Anduin Valley Revisited

[Darmok 34]

nooneatall
SCR is a great source of inspiration for a lot of us!   As for the semi-griddy pattern, I try to avoid it as often as I can, but in that instance I've tried recreating some church plazas I've seen in old french and italian movies, the Don Camillo movies series with Fernandel for instance. And I'm using the buldozer more and more now, thanks for your comment!
tinnyboy_gummi
Thanks for your appreciation, as for the planning though I don't want to disappoint you,  but most of the time I let my imagination lead the way,   what I do is this, I search for a general idea for the new city, like will it be touristic, industrial, commercial and then I go with the inspiration of the moment and the general contour of the land. Sometimes though I have to destroy all and restart a couple of times.   That's what's happening now in Cair Andros South... tough in the end it usually pays of.
YAH
It's coming YAH... It's coming! In fact here it is.
timotheus
Thanks for your visit.  Short comment, but to the point! I REALLY appreciate it!

Please note that some of you have asked for more technical shots and I've tried to do so, but sometimes I'm so into the game  that i forget to take pictures. I promise I'll try harder.

And now we say goodbye to Minas Tirith, and move to...

 

https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/files//belfalas-rebirth.jpg align=baseline>

 

 

Belfalas was founded before Minas Tirith, but with the glamour of the Big City, everybody moved there! So it was abandoned, but only for a while. Notice the white boundaries, that is where this update will take you.

https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/files//bel_up1_01.jpg align=baseline>

 

With the expansion of MT, new place to live was necessary, and some missed the tranquility of the old town! So Belfalas, like the Phoenix was reborn from it's ashes!

https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/files//bel_up1_02.jpg align=baseline>

 

Belfalas will become a place of contrast!
Contrast between the tourists, the techies who wanted a cool place to live  and those who wanted peace and quiet.  As the Anduin Valley people are easy to live with, a good balance was achieved.

You'll notice in some pictures that a simulation of what the road layout could be will be shown. After a while though, considering Belfalas Spa and relaxation future vocation, it was decided that no highways should be on it's territory.

And now here's the story of the rebirth of Belfalas....

UPDATE 1

TOURISTS!

With the airport being built in Minas Tirith, tourist affluence was at least quintupled.  So the Anduin Valley Chamber of Commerce, made some plans to build  a place where the tourists could find hotels, SPA's and the like! That was the driving force in Belfalas reconstruction!

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

 

First a massive terraforming of the coast would be necessary!

 

https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/files//bel_up1_03.jpg align=baseline>

 

Terraforming of the industrial port is beginning, It'll be needed cause the ones in Minas Tirith are barely sufficient.

 

https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/files//bel_up1_04.jpg align=baseline>

 

The shoreline will be done in a way to accommodate several luxury hotels.

 

https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/files//bel_up1_05.jpg align=baseline>

 

And for the coast this time the city council hired an engineer who just invented some new retaining walls! So Mr Marrast came and worked his magic!

 

https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/files//bel_up1_06.jpg align=baseline>

 

Terraforming is beginning for the future marina.

 

https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/files//bel_up1_07.jpg align=baseline>

 

Rail and streets are layed out in the port.

 

https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/files//bel_up1_08.jpg align=baseline>

 

Near the north entrance of Belfalas, terraforming is beginning for the future semi-sunked avenue. NOTE: I saw in one thread about urbanism or something a picture (a real one that is) of an avenue that was perhaps 10 feet (about 3 meters) below the actual streets that connected to it. And I've decided to try something similar in Belfalas for the condos street.

 

https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/files//bel_up1_09.jpg align=baseline>

 

 

 

https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/files//bel_up1_10.jpg align=baseline>

 

 

 

https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/files//bel_up1_11.jpg align=baseline>

 

In the next 4 pictures you'll see the port slowly take form

 

https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/files//bel_up1_12.jpg align=baseline>

 

 

 

https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/files//bel_up1_13.jpg align=baseline>

 

 

 

https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/files//bel_up1_14.jpg align=baseline>

 

In those pics you can also see the unusual placement of the railway. It was done to assure a certain tranquility for the tourists, so for that reason it was decided that the train tracks should be as discrete as possible! You'll notice it more in the pictures to come.

 

 

https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/files//bel_up1_15.jpg align=baseline>

 

Terraforming for the retaining walls of the sea port.

 

https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/files//bel_up1_16.jpg align=baseline>

 

Trees were planted to fill the gap, between the two walls.

 

https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/files//bel_up1_17.jpg align=baseline>

 

A more global view with more industrial zoning, you can also see how the track will be hidden from view behind the retaining walls. (concrete walls on the tracks side, and stonewalls on the hotel side)

 

https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/files//bel_up1_18.jpg align=baseline>

 

You'll also notice that the terraforming is also taking place on the level above.

 

https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/files//bel_up1_19.jpg align=baseline>

 

 

 

So, here you have it folks! First update of Belfalas hope you like it

 

 

Again thanks to all of you who enjoy this CJ 

 

Don't forget to write and take care!

 

Darmok

[jeronij 13]

Hi Darmok,

 

really promising harbour area . I like waht I see.

I

[dhoppeii 12]

First off, nice update....  I really like the technical type pictures.  It helps me get better at terraforming. 

I really like how in 1_06 you keep the ramp going down to the water front seperated and the tracks as well in 1_08. 

 

In 1_16 is that a freight or passenger terminal?  I really like the way it looks. 

 

Last question, I promise.  Are you using some kind of beach mod?  I can't ever seem to get water front areas to look that sandy.....

 

Looking forward to the next update...

[your_adress_here 11]

......I am totally speechless! Amazing terraforming, you have totally inspired me to change my hotel front! I can't wait to see this when it's done!

[Darmok 34]

Jeroni,

As I was the man of the hundreds (for a while ) I think that you're the man who innaugurate's pages

 

Thanks for your kind words, and yes do come back as often as you like!

Coach

Thanks for the appreciation, and don't forget that the final terraforming will be a little different in the end.

1-16 is a passenger terminal it's the SNR terminal here's the link https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/view.asp?topicID=59816&pageNo=8&num=30

I'm not using a beach mod, just using the god mode terraforming tools and the regular terraforming tools too!

The peg levelling tool is also great for seaport

https://www.simtropolis.com/stex/index.cfm?mode=files&filetype=Lot&Str=peg%20cdk%20leveler%20v205

thanks again for the regular comments, I really appreciate it dhoppeii.

YAH

Always glad to read you, thanks for the comments as I often say it really keeps me motivated.

 

The next update should be soon.

 

Thanks to all !

[Darmok 34]

 

Update 2

 

The shore developpement continues in this update.

Here you can see the terraforming of the site of Harbour Jeroni, I must say that this terraforming technique is inspired by SCR CJ before reading it, I never did such a thing.

 

 

 

The harbour is taking form by the addition of two piers, and I eve tried integrating a little fishing harbour (which I wont keep)

 

 

 

The two following shots, will show you an experiment with the shore, later I'll come back to a more conventional way, because this one was making the separation wall from the railway, too low.

 

 

 

 

 

Here you can see the return to the more conventional terraforming, and the installation of Marrast seawalls.

 

 

 

 

 

Terraforming continues, here's the connection between Marrast walls and the industrial port.

 

 

 

A closer pics of the two piers. Thanks Jeroni for the technique!

 

 

 

A global view of the shore so far

 

 

 

Commerce thrives on the marina site!

 

 

 

The Fisherman's wharf is open for business!

 

 

The marina viewed from several angles

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A detailed view of the seaport entrance.

 

 

Excuse me for the short comments in this update, I'm also short on time right now.

Next update should be larger, the tourists are coming!!

Thanks for your support. 

Take Care

[jeronij 13]

WOW!!!  [:0]. It

[Chris M 406]

 Hey Darmok.

  The harbor looks great, you are a very good terraformer like our friend Jeronji did you teach him ? I really like the stores along the marina.

[dhoppeii 12]

The marina are looks fantastic.....Great job there..Everything there seems to glow quite well.....I also liked your use of the CSX Industrial Enterance....I have tried to find a place for it in other cities of mine, but it hasn't quite worked yet......

[your_adress_here 11]

*drool*

I am speechless...this is your best update EVER! I love your waterfront, and you have totally inspired me! Thanks alot!

[bobinator 0]

That's just incredible work!!! Very amazing!! The teraforming, roads etc just look wonderful together! Keep up the grand work on this!

[kingofsimcity 5,740]

Awesome Port Darmok! This is just another one of those great Terrian Conforming Cities.

[comdude21 6]

Belfalas looks great so far! That port area is awesome. There is so much attention payed to the details, that is why it is so great and realistic. Keep up the excellent work.

comdude

[supersimman 0]

very neat! Good job

[wks2003x 0]

simply beautiful...I am loving your development of the shoreline.  please keep it up.  I can't wait to see more.

[Darmok 34]

Jeroni
Always good to hear from you amigo!   Glad you liked the harbour and marina! And it is only natural to name it after you, cause it's by seeing how you've done it that I tried to do one myself.

dragonanime
Thanks for your kind words,  I don't think that I'm as good as Jeroni though! but I'm learning, and I'm trying to adapt his technique to my own style.

dhoppei
Thanks coach!  The CSX entrance is a great lot, it's the second time I use it, and it won't be the last.

YAH
Just watch out for that drool! It's murder on a keyboard...   Thanks for your appreciation and regular posting it's appreciated you know!   and I'm also glad to see that I can be inspirational  for some. thanks again

bobinator
Thanks bob, always glad to read your comments. 

kigofsimcity
Thanks,  and as for the terrain conforming cities we all have to thanks Jeroni who seems to have started a new trend in SC4.

comdude
Thanks a lot for the comment about the details, coming from you it is really appreciated considering the dedication to details you put in Ocean Point, your last serie of updates on the highway exits is a good example of that dedication! 

supersimman
Thanks man!

wks2003x
Welcome to Belfalas, always glad to see a new visitor (good for business!)  and thanks for your good comments.

And now!
Update 3

 

https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/files//belfalas-rebirth.jpg align=baseline>

 

Hotels are coming!
The city council decided that buying power from Minas Tirith was not the solution, so in true Belfalas discretion philosophy it was decided that the future Fusion Power Plant should be hidden from view. The excavation of the site was done by Underhill and Gamgee inc.

 

https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/files//bel_up3_01.jpg align=baseline>

 

 

You can see here the location of the Power plant site. And a first hotel is built, for now it houses most of the construction workers, tourism has not yet really begun.

 

https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/files//bel_up3_02.jpg align=baseline>

 

 

Terraforming for the road servicing the power plant is going well.

 

https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/files//bel_up3_03.jpg align=baseline>

 

 

 

 

https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/files//bel_up3_04.jpg align=baseline>

 

 

The same goes here for the railway!

 

https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/files//bel_up3_05.jpg align=baseline>

 

 

 

 

https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/files//bel_up3_06.jpg align=baseline>

 

 

Some updated pics of the seaport

 

 

https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/files//bel_up3_07.jpg align=baseline>

 

 

 

 

https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/files//bel_up3_08.jpg align=baseline>

 

 

Space being at a premium, an underground mall is built near the marina.

 

https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/files//bel_up3_09.jpg align=baseline>

 

 

More shots of the seafront terraforming.

 

https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/files//bel_up3_10.jpg align=baseline>

 

 

 

https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/files//bel_up3_11.jpg align=baseline>

 

 

 

https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/files//bel_up3_12.jpg align=baseline>

 

The Scotia Plaza is the first important commercial building in Belfalas. For those interested, heres the link https://www.simtropolis.com/stex/index.cfm?mode=files&filetype=BAT&Str=scotia%20plaza

 

https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/files//bel_up3_13.jpg align=baseline>

 

 

The Sheraton Four Point and the Marriott are there!

 

https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/files//bel_up3_14.jpg align=baseline>

 

 

One of the hotels decided to change something.

 

 

https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/files//bel_up3_15.jpg align=baseline>

 

 

 

https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/files//bel_up3_16.jpg align=baseline>

 

 

Terraforming of the mean point of entry into town.

 

https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/files//bel_up3_17.jpg align=baseline>

 

 

 

https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/files//bel_up3_18.jpg align=baseline>

 

 

The Pacifica Palms is there as well.

 

https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/files//bel_up3_19.jpg align=baseline>

 

 

A closeup of what's going on on the condos level. You have a glimpse at the semi-sunken avenue I was talking about in Update 1.

 

https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/files//bel_up3_20.jpg align=baseline>

 

 

It's taking shape, slowly.

 

https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/files//bel_up3_21.jpg align=baseline>

 

 

So, another one gone by!

Hope you liked it, but stay tuned there's more to come.

Again a very BIG THANKS to all visitors, and especially to all of you who take the time to express their opinions!    Without you there wouldn't be a CJ at all.

Take care!
Darmok

[jimbob10 0]

Wow! Very nice! Keep it coming!

[kingofsimcity 5,740]

Really nice work! The terrain is really starting to look like Sculpting Coulmbia River. It has just inspired me now! Terrain conforming, here I come!

[mayormommy 8]

I'm curious, Darmok, how long it takes you to do such detailed work. For example, how much time is invested in Belfalas so far? I guess I'm wondering if this work comes easily to you or if there is a lot of reworking and occasional struggles with the terrain.

[dhoppeii 12]

Great Update Darmok!!!

 

The seaport is looking great and it looks like they are doing alot of business down there.

 

The Ocean Front Drive looks fantastic with the hotels...[:0]

 

I noticed what looks like a Light House there off the marina penninsula...Come on now, you weren't gonna just try and sneak that past us were you?

 

3_20 - I really like what you are doing with your area for condos.  It has high volume access but is seperated from it, very nice.

 

Great Job...

[Kaze Progressa 1]

Yet more amazing pictures. I really do envy the terraforming abilities of yourself and jeronij - there's no question they are the reason that this and Sculpting Columbia River are seen as the best CJs around.

[college_emt_dinger 0]

very very good teraforming, i'm jealous

[Chris M 406]

Everything looks so perfect in Belfalas, the hotels,the marinas the seaports it looks so beautiful, I love it keep the updates coming.

-DragonAnime

[Darmok 34]

 

jimbob10
Thanks jimbob
kingofsimcity
Thanks that's a real compliment for me!  And as I said before, all you see here, has been inspired by the work of Jeroni, if I wouldn't have read his CJ, this would not exist, as simple as that!  And for what I can read all over Simtropolis he has inspired A LOT of people. It's a new trend.
mayormommy
I like questions

1. Hard to say, I work on Anduin Valley around 2 hours per day, I found it very relaxing and enjoying.  I would estimate around 5 to 6 hours for the work shown in the 3 updates.
2. Is it easy? Sometimes it is and sometimes whats looks easy can take an eternity!  Like now I'm working on Cair Andros and I must have begun the whole thing over 3 or 4 times...   It will be my first farming community and I find it hard to do something that can be credible AND aesthetic! But in the end It's so rewarding. I just love that game. Thanks for your interest!
dhoppeii
Pertinent comments as always.

I was not trying to sneak anything!  It's a little lighthouse by kimdomyung, here's the link
https://www.simtropolis.com/stex/index.cfm?mode=files&filetype=BAT&Str=lighthouse

I thought that it would blend well with the marina.

In 3_20 I wanted to try that solution for a while now, as I said before It's something I've read about in a thread about urbanism I'm not sure but I think it's that one
https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/view.asp?mode=viewtopic&topicID=49637&num=30&pageNo=1

Quite long to read but VERY interesting.
See you at the Stanton Pub!
Kaze Progressa
Thanks, all I can say is this: I wasn't doing any terraforming before that,  and I think that anyone with a bit of patience and determination can do it! So go ahead and try,  a good place to start is by following the linkg about sculpting cities in Jeroni's signature and you're on right track!
college_emt_dinger
First let me say Welcome to Anduin Valley and to Belfalas. Thanks for your comments and interest,  and don't be jealous just do some terraforming yourself,   see the answer above!
DragonAnime
Thanks a bunch for all those generous compliments!

Update 4 should come by the end of the week

Take care
Darmok

[phath3 31]

Am I losing it?? How can such beauty be achieved with sim city?? Awesome work Darmok, A W E S O M E !!!

[your_adress_here 11]

Arg! I have failed to notice the update! I must say, that looks unbelevable! I have one comment though: The Scotia Bank Tower looks weird on your water. But maybe it's just me, cause I'm so used to seeing it in Toronto's downtown!

I still love your coastline though!

[bobinator 0]

Wow! The coastline is awsome!!! I would want to live there!!!

[Darmok 34]

phath3
Welcome to Anduin Valley.  I don't think you're loosing it! And I even wish I had your talent for creating such good things as you auditorium and Cube box park, and Library,  I've downloaded them and I'm looking forward to place them in my next city. (Well the next after Cair Andros which will be a small rural town.) Anyhow thanks for your kind comments, they are appreciated.

YAH
AAAARRRGHHH! I was wondering where you were hiding!  No joke thanks for your comments,  and as for the Scotia Bank Tower, I try to have some diversity, and I thought that it was kind of different from the rest. And as for your supposed failure to notice the update, don't worry I'm not holding any grudge, you're my most frequent poster, do you realize that this is your 30th post in Anduin Valley!
THANKS A BIG LOT YAH....

bobinator
Thanks for the comments.   And for your information I have an open account at the Sheraton Four Points and the Penthouse suites are always available to my frequent posters. So go ahead and book a weekend, excellent spa's are coming to town

working on update 4 right now!

And here's something special, I had so much work lately that I failed to notice that Jeroni has also attained the citizen level!
My deepest apologies!

So here's the announcement....

Jeroni, having attained the level of citizen is hereby awarded is own Anduin Valley Passport, with a difference though! In recognition of all the efforts he puts into the game, all the efforts and work towards the well being of the Simtropolis community, he his given the title of Anduin Valley Ambassador, and an Embassy has been built in Belfalas to accomodate him and his staff. Note that it'll also serve as the Columbia River Embassy at the same time.
You can have a glimpse of that building in the pic below.

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

 

So here you are folks update 14 should be tomorrow.

Take care!
Darmok

[Darmok 34]

Well it seems that on the rest of my lunch hour I had the time to finish it, so with no further ado, here's

Update 4

Welcome back to Belfalas!

 

 

 

 

New angle for the sunken avenue

 

 

 

A police station at the city entrance, but there is already talks of a more modern solution.

 

 

 

Some commerce

 

 

 

A global shot of the seafront and the condos

 

 

 

A reverse angle

 

 

 

I thought that it would be interesting for those who wanted technical shots to see what the terraforming looked like in that panel.

 

 

 

A global pic of the city so far.

 

 

 

A little plaza dedicated to the Madona to protect the fishermans, they come her and pray before each days work.

 

 

 

 

 

A cinema opened just near the condos.

 

 

 

 

The Palm Plaza bought the police station and also installed a Scandinavian type Spa. Perhaps you can recognize some known faces in the hot spring!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A new elementary school and a football field.

 

 

 

 

The city entrance sector is developing!

 

 

 

 

And a last global shot of the progress so far!

 

 

 

 

Another one gone by. Already over 8 000 visitors, I can't believe it. 

To all of you who supports Anduin Valley an ENORMOUS and HEARTFELT THANK YOU!

See you next update, and until then...

Take care!
Darmok

[ElectroClash 0]

hello darmok, amazing work here there are a lot of very good builders here on ST. A lot of these killer journals get overlooked, im glad a stumbled onto yours.

I have a question. What is the very large light color building you have a pic of in phase_14_015.jpg i believe it is. It is also on the first page of your journal twice. It looks segmented into two parts that have some type of arch connecting them with a road passing underneath. Very cool.

 

I think i have a place for that in Antwerp. Thx.