Patricius Maximus

Sorry that I missed an update -- I've been rather busy. Fantastic showcase of Downtown. I like the classic RHW's. Here's an older, lower capacity RHW/elevated highway interchange. Some may say it is a diamond, others say its a volleyball. The truth is its actually in its own unique class, sharing attributes of both.quote> I see someone has been reading the Patrician Showcase.... I think that that pre-MIS interchange that won't be upgraded will be one of the few left in the entire SC4 community, I like that stack. Lastly, thanks for your comments in Franklin. It's recently exceeded 1000 comments. - Patricius Maximus

THE 1000 REPLIES CELEBRATION REPLIES: Tyler26101: Thanks for all your comments. The typo has been corrected. deathtopumpkins: 1) It is truly seperable. 2) I didn't know that. I'll work on that. 3) Thanks. Ntq$310: Thank you. Zeddic: You were? Thanks for your suggestion. Although I'll just keep what I've got . TimeMaster: Congrats! You're the 1000th poster! For such an achievement, would you like a highway named after you? edmonton_stinks: Thanks for your comments. USA Patriot: I thought so myself. Maybe you could download them. Hahayoudied: Then get it! It's on the STEX. Search for monorail skin. xVINCENTx: It sure would. haljackey: 1) A big thanks. I guess FC has become a classic -- a rather new one. That appears to be the consensus. 2) I'll be sure to check it out when it's back online. un1: Thank you. Special Comment When I started this thing, I didn't dream of reaching 1000 comments in 4 months and 4 days; although such a thing was in the realm of possibility. I am pleased and honored to be in the '1000+ club', alongside such classics as the GTR, Nexis of Genesis, Schulmania, Zanapolis, Paradise Falls, Green Depra, and Franklin's alliance partner, Virgin Shores. Franklin shows no sign of slowing down, and I hope I'll continue to provide good updates, good storylines, and I hope that you'll continue comments and criticism. AFDES News The joint space program has gotten off the ground, with Flint, Calder City, and Virgin Shores offering some form of support. Calder City is expected to be the most active partner, whereas Flint is offering only financial support at the moment. Well, back to updating. I have a regional map, and 3, yes 3, videos to show. So, let's get started! In Northeast Plains, houses are popping up like mushrooms, under the watchful oversight of the recently founded 'Eastern Franklin Housing Board',or the 'EFHOB': In North Franklin, a new retail strip has appeared below the high-up housing: Note the Residential retaining walls. The sharp transition on SR-17 between 2 and 4 lane highway has been replaced by a smooth RHW piece: (Notice the store covering up the texture incongruity ) Below I have worked hard (for about 2 hours) on a map detailing all the major routes in Franklin Metro: Click for FULL resolution. Please comment on this, as I may make more in the future. Lastly, the promised 3 videos. Below you'll see a video detailing traffic in Central Franklin, at night, near the tunnel:

I'd like future cities in CXL, but I could easily do without it. I voted 'I don't care very much'. However, it would be a nice thing to have to work on -- a future city, hmm... Anyway, MC stands for Monte Cristo, the developer of Cities XL. I don't know what a GEM is.

AN INFORMATIVE UPDATE REPLIES: Tyler26101: Thanks for all your comments. psander5: 1) Thank you. 2) I have thought about it, and I will move for funding from the program. 3) Well, there must be a cause -- it just hasn't been discovered yet. Ntq$310: I agree as well. Thanks. TimeMaster: No, it won't infect anyone. edmonton_stinks: So do a lot of other viruses.... Zeddic: Thanks. I elevated the rail because there are no elevated roundabouts in the NAM. Hahayoudied: Guess it could... if any people came in contact with it.... deathtopumpkins: Alright. I'll post about it in the AFDES thread. Today I have a more informative than descriptive update, but I hope it'll still be interesting. I have downloaded the BART monorail skin, and here it is in action: I have also downloaded Maarten's (Mrtnrln) SC3K highway supports, and ploppable Marrast underpasses: Due to the seperate nature of these, they can be placed under anything -- GHSR, RHW, and rivers. I'll soon be issuing a post in the AFDES thread for cooperation with the Agonus lander. Please post comments, suggestions, and questions.

A NEW AGONUS PROBE? REPLIES: un1: Waterfront? Stay tuned to the Showcase . Ntq$310: Thanks for those skins. I'll choose one in the next few days. jacqulina: Thanks. deathtopumpkins: 1) It won't be boring for long.... 2) I don't either . Archean: 1) A good suggestion. 2) I also believe it's the future. The Agonus probe, in orbit of the planet, has obtained enough data for scientists to piece together the first detailed knowledge about Agonus: Light curves from the fusion explosions have revealed approximately this structure for the Agonite virus: Neat, isn't it? Here is a beauty shot of a well-angled spontaneous fusion: Lastly, scientists are pushing for funding of a new probe to Agonus, which will contain an orbiter, which will be at a higher orbit than the first probe, and a lander, which will investigate the surface in more detail. The probe will potentially be propelled with EM drive.... Please post comments, suggestions, and questions.

ROAD EXTENSION THROUGH EAST FRANKLIN REPLIES: deathtopumpkins: Thanks. I had the same experience myself, until I saw those stations. flyinbird93: 1) I found the stations here. 2) Glad you like the integration of the plots. 3) Thanks. jacqulina: Thank you. nihonkaranws: Quite understandable. I've had the same feeling. I'm glad you like the new developments. un1: You're welcome. Ntq$310: Thanks. boredtodeath/DTP/flyinbird93: 1) Well, I see that that was a heated exchange of rants. 2) Thanks for the info about the maglevs. I guess it is an issue of suspension of disbelief. Also, in any communication you run the risk of misinterpretation. The previous update was an example. 3) Actually, this maglev looks like the HSRP. Interesting . TimeMaster: 1) I forgot all about that! A big thanks for your being the storyline's inspiration. 2) Don't worry. It won't hurt... or will it? sedimenjerry: Thank you. edmonton_stinks: Yes, I guess it is. Cutting-edge modern as well. flyinbird93: I do agree with you. I guess it is how you interpret it. But it is the closest thing in SC4 to a maglev in my view. The AFDES Space Program is getting started, and research is still ongoing in EM propulsion. The scientists report that they are closer than ever to developing viable antigravity technology. Now, back to more down-to-earth matters, I am seeking reccomendations to replace this monorail skin: If anyone will suggest a replacement, I shall consider it. The north-south River Bend route has been extended through East Franklin to SR-285. Here is where the extension begins. The roundabout spur is the remains of the previous terminus: It goes due south towards East Franklin: Curves are in place here to prevent highway hypnosis : And it curves again: And here is where it terminates via a roundabout at SR-285: Note the rail overpass, anticipating heavy traffic in the future. In the next update, there will be more about the Agonus storyline. Please post comments, suggestions, and questions.

DavidBrown: That would be correct. I appreciate all of your questions about the curve, although frankly I didn't expect there to be such a response. But thanks anyway . - Patricius Maximus

Yes!! I hope the textures will be more widespread.

THE GREAT EXPERIMENT REPLIES: un1: I can't either . But, really, I can't think of this stuff all at once. psander5: 1) It may. If we can figure out how to control Agonite. 2) You would be? Good. I'm setting up a scientific conference there to put great minds together. 3) I'd be happy to lend assistance. Ntq$310: It is creepy, but don't be alarmed. Viruses don't affect robots. deathtopumpkins: Thanks. I'm glad I've got your interest. sedimenjerry: No epidemic now. The probe is not going to return. Archean: 1) I would be happy to work with Follomer on the antigravity project. 2) I agree -- we urgently need a cooperative space program to study the planet -- perhaps something like NASA's ongoing Mars missions? 3) I'd hardly consider it a rant. Thanks for your comments. In East Franklin, towering mid-rises have invaded an expansion area that was prepared, but forgotten -- until now: In Franklin proper, another empty area has been "filled in", this time with housing: And, in North River, something big is happening. As an experiment in new forms of mass transit, engineers have converted the heavy rail in North River to a high-speed, mag-lev system: Yes, I have downloaded the HSRP. I had found no usefulness for it, until Xyloxadoria came out with these wonderful stations. Now I am applying it where I can. The trains on the new stretch do not have physical contact with the 'tracks', instead relying on magnetic levitation. And it is not even a conventional mag-lev system -- it relies on a magnetic track with superconductors on the underside of the train. The diamagentism of the train levitates it, enabling it to travel at high speeds. Furthur down south, the track elevates and replaces an earlier station: The reason it elevates is because cars would have difficulty with the magnets, and the trains are travelling too fast for an at-grade crossing. It goes straight south towards Hanging Cliff: And curves rather smoothly: And the experiment ends at a transfer station, transitioning to heavy rail: Scientists are now looking into applying the magnetic levitation priciple to spaceships which use electromagnetic propulsion -- antigravity. Please post comments, suggestions, and questions.

kj4300: Yes, that's correct. Thanks for explaining it.

I remember when that area was nothing. But look at what it is now. This is your best work yet in the Terran Settlement, Hal. I like the FAR and the sandstone textures. - Patricius Maximus

McDuell: Some minor resizing needed there... I have a new Semi-Directional T variant, for my new spur. It has been recently featured in the Patrician Showcase: Please post comments and suggestions.

Alright! Avenues and FHW is enough for me.

Ooh... Nice work.

Wow. I like it. I'll be sure to check in on the next update.

A TEASER OF A NEW SPUR REPLIES: deathtopumpkins: Wow! A big thanks. Godliness? I assure you, no divine influence was involved . knarfmo: Thanks. I'm glad you like my pedestrian bridges. un1: Thanks for your comments. sedimenjerry: Thank you. haljackey: Thanks. Well, I like them extensive -- it's no fun to just build a freeway of diamond interchanges . JJC12321: 1) Well, I don't want to be deified, but thanks anyway. 2) Yes, I've seen the red. But only in neglected older urban areas. Schulmanator: Thanks. dfnva: Thank you. I'm glad you posted again. I've constructed a new spur in east central Patian County, that goes generally northeastward: This is being constructed more diagonally than usual, in anticipation of diagonal MIS ramps in RHW v21, which is stated to be "coming in the near future". It isn't finished yet, so this is a teaser: Yes, that is a lens flare effect there; I just downloaded the GIMP, which has a lens flare effect in it, and it can add a lot to the pics. I also have Windows-included programs, and Paint.net, which is a formidable editing portfolio -- and the best thing of all -- I didn't pay a penny. Back on topic, the new spur will be completed by the next update. Please post comments, suggestions, and questions.

A FLARE OF LIGHT ON AGONUS REPLIES: un1: Well, hope I didn't disappoint you. It has no moons. flyinbird93: Thanks. Guess the PFB is a fan of Franklin, too . sedimenjerry: Yes, it does. So does Mercury. deathtopumpkins: Thanks. Yes, it is based off a real one (see below) Ntq$310: Thank you. I'm wondering myself, as I'm just going along as it comes.. Schulmanator: Thanks. I'm glad you're following the Agonus plot. The Agonus pictures are a work of photo-editing. The originals are pictures of Mercury taken from the Messenger probe. I tint them green in the MS Office Picture Manager, then put a small glow effect in Paint.net. For the stars in the first picture of the last update, I put a motion blur on them. The Agonus probe has settled into a mildly eccentric orbit around Agonus, and it is at a lower altitude than planned, as controllers have found out there is no atmosphere, apart from some helium vapors: Turning it's cameras towards the horizon to align the spectrometer, the probe captured this: The probe has caught the same spontaneous fusion on Agonus that happened in the laboratory. The probe deployed the high-resolution spectrometer near the rim of one of the craters. What it found was exactly what Dr. Hoganov suspected -- non-radioactive material with a honeycomb structure. Inside the honeycomb structure the spectrometer detected proteins and RNA -- indicative of a virus. There is also highly radioactive materials below the crust of the planet, and some irregular glowing has been detected on the surface. A time-lapse video is being pieced together, and here it is:

beebs: Looks good. I think I've seen it somewhere before, but I'm not sure .

xena99: It's quite simple. All you need is the NAM installed, then just draw a normal intersection. Then draw diagonals right through it. Then you'll have it.

Well, the government could have forced companies to produce text books that are in 1337 speak or Net speak, and force teachers to teach those crap to students. Then things are going to get boiling... quote> Yes, and then no one would understand the Netspeak, and the parents would resist the change, and continue to teach in English. Basically chaos in education.

RHW cannot show up on the transport map, as the transport map is contained in the .exe file, and altering it is a crime. So the parallel road is a 2 way road. This is the most simple connection I can come up with: It only involves 5 puzzle pieces. For more complex connections, see my own Patrician Showcase.

McDuell: Now that is fantastic. I like the cloverstack and stack the best. DTP: I'd say he reached that 'rank' a while back. But McDuell also gives me about 3 ideas. Hehe. Guess it's my turn to be amazed. But I have a new spur in the works for Patian County, so stay tuned to the Patrician Showcase (I post it there first, it may wind up here later ).

Nice video. I'm glad things are on full throttle. I like the GLR in the median, the train skin looks great. - Patricius Maximus

ARRIVAL AT AGONUS REPLIES: Ntq$310: I'm glad you can't wait . Yep, it's in total boom. Let's hope it stays that way. deathtopumpkins: I've been there myself. It's a fantastic view. I almost saw Northwest Mountains, and to the left I could see Forest Bluff. FreewayofFlight: I agree. Archean: Maybe all of the above? Or none of them. Actually, the overhang is part of PEG's MTP Set. SirUnger: They sure do. TimeMaster: Thank you. psander5: 1) I'm glad you like the new developments. 2) You have? Great. You'll go far if you just watch and learn, and feel free to ask me any questions about the RHW. sedimenjerry: Thanks. un1: Thank you. The probe, which has been en route for weeks, has arrived at Agonus: Here is the approach picture, showing Agonus in a crescent phase. You can even discern an eerie radioactive glow: A series of panoramas digitally combined produced this full image of the planet: And then the probe settled into low orbit: The planet does not seem habitable to multicellular lifeforms, but bacteria and primitive eukaryotes have not been ruled out yet. But one thing is clear -- the planet is intensely radioactive. Turning it's cameras downward, the probe beamed this snapshot to terra firma: There's plenty of room for caves -- perhaps there is higher lifeforms in there? If so, then they must not be based on carbon. The probe will make more readings, including a spectrometer measurement, to find out what the planet is made of: Please post comments, suggestions, and questions.