Manukau is not to be confused with Manukau City (which is the town it's superceding), although it has practically joined on - most locals now call them both Manukau.



This view is considered one of the best views in the city, and is enjoyed by the new 9-hole golf course, which was recently completed on reclaimed land (hey, I wanted to use it!).

1: State Parliament. Interestingly, this building will actually be taller than the federal parliament. There is good reason for this; The National Government wants it's sitting rooms underground (beat that Washington DC). The building for the national parliament will not be in the immediate vicinity, though it won't be far from the city. Planners are considering a hill as a potential location.

2: Manukau City College of Tertiary and Further Education (TaFE). Many of the state parliamentarians are arranging for their sons and daughters to go there when they finish school. The smarter ones among the parliament are, of course, arranging for their sons and daughters to go to the National University.

3. Manukau Bridge. Not to be confused with the Manukau Harbour Bridge (referred to earlier as the three-bridges). The harbour behind is officially called Central Harbour, although there are serious proposals to rename it State Harbour.



Above is the main area (downtown, if you will). George Street (the one that has shops and offices all along its length) is the main thoroughfare to the north from here, and is quite busy, although not at the time of day this was taken...

State Circle And Federal Circuit are marked.


I don't think any explanation's necessary for the above...

================

monteferro: this is a nation with alot of idiosyncrasies. (*touches wood*). Some parts of the city are currently a bit of a letdown planning wise. I am, however, following the freeway network closely. The city does and will continue to have its flaws, but they are intentional; indeed they were included to remind us that we are only human. These errors include the current location of the airport.

[Darmok 34]

Hi Cammo

Still looking good!

If I can offer a comment, because I did the same thing in my CJ and was not happy about it after. Just before taking your pics you should turn off the grig by pressing G, this way we could enjoy your pics even more

But besides this, continue your good work! And about the last pic, that could be a Skyscraper growing upside down

[cammo2003 20]

I am (or rather the Newtonian Government) are currently experiencing quite the dillemma. The location of the capital district in the city is important. Problem is, I (and the folks in the government) are having trouble figuring out exactly where to put it.

That's where you folks come in. If you have an idea as to where it should go, please feel free to suggest. Please do not use the original image though, unless you reduce the file's size - it's above the filesize requirement here, which is why it's thumbnailed below.

Please give:

Your location.
Your reasons as to why this location is suitable.



Note that the committed urban areas shown cannot be used. I've also dotted many of the places I've mentioned so far, just for reference.