dbranch

very nice suburban layouts. How do you maintain all that commercial? Do you use the demand mod?

Very nice layouts in your towns. I'm guessing all the destruction was so you could rezone? I'd really like to see some more expansion into suburbia and see how you zone for it. Where did you get those red trees? Are they ploppable or part of your terrain mod in God mode?

Wow lots of new updates since my last visit. I'm afraid I may have exceeded the time limit of one month? If so no worries. RL has claimed too much of my time here lately. I don't know when I may get the chance to update, but it looks like there are plenty of others to catch up. Sorry to hear about your storm damage MrB, my folks are in Indiana but escaped the floods. Here in Phoenix it's a beautiful sunny 112F. That's about 45C, but so far no monsoon rain. I guess it's only a couple weeks away. I just hope the power and the A/C stays on. I'll try to log on more often, and maybe get an update soon. My vacation starts in the middle of July if that's not too late.

Wow, I can access the site! Yes Lynn it is not just your connection, but admin is trying to rebuild all that was lost when the site was hacked. Aparently there was quite a loss of data and the backups must take boucoup work. <sp>? Anyway I have not been able to work on my region at all because of RL. I hope I will be able to update soon and fulfill the rules requirements, but can't say when. Hope all of you are well and keep plugging away......till next time.

Having not seen the posts I just can't imagine MrB would have said anything so offensive as to be banned. I have made some pretty edgy comments in the current events threads even and no one has said a word to me. Here in the US I think everybody is too politically correct sometimes. No one is entitled to his opinion anymore for fear of getting some group's panties in a bunch! Enough ranting, we can't wait for your return MrB! Lynn thank you for taking the reins for now. Barby, excellent pics as usual. I take it this challenge is a bit to do with industry. Not what I was expecting but nice shots from you. nsa looks fine to me. Another great use of terraforming. I love the progressive pic that is worth a couple points. raindog Wow your region has totally filled in and looks great. Glad you decided to hang in there with us! xiang some great lots you use for parks, trails and the like. I'm going to have to look for those. I have that water tower but it doesn't fit with my region I'll have to use it another time. Looks great.

newsimaddict, thanks for the comments. Yah the campground was a tight squeeze respecting the terrain and all. therewasn't much space for trees either, but got some rocks and such scattered about. The rock mod has been the topic of many comments on here and I guess I'll finally tell it. It's PEG's fantasy rock mod. I've used it for years. Made the lookout point prett y cool looking

MrB, I don't know if I can handle too many more dependancies so I'm going to hold that thought. I didn't think I had seen that on the STEX or LEX before, but thanks for your offer. I received my next challenge so I think I'll concentrate on that for the moment. This one looks like a lot of fun.

Mr B Thanks for the comments. I think my terrain mod may have something to do with the appearance of the water. Also I kept getting this sparkling effect all over my map. I called it "sprites" they were really strange. As for the links you asked for I know they are PEG lots, so I'm looking them up as I type. It won't copy the link so here's the Name: PEG MTP Scenic Views, part of the Mountain Theme Pack. I used the God Mode Pine Trees Mod too that's why the camp doesn't get much shade Those tents can be found at: PEG MTP Mountain Trails REC Pack 1. Just enter PEG Mountain in the search field. I have since got rid of the God Mode Pine TRees because they look too plastic for me. There are lots more lots in this theme. Enjoy and thanks to pegasus Your update was beautiful. I enjoyed the ponds with the grasses and I simply must have that freight station. Those pillars on the scenic bridge were a feat to build I'll bet. I've only used short flat spans with that bridge b4. BarbyW You just keep going there. I like your freeway planning and your cities have grown quite nicely. Looking forward to this myself. I love building freeways. And if collecting garbage weren't glamorous enough you've certainly done it justice.

Update #9-Conservation With all the recent expansion economically in GRV, there is growing concern over deforestation and urban sprawl. Hence the creation of Black Hills Regional Park . This area encompasses the Northern edge of GRV including Dark Corner, Black Hills, and Blackwater Canyon (tiles 2,3,and 4) from an elevation of 500 feet and above. The area will be a mixture of natural preserve, trails and a paved scenic route in Black Hills, Off of this scenic road will be High Camp, Carefree Estates and a new upscale hotel, Le Chateau Grand, as well as an "off-road" area for the brave and adventurous called Switchback Mountain. Only a few campsites will be allowed in this area and will be by reservation only as to control the amount of traffic in this area. Check-in will be necessary at the Welcome center adjacent to Le Chateau Grand and Carefree Estates. High Camp will be available on a first come, first served basis. Without the involvement of well known hotelier DK Branche this project would never have been a reality. Just a little background on Mr Branche. From a meager farmer from the Midwestern US, he always a had a flair for design and drama. Originally an engineering student, he was drawn to the design of Victorian architecture and decided to enter the world of hospitality, incorporating European flair and Midwestern hospitality. After gaining experience in the hotel and restaurant service while in college he decided to open his own Bed and Breakfast in the hill country of Arizona. Many more investments in this lucrative market gained him much attention in the industry. From there he was sought by an International hotel chain as a consultant and ended up in GRV. Pictured here is his home in the Grand Beach suburb of Grand Haven. "I designed this home with a French Provincial style in mind for its simple yet elegant lines. My Own life can be so busy I wanted a low maintenance approach to my own home, hence the simple gardens and approach to design," he was quoted as saying. Unveiled earlier this month is the fabulous new hotel he helped to build, Le Chateau Grand. Mr Branche now keeps his office here so he can maintain the standards for which he is known. Nearby, Mr Branche saw the need to construct his "home away from home" as well as some high end rental units for GRV elite who prefer a more personal experience in a quiet setting. Dubbed Carefree Estates, this new community is located in the heart of Black Hills near the Chateau and visitor center. Future expansion of this area will depend on the viability of the GRV economy, always closely monitored by Mr. Branche. Join us as we take a scenic expose through this grandiose Regional Park. I suppose the park entrance is as good a place to start as any. From the Eastern entrance we emerge from the tunnel to the first development High Camp. With its spectacular views and the breeze through the towering pines one is drawn in and allowed to forget the toils of city life and get back to the simpler pleasures. Moving West we will bypass the Chateau Grand and Carefree Estates and proceed to Lookout Point. Here motorists and hikers can park and take in the views or enjoy climbing higher on

Wow I haven't been here in a while, Mike, but I'm loving all the new shots. The ped mall tutorial was very enlightening and I love your farming shots. Sorry about the crashes but I'm no stranger to them myself. I'd like to try that No Maxis mod but I'm afraid of it. Do you use it?

How do people get to those terminals?

Does anyone know if Chase Field (originally Bank One Ballpark) in Phoenix has been batted? I'd love to find that one. Anyway beautiful work SeeMurray. Looking forward to more.

raindog I too developed much of my region b4 posting my first pics. I always played to enhance the region after much development, but as I learned in the first few posts this may not be the best. I started with very few points myself (20 I think) but soon was up to near 50 so don't be discouraged and it only gets better from here. I have increased the size of my plugins folder by over 500MB and growing. I test some of the new lots and such in another region b4 posting them here and that has worked for me. Best of luck and to quote a well know historical figure, " When you're going through Hell, keep going" If anyone knows the author of that please feel free to acknowledge him. I know the answer already. Newsimaddict I am not that "new" but still learning. No matter what games I play I always come back to this one. The batters and posters out there never cease to amaze me. As do your updates. Keep up the nice work.

If there's one thing a desert city needs it's another mall..... Phoenix is a prime example. Love it man!

Can't wait to build my airport in GRV, you should check out the new airport packs. the one by Joerg is an original and still looks great. Lots of plugin lots since then but watch out for bugs and read the airport thread b4 you do. Great work keep on updating.

ixnayonthetimmay I hear ya. RL is not going to permit me to update today short of a miracle. So I thought I'd drop by and wow 2 updates! I esp. like your dams. That was a great idea to incorporate that. I've never had much luck with dams in my regions. Nice going! Death54 Beautiful harbor! I love the first shot once again. Really draws the eye into the update. I was wondering on the zone map about the use of so much residential next to the harbor though. I see you used the hospital I used in the downtown pic. The one you highlighted though is in a residential area. Okay have to get back to work hopefully I'll have something to show by week's end.

Lynn, Thanks so much for your comments. I can't wait to "launch" this thing and really get down to some fine tuning in my CBD's. sparrowsraven Good luch with your new start. I know how frustrating this can be, but hang in there MrB I'm off Monday and Tuesday as well. Don't know if I'll get the update done but working diligently on it. This week has been a bear though so hope that doesn't show lol. Can't wait to see some charts tho raindog Very funny the names of your tiles. I only recognize a few but then I'm mostly Irish. Waiting for Jameson or Bushmills to appear on your region somewhere. lol your farms are quite colorful. Looking forward to some big developments. Keep up the good work.

MrB, Regarding the airport pack, this bug only seems to happen with the Maxis and some lots made by various batters. The modular airports look great. I've read all evening and haven't found a fix yet, but guess I'll wait and see whether I can build a modular one with the challenge. For now I'm going to concentrate on the next challenge.

MrB Yes another one of my lovely shortcomings is hence revealed. I was almost ready to forget the Naval yard when I decided to put it up in Grand Beach. The area is really recreational in nature. Maybe I'll rethink that location one day. My port was already "squished" in there as pointed out earlier and it just wouldn't go. Yes since I installed the latest airport pack my runways are all messed up in every region I play (yes I'm a junkie once again). I thought the stealth story was pretty clever though hehe. The University however thank you was my proudest moment this update. At the moment I took that shot the population is in the chart pic 24,275ppl. Tile 7 or Grand Beach is the name of the town. Currently it is 27,500 since the EQ brought in some more High Tech and the $$$ sims quickly followed. The region is 111,000. Sorry for the edit. Note the demand indicators. Education has always been key in my cities. It brings in more taxes all around and lowers crime considerably. That's another update I suppose. Death54 Constructive criticism is always welcome. Thanks for your honesty. I am my own worst critic.......Virgo trait. No matter how many times I knocked those buildings down they just kept coming up. Almost as annoying as blue platter limited and Wren Insurance in my other regions. I know there is a mod for that one, but I'll just have to jump the stage limit to move on. I will wait and see whether anyone picks up on the humor in this update. I even changed avatars! And I have a great one in mind for next challenge and I don't even know what it is yet. Hmmm let me think..........

Update #8 Army! Navy! Airforce! My Spleen! I think it's going to burst! In an effort to boost development and national security in GRV, the planning commision has a new mandate. Attract new military presence in the region. The Army has had their eye on GRV for a long time apparently. It was an easy task to lure them to a site in West Forke given the land and infrastructure were in place. With the available roads and lots of open farm land they chose a site on tile #12. A new shopping and recreation area was zoned around the base for those weekend passes. The local motel expects some new traffic also. Note to the police chief: Prepare to step up Vice operations. The troops out for morning calesthenics.... Grand Beach was the only logical choice for the Naval yard with its vast coastlines and bustling marinas. Ship traffic is already closely monitored and access is simple from its huge harbor. Protection of the valuable reef areas is the only concern, but the Navy assures us its impact will be minimal. Only one carrier will be stationed here for the moment the CVN-65, the U.S.S. Enterprise. tile#7 The secrecy of the Airforce is well known throughout Simnation. The development of a new aircraft is the focus here in GRV. A nice quiet backwater location with natural cover was called for. Aptly named, the TOWN of Backwater, tile#1 was chosen by Airforce Command. A massive cover of giant fir trees was planted to prevent prying eyes and a new stealth technology is being employed to hide what's on the runway. It scrambles the runway tiles so the aircraft can't be seen taking off. Inquiries into the length of the runway were immediately derailed by Airforce officials stating that they would not reveal any details. Apparently craft will not need much space to take off. Can we say that?! Note to the commission: be on the lookout for black Suburbans. In an effort to increase education levels in the region, the planning commision has augmented its university system to include an academy for military programs. Located next to Schmails/Zamora university in Grand Beach, tile#7 is the old city school converted to support Higher education. The need for dormitory space is being addressed at a later date. The large condomimium complexes may be later purchased by the University. The nearby country club is another possible site. With an already high EQ in Grand Beach the excectations of the new systems are high. Not all areas of GRV are benefitting from this new focus on education. In fact it has been suggested the residents are being suppressed in some areas, this is simply not recognized by the Commission. The people of Blackwater Canyon (tile 4) seem perfectly content with life in their corner of the Valley. Farming jobs are plentiful and so is fresh air. There will be no industrial development here. Note: remove profilactics and install

sparrowsraven One thing I did to make life easier is to save a copy of that numbered region picture on my desktop for quick reference. A copy of the rules I put there too through my first few updates. Big time saver. Don't know about the radical ordinance mod. Never used anything that says "radical" on it lol. If NAM works for you you must have the Maxis updates. As far as dependancies I can't tell much. I know the feeling about that huge plugins folder as mine is approaching a GB! While we're on that subject does anyone know why I get blank icons and the message "placement string missing" under puzzle pieces and such? Never used them much here but my other regions I do a lot. Dunno what i'm missing really. Okay I'm updating tomorrow I better get to work.

sparrowsraven I had a thought about your graphic bug. Do you have bldgprops_vol 1 & 2 in your plugins folder? They look like Maxis lots so was just wondering. You may want to check the Maxis site and do an update search. EP1 is also another Maxis patch you might look for. It should be in your: program files/Maxis/Simcity4 (deluxe) folder. I remember having this problem once upon a time and this procedure fixed it. Hopefully with some help you can remedy this. Best of luck. Looking forward to that next update, but I would hold off till you can fix it. raindog Welcome! nice first update. Yes I find the ploppable rocks very nice addition. I never had them before this region either and I love them! The tree controllers are very cool too! And have one for me eh? Newsimaddict Your region just looks better every time. Death54 Love your use of a natural disaster lol. j/k very nice job and I thought it made for an interesting story if i say so myself. Great looking farms too I think I need some new lots. MrB Looking forward to those new charts. Thanks. No fish stories now, but how was the trip? Lynn did a great job keeping up with us all btw, thanks Lynn!

sparrowsraven just press the <g> key while in city mode and they should go away. When you build something they will show up just around your cursor. Try it and see

sparrowsraven Nice for a first update. <thinking back to mine> Some good zoning there. In addition to Lynn's advice I'd also recommend turning up your graphics options at least when you take pictures, even if you're not able to run the game in high modes. It will add detail and shadow to your pics. Welcome to the thread and look forward to your work! raindog Not big on rules eh? Come on just participate already. It's not painful and I've learned so much. Looks like a nice start for you there. Do you know the RL GRV?