I noticed the park menu was missing something rather ubiquitous to real cities. Community pools.
So, here is my attempt. How is it?
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi257.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fhh240%2FRadicalOne%2FSC4%2Fpool-day.png&hash=acb7dfb09b3a4f23584cc59e5c9678f8641d0c44)(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi257.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fhh240%2FRadicalOne%2FSC4%2Fpool-night.png&hash=b8cdd6ade98cffdf1376c398fb810b16ee9790a3)
It is not easily seen in this image, but the pool is complete with two ladders, a lifeguard chair, a diving board, and light fixtures. And I will be honest. The pool fixtures are modeled after those in RollerCoaster Tycoon 3.
good work but you have a "bizarre" wave effect &Thk/( seems to be too fuelish
I agree about the waves of the water, it looks kinda weird. Anyway that's a nice pool.
Is this better? I made a new water texture - inspired by the existing SC4 one - and made the seams in the tiles more obvious.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi257.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fhh240%2FRadicalOne%2FSC4%2Fpool-redo.png&hash=48c60877c4508ffbe7aa928f8378d5780137b1c5)
One thing:
How will I get this to dig a hole into the ground like a pool should, and like the NDEX GLR-Subway transition does? I do not want only the above-ground part visible, with grass going through the rest.
QuoteHow will I get this to dig a hole into the ground like a pool should
While the pool model is at ground level - the LOD has to be extend to about .3 meters above ground level. I found that the ground shows through the pool otherwise. Therefore the spring board has to be .4 meters or higher if it's a separate prop. The LOD should fit the sides fairly tight too if you have an irregular shaped pool.
The only pool I've done.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi148.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fs26%2Fjmyers2043%2FHotel02.jpg&hash=94de70ae37c709253aaefe080cdc406acf690889)
OK, I got it to work.
But yours beats the hell out of mine...how did you get the swimming Sims and the water-refraction pattern?
I adjusted the opacity of the water surface until it looked right to me. The bottom and walls of the pool are Caribbean Blueish.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi148.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fs26%2Fjmyers2043%2Fwater.jpg&hash=22b72d8cb13fc0441a4dc46685195164190f25fd)
I'll send you a PM ...
- Jim
Quote from: RadicalOne on November 14, 2010, 02:39:11 PM
I noticed the park menu was missing something rather ubiquitous to real cities. Community pools.
Great start. Just a note thought, SG has done a set of 5 community pools. (what hasn't he done really... :D) Was looking for a link but couldn't find it. Will update if I do.
Quote from: Diggis on November 15, 2010, 06:17:35 AM
Was looking for a link but couldn't find it. Will update if I do.
Actually, if you do a STEX search (http://www.simtropolis.com/stex/index.cfm?p=results) for "pool" you'll find them ;D
Quote from: WC_EEND on November 15, 2010, 07:15:58 AM
Actually, if you do a STEX search (http://www.simtropolis.com/stex/index.cfm?p=results) for "pool" you'll find them ;D
My computers don't like going there and slow up too much for me to even consider it. I checked on the LEX, but they may not have made it there yet.
Are these better?
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi257.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fhh240%2FRadicalOne%2FSC4%2Fpool-redo-again-day.png&hash=4ebdce2c50f6fbd2281847013f29b50cd8919956)(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi257.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fhh240%2FRadicalOne%2FSC4%2Fpool-redo-again-night.png&hash=1e19db93a2dec6c03287643a5b733882f8730b8d)
Interesting lesson in pools and textures here.
Though I must say this, even though it may not be my place to do so - is there a reason that for every idea or BAT you have, you need to open a separate thread for it? This forum has six different BAT thread idea posts from you, RadicalOne. It's fast becoming the RadicalOne BAT Project forum, and not the BAT Project forum... ;)
Quote from: madhatter106 on November 15, 2010, 01:40:08 PM
is there a reason that for every idea or BAT you have, you need to open a separate thread for it? This forum has six different BAT thread idea posts from you, RadicalOne. It's fast becoming the RadicalOne BAT Project forum, and not the BAT Project forum... ;)
Yes, two main ones, plus a couple minor ones.
1) Most of my BAT threads tend to die after a few days, with zero new hits and zero replies after about a week. None of my BATs would ever be seen if I posted to a dead thread. Indeed, this thread is lasting far longer than most of mine do.
2) The Grave-digging rule. I can - and have before - go(ne) months with no BATing. Which would mean re-posting - often double-posting - in threads months old, buried on page 12 or something like that, a clear violation of the gravedigging rule.
3) It keeps things organized; if it was all together I would have people commenting on one BAT while I was working on and thinking about the other, leading to a
lot of confusion.
4) Six topics? I am sure there are others with equally many.
Quote from: RadicalOne on November 15, 2010, 02:09:38 PM
Yes, two main ones, plus a couple minor ones.
1) Most of my BAT threads tend to die after a few days, with zero new hits and zero replies after about a week. None of my BATs would ever be seen if I posted to a dead thread. Indeed, this thread is lasting far longer than most of mine do.
2) The Grave-digging rule. I can - and have before - go(ne) months with no BATing. Which would mean re-posting - often double-posting - in threads months old, buried on page 12 or something like that, a clear violation of the gravedigging rule.
3) It keeps things organized; if it was all together I would have people commenting on one BAT while I was working on and thinking about the other, leading to a lot of confusion.
4) Six topics? I am sure there are others with equally many.
@1 you should update those then and revive them i'm doing the same thing works like a charm and alot of views. even if it starting to die again i just update it etc.
@2 alot of batters have that including me. for me i sometimes have a gap to make something for bat quickly so i really don't have this problem. but still like rule one just update it it shows up again people watch it comment it you happy people on sc4d happy because of the new things you created everyones happy!
@3 good that you worked organised but making multiple bat threads isn't the only option here. you see at my starting page i keep everything organised and i show exacly what im working on and some information in general. works pretty well! you should try it!
@4 well you do have alot of threats here :P
just to help you out if you wanna work on your way thats fine but i just want to help :thumbsup:
OK....
I suppose we can start now. This thread will be my new "main" thread. (Please leave the others intact, for reference.)
I will change the topic to "RadicalOne's BAT thread - Current Topic: Pool"
Anyways, how is the new pool?
Quote from: RadicalOne on November 15, 2010, 05:12:12 PM
OK....
I suppose we can start now. This thread will be my new "main" thread. (Please leave the others intact, for reference.)
I will change the topic to "RadicalOne's BAT thread - Current Topic: Pool"
Anyways, how is the new pool?
Would you like them all merged into one?
As for your pool, it seems a bit skinny. Double the width or shorten it. I'd suggest double the width.
There also isn't much room between the fence and the end of the pool. I'd suggest widening at least doubling the space at both ends.
The colour looks pretty good. And maybe add some people in it.
QuoteAnyways, how is the new pool?
I think you're the best to answer that question. I think that I'd do a quick render of the pool. Make it a prop ... put it on a bare bones park lot. Plop it in the game to get a sense of scale and color palette. Keep on going if your happy or make adjustments if you're not and before you get too far along.
- Jim
Quote from: Diggis on November 16, 2010, 03:12:06 AM
Would you like them all merged into one?
Can you do that and preserve the order and dating on the posts? I would love that. (https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi257.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fhh240%2FRadicalOne%2FAnnunakiSmileys%2FVector_Happy.png&hash=2917cc5f36ce2dce0cb34ac0f5d8e5e540b18810)
Quote from: Diggis on November 16, 2010, 03:12:06 AM
As for your pool, it seems a bit skinny. Double the width or shorten it. I'd suggest double the width.
I wanted to make it small - 1x2 tiles - so that I could fit it in little gaps in the zoning. I guess I will be making more than one pool. (More on that in a second)
Quote from: Diggis on November 16, 2010, 03:12:06 AM
There also isn't much room between the fence and the end of the pool. I'd suggest widening at least doubling the space at both ends.
Same reason as above - I am currently making an "expanded" version, and I guess I can make a larger-pool version as well.
Quote from: Diggis on November 16, 2010, 03:12:06 AM
The colour looks pretty good. And maybe add some people in it.
People are on their way. (https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi257.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fhh240%2FRadicalOne%2FAnnunakiSmileys%2FVector_Happy.png&hash=2917cc5f36ce2dce0cb34ac0f5d8e5e540b18810)
Quote from: jmyers2043 on November 16, 2010, 06:18:57 AM
I think you're the best to answer that question.
Actually, no. Because when I do release this and it is not up to others' standards, I will face extreme criticism of them, especially considering I post to that other fileexchange that is not to be mentioned.
Quote from: jmyers2043 on November 14, 2010, 08:10:20 PM
While the pool model is at ground level - the LOD has to be extend to about .3 meters above ground level. I found that the ground shows through the pool otherwise.
Can it go higher? I have that light which is approximately five meters tall.
OK, I made a version with a larger deck and more poolside accessories. How is it?
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi257.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fhh240%2FRadicalOne%2FSC4%2Fpool-w-acc-day.png&hash=ab3ef4633a39f5e2c1df7a05884803e24a494390)(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi257.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fhh240%2FRadicalOne%2FSC4%2Fpool-w-acc-night.png&hash=b8330997126092e6bd6399f22a64ab70398a253f)
Hey Rad
I like lounge chairs - nice shape! What's the black thing around the pool? The umbrellas or canopies over the tables look low - what's the height? Sometimes making things more narrow also gives it the illusion of height. Speaking of the covers - are you trying to mimic a metal canopy? You might have to drop the brightness to drop the shine if you're going for canvas. Another way to accomplish a non reflective surface would be to clone another circle above the cover, texture it with the same material but give it a 10% opacity. Position it a smidgen above the 'real' surface. That will cast a shadow and remove bright spots caused by the in game light rig. Adjust the opacity until you get the effect you want. At least, that's what I have to do in gmax.
- Jim
Quote from: jmyers2043 on November 17, 2010, 11:49:23 AM
What's the black thing around the pool?
An asphalt area, before the concrete. Asphalt should tolerate chlorinated water better than concrete would - any halogen will react with the concrete and weaken it - so I made a sort of "splash guard".
Quote from: jmyers2043 on November 17, 2010, 11:49:23 AM
The umbrellas or canopies over the tables look low - what's the height? Sometimes making things more narrow also gives it the illusion of height.
They might be a bit low, yes. I will raise them by another 60-100 centimeters.
Quote from: jmyers2043 on November 17, 2010, 11:49:23 AM
Speaking of the covers - are you trying to mimic a metal canopy? You might have to drop the brightness to drop the shine if you're going for canvas. Another way to accomplish a non reflective surface would be to clone another circle above the cover, texture it with the same material but give it a 10% opacity. Position it a smidgen above the 'real' surface. That will cast a shadow and remove bright spots caused by the in game light rig. Adjust the opacity until you get the effect you want. At least, that's what I have to do in gmax.
Yes, I am going for painted aluminum; it is far more durable than canvas.
The lounge chairs look very nice indeed. However I find the water too blueish.
Jmyers2043, are those sunshades and beach lounges yours and are they available for download? ::)
Quote from: io_bg on November 17, 2010, 12:10:32 PM
However I find the water too blueish.
It is the pool that is blue, actually. I did that so the whole thing looks really blue, because I find that beautiful.(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi257.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fhh240%2FRadicalOne%2FAnnunakiSmileys%2FVector_Happy.png&hash=2917cc5f36ce2dce0cb34ac0f5d8e5e540b18810)
Quote from: io_bg on November 17, 2010, 12:10:32 PM
Jmyers2043, are those sunshades and beach lounges yours and are they available for download? ::)
No, they are mine. And the chairs are just a little application of the Loft tool.(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi257.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fhh240%2FRadicalOne%2FAnnunakiSmileys%2FVector_Smiley.png%3Ft%3D1260054264&hash=8987390fce46d41a62a62f0fdf7fda5a66121449)
Sorry, I meant the ones on Jmyers' picture (http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s26/jmyers2043/Hotel02.jpg), I think they're his, aren't they?
Oh, those. Yes, they are probably his. As for downloadability, I have no idea.
Here is a version of the pool with a larger, well, pool. The rest of the deck is exactly the same, though I added a storage shed. And these umbrellas are canvas, a little change from the aluminum ones in the smaller pool.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi257.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fhh240%2FRadicalOne%2FSC4%2Fbigpool-day.png&hash=562a9f8ce010553b5bced922816583db61b77362)(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi257.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fhh240%2FRadicalOne%2FSC4%2Fbigpool-night.png&hash=1f85a2134f92b66e898d3fa3efa04e1f16c688d9)
dude this looks awesome! :thumbsup:
Nice work with the pools. You seem to have taken a big step forward with them. &apls
The shed seems a tad odd to me. I would think that this boring old shed would be hidden behind shrubbery or something, especially if this is a public pool. Who wants to look at a rusty old shed when they're wading around in the water? I also think the pool pumps and pipes enclosed in the fence would be less prominent, too. Tucked away in the corner, out of sight. Have you ever sat next to a pool pump? The people who are at the table next to the fence with the pumps would have to raise their voices at least to be heard...
And personally I hate the black around the pool, but that's a personal preference. And there's no lifeguard on duty here I see...a lifeguard chair, with pool rescue equipment hanging on the fence (round life preserver, one of those loops on a pole, etc.) might do the trick to sell this as more realistic...
Quote from: madhatter106 on November 18, 2010, 01:27:27 PM
The shed seems a tad odd to me. I would think that this boring old shed would be hidden behind shrubbery or something, especially if this is a public pool. Who wants to look at a rusty old shed when they're wading around in the water? I also think the pool pumps and pipes enclosed in the fence would be less prominent, too. Tucked away in the corner, out of sight.
Putting it behind hedges is a nice idea, yes.
Quote from: madhatter106 on November 18, 2010, 01:27:27 PM
And personally I hate the black around the pool, but that's a personal preference.
I do that, as I said, because the chlorine in the pool water will, over time, react with the concrete and destroy it - the chlorine ionizes in the water, and this will leach calcium hydroxide out of the aggregate and cement (and, if there is steel rebar in the concrete, corrode that as well). Asphalt is largely immune to that.
Quote from: madhatter106 on November 18, 2010, 01:27:27 PM
And there's no lifeguard on duty here I see...a lifeguard chair, with pool rescue equipment hanging on the fence (round life preserver, one of those loops on a pole, etc.) might do the trick to sell this as more realistic...
I do have lifeguard chairs - two of them - but I should definitely add some equipment. A couple of the toruses, one or two of those orange stick-things they hold, and a net or something.
But I do not have a model of an actual lifeguard, and do not have the skill to model a person.
QuoteThe shed seems a tad odd to me.
A shed :o I thought it was a bar. Serving delicious Piña colada's all day long. I like the new pool shape. You know what would be cool? Take the shape ... find a bubbling churning water texture and cluster the pool people in small groups. Presto! A giant hot tub. Dump the ashpalt and replace it with some of that red colored wood you see in those sauna advertisments ... whoo hooo! A SimCity first.
Quote from: jmyers2043 on November 18, 2010, 05:02:50 PM
A shed :o I thought it was a bar. Serving delicious Piña colada's all day long. I like the new pool shape. You know what would be cool? Take the shape ... find a bubbling churning water texture and cluster the pool people in small groups. Presto! A giant hot tub. Dump the ashpalt and replace it with some of that red colored wood you see in those sauna advertisments ... whoo hooo! A SimCity first.
Um...given that a hot-tub would kill me if I entered it, I have never seen one...and thus have no idea how to model one.
Quote from: RadicalOne on November 18, 2010, 05:10:42 PM
Um...given that a hot-tub would kill me if I entered it, I have never seen one...and thus have no idea how to model one.
I've never been in an adult-movie theater, but that didn't stop me from modeling four of them.
I'd suggest doing a Google search to see what jmyers2043 is recommending - I concur, it would be an interesting variation compared to what has already been done out there...
As for the lifeguard chairs, I completely overlooked them because they weren't tall enough - they need to be up on higher supports, to get them off the same level as the normal deck chairs. And asphalt or not, I still hate the black around the pool, and I suspect that when you upload this, you'll find there are a bunch who will agree with me....
Quote from: madhatter106 on November 18, 2010, 07:30:59 PM
I'd suggest doing a Google search to see what jmyers2043 is recommending - I concur, it would be an interesting variation compared to what has already been done out there...
I can make one of the hexagonal cells into such a mini-pool, I suppose. Or add a new one.
Quote from: madhatter106 on November 18, 2010, 07:30:59 PM
As for the lifeguard chairs, I completely overlooked them because they weren't tall enough - they need to be up on higher supports, to get them off the same level as the normal deck chairs.
They are almost four meters tall. Way too tall for real life as is.
Quote from: madhatter106 on November 18, 2010, 07:30:59 PM
And asphalt or not, I still hate the black around the pool, and I suspect that when you upload this, you'll find there are a bunch who will agree with me....
Quite frankly, a practical reason trumps an aesthetic one.
I also hate that "black patch" around the pool, btw how do you think that asphalt will be in the hot sun....ouch.....lol....no one will ever try to reach the pool again.
If you really want to use asphalt (I have never seen this though) I recommend you use a lighter phase with some texture in it.
The rest looks good. ;)
Fred
Quote from: mrbisonm on November 18, 2010, 08:54:36 PM
If you really want to use asphalt (I have never seen this though) I recommend you use a lighter phase with some texture in it.
OK, we can lighten it, sure.
PS
The reason you have never seen it is because it costs more and takes longer to do a dual-material deck, and the long-term benefits are always overlooked by contractors in favor of short-term profits.
I was lightening the asphalt and got an even better idea. I noticed how much it looks like that rubberized ground you see in splash pads and waterparks, so I decided to surround the pool with that. Much softer on the feet, and even more resistant to the water.
I also added a hot tub, and, as suggested, put the mechanicals behind a tree-hedge barrier.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi257.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fhh240%2FRadicalOne%2FSC4%2Fbigpool2-day.png&hash=47671d739126637030538b9e5b40d9b0cb9f5198)(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi257.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fhh240%2FRadicalOne%2FSC4%2Fbigpool2-night.png&hash=591cdd3918a40a0c14a39454b091cfc9c9f599d2)
The ground looks a lot better. ;) I like it. Also it is a good decision to have included the piping with the shed, kinda more logical and cleaner aspect. Could we see a picture in the size of view 5 please, that would give us more of an idea how it wouldd look ingame.
Fred
how did you make this transparant like render?
Quote from: mrbisonm on November 19, 2010, 09:57:55 AM
Could we see a picture in the size of view 5 please, that would give us more of an idea how it wouldd look ingame.
This is zoom five, just a larger image of it (equivalent to zoom six, the closest in the game).
Quote from: Buzzit on November 19, 2010, 10:03:36 AM
how did you make this transparant like render?
Texture transparency is easy, just use a semitransparent bitmap (well, png) or set the material's opacity to <100%. If you mean ingame transparency that lets surrounding objects visible through the BAT (like I did with Prism Tower Condos), there is a tool for that, "SC4 Model Tweaker". But I have no such transparency of that type in this BAT, and even if I did, the Model Tweaker would not affect these preview renders.
So, is the pool set ready for export? I want to move on to my "large school" project.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi257.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fhh240%2FRadicalOne%2FSC4%2Flargeelemschool-day.png&hash=b52ce282c0a425639b04567e7fdbb401173a9daf)(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi257.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fhh240%2FRadicalOne%2FSC4%2Flargeelemschool-night.png&hash=6e8bc931cf92c0f8c47415753cf06025ce755f6c)
You know, I'd rather see those pictures with the actual size of the BAT and not enlarged which makes them unclear and strange looking. The first swimming pool picture (with the beige coloured floor) looks ok and ready to uplaod, although I personally prefere a real texture and not a colour. You should know yourself if it is ready to upload, sometimes making sure that it is right and perfect can make a big difference.
That school above is starting to look nice, but again you shouldn't enlargen the picture that much, it just looks........ &Thk/( "mosh".
Fred
Quote from: mrbisonm on November 22, 2010, 07:33:41 PM
although I personally prefere a real texture and not a colour.
It is a texture. A concrete one.
You're using gmax right? Anyways, if possible, you should make the water texture more realistic because it's just a flat texture to me. &mmm However, I really like the model a lot! You should crop out the white background and have the model itself. From there, you can apply the model itself onto an in-game SC4 image. Remember, it has to be the same zoom as the SC4 image or it would look funky. &sly Hope to see more improvement aswell as your work! ;D
For example, I've used PS to get the model itself and placed it onto an ingame picture.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi681.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fvv174%2FIndexdude%2FExample1-1.jpg&hash=74ac859d3372cc1f79b0d268f981ec1611043a1a)
This was going to be a BAT for the NYBT. Then, I figured that it had problems, so I scraped it.
getting the right colour intensity makes all the difference ::)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi293.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fmm50%2Fbighead99999%2Fbigpool2-day.png&hash=bf53befe3cfa17dfeb95f6f12306083fc9223689)
Quote from: superhands on November 25, 2010, 09:43:08 PM
getting the right colour intensity makes all the difference ::)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi293.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fmm50%2Fbighead99999%2Fbigpool2-day.png&hash=bf53befe3cfa17dfeb95f6f12306083fc9223689)
Unfortunately, I look at that color scheme and think "eew". The colors themselves, their combination, and the irregularity of it are really aesthetically displeasing.