S.A.C

Hmm, I had no idea it worked that way! I fully agree with your views though! Where I live the city council has a special office that approves new constructions in the city, and whether their decisions are good or bad, all of them can be taken to a court for further actions if necessary! All new constructions must also be presented to the locals somehow, either in the news paper or by a presentation in a library or similar, giving locals a chance to learn about the project and - if necessary - make complaints before the decisison is being made and the construction itself can start. There are very strict rules about how a building must look. It may stick out, but it must also follow the architectural tone given at the surroundings where the new construction is about to be built. But yeah, I' hold on to my thoughts about having the ability to rule over this important issue in the game https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/images/smilies/1.gif>

---------------- On 1/30/2004 7:00:01 PM ardecila wrote:As for the 'Approval mod' idea, I had an idea for how it might possibly work. A second tier of zoning(a fourth zone type in the RCI menu) is created, that of 'Buildings by Approval'. You zone your area R/C/I, then zone BbA over it. You name the lot and then when the factors are right, a developer will approach you with several designs for the building (all on the same density) in a modified version of Lot Editor. You can place any combination of buildings on the lot, and the lot is saved into the development simulator. The cool thing is that the building will grow on your empty lot, but it won't become a ploppable. BTW, in large US-style subdivisions, cities approve the architect/s, not each design. ---------------- Yes, that sounds like a very good idea! I believe it

It'll come! I'm having a busy time trying to solve some problems in my city which includes other steep terrains, https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/images/smilies/3.gif> but I'll post some more images soon https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/images/smilies/1.gif>

Again, thanks for your comments https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/images/smilies/1.gif> Loki; Yes, we have similar bridges like this where I live as well, so they do exist. Still, I think Killer do have a point so I'll try to test different bridges - 'cause a bridge it must be though https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/images/smilies/4.gif> Looking forward to see some images from your city! https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/images/smilies/1.gif> Langem; It so happens that it's very difficult to use two of the three available terraforming tools - regardless of size. The tool that offers the most effecient way to terraform terrain tiles adjacent to tunnel entrances is the levelling tool. It's often a good idea to imagine how the tunnel entrances and the surrounding tiles are going to look once finished. This way most of the terraforming can be done before constructing the tunnels. If using the lowering or raising terraforming tools, always ensure that you're not closer than at least 2 tiles away from the tunnel entrances. If you need to adjust terrain tiles closer, use the levelling tool. And as always, SAVE before doing something. If anything goes wrong you can always return to the starting point https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/images/smilies/10.gif> Wolverine; Good luck! https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/images/smilies/1.gif> Bring lots and lots of patience with you. It's required when trying to master mountanious areas https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/images/smilies/9.gif> Fgottes; I just wish there was a way to allow roads or rails running under a bridge. However, I didn't place those walkways to actually hide the tunnel, but to hide the tiles running directly under the bridge. The intention is to develop the surrounding areas, and I figured it would look better to make this row of tiles stick out less. It

Not a bad idea! The bridge DO stick out. When making the choice for which bridge to use, I decided for the one with less pillars. The other ones looked like huge fences! https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/images/smilies/3.gif> The problem is to solve it though! The terrain requires a bridge to be built since too much valuable space would be wasted with a sloping road - and further more, there are housing projects planned for the second mountain, (where the bridge spans to), and it's easier to construct a sloping road from this second mountain due to how the terrain is built on the other side. Any ideas welcomed! https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/images/smilies/1.gif>

---------------- On 1/29/2004 4:29:46 PM langem13 wrote:admiralenciso, sorry I did misinterprate your question, and I do understand the problem you've been having. I was trying to do the same thing with PEG ponds.. I couldn't put the pond's edge in the right spot for the right foundation because of the lot's orientation. I was going to suggest that you keep building road sections and foundation lots one by one, but then I realized it wouldn't work when you made the monorail trench. Someone needs to make a foundation lot that could be built upon! That would be so cool. ---------------- Unfortunately, the answers you've received admiralenciso are true. For the foundation to appear properly it's required that the lot arrow is pointing at the upper tool. You don

I'm very happy to have been able to bring forward a few new ideas for a more creative city-building experience, and I'm even more pleased knowing that each idea I've brought doesn't require any modification of the game itself - anyone with any copy of SimCity 4 can accomplish this with a bit of testing and some patience https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/images/smilies/1.gif> I would like to thank everyone for showing such interest in this. A more comprehensive tutorial will be available for those eager to learn more https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/images/smilies/1.gif>

---------------- On 1/27/2004 4:20:48 AM nickrich wrote:Thanks Agra! I finally managed to get the tunnels side by side after trying out your instructions to terraform the entrances such that they are of the same level. https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/images/smilies/21.gif border=0> BTW, where can I get the lot that shows a pedestrian walkway with a street lamp and a tree, i.e. the one you showed when you were teaching us how to do create the canal? ---------------- That

Beautiful work, n74704 https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/images/smilies/24.gif>https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/images/smilies/24.gif>https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/images/smilies/24.gif> ...and I'm of course very happy to have been able to help you with new ideas https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/images/smilies/1.gif> Needless to say I'm without any doubt honored to have a memorial plaza in that great city of yours https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/images/smilies/21.gif> You do deserve one yourself for spending some time, some patience, and some planning along with a healthy doze of imagination developing these things https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/images/smilies/3.gif> And cool to see that you didn't satisfied with the terraforming only, but also made some lots for this specific project of yours! Very nice! https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/images/smilies/1.gif> Very nice indeed! I especially like that station, looks very different from any other I've seen! Very good job! https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/images/smilies/1.gif> One question, is it connected to the infrastructure itself? Can't see any road near the actual station, (the original stations in the middle). Anyway, I must add that the transition from e-rail to subway with that foundation lots really look cool. Have you noticed how perfect they work together? If I could wish for anything it would be that the transition lot itself weren't so immediately steep, but that's nothing we can do about! https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/images/smilies/15.gif> Keep up the good work! https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/images/smilies/3.gif> ---------------- On 1/26/2004 3:15:57 AM nickrich wrote:This is my first post and I want to say this: 'While Pegasus is the Best Lot Maker... Agra, you are the Best City Builder!'https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/images/smilies/24.gif border=0>https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/images/smilies/24.gif border=0> I have been following this thread very closely and have been trying Agra's building techniques. However, I am still unsucessful when trying to place tunnels beside each other. https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/images/smilies/23.gif border=0> Agra, can you please tell me how you did it? Thanks in advance! BTW, Agra, please post more pics... I love more pics from your city... ---------------- Thanks! I'm not sure how to teach out how to place tunnels next to each other. The reason is that I've never experienced any problems or other difficulties when doing so - apart from a few occasions. What I can tell is that it's highly important to ensure that both entrances - for both tunnels - are terraformed exactly the same. Not that it's always required, but it certainly makes it easier to build two tunnels. Since a tunnel entrance requires one tile, I usually raise these particular tiles where I want the tunnel to start/end a couple of clicks up and then level them out on top. Then I place the tunnels! https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/images/smilies/1.gif> Not sure how to describe this further. It would certainly help if you could post an image of an area where you fail to place two tunnels. And there will be more images! Soon! https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/images/smilies/3.gif>

---------------- On 1/25/2004 7:14:43 PM fgottes wrote: https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/images/smilies/1.gif> Nice solution Agra. I like how you use the subways as underpasses even if they really aren't functional for that. At least the el rail works now, which was the point. - Hope this answers your question fgottes. - Not entirely Agra - I was really wondering if you had any roads connecting underneath the lowered el line and if you have found any creative ways to with the problem of roads crossing it, and not getting the canyon effect as Ewok got in his post above? ---------------- Thanks https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/images/smilies/1.gif> I have roads and avenues going underneath the new railroad, but I don't use foundation lots where these underpasses are placed. I usually demolish the ones right next to the underpass on both sides and replaces them with a tree lot or similar. This solution hides the ugly edges on remaining foundation lots - apart from adding a touch of beautiful environment to it https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/images/smilies/9.gif> In the same manor do I hide the new railroad when it runs diagonally. It isn't possible to use foundation lots there so a better solution is to use a tree-lot or something similar. It hides the pillars just as well. I hope this answers your question https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/images/smilies/3.gif> UPDATE; Ok, this is just a silly reflection but I just noticed there are almost 8000 views to this topic. I had no idea there was such an interest! If I should consider this as some sort of a pressure to actually get on with the tutorials, I don't know yet https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/images/smilies/2.gif>https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/images/smilies/6.gif>https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/images/smilies/5.gif>

---------------- On 1/25/2004 6:49:07 PM eangulus wrote:Would you be able to compile all your Tutorials into one post? Also it would be great if you could create a word and/or PDF version of your tutorials with pics so that we can download. BTW: Awsome city and I am still trying to understand your instructions for making the elevated rail at ground level. ---------------- I will try to make some sort of a compilation of all my tutorials later on - with images. Meanwhile, making your own subway-on-ground/at-ground-level, (does anyone have a better name for this solution https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/images/smilies/1.gif>), isn't that hard. 1. Choose a spot and grab the terrain tool; Focus on the terrain where you want the SOG/AGL, (yeah, let's call it that for now), and choose the lowering tool available from the Mayor God Mode. You want a suitable size, therefor click SHIFT and 1 on your keyboard and the blue circle will get smaller. Do this for whatever terrain tool you use! 2. Work with the terrain tool; Place the blue circle on the spot of your choice and click once. Notice what part of the tile this particular click affects. If it's the right one, continue with 11 more clicks - on the same tile. If you accidently clicked the wrong tile, choose the levelling tile instead and level it out. If you clicked more than a total of 12 clicks, choose the raising tool, raise the terrain with one click. Often this tool will raise the tile two steps, so you may want to adjust the raising click with one click with the lowering tool again! 3. Move on to the next tile; Once done with the initial tile, continue with the tile next to it and make the same amount of clicks. Move back to the first tile, but continue to the tile in front of it and click 12 times. Once done, continue with the tile next to this one. If done correctly you would now have ended up with a 1-tile square equally lowered on each 4 corners. 4. Switch tool; Now is the time to make use of another tool - the levelling one. Choose it and adjust the size to the smallest one. Place the blue circle on the lowered tile, click - BUT DO NOT RELEASE IT - and start moving the blue circle to the next tile where the SOG/AGL is supposed to run. Continue as long as you want - or have planned for your new trains. If done correctly you should end up with a long row of lowered tiles, (1-tile wide), suitable for an elevated rail to be placed. 5. Let the construction workers make it to pay day; Choose the subway-on-ground and lay it exactly on the lowered tiles, and let the construction team take care of the work. 6. Hide the pillars Now it's time to use the foundation trick! Choose a suitable lot, (if un-certain whether it will create a foundation or not, view different lots in the Lot Editor. The Elevation Change should be set to a high number - for these lots I usually set it to 90.0, and the Foundation Threshold set to 0, (Zero). A lot for this purpose should be 1-tile wide, but can have a different length. Place the lot on the sloping sides of the new railroad ssytem. Make sure the arrow on the lot points upwards towards the ground level - NOT DOWN, NOR AT LEFT OR RIGHT - JUST UP. Click and it should be placed with a foundation. Continue with the next slope until you're done all over. 7. I want a station; ...and probably also your sims. Choose a preferred spot and place the station. Choose the track laying tool again and drag through the station to ensure it's fully connected. 8. I'm imprisoned; Yes, that will happen with your sims if you consider yourself done with the project at this time. Your sims needs to be able to get on and off the station and continue to nearby areas. Therefor a good idea is to place a road connection. Follow these steps properly; A- Demolish the foundation lot placed exactly on the middle tile in front of the station. The station has a length of three tiles, so it must be the second sloped tile facing the station. B- Choose the road laying tool - NOT THE STREET. Place it on the tile where you recently demolished a lot, and click BUT DON'T RELEASE IT JUST YET! First ensure that the yellow road is visually placed on the same level as your ground, IT MUST NOT BEND TOWARDS THE GROUND IN ANY WAY! C- If the yellow road shows up properly, release the click and it will raise the ground and place itself on it. You won't see this since this is hidden by surrounding lots, but it's done. D- You will now have a single road tile placed, but with no connection to the actual road or street running nearby. This is the time to decide whether to change from road to street. It's perfectly safe to demolish the road and replace it with a street if that's what you prefer. Otherwise, connect the road or street with an existing structure nearby. E- You will now have a functional station, connected to the ordinary infrastructure. Tips; If you want a busstop placed in the same manor, simply demolish a lot as described above and place the busstop WITH THE ARROW FACING UP TOWARDS THE GROUND LEVEL. Click and it's placed, ready to use! https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/images/smilies/3.gif> Good Luck! If encountering any problems, don't hesitate to post them here https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/images/smilies/1.gif>

They should be able to do that! However, since my lots aren't transit enabled I don't think they'd walk over to the railroad station - which btw isn't functioning since this is a freight track only. I just placed the railroad station for the visual effect https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/images/smilies/1.gif> The lots placed at the sides of the e-train station are basically placed as sloped tiles, (is that a word?), although presenting a foundation. The road is there and below the e-train station are the pedestrian walkway, (hidden right now of course), so why not., They should be able to cross just fine! https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/images/smilies/3.gif> And that makes my subway stairs a lot more cool I'd think https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/images/smilies/9.gif>

---------------- On 1/25/2004 5:48:28 AM fgottes wrote: So basically the rail station shown above sorounded by lot is nonfunctioning. Visually its incredible and putting a road tile on it would disturb the effect. Although the bus stop in front may seem like a good idea sims cannot pass from one transit enabled lot to another, so placing a bus stop would not be functional. How do you solve the problem of road crossings? P.S. there is a tutorial for transit enabling your lots out there. Personally I haven't had the time to look at it and I don't know how to transit enable lots either. ---------------- Hmm, I did some testing when I woke up! I thought about this issue when I went to bed last night and tried to figure out different possible solutions - but that's in my bedtime imagination https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/images/smilies/9.gif> Anyway, it turns out that you'll need a road connection for the station to be functional - which might be the same for the monorail ones as well. I have a monorail in my city with four stations, but these are connected to roads so I haven't really noticed whether these also will display no-road-connection if the roads weren't there. Well, if doing like me with a subway-on-ground/at-ground-level, simply place a single road tile, (not street), in the middle tile in front of the station. Ensure the yellow road is levelled at ground before releasing the click, and it should be placed properly. As a result of this I had to re-do my platform lots, so the result turned out like this; It's a station near the harbor and a minor commercial area. The railroad track behind the station is for freight trains only! Well, as you can see I had to extend the previous platform into two ones, and I also added these ordinary subway entrances - which covers part of the street. Yes, after placing the road I deleted it and replaced it with a street instead for better appearances. Still, I can live with this new platform. If you think about it, there's a platform on the other side as well, and people obviously need a place to get from one side of the tracks to the other. Imagine there could be stores below or even walkways to a real subway nearby https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/images/smilies/9.gif> Now, if the railroad running behind the station were a passenger rail, I could have placed a station, maing it look like this; Still looks kind of cool - and the subway entrances do fill their purposes even better now https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/images/smilies/3.gif> Here's an image of the station from another angle, showing the subway entrances; I think it looks kind of neat, don

---------------- On 1/25/2004 2:00:41 AM Slybine wrote:How do you get those pedestrian walkways ? They are very nice, but I can't figure out how to put them in my Cities. https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/images/smilies/23.gif border=0> Thanks ---------------- If you're referring to the lots themselves, they're custom-made! There are several available on the LEX - although the ones showing up in my images are made by me! https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/images/smilies/1.gif> Eangulus; n74704 is right! However, I don't use the rain tool so I can't answer if it

...oh, and again; SAVE OFTEN This will allow you to take some risks and experiment with different solutions, and you can easily escape to region view, (without saving), and re-enter from where you saved the last time you were satisfied with the development https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/images/smilies/1.gif> Couldn't be mentioned too often https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/images/smilies/22.gif>

---------------- On 1/24/2004 8:19:53 PM n74704 wrote: well, i decided to do some of these projects in my city. it really isn't that hard to do. my new canals look awesome, the el i decided to do looks good (although i need to make new lots). i did hit a few snags along the way, but i did what Agra would do. i altered terrain very carefully and took my time. There were even a few skycrapers in the area that weren't affected by the massive terrain shifts. i should have some SSs later tonite. thanks again Agra. ---------------- Glad I could help! https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/images/smilies/1.gif> Depending on the foundation threshold of some buildings, you can easily change the level of a terrain tile, located next to a skyscraper, by placing a few road tiles, one by one. In some cases the terrain will level itself without problems - instead of using the terrain tool which can cause some un-wanted disasters now and then. Just look at one of my images https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/images/smilies/9.gif> Well, I'm not that sad really! It gave me a chance to re-model part of the city! Anyway, looking forward to see some images later https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/images/smilies/1.gif> BTW, good luck Pod2k4 with your efforts as well! Any problems, just get back to me and I'll try to help as best as I can https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/images/smilies/1.gif>

---------------- On 1/24/2004 7:33:05 PM Pod2k4 wrote:'Continue by placing lots on the side that will automatically create a foundation when placed!' How? If you are not ready to post your own such lots to the LEX could you give a how to guide? I love your ideas and I would like to expand on them in my city but I need help getting started and I need these lots you made that creates the foundation wall....I assume you did the same thing on your plaza? Please help! https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/images/smilies/1.gif border=0> ---------------- But I have posted a guide on how to create these foundations! Check previous page. For the lots themselves, open up the Lot Editor and - to make it easy - choose a 1x1 tile, a park lot for instance, and dress it the way you want. Then change the Elevation Change to 90 or something, allowing the lot to be built on very steep terrain tiles. Also change the Foundation Threshold to 0 (Zero), ensuring that a foundation is built anytime there's a level difference. Now, you can also change what type of foundation you want. Simply click the Lot Foundation button and choose whatever you'd like https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/images/smilies/1.gif> Any questions?

Yeah, you need some patience! But I also hate to create things that looks awful - or unrealistic - and I like to imagine myself living in my city, and that helps a lot! https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/images/smilies/9.gif>

---------------- On 1/24/2004 7:03:18 PM A Killer Ewok wrote: THIS IS NICE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! deserves a few of these! https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/images/smilies/24.gif>https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/images/smilies/24.gif>https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/images/smilies/24.gif>https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/images/smilies/24.gif>https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/images/smilies/24.gif> can you show us how you can build a road underneath the el-train and do one for the el-highway? it would mean a lot! ---------------- But you only need to drag the road underneath the e-rail or the e-highway! Obviously it cannot be done by having those foundations placed, so wherever I want to have a road or a rail go underneath I must remove them and lower the terrain! I'll try to post more images of my e-rail/ground level system in awhile...https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/images/smilies/1.gif>

https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/images/smilies/1.gif> Thanks guys! ---------------- On 1/24/2004 3:35:47 PM beebs wrote:Agra, thats gotta be the best city I've seen created in SimCity so far...how did you do that Elevated Rail thing?! https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/images/smilies/3.gif border=0> ---------------- It's not that difficult. Simply follow the steps described on the previous page about how to make a canal - just replace the water lots with the elevated rail. Be sure to lower the terrain deep enough to have the elevated rail show up at the same level as your roads/buildings or whatever are placed on the ground level https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/images/smilies/3.gif>

You mean like the above, in the same manor, but using the highway instead? Well, regardless of which, it can be done! Using the elevated highway, placing these pedestrian lots and running some roads underneath surely would look kind of cool! https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/images/smilies/4.gif>

I will Vatt! I just need to take some time to look into this LE thing more properly in order to change name on lots and so on. Currently I just open the LE whenever I need a lot for a specific reason, makes it, and place it in the game. But I will try to hurry up with the knowledge I need! https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/images/smilies/3.gif> One more thing. I wanted an end-lot for the tile where the subway-on-ground hits the underground, so I quickly made one and added a fan - or whatever you call it - on top of that lot. To add some realism I put a smoke effect on top of it - which explains the smoke you can see on the first image! So before anyone asks, NO; there's not a fire taking of, neither on the ground nor from the subway tunnels - although it sure looks like that https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/images/smilies/9.gif>https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/images/smilies/21.gif>

Forgot to add that despite my three-wide-tile requirement notice, you can decrease this to one! Zone or place buildings or other lots right next to the tracks, and they'll develop with a foundation. This is especially useful if you want to create a single lane between buildings where the Subway-on-ground runs all by itself. Quite cool if you ask me https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/images/smilies/3.gif>

More Neat Mayor Construction Tricks; As most of you know there are only one type of railroad systems available in the game, if not counting the monorail or the subway-on-ground as such systems. I don't! But I still would have wanted at least another railroad system available, allowing for a more local transportation system. I know the subway do takes care of these issues for us, but still! https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/images/smilies/3.gif> Well, with this desired option not available at this time there's another solution which I'm using in my city. Using the subway-on-ground - but still underground! https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/images/smilies/1.gif> As you can see by the image the subway is placed on ground level - although digged down enough for the actual rails to be placed with the ground level. It's a somewhat odd solution, but it gives me the opportunity to have another type of train running on the ground, allowing me to have this local transport along with my ordinary railroad. For those interested; this solution is possible by lowering the tiles, (where to subway-on-ground is supposed to be placed), deep enough for the rail to be placed at the ground level. Continue by placing lots on the side that will automatically create a foundation when placed! The ones used in my city are custom-made by me, but there are others available on the LEX. Now, this causes road/rail connection issues you might think! Well, it

1; I initially used a tree-lot made by someone here at ST, (available at LEX), but I made a few of my own, borrowing the red-wood tree https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/images/smilies/3.gif>. These are great to hide silly foundations - apart from adding a realism of course. Simply search for Redwood Trees by FrankBirthday. There's anothet tree lot as well, but I couldn't find it. However, it's in the LEX somewhere! 2; As for the water fall, make a test. Lower the terrain until it's not possible to place the lot anymore without getting the terrain to steep message! I usually try to fool the lot by making the highest acceptable steep, then placing the lot and raising the terrain above it! There are actually several neat little tricks to quickly raise or lower tiles. One is using a single road, but there are others as well! It should be added that some custom-made lots are made with none or very little slope acceptance. This can be changed by opening the lot in the Lot Editor and change the Elevation Change to a higher value! I hope this helps! https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/images/smilies/1.gif>