Ok, well a few people have been suggesting I start a thread showing my work with the LE.
Now I must warn you, I have been playing this game for years but have only recently even considered playing with the LE.
So I have started out rather simply and below are my first attempts. At this stage, I'm just putting together lots I would like
to see in Balnavia, although at least one brave soul has a Dave-alot (bad name I know, but I like it $%Grinno$%) or two in his MD.
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Well I said I was starting simply. Those familiar with my MD would know I like to plop a tennis court or two. But a fence was needed,
Balnavian's were getting more exercise from chasing stray balls than actually playing the game. Have always liked Peg's fence and I
have put it to good use.
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A larger complex I am still playing around with.
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These lots are for use around sunken roads, rail etc. I have a set with trees as well but for some strange reason the trees only
appear when you plop East to West, North to South they just don't show. Go figure.
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So there we go, my first attempts with the LE. I've just started on a long learning curve, and any advice, feedback, constructive
criticism is more than welcome.
Dave
Dave,
I'm glad you've started a LE thread - a chance for you to show the SC4D community what you're doing.
And I think that what you've done so far is VERY good. Simple, as you say, but none the less, the lots are well thought out and it's easy to see that they'll be very useful as they're built on a modular approach.
The gazebo with the tennis courts is one of those that is so obvious, you wonder why you didn't do it yourself!! My only comment would be that on the one with the brown path, the entrance lines up with the path. It doesn't on the other paths. Just swing it through90 degrees in LE and they will be PERFECT. And the modular bits with parking look very good indeed.
Same as the park paths - nicely done, simple, not overdone, and bery useful. The fact they can be used to edge against sunken roads is an extra bonus!
So, you already know I like what you've done here, as do my West Enders - the tennis courts I'd lotted had lower fences, so any high bouncers and they were running to collect the balls.
I look forward to seeing what the next Dave alots are. $%Grinno$%
Keeping it simple is always the best way to start :thumbsup:
I especially like the tennis courts, but the park paths will be very useful as well.
Very nicely done.
Looking swish here, will be keeping an eye on this thread... cant wait
Joe
Thanks for the support, especially Paul for including some of the tennis courts in his MD :thumbsup:.
Here is one I am working on at the moment.
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I guess it's just a storage yard, to fill a few tiles. I've used Peg's recently released security fences. You might notice I have a bit of trouble getting these straight, but I'm working on it. The problem with this one I guess, is that in RL, how would you get the containers out of there. I plan to do a
few of these with more of the pallets and crates, and perhaps some trailers. Also need to get a gate or barrier across the entrance.
Hey Dave, you've done it again. A blindingly obvious Lot that no-one has thought of before!! Isn't hindsight a killer $%Grinno$%
Maybe the gateway building at the entrance could be a bit higher or wider?
As for getting those containers out, have a look at JES Mega Prop Pack 06 here:
http://sc4devotion.com/csxlex/lex_filedesc.php?lotGET=1416
It has a "straddle crane" in it. Only trouble is they are designed to work when the containers are in single lines with gaps between them. But that is a very nice looking lot there.
wow what a great start &apls
The tennis courts look great, just a suggestion how about some benches along the courts? or a thin flower bed?
very good though as are the park paths :thumbsup: I can see them been very useful :D :D
The container lot looks great too but how did they manage to stack them 3 high? there is no equipment to do that or even unload. $%Grinno$%
if you moved the office to the back of the site, access wouldn't been a prob but a lot like that would be better
suited to crates and boxes as you say. Been such a small lot an 'Ar-Tic' would have big probs maneuvering.
The placement of the containers on the grass looks perfect and you barely notice the glitch in the fence,
well at least till you pointed it out :D.
I can only see you improving if this is the beginning you've made :thumbsup:
:satisfied:
TTC
So glad to see you've taken the plunge, Dave. I'm a fan of all your tennis courts, too, and those lots lining the sunken avenue look great in Balnavia.
I really like the storage lot but have to agree with TTC -- you need some heavy equipment there. Also I like the way you've stacked the containers unevenly. Don't know if that was on purpose or if it's the way the props are made. Somebody showed a really jam-up salvage yard in his MD not long ago and I appreciated the variety of props and the way they were laid out. Later if you want to tackle something a bit larger, maybe you could add some wooden pallets and stuff like that. Something covered up with a tarp would be great, too - makes me wish I know how to create props!
Anyway, congratulations on making it official! :thumbsup:
Until next time...
Joan (JmS)
Hey dave Peg's fences have gate-pieces.
Thanks everyone. Given the feedback I've decided to dispense with the containers on such a small lot, I agree that there
just isn't enough room for the necessary machinery so will work on something a bit larger. However I have varied the above
lot a little so it now stores pallets etc which are a little easier to handle on a small lot.
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You all came up with similar suggestions. You can see I have widened the entrance and it now has a gate,
and the office has been moved to the side. Access around the lot is better and hopefully that forklift can handle the work.
Paul thanks for the link, that will come in handy. Joan, the irregular stacking, Dave laziness, but they do look OK don't they :D
TTC, 3 high containers, well a helicopter of course $%Grinno$%. Paul, Joan & TTC, all has been noted in this noggin of mine and
hopefully will make itself shown when I work on a new container lot.
dragonshardtz, thanks. I had the gates but they don't work near a corner. But have overcome this by moving the gate towards the middle of the streetfront.
Thanks again for the feedback.
Dave
Now thats a great looking lot Dave. Industiral? Grow or Plop?
Thanks Diggis, well it's definitely a plop, cause I've got no idea how to make it growable or to make it industrial with jobs. Thats
another lesson or two I need to learn.
When I say I'm a novice at this, I'm telling the truth :D
You can still have a few big shipping containers, because quite a few storage yards might have one or two as a permanent fixture where equipment might be stored.
I know my grandparents' storage yard has a couple of shipping containers on the property - one containing old furniture, the other containing equipment that can't be kept out in the air, but are too big to keep inside their shed.
Oh yes, Dave, that's much better! :thumbsup: You have enough variety to make it interesting and there are even a few touches of color. It's amazing what a little bit of rearranging can do. I like the wider access, too, and if that's a chain hoist I see (or whatever it is!), good choice!
Overall, I'm not much help with things like this because I know when something doesn't look quite right, but I don't know how to fix it. That drawback kind of limits "constructive" criticism but at least a comment might fire up a helpful idea or two from someone else. ;)
Which lot did you use as a base, BTW? All of mine were on the pz 1x1 grass lot (not sure if that's the exact name). But I always thought if you use an industrial lot with jobs as a base, you'll end up with whatever attributes the original lot had. Maybe someone with more experience would explain how that part of the process works.
Until next time...
Jm
P.S. OK, you win! I'm too easy, but I'll try and take care of that little task today!
Oh, yes that's great work there Dave - a nice re-lot. If anything, you could say it's a bit too well organised, but that's being ultra picky ;)
As for Joan's comments about which lot you are using as the "base", using the "pz 1x1" was how I started too. Ok if you don't mind the querey window showing the lot to be a park. If you want to be a bit more "proper" then you'll either need to find a suitable building, or use the "BLaM Blank" lot. If you search on stex for BLam Blank you'll find it. You then drag that into the appropriate building type in PlugInManager.
Simgoober's tutorial on STEX on how to make a functional landmark lot is worth a look - I'd say it's essential as it teaches you how the nuts and bolts work behind the scenes. Can't say I understand it all, or that I've got it all to work, but it did help. Here's the link:
http://www.simtropolis.com/forum/messageview.cfm?catid=140&threadid=76236&enterthread=y
You're coming on leaps and bounds, in fact I'd say you've already overtaken me (not that I ever doubted you would). :thumbsup:
Paul
Now thats what I call a re-lot and for the better?
OH Yes indeed :thumbsup:
here's me been ultra picky ::) How about moving the skip to the side of the building? easier for the office staff to dispose of stuff instead of having to cross a muddy path (muddy path? - how can it be muddy if it never rains in sc4?)
Also more storage space for bulkier objects ;)
I would say it is not "a bit too well organised" . Been such a small lot without much maneuvering room and as a forklift driver I'd want stuff in nice neat rows ( easier to move and load if its tidy, less chance of damaging goods) so I'd say you got that spot on :thumbsup:
All in all a great improvement, won't be long before you truly amaze us all with something that we'll all be saying "now why didn't I think of that" :D :D
Regards
Derry
Toohey's: Nice work. In case you have not seen them yet, I am working on a line of fence props. They will all have timed vehicle gates. If interested, I can also make pedestrian gates that open and close. I am also willing to make custom pieces, if you need something I have not done yet.
Splendid work with the lot work. It has a good industrial look and yet it's very clean and orgainized. If you have yet started LEX uploads and are willing to share, I could use a small storage lot like that (subtle hint?) but really, great work and I'll keep an eye out for further developments.
toohey
Can you release those modular pieces you made for that avenue tunnel in a non LEX download? Id love to get my hands on them now so that I can use them.
Thanks
SimNation
Dave you are on fire here and Im surprised you didnt PM with the start :'( Immm sad.... But now I am glad I have found you out hehehehe :D Sir you are excellent and you are doing a wonderful job here and I want Dave Alots in my MD tooo!!!
Ok, here is a pic of a slightly reworked lot as it appears in my MD:
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Thanks again for the great replies. TTC, I have moved the skip in this edition and SA, there is a small container to store those
odds and ends. Love the feedback.
Joan & Paul, thanks for the ongoing support, the base lot for this was a container lot I found on the STEX, I don't think any of the
props remain :D Joan, doesn't matter if you don't know how to fix it, if you see something that doesn't look right feel free to let me know.
Paul, some more great tips, thanks :)
threestooges, hope the lots worked OK.
RebaLynnTS, a generous offer, thankyou. Will keep this in mind. Can't wait to see your new fences and gates.
SimNation, PM me an email address to send them to and they're yours, you just owe me a beer if you ever make it downunder ;)
Ohhh Pat, I'm so sorry (http://www2.b3ta.com/sorry/) ;D Thanks, and if you want any in particular, just let me know.
For you my friend, no charge.
Thanks again for the the great replies.
Dave
"Slightly reworked" is an understatement (did you forget that I have two monitors!? :D ), but I like it. I think the dumpster is placed better now and the single container looks like it grew there. Good choice.
I see that you've added a bit more color, and that's a good thing. More important, however, is the fact that you are really developing an eye for arranging things. With all the props you've included, there must be hundreds of ways you could put them together, but the way you've arranged them looks perfectly natural.
The lot looks really good next to a rail line, too, the construction of which I'm sure you'll explain to me all in good time! :P Also, one of these days I'd like to hear more about why you made the changes you did. The reworked version looks better, but I'm not quite sure why!?
Until next time...
Joan
Quote from: Jmouse on March 06, 2008, 12:28:05 AM
Also, one of these days I'd like to hear more about why you made the changes you did. The reworked version looks better, but I'm not quite sure why!?
The obvious changes you know, the dumpster and container. As for the rest of it, well to be honest I just shifted a few props around, added a few yellow barrels, and well it looked ok. No rhyme or reason, just wanted it to look a little different from the initial lot so I could use both together without them looking like identical lots. As for the rail layout, you better check out Balnavia ;)
Thanks Joan
Dave
Thats wikked Dave.
In fact it looks a whole lot better. And it fits perfectly into the area there too.
Now it there was only some way to have tyre tracks on the entrance...
Whats next I wonder
Regards
Derry
Dave, let me know if you need any help modding the lots along the way. I have a feeling a lot of people will want these. ;)
-Nate
Nate, could you make this a growable? If Dave has no problems with that. It looks wicked. &apls
Shouldn't be a problem. :P
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Fantastic work on the LE there, tooheys! Great! :thumbsup:
Ok here is a slightly larger lot I'm working on:
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Let me know what you think.
Thanks again for the great comments everyone.
At the moment they are only park lots, so I'm guessing the next job is to make them IM with jobs before making them growable. Will do some reading and experimenting over the next few days.
Nate, thanks for the offer, I'm sure I'll need your help very soon :)
Dave
Belive me Dave that Nate is a true miracle worker ;) here is a small tutirol to help you out in the growth department here [linkie] (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=2550.0) BTW love the lots and they are looking real good my friend and I love the showcase pic..........
Dave
Another great creation. You I've looked at this for quite a while and I can't see anything that sticks out.
I like this larger version more than the other :thumbsup: and the extra touch of he FLT(forklift truck) starting to load is great.
Hope that FLT driver remembers how to load properly(start at the front of the trailer).
All in all 10/10 I believe :D :D
regards
Derry
OK, Dave, you've scored again! ;)
The shed is a terrific addition (I'd love to get my hands on that metal roof texture), and all the elements fit well together. I think one of your secrets is a natural ability to work with color, though. It isn't hard to see - just squint your eyes and look at the lot.
But you have a logical yet creative way of arranging things, too. I like the way you turned a set of yellow containers around to add variety (first photo, bottom center). Also I'm glad you included a couple of folks walking around - gives the lot a bit of life.
We all know it's the details that count, though, and you really have an eye for them. I'll bet that lot looked more like a slider puzzle while you were working on it! :D
Until next time...
Jm
They are looking fantastic. As Joan rightly says, that corrugated tin shed is a great addition.
You've managed to get the look just right, I mean it's clearly a bit "grubby" but at the same time it's so logically laid out. It come s to something when the nearest thing to constructive criticism I can come up with "not so keen on the colour of the lorry cab" ;)
Top work Dave!
Great work with the expansion of the lot. A nice industrial supply lot (Bulldog Industrial Supply is what first came to me... if names are up for grabs). It actually reminds me of a hardware store in Santa Barbara. A few actual buildings, but many things were outside (taking advantage of California weather). Great work and I'll look forward to seeing its futher progress.
-Matt
Well, this one isn't that exciting, and some of my American friends might just be wondering what this is all about ;), but I felt the need for another sport for my Balnavians. They're getting a bit sick of tennis :D
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Thanks everybody for the ongoing support. Diggis, I still intend to make the industrial lots growable but I seem to be a bit short of time at the moment.
Will get there as soon as I can. Of course Bulldog Industrial Supply would be a great name when that happens :thumbsup:
Industrial lots look very good :thumbsup: planning to release them when?
Dave, you've surpassed yourself with that cricket pitch.
I know there's a couple out there already but your version is just fantastic. The way you've used the thin path to mark the boundary is a very nice touch.
Now, if only we could find a team to beat the aussies at cricket ;)
Very Nice there dave :thumbsup:
The cricket pitch looks awesome. Very detailed and realistic
All the fielders are in the right place and you've even got the slips! Looks great &apls
Thanks everyone.
Now all I need is a curved picket fence to fit inside the pathway and I'd be extremely happy. Is that possible, the fence that is, not me being happy ::)
Krio, I have no plans for a LEX candidacy at this stage, so it might be a while before these become public. Thanks for the comments though.
You are so right, Dave, this American friend is wondering about cricket but will trust other responders when they say the field is done up right! :thumbsup: I like what looks like a picnic area with tables and umbrellas, and you didn't forget to include a dressing room. So you get another A+ for lot editing, but next time could you create something that makes more sense?! :P
Jm
LoL Joan you are too funnie but alas I do agree about needing something that makes senes lol :D Dave you are doing a fantastic job here and I think to start off with you should go with the LEX and alot of people would help you get on the LEX!!! I mean it M8 you are ready IMHO sir!!!!!
Pitch looks great Dave :thumbsup:
For the curved fence there is a maxis one used for the baseball court maybe that would be suitable, its just an idea ;)
Anyhow what you do produce looks very professional mate &apls and I can easily see you getting rights to the lex,
if and when you do decide to release some of these gems ;)
Well worth a cuppa mate ::)
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:satisfied:
TTC
Yes, wonderful LE work on the newest lot!! Great work, tooheys. ;)
Looks great Dave, I'll have a look and see if I can sort you out a fence. Is the cricket pitch made up of textures or a prop? If it's textures can you send them to me to get some sizes for you?
Thanks Diggis, it's all textures and overlays.
As the paths are the guide for the fences, would the LE ID codes for them be what you need.
Appreciate any help
PS: I'm getting more and more nagging requests :D to get a Lex candicacy up and running, so you might get those industrial lots yet.
Pleased to hear it. Yeah the IID codes would be OK, are they Maxis textures?
Great work on your lots my friend!
I guess you came to lotting the same way as I and most others did: some other lots just didn't suit ...
Just one question:
That industrial lot - is it a ploppable or a growable? if it is a growable, why don't you TE - it?
Take care my friend!
Bernhard :thumbsup:
Dave its not mere nagging but more of telling you that we want them!!! Im not even going to laugh about that one that is how for real I am Dave!!!
QuoteThat industrial lot - is it a ploppable or a growable? if it is a growable, why don't you TE - it?
Nardo69 - TE growables do not upgrade so growables should never be TEed.
OK, I give in. I'll give LEX rights a go. The first lot will be more welcomed by my Commonwealth friends and anyone from the sub-continent. You guessed it, the cricket field. Start simple and work your way up. Anyway, i still have to come to grips with what I need to do to get the lot up to standard just for the application stage. Thanks for all the links and advice. Expect a barrage of questions from me over the next few weeks.
Dave
Dave, if you'll send me the lots I can have a quick look at the modding. My email is listed. It's better to get everything checked out now, that way your LEX Candidacy goes a lot smoother.
Barby, you are perfect right - I wrote it just the other way I thought it ... /wrrd%&
xxdita, thanks. i've sent the cricket lot. The storage areas still need a bit of a rework though. Appreciate the help.
Bernhard, you giving me dud advice :D Well I don't need to comment on the TE (that would have been my response exactly Barby ;) ) You're right about the initial LE dabbling, things seem to have snow balled from there. The lot is ploppable but the base lot needs changing, its currently a park ::) Working on it.
Pat, refer above (not the dud advice bit :))
Bat thanks
TTC, that fence is not quite right but thanks for the idea (hadn't thought of that, although I see it all the time) and appreciate the comments and of course the cuppa. Diggis working on it, LE doesn't want to open at the moment. Will reload and get you the info. Thanks again.
And my apologies to my American friends, what's cricket, well I think TTC explained it adequately in my MD:
QuoteAaahh, Cricket...A game with lots of ins and outs, played by Gentlemen in white with red balls. The rules are simple:
You have two sides, one out in the field and one in.
Each man that's in the side that's in, goes out, and when he's out, he comes in and the next man goes in until he's out.
When they are all out the side that's out comes in and the side that's been in goes out and tries to get those coming in out.
Sometimes you get men still in and not out.
When both sides have been in and out including the not-outs, that's the end of the game. Howzat?
Then its time for TEA
Sounds Irish to me :D
Thanks again for your encouragement and support.
Dave
Looking forward to the cricket ground!!
That explanation is very headachey!! But actually makes sense when you think very hard about it!! :P
Have you used and players? Cal has some good ones in his ground. He might put them into a prop pack for you.
How high do you want the fence to appear? 1m? Cos I'll have to make it higher to look right.
hey dave, nice cricket pitch. a matter of fact... i experimented making my own oval a while ago. but.. i like how this is shaping up. can i request trainning nets?
Glad to see you're going for the gold, Dave. Remember how long we nagged just to get you to try the LE, and look at you now! :thumbsup:
Until next time...
Joan
Quote from: Diggis on March 18, 2008, 05:45:26 AM
Have you used and players? Cal has some good ones in his ground. He might put them into a prop pack for you.
How high do you want the fence to appear? 1m? Cos I'll have to make it higher to look right.
All the players, wickets, crease textures, scoreshed and blinds are in my MEGA PACK (http://sc4devotion.com/csxlex/lex_filedesc.php?lotGET=469). Look forward to a new LOT :thumbsup:
Hey LEX candidacy, here you come!
Great news Dave, I look forward to seeing it up there.
All the best,
Paul
With the creation of the NUTs team, Dave-alots has found a new home HERE (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=4214.0)
I guess they're now Nutsalots or Lotsanuts :D
Edit by BarbyW: Thread locked as tooheys has moved house.