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View Full Version : Newchanstein Castle Update - 1/9/04


Phantom523
01-08-2005, 05:14 AM
Ok.... I've had a lot of great ideas, but it seams that every time I get a brainstorm someone else blows me away with a similar idea! :(

Bitter Jewler and MikeyCA have totally taken the video department, and there are so many great rides and coasters out there that I can't even compete! I even started experimenting with fireworks to simulate fire and "escaping souls", only to be blown away within a day or two by videos that went far beyond what I had planned.

So, what am I to do? Get back to the basics, start building a great park, one that ties in with my own childhood memories.

I can't promise the great park part, but I think you're all gonna like what I'm working on right now....

I see a few people trying to do a Disney theme. the center of the park was Sleeping Beauties Castle. I figured its time I recreate not that, but Mad King Ludwigs castle, Schloss Neuschwanstein.... The castle that gave Walt Disney the inspiration.

As you'll see by the pics, I have a long way to go, especially since I'm trying to make it path, scenery, ride, and USER friendly. It's important to me that ride and path pieces will be able to fit withing the walls of the building ;)

It's a complex project, but I'm having a blast. I'll try to keep you updated as often as possible. and once it is done the building, and rides I've built in, the total sandbox game, and a map of the terrain will be available.

(I'm building my castle near the center of the park.... once done, I'll erase the castle and upload a picture of the terrain to make it easy to just drop it in where ever you want in your own park.

I really hope you all like it when it's done.

Photo of the real castle: http://home.comcast.net/~psmith523/Ludwigs_Castle.JPG
Floorplan: http://home.comcast.net/~psmith523/Floorplan.JPG
Screenshots so far(updated 1/9/04): (this will be updated as it progresses)

Overall screenshot: http://home.comcast.net/~psmith523/Ludwigscastle.JPG
Inside the gatehouse: http://home.comcast.net/~psmith523/gatehouse.jpg

1/9/04: I did a little more work on the tower and outer front wall. Does anyone else here get totally excited when they work for a few hours on a building, then send it all shooting for the sky when they adjust the terrain? :confused: I decided to do a night time screen shot, just so I can see how it's looking with the candles lit. I don't know if you noticed, but for of the firework smudgepots are already in place. The two "hidden" ones are small ones on either side of the gatehouses center peak.
I also managed to install a two floor path going through the gatehouse as well as benches, torches, and plants. Sorry, You'll probably have to wait until the finished castle is ready for upload, unless.........:rolleyes: EDIT: Nevermind! I just found the advanced setting for the camera options. WOW what a difference!

Simbolism
01-08-2005, 05:20 AM
Originally posted by Phantom523
Ok.... I've had a lot of great ideas, but it seams that every time I get a brainstorm someone else blows me away with a similar idea! :(


I know what you mean. I think it's one of the challenges of having only the 5 themes available and lots of creative people all clammoring to produce the next great thing. I'm glad you haven't become discouraged and decided to persue Schloss Neuschwanstein. It sounds like a great concept and I'm looking forward to seeing the screens as you release them. [edit] Based on the pic you included, it looks like you've got your work cut out for you! Best of luck! -SIM

Milkdud
01-08-2005, 09:52 AM
Wow, it looks like your definately off to a GREAT start! The very front of the castle looks great!

Phantom523
01-09-2005, 05:38 AM
Thanks for the encouragement! By the way, I just ran across the "Cryptkeeper" in another thread. Awesome! I can't wait to see Enchanted Park and Inspiration Park. (Where IS that update?!?)

Simbolism
01-09-2005, 05:52 AM
It's looking great so far! Great job with the architecture & lighting! And the pathing is looking really good as well. I like the way you contoured the terrain to match the slope of the path.

And thanks for the compliment RE: Cryptkeeper :heart:

Keep up the great work!

Phantom523
01-11-2005, 04:08 AM
I know,,, I haven't even begun installing the rides yet.... give me a bit ;) They're coming The newly constructed "coridor" leading from the gatehouse to the main castle is going to house the loading area for the coaster. The gatehouse itself and the main castle will serve as bases for the fireworks show (some mortars are already in place), and the main castle will house the "food court", info booths, and probably a ride or two. This is going to be the centerpiece of the park. The rest will be built around it.

I'm taking a while, but I'm trying very carefully to keep the themeing relatively compatible, while making the whole structure and land below it as open and user friendly as possibly.

It's so frustrating when you get a great section of building done, then have to rebuild it because you moved the terrain or had to leave room inside for a planned ride...:weird: Oh well... I'm getting there, I guess! :D

rotocat
02-13-2005, 11:33 AM
Any progress of the castle? It looks great, but you no longer post. :(

JCat
02-13-2005, 12:07 PM
Good luck - that castle is very detailed (I have a model of it for an N-gage train) but so far, I like what's turning out! Keep it going man - take brakes in between so your mind is refreshed, and your creativity level replenishes (this I found works).

Phantom523
02-17-2005, 04:51 AM
Thanks for the comments.... Honestly, I've been very sidetracked by the advanced fireworks editor... I've been having lots of fun using it to design just about anything BUT fireworks! (ie: water fountains, snow, jumping water fountains that arc over paths, Chimney smoke, fireplaces, lightning bugs, waterfalls, fog, ghosts, etc.... While I do have to finish Neuswchanstein (for my own satifaction), It may take a while. Me and a few friends are just starting a project that I think everyone will grow to love (more info on that later)

I've been trying to help Simbolism out a little with a few such FX... hopefully in the next few days he'll have something to show off. make sure you check out the whole thread... this guy builds an AWESOME park!!!

See Inspiration Park below.. (he's also the mastermind behind Frightmare, also below)

ytivarg
02-17-2005, 04:59 AM
Originally posted by Phantom523
Does anyone else here get totally excited when they work for a few hours on a building, then send it all shooting for the sky when they adjust the terrain? :confused:

Are you kidding me? That's my favorite part! :rolleyes: :haha:

I just came across your thread... don't stay sidetracked too long! That castle is looking great! I can totally understand getting distracted though... there isn't a single thing in Gotham City that's 100% finished. I keep bouncing around all over the place. I'm looking forward to seeing more work from you, so keep it up! :up:

i_feel_sick
02-17-2005, 07:15 AM
Whoa.... I'll be sure to check this thread for updated pics of Neuschwanstein castle... I've got a 4000 piece jigsaw on that castle and its framed up (38"x53") in my room as a fruit of my hard work... Here's a pic of the jigsaw if it helps you...

http://img229.exs.cx/img229/1157/neuschwansteincastle8qh.jpg

rotocat
02-17-2005, 08:52 AM
Is there a site that explains how to create all of those things. (water falls, fireflies, smoke, etc.) All I can find are the default fireworks that look like fireworks. thanks