SC4 Devotion Forum Archives

I have a bit of time on my hands at the moment, so I thought it'd be an excellent time to start my first Mayor's Diary.

I thought I'd note down some of the mods, etc that I'll be using:

• Map: Leadville (http://www.ussdragonstar.com/simcity4/terrainsite/)
• Terrain Mod: Missouri Breaks (http://sc4devotion.com/csxlex/lex_filedesc.php?lotGET=1635)
• Tree Controller: Missouri Breaks (http://sc4devotion.com/csxlex/lex_filedesc.php?lotGET=1636)
• Slope Mod: ENN_SlopeMod_Medium315 (http://sc4devotion.com/csxlex/lex_filedesc.php?lotGET=1512)
• Network Addon Mod (http://www.sc4devotion.com/nam.html)
• White Sidewalk Mod (http://www.simtropolis.com/stex/index.cfm?id=19425)
• JRJ Street Side Mod (http://sc4devotion.com/csxlex/lex_filedesc.php?lotGET=115)
• JRJ Transparent Ploppable Water (http://sc4devotion.com/csxlex/lex_filedesc.php?lotGET=1227)

I will also be making use of the wonderful rural items made by Chris (Chrisadams3997) and David (dedgren), which can be found at The Rural Renewal Project (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=2352.0) and Three Rivers Region (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=112.0).

Jefferson County is currently in the planning stage, with only trees in place. My next steps will be to lay down waterways and map out the main road and rail networks. Of course, I may also just start building at any time if I feel the urge...  ;)

Until next time, I'll leave you with an overview of the area:

Oh your region is superb I love it
:)

I like :thumbsup:.  It looks like it could be a challenge to build on much of it, but that leaves plenty of natural beauty to play with :)

What a stunning overview girlfromverona. After seeing some of your extraordinary rural work dotted around this site, I'm eagerly awaiting to see more! :)

Alex :thumbsup:

Great region view. It's loook so real to me. Wait for water and transport infrastructure  ::)

very beautiful map!  :thumbsup:

Yes, great overview there of your region!!! :thumbsup:

And welcome to the MD section! ;) Nice start of your first MD. :)

There's a Jefferson County two counties to the Northeast of where I am. $%#Ninj2

Oh WOW! That is a very beautiful region you got there! LOVE the colours!  :thumbsup:

Wonderful start here, my friend! I'm eagerly anticipating your first update!

Dustin

A great map. I look forward to seeing its development.

Good start!
I found some pictures of your work here and there on the site and these made me curious after more of your work.
I'll gladly follow your MD.

Thanks for all the encouraging replies, everyone! It really means a lot to me.

Quote from: Chrisadams3997 on August 12, 2008, 01:56:24 AMIt looks like it could be a challenge to build on much of it, but that leaves plenty of natural beauty to play with

You read my mind...  ;)

In fact, you and David (dedgren) are both to blame for my increasing interest in wilderness areas.  :P  That doesn't mean I've renounced city building entirely, though - expect to see both in this MD.

Quote from: NASCAR_Guy on August 12, 2008, 10:23:49 AMThere's a Jefferson County two counties to the Northeast of where I am.

Really? I figured there was probably a real one out there somewhere, but mine is a complete fabrication, so any similarities are purely coincidental.  :D

Update Time

I thought I'd better post an update today, just to prove I haven't been slacking off...  ;)

I've been laying down the main rivers and streams, along with a couple of lakes:


I haven't "decorated" very much yet, but here are a couple of spots I have done:



Until next time...

To small :'( $%Grinno$%

Nan, your update is very good I love your lake
I love the river in the région pic  &apls &apls

This is really promising stuff.

When your terraforming is finished and the oxygen amount in your atmosphere is high enough, may I take a vacation there? At least: if gravity isn't too high?

The rivers there on that region are looking really good!
And nice pictures, too! :thumbsup:

Looking good so far! From what I've seen of your rural work in other threads, I'm sure we are in for a treat. It look like a great region to play with.


Ben

Looking very very good here girlfromverona, you got a good talent with Nature!!!! I will look forward to see both Natural and Man Made in Jefferson County...

Looking good, here, my friend!

Lots of detail has gone into these shots, I can certainly tell! Keep up the good work!

Quote
Really? I figured there was probably a real one out there somewhere, but mine is a complete fabrication, so any similarities are purely coincidental.  Cheesy

There's also a Jefferson County in Pennsylvania, where I'm from, and the largest town in the county is Punxsutawney (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Punxsutawney,_Pennsylvania), home of the famous Punxsutawney Phil, the groundhog who predicts the weather each year on February 2.

Take care,

Dustin

Very good looking start. The region as a whole looks like it will produce some interesting development. The close up pics are even better. I particularly like the first one. I'll be keeping an eye out for new developments.

wow  :o your region is very nice  &apls &apls and these two pictures are beautiful :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

This will look real interesting to follow. I would like to see how everything will turn out; cities and rural areas. JKB

Once again, thanks for all the encouragement! And thanks also for that info, Dustin - interesting stuff! Makes me want to watch the movie again.  :D

Quote from: FrankU on August 14, 2008, 07:33:33 AM
When your terraforming is finished and the oxygen amount in your atmosphere is high enough, may I take a vacation there?

Of course! I'll make sure a room is booked for you in the first hotel that gets built.  ;)

Another small update this time, to show you what I've been up to today. Here is an (as yet incomplete) map showing rivers, railway, and main roads, including a highway which goes right through Carson, the largest town in the county. I'll do a proper street map for Carson once it's a little more established.


This is the interchange just north of Carson:


This is the bridge which crosses the Carson River, on the road to Travis:


Hope everyone's having an awesome week.  ;D

I really love your work your region is superb ;)
The RHW is looking very good and réalistic and also great interchange  :thumbsup:
Your lake are always so good  &apls

Hello Girl!

Wow! I like your region. I am going to have so much fun watching you develope it and seeing how it grows. I like the bridge and how you made a split in the stream. Good Luck

exellent pistures  :thumbsup:
the region shot is very nice and the map to  &apls
the Carson river look very cool  :thumbsup:
i'm looking foward to the next update  ;)
Arthur

I just feel like going camping there. Sofar, everyhing looks great including the RHW. waiting for development of Carson and surrounding area be built. JKB

Nice work so far!

Very beautifule country! I looooooooooove it! &apls :D

Wonderful start on your MD, Marissa! Love the rural atmosphere, and clearly you are a master at the art of using of TPW. This MD will be a pleasure to follow.

Later...
Joan

Wowza! :o For a second I doubted whether or not that was real, such a beautiful recreation of nature. :thumbsup: Very impressive regional view as well...completely hand terraformed I assume? Stunning. :satisfied:

I look forward to more, hopefully larger updates.  ;)

Hey, this is a very promising start.  Your nature pics look very realistic, with great use of the TPW and that map just helps give a feel for the area.  I'll be checking in again, for sure.

Paul

That bridge and interchange is looking superb, great work on it! :thumbsup:

Thanks everyone for your very kind comments!! Just to let you know, I am currently working on an update and should have it up in the next couple of days.  ;D

What a great start to your MD! Being from Texas, I love driving through the rural areas of the state and love seeing rural areas showcased here. The picture of the bridge over the river actually reminds me of a road I drove on once on my way to Houston.

-- John

Congrats, Marisa!

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg523.imageshack.us%2Fimg523%2F1566%2Fjeffersoncountyjg6.png&hash=fcbeef83ec7b94ef7d749f9850bff89d5be835ed)

- The Staff

Congratulations, Marisa! Hope you enjoy your month in the spotlight - I'm sure we will!

Later...
Joan

Congratulation for your OSITM  :)

I must be prophetic, because I totally saw this award coming. ;D

I eagerly await your next update, I'm sure it will be just as beautiful as the others. $%Grinno$%

I am so honoured to be in the OSITM category - thank you so much!!

I have finally prepared an update, so without further ado I present the humble beginnings of the city of Carson. The population is currently around 5,000.

#1 - Overview of Carson (day)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi155.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fs319%2Fgirlfromverona%2FJefferson%2520County%2Fphoto_carson_day.jpg&hash=54380166f12fffbd9a5fcd691230d5d8d1663e26)

#2 - Overview of Carson (night)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi155.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fs319%2Fgirlfromverona%2FJefferson%2520County%2Fphoto_carson_night.jpg&hash=3a0de7d7627e1e9d49abba3460bc178051fc9334)

#3 - The first supermarket to be built in Carson
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi155.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fs319%2Fgirlfromverona%2FJefferson%2520County%2Fphoto_supermarket.jpg&hash=baf4d2e4f3fc63336a475c02f755536be90e5584)

#4 - McDonalds at sunset
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi155.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fs319%2Fgirlfromverona%2FJefferson%2520County%2Fphoto_mcdonalds.jpg&hash=cd07791d455c89d89841ebca139ebaeb940d6af4)

#5 - A basketball game in a local park
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi155.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fs319%2Fgirlfromverona%2FJefferson%2520County%2Fphoto_park.jpg&hash=7c9f667d498db7ea17036958e676abc28dab8c29)

#6 - The main road at night
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi155.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fs319%2Fgirlfromverona%2FJefferson%2520County%2Fphoto_mainroad_night.jpg&hash=51530a051473428d48d6793bda12c32542cfd1b7)

Have a great week everyone!  ;D

very nice update :thumbsup: and congrat for the OSITM   &apls

Congratulation for OSITM  :)
Your new update is very good and your city is looking very fine
I love the night view  &apls

Congrats on your award there! &apls

And the newest update is wonderful! Your city looks wonderful at night and at day (also at sunset!) !!! :thumbsup:

Congratulations on the move to OSITM.
Between your scenic pictures, the map and now the very nice rural city, this will be a joy to follow this month.
Robin  &apls

It's like something pulled directly out of small-town USA, and with photo editing I'm having difficulty drawing the line between SC4 and reality. The realism here is immense and the energy of your build style fits perfectly with what you are trying to portray. :thumbsup:

Carson is a charming little city - simple and typical of so many small towns. I can almost hear the bell on the ice cream truck! Looks like a wonderfully peaceful place to live.

Looking forward to great things this month...
Joan

Congrats on your award!

Carson has a definite suburban feel to it; is it going to stay that way or is it going to grow into a bustling metropolis? Good use of the SSM, as well. Great work!

~ Dan

#6- Night shot of the year!  And I thought your heart was in the country, ma'am.

JC is getting well-deserved recognition as OSITM- congratulations.  My suspicion is that it won't be the last time, given what we've seen so far.


David

Congratulations on OSITM, and with an update like the one for Carson, it's no surprise that you're here. The alterations you make to the pics really adds a unique atmosphere to them and seems to bring out the details. You also display a great selection of buildings. I particularly like the KFC on the corner, and the area in general shown in pic 6. Great work and I'll be looking forward to more.

Congratulations!
It is well earned.  &apls

Looking forward to more....

Congrats on the OSITM! Very well deserved. Carson looks great, especially the park and the last night shot. Can't wait to see more.

Ben

Hello Girl!

Nice park. I like your idea of the street lights at the basketball court. I get sooo many good ideas from looking at journals. I also like your night shot of small town main street.  :thumbsup: Most night shots are of big central business discticts. Those have a wow factor but your shot is so - tranquil -

Nice work so far... :) I really like your region and your RHW interchange. Great suburbs too!

Sorry that this has taken a bit longer than expected - some work came up and, as I'm currently freelancing, I can't afford to turn it down.  &mmm  Thanks once again for all the encouraging comments! You guys rock.  ;D

Quote from: dedgren on September 02, 2008, 09:59:17 PM
And I thought your heart was in the country, ma'am.

Did I mention that I have a split personality?  :P  Farms are near the top of my to-do list. (I guess I should be a responsible mayor and make sure my Sims don't starve...)

Anyhoo, not a very spectacular update this time. I've been working on getting the public transport system up and running, and increasing Carson's industry to provide more employment for the growing population (currently 9,000).

Here are three of Carson's suburban train stations, which are also serviced by buses. The main station is still under construction - hopefully it'll be ready to show next time.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi155.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fs319%2Fgirlfromverona%2FJefferson%2520County%2Fphoto_rail1.jpg&hash=847c45ca882ff068d559a652d5cac9a9299681ef)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi155.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fs319%2Fgirlfromverona%2FJefferson%2520County%2Fphoto_rail2.jpg&hash=95033290d6e03aaccefe81c0a7490e0eb010603e)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi155.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fs319%2Fgirlfromverona%2FJefferson%2520County%2Fphoto_rail3.jpg&hash=6ca5ecab3b3d0c6bcd5daf807dc3f18d6ad669a9)

This is an industrial park in South Carson:

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi155.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fs319%2Fgirlfromverona%2FJefferson%2520County%2Fphoto_industry.jpg&hash=301bf709fe790a7aab33b21f1428eb796266896e)

Until next time, keep cool 'til after school!  ;D

Very fine update, your city is looking very good and also very réalistic  &apls
The industrial park is super  :thumbsup:

The rail stations are looking really good and wonderful areas around them!
Great industrial area, too!

Looking forward to more... ;)

Wonderful! :D

I love the inclusion of all the real-world buildings (KFC! :P) it gives a very authentic feel to your MD, which coupled with your build-style and presentation achieves quite a deal of realism. :)

very good update here !!  &apls

Looking great here, Marisa! I love Carson's train depots, and your industry looks great, too!

You're doing some fine work here! Keep it up!

Dustin

Mass transport systems are one of the trickiest parts of city/region development IMO, and it looks like you have it under control. The neighborhoods are awfully close to the tracks, but it reminds me of a short time when I lived within a block of a railroad. After a couple of weeks we were oblivious to the passing trains, but guests were startled by the noise! Interesting how easily we adapt to our surroundings, isn't it?

In the third photo I noticed a fence between the track and commercial area and wondered about the purpose of it and how far it extends. One of the most interesting aspects of following MDs created by authors in different parts of the world is the sometimes-unconscious inclusion of details indigenous to the creator's immediate surroundings. I often see that in the MD's of my teammates and it is a source of endless fascination. And questions! ::)

Your industrial area looks surprisingly good. Mine always end up looking phony, but maybe it's because I forget to include a diner! I love it - simple and very appropriate.

Hope to see much more of your work soon...
Joan

Those last photos had a warm feeling, great work and congratulations for you award

fantastic update here and I have to agree with Joan that the diner gives that last pic a touch of class!!!

I missed this MD, there's so many !! Wow it's an amazing one, I loved in your last update the attention to real detail ! Specialicy those parking area, don't know how you did them , I would love to know how to !

Keep it up !

I did not come here often visit your splendid city but I must say that your work is sizeable !

Paul

waw , congratulations girlfromverona your MD is so realistic and very impresive ,well done for your OSITM !! &apls

Hello Girl

I like the openess of your industrial areas. Are the parking areas plopped or grown? I'll also have to do a bit of searching and find that factory with the angled sign on the roof. I don't think I've got it - so - thanks for the idea.

Just stopping by to let you know I haven't forgotten about Jefferson County! I've been working insane hours the past few weeks, so haven't had as much "playtime" as usual, but I am hoping to post a bigger update sometime over the weekend. I'll answer any questions properly then but in the meantime, I want to thank all of you for your comments.  :thumbsup:

I'll leave you with an overview of Carson City, as it is right now. The population has grown to just over 16,000 and I keep getting the "City Spread Means Trouble Ahead" warning.  :D  The city will eventually encompass the entire area between the buildings at the top of the pic and the suburbs at the bottom (which means I'll be able to remove those awful red pylons). The small area near the middle with the large-ish buildings is going to be the CBD.

Nice see you around again. 
Try not to work too hard, remember that everyone needs their playtime.  ;)
Nice over view.
Robin  :thumbsup:

Nice. I'm waiting to see next update of it  ;)

Looking fine  ;)

very nice overview my friend  :thumbsup:

Wow, that is spectacular. :thumbsup: It looks amazingly realistic, especially with the curving river and the subtle touch off Photoshopping. ;D

I can't wait to see more. :satisfied:

Nice map you're working with there, Marisa. If I'm seeing things correctly - and it's a guess at that distance - the Sims will have to travel through the commercial district (CBD) to get to work. That's a great classic arrangement which increases sales and enriches the local economy - a good idea for any city!

I'm wondering now if you intend to create some farmland outside of town. I've seen a few pics of your rural creations in the past, and they were beautiful. Also I hope you'll show some transport data as the city grows.

Either way, I'm looking forward to watching the creative process unfold as you develop Jefferson County.

Later...
Joan

nice name, because that actually looks a lot like the real Carson City in Nevada...is that what you are basing this on

Excellent overview.  :thumbsup:

Fantastic work on that part of your region! It is looking beautiful!!! :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

Looking forward to more, girlfromverona... ;)

Sorry for the long hiatus, folks. I haven't really felt like playing SC4 much lately. However, my city-building urges are returning, which means... an update for Jefferson County isn't too far away! Thanks for your continued patience.  ;)

P.S. I finally DAT-packed my plugins folder yesterday and fired up the game, and the difference it made speed-wise was phenomenal! If you haven't done it yet, I highly recommend it: http://sc4devotion.com/csxlex/lex_filedesc.php?lotGET=26

cool, can't wait to see more!  Get on it :)

I know I will be waiting for more!!!  :thumbsup:

Hi guys. I'm sorry to say that I am retiring this MD.  &ops  Unfortunately I've been getting some errors lately and I can't seem to resolve them (my fault, I think, for installing CAM in an existing region), so I've decided to start over fresh. I hope to be able to bring you a new MD soon, possibly even one with regular updates.  ;)

Marisa this indeed is sad news!! I am sorry that you are having problems with Jefferson County, I do how ever look forward to the new MD....

Thanks, Pat! Hopefully it won't be too much longer before I can start the new one - depends on my workload over the next little while, though.  :)