NAM seminar

b22rian: I want to thank all of you for attending today's nam transit seminarI would also like to thank Vince for

moderating tonite's seminar..as well as thanking Meister1235 for being our recorder today.. Anyone who has any

basic questions during the seminar, i ask you to whisperthen to either Meister, Vince or myself, and we will try to

answer them, thanks..

This room is moderated by swatmedic. All messages are forwarded to the moderator for review.

simmaster07: No side conversations, please. Red and bold is reserved for seminar hosts.

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b22rian: Now to introduce to you our first guest speaker.. This young man is thecreator of sc4chatbot.. He is

certainly one of the most talented up and coming young prodigies,, His potential is pretty much unlimited..Please

everyone welcome , Nelson

blue lightning: ...hey thats my job

simmaster07 fistpumps

b22rian: Our other guest speaker for tonite, needs no introductions to just aboutall of you.. he is a full Nam

member.. , he is the author of one of the best CJ's in the threads.. " Virgin Shore "..as well as co author of the well -

read Omnibusarticle about "creating textures" in the game,,along with Un1... and he is one our mostpopular

members of chat.. Ladies and gents, please welcome ..Connor !

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617squad came back.

deathtopumpkins waves

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b22rian: s a special bonus at the end of connor and nelson's presentationVince will be doing a short NAM preview

:).. thanks and enjoy the Seminar !

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b22rian: guest speakers, the floor is yours

This room is moderated by blue lightning. All messages are forwarded to the moderator for review.

simmaster07: Alright everyone, so welcome to our little seminar. It will be divided into two parts: an introduction and

an almost "hands on" section. I will be conducting the first part and Connor will be doing the second part, so sit

back and enjoy.

simmaster07: Now, I see we have some NAMites, some veterans, and rookies in here, and I'd like to welcome you

all to our seminar.

This room is moderated by swatmedic. All messages are forwarded to the moderator for review.

This room is no longer being moderated.

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simmaster07: Oh dear lord, what are you guys doing? :P

swatmedic: Just ignore me.

b22rian: hehe

deathtopumpkins: Anyway, first, is there anyone out there that does not currently have the NAM installed?

simmaster07: Anyways, some new members might think that transit isn't one of the most important parts of

SimCity.

blue lightning: simmaster07: Far from it.

blue lightning: Transit is THE backbone of a city

simmaster07: As a matter of fact, transit is probably the most important part of the game that influences everything

else

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simmaster07: Without a good transit system, it will mainly influence pollution AND RCI demand, and it will hurt

simmaster07: So firstly, when you're zoning, don't go for the regular grid pattern Maxis makes for you

simmaster07: It might work at first, but once those buildings start growing, traffic will increase and demand goes

down

simmaster07: We'll get more in-depth on that later

blue lightning: Also, to control zone placement for such

blue lightning: Shift removes the autostreet
blue lightning: control colagmerates the zone into a single block

shadow_assassin: Alt reorients the zone

deathtopumpkins: And combinations of these three do work.

shadow_assassin: make good use of them!

blue lightning: I believe ctrl also has the shfit property

blue lightning: *shift

deathtopumpkins: yes

simmaster07: Also, make sure that you ABSOLUTELY watch your zone data for traffic congestion information. With

it, you can target which sectors of your city need a transit upgrade, or commute times will go up and, again,

desirability for higher-class zones go down

shadow_assassin: most likely, you'll be using combinations of Alt + Shift to get the zones that you want (especially

when you're zoning in an area that's bordered by two different networks, such as road and avenue)

blue lightning: Congestion tends to manifest itself near intersections, but that can be normal (if it only extends 2 tiles

from said intersection) as it is a function of many traffic simulators to simulate traffic lights and stop signs

simmaster07: However, if congestion isn't coming from an intersection, you will have or already are having problems

simmaster07: Also, look into mass transit, because roads aren't always the way to go.

blue lightning: (Unless properly planned)

simmaster07: Well, yes

blue lightning: But yes, you do have quite the option for MT

simmaster07: Ugh, brb. Let me turn the seminar over to DTP for a sec.

deathtopumpkins: OK

deathtopumpkins: Now the mass transit options may be limited in the game

b22rian: simmaster07: np, take your time nelson

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deathtopumpkins: (subway, elevated rail, and bus)

deathtopumpkins: but the NAM adds several more options

deathtopumpkins: namely, ground light rail.

simmaster07: For example, Ground Light Rail

blue lightning: CAN-AM can also be considered MT

blue lightning: As it is an extension of bus

deathtopumpkins: but as it is a highly specialized plugin that is not used often, we will not be covering it tonight

simmaster07: Also, the RHW, which depends on the Network Addon Mod, adds another option for commuting

deathtopumpkins: And the RHW will be covered in detail in the hands-on portion of the seminar later on

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deathtopumpkins: Now we will cover all the new features the NAM adds to your game.

simmaster07: The Network Addon Mod extends the game in many ways and is, of course, beneficial

shadow_assassin: the biggest benefit of the NAM is that it fixes a lot of the problems with the normal game

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blue lightning: If installed properly. We've had quite the amount of users stick the exe into plugins

deathtopumpkins: Though we assume that that will not be a problem as all of you already have the NAM installed.

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deathtopumpkins: (PM one of the yellow people if you do not)

blue lightning: Anyways, continuing with features

simmaster07: The NAM adds Flexible Underpasses (FLUPS), Ground Light Rail, turn lanes, CAN-AM (which will not

be discussed, and in-game fixes such as simulator mods

blue lightning: In additon, at its core, includes various draw fixes

blue lightning: additional draggable intersections and transitions

blue lightning: modular overpasses

deathtopumpkins: And it adds quite a few new buttons to your toolbars.

simmaster07: And let's not forget FAR pieces

blue lightning: And WRC (Wide Radius Curve)

deathtopumpkins: Namely, in the roads menu, PedMalls, Diagonal Streets, Wide Radius Curves, FLUPS, avenue

roundabouts, and modular road, avenue, and one-way road overpass pieces.

blue lightning: FAR = Fractional Angle Road

shadow_assassin: the FAR/WRC for various networks is a project that has a lot of potential and new pieces are

being built all the time...

blue lightning: And its companion, FARR )Fractional Angle RailRoad)

shadow_assassin: the FARR falls under the RAM, so chances are you will have some experience using it there

deathtopumpkins: All of those buttons are pretty self-explanatory, but Pedmalls are pedestrian-only puzzle pieces,

and FLUPs are FLexible UnderPasses.

blue lightning: Remember, those are not merely plop entrance and exit piece you're done

blue lightning: You must fill a path between them using the pieces

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deathtopumpkins: Any questions on additions to the road menu?

shadow_assassin went away.

deathtopumpkins: Now we're going to move on to the highway menu

b22rian: cool :)

deathtopumpkins: It mainly includes new buttons for the RHW network

deathtopumpkins: RHW stands for Real HighWay

deathtopumpkins: formerly Rural HighWay

blue lightning: The RHW is based on the dirtroad network, which is a network maxis left behind unfinished

simmaster07: The NAM also adds highway overpasses, such as Ground HW to Elevated HW

deathtopumpkins: but since it is a highly flexible network that can be used easily in urban areas, the name was

recently changed.

blue lightning: In additon to RHW and additional transitions, the maxis items that were formerly drag plop only are

now set into button rings

blue lightning: Also there are half ramps and such added by NAM

deathtopumpkins: Specifically the new highway menu buttons are: RHW, RHW starter pieces, RHW Ramp Interface

pieces, RHW Wide Curves, RHW Transitions, Custom Interchanges, and Single-Sided Parallel and Single-Sided

Perpendicular Interchange pieces.

blue lightning: The Custom Interchanges button includes cloverleafs with varing amounts of ramps, ground to

elevated smooth transitions,

deathtopumpkins: Custom Interchanges contains the new maxis highway interchanges (stack, partial cloverleaf,

trumpet, etc.)

blue lightning: a 4 way 4 level stack

blue lightning: 1 trumpet

blue lightning: 2 Y stacks

blue lightning: and various misc pieces

deathtopumpkins: Any questions on new Highway Menu buttons?

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simmaster07: Any questions at all?

plane-crash12000: deathtopumpkins: yes

deathtopumpkins: Yes?

plane-crash12000: will their be any 1 lane puzzle peices on the next RHW?

deathtopumpkins: plane-crash12000: No, the modular interchange system (the one lane RHWs) is, and will continue

to be, entirely draggable

blue lightning: And they have existed since v20/2.0

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deathtopumpkins: Now Nelson, could you please explain the additions to the Rail Menu if there are no further

questions?

swatmedic: What about something with turn lanes on a bridge that go into on/off ramps?

deathtopumpkins: swatmedic: Could you please elaborate?

swatmedic: Trying to haha

swatmedic: You see these fairly commonly

deathtopumpkins: turn lanes on an overpass?

blue lightning: swatmedic: assuming you mean exits on a bridge (like a water bridge), no, as they are too

specialized

paulobergonci: i would like to know how to use Underground Rail, please

deathtopumpkins: paulobergonci: We'll get to that. ;)

simmaster07: That will be in the hands on portion

blue lightning: but on something like ERHW, there already exist an exit piece for that

paulobergonci: ok

blue lightning: (and in the future, pieces)

deathtopumpkins: Usage of these NAM features will be explained later on, this is just to cover what everything is

and does.

simmaster07 will go over the additions to the Rail Menu as soon as he steals back his laptop

swatmedic: Eh i'll bring it up later, i can't find a picture.. :P

deathtopumpkins: Okay Jake.

deathtopumpkins: Now, the Rail Menu.

deathtopumpkins: New additions include:

simmaster07: Rail puzzle pieces

simmaster07: Wide radius railroad curve/Fractional Angle RailRoad

simmaster07: Underground rail

deathtopumpkins: Rail Viaduct Puzzle Pieces, Underground Rail, Wide Radius Curves, Rail Viaduct / RHW Interface

Pieces, and High Monorail Puzzle Pieces.

swatmedic: Guys if you don't mind i have an example..

simmaster07: Alright, please post

swatmedic: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&­amp;ll=45.197643,-93.342183&­;spn=0,359.990355&t=h&z­

=17&layer=c&cbll=45.197­568,-93.342021&panoid=x5zDW­qspTdEv0M3Lp40dkQ&cbp=12,12­9.28,,0,-4.33

blue lightning: Sure

blue lightning: Oh, you're asking a TuLEP-MISTuLEP integration type thing?

swatmedic: ..sure. :P

blue lightning: And Alex did mention there eventually will be elevated TuLEP pieces

blue lightning: (TuLEP = Turning Lane Extension Project)

swatmedic: So basically, overpass with offramps that lead to a 4-way intersection where the other side is an on

ramp

blue lightning: Eventually

swatmedic: with a 4-way stop light type deal

simmaster07: Anyways, are there any questions on the rail menu additions?

617squad: permission to speak?

simmaster07: Granted

617squad: are there any plans to further develop the road over rail puzzle peices?

deathtopumpkins: Not at this time that I am aware of.

meister1235: btw: the HSR puzzel pieces are in the rail menu too

blue lightning: 617squad: In the very long run, yes

simmaster07: I don't believe we're discussing HSR tonight, though, are we?

deathtopumpkins: We can later on if there is an interest.

617squad: one more question, concerning the double deck EL over road

b22rian: naw,, im hoping we do a series of these nam seminars..

deathtopumpkins: HSR is an optional, separately downloaded plugin that adds a reskin of the monorail network, if

anyone was unaware.

b22rian: we can save some of the main concepts for another time

blue lightning: I can provide a link if anyone wants it

simmaster07: If there are no further questions, we will move on to the additions in the Misc. Transportation menu

and will have a brief intermission before we move onto the hands-on portion

deathtopumpkins: Okay

deathtopumpkins: Miscellaneous Transportation time

simmaster07: So the big addition to the menu is Ground Light Rail and the tram pieces associated with it

b22rian: i think you guys are doing a great job making this the first basic nam seminar, carry on :)

blue lightning: GLR is also known as Tram and T-RAM

deathtopumpkins: GLR is essentially el-rail on the surface

deathtopumpkins: thus "GROUND" Light Rail

simmaster07: There are GLR puzzle pieces, a draggable GLR piece (transforms El-rail to GLR) and pieces to have

GLR inside another network, like avenues.

deathtopumpkins: Variations of it can be found for rural/urban areas, as well as street running on roads, streets, and

avenues.

blue lightning: Stations are downloaded seperately

deathtopumpkins: Yes, all stations for all networks MUST be downloaded separately. The NAM does not include

any lots.

blue lightning: Be careful with puzzle pieces and TE lots though

blue lightning: The latest version of the NAM has reduced the risk with GLR pieces

blue lightning: However, it is best to use draggable GLR as much as possible

deathtopumpkins: Hovering many puzzle pieces over transit enabled lots (such as stations) can cause the game to

CTD.

simmaster07: CTD = Crash-to-Desktop

deathtopumpkins: Now, in addition to GLR

simmaster07: We also have tram-on-street, tram-in-road and tram-on-road

deathtopumpkins: you will also find pieces for the following:

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b22rian: blue lightning: ive noticed the reduction in crashes for sure using GLR

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deathtopumpkins: High-Elevated Rail, which is the same old El-Rail just at 30 instead of 15 meters height

blue lightning: CAN-AM (Will not be covered today)

deathtopumpkins: Elevated Rail / Road Dual-Networking, which is El-Rail with Road underneath it

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simmaster07: FYI: If you cycle through the GLR puzzle pieces (with the TAB key), you'll find a GLR-to-El. Rail piece

deathtopumpkins: and I believe that is it.

simmaster07: So, any questions?

deathtopumpkins: Yes, all menu buttons take you to only one piece, but you can cycle between them using TAB

(forward) and SHIFT+TAB (backward)

blue lightning: Home and End rotate the piece

blue lightning: (or in some cases, also go to a new piece)

deathtopumpkins: Now, are there any questions about what we have covered so far?

617squad: yes

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deathtopumpkins: Yes?

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617squad: any plans to work on the dual elevated rail over road? like more advanced puzzle peices?

deathtopumpkins: Not at this time, no.

deathtopumpkins: Eventually, maybe.

b22rian: deathtopumpkins: there are no station for that right ?

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deathtopumpkins: There is one on a japanese site, I believe...

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wrightguy0: deathtopumpkins: how about reskins of the existing EL network

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b22rian: deathtopumpkins: really, ! interesting, thanks :)

deathtopumpkins: wrightguy0: there are some of those out there too.

simmaster07: Any more questions?

reaper88: deathtopumpkins: yes i have it :)

deathtopumpkins: wrightguy0: One was uploaded recently on the STEX.

naftixe: On TIR & TOR, is there a way to transit enable the road without dragging OWR thru the stations?

blue lightning: naftixe: you could save and exit to region

blue lightning: then reload the city

b22rian: u dont always have to use owr do you ?

wrightguy0: deathtopumpkins: really?

blue lightning: It depends on the station

b22rian: ive noticed the stations i have you dont

b22rian: right

deathtopumpkins: Some require it.

blue lightning: But this is getting beyond the scope of NAM

plane-crash12000: i have a question.

deathtopumpkins: wrightguy0: yes. I don't remember who by though.

deathtopumpkins: plane-crash12000: Yes?

simmaster07: Yes?

plane-crash12000: simmaster07: are we gonna talk about the NWM (network widening mod)?

deathtopumpkins: Nplane-crash12000: o.

blue lightning: plane-crash12000: Not about using it.

deathtopumpkins: *No.

simmaster07: No

blue lightning: There might be some teasing at the end though,

deathtopumpkins: In this seminar, we are only covering CURRENTLY RELEASED NAM plugins.

blue lightning: But dont ask about it early.

godzillaman: do you remember the specific name of any elevated rail skins?

deathtopumpkins: Sorry, but no.

simmaster07: Before we return from moderation, let me just post instructions on running SimCity in windowed mode

for hands-on. This is completely optional if you do not wish to participate in the hands-on portion.

deathtopumpkins: Deion says Moonlight

deathtopumpkins: search that, it does ring a bell.

blue lightning: Ah yes the ML ELERAIL mod

blue lightning: I use it

naftixe: Does the game with NAM treat GRL and EL differently?

meister1235: for window mode you can ask me

blue lightning: It looks like this http://www.majhost.com/gallery/v­z1234512/SC4/CJ-Pics/destiny_ce­nter-

_rhw_backups_at_8_am.jpg

deathtopumpkins: Link: http://sc4devotion.com/csxlex/le­x_filedesc.php?lotGET=2118

blue lightning: naftixe: no

deathtopumpkins: Thank you, Deion

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moonraker0: Since Tram-on-Road has four lanes, does it have a higher capacity than normal roads?

blue lightning: moonraker0: No

deathtopumpkins: moonraker0: No, the game calculates capacity on a per-tile basis, rather than per-lane.

deathtopumpkins: However, it carries both trams and cars, so in a way it sort of does.

deathtopumpkins: Any other questions?

617squad: is this capacity fixed in game or is it moddiable?

blue lightning: 617squad: it is moddable

blue lightning: hence the traffic simulators

b22rian: 617squad: it depneds on the settings of the individual traffic sims

617squad: so one could make a "cheated" version of roads, rail, etc?

deathtopumpkins: It is easy to change capacities and speeds in the Reader if you're into advanced modding,

however.

blue lightning: 617squad: Yes, but improper balancing may result in bad simulator behaviour'

deion30296: Is it possible to have static textures on TIR or TOR?

deathtopumpkins: 617squad: Yes but there may be some problems with the game engine.

deathtopumpkins: Static Textures?

deion30296: Textures that change with sidewalk mods.

b22rian: 617squad: all of them can be moddifed with the live reader program

godzillaman: question about the traffic simulators; what works better if you were to create a city that's built mainly

for looks but uses some form of growth, do the simulators have an advantage on the radical settings?

moonraker0: Will not using the tram-on-road to tram-in-road connector piece before an intersection hurt car traffic in

any way?

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blue lightning: I think we should start saving questions till the end

deathtopumpkins: deion30296: It depends on how the mod was made, but possibly.

b22rian: yes,,

b22rian: these are ender questions

b22rian: carry on

deathtopumpkins: godzillaman: What simulator you use is entirely up to you. None inherently have benefits over the

others (at least for A B and Z)

deathtopumpkins: moonraker0: All connector pieces must be used appropriately for traffic to actually use the

network.

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deathtopumpkins: Now, please save general questions for the end. Are there any other Rail- or Menu-specific

questions?

simmaster07: Moving on, for windowed mode in the hands-on portion of this seminar, you will need to make a

shortcut on your desktop pointing to: "C:\Program Files\Maxis\SimCity 4 Deluxe\Apps\SimCity 4.exe" -w

simmaster07: C:?\ *

simmaster07: To go back to fullscreen: "C:?\Program Files\Maxis\SimCity 4 Deluxe\Apps\SimCity 4.exe" -f

blue lightning: If your target directory is different, subsitute that for what is listed above

deathtopumpkins: Everyone please do this and start the game during the intermission.

simmaster07: There will be a brief intermission for milk and cookies before we get into the hands-on portion.

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blue lightning: Also, you may need -customresolution:enabled

blue lightning: and define -rWIDTHxHEIGHTx32

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blue lightning: where width and height are the width and height

deathtopumpkins: Now, intermission time.

deathtopumpkins plays the cheesy music

blue lightning: End moderation?

simmaster07: For now, yes

This room is no longer being moderated.

simmaster07: 5 minute break

deathtopumpkins: We will reconvene at 9:10

simmaster07: If you do not have any of the following plugins, please say so NOW: NAM, SAM, RHW, RAM

blue lightning: I'll be back around 9:7

simmaster07: Feel free to talk amongst yourselves until 9:10*

blue lightning: (if thats ok with you two)

un1 will watch this as he is starting his fourth airline in AE

un1: dont call me crazy dtp S(

b22rian: simmaster07: you guys are doing a great job so far

un1: X(*

deathtopumpkins: un1: lol

Seminar recontinues at 9:10 PM EST

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deathtopumpkins: WELCOME BACK!

simmaster07: Alright, so for this portion of the seminar, we will be doing hands-on activities with the NAM. Let's turn

the mic over to Connor.

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deathtopumpkins: Now, does everyone who wants to participate have SC4 open?

deathtopumpkins: and running in windowed mode?

blue lightning: Coonfirmation 2

simmaster07: If you do not, please PM myself or anyone with a username that is yellow

deathtopumpkins: Now...

deathtopumpkins: first, does everyone understand how to use the overpass pieces?

blue lightning: 1 yes

deathtopumpkins: any questions or tips on those?

deathtopumpkins: or anything else from the road menu?

the seminar is starting again, quick! or you may miss something cool! Jump on the freakin bandwagon before it

leaves!

deathtopumpkins: im mainly going to focus on the RHW with this.

simmaster07: Whatchu talkin' 'bout servo?

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deathtopumpkins: alrighty then

just trying to get more members in here

deathtopumpkins: RHW time.

deathtopumpkins: Now, let's do a simple overview of the RHW pieces

deathtopumpkins: http://www.majhost.com/gallery/v­z1234512/SC4-2/RHWTutorialPicsp­t1/rhw_buttons.jpg

b22rian: ok every one hang in here now, otherwise you miss vince;s special preview at the end :)

deathtopumpkins: Under the ramp interface button (#3)

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deathtopumpkins: you will find first the Type A ramps

deathtopumpkins: http://www.majhost.com/cgi-bin/g­allery.cgi?i=2328925

deathtopumpkins: wait

blue lightning: er, you wan thtis :P

blue lightning: http://www.majhost.com/gallery/v­z1234512/SC4-2/RHWTutorialPicsp­t1/rhw_a_ramp_pieces.jpg

deathtopumpkins: http://www.majhost.com/gallery/v­z1234512/SC4-2/RHWTutorialPicsp­t1/rhw_a_ramp_pieces.jpg

deathtopumpkins: Sorry, that link^

b22rian: blue lightning: great :)

deathtopumpkins: Next you will find the Type B ramps

deathtopumpkins: http://www.majhost.com/gallery/v­z1234512/SC4-2/RHWTutorialPicsp­t1/rhw_b_ramp_pieces.jpg

deathtopumpkins: Type A ramps create a parallel MIS ramp, and Type B create one that runs away diagonally

deathtopumpkins at 5 is an oddie

blue lightning: And you also find your splitter type ramps too http://www.majhost.com/gallery/v­z1234512/SC4-

2/RHWTutorialPicsp­t1/rhw_misc_ramp_pieces.jpg

deathtopumpkins: and then under button 4 you find the curve pieces: http://www.majhost.com/gallery/v­

z1234512/SC4-2/RHWTutorialPicsp­t1/rhw_curve_pieces.jpg

deathtopumpkins: and in the Road Menu the Road / RHW Interface button provides a number of pieces for

interfacing the road network with teh RHW: http://www.majhost.com/gallery/v­z1234512/SC4-2/RHWTutorialPicsp­

t1/rhw_road_x_rhw_pieces.jpg

blue lightning: The other two (OWR and AVE) pieces have all of the ones road have aside from diagonals

blue lightning: Same with EleHeavyRail x RHW

deathtopumpkins: Now, on with the actual hands-on

deathtopumpkins: We'll begin by dragging a simple RHW network.

deathtopumpkins: Click this button in your highway menu (#1): http://img163.imageshack.us/img1­63/1702/rhw1.png

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deathtopumpkins: Then drag it like shown: http://img27.imageshack.us/img27­/3562/rhw2.png (I'm using a 1-tile

median as an example, you do not need to. it can be any width).

deathtopumpkins: Then Click button #2 and place a starter piece as shown: http://img22.imageshack.us/img22

­/1039/rhw3.png

deathtopumpkins: Repeat for the other direction, pressing the home or end keys to rotate the piece 180 degrees

(pointing south).

deathtopumpkins: You should end up with this: http://img10.imageshack.us/img10­/990/rhw4.png

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deathtopumpkins: You can then drag that any length you want in either direction.

deathtopumpkins: Everyone got that?

blue lightning: Also as a side note, ramp pieces have starter stubs

blue lightning: And once you draw out about 6 tiles

blue lightning: you can demolish the starter

reaper88: deathtopumpkins: yes

deathtopumpkins: Next we will create a simple Road overpass, and then procede to add a diamond interchange at it.

deathtopumpkins: First, click the road tool to ensure that the land is flat on either side of the RHW where you want

to build an overpass.

deathtopumpkins: http://img215.imageshack.us/img2­15/5895/rhw5.png

blue lightning: For most of you it will look like a rounded asphalt rectangle

deathtopumpkins: Bulldoze one side and place a ground-raising lot. If you need a link, whisper to one of us.

deathtopumpkins: You should then have this: http://img41.imageshack.us/img41­/1715/rhw6.png

deathtopumpkins: Repeat for the other side.

deathtopumpkins: Then drag a road out of each side's ground-raiser for a few tiles.

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deathtopumpkins: Should look like this: http://img88.imageshack.us/img88­/6051/rhw7.png (however, this depends

on your slope mod. Some may be steeper).

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deathtopumpkins: You will want to flatten the first tile next to the ground raiser (using road tiles) for later on.

deathtopumpkins: then bulldoze the ground-raiser and adjacent tile of road

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deathtopumpkins: http://img85.imageshack.us/img85­/4581/rhw8.png

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deathtopumpkins: Next, scroll down in your road menu and click the Road / RHW Ramp Interfaces button.

deathtopumpkins: http://img196.imageshack.us/img1­96/2035/rhw9.png

deathtopumpkins: Excuse me, the Road Puzzle Pieces button

deathtopumpkins: Hit SHIFT+TAB to get this piece: http://img87.imageshack.us/img87­/6877/rhw10.png

deathtopumpkins: plop one on each side: http://img194.imageshack.us/img1­94/1088/rhw11.png

deathtopumpkins: Then, using the additional pieces in the Road Puzzle Pieces button, fill in the overpass.

http://img194.imageshack.us/img1­94/1088/rhw11.png

deathtopumpkins: You should end up with this: http://img405.imageshack.us/img4­05/7366/rhw12.png

b22rian: deathtopumpkins: very nice connor :)

deathtopumpkins: You'll notice that there are no pieces to fill in the gaps over the RHW.

deathtopumpkins: Those are found under another button a few down: http://img444.imageshack.us/img4­

44/373/rhw13.png

deathtopumpkins: ...And imageshack is down now. :|

simmaster07: :|

deathtopumpkins: Wait...

deathtopumpkins: there we go!

deathtopumpkins: Hit tab until you get the Road over RHW-4 piece, and plop one over each direction of the RHW,

being sure to orient them correctly (yellow line on the left).

deathtopumpkins: Final product: http://img11.imageshack.us/img11­/8566/rhw14.png

b22rian applauds

deathtopumpkins: Drag out in each direction with the Road tool, smoothing as you wish, and you've got yourself a

nice rural overpass! http://img23.imageshack.us/img23­/7902/rhw15.png

deathtopumpkins: Is everyone still with me? No questions?

b22rian: sure im with you

b22rian: just a marvelous job connor :)

deathtopumpkins: Okay, now, interchange time.

blue lightning: Continue, no interjections recieved

deathtopumpkins: We are going to build a basic diamond interchange with the road.

deathtopumpkins: Select the RHW tool again (http://img163.imageshack.us/img1­63/1702/rhw1.png)

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deathtopumpkins: and draw out your ramps according to the terrain. http://img255.imageshack.us/img2­

55/5509/rhw16.png

godzillaman: deathtopumpkins: link is messed up

blue lightning: Remove the )

deathtopumpkins: Be sure to leave one completely straight tile between the road and where the RHW starts to

curve.

deathtopumpkins: And stop the RHW one full tile horizontally away from the RHW-4.

blue lightning: I thought v3.22 allowed curves right up against intersections

deathtopumpkins: blue lightning: It might, I just do this because IMO it looks better.

blue lightning: ahj

deathtopumpkins: Now, clicking on the Ramp Interfaces button (#3) again, select the RHW-4 Type B ramp.

deathtopumpkins: Rotate it so that it fits the RHW-4 and its ramp is pointing towards your RHW you drew for the

ramp, and plop it.

deathtopumpkins: Repeat for all four instances.

deathtopumpkins: You should end up with this: http://img715.imageshack.us/img7­15/4338/rhw17.png

deathtopumpkins: Now click a few times on the ramps with the RHW tool to get them to all convert to MIS...

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deathtopumpkins: And the interchange is complete!

deathtopumpkins: http://img528.imageshack.us/img5­28/6088/rhw18.png

b22rian: deathtopumpkins: stupendous job !

deathtopumpkins: Now, this is a bit large size-wise for urban areas, which is why there are variations.

blue lightning: deathtopumpkins: bravo

deathtopumpkins: However, this is appropriately sized and graded for a significant rural junction.

deathtopumpkins: Thanks guys.

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deathtopumpkins: Any questions before I list some of the variations?

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mikekeller: does anyone have a link to the hole digging lots?

godzillaman: a mix of puzzle pieces would be better for urban areas

deathtopumpkins: mikekeller: Yes, hang on.

deathtopumpkins: godzillaman: I'm getting to that.

mikekeller: deathtopumpkins: ok thanks

deathtopumpkins: Please pause for a moment as I locate the link.

reaper88: mikekeller: http://www.simtropolis.com/stex/­details.cfm?id=3599

reaper88: hole digger

buddybud went away.

deathtopumpkins: Thank you reaper.

mikekeller: reaper88: oh thanks a lot that was fast

reaper88 good job ;)

reaper88: deathtopumpkins: yw :)

deathtopumpkins: Now, the variations on the diamond interchange.

deathtopumpkins: You could also use Type A ramps plopped with the ramp stub a minimum of 6 tiles away from the

road

deathtopumpkins: and then use a MIS elevated transition

deathtopumpkins: along with the elevated Road x El-MIS intersection piece found in the Road / RHW Interfacing

button

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meister1235: pic please

deathtopumpkins: This interchange has a much smaller footprint and takes up only 1 tile on each side of the

highway

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deathtopumpkins: meister1235: One moment.

blue lightning: http://www.majhost.com/gallery/v­z1234512/SC4-2/aaaaaaaaaaa/Inte­rchanges/rhw_tutorial-

compact_d­iamond.jpg

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deathtopumpkins: ^That interchange is with an avenue but the same applies to roads

deathtopumpkins: Now, everybody got that?

b22rian: sure :)

deathtopumpkins: Okay.

deathtopumpkins: Now, surely we all know that diamonds are not the only type of interchange out there.

deathtopumpkins: Another viable solution for RHW x Road is the Parclo (or Partial Cloverleaf)

deathtopumpkins: here is an example of a high-capacity 6-ramp parclo: http://www.majhost.com/gallery/v­

z1234512/SC4-2/aaaaaaaaaaa/Inte­rchanges/rhw_tutorial-compact_p­arclo.jpg

b22rian: deathtopumpkins: very well done :)

deathtopumpkins: Parclos are basically diamonds with either the ramps all on one side of the road, or with 6 ramps

to eliminate some left turns on the surface street.

deathtopumpkins: here is a creative parclo that takes advantage of terrain: http://www.majhost.com/gallery/v­

z1234512/SC4/CJ-Pics/mots_h31to­rt3_01.jpg

deathtopumpkins: an even higher-capacity parclo: http://www.majhost.com/gallery/v­z1234512/SC4/CJ-

Pics/CJ2/southe­rn.devlin-expandable_parclo01.j­pg

deathtopumpkins: now, any questions on Parclos?

b22rian: deathtopumpkins: the last 2 pics, brillant !

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blue lightning: b22rian: those would be mine :P

deathtopumpkins: Of course

deathtopumpkins: :P

deathtopumpkins: Now, if you wanted even more capacity out of the interchange, you could build a full cloverleaf, the

mainstay of freeway interchanges in the United States

b22rian: blue lightning: heeh no suprise there :)

deathtopumpkins: Cloverleafs have 8 ramps: 4 loop ramps and 4 outside ramps, so each traffic movement is free-

flowing. Their only downfall is weaving, as traffic entering shares the same lane as traffic exiting, and thus they are

frowned upon by today's highway engineers.

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deathtopumpkins: Does anyone want examples of how to build a cloverleaf?

b22rian: deathtopumpkins: so there becoming a thing of the past you feel ?

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deathtopumpkins: b22rian: most definitely.

deathtopumpkins: Now, however, cloverleafs are usable if they incorporate collector/distributor (C/D) roads, which

are separate lanes over to the side from which the actual ramps enter/depart. Taking away the through traffic makes

them much safer.

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deathtopumpkins: Here we will pause for a moment.

shadow_assassin: cloverleafs have their uses though

buddybud came back.

deathtopumpkins: shadow_assassin: Right, they do, just not in their basic form so much.

b22rian: deathtopumpkins: are they out dated ?

deathtopumpkins: Now here is a cloverleaf that is built safer, with C/D roads: http://www.majhost.com/gallery/v­

z1234512/SC4-2/aaaaaaaaaaa/Hwyr­un/cloverleaf_h10_h31_exit1ab_e­xit_3ab.jpg

shadow_assassin: b22rian: yeah... like inside ramps

deathtopumpkins: Generally, the safest interchanges are also the most complex, with flyovers to facilitate all

movements, such as in stack interchanges, although they are not currently possible with the RHW.

blue lightning: In the future they will be though

blue lightning: Semistacks in 4.0, full stacks in 5.0

b22rian: deathtopumpkins: its the stated goal of alex :)

shadow_assassin: it is the ultimate goal of the RHW mod, yes

deathtopumpkins: However, that is not always the case. Sometimes it can be overdone:

http://www.majhost.com/gallery/v­z1234512/SC4-2/aaaaaaaaaaa/Inte­rchanges/the_flats_now_with_75p­

ercent_less_lightpoles01.jpg

blue lightning: deathtopumpkins: XDD

meister1235: deathtopumpkins: :O

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simmaster07: :))

blue lightning: It was worse before, believe it or not

shadow_assassin: lol

shadow_assassin: 5.0 will make it very nice

b22rian: see alex figures once his dreams go beyond his capabilites , he has vince around to pick up the slack :)

deathtopumpkins: Okay, now laugh at Vince's interchange for a minute and ask any (seriously, any) questions you

may have about building RHW interchanges.

shadow_assassin: what about trumpets?

simmaster07 points and laughs

blue lightning: oh I do have this http://www.majhost.com/gallery/v­z1234512/SC4/CJ-Pics/loaeska-ju­

n._22__001246758740.png

blue lightning: Trumpet... I have a few of those

deathtopumpkins: Ah yes, three-way interchanges. Common forms include Trumpets and T- or Y-stacks

blue lightning: http://www.majhost.com/gallery/v­z1234512/SC4-2/trumpet_intercha­nge_large_smooth_01.jpg

b22rian: blue lightning: yes , thanks for simplifying things :)

deathtopumpkins: ^The Most basic, highest capacity trumpet interchange.

b22rian: blue lightning: this last interchange is very nice :)

blue lightning: http://www.majhost.com/gallery/v­z1234512/SC4-2/aaaaaaaaaaa/Inte­rchanges/spren-

mar._9__00125314­4631.png

meister1235: b22rian: and very easy

blue lightning: and when v4.0 comes, http://www.majhost.com/gallery/v­z1234512/SC4-2/aaaaaaaaaaa/Inte­

rchanges/interchange-_trumpet.j­pg

deathtopumpkins: Some 3-way interchange madness of mine: http://img686.imageshack.us/img6­

86/181/2d1feb5111263353196.png

shadow_assassin: http://img32.imageshack.us/img32­/6972/gd2tgsjp.jpg - this sort of thing can be done in 4.0

deathtopumpkins: Now, are there ANY questions about interchanges?

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blue lightning: We wont be covering 5+ way interchanges

deathtopumpkins: Okay then, the last thing to cover tonight in regards to the RHW is Neighbor Connections

shadow_assassin: they are kind of pointless, tbh

blue lightning: But generally you would just link them up with turnpike style necked trumpets

deathtopumpkins: Neighbor Connections are one of the most annoying aspects of the RHW

deathtopumpkins: You cannot simply drag a RHW to the end of the map, like is done with other networks.,

blue lightning: Unless its RHW-2

blue lightning: or RHW-6C

deathtopumpkins: Since it is based on overrides of a 1-tile network (RHW-2), the game only recognizes it as one

tile, and requires traffic to enter and leave the city on the same network (thus tile)

deathtopumpkins: So with RHW-4, -6S, -8, or -10, a special connection needs to be made

blue lightning: known as a loop connector

deathtopumpkins: The WRONG and RIGHT connections are illustrated here, respectively:

http://www.majhost.com/gallery/v­z1234512/SC4-2/aaaaaaaaaaa/loop­.jpg

blue lightning: Notice the wrong (left)

blue lightning: the yellow line is on the crossing still

shadow_assassin: puzzle pieces for these loop connectors will be available in 4.0

deathtopumpkins: The RHW needs to deconvert back to a RHW-2 before reaching the edge, so that it becomes

bidirectional.

blue lightning: They key to loop connectors is to a: Connect both sides of traffic

blue lightning: b: kill the override

blue lightning: If you have an RHW-4 with a 0 tile median you can simply use avenue to connect and transition the

RHW into ave

deathtopumpkins: However, as Daniel said, special puzzle pieces have been made for RHW v4.0 that will eliminate

the need to create these connections.

blue lightning: These are called NREE's or "Nicole Ritchie Effect Eliminators"

blue lightning: (inside joke)

meister1235: blue lightning: :))

deathtopumpkins: the Nicole Ritchie Effect is that of cars driving the wrong direction down the highway, which

happened over that one tile before hte connection

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blue lightning: you can see a connector here too http://www.majhost.com/gallery/v­z1234512/SC4/CJ-

Pics/destiny_ce­nter-_rhw_backups_at_8_am.jpg

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blue lightning: (theres a 3rd one in the middle because it origionally was RHW-6C

shadow_assassin: blue lightning: so you downgraded that highway?

blue lightning: had no other way to connect to the ave

shadow_assassin: you could've squeezed a RHW-6C to 4 transition in there :P

deathtopumpkins: Okay, thus ends the Seminar for tonight. Join us again soon for discussion on transit planning,

such as where to best put what networks.

blue lightning: But before we leave

blue lightning: Teasers :P

xyloxadoria: Okay everyone i have a treat for people attending the seminar. Just the people here will get this.

Everyone else will have to wait more for it

b22rian: thanks connor and nelson !

b22rian: ok vince :)

deathtopumpkins bows out.

blue lightning: But first!

blue lightning: Lets applaud our presenters!

shadow_assassin claps

b22rian applauds !!

buddybud: hurrah!!

shadow_assassin glares at everyone else not clapping

b22rian: great job guys !!

blue lightning chucks a gold ring at Nelson and Connor

deathtopumpkins catches ring and says "I do!"

plane-crash12000: you guys are amazing!!!

b22rian: ok both vince and chris have special treats

shadow_assassin: :o

meister1235 applauds :)

b22rian: vince ?

This room is no longer being moderated.

blue lightning: Right

blue lightning: hang on

blue lightning: ST is being annoying

b22rian: sure

b22rian: you want chris to go ?

deathtopumpkins: Please hold all questions until after the teasers, thank you.

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blue lightning: On this page are NWM teasers. http://www.simtropolis.com/cityj­ournals/?p=view&id=1380&­;page=2

b22rian: xyloxadoria: fabulous job and looks great !

blue lightning: Thats about all I need to say :P

meister1235 b22rian: i agree

deathtopumpkins: This room is now open for any general transportation-related questions.

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meister1235 btw: the last link is page 3 from vince CJ :)

shadow_assassin: oh lol :P

blue lightning: deathtopumpkins: so what do you think about the idea of me making signs around here then releasing

them onto the STEX as a sign pack?

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deathtopumpkins: blue lightning: i like the idea :D

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plane-crash12000: this is my first attended seminar and its an experience i will remember for years!

blue lightning: deathtopumpkins: http://www.majhost.com/gallery/v­z1234512/RLSigns/ghent_138.png

blue lightning: deathtopumpkins: http://www.majhost.com/gallery/v­z1234512/RLSigns/oh18_137ba.png­

deathtopumpkins: plane-crash12000: Come to the next one too ;) its more theorizing and stuff

meister1235 this was the best and longest seminar i ever see :D very good job :)

un1: That was long. :p