Time to BAT

[Orange Julius]

PC acquired? Check.
SimCity 4 installed? Check.
BAT and Gmax downloaded? Check.
Installation and modeling? Uhhh......



I need two things.

1) Do I install Gmax or BAT first?
2) What simple thing can I BAT? (no one gave me my picture... )

[Masochist]

I'd install G-Max first...the BAT is just a plug-in for it.  As for simple things...why not BAT a big boxy skyscraper?  Or maybe a small mom-and-pop store?

[Orange Julius]

I'd thought I do a local fireworks stand.

[zero7]

Whenever I have reinstalled BAT (because I've rebuilt my machine or changed Max versions), the first thing I'll always do is create a textured box with a glass textured window and a single omni light inside.  I then go through the full process of rendering the model, putting it through the plug-in manager as a landmark, placing it on a lot, plopping it in game and then viewing it at every zoom level, and from each direction in day and night views.

Doing that will allow you forget about the modelling as it is really quick and simple, but it also covers all the basics: geometry, basic texturing, glass texturing and lighting.  You can then be sure that everything is working to get a building into the game before you spend hours on a building model.

As far as your first building is concerned, choose something small and boxy.  Keeping it small will keep the render times down and keeping it boxy will make it easier to model.  The small commercial in phillipbo's tutorial is where most BATters start and it really is the ideal introduction.

[Orange Julius]

I seem to need the Gmax code when I fired BAT up for the first time.

Help?

[Orange Julius]

OK, I got BAT, I got pictures, but I have NO EARTHLY idea on

a) Making things to scale.
b) Moving/resizing things
c) Obtaining Lot Editor

[callagrafx]

LOT Editor available from the Official site

As for the rest, read the Tutorial by Phillippbo HERE

[Orange Julius]

I downloaded the LE from Zeldagis's file-sharing site. Is that okay?

[RippleJet]

I downloaded the LE from Zeldagis's file-sharing site. Is that okay?

Yes, Zelgadis did get permission from Maxis to host their files for free (non-profit) distribution.