Welcome to my garage. Here, you will see some of my works in progress. Most of my work is automata conversion, where I take a detailed model and simplify it for use in SC4. Occassionally, I will create new vehicles that are not conversions. So without further delay, here's what I have in the garage right now:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg228.imageshack.us%2Fimg228%2F2111%2Ffirechieffinalized7sx.jpg&hash=847cb6a966e4d3ea48c575b968046485aae01db5)
The car has a custom headlight model as well. The logo on the hood is a separate image. The fire chief's car is done, but I can't seem to get the UDI mission script to work at all. I'm thinking of discarding the UDI script and just having it as an additional vehicle that is just simply driveable by the player. The current scripting routines for it are set to spawn 1 fire chief's car per fire station, Maxis or custom made ones. The UDI script is a separate file that I will probably discard, since many people don't use the UDI mode anyways.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo144%2FSwamper77%2FSC4%2520Stuff%2FRescueTruck2AutoFinal.jpg&hash=dec22a2d5c0a330db4501cf61b8c38eead42b37b)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo144%2FSwamper77%2FSC4%2520Stuff%2FRescueTruck2AutoFinal2.jpg&hash=2ad513db7ad8a9be1ca1d410b75d58b59f7b46c8)
This is my current project, a rescue truck. The vehicle modeling is complete and ready for exporting. The bumpers and the front fenders are 3D, meaning they actually have a shape to them and aren't just clever UV mappings. It still needs a hedlight model for nighttime driving and a model for the flashing lights/light bar.
The fun part will be creating the frames of the animation for the flashing lights. The lights on the rear box and the bumpers will flash slowly (pulse) while the light bar will have spinning lights. Once all the frames are created and exported, then I will compile them in the Reader and start the modding of the vehicle so it will be functional.
Now a few notes regarding the automata conversions:
1. I know the colors don't match Ripptide's prop models exactly. He creates them in 3DSMax and sends me the .3DS models, which I use in GMAX.
2. The models won't match Ripptide's exactly because I have to simplify the models for automata purposes.
3. A lot of detail is lost when models are converted to automata. To make the skins, I take several screen captures of the models Ripptide sends me and compile them in Photoshop CS/Corel Draw 12. The screen captures I take are 1024x768, but I only use parts of these large images. The compiled graphics are then UV Mapped to my simplified versions of Ripptide's models. The final skins are 128x128 or 256x256 images.
4. It can take up to a month or more to finish one vehicle. The process is very time consuming and I have school and other tasks to take care of.
5. This is not a request thread. All requests made in this thread will be ignored. I don't want to seem rude, but I have enough to do as it is, both in the real world, SC4, and in my personal life.
6. I will take questions about the vehicles and answer them the best I can.
7. Feel free to ask questions and make comments about my work. If you need to post pics to explain something that needs to be changed on my models, go ahead and do so.
-Swamper77 (Jan)
Hi Jan , nice to see you here opening this showcase :thumbsup:
I never played with automata skinning, and I have to say you need a special character to deal with it ;)
You just need to be patient and have an eye for detail. Having knowledge of UV mapping helps as well. I build all my automata models in GMAX and then export them via a particular process that I use.
After working for several hours today, I finally got the animation for the flashing lights done:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo144%2FSwamper77%2FSC4%2520Stuff%2FRescue2Lights.gif&hash=9f8bd444ac0b45e855c8c9ee34e144a27d31ca08)
The animation is faster ingame. There is a total of 24 frames running at 30 FPS in the game when the lights are triggered on the truck, in UDI or if it gets dispatched. It is ready for release, but I want to convert a few more models to automata first. I'd like to have a set for release. ;)
-Swamper77 (Jan)
Very good result. Thank you for making me realize that this a very time consuming art. It must also be very frustrating that details where you spent so much time on get lost in the transfer. Thus thanks for making them and showing them here :thumbsup: and ()flower()
Quote from: Swamper77 on January 12, 2007, 04:21:52 PM
You just need to be patient and have an eye for detail. Having knowledge of UV mapping helps as well. I build all my automata models in GMAX and then export them via a particular process that I use.
That is what I meant when I said "special character" ;)
I was wondering...how big can an automata model be ?¿. For me the biggers are ships. Is this OK?¡
Also, do you have some suggestion about how to create extra working planes ?¿. Fukuda told me he has been able to make some, but he was not very explicit when it came to explain how he did it $%Grinno$%
I mean working planes ;D
@Sebes: Just for reference, I did not make the base models that I do the automata conversions of. Ripptide made the detailed models in 3DSMax and sent me the .3DS files of his vehicle models. So the only modeling I have done is the creation of the automata models, not the actual detailed models that are in his prop pack of emergency vehicles.
When I start an automata conversion, I remove various extra objects such as mirrors, interiors, and small objects that won't be seen in the final model. I also lose details when I take several screenshots and compile them into a skin image, so I'm used to losing detail.
@Jeronij: There really isn't a size limit to automata. The UFO mother ship is huge, but it is also controlled via the game's Effects Directory. The largest automata I have seen is mainly the cargo and cruise ships.
Extra working planes are easy to make, but they won't appear parked at the airports or landing/taking off from the runways. Those planes are controlled by the game's Effects Directory, and I have no idea how to access that and make edits. The ones Fukuda has mentioned are probably just additional planes that fly around the city, the ones that don't actually touch the ground. These ones can be done and are just extra planes, just like the extra road vehicles I make. If Fukuda has figured out how to get into Effects Directory easily, I'd like to know too.
The batch of vehicles when released will likely be American styled vehicles. I'm still looking through my collection of 3DS models to see what I have.
-Jan
This looks really cool. :thumbsup:
I found another model in my collection of Ripptide's models to convert:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo144%2FSwamper77%2FSC4%2520Stuff%2FRescueUnit1Base.jpg&hash=5d64b829da38c4f23a6bed415ccdcc8203e70c01)
The base model that Ripptide sent me
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo144%2FSwamper77%2FSC4%2520Stuff%2FRescueUnit1Modified.jpg&hash=8dca9c446811d78646e209a3f488a1cae7630317)
After my cleanup of the model
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo144%2FSwamper77%2FSC4%2520Stuff%2FRescueUnit1AutoForm.jpg&hash=dca2c5af51aa28751271b45960efb10b22f979d5)
The form for the automata model
Currently, I am building the skin and getting ready to do the UV mapping onto the automata form. This one should be a bit quicker to finish because it is very similar to the other rescue unit, so I can borrow parts from the other rescue truck to speed up the process.
-Jan
Rescue Unit 1 is now done:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo144%2FSwamper77%2FSC4%2520Stuff%2FRescueUnit1.jpg&hash=86c3b4635815d64f86cbc2f0487b7453107b3b94)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo144%2FSwamper77%2FSC4%2520Stuff%2FRescueUnit1N.jpg&hash=56801db235b895e9a97769d4e69462fa74c4a96a)
I have also completed the flashing lights animated model for it, but I did not feel like compiling an animation for it. I'm also working on another fire unit, this new one is based off of a Dodge Ram pickup truck. I'll get pictures of it later....It's 2:45 am PST as I am writing this post. /wrrd%&
-Jan
Looking great Swamper ... :thumbsup:
I know this isn't a request topic, but have you ever thought of making an "animal rescue" vehicle? That is a civilian type we don't have yet in the game.
Wonderful cars you have designed there!
Quote from: Serkanner on January 23, 2007, 03:54:24 AM
Looking great Swamper ... :thumbsup:
I know this isn't a request topic, but have you ever thought of making an "animal rescue" vehicle? That is a civilian type we don't have yet in the game.
I'll think about it after I am done with the collection of American fire units. The only problem is that there currently isn't any animal shelter type building/lots for the game :(
-Jan
Quote from: Swamper77 on January 23, 2007, 04:28:43 PM
I'll think about it after I am done with the collection of American fire units. The only problem is that there currently isn't any animal shelter type building/lots for the game :(
-Jan
... will see if I can convince one of the great Batters around here to make a pet shelter for us ... and or have to build one myself, but that will take at least a year as I can not BAT even if my life depended on it.
awesome work you have done the detail is amazing
As promised, here are the pics of the small fire unit so far:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo144%2FSwamper77%2FSC4%2520Stuff%2FPickupBase.jpg&hash=565233a147b29b3baf5889d2e84b11510fbb9ff7)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo144%2FSwamper77%2FSC4%2520Stuff%2FPickupAuto1.jpg&hash=c0f85d1903b78c7fa890f47585925eb9d738244f)
These are before the exporting
Finished and ingame:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo144%2FSwamper77%2FSC4%2520Stuff%2FSmallFireUnit.jpg&hash=9f2fbf546a76a21ca15d5e0ce62586556709b005)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo144%2FSwamper77%2FSC4%2520Stuff%2FSmallFireUnitN.jpg&hash=8884a6d1da3c5e841145d627a707876252eb55ea)
The flashing light model is also done for this model.
While I was browsing my hard drive, I realized I never took any pictures of the Fire Chief's car I did awhile back. So here they are:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo144%2FSwamper77%2FSC4%2520Stuff%2FCars%2FFireChiefCar.jpg&hash=1187d3a46893b620cd4182b54ae5a7a79286afdd)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo144%2FSwamper77%2FSC4%2520Stuff%2FCars%2FFireChiefCarN.jpg&hash=0e9d668efcb9b26180fc2d3413bff1a2fee01207)
These will be released with the pack of American fire units that I am assembling. There are two units left for me to do, and then I will start packaging them, getting the readme together, etc. There will also be a replacement version of the small fire unit, for those that prefer to play in rural/mountain environments.
-Jan
Great stuff ... I will wait patiently ;)
Your creations are beautiful!!!!I want to ask you...Can you create french car police, fire, ambulance????Thank you very much!!! ;)
@Adept2Rock: I do have some European emergency vehicle models that Ripptide sent me awhile back. I'm considering doing them after I finish this collection of American emergency vehicles.
The vehicle I have been working on in my spare time is similar to one of the rescue units I did earlier:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg209.imageshack.us%2Fimg209%2F885%2Fpumper1automn3.jpg&hash=2497dc88705317957ddb3f004d6fba8fc468fd00)
This particular unit is a pumper truck with a lightbar in the front and rotating lights at the back. I need to finish checking the UV mapping and then compile the animation for the flashing lights. I don't have any development pics because I didn't take any. I borrowed the cab from a previous project and then worked from there with the detailed model that Ripptide gave me. It was a simple job for the modeling of the automata model, but the UV mapping was a bit of a nightmare.
Before I release the pack of American emergency vehicles, I need to go through my files and clean up the images for the skins. Many of them are blurred because I had to resize the images before I started UV mapping the automata models. It will be awhile before I can release these American emergency vehicles :(
-Jan
Ok, Do you want some pictures???I can find that! ;)
Thank you swamper! :)
Your US collection are very very beautiful!What a pity because i build French city, but if i build US cities i will in use! &hlp
PS:I hope you understand my English, because, it's not very good, i think! :D $%Grinno$%
Very good job Swamper !!! &apls
"Your English is not bad Adept2Rock ! lol"
@Adept2Rock: I have several European models in .3DS format from Ripptide of the BSC that I can work with. Let me get the base models together first.
@Adriano: Thanks for your support ;D
The time for release is drawing closer. I've updated the skins a bit and I have made the replacement mods from several of the units. Here are some updates:
Rural Fire Truck Updated:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo144%2FSwamper77%2FSC4%2520Stuff%2FPickupAuto2.jpg&hash=08953cd5e84c1ef4a627fb15a74713952359ddb6)
The rural fire unit now has two pairs of ladders stacked on the back.
The pumper truck is now finished:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo144%2FSwamper77%2FSC4%2520Stuff%2FPumper1Detailed.jpg&hash=0661766077fb530ef9c4b97d2a2c60f315f446c8)
Detailed model that I received from Ripptide
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo144%2FSwamper77%2FSC4%2520Stuff%2FPumper1Auto2.jpg&hash=cb528e56b62658411d5a7ed3f40ce0633c00f249)
Updated automata model as seen in GMAX
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo144%2FSwamper77%2FSC4%2520Stuff%2FPumperReady.jpg&hash=7437b15143a0c1f2e8d15dad83f05d437ae83347)
Ingame view
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo144%2FSwamper77%2FSC4%2520Stuff%2FPumperReadyBack.jpg&hash=1aa4c8d01fdc8d9b101dd6e0efb5977f75eecb9a)
Ingame view
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo144%2FSwamper77%2FSC4%2520Stuff%2FPumperRearDetail.jpg&hash=533638a3a5a02c1f5543b4b7fa979b047563f012)
Rear detail
Yes, there is a pair of rotating beacons on the back of the truck and the animated model for the flashing lights contains parts for them when the lights are active.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo144%2FSwamper77%2FSC4%2520Stuff%2FPumperLadderDetail.jpg&hash=4d3afeb431fc02b6ad7dd59b2eb225d400f90a37)
Detail of the ladders
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo144%2FSwamper77%2FSC4%2520Stuff%2FPumperPipeDetail.jpg&hash=297dde673d03770fc19803f44a8e36a25f6f25a1)
Detail of the pipes that are stacked on the truck
The Ladder Truck is also done:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo144%2FSwamper77%2FSC4%2520Stuff%2FLadderTruckDetailed.jpg&hash=2d99e28991b50193bd3a551a93289acb4483394b)
Model as received from Ripptide
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo144%2FSwamper77%2FSC4%2520Stuff%2FLadderTruckAuto.jpg&hash=9ad984454bc1ba1829af0f97cd6d7300481a377d)
Automata-ready model in GMAX, awaiting export
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo144%2FSwamper77%2FSC4%2520Stuff%2FLadderReady.jpg&hash=b5b7fafa13517b617355166e0db271dc08f4f037)
Ingame view
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo144%2FSwamper77%2FSC4%2520Stuff%2FLadderReady2.jpg&hash=64856c4ad653c03410d0fb80c6a6256af423ed7c)
Ingame view
I'm going to wait for a bit more feedback, and then I will turn them loose. Just as a reminder, here is the manifest of the contents of the download when I release it:
- Fire Chief's Car
- Rescue Units 1 and 2
- Ladder Truck*
- Pumper Unit 1*
- Rural Fire Truck (based on a Dodge Ram)*
The ones with an * will also be available as replacement units. The others are all additionals units.
The feedback I'm looking for is mainly on appearance, but I will take any comments/criticism that is sent my way.
-Jan
Wow Swamper, you just taken my breath away. Great work, what can I say. All out of words.
wonderful cars! :thumbsup:
Just to let everyone know, the American fire units have been uploaded to the BSC LEX that is part of this site. European units are likely to be next since I have a folder of them that I haven't touched, except for the Euro Fire Truck that I did earlier.
-Jan
Hello Swamper,
I always enjoy to come here and look to your automata models. They make remember my scale modelling times ::)
Your contributions to the game are the most excellent quality :thumbsup:
Ok no problem swamper!!!Your trucks are very incroyable!!!It's most beautiful!I like it!! ;)
Hi Jan ! I want to say you that I allowed to take your model " EuroFireTruck " to make a French firetruck. I hope that it does not hamper you ? I hope that you like it =>Here (http://www.toutsimcity.com/download/image_694.jpg) . Your work on automatas is really magnificent ! I love your models. Answer me please.
Quote from: Adriano57 on February 06, 2007, 02:57:46 PM
Hi Jan ! I want to say you that I allowed to take your model " EuroFireTruck " to make a French firetruck. I hope that it does not hamper you ? I hope that you like it =>Here (http://www.toutsimcity.com/download/image_694.jpg) . Your work on automatas is really magnificent ! I love your models. Answer me please.
Adriano,
I don't mind that you made a French version of my model. I welcome reskins of my models with the following terms:
- Ripptide is credited with the creation of the detailed models that he sent me
- I am credited with the creation of the automata models that are based on Ripptide's models
So you are welcome to make reskins of any of my automata models I create. As I told Adept2Rock, I'll be doing European emergency vehicles next. So if you want to make localized versions of those after they are released, you have the "green light" to do so.
-Jan
Thanks Swamper!!! ;)You are very kind!
Adriano: You're English, is very good! :D ;D It's true! ;)
Quote from: Swamper77 on February 06, 2007, 08:04:44 PM
So you are welcome to make reskins of any of my automata models I create. As I told Adept2Rock, I'll be doing European emergency vehicles next. So if you want to make localized versions of those after they are released, you have the "green light" to do so.
-Jan
Thank you very much Swamper.
Don't worry I always mention your name and Ripptide when I make a personalized vehicle. I looks forward to the European vehicles !
Adept2Rock : Do you joke ? lol
I've started working on the European Emergency Vehicles Set. Here's a preview with the detailed models that Ripptide sent me:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo144%2FSwamper77%2FSC4%2520Stuff%2FEuroSet.jpg&hash=8bc33b18fdde0c17fef010933c4845f2411afb5b)
The set will consist of a fire van, an ambulance van, and an European ladder truck. There is a model for a plain European fire truck, but I have already done it and released it as one of my first automata conversion releases ;)
The vans are plain at the moment because I want them to be as generic as possible. I would like to have some sort of marking for the ambulance van to indicate it is a medical unit. I would like to know which markings/symbols are used in Europe for ambulances/medical units. If you have any references, could you please post links or pics of the markings/symbols?
-Jan
If you want i can find pictures:
French Fire model
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi13.ebayimg.com%2F04%2Fi%2F05%2Fbe%2F82%2F4f_1_sbl.JPG&hash=a5615563a84ff66c9152d5c283fdc745ff377c13)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi4.ebayimg.com%2F01%2Fi%2F05%2Fbe%2F60%2Fdd_1_sbl.JPG&hash=3e30ee4821720b1b7993e0abd571f6d19c9ae122)
French Police car:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F81.80.126.140%2FLPIV3%2FClients%2FAuto54%2F100860.jpg&hash=f23b55f0590ae6e4fe811a797e5373b5963fa808)
Emergency:SAMU
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.samu28.fr%2Fspgm-1.4.2%2Fgal%2FUne%2520nouvelle%2520VRM%2F1.jpg&hash=b2c9c66817245550106b5f4788a1e5f3d914b375)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.samu28.fr%2Fspgm-1.4.2%2Fgal%2FUne%2520nouvelle%2520VRM%2F3.jpg&hash=ed0ee907ae1db7437617bd9e8e654f3fc36f2e86)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.samu28.fr%2Fimages%2Fambu-prive.gif&hash=947e726969dfd48fc6dc9b6bc5e2fc4c8e36e729)
Voilà! :thumbsup: ;)
The Mercedes truck is really magnificent ! Awesome work you have done the detail is amazing ! Great work, what can I say
Adriano,
The detailed models are not my work. They were created by Ripptide, a member of the BSC. He sent me his models so I could make automata out of them.
-Jan
the detail of your emergency vehicles is amazing. great work sir :thumbsup:
OK. The models of Ripptide are really beautiful. I would like that he made this van Mercedes but with different gyrohares.
It is a magnificent work all the same Swamper !
Swamper, you've always had awesome BAT's
!!!keep up the good work!!!!
CHARA
I took a break for a while and finally got the motivation to finish the European Emergency Vehicles set:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo144%2FSwamper77%2FSC4%2520Stuff%2FEuroSetReady.jpg&hash=5b8da7984ada345a1ba61ab61c87fc53a51ed69e)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo144%2FSwamper77%2FSC4%2520Stuff%2FEuroFireVanUDI.jpg&hash=f8fe5c522174c1fc5b84f979221b871ead63bded)
Proof that they are functional, even in UDI Mode.
The fire van will be a bit strange in the game. I had to define it as a fire truck so it could be dispatched. When at the scene of a fire, a group of firefighters and a hose will appear next to the van. This is the part that will be considered strange. There isn't much I can do about it since I can't define new classes of vehicles. I'd need to learn programming and EA would have to allow modifications to the EXE for that to work. The alternative is that I make the van an additional vehicle in the UDI Menu, but it won't be dispatchable if I do that.
I need to make replacement versions of the Euro Ladder Unit and the Ambulance Van for those that dislike the Maxis models of the fire truck and the ambulance. I also need to add a Red Cross symbol to indicate that the van is a medical unit. I don't intend to make different color/paint schemes. I will consider making another Developer Files set for people to make their own paint schemes.
Interesting Note:
I found out that the vans are modified versions of the Mercedes Sprinter van. The most noticeable difference is that the tail lights are in the rear bumper instead of the corners of the back end. I don't quite have the modeling skills to make put the tail lights in the corners of the back end. It shouldn't affect anything, but it will look a bit different than the Real World model.
-Jan
"I will consider making another Developer Files set for people to make their own paint schemes."
It is a brilliant idea, thank you very much !
Your contributions to the game are wonderfull ! I am very impatient to have it
Quote from: Serkanner on January 23, 2007, 03:54:24 AM
Looking great Swamper ... :thumbsup:
I know this isn't a request topic, but have you ever thought of making an "animal rescue" vehicle? That is a civilian type we don't have yet in the game.
Hey Jan just a thought for ya's to make the animal rescue vehical,
just reskin the Rural Fire Truck and make it white and changes the lights to yellow that would then look like a Animal Rescue Truck from Animal Planet Heroes Phoenix (http://animal.discovery.com/fansites/aplheroes/aplheroes.html)
btw that eruo ladder is just awsome lookin good keep up the hard work. - pat
@Pat: I'll see what I can do in that regard. Maxis doesn't have an image for the light cast by an amber lightbar, so I will have to see how they made their images for the spinning lights.
Just a small update on the vans that will be in the European Emergency Vehicles pack:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo144%2FSwamper77%2FSC4%2520Stuff%2FEuroVansUpdate.jpg&hash=3b9ea5262ec7bcfe73b4235049584259a1c39996)
I have added images to the sides of the vans. The side images are part of the main vehicle skin, so I didn't need any extra images. The windshield and headlights on the skins have been darkened by 50% to match the shading of the sides of the vehicles. The replacement version of the ambulance has been updated as well. I just need to gather up my files into a zip and then create the Developer file for these. I will also make one for the American Fire Units that I released recently.
-Jan
The day is here! ;D
I have uploaded the European Emergency Vehicles set to the LEX and it is a LEX Exclusive. There are 3 additional and 2 replacement units. The available replacements are the European Ambulance Van and the European Ladder Truck. These replacements will conflict with other mods that replace the default ambulance and fire truck, respectively.
I'm wrapping up my Development files and will be posting them in the near future. I also have a special upload that will go online when I upload the Development files. I created a side project while working on the vans ;)
I have also updated my American Fire Units file that is on the LEX. If you downloaded it previously, I suggest you download it again or use the "Shared" file from the European Emergency Vehicles file.
-Jan
These are great news :thumbsup: (specially for the euro players.... ;) )
I've been working on a different project off and on as I get time to do so. The models are a bit complex, like Ripptide's models that he sent me. Here's the result of several weeks of off and on work on an automata conversion:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo144%2FSwamper77%2FSC4%2520Stuff%2FNew%2520Freight%2FFirstVandys.jpg&hash=e49fa3955a93aea290671cd8855906a1713987ea)
Pegasus has given me permission to convert the trucks and trailers from his CDK3 prop pack into automata. These are the first two that I have done so far. The semi was a bit of a hassle due to how far back the trailer sits from the cab. I finally figured out how to deal with the modeling to make it work. As you can see, I have also lit all the marker lights on the bobtail truck and the flatbed trailer. These are the base models for what I am doing. There is one other cab model for the semis, but I have yet to figure out how to handle the modeling for the automata version of it.
-Jan
Nice work Swamper :thumbsup: I might have something for you, I'll PM you this weekend. ;)
Thanks Rayden. I'm glad to see someone enjoys the new content that I have been working on. Saturday will be the only day that I will be online this weekend. So that would be the best day to send the PM.
I'm out bowling on Friday night with friends at a Midnight Bowling event. I'm the designated driver since the bowling alley serves alcohol and a couple of my friends like to have such drinks once in a while. On Sunday, I'll be out LARPing as I do every Sunday.
I've been working all day on another semi cab from the collection of models that PEG sent me:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo144%2FSwamper77%2FSC4%2520Stuff%2FNew%2520Freight%2FTractorCabD.jpg&hash=f8f50f72af28f910fb62e98be306347f4f65481c)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo144%2FSwamper77%2FSC4%2520Stuff%2FNew%2520Freight%2FTractorCabN.jpg&hash=f4b932bc3ce1920f26c769372a7755dbb5535329)
I need to adjust the trailer's height a bit so it won't collide with the splash guards that are in front of it when the semi takes corners. I also need to readjust the cab and chassis models so the trailer isn't sitting so far back on this one. The COE cab has been fixed so the trailer isn't so far behind the cab.
I'll be starting on a box trailer model that PEG sent me soon. Once that model is done, I will make the various variations of the trucks and trailers using the models that PEG has sent me. There's several base vehicle models and at least 3 variations/colors of the base models.
-Jan
Just a minor update:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo144%2FSwamper77%2FSC4%2520Stuff%2FNew%2520Freight%2FVandyUpdates.jpg&hash=3e9fbbec49fea44898e365c14cc88da53c70467e)
The top picture shows the corrected trailer position with the COE semi cab and the bottom one shows the new box trailer I finished off tonight. All I have left to do is all the variants of the models that I have done. Shouldn't take me more than a few hours (...famous last words...)
-Jan
Great progress so far &apls
This will be a great addition to the game's traffic ;)
Quote from: Swamper77 on March 08, 2007, 07:59:29 PM
...I'm out bowling on Friday night with friends at a Midnight Bowling event. I'm the designated driver since the bowling alley serves alcohol and a couple of my friends like to have such drinks once in a while. On Sunday, I'll be out LARPing as I do every Sunday.
-Jan
Lol, that's exactly what I am most of the times when I hang out with my friends. I don't smoke or drink alcohol, so, I'm always the duty driver ;D :P well, I drink sometimes, but never when I have to drive.
About your work, that's a very nice model of a Peterbilt :thumbsup: [
linkie (http://www.peterbilt.com/index_alternate.asp)]
PS: You got
one two PMs ;D
if it wasn't for you swamper, the automata in the game would still be full of old 50's style vehicles with no characteristics what so ever. thank you so much :thumbsup:
Today, I finished off the entire set and got the trucks and trailers working ingame:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo144%2FSwamper77%2FSC4%2520Stuff%2FNew%2520Freight%2FVandyFullSet.jpg&hash=63518cfbcaf078c0d28e31a084e2040b755a2a6b)
Vehicle Manifest:
- Bobtail Trucks: Plain White and Vandy
- COE Semi Cabs: White, Orange, Green
- Tractor Semi Cabs: Green, Red, White
- Semi Trailers: Flatbed, White Semi Trailer, Vandy Semi Trailer, Grey Semi Trailer, PIE Semi Trailer, CF Semi Trailer
* "PIE" stands for "Pacific InterMountain Express" and "CF" stands "Consolidated Freightways". Both are Real World freight companies.
All the trucks and trailers have functioning lights which appear at night. The trucks are defined as additional freight vehicles and the trailers are assigned to these particular trucks. The new trailers will not appear attached to any of the Maxis semi cabs.
Once I get the okay from PEG, I will release these to the public via his site and the BSC LEX.
Replies:
@Jeronij: Thanks. I have gotten a bit bored/tired looking at the game's freight traffic, particularly in regards to semis. I have gotten some inspiration from a truck driving simulator/game that I play occasionally, so I may create some models from it for SC4. I can't retrieve the actual models, but I can create models that look like them or real world vehicles.
@Rayden: I got your PM's and the links to the PDFs. I have saved them to my hard drive to browse through later. Thanks for ID'ing the truck model as well.
About being the designated driver for my friends: I'm sort of forced to be the designated driver. Due to the anti-depressants that I am on, I'm not allowed to drink except for small sips just to have a taste of the drink(s).
@Cali: Thanks. I think Maxis could have done a better job on the creation/design of their vehicles. I guess that's what we have a modding community for ;).
-Jan
&apls &apls &apls
wow Jan what wonderful works these are and great job btw it is looking great i love them semi's - pat
Quote from: Swamper77 on March 09, 2007, 08:32:37 PM...
@Jeronij: Thanks. I have gotten a bit bored/tired looking at the game's freight traffic, particularly in regards to semis. I have gotten some inspiration from a truck driving simulator/game that I play occasionally, so I may create some models from it for SC4. I can't retrieve the actual models, but I can create models that look like them or real world vehicles.
@Rayden: I got your PM's and the links to the PDFs. I have saved them to my hard drive to browse through later. Thanks for ID'ing the truck model as well.
...
-Jan
Wouldn't be that game 18 wheels of steel? That's how I recognize that truck, I do play that game too ocasionally ;)
Quote from: Rayden on March 09, 2007, 11:57:49 PM
Wouldn't be that game 18 wheels of steel? That's how I recognize that truck, I do play that game too ocasionally ;)
Yes, that is the very one. I have 18 WoS: Pedal to the Metal and 18 WoS: Convoy on my computers. I play them when I get bored of SC4 from time to time.
-Jan
They're here!
I have uploaded the trucks to SC4D's BSC LEX. All 8 trucks and the 6 trailers are in one file for easy installation/removal. The new trucks will appear among the freight traffic on your roadways. The lights on all the trucks/trailers are operational at night, which should make for some neat night shots for CJ's ;)
-Jan
awesome &apls ...thank you
My secret side project is finally out:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo144%2FSwamper77%2FSC4%2520Stuff%2FCars%2FSprinterVans.jpg&hash=5f38e7f0298ba5b0434a959adfbd0bd6a82d466a)
In the process of making the skins for the Sprinter vans that are in the pack of Euro Emergency Vehicles that I uploaded to the BSC LEX, I created a plain van model. I modified that plain model a bit to have windows in the back doors and on the sides. So I have decided to release these passenger Sprinter vans to the public.
All 7 vans have icons for the MySim Car Catalog and will appear among the traffic in your cities when the DAT file that contains them is installed. The colors are: red, yellow, green, teal, pale blue, silver, and white. All the colors were selected from several searches across the net and with some help of Photoshop's eye dropper tool.
-Jan
really cool, i see those vans alot here in cali so i definitly can use those. great work as always &apls
Your new trucks...
I've downloaded them and installed. Already seen them in game and they look great. Any chance for a more skin variety? You know what I mean as you're also a 18 wheeler player. The one I use to love best was the Coca Cola one with SantaClaus and all the Xmas lights on it. But there was many others as well. If you need, I can get you some skins. I think I still have the link for one of the best 18 wheels of steel skins site.
Rayden,
If you can get me pics or links, I will see what I can do. Some semis were shipped with SG's drinks plants, but they aren't part of the normal freight traffic. Those only appear near the respective drinks plant.
-Jan
Quote from: Serkanner on January 23, 2007, 04:42:48 PM
... will see if I can convince one of the great Batters around here to make a pet shelter for us ... and or have to build one myself, but that will take at least a year as I can not BAT even if my life depended on it.
I'll see what I can do about the animal shelter - we are lacking one big time and the dogs are running wild in the city :D
For what ever reason recently, I had the idea to create a tow truck for the game. I don't know what prompted this, but the idea came to me while I was away from home and my computer systems. Here's what I have so far from 2 days worth of work:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo144%2FSwamper77%2FSC4%2520Stuff%2FTowTruck1.jpg&hash=2c65718cc04c0f991fb5043bffde5fa56b35edf9)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo144%2FSwamper77%2FSC4%2520Stuff%2FTowTruck2.jpg&hash=0b86a9980bf44487fd21712f8c9b166d405ba2c1)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo144%2FSwamper77%2FSC4%2520Stuff%2FTowTruckRunning.jpg&hash=fb1ac793ccafcb1a59ae8fe9ee8ce9486ece2a6b)
Yes, that is a car that has pulled over for the tow truck at the top right corner of the picture.
To allow the lightbar to function, I had to define the vehicle as an emergency vehicle in the scripting routines for it. It's the only way to make the lightbar work properly. So, it has no siren yet cars will pull over for it. I also created a new FSH image for the lightbar (it's supposed to be orange/yellow). The truck cab has been adapted from one of the Rescue Units that was released with the pack of North American emergency vehicles that is on the BSC LEX.
It is currently using the UDI sound bank of the City Bus for the diesel engine sound and other UDI sounds. It is available for UDI when you have a commercial zone in your city, and the icon is in the main UDI Menu for Land Vehicles. When buildings with a certain OG appear in the city, a tow truck will appear on the roadway nearby. So far, only Maxis buildings have this OG unless someone has added it to their lots during the modding process. The OG in question is 0x21001 (Building: Commerical Car, which is a Maxis OG that is used by the MySim System for messages about a car-related business near a MySim's house).
Just a small tweak after I created the above image: I changed the image for the active lightbar so it's more yellow:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo144%2FSwamper77%2FSC4%2520Stuff%2FTowTruckRunning2.jpg&hash=d9962096e3e843926b320c93e8883ab4aed019db)
The previous version of the light image was more red. I did three passes with the "Replace Color" function in Photoshop CS to get this version. It looks much better and matches the lightbar better.
PS: The perfect song to listen to while doing automata work: "Traffic" by DJ Tiesto :P
-Jan
Very , very nice swamper! :thumbsup:
Always wondered where the heck those tow trucks were!
Jan very very awsome, I bet now since you have done this tow truck some one will do a actual garage that would spawn this baby &apls :thumbsup: &apls :thumbsup: You are the truelly the automat god. I cant wait to get my hands on this truck - pat
@Glenni: I'm glad you like it. I will see about making an European version (narrower) next. This one takes up almost the entire lane on the game's roads. I have a Sprinter van and one of the Maxis freight trucks that I can borrow the cabs from for the European version.
@Pat: All someone needs to do is attach the Occupant Group 0x21001 to their building/lot and the truck will spawn when that building is present.
-Jan
Hmmm that one im gonna have to learn then...
I take it you would do that in SC4Tool but what catagory?
Pat,
I hardly use SC4Tool unless I'm trying to set up comparable stats for jobs/pollution/utility usage/etc. I do almost all my modding through iLive's Reader application.
-Jan
Jan Thank you i will try and learn Ilives reader then and see what i come up with when you release the tow truck
For Glenni and other European members of this site, I've started working on flatbed version with help from Andreas and Rayden. Here's what I have:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo144%2FSwamper77%2FSC4%2520Stuff%2FEuroTowTruck1.jpg&hash=ca25acb4c8a8636bc4c8026b89c8728370cfd374)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo144%2FSwamper77%2FSC4%2520Stuff%2FEuroTowTruck2.jpg&hash=d05321d7d610cfbf7e4ec2764b2d8ca8b32d0d52)
Rayden sent me a RAR file of three models for the same vehicle. Each model is a different variant of the same vehicle. The model is closely representative of this particular model, but with an extended cab:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.tima-anhaenger.de%2Fgfx%2Fabschlepp_sprinter416_001_klein.jpg&hash=9986a6b5e095058feb4fb56049de44aa734cc582)
The yellow body paint was suggested by Andreas via a message and some pictures he provided me with. In Germany, the trucks are painted yellow for visibility and because some are part of an auto club:
QuoteBut as I said, the most common "tow" truck looks like this (and it's usually bright yellow in Germany, both for safety reasons and because yellow is the color of the ADAC (automobile club)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.autohaushenneberger.de%2Fuploads%2Fimages%2F40BlnWa0BsggSgyvSOMfZQ%2FAbschleppwagen.JPG&hash=5aefd9353962e43599f3c72479434a4b0e556fe5)
-Jan
Nice work so far! Do you plan a customizable logo, like you did with the fire truck? Then I would be able to put "ADAC" onto the sides. :)
Bravo!!!It's good!!!!!ADAC is only in Germany ! ;) but i love the model!! :thumbsup:
really nice trucks! tons of details in these &apls &apls
Jan is that how the lighting hits that it looks as the one headlight is on or
is it a wig wag pattern?
@Andreas: I'll see about making a customizable image slot for the vehicle.
@Adept2Rock: I will see about making some generic colors for the European Flatbed when I go to release it
@Pat: It's just the way the lighting is in GMAX on that model. Both lights are the same color and brightness on the model. The GMAX lighting rig is just making them look different. When I make the skin, it will look better. Those two pics are only previews of the detailed model that I am using to make the automata model and the skin for the automata model.
-Jan
Ok!!!Do you have any projects??!!If you need ideas!I'm here!!! ;)
nice start Jan, looking forward for this one. :)
Jan thank you and im looking forward to your next update on this wonderful
project - pat
Yesterday, I finished up the basic automata model for the European Flatbed Tow Truck. At the moment, I'm thinking of releasing the UDI tow trucks with one condition: You must choose between the American model or the European model for the main model. At a later date, I may release other tow trucks which will require this first set of files to be installed.
There will also be a "shared" file for the UDI tow truck. This file will have the yellow light effect image, UI components, and LUA scripting routines for the tow trucks. It will also be required for all future releases as well, so I don't have to include the same files for each of the tow trucks.
Here's a screenshot from one of my cities:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg222.imageshack.us%2Fimg222%2F1748%2Feurotowtruckudifo6.th.jpg&hash=82f827888a10c4453fd0809a503d45b9d112a0fa) (http://img222.imageshack.us/img222/1748/eurotowtruckudifo6.jpg)
The Status Window to the right has a couple of custom text strings in it, and this entire interface will be used for all the tow trucks. I may change the bottom panel's dashboard to something more appropriate for a tow truck. It currently has the default dashboard that the regular traffic and MySim vehicles use. The lightbar is functional, but I didn't activate it before I took the screenshot with the "Print Screen" key. It is similar to the one used on the American model, but smaller in size to match the smaller truck.
There is only one downside to this UDI tow truck (American or European): You won't be able to tow other vehicles with it. I couldn't figure out how to make the vehicle tow other vehicles. It is beyond my capabilities to do so. However, I may make a variant of the European model with a wrecked car sitting on. I'll need to locate a suitable 3DS model for that first, before I even attempt to do that.
Next, I will be adding a panel to both sides of the cab so the company/group name of the firm that owns the tow truck can be customized. I will also assemble another "Developer Files" set so people can make their own skins with my raw images and a clearly written tutorial.
-Jan
Ok!!Nice work!!what's UDI??I don't understand this word!! ()sad()
Jan that is soo awsome! i wish i knew how to mess around with the devolper files. That would be cool to
see more trucks! just a thought though wouldnt it be the same as like in the coast guard boat towing?
or havent you messed around with that boat? Just a thought... Adept UDI stands for you drive it, if im not mistaken?
Yeah, or U drive it, as maxis called it, you probably have the french version of sim city 4 though, so it might be called something else.
That European truck looks lovely. :)
Thanks for your answers!I understand now!!! ;D
It's possible to create Peugeot (french mark) cars?
If you need help, i can found model! ;)
@Pat: I thought about that but it will look odd to see a rope shoot out from the truck, into the ground, before it connects to other vehicles. Plus, I'd have to edit every civilian vehicle to allow the tow truck to attach to them, which would be a daunting task and would cause duplicate icons for those vehicles that appear in menus. It doesn't seem like it would be worth the effort for just the effect of towing a car.
As for working with my "Developer Files" I have put out, all you need is a graphics editing program, FiSHMan.exe, and the Reader Program. These last two programs are found at ST in the Modds & Downloads Section. DarkMatter is the author of the FiSHMan program and iLive is the author of the Reader program. My tutorials that I have written for my "Developer Files" involve the use of these two programs only because I have been using them since 2003. Neither of them have an installer, so you will have to create a folder for each one and then copy the files to the folders you created.
-Jan
Jan OK i know I'm a pest but you gave me a thought again LoL... I understand cars
would have to be edited for the rope to attach to but what about one or two cars
that could be towed? OK i will check into Fishman and reader... Thank you Jan for
being very helpful and explaining to me. I do have to say that on the tow truck
the first truck you made would look good with the rope coming out of it, as that
would add a little realism? - pat
@Pat: I may see about it, but depending on the number of custom vehicles you have installed, it could be very hard to pick one of the traffic vehicles with the tow truck. For simplicity and ease of use, I probably won't pursue the idea of attaching the rope effect to the tow truck and making two modified vehicles to hook it to.
I have the basic operating files for the UDI Tow Trucks in place and functioning at this time. There is one core "Essentials" file for them to work and 2 tow truck files. Only one of these can be onboard the system at any time, but I do intend to release "packs" later to add more tow trucks to the group.
The core "Essentials" file and one of the tow truck files will have to stay onboard for the additionals to work properly. The two tow truck files have the models and icon image for the "default" tow truck (the word default is in quotes since there aren't any tow trucks with the game to start with). However, both will not be able to coexist in the system without conflict.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg440.imageshack.us%2Fimg440%2F9549%2Feurotowtruckudi2lu1.th.jpg&hash=2a7abc0e18075ac230e0677265488c0254e86034) (http://img440.imageshack.us/img440/9549/eurotowtruckudi2lu1.jpg)
The European Flatbed Tow Truck in action
I've rescaled the European Flatbed Tow Truck by 120% to make it fit in better with the existing automata in the game. It is now roughly the same size as the Maxis white industrial flatbed freight truck. The headlight and spinning light models have also been rescaled and adjusted to match the new truck model size.
-Jan
Very nice work!!! :thumbsup:
@Adept2Rock: Thanks.
As some of you may have noticed recently, I volunteered to convert a collection of train GMAX models from Kenworth of the SFBT to automata. I only have the engine files, and he will be sending me the rest of the cars I asked for soon. In the meantime, here's what I have for the engine I have been converting:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo144%2FSwamper77%2FSC4%2520Stuff%2FTrains%2FDB_BR143_Engine.jpg&hash=3aa52af0dce3e0e01fb7fb807e9711b0e90ff97d)
Automata model is in the foreground.
I have the main body, the steps on the ends, and the buffers done so far. The buffers and steps are 3D on the automata model. :P
-Jan
Looks great so far! Kenworth (and all other railway fans) will love this. :)
After working on this model for most of the day, I have the automata version finished:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo144%2FSwamper77%2FSC4%2520Stuff%2FTrains%2FDB_BR143_Engine2.jpg&hash=80f333f6c8e2e37497ec5fdc3de44384cf3866e3)
I've modified one of the two skin images that I received to accommodate the insulators on the roof. Each one is composed of 4 planes, to fake being 3D for this model and to keep the polygon count down. The pantographs are 2-sided objects so they won't be invisible when you see the backsides of them in the game. I also ran the wiring across the insulators on the roof as well, so almost all the details from the original on on the model.
I left off the handrails, the ladders at the ends, and the hoses that were on the ends of the engine. The were too hard to model and would be very hard to see in the game. I just need to create the headlight model for the engine, and then I can start importing and coding the vehicle into the game. Next week, I should get the rest of the models for this train from Kenworth and then I will start in on those. When all the models have been converted, I will release the set as a replacement and an additional train set. As an additional set, the engine and cars will mix in with the others in the game, like when you add custom freight train cars/engines to the game.
-Jan
Jan,
This is looking great so far! &apls
Could you also make a freight version that both replaces and mixes with existed freight locomotives, if it isn't too much work?
Cheers,
Kevin
excellent !! It must be hard to applied the texture ?
@BigSlark: This is a passenger train I am working, but I don't see why the engine couldn't be used for freight as well.
@Antoine: It's not all that hard for me to apply the textures and UV map them to the model. I have it down to almost an artform.
I finally got Kenworth's BR143 engine into the game:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo144%2FSwamper77%2FSC4%2520Stuff%2FTrains%2FDB_BR143_Engine3.jpg&hash=44936994247ed465e609120a994657151ddf0381)
Replacing the default passenger engine (running with minimal plugins installed)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo144%2FSwamper77%2FSC4%2520Stuff%2FTrains%2FDB_BR143_Engine4.jpg&hash=104ecb924b48f756b977f16dc915fd5fb37e326a)
Running at night, with front and back lights (Started UDI but didn't move the train)
Later this week, I will be working on getting Kenworth's passenger cars converted and into the game. I'm patiently waiting for the GMAX models and textures. ;D
In the meantime, I'll also be wrapping up my base tow truck files and getting them ready for release. Once the base files are out, then I will see about making additional tow trucks. I don't intend to add any functionality at this point for towing cars with them, since that is beyond my capabilities at this point. I may create additional units with cars as part of the model(s), particularly for the flatbed types.
-Jan
WOW! That's great! :o Nice work Swamper77! I love this!
The GMAX-Data are work in process. Should I make the metal on front ((https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ld-host.de%2Fupload%2F1183303184front.jpg&hash=a6f2fb93ecd915ce2eee665be39285d0d40fa5ff)) darker?
Later I can build a german fright locomotive: BR155 (EX-DR 250) (http://www.bahnbilder.de/bilder/116263.jpg) or BR 232(234; EX-DR123) (http://www.bahnbilder.de/bilder/116016.jpg) or others?
mfg,
Kenny
Ken,
I'll darken it on my end. I used the skin images that you provided (from Trainz?) for the skin of the automata model. I will try using one of the darker sections of the skins for the steps on the ends of the engine. I used a white panel of the skin for the steps, trying to match the GMAX model as close as I could.
When you get around to making the freight engines, I'd be happy to convert them to automata for you.
-Jan
Quote from: Swamper77 on July 01, 2007, 08:42:03 AM
Ken,
I'll darken it on my end. I used the skin images that you provided (from Trainz?) for the skin of the automata model.
Okay ;)
No, i used the images from the Microsoft Train Simulator (ProTrain 7 Frankfurt - Nuernberg).
Quote
When you get around to making the freight engines, I'd be happy to convert them to automata for you.
-Jan
That's make me happy! :) Thank you very much ;)
mfg,
Kenny
So, the GMAX-Data are in my folder Kenworth of the SFBT TestCenter (RegionalExpress.zip). ;)
Ehm, I have a wish: Can the second current collectors up in forward direction?:)
What I mean:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ld-host.de%2Fupload%2Fthumb_1183326598wish.jpg&hash=cb7c88f5f09314f7344c870aeaf7c09cd64bb705) (http://www.ld-host.de/upload/1183326598wish.jpg)
mfg,
Kenny
Thanks for uploading the files Ken. I will pick them up shortly after this posting.
I will fix the pantographs so the rear one is up instead. I had a little trouble trying to determine which end was which when I was making the automata model. I will most certainly fix that issue ;)
EDIT: I have fixed the orientation of the BR143 engine model. I had it completely backwards when I exported it from GMAX with my custom script. I also darkened the panel that I used of the skin for the steps by 75%, and it appears to look much better:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo144%2FSwamper77%2FSC4%2520Stuff%2FTrains%2FDB_BR143_Engine5.jpg&hash=4ef1f96a808db51209072c0a9f1dc27b74aea718)
-Jan
WoW, nice work Swamper... !!! &apls
I love the BR143 :) *happy*
Very nice Swamper!!! :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
After a few hours today, I have successfully converted the First Class car for the Regional Runner set that Kenworth sent me as GMAX files. Here's what I have to show:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo144%2FSwamper77%2FSC4%2520Stuff%2FTrains%2FRegionalRunnerClass1Auto.jpg&hash=fd50afb30fdb96b47fe8e008dbdc0ea591d4273c)
The automata model, fully skinned and awaiting export
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo144%2FSwamper77%2FSC4%2520Stuff%2FTrains%2FDB_BR143_Engine6.jpg&hash=e0d4c874d55949120e07bde754506a1e472a7b39)
The First Class car with the BR143 engine pulling it
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo144%2FSwamper77%2FSC4%2520Stuff%2FTrains%2FRegionalRunnerClass1.jpg&hash=9015b41ee02173363c7280927e519bce248c3502)
Train leaving the station with only First Class cars
Due to the length of the cars (and the yet to be shown new engine) for the Regional Runner set, I recommend that you use the Rail Curve Puzzle Piece from the NAM for making your curves and make your slopes as gradual as possible. The game won't care about the cars "passing through" the terrain, but it looks odd when that happens.
The cars are just over 26.5 meters in length. The unrevealed new engine is somewhat shorter, but it will still look better with gradual curves and slopes when it is traveling. Care will have to be exercised when passing one of these Regional Runners with another in UDI due to the lengths of the cars/engine and the turning radius that is "required" for their movements.
Sadly, I can't implement the variation of the new engine that I have from Kenworth. It's a control car that goes at the end of the train, but the game does not allow cabooses for the passenger trains. Only the freight trains are allowed to have that special class of train car. So I will be shipping the First Class Car, the Second Class Car, the new engine that I haven't shown yet, and the BR143 engine (which I have shown) when I am done with the Regional Runner set.
The First Class car replaces the default Maxis passenger train car. The Second Class car will be an additional passenger train car that will be mixed into the line of cars.
I will most likely set the BR143 as an additional passenger engine for the release because its shape doesn't match the cars of the Regional Runner train. I will also clean up the graphics for the symbols and the texts that are on the cars/engines since they are currently blurred and unreadable, even at the closest zoom level.
-Jan
That's looking really, really good Jan. Thanks again for adding new automata to the game and I'm looking forward to the release.
Cheers,
Kevin
He looks good!!!! :thumbsup: &apls I love it!
Very nice models.... very.... brittish ?¿.... ;)
good work as usual :thumbsup:
Quote from: jeronij on July 04, 2007, 08:22:33 AM
Very nice models.... very.... brittish ?¿.... ;)
good work as usual :thumbsup:
not really the class 143 was the last electric engine from the DR - the railway company of the ex DDR ... ;)
You can see it everywhere in Germany pulling freight and local trains (the latter unless they don't use the faster and newer class 146)
Looks great, Swamper!
I'd like to throw out the idea of a yellow livery too, if you ever don't have anything else to do... ;) I've always wanted to use Oppie's yellow double-decker Dutch trains but they produce a weird graphics glitch for me when they go around curves...
Quote from: Nardo69 on July 04, 2007, 08:26:22 AM
not really the class 143 was the last electric engine from the DR - the railway company of the ex DDR ... ;)
You can see it everywhere in Germany pulling freight and local trains (the latter unless they don't use the faster and newer class 146)
I see... I guess I suposed that because of the red colour and the two decks.... ::) ;D
Swamper, it's fantastic :) I am blown.
Quote from: Nardo69 on July 04, 2007, 08:26:22 AM
You can see it everywhere in Germany pulling freight and local trains (the latter unless they don't use the faster and newer class 146)
Ehm, the BR143 (EX-DR234) was a freight locomitive, but the locomitve is only for local trains (RE, RB, ...) today (since 1993/94...).
More information about BR143:
www.br143.de
Thanks for the information on the BR143 engine, everyone. I will set it up to replace the default freight engine when the Regional Runner set goes out. In the meantime, it will be my passenger train engine until I make the automata form of 146 engine and get it into the game.
The Regional Runner train set's contents will be all in one DAT file since all the units are sharing certain graphics for the details. The set will replace the default passenger train engine and the default passenger car, add an additional passenger car, and replace the default freight train engine.
I was recently toying with an idea, and it might work for those that want a second engine for their freight trains. I created a caboose that uses the default freight train model and headlights. So, the game will randomly choose between the default caboose and this new one I created.
If the default caboose looks out of place to those of you that are familiar with this train set I am working on, I can replace it with the BR143 engine model so it will show the BR143 model instead of the Maxis caboose for the freight trains. I will ship it that way when the Regional Runner set goes out if there is enough interest.
-Jan
Very nice swamper, i won't use it though, heh my cj/md is based off Norway so i use mjig's NSB trains.
I can build a DR 243 (http://images.banal.net/msts/catalog/images/250x400/DE/DE_DR_243_243-3.jpg) for a freight train? It would only to run few hours.
Later I would build BR232 and BR154 as freight train.
The bilevel car looks fantastic, Jan, great work! :) However, could you make the second class car the default one, and the first class car as addition? Usually, regional trains here in Germany only have one first class car, and several second class cars. Of course I know that you can't really control how the cars appear in the game, but it looks a tad odd to see so many first class cars attached to the BR143 engine. ;)
Quote from: Andreas on July 04, 2007, 05:43:18 PM
The bilevel car looks fantastic, Jan, great work! :) However, could you make the second class car the default one, and the first class car as addition? Usually, regional trains here in Germany only have one first class car, and several second class cars. Of course I know that you can't really control how the cars appear in the game, but it looks a tad odd to see so many first class cars attached to the BR143 engine. ;)
Would be best to have a choice - either one by itself or both together. Not everyone will be going for a realistic re-creation of German trains and may prefer all double-decker. Others will prefer all second class. Others will want to mix...
Okay, I will rearrange the cars and separate the First Class car and put it in its own file then.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo144%2FSwamper77%2FSC4%2520Stuff%2FTrains%2FRegionalRunnerComplete.jpg&hash=1aea50afa7e4d2088ab67e551833c6336d057cc3)
First picture of the new BR146 engine with a Second Class car and a First Class car.
The BR146 engine has a complete set of 3 headlight beams for it's headlight model for nighttime running. The side windows of the cars and the engine have no lighting at night yet. I haven't decided on how I want to do that yet or if anyone wants the windows lit at night. The BR143 engine has been reassigned as a freight train engine instead of a passenger train engine.
Error with the long Regional Runner cars
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo144%2FSwamper77%2FSC4%2520Stuff%2FTrains%2FRegionalRunnerError.jpg&hash=cde398f7273a77e73f30518f489f080cd50d2462)
It seems the game doesn't like the long cars for the train. The last car behaves oddly on both default and NAM tracks. It's likely an EXE problem, because I saw it happen with just the commuter trains. I really don't want to shorten the cars because I want to keep them true to the models that Kenworth sent me. &mmm
-Jan
Jan,
These cars look great. Its a shame about the EXE problem, I assume its something that can't be fixed unless the EXE goes open source?
Cheers,
Kevin
The only fix I can do right now is shorten the cars.
-Jan
awesome progress!! it's cool to see we can use kenworths lots now as automata in the future!!
great work, it will look good in my German CJ :thumbsup:
Quote from: snorrelli on July 04, 2007, 06:18:03 PM
Would be best to have a choice - either one by itself or both together. Not everyone will be going for a realistic re-creation of German trains and may prefer all double-decker. Others will prefer all second class. Others will want to mix...
Actually, the second class cars are double-deckers as well. ;) The only difference on the outside is the yellow line that indicates the first class part. Second class cars have a white bar.
I built a DR 243 for a freight version:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ld-host.de%2Fupload%2F1183650980dr243_01.bmp&hash=b7da7cf66fa7c26d1b2309a4a3401f9ed2dd7d0a)(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ld-host.de%2Fupload%2F1183650980dr243_02.bmp&hash=696ed92965ec1c4b64298a5b2e00adbe29abdf9b)
The GMAX DATA are in my folder (DR 243.zip)
Quote from: Swamper77 on July 04, 2007, 08:51:02 PM
Error with the long Regional Runner cars
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo144%2FSwamper77%2FSC4%2520Stuff%2FTrains%2FRegionalRunnerError.jpg&hash=cde398f7273a77e73f30518f489f080cd50d2462)
It seems the game doesn't like the long cars for the train. The last car behaves oddly on both default and NAM tracks. It's likely an EXE problem, because I saw it happen with just the commuter trains. I really don't want to shorten the cars because I want to keep them true to the models that Kenworth sent me. &mmm
This is the exact problem that happens to me with Oppie's Dutch trains (and all other skins based on them). I thought it might be due to the length of the cars...
@Kenworth: I'll download the files when I have a moment to do so. I'm sorry I didn't see your message earlier &ops
SUCCESS! No more "twisting" cars ;D
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo144%2FSwamper77%2FSC4%2520Stuff%2FTrains%2FRegionalRunnerErrorFixed.jpg&hash=f46289d30fc28584185f705ae3d8b0f0a2603460)
I have fixed the problem with the "twisting" cars. The length of the cars was indeed the problem. I exported a "test box" from GMAX so I would have .3DS model to test with and adjust as needed. While tweaking and testing with my box, I determined that the maximum length for any train car is 24 meters. This includes any couplers, buffers, etc. that are on the end of the train cars. However, the textures are a bit squashed from left to right on the sides of the cars because of the reduction in length of the cars.
The Regional Runner cars have been shortened from 27.33 meters to 24 meters. The BR146 Engine that complements the set has been untouched and is not causing any problems with the train set. The error occurred based on the length of the cars themselves, not the engine length or the length of the entire train. I had the "twisting" error occur on trains as short as 4 units (1 engine + 3 cars), so the engine was not a factor, just the cars.
PS: Excuse the dust in the picture. I hit a track checker with the engine while going around a curve. :D
@Snorrelli: I'm willing to make a fix for you and others that use that set if you can tell me where you got it from. The textures will be a bit squashed from left to right, but it will solve the problem.
-Jan
Quote from: snorrelli on July 05, 2007, 09:11:57 AM
This is the exact problem that happens to me with Oppie's Dutch trains (and all other skins based on them). I thought it might be due to the length of the cars...
Will that be Oppie's Dutch Regiorunner Train Set (http://www.simcitycentral.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=147) ?
EDIT: Well its probably this one: Oppie's UDI Dutch Trainset (http://www.simphoni.net/forums/index.php?showtopic=11046)
It's great to hear that you fixed the "twisting" cars, Jan! If the texture is squashed now, would it be feasible to leave out one of the windows? Or are they much wider than 3 meters?
LoL Jan you are not supposed to hit anything.... Great job and fixxing that little problem...
Thanks, Swamper. Your kindness and generosity in helping out with whatever problems people have never ceases to amaze me...
I have observed the problem with the RegioRunner (http://www.simcitycentral.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=147) and the Koploper (http://www.simcitycentral.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=146). Seems like there used to be a third Dutch train set over there... ()what() The link Vester provided to the UDI Dutch train set has the right picture but the DL is a train station...
It also occurs with the German standard train set (http://www.simcitycentral.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=143) and any re-skins that use the same model, such as the Spanish RegioRunner (http://www.simtropolis.com/stex/index.cfm?id=13543) by fukuda...
@Vester and Snorrelli: Thanks for the links. I will check them out and make the fixes for the public.
@Andreas: The "squashing" of the textures is hardly noticeable. The textures weren't "compressed" much when I shortened the lengths of the cars. The cars lost 1.662 meters from each end, or a total of 3.324 meters for each car. Due to the views and zoom levels in SC4, you will hardly notice that I did that. Or you would not have known I did it, if I hadn't said anything. ;)
@Pat: A little hard not to with the length of the B146 engine. It's longer than the Maxis model that is used for the passenger train engine.
-Jan
....Ignoring the double post rule.... :P
I took a look at the DR243 model that Kenworth uploaded for me to look at. It is very similar to the BR143 model I had done previously. So here is the DR243 running loose in the game:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo144%2FSwamper77%2FSC4%2520Stuff%2FTrains%2FDR243EngineRunning.jpg&hash=b4043e176231fe89c14e9990f2551f525378cda1)
The DR243 with some custom train cars following it
All I had to do to the BR143 automata model I have is add 4 new panels to it, 2 for the DR logo and 2 for the number boards that are on the front/back. I edited the image for the skin slightly to accommodate the insulator graphic as well. Some of the UV coordinates have been moved around as well, to accommodate the new skin. The DR243 will replace the default Freight Train Engine model, and will replace the headlight model for it as well.
To those of you that may have seen my message about MilkShape3D earlier, forget about it. I installed the older version I have in a zip (Version 1.7.6) and my dad found my registration key in an email that was stored away. So I'm back in business with a registered copy of MilkShape3D ;D
-Jan
oh so cool ;D coco cola trains :)
niiiiiiiice very nice Jan... great job there...
Hi Jan!
I just translated your last two pictured posts to Kenny over MSN. We are both really enthusiastic ()stsfd() about you progress and great work!
:thumbsup: &apls &apls
We just recognized one last detail to change: Could you turn the pantographs around? IRL they open to the other direction.
Can't wait to see that baby in Urland!!!!
Bernhard :thumbsup:
Bernhard,
Let me guess, I put the model in backwards again! :(
Which end is the front, the one with the raised pantograph or the one with the lowered pantograph?
And thanks for doing the translations over there, because I can't read a word of it and any translator tool I use just dumps gibberish &mmm
-Jan
no "thank you" needed - I want the 143/243 myself, too, and as a "thank you" Kenworth promised me to BAT my favourite switching engine ... ;D
as for the pantograph I think the best explanation is a RL photo of the 143:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg126.imageshack.us%2Fimg126%2F2016%2F143op7.jpg&hash=5541c7b0edc645f8105897fe1552c8cec08d43b3)
If the 143 pulls a train the behind pantograph will be up to the electric line.
Note that the red lights show the end of the train - this train will be pushed out of Stuttgart Hbf to Würzburg.
The 143 / 243 are the same machines - just the class number and the usage is different - 243 freight trains (during GDR times and until middle of the 90es after the unification of Germany and in the last years as 143 a local train machine.
Hope I could help you. If necessary feel fre to pm me
Bernhard :thumbsup:
@Bernhard: Thanks for the photo. I will rotate the model 180 degrees so the pantographs are in the proper positions.
I have both the BR143 and the DR243 (the recent one) in my file system. Here's how I plan to do things:
- The BR143 will be both a replacement for the default passenger train engine and an additional engine. It will be separate from the Regional Runner files.
- The DR243 will be setup similarly, but for the freight trains instead.
- The Regional Runner will be it's own set that will replace the default passenger trains, both the engine and the cars. It will be a take it or leave it type of mod: Either you want the Regional Runner engine and cars, or you don't. I'm not going to separate the the two classes of cars from it either. The game will assemble the trains by randomly selecting between the First and Second Class cars for each car of the train.
The Regional Runner set and the BR143/DR243 automata mod files will be released separately when I am done with them.
-Jan
Hi Jan!
It is very nice! I love this! Nice work! Thank you!
I built the DOSTOS (the wagons) in original sizes (circa 26m), but i don't know the problem with the length.
Second example for the right position for the pantpgraph:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ld-host.de%2Fupload%2Fthumb_1184097590DSC00772.JPG&hash=15b79cdfc2d97cb6625e194c05f5b7780b3977b1) (http://www.ld-host.de/upload/1184097590DSC00772.JPG)
Sry for the bad quality, but the photo was take by my mobilphone camera. (Leipzig HBF, SB Miltitz-Leipzig)
EDIT: Swamper was faster...
mfg,
Kenny
@Kenworth and others:
I have fixed the DR243 freight train engine. The raised pantograph is now at the rear of the engine, instead of the front:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo144%2FSwamper77%2FSC4%2520Stuff%2FTrains%2FDR243EngineFlipped1.jpg&hash=9c14d4d0c56f40319f23c6b26b2e457c093e0f97)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo144%2FSwamper77%2FSC4%2520Stuff%2FTrains%2FDR243EngineFlipped2.jpg&hash=d084f05f82604e184db5d43ab4141a25a22bbf29)
Sometimes the engine is a slight bit away from the cars, and at other times is directly touching them &mmm
Release Outline:
Here's how I plan to do the release of these trains that I have been working on:
- The Regional Runner Train Set will be a standalone mod that replaces the default passenger train engine and passenger train car. It will also provide an additional passenger train car that complements the set. The Regional Runner manifest is as follows:
- BR146 Engine
- First Class Passenger Train Car
- Second Class Passenger Train Car
- The BR143 will be put into its own file and will be an additional passenger train engine. I may make a replacement mod for those that do not want the Regional Runner Train Set, but do want the BR143 to replace the default passenger train engine. ;)
- The DR243 will be in another additional file and will replace the default freight train engine.
Unless there is any major changes to be made, I will start wrapping this all up and preparing Readmes and ZIP files for release. ;D
-Jan
As for me you can start wrapping it up! &apls :thumbsup:
Bernhard :thumbsup:
well Swamper, that is looking real good! looking forward to download it! &apls :thumbsup:
Thanks Bernhard and Meastro. I'm just waiting for Kenworth to give me the "green light" for releasing these. After all, he was the designer of the models ;)
-Jan
Quote from: Swamper77 on July 14, 2007, 05:44:38 PM
Thanks Bernhard and Meastro. I'm just waiting for Kenworth to give me the "green light" for releasing these. After all, he was the designer of the models ;)
-Jan
You have the "green light"! ;)
Your work are greate! Thank you very much for your work and help!
greetings from saxony!
Kenworth
Thank you, Kenworth! :thumbsup:
The Regional Runner Train Set is now live on the BSC LEX: Regional Runner Train Set (http://sc4devotion.com/csxlex/lex_filedesc.php?lotGET=970)
Full credits to you for making the GMAX models and providing them to me for this project. I enjoyed working on this project with you. If you ever need any models of vehicles converted to automata in the future, you know who you can ask ;)
The upload manifest contains the following:
- The Regional Runner Train Set with First and Second Class cars
- A BR143 passenger train engine, both as an additional and a replacement
- A DR243 freight train engine, both as an additional and a replacement
There is a total of 5 files, plus a complete Readme file. Unfortunately, it's in English since I don't understand German.
@Andreas and Bernhard: If you are reading this, you have full permission from me to translate the readme and upload it at SimCityPlaza's exchange.
-Jan
Nice work Jan, I'm downloading it right now. Now we a need a replace for the ugly steam engine ;) $%Grinno$%
:'(
Noooo, not the steam engine! &mmm
Lol, well either that or make a better looking one. :D
I'll see about dealing with that ancient thing. I can either override the model or I can remove it from service unless a script file specifically calls for it.
-Jan
@Jan: That's great news! I've just downloaded the file and will have a look later today. I'm happy to see another fruitful BSC/SFBT co-production producing fruit finally. :) There's more railway stuff under development at the moment, so I'll release a German version of the trains along with this set.
And although I don't have anything against steam engines in general, I always thought it looks out of place in a modern city. So a mod that suppresses it would be appreciated (so far, I edited the "transportation addon" and deleted the related files from it, but that's probably a rather crude method. ;)
Andreas,
That steam engine you deleted only worked with SC4 Vanilla anyways :D I have a suppression mod I've been testing to hide the steam engine that is present in SC4: RH. The mod removes the freight train OG from the steam engine and removes the UDI button for it.
The only lot that ever produces a steam engine that I know of right now is Version 2 of Newman Inc Coal Mine that Deadwoods released. So far, that is the only time it appears. I am going to make a mod that just replaces the engine model and it's headlight model as well. So you will soon have a choice of suppressing it or just disguising it.
BTW, what's this other train content you speak of? ()what()
-Jan
Quote from: Swamper77 on July 15, 2007, 06:03:54 AM
BTW, what's this other train content you speak of? ()what()
Kenworth is working on several German railway stations, and there are also some transit enabled lots with the engines and cars you modded as props that can be placed next to a railway station or a rail service yard. I'm still planning to create a mod that places rail catenaries directly on the rail network tiles, but that one will take a while since I'm rather busy at the moment. royal (another SFBT member) is also working on two stations and some other stuff, such as German signal props.
@Swamper: Instead of removing that steam train with its silly 4-4-0A American TypeI would love to see it replaced by a rather moder steam engine - like the French 141 R - a light version of the Alco H5 or H6 type 2-8-2`s delivered to France after 45 - or the famous german 2-10-0 class 52 - the Krigeslok whoch has been build in more than 6600 pieces between 1942 and 1948 and was spread all over Europe (except GB, Spain and Portugal). In some Countries (e.g. Poland , Romania, East Germany, Turkey) it stayed in service untill the middle / end of the eighties ...
Unfortunately I don't have e suitable modell, and since I can't BAT ... :'(
BTW Kenny PM'ed me that he don't like the texture of the 2nd class coach. He said he would like to redo the 2nd class coach with a length of 24m and would like to know if you could add that new coach as a kind of add-on to the recently published train.
@Andreas: I will do the translation of the readme if you don't care. AFAIK you have more than enough othger stuff to do ...
Take care and make backups!
Bernhard :thumbsup:
Quote from: Nardo69 on July 15, 2007, 07:15:14 AM
@Andreas: I will do the translation of the readme if you don't care. AFAIK you have more than enough othger stuff to do ...
Thanks, this is certainly much appreciated. :)
Quote from: Swamper77 on July 15, 2007, 01:20:56 AM
Full credits to you for making the GMAX models and providing them to me for this project. I enjoyed working on this project with you.
&blush No worries! ;) I'm happy :)
Quote
If you ever need any models of vehicles converted to automata in the future, you know who you can ask ;)
Oh, thank you very much Jan ;)
@Bernhard: I hope those steam engines you are talking about do not have tender cars behind them. We can't implement such arrangements in the game.
As for modeling vehicles, I'm in the same boat as you. I can't make detailed models of vehicles if my life depended on it. What I have been doing is converting others' detailed models to "flattened" automata shapes/forms and then importing them to the game. For this recent project, Ken nicely provided the skins that were used on the Microsoft Train Simulator models, so all I had to do was make the forms and then just UV map them. Normally, I have to make the skins myself.
If you can locate a 3DS model of the engines or know someone that has the models and is willing to pass them along, I can have someone else do the conversion of the models to 3DS so I can work on them. ;)
@Andreas: If your Team needs help putting the signals onto Type 21 exemplars (Network Tiles), I can provide a hand with that. I will probably start another thread in this section of mine to accommodate any transit projects I start/get involved in.
@Ken: If you want to remake the Second Class car, go ahead. I can either update my upload or provide it as an additional train car once you have the detailed model created and have passed it on to me ;)
-Jan
Soo, the GMAX-Files are in my folder: S-Bahn_Dosto_second_car.rar ;)
I' had a look around but unfortunately I am not much involved in the MSTS / Trainz world where I saw some possible candidates on screenshots ... Unfortunately there seems to be a kind of crusade of payware against freeware and vice versa (at least in the German forums I visited ....
Anyway: Kenny was wondering over MSN if there is any progress /problems with the new car as he didn't hear anything from you for a while. (I would guess a looong project list and RLS - it is July ...)
Take care and make Backups!
Bernhard :thumbsup:
Bernhard,
I took a look at his shorter car model. There is a very minor difference between it and the model I released, and only people looking that close will notice the difference if I remake the second class car model. So in short, I can't really find a reason to redo the second class car unless there is a major difference that I am not seeing. &mmm
-Jan
What`s happened with the second class waggon ? In my game textures on it are missing ?
Is this right ?
I also noticed the missing texture on it and would very much appreciate if you could redo this one, Jan! :thumbsup:
Could those of you that have the problem please post a picture of the issue so I can see what is going on? Also, please state whether you are using Hardware or Software Rendering when running the game.
-Swamper77
Hi Jan!
Here is a pic from Kenny to show you the problem. As I am working right now on not-elektrified railway lines in my region I must comfess I still use Oppie's talent:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg113.imageshack.us%2Fimg113%2F4420%2Fdifferenceap6.png&hash=4f88b16935f97a6b7f1f31a770651bca7145871d)
I uploaded it as png by intention to show you the problem.
Take care (and don't forget to make backups!)
Bernhard :thumbsup:
Bernhard,
There is no missing texture on the side of the Second Class Car. That is how it was sent to me and how I compiled the skin image. I will take another look at redoing the car skin with the new model that I have from Kenny, since the car doesn't meet your guys' approval. Sorry about that. &mmm
-Jan
Hey jan i have a question for about Trolca's train set here (http://www.simtropolis.com/modding/index.cfm?p=details&id=225) what happens i notice there is some missing textures and the locomotives have
a tendency to jump from faceing forwards to backwards or the cars are seperated... any clue what i can do?
Pat,
Not much I can do about the textures since Trolca has all the original skin images on his computer.
Screenshots of the issues would help me to determine if an issue is fixable or not. Simple text descriptions are rather useless to me when troubleshooting problems.
"Flipped" engines occur occasionally, particularly if it is a train engine model that is replacing the green Track Checker model. The Track Checker gets "flipped" from time to time while it is traveling along the tracks. This may be a issue with the game's pathfiles because I have seen coordinates that are located off the tiles that they are associated with. It would take quite a bit of work to re-adjust all the various rail/elevated rail/monorail paths.
-Jan
OK i will see if i can pull of a screenie as it happens fast and im not fast on the draw lol...
You can use Irfanview (http://www.irfanview.com) to take screencaptures of. Open Irfanview, press C. Then you can set up any key combination and make it save the pictures taken. Easy and quick and directly into jpg.
sweeeeeeeeet thank you vester i will defintley do that as soon as i can get back into my game its being a tad stubborn right now...
Quote from: Swamper77 on August 05, 2007, 08:36:43 PM
There is no missing texture on the side of the Second Class Car. That is how it was sent to me and how I compiled the skin image.
Hmm, this is weird. Kenny's model must have gone messed up or something like this, because the 2
nd class double-decker cars should look exactly like the 1
st class cars, the only difference is that they do not have the yellow stripe, but a white one (as shown in the cars at the top of Bernhard's screenshot). The dark red texture looks more like the one from the other engine that Kenny has created; could it be possible that it slipped into the car's gmax model folder by accident? Probably it has the same filename, so the gmax model got messed up this way.
EDIT: I just talked to Kenny, and he said that he might have mixed up the texture files. He will submit the most current file to the team exchange soon, and he also apologizes for the additional work he caused. But I think the German community will appreciate the fix, so I guess a big "thank you" from the whole SFBT is apt. :)
SRY Swamper, it's all my blame. I had click on the wrong texture :'(
I messed up...
I have a new Version of the 2. class in my folder: S-Bahn_Dosto_second_car.rar. I would really appreciate it if you would bring it into the game even though I did make a big mistake you weren't able to know about. But we are all pushing pebbles here. I am very sorry for your unconvenience.
Kenny
I will look at it during the week and then update the file and the LEX image, once I have made the corrections. Thanks to everyone for notifying me about the problem. ;)
-Jan
Okay, I put this at the front of my queue for projects that I am doing today. I have fixed the problem with the GMAX model and rebuilt the skin for the Second Class Car for the Regional Runner Train Set. Here's how the train looks now:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo144%2FSwamper77%2FSC4%2520Stuff%2FTrains%2FRegionalRunnerCompleteFix.jpg&hash=07b7f55f03c8658a5b7f7c7e6ee64b071d7cfdbe)
The white-striped car is the Second Class Car.
I have updated the LEX image and the zip file for the download: Regional Runner Train Set (http://sc4devotion.com/csxlex/lex_filedesc.php?lotGET=970)
I hope this meets the satisfaction of the German train enthusiasts of the SC4D community. :)
-Jan
Thanks for that extra effort on fixing the texture! Looks superb now :thumbsup: (It looked good before, just that one texture was out of place)
Already downloading...
Now that looks much better! I think I'll use that style for intercity services - it shouldn't be hard to change the colours to blue, grey and white. :P
@Shadow Assassin: classic colour beneath that new "verkehrsrot" (transl.: traffic red) which railway fans don't like very much) would be either a dark green or brown-white (colours of metro trains in the former GDR ...) :satisfied:
Now that looks good! I guess Kenworth was waiting hours for me to appear in MSN to tell me "Swamper did a great thing today" ... &apls :thumbsup:
Take care and don't forget to make backups!
Bernhard :thumbsup:
Thank you very much Swamper77! ;)
This looks nice!
mfg,
Kenny
Swamper,
I have a question regarding the replacement of the steam train:
I found some possible candidates from MSTS freeware but as for my favourite class 52 they do have coal tenders.
You said before that a coal tender as a special car is not possible, but what if the whole machine is modelled as one piece including coal tender?
If modelled as one piece what would be the maximum length?
If it was 24m like the passenger cars it might/should work otherwise I am goıng to get a smaller (and less universe) machine.
Take care
Bernhard
Bernhard,
I'm going to say that the maximum length of any train unit (car or engine) is 24 meters. The engine and tender car can be modeled as one unit for SC4 purposes, but it will look funny when it travels through switches and the Maxis rail curves. An ideal replacement unit for the steam engine is one that has a coal box at the back of the cab as part of the engine.
-Jan
I had a day off work today, thanks to my inability to keep dates straight. I requested this Thursday off instead of Friday last week. I won't be having much fun this weekend since tomorrow is a friend's party at a casino in Marysville with a bunch of friends that she and I both hang out with on Sundays. So I used today to get a bunch of things done. My car went into the shop earlier today since I was overdue for maintenance and an oil change. I now have functioning A/C in my car and summer is almost over.
On the SC4 front, I created some new content for myself for my region I have been playing with:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo144%2FSwamper77%2FSC4%2520Stuff%2FCars%2FCrownVicPolice1.jpg&hash=5dbbe33442cd4422d062d001c2d3eb02f1728216) (https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo144%2FSwamper77%2FSC4%2520Stuff%2FCars%2FCrownVicPolice2.jpg&hash=8ec2f919037fb6af4399f62a8ad95d56d8742617)
I recycled one of the many vehicle models I have parked in my system for this one. It has functioning headlights and rotating lights on the roof. Additional only at this point, and I'm considering making it an override for the default police car.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo144%2FSwamper77%2FSC4%2520Stuff%2FCars%2FNewUnitAddition.jpg&hash=314fe757ca402424d23dd6cc78232b4e2deb5972) (https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo144%2FSwamper77%2FSC4%2520Stuff%2FCars%2FPoliceJeepCherokee1.jpg&hash=9251c7b218bcfd838397b3142fb773e6faf58980)
One of several vehicle models I have downloaded. This one also has working headlights. I modified the initial model a bit in GMAX and I am still tinkering with its behavior for SC4's usage. This one is an additional as well. The blue lights appear differently than the SC4 default because I made a texture override for the Maxis blue light image. It is now similar in appearance to the Maxis red light image.
Let me know what you think of these two new units..... &mmm
-Jan
omg Jan... those are soo much better then even pegs cop car replacement mod... I love the SUV model...since its a additional model and not replacement is there a way to put "supervisor" on the side or any markings?
Hi Swamper,
Now that the German train is done, do you still plan to go back at some point and "fix" those Oppie train cars that are too long and get stuck going around curves?
Thank you very much for this RE, swamper. &apls :thumbsup:
@ Nardo : I like the "Verkehrsrot", what`s wrong with it ? :P
I really like the SUV model, excellent job. :thumbsup:
I don't like the cop car as much...I don't know, it just looks odd. I think it's the bright symbol on the side of the vehicle. Anything is better then the Maxis cop car, though. :D
Awesome Swamper, i really like it! :thumbsup:
i do like the jeep model, but can you make the size a tad smaller, it looks huge compared to the other SUV's in the game.
regards
Meastro444
Swamper, I have one question. ()what()
Is it possible to make freight trains with more german models like you`ve done with Kenny`s models ? And is it possible to make different trains, like only a freight train with coal waggons and with different waggons ?
I have pictures for you, perhaps you understand it better with them :
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ld-host.de%2Fupload%2Fthumb_1188119421capture_26082007_101956.jpg&hash=dfbbefa29f237b981d3657bd766442e31e92fb55) (http://www.ld-host.de/upload/1188119421capture_26082007_101956.jpg)(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ld-host.de%2Fupload%2Fthumb_1188119463capture_26082007_102000.jpg&hash=d403e4aa488b25520b82144311b2c0fd1788cb5a) (http://www.ld-host.de/upload/1188119463capture_26082007_102000.jpg)
Well, I love your work, like the fire trucks, the police and especially the RE ;)
Greets,
royal :thumbsup:
@Royal: Sorry that is not possible to control how the trains are put togther, it will pick from your plug-in folder at random.
A Maxis freight train has different waggons, one for wood, tankwaggon and a caboose at the end. :)
Whats whne you replace ALL of the with only one waggon from me ?
So, you have 2 plugins, one plugin creats only freight trains, the other a train with the eanos, fals and habbinns.
You can only have one of the plugins in your plugin ordner.
Isn't this possible ?
Sorry for my bad englisch :D
Quote from: patfirefghtr on August 23, 2007, 11:19:50 PM
omg Jan... those are soo much better then even pegs cop car replacement mod... I love the SUV model...since its a additional model and not replacement is there a way to put "supervisor" on the side or any markings?
It is possible to do so. I will provide another "Developer's Kit" so others can do it themselves. I see no reason why I have to create all the different versions of every vehicle to meet everyone's requests.
Quote from: Meastro444 on August 25, 2007, 08:53:17 AM
Awesome Swamper, i really like it! :thumbsup:
i do like the jeep model, but can you make the size a tad smaller, it looks huge compared to the other SUV's in the game.
I'll rescale it again. It is as tall as the Maxis police van and is pretty much to scale with my new Crown Victoria police car.
Royal,
As Vester said, the game picks at random for the choosing of the freight train cars. It is possible to override the default Maxis freight train car models with yours, but you will only have that type of train in the game and not any others. So if a German coal train mod was made that replaced all the Maxis freight train cars with coal cars, the freight trains would pull only coal cars and nothing else. This will have to be a self-contained mod so people can choose to remove it when they want to.
As for converting your models into automata, it can be done. However, it will take me awhile to do so since I have very few days off from work. And these days off are usually reserved for taking care of chores or just relaxing. Stress is toxic and affects me in ways that it didn't used to.
-Jan
Thanks Jan i shouldnt have doubted that you would do a devolpers kit for these awsome cars thank you again...
@Jan and Royal: I think there is an easier and more comfortable way to remove all maxis freigt train cars than replacing them with custom ones. A long time ago, I made a simple mod which contains invalid exemplar files of the maxis freight train engines and cars, so that they don't appear anymore. Only the freight trains in the plugins do still appear. Unfortunately, I don't remember which property exactly I've changed and I've never really tested my mod, so I can't say whether it works safely. Though it did work perfectly when I was using it. The advantage of my mod is that the users can pick out the freight train cars they like and you get rid of the maxis freight trains which look kitschy, IMO.
I'll attach the mod for testing purposes. Use at your own risk!
very realistic and inspiring. ;D
Ahoy Jan!
First off, kudos to you! You did a really great job on your automata creations.
After RL took me away from SimCity for 1.5 years I'm amazed about the progress of custom content by now.
While gathering information on how to re-install the game I stumbled right into your garage - nice place btw ;) I already hired those german train sets *lol*
When reading your semi-trailer postings, an idea on articulated busses came back into mind. I tried on those before RL took me away from playing (without any sufficient result). This is not a request, but do you think the trailer technique could be used on busses, too?
Regards
Luc
(former known as MayorBean)
royal-Where did you get those props for trains??
There brilliant ()stsfd() Also-Great work swamper :D
Swamper, I must say that I'm both impressed and interested by your job. Impressed because I've read all the pages before and :o, and interested because you are looking for a short bus (in the other topic) and Glenni has made one (plus some wonderfull others) and he is looking for somebody with your skills. So I wonder if you can make something for him (and for everyone of us ;D) with those nice babies by "transforming" them in UDI models that will take the place of the awfull Maxi's.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi80.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fj179%2FGlenni91%2FBAT%2520pics%2Fblah%2Fmoomoo%2FRATP-Buses.jpg&hash=cf4f59c34fb4568d683392f5a25244e5924853be)
If you agree, I understand that he must send you his GMAX or 3DS file. Am I right ()what()?
Tell me if I'm in the wrong topic.
It makes me smile to hear that you are impressed and interested in my work. It's comments like these that make me continue to make custom content for SC4. I could care less about the download counts, as they are not a realistic reflection of who is actually using them versus just downloading them for later.
I've already offered to help Glenni with making his vehicles into automata. He's sent me the files for me to work with already. It will take me some time to get them done because I do have a life outside of SC4. I work most days of the week and only have 2 days off each week. I also have projects of my own that I am working on. So, I'm going to ask that you just be patient for a little while until I have them ready for release. No one wants a rushed job that looks and works like crap ;)
@Everyone else: Sorry for the long absence. My job and Real Life took priority over SC4. I have been getting back into automata modeling and modding again. I will post some pictures of my current project when I am done gathering them.
I am going to ask that you do not turn this into a "request thread". I have limited time and cannot meet everyone's requests. So, I am picky about what projects I will take on. I can only dream of having all that spare time that I had when I was in school to do modding work :D
-Swamper
Jan you are wonderful!!! I can wait very patiently to see this bus replace maxis ones, and I do hope work for you is going well... Are you still @ PapaJohns?
Quote from: Pat on March 18, 2008, 10:43:15 PM
Jan you are wonderful!!! I can wait very patiently to see this bus replace maxis ones, and I do hope work for you is going well... Are you still @ PapaJohns?
Sadly, yes. I'm still looking for a better job with better hours (normal office hours), benefits, etc. It's difficult balancing work, play, and sleep these days.
-Jan
Thank you very much for your quick answer &apls. I understand the situation and aplogize if you have already answer this request, I wasn't aware about it.
Just like Pat, I've got the feeling that somebody will use those buses if you find the time to do them :satisfied:....
Take your time and keep on the good job, BTW, PapaJohns (and MamaJohns and the whole family :D) doesn't deserve you!
I hinted at the fact that I have been working on a project. So, I thought I would remove the covers that hide my project. As you all probably know by now, Jestarr has made a bunch of train car props. I have asked him for the GMAX models for most of his train cars, and have been converting them into automata to be used by the game's freight train system. Here's what I had for the original set that I started awhile back:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo144%2FSwamper77%2FSC4%2520Stuff%2FTrains%2FJestarr%2520Train%2520Set%2FDD40XEngine.jpg&hash=c947b52083a8e30450ea7960bd67d7db1c6269e7)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo144%2FSwamper77%2FSC4%2520Stuff%2FTrains%2FJestarr%2520Train%2520Set%2FAllYourBaseBoxcar.jpg&hash=b62982aeacf6cf07c31e09fe8c8fbf6930351b16) (https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo144%2FSwamper77%2FSC4%2520Stuff%2FTrains%2FJestarr%2520Train%2520Set%2FCocaColaTankerCar.jpg&hash=f6620d1c5f07d8118b01f7a926c623e3c1c970f3)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo144%2FSwamper77%2FSC4%2520Stuff%2FTrains%2FJestarr%2520Train%2520Set%2FCNWCattleCar.jpg&hash=8dc5423e07a618f6f89b006e0f5c3d2b943c79cd) (https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo144%2FSwamper77%2FSC4%2520Stuff%2FTrains%2FJestarr%2520Train%2520Set%2FMKTCattleCar.jpg&hash=1efaefb2a9f1a2087d44cf99959b3d51d6aa41aa)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo144%2FSwamper77%2FSC4%2520Stuff%2FTrains%2FJestarr%2520Train%2520Set%2FGNChipCar.jpg&hash=0853867376384d5b2a1905c8d4aa7c3ae97e1b82) (https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo144%2FSwamper77%2FSC4%2520Stuff%2FTrains%2FJestarr%2520Train%2520Set%2FMRLChipCar.jpg&hash=d2abf231e89bd039a32caaf602e875329deb04b9)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo144%2FSwamper77%2FSC4%2520Stuff%2FTrains%2FJestarr%2520Train%2520Set%2FHersheysBoxcar.jpg&hash=6c516273076722001b9f67b602e2789eb44dd1ab) (https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo144%2FSwamper77%2FSC4%2520Stuff%2FTrains%2FJestarr%2520Train%2520Set%2FParrotPotatoesReferCar.jpg&hash=94c2f0a023c97f48b3a4e3492a0660317dfb60c4)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo144%2FSwamper77%2FSC4%2520Stuff%2FTrains%2FJestarr%2520Train%2520Set%2FPennCentralBoxcar.jpg&hash=19727fdcaf27cd06578058ae66155d6f784d3124) (https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo144%2FSwamper77%2FSC4%2520Stuff%2FTrains%2FJestarr%2520Train%2520Set%2FPurinaBoxcar.jpg&hash=a8299e98171211f8f41c3e08aade8e1f2623e497)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo144%2FSwamper77%2FSC4%2520Stuff%2FTrains%2FJestarr%2520Train%2520Set%2FRailBoxBoxcar.jpg&hash=086322f6aaed9779a624f659766665fb869527a1) (https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo144%2FSwamper77%2FSC4%2520Stuff%2FTrains%2FJestarr%2520Train%2520Set%2FTropicanaBoxcar.jpg&hash=f872f67313118763a78220c49cf091e7c42acd3c)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo144%2FSwamper77%2FSC4%2520Stuff%2FTrains%2FJestarr%2520Train%2520Set%2FTropicanaReferCar.jpg&hash=908c8732b0a1cc631fdd6e9f0d5dc26f8e9aa842)
Next post will showcase the new models....
Here's what I have added to that original set:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo144%2FSwamper77%2FSC4%2520Stuff%2FTrains%2FJestarr%2520Train%2520Set%2FBudweiserBoxcar.jpg&hash=d70869bceb851b2d6461f474c9db789c27cf26bd) (https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo144%2FSwamper77%2FSC4%2520Stuff%2FTrains%2FJestarr%2520Train%2520Set%2FCanadaDryBoxcar.jpg&hash=b500ba69fa8e62e15474102c68f92572c338f6a6)
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(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo144%2FSwamper77%2FSC4%2520Stuff%2FTrains%2FJestarr%2520Train%2520Set%2FMcCainBoxcar.jpg&hash=9e86b74e7a8a3c9f28144397a9df814186f3b43f) (https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo144%2FSwamper77%2FSC4%2520Stuff%2FTrains%2FJestarr%2520Train%2520Set%2FWesternAlabama.jpg&hash=33fb8a398f3072d2e4048aff27895f364ff35db7)
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(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo144%2FSwamper77%2FSC4%2520Stuff%2FTrains%2FJestarr%2520Train%2520Set%2FDUPXTankerCar.jpg&hash=0f41c202e024a33710c2f24950e72b867f967a6a) (https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo144%2FSwamper77%2FSC4%2520Stuff%2FTrains%2FJestarr%2520Train%2520Set%2FDUPXTankerCarDetail.jpg&hash=182aa0d97a15f167b8a46a9542afc624b338802c)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo144%2FSwamper77%2FSC4%2520Stuff%2FTrains%2FJestarr%2520Train%2520Set%2FGoldenWestBoxcar.jpg&hash=786b20b199e15099fd532110b7f1734ae164755a)
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LEFT TO DO:
- 2 Wood Pulp Cars with loads of wood (BN & CN)
- BN Coal Hopper Car (both empty and loaded)
- BN Beet Hopper Car
- Canpotex Grain Car
- Steel Pipe Car
After this train set is complete, I'll start working on Glenni's vehicles that he and Une_ame have asked me to help with. More pictures of the train set will be posted here when I finish them and see them ingame. Comments and critiques of the train set are welcome before I release it.
-Jan
WOW!!! Those are wickedly sweet!!! :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Jan,
These are looking great! I'm glad to see that you're back in the community.
Cheers,
Kevin
Wohaoo, I love the wagons, espacially the Wisconsin Central Boxcar.
The little Diesel Engine is ::). Too bad you cannot have this little gem plus my favorite BB7200, world would be a perfect place :P.
Great work, hope you find a better job soon.
Those are some impressive train cars there...Nice job Swamper. &apls
Yep. I still lurk around here although RLS has me in its grip. :(
Mike
Jan I remember awhile back asking you about the train set that is already out on ST, you know I think this will be my favorite set when you get it out!!!! Thank you for your hard work sir!!!!!!
Thank you to everyone that is enjoying the train set images. The train set is almost done ;D
@Une_ame: The diesel switcher will be an additional freight engine, so it will not replace anything in your game. Is that what you are concerned about? I can't quite interpret what it is that you are trying to say.
@Pat: What train set specifically are you referring to? I lost all my PM's over there so I have no traces of you asking about any train sets.
Here are the last photos of the train set. These are all new train cars:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo144%2FSwamper77%2FSC4%2520Stuff%2FTrains%2FJestarr%2520Train%2520Set%2FBNHopper.jpg&hash=75af3adccdc8effbda35ca0dd57f5d5bd9331f4a) (https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo144%2FSwamper77%2FSC4%2520Stuff%2FTrains%2FJestarr%2520Train%2520Set%2FBNHopperCoal.jpg&hash=8df84e8bd2f7db072c08776d6d6054c6f800fb7e)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo144%2FSwamper77%2FSC4%2520Stuff%2FTrains%2FJestarr%2520Train%2520Set%2FBNHopperSugarBeet.jpg&hash=3432d9a194c10fd354874d270ff2cfa94c1c7c1e) (https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo144%2FSwamper77%2FSC4%2520Stuff%2FTrains%2FJestarr%2520Train%2520Set%2FBNHopperWheat.jpg&hash=2240ba0ba166ba60204088183aaa5a9df8199959)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo144%2FSwamper77%2FSC4%2520Stuff%2FTrains%2FJestarr%2520Train%2520Set%2FPipeCarrierEmpty.jpg&hash=302a827f8d4cfd000eefd058759cd6371fa3cb3f) (https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo144%2FSwamper77%2FSC4%2520Stuff%2FTrains%2FJestarr%2520Train%2520Set%2FPipeCarrierLoaded.jpg&hash=9aa9dd85daed8afafe4d0c69dd32380c568d08e1)
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I just have some tidying up to do on the model files themselves and to make the images for the LEX upload. This will be a LEX exclusive, meaning you won't be able to get it anywhere else ;) This set will place most of Jestarr's train cars onto your city's railways with the outgoing freight trains. Both engines are additionals, as are all the train cars. I'll need a few more days to tidy up the files, write out the Readme file, and make the LEX images. I won't give a release date, so don't even ask. $%Grinno$%
-Jan
Those are just hawt! :D
Okay, I lied. :D I finished up the files tonight, and they are now on the LEX! Have fun with the new train cars and engines that are based off Jestarr's models:
- 2 Locomotives: DD40X and a Diesel Switcher
- 3 Tanker Cars: Coca-Cola, Allied Oil, DUPX
- 4 Intermodal Cars: 1 Empty, 1 Double-Stack each of the following: Evergreen, Hyundai, Uniglory
- 4 Hopper Cars: 1 Empty, 1 Each of the following cargoes: Coal, Sugar Beets, Wheat
- 1 Covered Hopper Car: Canoptex Grain
- 2 Steel Pipe Carriers: 1 Empty, 1 Loaded
- 2 Cattle Cars: Chicago Northwestern, MKT "The Katy"
- 2 Refrigerated Cars: Tropicana, Parrot Potatoes
- 2 Chip Cars (for hauling wood chips)
- 2 Pulpwood Cars: BN and CN, both loaded
- 3 Flatbed Cars: 1 Empty, 1 Loaded with 3 wire reels, 1 Loaded with 6 pallets of concrete blocks
- 13 Boxcars: "All Your Base", Budweiser, Canada Dry, Golden West Service, Hershey's, McCain French Fries, McCloud River Railroad, Penn Central, Purina, RailBox, Tropicana, Western Railway of Alabama, Wisconsin Central
-Jan ;D
I'll get them once i get home from hell... uuh i mean school... :'(
Thanks swamper, really great set! &apls
sweeeeeeeet IM gone to the LEX now Wooooooooooohooooo!!! To answer you Jan it was the Trolica Train set... Also I take it that it would have to be only one set in our folder at any time?
Thanks Swamper for those nice train cars ! :).
"The diesel switcher will be an additional freight engine, so it will not replace anything in your game. Is that what you are concerned about? I can't quite interpret what it is that you are trying to say" Sorry for my bad english &ops &mmm!!
After reading your post (and the download window text you've write), I understand that you can, actually, have several engines for your freight trains. I was thinking before, that just like passsenger train, you can only have one!
Now I really have to delete the Maxi Diesel Engine (if it is possible ()what()) in order to see more of yours and Oppie SNCF BB.
Keep going :thumbsup:.
Quote from: Pat on April 03, 2008, 08:38:38 AM
sweeeeeeeet IM gone to the LEX now Wooooooooooohooooo!!! To answer you Jan it was the Trolica Train set... Also I take it that it would have to be only one set in our folder at any time?
You can continue to use your Trolca trains
and use this new one. The train engines and train cars in Jestarr's Train Set all have unique ID's and will not interfere with your existing trains.
-Jan
Sweet awesome news Jan, thank you for your hard work!!!
For those of you that have downloaded Jestarr's Train Set:
I've updated the files in the download. The orange DD40X and the diesel switcher engines have now been separated to their own files. You can now choose to install the engines or not, and still use the cars. The cars will not be separated unless there is a real need to do so.
The LEX description has also been updated to reflect the changes.
-Jan
so its optional download then right?
Quote from: Pat on April 08, 2008, 07:25:55 PM
so its optional download then right?
It's up to you. If you didn't like one of the engines, redownload so you can choose not to install that particular one. If you liked the entire set, you don't have to redownload.
However, the files all have new names, including the file that contains all the freight cars. So the original download is sort of obsolete....
-Swamper
Ahhh OK kewl thank you Jan &apls
Thanks for the flexibility you had.
I like the cars you've made (and the engines, OC). If I 've had the choice, maybe I will use only a part of your cars in order to "force" the game to make more unified trains. For exemple, use a lot of boxcar :thumbsup:(and therefore, add only the boxcars you've create so that the game must choose between your 7 boxcars and its own cars so that the trains seen in the game will have more "unity").
Very nice work Swamper, you have impressed! Good luck future! &apls
@Une_ame: You're more than welcome to modify the download for your own use, as long as you don't release the modified files anywhere.
@Fatsuhono: Thanks!
I've updated all my emergency vehicle files and the Sprinter vans that are on the LEX. I've also uploaded my Automata Essentials (http://sc4devotion.com/csxlex/lex_filedesc.php?lotGET=1626) file as well. This file is required for the emergency vehicles and future uploads to function correctly. I had 4 or so copies of the same set of files scattered among all the emergency vehicle files I have uploaded, so I have put them in one place for easy updating. If you choose to re-download the files to get the updates, then you will have to install my Automata Essentials file.
The reason for the mass update of my vehicles: Many of them were oversized compared to the game's vehicles. With the help of a friend and fellow SC4 player, I've rescaled the models so they fit better in the game, particularly on the game's streets.
I've also been working on some new vehicles for the game:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo144%2FSwamper77%2FSC4%2520Stuff%2FCars%2FGarageCars.jpg&hash=b254f10ec5382667c3c3c2b805c024dfde038070)
The Crown Vic's are based off the Fire Chief's car that I released with the American Fire Vehicles awhile back. Just some simple reskins with some extra details here and there. As for the Jeep Cherokee's, I found a model online somewhere and worked with it a bit. I'm not completely sure I like the models yet....I may or may not release all of these models to the public; I haven't decided yet.
-Swamper
Jan WOW!!! Those are sweet models so far and I do like them, I really like that jeep!!! Kinda looks almost look's like my blazer with lightbar and all lol...
@Pat: I take it you have a Blazer for the fire department at work. ;)
I decided to turn loose a one of the two taxis that were visible in the "Garage Preview" above:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo144%2FSwamper77%2FSC4%2520Stuff%2FCars%2FCVYellowCab.jpg&hash=748087734a3873e1b6beeca55ebba22b2e3afcc3) (https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo144%2FSwamper77%2FSC4%2520Stuff%2FCars%2FCVYellowCabDetail.jpg&hash=26120c77763f5051ded55e361616db0e0f78c318)
The second image is a closeup of the "Taxi Fare" detail that is part of the car's skin image. I created it from a photo I found via Google and I think I did a good job of recreating it.
I know that Mike Seith made a few sets of taxis and that there are others floating about here and there on the web. I just wanted to make good use of the Crown Victoria model that I have from Ripptide. It is a rather versatile vehicle and can be used for almost anything: law enforcement, taxis, civilian vehicles, company cars, public works, and the list goes on...
There will be a set of 6 taxis total, 3 with the Yellow Cab paint scheme as seen here and 3 with gray bumpers and black door trims. The main difference will be the signs on the roofs. The one seen here is what I call the "Airporter" as most of the taxis that head to the Sea-Tac airport around here have this triangular-shaped sign on the roof. The second type will be the "Marquee", which looks like a half circle dome with two lights on either side of it. The final style will be the "Box" type, which has a black box with the word "Taxi" on the front and back with marker lights on either side of the sign. The pictures will appear as I get them modeled.
They will all be additionals, so they will appear wherever the other taxis do (airports, train stations). I don't have plans to make replacements out of them, as they use special headlight models which would look odd on the other taxis which use the Maxis headlight models.
Well, I have to go. The meter's running...
-Swamper
looks stunning SW77!
i think i need to contact you once more, one MSN :) been awhile since we talked ;)
WICKED cars Jan! Especially the police SUV; the police car isn't bad but the image on the doors is a little too bright, and may I suggest that you use a similar emblem to the one on the default car as a replacement? Just a suggestion...
@Meastro: Check your PM inbox ;)
@Nerdly: That car door image is one that I will be using for my personal use. It was also a test image, so it most likely won't be used again. The car has been updated/changed from that version.
I have made my decision on the models I showcased earlier in the "Garage Preview". All of them will be released at some point in the near future. As with the NAM, when they are done.
Here's an update on the Police Crown Victoria:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo144%2FSwamper77%2FSC4%2520Stuff%2FCars%2FCrownVicCopLights.jpg&hash=c625d3b960e19a88a96e674fed80f1193034073d)
Fully functional red & blue light effect for dispatched cars and UDI mode. Pure black and white paint scheme with the word "POLICE" in black on the front doors. The front doors also do not have any door trim on them. The rear quarter panels have "911" in white on them.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo144%2FSwamper77%2FSC4%2520Stuff%2FCars%2FPoliceBuilding.jpg&hash=c0a97fbb3d6f4f1a306d104e0fccbef656ba091b)
Mod to replace the parked police car props with the Crown Victoria. Currently displayed, the generic black/white police Crown Victoria with red/blue lightbar. No support for replacing the 50's police cars that are part of Maxis' building models. Consider the cars that are part of the Maxis police buildings as display models, like a museum would have. ;)
A few generic models/paint schemes will be made, and a "paint kit" will most certainly be made for this vehicle so people can customize the car to their liking. I don't have enough time and energy to make individual paint schemes for each and every police department/law enforcement agency in the world. The paint kit will also contain instructions on how to color the lights to match what is on the skin for the car model. The paint kit will be a bit more advanced than the other paint/developer kits that I have released so far.
Jan that is looking better then Pegs cars I hate to say but dang I like that B&W!!! Is there a chance we might be seeing a rework on the Fire Chief's Car with a light bar?
here is my truck that is for personal use ;)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg90.imageshack.us%2Fimg90%2F6848%2Fmytruckxk6.jpg&hash=5538a76d0cb4e2849724ba49c3c691c243b32905)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg88.imageshack.us%2Fimg88%2F8227%2Fmytruck1ai5.jpg&hash=d97cedca937699260178e9e6b9abb00ff25dda30)
Even though its just Red and White here in wisconsin that is all the volunteers can legaly run siigh....
Pat,
It shouldn't be too hard for me to reconfigure the Jeep Cherokee to be a fire unit. However, it won't be configured as a fire truck. It will end something like the fire chief's car, a separate vehicle that depends on having a fire department placed. It would definitely be more suitable for rural regions than the Crown Victoria that is currently available. Crown Victorias are more of an urban/suburban vehicle.
I'll see about adding a lightbar to the fire chief's car, but it will be a separate release from the American Emergency Vehicles set.
-Jan
@ SW77: Now that looks a lot better! I probably would use both the jeep and the ford at thesame time with this update... :thumbsup:
@ Pat: It did occur to me that since you're a volunteer firefighter, you probably do have lights on your car. In VA, msot volunteer firefighters have smaller lights (probably because the bigger ones like you have must be more expensive), and they are always red and white (i don't know what exactly the law says), but I did hear about a volunteer firefighter getting drunk and improperly using his blue flashing light and getting arrested a few months ago, and I think that was in VA. Blue lights are always used bo police cars around here, sometimes along with red, and cop cars around here never have only red or red and white lights, that is for the fire trucks and ambulances.
Jan that is awesome news to both extent and honestly from what I see departments in both IL and WI tend to go with the SUV types as they are so much more easier to use as a comand vehicle... I know that in Chicago that is what is primarily used is SUV's.... Man you got me twitching here Jan lol and I soo cant wait to see the further development!!!
Nerdly I know here in my department since most of us have SUV's, due to the weather.. Our chief allows us to have the full size light bars and honestly they are rather cheap if you know where to get emm IE E-Bay lol.... I've heard alot of stories about Volunteers getting arrested for abusing their powers intrusted upon them and its rather sad if you ask me... Typical all police vehicals are red and blue for their lights here in the states... It may vary depending like in chicago, police use blue lights only and fire is red and green lights, now that is the ecepetion to the rule lol...
I've been working on yet another taxi model. This is the "box" sign model that I was talking about:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo144%2FSwamper77%2FSC4%2520Stuff%2FCars%2FCVYellowCab2.jpg&hash=5612297fec1c9ce6c6a46a0de936af3e28563ede)
The sign is lit at night along with the two orange marker lights that sit beside it. There is just one more sign model type to create, which is the "marquee" style sign. The "marquee" is a fairly typical model of sign for taxis to have on their roofs.
I've been looking around the internet with Google's Image Search. There are hundreds of sign types and variations, not counting the companies themselves. There is no way I can model them all and make vehicles for them. So I am just making three sign styles and 6 taxis to go with them, 2 for each sign type. Each pair of taxis has a image for the car doors, so there could be three different cab companies, one each for each sign type.
The taxis I'm making are based on the New York Yellow Cab company which has mostly yellow Crown Victoria's, and some of their older vehicles had gray bumpers on their Crown Victoria's. Once I'm done with the sign models, I will show off the gray bumper variants. I refer to them as Classics because of the gray bumpers. Don't ask why as I don't know why I do it..... &mmm
In regards to discussing different variations of vehicles, I don't mind as long as you don't clutter up my thread with the discussions.
@Pat: I'll see about making a Jeep with red/white lights. I assume the white lights are in the middle, so they might get lost in the model of the spinning lights that will be made for the light bar for the Jeep. At the very least, I will make one with red lights on it.
-Jan
Jan,
Yes that is correct that the centers is usaly white... that would be sweet with the red lights on the jeep.... I am liking how the taxi has turned out with the sign on top, is that center lite up??? Or is my eyes playing tricks on me lol......
Pat,
I'll see what I can do with the light bar on the Jeep.
Yes, the center is lit up on the taxi along with the two orange lights on the ends of it. ;D
-Jan
Great Crown Victorias, I'm a huge fan of those Yellow Cabs! Can't wait to see them driving around. They are very common in US cities :)
Jan that is sooo wicked!!! :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Jan, your CrownVic' taxi is :o (BTW it is actually a Police Interceptor and not a CV cause the front grill is black :satisfied:).
I wasn't aware that it is actually possible to create such a realism for small automata in SC4!!
Actually, they are Crown Victoria's as the grill is a gray/chrome color. I haven't changed it from the model of the fire chief's car that Ripptide sent me. I could change it to black though for the taxis and the police car :P
-Jan
Double posting, but I don't care :P
I've done some more work on the vehicles I have to work with:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo144%2FSwamper77%2FSC4%2520Stuff%2FCars%2FCVYellowCab3.jpg&hash=8d5923525f9841361e327d06c321d5d4122b1235)
Taxi sign style #3. A nice slim roof sign, at least until I can find the sign model that I want to use.....
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo144%2FSwamper77%2FSC4%2520Stuff%2FCars%2FFireJeep.jpg&hash=87bcf579ae0b42f7cca91a34599901125cf74f56)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo144%2FSwamper77%2FSC4%2520Stuff%2FCars%2FFireJeepLights.jpg&hash=479d0522ad790e95c072204335aee024826adeeb)
The fire chief Jeep Cherokee. I just added the emblems on the doors and hood today.
@Pat: I tried to add white lights to the center, but they got lost in the red lights. So this will have to do. &mmm
I'm also working on a new version of my Automata Essentials file so the fire chief Jeep Cherokee does not require the fire chief's car from my American Emergency Vehicles pack. The new version of my Automata Essentials file will allow the fire chief Jeep Cherokee to work without it. A few other updates are in it as well, so I don't have multiple files with the same data strewn about one's Plugins folder(s).
-Jan
Jan that is stunning and it does look like there is white in there as is!!! :thumbsup: The Taxis is also sooo very stunning too!!! WOW!!!!
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo144%2FSwamper77%2FSC4%2520Stuff%2FCars%2FFireChiefCarV2.jpg&hash=6d6b5f3d9b7e5d881295c071b6d32cafee32512b)
I'm wrapping up my new fire chief pack for release to the LEX. I finished this one last night and it has double red rotating lights. I just recolored and re-IID'ed the police car lights from the Crown Victoria I showed earlier. I also made a minor update to the original skin to include the graphics for the lightbar. This skin is a standalone skin in comparison to the original fire chief's car that I uploaded. No updates for that one for the time being.
All the additionals have been made as shown here. I just need to make the replacement version of the new fire chief car, and then I will start packaging them up. Each vehicle will have a Readme.txt file written from Notepad accompanying it. The additionals actually work without having the American Emergency Vehicles Pack installed, but they need my Automata Essentials File installed to run.
The Jeep Cherokee Fire Support/Fire Chief vehicle has it's own icon in the Main UDI Menu, but will require a fire department to be built to enable it for UDI. It has a new coding feature I've been working/testing out. The feature is finished and will be used in some future automata creations of mine.
The police units will be in a separate upload. It's been stalled due by issues with the selection of police car paint schemes. I don't want to create skins that have already been done by PEG, Nerdly, or other automata creators. I also want to have a wide variety without spending a lot of time making the various skins. Some I want to do also require further development of the vehicle model itself, so those are on hold until I can work out the modeling details.
So far, I just have a generic black/white police car. I'm planning a generic white with blue stripe, a sheriff's car of sorts, and maybe one other skin for now. I'm looking for suggestions, but I do not want this to turn into a request thread like similar automata threads tend to degrade into. &mmm
-Jan
Jan that is looking real sweet there!!!
How :o!!
Nerdly_dood and Jan (plus PEG and some few others) are a dream team. You have made everythings to change SC4 Cities streets into realistic N. American streets :thumbsup:!! Awesome.
Would it be possible to make Nerdly's yellow and Swamper's red fire engines into props so that they could co-exist on the same lot? If so is there any chance of getting a blue ladder truck and a white pumper?
Scott,
Automata are not props, as props are just static models that sit on lots. Automata move around on their own on the game's networks. ;)
I won't be making props of the vehicles in my Emergency Vehicle packs as Ripptide has already done so for those models. I may make props of the new vehicles that I have been creating, but that is not likely.
In order for the automata that Nerdly has recently released to coexist with mine, he'll have to change the Instance ID's of his files. It will be up to him to do that, as I will not do it for him. If he wants to make props out of the vehicles, that will be up to him. I will only provide technical assistance to him, not do everything such as rendering the models in GMAX/BAT.
I don't normally take requests, as I have seen what happens when a custom content creator opens up their thread to that. I allowed for requests on one site once, and I just got swamped by the number of requests. So I don't do that any more. I make automata just to use make use of the various models that are sitting on my hard drives.
Occasionally, some models have more than one use, and ones that I can easily adapt my models to. I usually make basic models, so I need ideas as to what else I can do with the models. That is why it appears that I am taking requests when I am really not.
-Jan
I'll release the Fire Chief Pack sometime this weekend. It will contain the Jeep Cherokee model and 2 versions of the new Fire Chief Crown Victoria model, 1 additional and 1 replacement. The replacement version will conflict with the one that was released in the American Emergency Vehicles Pack I released awhile back.
-Jan
The Fire Support Vehicles pack has been uploaded. A Jeep Cherokee and a Crown Victoria with a functional light bar are the only vehicles in the set. Detailed instructions are in the README file. The Jeep has modified behavior compared to other vehicles when it drives offroad ;) My Automata Essentials File is required for this set of vehicles to work properly.
Sorry I didn't upload it earlier this weekend, but I have been busy as my best friend is visiting from Vegas for 2.5 weeks. I'll be online on an intermittent basis while she is in town. Hanging out with her is more important to me than the internet right now. :)
For those of you that did not notice, the EMT Ambulances pack has been updated to correct the problem of the lights not showing properly. I screwed up the settings on the graphics for how they behave in the game. The problem has been corrected on the Additionals and the Replacements. Please re-download to get the corrected graphics/models.
I have moved the posts by Nerdly regarding his automata to Joint Project: Nerdly & SW77 (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=5064.0), as it became a joint project between the two of us. I have also stickied the support thread for my products as well. Yes, I have Moderator powers in this part of the site now. ;)
-Jan
I'm in the process of redoing my yet to be released taxi and police car models. I changed the skins a bit so they have white turn signals in the front with orange reflectors, and they look closer to the real world vehicles now. I have also darkened the grills on the taxis and the police car to be a flat black (not pure black) color. The taxi models are now as if they were police cars before becoming the taxis they are now.
I am also tweaking the game a bit more to my liking. There are some things here and there that have always bothered me when I'm playing the game. I have taken an "offense" to the Maxis cement mixer, lately. In the real world, the drum rotates as the truck is driving around. I've decided to apply my animation skills to something more practical than making flashing/rotating lights for emergency vehicles:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo144%2FSwamper77%2FSC4%2520Stuff%2FCementMixer.gif&hash=daac4080fb19b3c903b81d988457e031f871b28e)
This is just a test prop to show what I did to the Maxis cement mixer model.
The trucks don't stay visible long enough ingame for me to take a series of pictures to show the animation.
I'll release this some day, probably after I get the taxis and the police cars done.
-Jan
Stunning =O
- Allan Kuan
Cool, the barrel thing actually spins! I like that! (My amination skills are, roughly, NOTHING, considering that I can't make a 2D animation, let alone a 3D one)
I've updated the animated model of the cement mixer. Here's a new animation to compare with:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo144%2FSwamper77%2FSC4%2520Stuff%2FCementMixer2.gif&hash=0ec9139cc866c76e71043636be0588174e8f7008)
I'm still using my test lot with the custom cement mixer prop
Compared to the previous image, this animation is much smoother. The original model had 12 frames, each one at 22.5 degrees compared to each other. The new model has 32 frames, each one at 11.25 degrees to each other. The result is a smoother animation in game, but it will eat a little more memory than the previous version and more than Maxis' static model the game comes with. The animation has been slowed down a bit for the game as well, so it will be a little more realistic. The previous model was a little too fast.
I will get pictures of the updates of the taxi and the police car models when I get some more time. I have spent most of my free time lately, just modeling and programming the animation for the animated cement truck model. It is similar to what I do when I make animated lights for the emergency vehicles, but there are more frames and a more complicated model involved. Sometime in the very near future, I will post images of the updated skins on the taxis and police Crown Victoria's. I'll see about making some different varieties other than the black & white "generic" skin that I have made as well.
-Jan
I see no one really cares about these vehicles. Oh well, that won't stop me...
I've been working on finishing up the Yellow Cabs that I started. There will be a total of 6 taxis, 3 all-yellow taxis and 3 "Classics" (grey bumpers). Here are pictures of the "Classics":
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo144%2FSwamper77%2FSC4%2520Stuff%2FCars%2FCVYellowCabCS.jpg&hash=f8b510c9c38d70a8fe3e506e040b10c16f66ac06)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo144%2FSwamper77%2FSC4%2520Stuff%2FCars%2FCVYellowCab2CS.jpg&hash=fd1a2142357c06fd1120ec8e0921b3bc64c640db)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo144%2FSwamper77%2FSC4%2520Stuff%2FCars%2FCVYellowCab3CS.jpg&hash=04399de9850008e2741c0912878bea01a81c765e)
These "Classics" are based on this image:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo144%2FSwamper77%2FSC4%2520Stuff%2FCars%2FClassicCabNYC.jpg&hash=a53effde11e01a42c1f0993e471f91077b2689cb)
I liked the paint scheme enough to replicate it for SC4. It was also the inspiration for the first cab of the set with the triangular sign on the roof. I then applied the paint scheme to the other two versions to make a full 6-pack of taxis.
The Crown Victoria Yellow Cab taxis will all be additionals only. There are plenty of replacement mods for the taxis at ST, so I will not be making replacement mods with my models.
I've got an updated image of the Crown Victoria police car model:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo144%2FSwamper77%2FSC4%2520Stuff%2FCars%2FCrownVicPoliceFinal.jpg&hash=1636450394a3a0cd0f17b40d99868cca0ce9c6eb)
The grill is a flat black as per the real life counterpart. The modeling is finalized, so I will be focusing on making different paint schemes. Most will be generic, such as a Sheriff's police car. A few of them will be specific, but I will not say what they are. I want to keep those ones a surprise ;)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo144%2FSwamper77%2FSC4%2520Stuff%2FCars%2FReplacementProps.jpg&hash=3ac95f8600f6c1235953cda74269cb5d2fb7ace4)
I have also made a complete mod to replace the parked police car props with the Crown Victoria model. I will separate the model and make it an individual prop so you make a lot with various police cars from different agencies for whatever reason. I will make one for each police car skin I make.
I do have an idea in mind to make a mall security car with yellow lights, but I have not found any Occupant Groups (OGs) in the game or in custom content to use to indicate a lot is a mall. The mall security may be on hold for awhile, but I think I could do a medical security car with the same idea as there are OGs for the larger medical buildings. Here in Everett, the large medical facilities have their own security service of Crown Victoria patrol cars with yellow light bars.
Good work with the taxis and police cars!
In Roanoke, the Carilion health system has its own police department with blue lights. I guess that is in addition to Virginia Western Comm. Coll. which has a 6-man police force, and of course Roanoke City police, roanoke city sheriff, roanoke county police, roanoke county sheriff, virginia state police, the FBI... and I think that's about it.
I'd like to see a V-light style like the NYPD has, but it's not a big deal - it would be a pain to arrange the flashing light models with how they're set up. Just using the same light effect as the standard-light police cars like you're working on now might work just fine...
looking good =)
You have any designs for "ghost" unmarked police cars?
- Allan Kuan
Super CV Swamper (as usual!!) :thumbsup:.
Is it me, my computer or the chrome grill of the SC4 cars that appears flat grey when it should be shiny ()what()?
Nearly all CV police cars have a flat black grille - so it's not you, your computer or SW77's mistake - they're just like that in RL. The 'consumer version' if you might call it that does have a chrome grille, though, but not the police version. (Fire departments use the same version as police departments.)
Since I use GMAX/BAT for my modeling and texturing, I don't have access to the nice lighting effects that users of 3DSMAX get to use. So the graphics look "flat" and don't have shiny surfaces. The game is also several years old so there is no advanced lighting features such as shiny surfaces and reflections. The skins on the vehicles are just bitmaps wrapped around the vehicle shapes.
-Jan
Thanks Swamper for this precision. I knew it wasn't your fault (of course) but I was wondering were it come from. ()what()
As far as I remember, Antoine has the same problem with his "Obélisque de la Concorde" which was supposed to have a a golden pyramid at the top. It was barely visible once ploped in the game. ()sad()
The Crown Victoria Yellow Cabs are now available on the LEX!
They are based on cabs run by the Yellow Cab company, but carry a generic "TAXI" label on the sides. Be sure to take a close look at them during nighttime in your cities. ;)
@Allan: Sorry I didn't answer your question earlier. I don't have plans for unmarked police cars at this time. I will consider the idea for another batch of police cars, though. I will have to make a new custom model for the flashing lights, and those take time to model and animate. I usually do a bunch of vehicles that require minor modifications, then I do ones that require lots of work every now and then. So, it won't be right away. Maybe sometime in the future....
-Jan
The rotation is too fast.. otherwise it's the "normal stunning" we expect from you.. ;)
It appears that Ripptide created a smaller pumper as I see one in his prop packs.
Now, I find that in many cases the large pumper is too long and always sideswipes cars on curves. Also, I have seen some recently-delivered short purpose-built pumpers running throughout Vancouver city streets.
Therefore I'm wondering if you are able to do a shortened version. I have a raw PNG texture ready for your use (no alphas though due to problems while converting the original long pumper texture from FSH to PNG).
- Allan Kuan
Allan,
If you could provide a picture of the short pumper prop from LE or the game, I will see if I have a corresponding model for it in my files.
I'll check in within the next few days, either at work or after noon on Saturday. No internet at home, posting from work
-Swamper
Here you go. It's attached.
The short pumper is circled along with two other airport fire trucks (those I don't think can be modded properly though to appear only at airports).
EDIT: I realize that the pumper is only a few metres shorter than the other one.
- Allan Kuan
Allan,
I'll see about making a shorter version of the pumper. It shouldn't be too hard as I have Ripptide's source models and my automata skin files. When Ripptide sent me the models, I was given a "Pumper 1" and a "Pumper 3". This shorter one is probably "Pumper 2", which I never received from him.
As for making the airport fire trucks appear at airports, it is possible to do that. It involves some scripting, which I know how to do for automata generators. ;)
-Swamper
Pumper 3??? I only ever saw 1 and 2 in the Mega Props RT vol whatever! I would like to see both 1 and 2 in game now that I hear of them.
Pumper 3 exists only as a prop at this point. It is a precursor to the existing Maxis fire truck, estimated timeframe is sometime from the 60's to 70's. I never got beyond importing the model into GMAX to have a look at it. It has a lot of small details that stopped me from converting it to automata. Also, since most people are doing 80's to modern times for their CJ's/MD's, I didn't really see a point in converting it to automata. It will look really old compared to most of the Maxis automata.
I am considering making the "Pumper 2" automata model, by making alterations to the existing Pumper 1 model. I'm not sure how I will release it yet. I could either update my existing set of American emergency vehicles, update my Fire Support vehicles set to include it, or make it a standalone release. I'll probably figure it out when I get around to releasing it.
Speaking of releases/updates, all further updates releases will be on the BSC LEX only. My files on the STEX are "as is" and will not be updated at all.
-Swamper
Okay, so I'm not missing much with Pumper 3... But of course, Pumper 2 will be appreciated, and I'm looking forward to it.
And speaking of tweaking existing models, I'd like to see the front end of Rescue Unit 2 slapped onto the back of Pumper Unit 1, like this:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fmembers.fortunecity.com%2Ffirerescuevehicles%2Ffire175.jpg&hash=02cbdc6fba889eb6a967867f78899eb3ad568695)
The roof of Rescue Unit 2 slopes up some, but I think it would look better flat when used as a pumper truck. (Hey, that could be used as Pumper Unit 3½ or 4 instead of pumper 3)
@Nerdly: Your image is not showing for me. Looks like the link is broken...
I took some time tonight to work on another Crown Victoria police car model:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo144%2FSwamper77%2FSC4%2520Stuff%2FCars%2FNYSTPatrols.jpg&hash=0d7799f44553df10da6ba58e9ba7c9994cce069c)
This one is based on the ones used by New York's State Troopers. They use a navy blue/yellow paint scheme with red light bars. burgsabre87 made a request for it in Nerdly's thread regarding reskins of emergency vehicles. I decided to take a crack at it after an online discussion with burgsabre87.
They are fully functional with headlights at night and rotating red lights in the light bar. The prop versions of the cars appear in place of the Maxis police car when the "Replacement" file is installed. An additional prop file is also required for the models for the replacement props.
This particular model was an exercise in several areas of automata creation for me. I spent a few hours in PhotoShop CS and GMAX, trying to get the stripes and logos in the right places on the car. I now have a "Template" on my system for doing some of the other police cars on my to-do list as they also have stripes.
I won't be making police cars from various departments like Nerdly has. I chose the NYST police car to further my projects and to expand on my skills, not to take projects away from Nerdly. I'm not interested in competition between the two of us. I'm just interested in modeling automata and furthering my projects. It just so happens that one of Nerdly's requesters had the perfect project for me to do so.
-Swamper
Jan those are simply sexxie!!! WOW!!! great job on the New York's Troopers car...
WHOA! That is AWESOME!
And welcome back from your vacation, too.
I'm not considering this to be competitionbetween me and you - if anything, your work with these police cars provides the SC4 community with some excellent new mods as well as providing me with more colors to base any re-skins of your cop cars to do in the future on - but that won't happen anytime in the near future due to some aforementioned computer problems. (I mainly need a white car, a black car, and a colored car, preferably blue, to base designs on - that way i can manipulate existing colors with the least amount of effort to get the design I want)
Here's that image that didn't show up:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi220.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fdd138%2Fnerdly_dood%2Ffire2084a.jpg&hash=7e699b061108f0a72c90f2b88271bef7bed649ef)
EDIT: Something told me that you had done a dark green NYSP car... so I went and got you a link to this (http://members.fortunecity.com/nypolicecars/nysp.htm) which is most all the pictures of New York State Police you could ever need... but you made them blue like they actually are so I'm wasting my time. (Not quite, actually... I managed to find a minor problem with your model (or is it the skin itself?), and that is that the real NYSP car has the words STATE POLICE in a gap in the stripe over the front wheel in the same color text as the stripe)
Jan, welcome back from your vacation! The models & props look amazing. Thanks for taking a crack at them!
Always nice too see CV with new paint scheme (an endless job...).
I hope you'll have the time to make a lot of different kind of Simvehicules ;).
very nice Jan, keep it up! :thumbsup:
@Nerdly: The real world car does have "State Trooper" in the front part of stripes. Since the one side panel is used on both sides of the car, I omitted the text. It would have been really small as well, and therefore a colored smear on the skin. I had a hard enough time getting the stripes on there. I did put the "State Trooper" text on the trunk lid though.
Thanks for the link to the photos. It gives me a few more ideas for vehicles, including some to replace that Maxis police van with. The game's van is rather small to be used for anything useful. I could probably repaint my EMT ambulance to be a mobile command center, too.
As for your fire truck idea, it's a good one. It will take a little modeling, but I should be able to make it work. It probably won't be an extended cab like the one you showed, though.
@Ryan: Enjoy your new ride ;)
Une_ame: My time is limited due to real life and my other commitments. I get bored if I work on SC4 all the time, so I vary what I do at my computers. I do have ideas for other paint schemes, but I either need to locate photos online or take some of my own to do them. It's looking like making packs of police vehicles to either replace or add to the game's police force. Replacements will include police vans or trucks to replace that Maxis police van.
I'll start working on vehicles again soon. I'm just taking a break from modding SC4 to play the game and to play some of the other games that I have. You'll know when I'm back to making vehicles ;)
-Jan
Oh, no problem with the photos. I can recommend a website that shows THOUSANDS AND THOUSANDS of police car pictures etc. Just google "police car web site" and that should take you to it... or perhaps this link (http://policecarsite.50webs.com/main.html) will. It is my one and only source for finding police car pictures, except certain smaller towns near where I live that I'm using to make skins for SimCity mods.
And yes it is true that unless you use a very large texture, small text on cars' skins shows up clear as mud. But since people don't often make a point to try to get a really close up look at them, I try to make text on my cars as close as possible to the size it is in RL, and to omit as little as possible. So a lot of times text on my cars shows up... clear as mud. Take my Virginia state police car for example... and the Georgia state patrol car I'm working on is even worse:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi220.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fdd138%2Fnerdly_dood%2FGEORGIASTAtepatrol.png&hash=a569fe51a4aeacf96c656c37da33294fee548f56)
And about replacing the in-game police van: You could probably just use the front end of your EMT-EMS ambulance and adjust the "meat 'n potatas" of your Euro Mercedes Sprinter ambulance to fit on that to make it a Ford E-series van, and then add an ambulance top to that with a light bar and that could be used as a police van or an ambulance. Pictures of those are also available at the website I linked to.
very nice automate Swamper77 :thumbsup:
@Nerdly: Thanks for the link. It turns out I had it saved from a couple of years ago, but at their old address. I've updated my bookmarks to point to their current location. :thumbsup:
I've made a new police car that replicates the ones I see in the city that I work in daily, Seattle:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fs119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo144%2FSwamper77%2FSC4%2520Stuff%2FSeattle%2520Vehicles%2FSeattlePatrols.jpg&hash=9b2ea59fd17e196a0a58c3cc6985bbb118cb1a78)
Full police car replacement file in effect
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fs119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo144%2FSwamper77%2FSC4%2520Stuff%2FSeattle%2520Vehicles%2FSeattlePolice.jpg&hash=fe3c4f4e864b65a22d02d11f716b2bc7c50878f3)
Closeup Detail
So far, I have made just the replacement files and a static prop. However, the prop file is required for the replacement mod to replace the Maxis police cars. The additionals will be made later, after I make the replacement for the Maxis police van. The Maxis vans that are used as emergency vehicles are Ford Transit vans. Small and not very useful. So, I'm going to replace it with something a little more useful, and more American. Ford Tranists were only made in the UK and/or Australia to the best of my knowledge.
I can't find a suitable model for what Seattle uses for a van in their department anywhere online. Well, I can, but I'm not in the mood for paying money to get the models. So, I'm actually modeling it from the ground up. Here's the start of the Chevy Astro van:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo144%2FSwamper77%2FSC4%2520Stuff%2FModeling%2FChevyAstroModeling1.jpg&hash=d229ff7d8a251bfd977e05875e84cf03e7af57ab)
This is just the bottom half of the van body so far. This section comes up to the bottom of the windshield opening. The top half will contain the windshield pillars, the roof, and the rest of the upper body. I found the blueprints for the van on The Blueprints Website (http://www.the-blueprints.com). I cut apart their images in PhotoShop so I could make the appropriate reference images for use in GMAX. There are 4 images total: top, side, front, and rear (The rear one is not visible since I am looking through the backside of the plane it sits on). The far side is not visible as the backfaces of the model are invisible, but it is there. ;)
This is a work in progress, so it will be a little while before it starts looking like a Chevy Astro van in 3D. I'm making it a panel van first, and then I will make the passenger version which will have windows on the sides. This is one of 3 van models I will be making. The other two are a Ford Econoline and a Dodge Ram Van. I have the front of the Econoline already, as it is part of the EMT ambulance models I released awhile back. I will just need to build the main body for it. The Dodge Ram Van will require a little painting of an old skin that is hiding in my hard drive, probably in a dark corner somewhere.
-Jan
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi220.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fdd138%2Fnerdly_dood%2Fbugeyes.gif&hash=bfa2e27846d1f4acc81dadc2d31a0ecba29b16d2)
Wow! That Seattle police car is (as usual) AWESOME! I was hoping to make it for SC some time or another though... But yours is better than I could have possibly made mine, though. Maybe I'll just have to settle with Prince William County, VA...
And about the police van thing: It seemed to me that the original Maxis police van was already a Chevy Astro (or is it a GMC Safari?) which, although it is rarely used by police vans around here (since the Chevrolet Express and Ford E-series vans are bigger and more versatile), it could definitely be used as a police van. My only problem with that model is the way that the lightbar is arranged - and if I try to fix it by extending the colored portions in the texture file, it just gets ruined:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi220.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fdd138%2Fnerdly_dood%2FPoliceCarsTestCity-Jan2303115081-1.png&hash=89d14a7ed03724f08a3bcc870cb77a1395ba8bf7)
Oh, and another thing - I have a little bit of an update in our collaboration thread coming in the next couple dozen seconds.
@Nerdly: Looks like Maxis did a bad job with their UV mapping for the lightbar on that van model. I've done some comparisons with van images on the internet, and the Maxis police/ambulance vans are indeed Ford Transits. Maxis probably chose them for their small size and the ability to fit on the narrow freeway lanes. &mmm
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo144%2FSwamper77%2FSC4%2520Stuff%2FModeling%2FChevyAstroModeling2.jpg&hash=f381279f248a9873ce097c429a85af649eae9444)
I've put a few more hours of work into the Chevy Astro van. The main shape of the body is in place. I may pull at a few more vertices here and there, but the shape is pretty much the way I want it. And, yes, I know the smoothing is off in a few places, but this is a WIP (work in progress). ;)
The fun part begins soon, punching holes through the model's body. I'll be starting with the wheel well openings and windshield first. Later, I'll get the lights and front grill assembly in place. When I have the basic panel van style done, I will bunch a few more holes for the passenger version. Once both are done, then I will start adding the light bars and making the automata versions. ;D
Anyone interested in a bunch of civilian versions of the vans for your Sims to drive ()what()?
-Jan
Nice progress!
Yeah they're mostly civilian minivans around here.
And ya know... with the right skin tweaks... I (or you or someone else) could make it resemble a Ford E-series pretty well. Sure the dimensions aren't perfect, and the windwhield isn't quite as steep as on a full-size utility van, but it's pretty close.
Quote from: nerdly_dood on September 13, 2008, 07:26:40 PM
Nice progress!
Yeah they're mostly civilian minivans around here.
And ya know... with the right skin tweaks... I (or you or someone else) could make it resemble a Ford E-series pretty well. Sure the dimensions aren't perfect, and the windwhield isn't quite as steep as on a full-size utility van, but it's pretty close.
Oh, no, no. I'm not just going to wrap images around this. This is going to be a detailed model with the lights and such modeled in it. I'll be modeling in the tiny details, such as the sliding door track and the door handles, on this model.
I'm not taking any shortcuts with this project, or future ones. $%Grinno$%
The Ford Econoline van will be
another model I will be doing a detailed model of. I already have the front end and will just need to model the main body of the van. I will be making both a panel van and a regular passenger van of the Econoline as well. Making two versions of each van gives me plenty of options of how to reuse the models for later projects. ;)
All of my previous "3D modeling" was just "3D manipulation", so I'm changing my ways a bit and facing my fears of 3D modeling. I always assumed it to be too hard, seeing the detailed models with thousands of polygons. I'm quite proud of this attempt and my model so far. ;D
-Jan
Jan that astro is bringing back memories of my first van I used for the fire department lol.... Looking like an astro if I do say so, the bad thing about them is the trannies on them go to poop to easily... I cant wait to see devolpment on the E150 or 2 or 3 which ever one of the Econolines you use... Ooh if you need pics of Astro or Econo's lemme know and I will be willing to track some down for you!!!
Going all-in, are ya? ;D Seems like this thing is going to turn out in a very interesting way... And its a good thing that you're making the econoline because I think the E-series is much MUCH more usable as an ambulance than the Astro - considering that although I have seen a rare Astro police van, including one used by the Roanoke police department where I live, I have never seen an Astro ambulance.
@Pat: Stop giving me more ideas for my models $%Grinno$% You've brought my possible uses of the van up to 5 or 6 now. :P As for which Econoline version, I have no idea what the numbers are on it. I do know that I am stealing the cab off the detailed EMT ambulance model I got from Ripptide to use as a starting point for the Econoline van models. Like this Chevy Astro van, I will make panel/cargo and passenger versions of the Econoline van in addition to the emergency versions.
@Nerdly: While I haven't seen a police Astro van myself, there are photos that confirm that Seattle does use them. It's probably only used for events or incidents where they will need extra equipment that the patrol cars won't be able to carry. I highly doubt they were ever used as an ambulances, but I could be wrong.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo144%2FSwamper77%2FSC4%2520Stuff%2FModeling%2FChevyAstroModeling3.jpg&hash=d4a1ebad8d9087b44b4253bcd764517f956e9b22)
I've made some more progress on the Chevy Astro van. It now has a fuel door, tail lights and backup lights, wheel well cutouts, and two back doors. I have GMAX displaying the edges of the polygons so you can see what the shape of the vehicle really looks like. The model has a green material applied to it with 50% opacity so I can see through the model to the drawings that surround it. The rear lights also have materials applied to them. The red ones are set to 50% opacity as well, but the white ones are completely opaque.
I started with a couple of boxes when I began this model, and have sculpted them to represent the van fairly well. Based on the spacing of the lines across the model, this will not be an ultra detailed model like the ones that Ripptide gave me in the past. This will be a detailed model, but will be considered "low-poly" by most professional 3D modelers. Hey, you have to start somewhere... ;)
I have a shape for making the openings for the rear windows made. It's just hidden while I am working on the rear doors. The left rear door is just temporary to see if the doors fit the back of the van properly. I'm going to be detailing the rear doors, starting with the right hand one. Once I get the window and basic detailing done for that door, I'll mirror it over to the other side. Then I'll add the opening for the license plate housing and install the rear door handle assembly. I'll put on the hinges at that time as well. Then I will move to another area of the vehicle to add more details.
-Jan
Hinges?! I have to be at most about 40-50 (i think) feet away to see the kind of hinges used on these doors... That's a little TOO detailed if you ask me ;D
OFF-TOPIC: I need as many people's input as possible - i have a thread here (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=5670.0) explaining why.
Quote from: nerdly_dood on September 16, 2008, 01:21:00 PM
Hinges?! I have to be at most about 40-50 (i think) feet away to see the kind of hinges used on these doors... That's a little TOO detailed if you ask me ;D
My friends and family know me best for being really detailed on things. Being a Perfectionist is a blessing and a curse. The hinges on the rear doors are the usual cylinder shaped ones that stick off the back of the vehicle a bit. If you look close enough at the drawings surrounding the vehicle, you can see them on the drawings. ;)
-Jan
Oh I've seen them before - they have them on the back doors of almost every van with two back doors on earth. They're on Chevy/GMC Suburbans too. (But not Tahoe/Yukon)
LoL Jan I am soo soo very sorry and I think the ones that are used currently if I am not mistaken are from the 2003 model of the E350.... Progress on the Astro is looking real good there!!
@Pat: I have no idea which E-Series Econoline is used for the EMT ambulance model I have, but I'm suspecting it's a E-350, purely for the horsepower that would be required for it to get moving in a hurry. In real life, most ambulances that use the Econoline for the cab tend to be E-350's.
I've made some more progress on the Astro van:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo144%2FSwamper77%2FSC4%2520Stuff%2FModeling%2FChevyAstroModeling4.jpg&hash=ca6413be646b6ddd68b6bae88a19cced08d7bd4d)
I got both of the rear doors done tonight. The windows are fitted to the openings in the doors and have rubber trim around them. I haven't decided on the color of glass for the windows yet, so the window tint color you see is just temporary. It's probably the right shade for a police vehicle to make it hard to see who/what is inside. For the civilian versions, I'll use a lighter color to indicate that the windows are not tinted.
Left to do for the back of the van:
- Install the license plate holder on the right rear door
- Add hinges and the rear door handle assembly
- Make a visible line to separate the doors from the body and each other
- Install the bumper and trailer hitch. I might add the exhaust pipe tip, too.
Once the back of the van is done, I'll move over to the passenger side to start working on the sliding door and its details. Yes, the sliding door track will be modeled into the side of the van. Speaking of doors, I got a little carried away with the back doors while I was modeling them:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo144%2FSwamper77%2FSC4%2520Stuff%2FModeling%2FChevyAstroModeling4a.jpg&hash=cdde2d10c17fdc92474efdbe2be13b3b387c504a)
Yes, the doors are 3D and I have added a simple interior in the back. This allows extra flexibility for usage as a prop. There will be some prop models with the doors open for a light-duty utility/delivery vehicle. A bunch of businesses around here use vans for delivery or construction/maintenance firms. These "open door" prop models should add some interest to Lots once I release them ;)
-Jan
Going the extra mile with the doors, aren't you? ;D The part where the windows are looks a little too thick but it's a great model otherwise.
Looking good :thumbsup:
Wow really good &apls
Quote from: nerdly_dood on September 19, 2008, 01:19:29 PM
Going the extra mile with the doors, aren't you? ;D The part where the windows are looks a little too thick but it's a great model otherwise.
@Nerdly: Of course :P I'm adding additional details such as opening doors on the model to get more uses out of it as props. Besides, I can do what I want with it because I am doing the modeling. ;) I will see about slimming down the thickness of the doors slightly.
I haven't much spare time until tonight, so I've put a few more hours into the Astro van:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo144%2FSwamper77%2FSC4%2520Stuff%2FModeling%2FChevyAstroModeling5.jpg&hash=3b1a74cc0ae86364499107d90579156fbeb767c7)
The van now has two front doors, 4 wheel wells, and some details to show the separation of the doors from the body of the van. The front doors are 3D like the rear doors. I don't have them open right now as you would be able to see through the van body up front if I did. I will be adding a simplistic interior soon for use when I make prop models of the van. I may be able to use the van model for some projects outside of SC4 as well, so the additional details such as the interior allow for this. So far, I'm liking how this is turning out and I'm actually enjoying the modeling process. I'm making good use of GMAX's limited tools and basic primitives (and lots of use of Notepad.exe) while I'm doing the modeling.
To-do list:- Detail cabin: add simple interior, install windshield
- Detail front end: install grill, hood, and bumper
- Install rear bumper and license plate holder.
- Install sliding door and slider track; door handles and hinges will be installed at that time.
- Install wheels and maybe add some undercarriage details (axles, muffler tip)
- Add trim pieces and prepare vehicle for UV mapping for vehicle graphics (stripes, etc.)
-Jan
Jan, the Astro is looking fantastic there. I'm amazed at how much detail you've put into it--I'd say it's paying off well. :thumbsup:
Quote from: Swamper77 on September 25, 2008, 10:03:54 PM
(and lots of use of Notepad.exe)
I know that feeling all too well. :D
-Alex (Tarkus)
Jan I am speachless with the detail there at how well its looking too!!! great job :thumbsup:
That definitely qualifies as "not bad"! Keep it up!
Very fine work here :thumbsup:
Thanks for the encouraging comments. On Friday, I made the picture from the 25th outdated in a matter of a few hours:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo144%2FSwamper77%2FSC4%2520Stuff%2FModeling%2FChevyAstroModeling6.jpg&hash=209ca8095127258203a65d5eea88ad3535e6bdf7)
I got sent home from work early on the 26th, so I spent my evening working on the van. I stole the wheels off a Suburban and rescaled them to match the van's drawings. The difference between the Suburban's wheels and the Astro's? -5%. The van's wheels are slightly smaller.
I also finished off the back door by installing the license plate holder, the rear door handle and lock, and the license plate itself. They are now part of the door, and move with the door when I open it ;)
And I made that picture above outdated today:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo144%2FSwamper77%2FSC4%2520Stuff%2FModeling%2FChevyAstroModeling7.jpg&hash=05634387d3f784e4b406b1d5138854f2b8775cfa)
The sliding door is installed and the interior has an opening that matches the door. I've also modeled the door frames for the front doors as well, so there is a visible opening when the doors are open. The door handles and locks are installed for the sliding and front doors, too. The panel next to the sliding door covers the space that the sliding door mechanism operates in. Inside the sliding door, there is a step modeled into the interior as there is a difference between the rear doors and the bottom of the doorway.
It's starting to look almost like the real thing now. ;D Next, I'll be working on the front end, installing the windshield, hood, and the front grill assembly. I'm going to model the front grill assembly myself as the one I took from the Suburban did not fit well.
-Jan
Love that license plate there Jan and the van is looking darn good!!!
Whoa - it's got wheels! And it (probably) can't get pulled over by a cop who notices the lack of a license plate because it HAS a license plate... Not bad at all! :thumbsup:
That license plate is just temporary, like the ones you find on cars at a dealership. Here's the actual image in JPG format:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo144%2FSwamper77%2FSAFL_Plate.jpg&hash=b5523ec1755814ae20912e0ff834c1b8db9c96b5)
The original is both a .PSD and a .BMP image.
I have images of license plates that I will be using on the vehicle, and the images are for specific uses of the van. Obviously, I will not be using the same license plates on a police van as I would for the civilian version. ;)
-Jan
I could probably find a Virginia local government license plate picture... (it's what they use on local police cars and school buses and whatnot) Maybe I could find an image on the DMV website? That would probably include applicable plates for Washington (Seattle police) and New York (NY State Police) and if I find such a site I'll post a link.
@Nerdly: I have quite a few Washington plates, including civilian, police and fire plates. I think I lost count after downloading 24 of the license plates. The more the merrier, though. ;)
It's starting to look very much like an Astro:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo144%2FSwamper77%2FSC4%2520Stuff%2FModeling%2FChevyAstroModeling8.jpg&hash=56b330d16296640eb424ad8dea3f283a72efef95)
Tonight, I got the front grill assembly modeled from scratch and installed the windshield. The windshield also has the dark band modeled into it. The windshield also has a thick rubber trim around it as well.
The colors of the front lights and the window glass up front are subject to change. I'm just sticking in colors to apply to the parts of the model for now, and I will tweak them later to suit the project(s). In fact, several of the materials on this vehicle will change before I start making automata out of it.
Left to do:
- Install the hood and bumpers
- Build the front interior, including seats and the dashboard.
- Model and install the mirrors
- Install trim all the way around the vehicle
- Add minor details as needed...
-Jan
i love that van with open doors and would love to have it :)
great work :thumbsup:
dannnnng Jan you are simply kickin ____ on this Astro!!! &apls It truly looks like one now ;)
Quote from: squidi on October 01, 2008, 11:37:39 PM
i love that van with open doors and would love to have it :)
great work :thumbsup:
The open doors are for my use when I make props out of the model. The automata version will not have opening doors.
-Jan
Jan: I think that on the side without the sliding door there should be windows, as well as a window above the sliding door tracks.
The purpose of this van is to be a police van, and they are often panel vans. Jan will probably add windows for the civilian version.
Nice work here :thumbsup:
Go on :)
Well, whaddya know... I found a Chevy Astro police van with windows!
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.geocities.com%2Frwcar4l%2Fmanassas101.jpg&hash=8a6df757d0624fc42a56a20127568932a36b73ce)
Note that this may actually be a GMC Safari instead...
(GMC or not, Manassas police cars have blue lights)
EDIT: Here's another one... this one is certainly a GMC Safari.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fmembers.fortunecity.com%2Fpdcarweb%2Fvienna101.jpg&hash=224ff39c2c5d0afaf494ca71419ed23b6743f1b3)
Dragon, as Nerdly mentioned, this is the panel van version of the Astro. I will make a copy of the van and model in the windows for the passenger van. A panel van is easier to model and it gives me a base to make other variants of the vehicle. Both the panel and windowed versions will be used for police vans.
Nerdly, thanks for the picture. It seems that you have issues with showing images from FortuneCity, for some reason. &mmm The van shows exactly how I plan to do the window glass on the police van(s), light colored glass up front and darker glass for the rest of the van. The civilian variants will have light colored glass all the way around. Judging by your photo of the van, it looks like I will have to remodel the door handle wells on the front doors a bit, though. Not a major issue $%Grinno$%
-Jan
All I did was copy the image URLs from the respective cities' webpages at that Police Car Web Site I linked to earlier - I should probably put them in my photobucket in the future to ensure reliability...
EDIT: I found a sort of half-panel Astro police van... it's kinda weird...
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fmembers.fortunecity.com%2Fcapdcars%2Fvaca11.jpg&hash=d3bb076e3f281fb39a44ee70c2cdc2ca10d82f6c)
I hope the fortunecity image works this time...
Hey Jan I came across this pic of a paneled astro with front view if it helps you any?
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg508.imageshack.us%2Fimg508%2F6460%2F119vihp5.jpg&hash=fc64aa99fb330f5e628132edf2f218a294548f76)
i hope im not too picky, but too me, the wheels the furthest away (perspective) seem to big... (in the last 3 pictures)
Quote from: Meastro444 on October 04, 2008, 12:45:54 PM
i hope im not too picky, but too me, the wheels the furthest away (perspective) seem to big... (in the last 3 pictures)
Both the front and rear wheels are the same. It's just the viewing angle that is distorting their appearances.
-Jan
That van looks great already, and with the minor detailing it will look splendid.
This may be a little irrelevant to the current thread topic, but I was wondering if it would be possible to replace the in-game Freight Train automata with a passenger train automata, and thus have two different passenger train automata in one city at one time, but without having the ability to have freight trains (well, you would be able to have them, but they would look like that new passenger train automata).
Greetings,
Casper
Cool idea, but a lot of work I'm guessing. It would also take work to get them to be in the right place and not hanging in your industrial area all the time.
Quote from: caspervg on October 26, 2008, 10:22:05 AM
This may be a little irrelevant to the current thread topic, but I was wondering if it would be possible to replace the in-game Freight Train automata with a passenger train automata, and thus have two different passenger train automata in one city at one time, but without having the ability to have freight trains (well, you would be able to have them, but they would look like that new passenger train automata).
I suggested this a few months ago already. Obviously, the new "passenger trains" would be pure eye-candy, but any train skin is eye-candy anyway. ;)
@Casper: As Andreas stated, it is possible to do what you are suggesting, but it will take a bit of work to do so. In addition to suppressing the Maxis (or other creators') train cars, a new Automata Plugin would have to be created, unless you don't mind having long "passenger" trains. ;) Doing such a project is not really high on my project list right now. I have large backlog of projects that I am working on for myself or I'm helping with (or supposed to be helping with). It will be a long while before I take any new projects. &mmm
After almost a month of tweaking the Astro panel van model, I am finally done adding to it (for now). It has enough details for now and for making the automata skins for SC4:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo144%2FSwamper77%2FSC4%2520Stuff%2FModeling%2FSeattlePDModel1.jpg&hash=1d414127edcccb9932f64d2e765fef1e7d8e807c)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo144%2FSwamper77%2FSC4%2520Stuff%2FModeling%2FSeattlePDModel2.jpg&hash=43dc6714ecc3df74eb2c111d0c624c2666327d19)
And ingame:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fs119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo144%2FSwamper77%2FSC4%2520Stuff%2FSeattle%2520Vehicles%2FSeattlePoliceVan.jpg&hash=f353f98cdb3944eec87ee8961b4898287434144c)
In the game, it has fully functional headlights and rotating lights for the light bar. It currently replaces the Maxis Police van. The rear windows are tinted darker than the windshield and the front windows. The van is bearing the Washington State Law Enforcement Memorial plates on the front bumper and rear door. The light bar is accurate as per the real world pictures that I found on the web. This is the one that I used for the light bar and for reference:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fs119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo144%2FSwamper77%2FSC4%2520Stuff%2FSeattle%2520Vehicles%2Fsea120.jpg&hash=0a2658a018561d1d43ee10a169101ab00a38035c)
The original photo can be found here: Seattle Washington Police (http://members.fortunecity.com/copcarpics/sea.html). Photo courtesy Ian Marlow
The color is a bit off as I used the paint from the Crown Victoria Seattle Police car. I did a bit of creative licensing with the backside of the light bar. The amber lights were modeled based on photos that show the backside of the light bar on other Seattle Police vehicles. The two center lights on the bottom half of the light bar are known as Take Down lights and are always white. The lights at both ends of the bottom half blink back and forth when the officer has a vehicle pulled over or is responding at a scene. I chose not model the animation for these lights as the lights would be obscured by the rotating lights in the light bar. Only the rotating lights in the light bar are functional ingame.
Given the size of the vehicle ingame, I'm undecided as to whether or not I want to add the text on the front fenders and the hood. The text probably won't be very readable if I do add it. The emblems are showing crisply on the front doors because they are a separate image.
The Seattle Police package will probably be released as a Replacement mod only as both the Crown Victoria and the Astro Van share the same logo for the front doors. Not to mention, there are very few police department paint schemes that would complement the Seattle Police paint scheme.
-Jan
Jan, I'd say you nailed it with that van. One of the most detailed automata I've seen. Excellent, excellent work, as always! :thumbsup:
-Alex
Nice work :thumbsup:
Now THAT is not bad! One hint: The little lights under the main light bar are red and blue on your model, but in the RL image below they're both red... I'm picky like that, bear with me Never mind, you fixed that for the in-game automata...
Can't wait for more!
EDIT: That's it... If I ever show another image from that Police Car Website again I'll save it to my hard drive and upload it to my photobucket, no more using the same image URL as that website uses... :thumbsdown:
EDIT: I've updated the model and the picture of the model. Good catch! -Jan
OMG Jan that is simply wicked awesome I love that streethawk light bar its perfect!!! Do you happen to have an ingame of it lite up??? sorry I love twinkilies lol ;D ;D ;D ;D I cant also forget that van is sweet too!!!! Wow overall a wicked job here!!!!
Quote from: Pat on November 02, 2008, 09:40:38 PM
OMG Jan that is simply wicked awesome I love that streethawk light bar its perfect!!! Do you happen to have an ingame of it lite up??? sorry I love twinkilies lol ;D ;D ;D ;D I cant also forget that van is sweet too!!!! Wow overall a wicked job here!!!!
Pat,
I didn't know there was a specific brand name for that light bar. Thanks for the information. Looks like I will need to update the van model and the automata model though, based on my reference photo. I forgot the alley lights on the ends of the light bar. It shouldn't take me long to do it. I'll update the van color at the same time. It's looking too blue-green at the moment. &mmm
I will see about getting a picture of the light bar running ingame. Keep in mind, that only the rotating lights on the top of light bar are actually animated ingame. None of the extra lights on the light bar are modeled in the "flashing lights" animation.
-Jan
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fs119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo144%2FSwamper77%2FSC4%2520Stuff%2FSeattle%2520Vehicles%2FSeattlePoliceVanRev1.jpg&hash=630ff479a65637958686e8939723c1b3ed6ecfc3)(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fs119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo144%2FSwamper77%2FSC4%2520Stuff%2FSeattle%2520Vehicles%2FSeattlePoliceVanRev1_2.jpg&hash=cef24b42b8ce27909fd82cae0d332e71989708ba)
I've updated the Starhawk light bar model to include the alley lights on the ends and two placeholders for additional lights in the center of the backside of the light bar. I've also repainted the van to better match my reference photo. It's more of a baby blue now, instead of the aqua color it was originally. I may need to fade the color a bit and make it lighter. At least I don't cringe when I see it now.
And just for Pat:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fs119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo144%2FSwamper77%2FSC4%2520Stuff%2FSeattle%2520Vehicles%2FSeattlePoliceVanLights.jpg&hash=6e50b35abeb520bcb75f624301854e09c1c0de68)
As stated previously, only the lights on the top half of the light bar are animated. The rest of the lights on the light bar are just for looks and extra detail. I probably went a bit over the top with the details, but it is the details that set my automata apart from anyone else's.
I have a little more cleaning up to do on the model and then I will package it up for release with the Seattle Police Department Crown Victoria patrol car. Both vehicles will be released as a Replacement Mod only. Together, they will replace the Maxis police car and police van automata. They will not be separated.
-Jan
Jan oooooh sooo wonderfull!!!! Hey no problem I am glad I was able to help out give you the name of the lightbar, sorry that the lightbar is just my other hobby so to speak lol.... A sad one but I know my lights lol.... Whats even worse I didnt even notice that you missed the alley lights till you said it!! Any other help you might need on light bars let me know and I will be happy to help you out!!!
Pat
With a little more time, I think I have gotten the color correct now. It looks very close to the real thing and isn't too blue:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo144%2FSwamper77%2FSC4%2520Stuff%2FModeling%2FSeattlePDModelFinal1.jpg&hash=e965fc304bf316ada5930f3222bed53568a00528)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo144%2FSwamper77%2FSC4%2520Stuff%2FModeling%2FSeattlePDModelFinal2.jpg&hash=0e7c649f736427c9732a44a4f8b44abd37a02d79)
Keep in mind that this is the detailed model, which could be used for a prop. It is also where I get my colors for the automata model, as I take screen shots of the detailed model so I can build the skin in PhotoShop. I've added the texts to the detailed model and have declared this model to be "final", meaning I will make no further changes to it for my project. This does not mean that I won't make copies of it to modify for other projects, such as other police vans. It just means that the Seattle Police Department van won't be modified or added to.
-Jan
Not bad at all! Looking forward to release!
So will the Seattle police car/van be released alone, or along with other skins?
@Nerdly: Originally, I was considering releasing the Seattle police units by themselves. After toying around with some ideas last night, I came up with a different plan.
The Seattle police units will be released, but as part of a pack of Seattle civic vehicles. I'm still doing some research on Seattle's civic vehicles to figure out which ones ingame will be replaced by their real world counterparts.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo144%2FSwamper77%2FSC4%2520Stuff%2FSeattle%2520Vehicles%2FSeattlePDFinal.jpg&hash=4043481a72e6806c03bc53a76771d5026fb0c656)
The police units have been finalized. The only change I will be doing is add text to the hood and trunk of the Crown Victoria.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo144%2FSwamper77%2FSC4%2520Stuff%2FSeattle%2520Vehicles%2FSeattleFDEMS.jpg&hash=c8f15af3e6ac30c5dff73c9b498a0ac023179b40)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo144%2FSwamper77%2FSC4%2520Stuff%2FSeattle%2520Vehicles%2FSeattleFDEMS1.jpg&hash=24a39e3f5958ea057ed3b21a05cacdf31c7755fc)(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo144%2FSwamper77%2FSC4%2520Stuff%2FSeattle%2520Vehicles%2FSeattleFDEMS2.jpg&hash=9521131ce05c678ee12c562c3d8a98968ca77241)
Seattle Ambulance, which is dispatched by the fire departments. I found a limited selection of photos on the web, but they were enough to repaint the EMT1 EMS ambulance I released in the past. Instead of the blue "Star of Life" emblem on the sides at the back end, it has the Seattle Fire Department emblem.
It will take some time to get some of the vehicles I have released previously repainted and more time yet to get some new civic vehicle models made. Do not ask for a release date. They will be ready when they are ready.
-Jan
OK WOW Jan that is soo stunning!!! WOW!!! :thumbsup:
Seattle police dept colors are realy nice. :thumbsup:
I scaling down my Seattle Civic Vehicles pack. I was being too ambitious trying to replace them all. So I've made a Seattle Emergency Vehicles Pack instead. Here's the manifest for this pack, which will be released in the very near future:
- Ford Crown Victoria patrol car
- Chevolet Astro police van
- EMT Ambulance
- Pumper Fire Truck
- Ladder Fire Truck
- Fire Battalion Command vehicle
Here are the pictures of the last 3 vehicles of the list:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo144%2FSwamper77%2FSC4%2520Stuff%2FSeattle%2520Vehicles%2FSeattleFDPumper.jpg&hash=88e7acf14f570ad626b517de4d2e702cdbf0a24b)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo144%2FSwamper77%2FSC4%2520Stuff%2FSeattle%2520Vehicles%2FSeattleFDPumperLights.jpg&hash=66346279d6548ac4bdfd424f458e36c32b6a4387)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo144%2FSwamper77%2FSC4%2520Stuff%2FSeattle%2520Vehicles%2FSeattleFDLadderUnit.jpg&hash=09cf958f0b368d8bba0e28870d1d0bbd2adbd232)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo144%2FSwamper77%2FSC4%2520Stuff%2FSeattle%2520Vehicles%2FSeattldFDBattalion.jpg&hash=45531e3b991d1e5ce09e59874a406e50b419962c)
These vehicles will be released as soon as I am done updating my Automata Essentials file.
Automata Essentials and Emergency Vehicle Sets
I'm updating the contents of this file to clean up some code and to include content for future releases. I'm also updating my various emergency vehicle packs that involve fire units. Among the changes I am making, the rescue units and the Euro Fire Van will be part of a group of vehicles called "Fire Support Vehicles". This set of vehicles includes the fire chief vehicles as well. In the Automata Essentials file, I have created a single button for this group.
By default, a modified copy of the Maxis Maroon SUV will be installed with the Automata Essentials. Here's a glimpse of it:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo144%2FSwamper77%2FSC4%2520Stuff%2FMaxisSUV.gif&hash=d29198c8403af448c8d9b0d1ba4a580d7332f7b8)
This vehicle is slave to the button that will be labeled "Fire Support Vehicles" in the Main UDI menu. The current fire chief/support vehicles will be stripped of their icons. In each of the Emergency vehicle packs, I will be adding a "Default" file, which will override this maroon SUV with your choice of the fire chief/command vehicle from one of the packs. So you could have the Euro Fire van replace the SUV and also have a Crown Victoria fire chief's car driving about your cities. This is one of the many configurations that will be supported by the new file arrangement.
The Fire Battalion Command vehicle in the Seattle Fire Department files will override the maroon SUV of the Automata Essentials file.
Notices will be added to all the emergency vehicle packs after all the files are updated.
I will also be updating all the READMEs to reflect the changes.
-Jan
Holy... ! That is gorgeous! My one suggestion is to darken the Suburban somewhat... but it's amazing what you can do even while modeling overpasses for the RHW... &apls
I already have an amber light texture, btw, somewhat darker than yours - I used it in the creation of a Spanish ambulance based on your Euro one, which I haven't tried in game...
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi460.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fqq330%2Fnerdlydood%2Fskins%2FAmberlight.png&hash=d070ef856587a3d8d992d23c70ef76653c6187d5)
OMG OMG OMG FAINTS!!!!!!!! I think I need 911 Jan WOW!!!!! Truely amazing work here that you not only got the yellow amber light to flash ingame but also dash lighting to work as wel OMG!!!!
Quote from: nerdly_dood on December 12, 2008, 07:54:19 PM
Holy... ! That is gorgeous! My one suggestion is to darken the Suburban somewhat... but it's amazing what you can do even while modeling overpasses for the RHW... &apls
I already have an amber light texture, btw, somewhat darker than yours - I used it in the creation of a Spanish ambulance based on your Euro one, which I haven't tried in game...
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi460.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fqq330%2Fnerdlydood%2Fskins%2FAmberlight.png&hash=d070ef856587a3d8d992d23c70ef76653c6187d5)
This better? ()what()
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo144%2FSwamper77%2FSC4%2520Stuff%2FSeattle%2520Vehicles%2FSeattldFDBattalion2.jpg&hash=7c59130d9f1a29fc34eb2ce353f8efc50afaf50e)
The two rotating beacons at the back of the Seattle Fire Department pumper are yellow, not amber. I've also put an amber beacon image into my Automata Essentials file for future releases. If you don't mind, I'd like to use yours instead, with credits to you for making the amber beacon image.
Quote from: Pat on December 12, 2008, 10:16:02 PM
OMG OMG OMG FAINTS!!!!!!!! I think I need 911 Jan WOW!!!!! Truely amazing work here that you not only got the yellow amber light to flash ingame but also dash lighting to work as wel OMG!!!!
The lighting in the windows of the Default Fire Command vehicle was rather simple. 2 frames and each one is displayed for 4 frames before the other one shows up. That is simple compared to having two sets of rotating lights.
-Jan
Quote from: Swamper77 on December 13, 2008, 08:58:28 PM
This better?
Yes, much better. :thumbsup:
Quote from: Swamper77 on December 13, 2008, 08:58:28 PMThe two rotating beacons at the back of the Seattle Fire Department pumper are yellow, not amber. I've also put an amber beacon image into my Automata Essentials file for future releases. If you don't mind, I'd like to use yours instead, with credits to you for making the amber beacon image.
You certainly have my permission.
Jan I am soo speachless WOW!!!!
The updated Automata Essentials is now live on the LEX.
Credits to nerdly_dood for the amber light graphic he provided in this thread.
I've added a bunch of new graphics and added a new vehicle to the Automata Essentials File.
The new vehicle is a Fire Command vehicle:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo144%2FSwamper77%2FSC4%2520Stuff%2FMaxisSUV.gif&hash=d29198c8403af448c8d9b0d1ba4a580d7332f7b8)
This vehicle is attached to the new "Fire Support Vehicles" icon that will appear in the Main UDI Menu. After I update the rest of my emergency vehicle packs, all Rescue, Fire Chief/Commander, and Support Vehicles will be accessed through this new icon. This is to reduce the clutter of icons that was starting to occur as I was adding vehicles to the game. This means that the Jeep Cherokee Fire Support vehicle and the Fire Chief's Car will no longer have their own icons in the UDI Menu.
All fire support vehicles will have appropriate dashboards in UDI Mode in the game as well. I've added two new dashboard setups for them. Fire Chief/Commander vehicles will have a status window that reads "Fire Commander Vehicle Control" at the top and have a red dashboard behind the gauges. Fire support vehicles will have a status window that reads "Fire Support Vehicle Control" at the top and have a red dashboard behind the gauges. Fire support vehicles are rescue units and other vehicles that carry gear and personnel to assist at a fire scene.
The Fire Command Vehicle will be spawned by fire departments that you place after installing the Automata Essentials File. The other fire support vehicles such as rescue units will also appear on the roadways near the fire stations once I get their updated files onto the LEX.
EDIT: All the emergency vehicle files have been updated and descriptions are in my Service Station (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=207.0) thread. I also changed the formatting in that thread. Looks more like a large table now.
-Jan
Jan this is amazing work and I am going to redownload now!!! :thumbsup: &apls
Not bad! You happened to catch me at a rather bad time to take a look at your updated dependency - I'm just about to reinstall Windows. Again. %wrd
EDIT: Having successfully reinstalled Windows I have redownloaded Reader and looked at your udpated dependency file. I am very curious about a few things that I find somewhat unusual:
- There's a green light texture with a matching glow-effect texture
- There's your yellow light texture as well as my amber one (both with their glow textures)
- There's a white light texture with its glow texture
- There are some textures which I can't identify: 0xC235001D and 0xC235001E - are these glow effects for different styles of flashing lights such as strobes?
I'd just like to see how these textures will be used is all.
Nice work, Jan. Always a pleasure coming over and seeing what you've created. :)
@Nerdly: The new graphics are for future releases or for customizing existing emergency vehicles. I may not actually use them all, but it's better to have the files there now instead of having to do another update later. For now, I'm not going to say what any of the new graphics are for. You'll just have to wait and see ;)
-Jan
I expected about as much :D
Since today is my Birthday, I thought I would give everyone an early present. I've uploaded my Seattle Emergency Vehicles (http://sc4devotion.com/csxlex/lex_filedesc.php?lotGET=1899) to the LEX. There is a total of three files:
- SeattleFD_Replace: Replaces the Maxis Fire Truck and adds a Ladder Fire Truck.
- SeattlePD_Replace: Replaces the Police Car, Police Van, and the parked Police Car props
- CrownVicPolice_Seattle: This file contains the Seattle Police Car prop model. This is required to use the SeattlePD
file in the download, as it contains the model that the parked police car prop exemplars are referencing.
IMPORTANT! This download will conflict with other mods that replace the Maxis emergency vehicles. This includes Nerdly's and Ja/att's files on the STEX, Zwanneman's files from SimCityCentral, and any other mod that replaces the Maxis emergency vehicles.
Complete installation instructions are in the Readme file. Any technical issues with these files should be posted in my Service Station (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=207) thread.
-Jan
Happy Birthday Jan!!
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.fireengines.com.au%2Fimages%2520large%2Fcaketoppers.jpg&hash=10a8a70da1c9f81a39c532ff7a631c75d12b3fda)
a special cake for you Jan since you been doing fire rescue vehicals ;)
Happy birthday Jan (swamper77)! =)
- Allan Kuan
Happy Birthday, Jan (swamper77) & thanks for new upload.
Happy birthday, and thanks for the Seattle vehicles!
Too bad I accidentally datpacked the folder I had my emergency vehicle mods in... But hey, I can always use Reader to remove them... even if it is rather tedious..
&idea
Oh, and one more thing - I think I've figured a way to enable most any light pattern conceivable on your ambulance mod... without changing how the model shows textures. (I cannot change the lights' location that way - only their colors) That would require the creation of a new FSH texture for the lights (so I can't do that until I get XP since I have vista now) but it would be an all-encompassing one that would work on any light color.
Quote from: nerdly_dood on December 24, 2008, 02:02:17 PM
Happy birthday, and thanks for the Seattle vehicles!
Too bad I accidentally datpacked the folder I had my emergency vehicle mods in... But hey, I can always use Reader to remove them... even if it is rather tedious..
Or you could make a subfolder that loads after the DatPacked files, for ease of removal of the Seattle vehicles ;)
QuoteOh, and one more thing - I think I've figured a way to enable most any light pattern conceivable on your ambulance mod... without changing how the model shows textures. (I cannot change the lights' location that way - only their colors) That would require the creation of a new FSH texture for the lights (so I can't do that until I get XP since I have vista now) but it would be an all-encompassing one that would work on any light color.
Be careful with doing that as my lights are stored in my Automata Essentials file. It would be better to ask me in private about the changes you wish to make. Contact info is over there <---
-Jan
I've sent you my idea by way of PM which I thought would be the safest way to communicate.. privately.
I've started working on vehicles again. This next release will be for the German railroaders:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo144%2FSwamper77%2FSC4%2520Stuff%2FTrains%2FEanosEmpty.jpg&hash=1a48a151a0557b80ed65b589a48e2023a068cda3)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo144%2FSwamper77%2FSC4%2520Stuff%2FTrains%2FEanosLoaded.jpg&hash=0607fc671a2f102d4f0ecbe25d9d318a1ec87e0f)
It will be released here on the LEX, and no, I will not repaint these for American or other railroads.
-Jan
Very nice, swamper! :)
Is it a carriage from royal?
Quote from: Kenworth on January 28, 2009, 01:35:47 PM
Very nice, swamper! :)
Is it a carriage from royal?
One of several that Royal provided for me to work with. The model I got was loaded one, but I was able to make an unloaded model too. There are a few other models to do yet. I'm still waiting to hear from Andreas as to what Royal wants done with the models after I convert them. My guess is that he wants them to replace the Maxis freight cars.
-Jan
Jan,
I'm really looking forward to these, you do great work and I always look forward to new automata.
Is it an incredible amount of work to release the finished automata in both flavors? I already use your US freight cars and adding on a German set would add visual interest (since I play North American-inspired regions, I can do what I want with my automata) and the great SFBT sidings wouldn't look so out of place.
Cheers,
Kevin
Quote from: BigSlark on January 28, 2009, 02:36:07 PM
Jan,
I'm really looking forward to these, you do great work and I always look forward to new automata.
Is it an incredible amount of work to release the finished automata in both flavors? I already use your US freight cars and adding on a German set would add visual interest (since I play North American-inspired regions, I can do what I want with my automata) and the great SFBT sidings wouldn't look so out of place.
Cheers,
Kevin
Kevin,
I'm not sure I understand your question about "flavors". If you are asking about having this particular model with and without the coal cargo, that is possible to do. Or are you asking if these will be additionals instead of replacements? If so, it's not a lot of work to do that either. I just have to make sure the ID's don't conflict with other files.
-Jan
My apologies for being unclear, Jan. I was asking if you are going to make both "replacement" and "additional" versions of the final set of wagons.
Cheers,
Kevin
Quote from: Swamper77 on January 28, 2009, 01:45:20 PM
One of several that Royal provided for me to work with. The model I got was loaded one, but I was able to make an unloaded model too. There are a few other models to do yet. I'm still waiting to hear from Andreas as to what Royal wants done with the models after I convert them. My guess is that he wants them to replace the Maxis freight cars.
royal replied to my PM at SimForum today; he also wouldn't mind to see both options, as suggested by Kevin, but if that was too much work, a replacement set would be his preference. :)
Andreas and Kevin,
I can do both versions. It will just add a little more time for processing the files as I make them. Not that I mind, as more time spent working on them, the more bugs I can catch (if any).
-Jan
I don't think I've ever looked at this thread. Your very good at what you do though :) How is your TEing coming along?
Quote from: toxicpiano on January 30, 2009, 11:41:09 AM
I don't think I've ever looked at this thread. Your very good at what you do though :) How is your TEing coming along?
What transit-enabling? I'm not sure what you're asking about as I don't have any projects right now that require transit-enabling. Care to explain your question further so I can understand what it is that you're asking about?
-Jan
This one here, sir:
http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6848.0
Toxic,
It slipped my mind, sorry &ops I'll get right on it....
-Jan
Quote from: Swamper77 on January 30, 2009, 05:27:25 PM
Toxic,
It slipped my mind, sorry &ops I'll get right on it....
-Jan
Cheers :)
@Toxic: I'll release the converted lots during the week. I need to finish the Readme file still...
I spent all day yesterday working on these for an internal BSC project. They are the reason I didn't have much time for anything else this weekend:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo144%2FSwamper77%2FSC4%2520Stuff%2FNew%2520Freight%2FJesLoggingTruckW.jpg&hash=193afa0f8b7db0d8a7cd68e49460cd1652c7949e)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo144%2FSwamper77%2FSC4%2520Stuff%2FNew%2520Freight%2FJesLoggingTruckB.jpg&hash=225e9f97ab594b818bcde5bc57bfa294029d691b)(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo144%2FSwamper77%2FSC4%2520Stuff%2FNew%2520Freight%2FJesLoggingTruckNight.jpg&hash=977ff19037dace77710802aa088417b238b07833)
I still have a log carrier railroad car to do, but that will be started after I finish the Readme for Toxic's Lot conversion request on Monday.
-Jan
Those look great! :thumbsup: Some logging trucks would be appreciated with Peg's new Logging Works.
Log trucks! I'm terrified of them but I can't wait to add them to my game! lol :-[
Quote from: sim-al2 on February 01, 2009, 06:02:03 AM
Those look great! :thumbsup: Some logging trucks would be appreciated with peg's new Logging Works.
My projects and I not associated in any way to his projects. The Vandy Automata Set on the LEX was the last joint venture between us. I left his site for personal reasons several months ago and will not be returning to it. Sorry.
Quote from: Alex2602 on February 01, 2009, 03:34:58 PM
Log trucks! I'm terrified of them but I can't wait to add them to my game! lol :-[
I can sympathize with that. I don't much care to be directly alongside them at 60 mph on a multi-lane highway. I do enjoy looking at them, though.
The German railroad cars are going to take some more time to finish. In the meantime, I have wrapped up the logging equipment set that Jestarr sent me the models of. In addition to the two logging trucks and two logging trailers, I have created two log carrier railroad cars:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo144%2FSwamper77%2FSC4%2520Stuff%2FTrains%2FJestarr%2520Train%2520Set%2FLogCarrierLoaded.jpg&hash=bf312c5049e9289e50d9dfbb82af898c9d71dbfd)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo144%2FSwamper77%2FSC4%2520Stuff%2FTrains%2FJestarr%2520Train%2520Set%2FLogCarrierEmpty.jpg&hash=6f77359d2d127cac5a678e39c5974d5fc7f483f4)
I did a little artistic licensing on these rail cars. Jestarr's original rail car model had an open frame like the logging trailers. I opted for a flat bed and copied the forks and the logs from the logging trailers. So, they aren't complete replicates of Jestarr's model. I really didn't feel like doing an entire open frame again for an automata. The open frames on the trailers took quite a bit of time to do for such little effect.
I still have some tweaking to do on these rail car models, but they are mostly finished. These will appear in addition to the game's default train cars and Jestarr's Train Set that I released earlier. The logging trucks I showed earlier will appear on your roadways along with the rest of your freight trucks. These automata were created for a future BSC release, but they will work just fine on their own.
-Jan
Jan that is looking real sweet there!!!
@Pat: Thanks.
I've finished tweaking the log carrier railroad cars. Here are the final versions:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo144%2FSwamper77%2FSC4%2520Stuff%2FTrains%2FJestarr%2520Train%2520Set%2FLogCarrierEmpty2.jpg&hash=df20a0c066f8247df81fc0c9b0cb5d16071ba672)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo144%2FSwamper77%2FSC4%2520Stuff%2FTrains%2FJestarr%2520Train%2520Set%2FLogCarrierLoaded2.jpg&hash=1dc0ebc66b91fd6d13502d7b2a130b1c506c538a)
The car bodies have been lowered a bit and the couplers redone to match the rest of Jestarr's train cars and the Maxis trains. I've modified the Jestarr Train Set files to adjust the couplers on all of the train cars and engines. All the couplers are now at 0.8 meters above the ground so there shouldn't be any differences in the heights of the couplers.
While I've been working with these two log carriers, I've also been tinkering with the flatcar from the Jestarr Train Set. It carries now cargo at random:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo144%2FSwamper77%2FSC4%2520Stuff%2FTrains%2FFlatCarCargo.jpg&hash=e930886fee1cf9940b3c1d5ac267630bdf080a1d)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo144%2FSwamper77%2FSC4%2520Stuff%2FTrains%2FFlatCarCargos.jpg&hash=a1d5e693f5d78ee7ed9356fc552ecb610bee5528)
I've figured out how Maxis attached freight to their semi trailers and train cars. While I can't create new cargo sets, I can attach the Maxis ones to my custom vehicles. This breakthrough will go out with the updated files. I'll update the files sometime this weekend.
Cargo/People Models and Automata:
Maxis has defined cargo sets in the EffectsDirectory and they use some special coding in their vehicle models to reference these cargo sets to display cargo on vehicles. This is also how people riding motorcycles, drive open-top vehicles, (like the ice cream truck or the pink convertible), and how pickup trucks carry the random objects that they do.
Now, I have not created any new effects. So, please do not ask me about whether I created new effects. I am simply just copying hex code from Maxis' vehicles to mine to display cargo on what is an otherwise empty flatbed vehicle. Doing this kind of modding involves knowledge in hex editing and a lot of patience. There are no known tutorials on this type of modding. I did this through studying the game's files and a lot of trial an error. I will not be providing a tutorial for how this is done, as this type of modding will cause problems in the game if done improperly. It is a very delicate operation. One wrong byte and it will not work while creating all sorts of issues ingame. I had several crashes and various graphical oddities while trying to get this to work.
-Jan
WoW jan,
I do not imagine the number of hours when you have of pass, to study and understand the EffectDirectory propriety.
&apls
People do not imagine to which it is details can ask a great deal of time
Orange
The Jestarr Train Set in the LEX has been updated to include the changes I made to the empty flatcar. The empty flatcar now displays random cargo on it. Files have been updated to include this feature. Couplers have been adjusted on all the train cars so they are all at 0.8 meters to match up with Maxis and other custom train cars.
-Jan
Is there anything you can't do? &apls
Jayson
Quote from: sithlrd98 on March 14, 2009, 07:15:28 PM
Is there anything you can't do?
I'd have to say that's highly doubtful. :D
Great job Jan!
sweet Jan this is incredibale and to answer Jayson and to agree with ND nope I bet there is nothing you cant do ;) Great Job as always!!!
Oh, there are things I can't do, but I don't explicitly say what they are unless it affects a project I am doing. So, no one really knows what can't do.
As some people may have noticed in the Show Us Your... Car (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6983.0) thread, I drive a green 1997 Honda CRV. While trawling the internet one night for models, I came across a .3DS model of my car. It is the exact model, minus the real world dirt and damage. I had brought it into GMAX awhile back and then moved on to other projects.
While working on some personal projects for SC4 tonight, I found a need for the model. So, I updated the materials on it and added the missing license plates. Here is the detailed model that will be rendered into a prop via BAT:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo144%2FSwamper77%2FSC4%2520Stuff%2FSUVs%2FHCRV97.jpg&hash=7e73babd55deff120a3a2e14e92ed08aa3d6698f)
Here is the automata version:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo144%2FSwamper77%2FSC4%2520Stuff%2FSUVs%2FHCRV97auto.jpg&hash=4882d70a74aaa99cad7b5851d58fbf281a1516a6)
For my personal use, the 97 Honda CRV will replace the gas-guzzling Maxis Mayor's Limo. I will also make a public release of these. The public release will have several standalone vehicles in various colors. They will also be spawned by Mike's Honda dealerships when those Lots grow ingame.
The colors I will be making for the automata are green, red, blue, silver, white, and yellow. I tend to avoid black vehicles as they don't show the details very well because the panel gaps are usually black. I may make an exception for this set to round it out to 7 colors total.
-Jan
About the black color version: I recommend using a very dark gray skin for the CRV. As you can see from the black police car skins I've been using (link (http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq330/nerdlydood/skins/blacketc-2.png)) dark gray rather than actual black skins, with shading to make the car look shiny, is a visual improvement over solid colors. I also recommend using a more diffuse light setup as you get your skins, concentrated on the top - this way the top of the car looks lighter in color because that's where the light is shining. If the side-view part of the skin and the top-view part of the skin have the same color as they transition from lighter color to dark (which makes the car body look somewhat curved) this is another improvement.
I say this because in your Seattle police Crown Victoria skin, the light appears to be shining directly on the various parts of the skin, rather than one single light used on all parts - this results in the car being a bit too light-colored on the sides, and there are dark strips where the sides join due to each side having its own light.
Just some constructive criticism - I hope you don't mind. ;)
Nerdly,
I don't mind constructive criticism, you know that. ;) For the black CRV, I've set the color to slightly above Pure Black, so it's a really dark gray. The black color you use is too light for my purposes.
As for the lighting, I've been using the default lighting in GMAX. None of the BAT's lighting rigs have been used as they tend to give a yellow cast to everything. I'll see if I can figure out how to make my own lighting rig or at least adjust the default lighting options. According to the default viewport settings, there is just one light source being used.
-Jan
Nice, Jan. I looked online to see if there were any 3D models of my car (a '96 Ford Contour), but there weren't.
SC4 needs more real-world cars. :) The Crown Vic police vehicles are a start. :P
Quote from: burgsabre87 on March 24, 2009, 11:46:53 AM
Nice, Jan. I looked online to see if there were any 3D models of my car (a '96 Ford Contour), but there weren't.
SC4 needs more real-world cars. :) The Crown Vic police vehicles are a start. :P
I'll see about making civilian versions of them at some point. No promises as to when I will do it.
-Jan
A much more common civilian version of the Crown Victoria is the Mercury Grand Marquis, which is pretty much the exact same car as the Crown Victoria except for a few differences:
- The later-model Grand Marquis has no turn signal between the main headlight and the grill so the space between is wider
- They have a corner light behind the front corner reflector so that side of the headlight goes a bit farther down the side
- The black space beneath the trunklid on the Ford Police Interceptor that is body-color on the civilian Crown Victoria is a great big rear red reflector on the Mercury Grand Marquis.
Just some recommendations for when/if you make a civilian version of your Crown Victoria. ;)
Quote from: Swamper77 on March 24, 2009, 12:14:10 PM
I'll see about making civilian versions of them at some point. No promises as to when I will do it.
-Jan
Just to clarify, I wasn't meaning to get on you about those. When stuff gets done is when stuff gets done.
Jan simply wonderful there with your CRV!!!
Hello Swamper77, jack wilds here...
Everyone had a comment or two so I'll chime in with a thought... ::)
Always enjoyed your automata work... its an amazing thing to do all this -the programming, studying, trials and errors... I give you and those who you work with alot of credit &apls
As for the logging rail and logging vehicles -were they included in the updates? I have yet to see 'em in action... or am I jumping the tracks in this &mmm
Jack
Jack,
Good to hear that you like the work that I have done so far. I don't usually get a lot of comments other than "good job" type comments.
As for the logging vehicles, they haven't been released yet. I need to verify one of the parameters before I release them. Things have been busy as of late due to work and real life. I've also been taking a break from modding as I spent far too much time doing that instead of playing the game. I'll see about wrapping some stuff up this week.
-Jan
The logging equipment is going to be delayed a bit. Since this will be the dependency pack to have the logging truck automata spawn from the unreleased BSC lumber mill, I want to add one more vehicle to the set. One of the BSC members sent me an image of a RTL (Road Transferable Locomotive):
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi248.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fgg192%2Fmikejfrench%2Frtl%2F7.jpg&hash=c200673f652eedabc669b9352c8c2bcdccf4339c)
Here's my version in progress:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fs119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo144%2FSwamper77%2FSC4%2520Stuff%2FTrains%2FRTL.jpg&hash=6e4b976ea4dc2dcb30a3aff0f1badfabbe87c0f3)
I don't have a model of the truck from the photo so I'm using a Freightliner cab as the base and modifying the vehicle as needed. The truck is still missing a bunch of details, but it is getting there. Instead of having any company specific logos, I will be placing the BSC globe logo on it. I'm still trying to figure what color to paint it as I have seen green, blue, and orange from the reference photos that I am using.
In the game, it will function much like the game's track checker. It will be spawned only by the unreleased BSC lumber mill. It would look odd seeing it pull a bunch of freight cars as a freight engine and there isn't a way to make new trains for the game. That is why I will be making it behave like a track checker in the game.
-Jan
oooo ooo Jan give me a great reason to get rid of the no track checker mod eheheheheh!!!! That is fantastic!! A question though are you going to have amber lights on it at all?
Quote from: Pat on April 08, 2009, 08:10:27 PM
oooo ooo Jan give me a great reason to get rid of the no track checker mod eheheheheh!!!! That is fantastic!! A question though are you going to have amber lights on it at all?
Pat,
This won't replace the track checker. It will be an additional vehicle that will only appear near the BSC lumber mill once it is released. I might see about making a mod to replace the game's track checker with this RTL vehicle. As for the amber lights, I don't see why I can't have them this time around. The only reason I didn't do them on the Vandy Automata was because I wasn't skilled enough with automata modeling at the time. There are more than just the cab's clearance lights that are amber this time, as the following picture shows:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fs119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo144%2FSwamper77%2FSC4%2520Stuff%2FTrains%2FRTL2.jpg&hash=3cc807cc74a9e1eec6c2a7e534fb51bd6a261659)
I'm getting close to making an automata out of this RTL vehicle. I've added the track wheel assemblies under the cab and near the back of the truck. Although they aren't shown, there are lights under the back end of the truck for the brake/running lights. I've also added marker lights along the sides of the flatbed, placed two turn signals onto the front fenders, and installed two spotlights onto the front bumper. All of the amber lights and the head/tail lights will be lit for nighttime use in the game. The front spotlights will flash with a wig-wag pattern at all times for safety.
-Jan
Nice, but to Amercian for me, sorry &mmm
Guillaume :thumbsup:
Great work with the truck/locomotive Jan! (As usual...) ;)
In Europe i think they use a Mercedes-Benz Unimog (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercedes-Benz_Unimog) for a road truck that can be used on railroad tracks - a very versatile truck suitable for any terrain except that which is vertical or nearly so.
Pictures of such usage: Here (http://www1.messe-berlin.de/vip8_1/website/MesseBerlin/htdocs/Bilder_upload/Neuheitenreport/1052.jpg) and here (http://www.off-road.com/offroad/data/articlestandard/offroad/082007/406764/image007.jpg).
I have also come across one image of American-style trucks in that type of use just for reference while modeling: [Link (http://eaglewestcrane.com/images/Rail%20Truck%20in%20Yale%20May%202006_Division%20Main%20Page%20(larger).JPG)].
And a few images of the wheel attachments: [link (http://www.polyweb.com/dans_rr/blog/index.php/archives/43)].
Jan that is looking real great there!!! BTW is there an update coming on your MD?
Quote from: Sciurus on April 10, 2009, 02:56:53 AM
Nice, but to Amercian for me, sorry &mmm
Guillaume :thumbsup:
@Sciurus: Well, I am an American so most of my models end up be American as well. I'm sorry it's not an European model, but I don't have any European truck models to work with. I'd probably have to build them from scratch, and that would take awhile to do. It would require more time than it is taking to build this model.
@Nerdly: Thanks for the links. I won't be doing anything with them at this time and I will be keeping my rail wheel assemblies as they are.
I've put a few more hours of work into this and have started the automata model:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fs119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo144%2FSwamper77%2FSC4%2520Stuff%2FTrains%2FRTL3.jpg&hash=6f46497c5c8e7c0b704f0535647dd7b6dd1d5eea)
(Ignore the light blue patches. They will not be visible on the final model)I've decided on the paint color and have added the BSC Globe logo to the truck. Most of the cab details are done at this point. I borrowed an existing automata model from the Vandy Automata set to get a quick start on the automata model and altered the skin image in PhotoShop to include the details of the RTL. Most of the truck is done right now. The lights on the cab are done and I have added a visor over the windshield. The front bumper is 3D to give it some form. The machinery boxes and the spare wheels on the flatbed are also done.
Left to do:- Railings on the flatbed
- Front spotlights
- Marker lights
- Rail wheel assemblies
- Rotatory safety lights for the cab roof
- Add shadow plane
- Create headlight model complete with the twin spot lights and the marker lights.
- Create animated model for the safety lights.
I did a little more research into the front lights. I have decided to
not animate them and create headlight beams for them in the headlight model. For safety, two strobe lights will be placed on top of the cab and they will be running at all times. Since emergency vehicles can't run on railroad tracks, I have found a method to add animated lights to vehicles that aren't designed as emergency vehicles. The lights do not require a dispatch or player control to be active.
As part of the research, I also looked into functionality of the RTL so a few mods will be made with it. In addition to creating a "track checker" for the unreleased BSC project, I will be making two standalone track checker mods. One will replace the Maxis default and the other will just be an additional track checker. I will also be making an additional freight train engine out of it.
-Jan
The modeling is done and working:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo144%2FSwamper77%2FSC4%2520Stuff%2FTrains%2FRTL4D.jpg&hash=1a9121ce517ef7115ee10a76bb8829a0e4c0aba8)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi119.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo144%2FSwamper77%2FSC4%2520Stuff%2FTrains%2FRTL4N.jpg&hash=ac25a6fce34fd52e9b96e8973b3c65d59f092a85)
The front headlights and spotlights turn on at night, along with all of the marker lights. The marker lights are on the roof of the cab and along the sides of the bed. The turn signals are also lit at night. The two rotating lights on the cab roof are always on and cannot be turned off.
Proof of concept works. Now, I just need to do the modding for it function properly. Here is the list of variations that will be provided:
- BSC Lot track checker (Cannot be uninstalled)
- Replacement track checker (optional file)
- Additional track checker (optional file)
- Additional freight engine (optional file)
The first version is for the BSC Lot that hasn't be released yet. Initially, I created this vehicle just for that project. As usual, I've found other uses for my models ;)
-Jan
Sweet Jan that is looking real great!!! LOL about finding other uses as well....
Nice work!!!
Will you release a road version as well?(It is a Road Transferable Locomotive)
I can do that. I'll have to alter the current automata model first. Otherwise, the track wheels will be dragging on the pavement.
-Jan
Sweet modele Jan !! And very good idea to use it as a track checker. SC4 is limited and I always want more stuff on my rails &hlp.
The Logging Equipment is now live on the LEX: SW77 Logging Equipment (http://sc4devotion.com/csxlex/lex_filedesc.php?lotGET=2067)
Vehicle Manifest:
- 2 Freightliner semi trucks
- 2 logging trailers with logs
- 1 loaded log carrier railroad car
- 1 empty log carrier railroad car
- 1 Road Transferable Locomotive (RTL)
Some mods have been included, which use the model of the RTL Unit:
- Additional Freight Train Engine
- Replacement Freight Train Engine
- Additional Track Checker
- Replacement Track Checker
By default, the RTL will not appear without the BSC lumber mill which is still being worked on. So I made the tracker files to allow it to appear without the lot. The logging trucks are modded as freight trucks and will appear with the other existing freight trucks. However, their trailers will not appear behind any other semi trucks. The RTL will only run on the railroad tracks at this time. A new model will have to be made for the road version of the RTL.
My Automata Essentials File is required for these vehicles to function properly. This file has also been updated today to include files for this release and future releases.
-Jan
Things have been quiet in here and for various reasons:
1. Offline stuff: With the sunny weather, I've been spending more time outdoors and away from my computer. I also have a life outside of SC4, and there are things that I want to do. Time spent here on my computer is time that I can't spend on other stuff. I much rather be hanging out with friends or reading books than be here on my computer.
2. Overload: I've simply taken on too many projects and I'm getting burned out from having done automata modding for so long. I've been doing this stuff since 2004-2005, and I can't keep doing constant modding anymore. Maybe a project here and there with breaks in between, but certainly not projects back to back anymore.
From now on, I will be helping limited numbers of people with their projects. I don't want to sound mean by being picky as to who I help, but I can only help so many people with the limited time that I have. Right now, I will help the handful of people I promised to with their projects, then I will be taking a long break from automata modding.
-Jan
Clever, functional, sweet.. love the whole set and especially that track checker.. hehe.. its not like any checker I've seen but truth is I haven't seen one of those in rl since probably 1960ish and it looked much more "industrial" but I like the "truck as checker" idea..
Jan,
Great work with your automa modding! They beat the poopoo out of Maxis stuff.
Would love to see glr/monorail generator if its not too much to aske?
Thanks
Jan, hasn't been around for quite a while, so don't get's your hopes up.
EDIT: Last visit was over 1,25 year ago.