Vodhin's BIG Experiment -SkyWay Animated Scenery Released

[Vodhin]

http://www.vodhin.org/e107/e107_images/newspost_images/Vodhin_SkyCar00.jpg

Here's a little something for you all to oggle at for a while.

In my experimenting with animated Gizmos, I came across the idea of having animated parts that could connect togrther to create a continuous chain of parts that would appear to be a single item.

Early tests proved that it was possible, and I thought about a variety of different types of scenery that I could make. Conveyor systems seemed the most logical scenery to develop and then I remembered a project I had been working on for ...something else... The Sky Car.

The set of models for that project were nearly ready for importing, but a lot of work had to be done to make the different parts work for RCT3. After a week of experimenting and adjusting, I have finally come up with a viable proto-type to build upon.

This is only scenery- it is not a working ride. Maybe someday we will be able to import our own rides, but this will not be one of them, ever- at least at the moment. Instead, I plan on releasing this as scenery only, which should be good for now.

Stay tuned for a pre-release in the next month or so, and for now you can watch a short preview video at the link below.



Watch a Preview Video of the SkyCar (www.vodhin.org/e107/e107_files/media/Vodhin_SkyCar_m1.wmv)



Update 1/24/08: some new pictures for ya ;)


I just happen to love this shot of the Sky Car:
http://www.vodhin.org/e107/e107_images/newspost_images/Vodhin_SkyCar02.jpg

And here's something you don't see too often:
http://www.vodhin.org/e107/e107_images/newspost_images/Vodhin_SkyCar01.jpg

looking through glass that's looking through glass
which is looking through glass that's looking through glass
to see the inside of the second SkyCar in the back...



New Hot Air Balloon "ride" scenery:

http://www.vodhin.org/e107/e107_images/newspost_images/Vodhin_Balloon00.jpg

And they light up in the dark, too:
http://www.vodhin.org/e107/e107_images/newspost_images/Vodhin_Balloon01.jpg





While my website awaits the new nameserver to point vodhin.net to it, you can download this set here at the following link: Clickity Click click click (http://www.vodhin.org/e107/download.php?view.870)

Enjoy ;)

[RCT-Spanky]

This is indeed the most impressive thing, I've seen in the whole RCT-History (including RCT1 & 2). The details, when the cars swinging after the leaving the station or how the doors open inside the station ... never think before, that this would ever be possible. Personally I think, that the cars looks more like the ones, that the Jetsons use in the future. But that gives me a lot of new ideas.

I know how long you have this project in your mind, because I've seen some pics of this ride for another project, in that you're involved with and maybe you read my comment ... "I wish this ride could imported in RCT3". I know, it's "just" scenery (very very understatement in this case), but it's another milestone in RCT3-CS.

Don't know if you ever played RCT2? As they began to create CS for RCT2, they had started also with simple objects and end up with custom rides. People like you (or for RCT2 Amazing Earl) give this games(s) always new potential and keep the interests in RCT3 alive.

I'm sure, this projects will take a lot of time and I have respect for your family that they accept more or less what you re doing for us fans.

THANK YOU VERY MUCH!!!!

[stuk71]

There must have been some serious head scratchin' going on there... ;)

Wonderful! :up:

[Plokoon111]

Man maybe if there was a way to make that scenery piece, a chairlift car. Like if you could replace one of the carts.

[rideslover]

Wow, I don't believe that you made it a Sky Car and keep up a good work :up::up:

Can you try that one as a circle gondola sky-way check the website.
http://www.turbosquid.com/FullPreview/Index.cfm/ID/274390

Or if you want a bubble skyway like Long Beach Pike or A square sky-way at other many amusement park like Sky Bucket?

Thank you and I am very happy :D:D

[Old-Spice]

wow, thats very nice. Sorry, Still speachless....

[sigsig76]

:eek2::eek2::eek2: wow! it is cool

[Themeparknerd]

Wow, that's some advanced stuff:D:D, They look like UFO s in th dark!

[simtanic8]

Wow Vodhin you never fail to amaze us. This may be the next step of creating our own rides. I love ow the wires are hanging down a little, it makes it look real. I can not wait to see the finished product.

~Simtanic8

[RCT3robin]

woah.. your taking rct3 to a whole new level ;) really nice and btw i dont know if its possible but if you take the inside and make 2 chairs or bench , and set the setting to bench people may sit on it ;)

[Fbh007]

Oh my god! I love this set Vodhin!
This is realistic :D!

[fechu]

Wow. <removed> This is great. I can't say anything. :eek2::eek2::eek2:

This is Just great. I hope you can make one time rides. This is great so far.

[deathfearsnone]

this is amazing you are a genious

[callmecosmo]

Very impressive. Atari should seriously consider hiring you to create RCT4! :D

[CedarPointer]

...WOW!!

[sr3d]

Woah, I've got some ideas on how you did that as well, but still amazing :D :up:

[andrewhurley13]

You , sir..are amazing.

[philipman2000]

if this does come into a real ride its the first in rct3 history and then people will be making custom ride that could be the future of rct3 !!!

[Fisherman]

I TOLD you he was possessed by DaVinci!!!!!!

-Dere,... gka ri,gr....duh....

[cp_diva]

Seeing it for a second time, I'll still impressed by the intricate details that went into this!

Keep it up, man!

[KingVeveraine]

One Word, WOW! That is amazing, you truly have incredible talent! I'm guessing you must of had a lot of parience to do that!

[Sir R L IV]

It is interesting indeed, but I can't help but see it as a bit sad and pointless that they'll never see passengers. I guess the next step will be adding new car styles to the real chairlift ride.

Nevertheless, this is incredibly impressive. Vodhin, you are now not just a modelling god, you are a history maker.

[thetrooper]

woah that's cool
is it a ride event to open the door and the swinging...?

[Belgabor]

woah that's cool
is it a ride event to open the door and the swinging...?
Very probably not, what would be the point of making it a ride event?

[thetrooper]

Oh yeah I guess
If it's all timed to make sure it only opens when it's at the station area...

[Zbot]

OMG

Totally Awesome Vodhin:D

[rctman12]

HOLY DO DO!!!! thats amazing!

[Carrie White]

I am Gobsmacked!

[Bio|Hazard]

A-M-A-Z-I-N-G
:jumpclap:ALL HAIL VODHIN:jumpclap:

[kh2kid]

Amazing! You are such a good scenery designer. This looks awesome.

[-Nuclear Fish-]

Well, this certainly puts all our feeble attempts at creating custom objects for RCT3 into perspective...


This looks fantatsic Vodhin, what a brilliant idea! :up: Who cares if this is the next step to custom rides or not - its amazing anyway!!!!! Once again you have outdone yourself. I look forward to seeing what else you do with this!

[MeJayBe]

Wow V. Before clicking the link to the video I expected to see at least the cars being transported on the cable. Instead, I also get to see them dipping and rising over the cable towers, making turns at the station, doors opening and closing during the turns and even swaying back and forth as they leave the station.

Between this set, the animated/ride event RR X-ing and your WIP of the gears, I have to say that you are, by far, the most talented CS maker in the history of CS makers.

Thank you for the time, effort, detail and heart you put into these marvelous creations.

Oh yeah, and I can't wait for this release! :D

[Plokoon111]

HOLY ****! I didn't even notice the video! Amazing job!!! I love it! It moves! How?

[Azn_warrior]

next step :
get people to go on it :D

[Plokoon111]

I think it could be possible to rplace the in game cars, and replace them with your cs set. It could work. The restraits would be annoying. That would be the next step.

[BigLouie]

this is a very neat idea:up:

[Need4Scenery]

wow very good!

[rideslover]

wow very good!

wow very good!

You're again? Please do not double post! Thank you.

[simtanic8]

It was an accident. It happened to me once.
Cant wait for the release of the Skycar Vodhin.
~Simtanic8

[~Desperado]

^^Yes, I think that was an accident. Sometimes Atari forums lags alot and when you press it again because you don't see you little flag waving at the top right corner, it double post for you. Anyway, cool Vohdin! Maybe with all this RCT3 progress...maybe we could...make our custom rides (I haven't seen any)!?

[Coaster Guru]

Very impressive. Atari should seriously consider hiring you to create RCT4! :D
He's more of a........hacker.
I TOLD you he was possessed by DaVinci!!!!!!

-Dere,... gka ri,gr....duh....
You my friend, are probably right.:eek:
woah that's cool
is it a ride event to open the door and the swinging...?
I think that would kind of ruin it. If the trigger ride isn't set right, the door could open in mid-air.
Oh yeah I guess
If it's all timed to make sure it only opens when it's at the station area...
No, that's just animated scenery.
Wow V. Before clicking the link to the video I expected to see at least the cars being transported on the cable. Instead, I also get to see them dipping and rising over the cable towers, making turns at the station, doors opening and closing during the turns and even swaying back and forth as they leave the station.

Between this set, the animated/ride event RR X-ing and your WIP of the gears, I have to say that you are, by far, the most talented CS maker in the history of CS makers.

Thank you for the time, effort, detail and heart you put into these marvelous creations.

Oh yeah, and I can't wait for this release! :D
Ditto.
next step :
get people to go on it :D
Yeah!
I think it could be possible to rplace the in game cars, and replace them with your cs set. It could work. The restraits would be annoying. That would be the next step.
Based on the fact that he could open the doors when he wanted, I think we could do the restraints easily. Then again, I've only programmed HTML.
You're again? Please do not double post! Thank you.
That was a computer mistake.

[Weavious]

I am speechless. ...wow...

[Sokka]

wow amazing!! can't wait until some one finally understands how to program the rides I'm predicting its soon! this is pure genius!!

[andrewm0304]

Great job Vodhin, I don't care if it isn't a ride, its a big step for custom scenery. Can't wait for the release.

[Need4Scenery]

You're again? Please do not double post! Thank you.
oh yeah sorry i must've went back a page and accidently double posted.
Very sorry!

[DisneyFellow]

Nice!!!!!!!!!!!! love the video

[rideslover]

oh yeah sorry i must've went back a page and accidently double posted.
Very sorry!

Oh, it's ok, all right thank you ;)

[LightGrenades]

It's great to see this finally in action. Yes, for those wondering, the original models and such were available if you knew where to look ;]. (or at least I think it's the same).

Nice job on the animation. Really, now we'll be able to see what the "next generation" holds. (if you're still working on it. I haven't been around in a while).

[Vodhin]

Thank you for all the compliments and kudo's for this work (and maybe I'll even look the other way for those who's spammed this thread with posts that mean nothing to this thread). It's been a long few days and I do have an update:


New Hot Air Balloon "ride" scenery:

http://www.vodhin.org/e107/e107_images/newspost_images/Vodhin_Balloon00.jpg



And they light up in the dark, too:

http://www.vodhin.org/e107/e107_images/newspost_images/Vodhin_Balloon01.jpg



I just happen to love this shot of the Sky Car:

http://www.vodhin.org/e107/e107_images/newspost_images/Vodhin_SkyCar02.jpg



And here's something you don't see too often:

http://www.vodhin.org/e107/e107_images/newspost_images/Vodhin_SkyCar01.jpg

looking through glass that's looking through glass
which is looking through glass that's looking through glass
to see the inside of the second SkyCar in the back...



The set is actually very simple. So far there are just three sections: the Terminal, the Terminal Connection, and a "half" level span- you get a full span by rotating the piece 180 degrees and placing another section. Other parts so far include two different height drive terminals (a taller one for the Balloon Ride Scenery), a single tower design (and I have asked Skuk71 if he'd like to design some 50's retro-modern towers for this project), a floor with ramp, and a matching floor tile.

I've been contemplating some other parts, like and express route interchange which might be fun, as well as extra cars parked on side tracks that will fit around the station..


Now for the *ahem* bad news. Well, it's not really bad news... This set is very complex- a single level span (2 sections), the terminals, and connecting spans is made up of a whopping 5110 faces. The section you see in the video has 3 level spans and is over 10,000 faces. RCT3 seem to run fine on my meager 2.54 Ghz Pentium that's got only 512MB of memory. I've even placed a whole bunch of these around this desolate testing park and saw little if no lag from the extra pieces- even at night (no more than normal).


What I need is some testers who have extensively detailed parks. Post a small shot or two of your most heavily themed parks- they should be ones that are near "breaking point" but not over: ones that run well, but not so full of lag that they are un-playable. I'll look over the various shots you post and decide on a few that would be good for testing. I'd make my own parks, but hey- you'ld like this set sooner than a few months from now, right? ;)

[KingRCT_3]

Wow ! I love the new Air balloon ride ! :eek:

Awesome job !

For the "bad" new, it's sure...

[rideslover]

Vodhin's: I like your Hot Air Balloon theme with Sky Bucket. keep up a good work.

[coinich]

I'll test on my old park; it was down to around 15fps at max settings (-anti alaising), staring at the highly themed part, even with multiple particle effects and two large waterfalls and reflective water. It had peeps and cars running and everything, so I hope I can lag it up some. I just hope its not too strong? for your purposes...

http://www.ataricommunity.com/forums/showthread.php?t=535689

[Fisherman]

Has Carrie White seen the balloons?? She'll LOVE those!! :D I'm so impressed, Vodhin...the night shot is breathtaking...

-Derek

[~Desperado]

Amazing! So, wait...you timed the doors to open when it got to the station?

[RCT-Spanky]

I would like to test the ballon ride in "Spanky's World" (pictures on this page of my thread): http://www.ataricommunity.com/forums/showthread.php?t=528958&highlight=Spanky%27s+world&page=17

Currently the park is full of Shyguys beams and I add a lot of details. And I would like to know, if the park is on his borders or if I could add more without wake up the lag-monster.

I think, Shyguys Wonder World was also a good candidate to test your ride, but that should be Shyguy decide by himself.

[Bio|Hazard]

Wow, nice Vodhin great work once again :D

[Plokoon111]

I'll test it, I got some huge parks.

[rctman12]

that is amazing will there be like those reguler gonalas to ? like busch gardens has and disney used to have?

[simtanic8]

That night shot looks so cool. That is alot of polys though. The Biggest park I have made is Paradise Springs, so I dont think I can test it, sorry.

~Simtanic8

[Dark_side300]

wow, i actually cant believe my eyes, this is amazing. its always said but 'we are one step closer to rides' lol.

but anyway, this is great! good work, i actually cant wait for more!

[BigLouie]

great work, I like the hot air balloons:up:

[Weavious]

Vodhin, you have opened a BIG can of worms. This CS is wonderful! I wonder if this can be utilized with other projects such as what stuk71 has recently created. We'll see.

[n747]

Wow...so this is the type of quality we have in store for TPB3d eh? Your talent makes this game look like a child's toy. The amount of work getting the sway just right...absolutely incredible.

I hope everything is going well on the project - from the looks of this though...it must be! Amazing job Vodhin - you're blurring the lines of this game, and opening a whole new world of possibilities for the next one. :)

[Need4Scenery]

Very good update! Nice work!

[guitarist4life]

vodhin, this is amazing... truly AMAZING

you have so much talent as a CS designer. id like to see you make a new park one of these days --- with the detail you put into your CS, im sure a park would be amazing!

i hope this comes together for you, and good luck!

[CaddyCrossover]

You are worthy, we are not. You are worthy, we are not.

[Carrie White]

Has Carrie White seen the balloons?? She'll LOVE those!! :D I'm so impressed, Vodhin...the night shot is breathtaking...

-Derek

AAAAHH (Tears welling up in eyes) When I was a young girl, I was Dorothy in a theme park called "The Land of Oz" in North Carolina. We had the EXACT ride that took you over the park from Kansas to Oz. I am so thrilled that you have created this. It brings back so many memories and I...just can't believe
that I can soon see these in action again, if only in a game. Vodhin, you are an incredible designer. if it wasn't for you and your Emerald City set you built,
my "Oz" would have been nothing but a memory. Now I can go back there whenever I want.

Here is link to see actual postcards of the old Balloons in action: http://www.markturner.com/land_of_oz.htm

[RCT-Spanky]

AAAAHH (Tears welling up in eyes) When I was a young girl, I was Dorothy in a theme park called "The Land of Oz" in North Carolina.

When I was a young man ... I was Dorothy at carneval ... oohh different story (sorry Vodhin ;)

[Magnum]

If I didn't know better, I would say that this is amazing, Vodhin...

But it is so much more than that, so I guess I'll shut up...

You began my RCT3 journey in CS (with your site)... and you seem to keep me glued to the game, just have to see how this turns out. I don't play anymore but I always try out new CS. And I guess I'll be keeping track alot closer now...)

[-eezee-]

When I was a young man ... I was Dorothy at carneval ... oohh different story (sorry Vodhin ;)

And this year? Maybe the "Wicked Witch of the West"? Or maybe Dame Edna? :eek:

[Belgabor]

Nah, he's probably Fiona :p

[ETapley0687]

This is really amazing! I'm speechless... Outstanding job!

[--Griffon--]

Vhodin, any chance you can toy around more often? We might be able to make custom rides. Awesom job as always! (Even though that is an understatement for this)

[Maylene]

yes Awesom is an understatement. :)

[Old-Spice]

Great job vodhin, this is great. Some real awsome animated rides, you take CS to a hole new level!

[Crowheart]

These animation breakthrough's you guys are making are very exciting!

Awesome Vodhin, you've raised the bar yet again!..:up::up:

[rideslover]

These animation breakthrough's you guys are making are very exciting!

Awesome Vodhin, you've raised the bar yet again!..:up::up:

Yes, A lot of people in Atari Forums are very exciting for Vodhin's Animation :up::up::up::up::up:

[Rollerman87]

WOW!! wow!!

wow!!

I saw this on your site and am happy to see this here to be able to comment about this. Now, how did you get the cars to overlay and flow with the chairs? This truly will allow cs sets to expand further. First event triggered sets and now this! I think you guys may someday crack the code for a custom train :D

[Belgabor]

It doesn't overlay anything, everything you see is animated scenery.

[marnetmar]

Aewsome work on this set Vodhin :up: :up: :up:

[deathfearsnone]

Aewsome work on this set Vodhin :up: :up: :up:

wow don't see your name too much around anymore. its good to see your still around

[Adnecles]

Very impressive Vodhin.....you sure your not a programmer secretly designing for rct3 just to spite your employer? LOL :haha:

[Ckef01]

Holy S**t, this is Amazing :eek:!
Don't know how but i'm shure gonna use it!

[RudeboyDevil]

:eek:

WOW, this is possibly the best custom made ride, since its really good and shows your talent, i can possibly say its the best i could have seen, i love those hot air balloons

Keep it up :up:

[Dr.Pest]

Vodhin..... nice !!! :D ...very nice ! keep it up ! ...i think its a fantastic idea !

[Coaster Guru]

Okay, enough of the praise. Now for the questions.

-What uses can this be used for other than a chairlift?

-Can we make mock monorails? And if so bring back the Streamlined train?

-What about mock coasters perhaps? I see the problem with realistic speeds but in my experience in HTML you can substitute a value for more code. Like in math how a set of parenthesis acts as a value but is still an expression representing its value. Is this possible in C programming as well so we can make a cars speed more fluent throughout the mock coaster?

[Vodhin]

Okay, enough of the praise. Now for the questions.

-What uses can this be used for other than a chairlift?

-Can we make mock monorails? And if so bring back the Streamlined train?

-What about mock coasters perhaps? I see the problem with realistic speeds but in my experience in HTML you can substitute a value for more code. Like in math how a set of parenthesis acts as a value but is still an expression representing its value. Is this possible in C programming as well so we can make a cars speed more fluent throughout the mock coaster?

no. No coasters at the moment. Or any type of object that is seperate from its "path". The gondolas work because it's a simple animated object- a car on each end of the wire segment traveling to the other end. Place a bunch together and the animation "repeats" making it look like there is one car moving along a longer track.

A coaster, train, etc, would end up being either really long track sections, or a continuous train covering the entire track. To anyone who is thinking about custom rides. It is not possible, and may not be possible for YEARS- unless Belgabor is holding something back from me (I know he's got a few surprises that he's working out- but it's not rides...). Why? Simple: rides need a whole lot more data information that is far from being known, and any type of even scenery as rides, like a monorail, require about 90 percent of that data anyway.

This isn't a ride, and it only works because it's a repeating segment of animated scenery...

Thanks for all the compliments, though... I've got a couple of testers out there playing around and looking for troubles... maybe soon I'll have a release ;)

[Amplifyed]

This is insane. If anyone realizes how to import Custom Rides, It'll probably be you!!!

[Rtoups]

Awesome job, Vodhin!

[Coaster Guru]

I realize that this isn't a ride, but why can't a monorail work like these gondolas. It doesn't need to board passengers, I was only wondering if we could use it as an aesthetic piece.

[Obie]

This is incredible but considering the source, not that surprising.

:olooks down, realizes she's peed her pants. has to leave the room

[Vodhin]

I realize that this isn't a ride, but why can't a monorail work like these gondolas. It doesn't need to board passengers, I was only wondering if we could use it as an aesthetic piece.

I already answered that:

A coaster, train, etc, would end up being either really long track sections, or a continuous train covering the entire track...

really long. the length needed between trains. thus useless for building, since I need to make hundreds of sections to suit different layouts. It's not going to happen by me. Someday in the future, perhaps, once ride data is figured out and we can at least make the cars as seperate objects from the track...



Now off to play with other designs...

[K1D1]

Nice Job Vod! No one would have ever thought to make a set like this. If you can do this, than you can make other custom rides to. Congrats!


-K1D1

[shyguy]

Mr. Wonder agrees to test Balloon Ride at Water World!


Mr. Wonder has agreed to test Vodhin's wonderful new attraction, the Balloon Gondolas, at his acclaimed Water World park. "This will be a temporary attraction," stated Wonder, "to help boost admission during the winder season, when attendance is expected to be low. The ride works beautifully, with no problems or slowdowns whatsoever."

There are rumors that Wonder is considering hiring Vodhin as lead designer for his parks, possibly replacing shyguy. But the validity to these rumors has not been confrimed.



http://img217.imageshack.us/img217/1652/balloons1pb2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
The Balloon Ride offers guest a more exciting way to get to the far side of the park.




http://img232.imageshack.us/img232/9653/balloons2ww6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Extensions to the towers would probably be a good idea.

[jaybuoy]

Wow just caught eye of this and my god its amazing, are you planning anything else along the same lines as this?

Great news for waterworld

[rideslover]

that is awesome picture.

[Ckef01]

WOW, Amazing!

[Vodhin]

Mr. Wonder agrees to test Balloon Ride at Water World!


Mr. Wonder has agreed to test Vodhin's wonderful new attraction, the Balloon Gondolas, at his acclaimed Water World park. "This will be a temporary attraction," stated Wonder, "to help boost admission during the winter season, when attendance is expected to be low. The ride works beautifully, with no problems or slowdowns whatsoever."

There are rumors that Wonder is considering hiring Vodhin as lead designer for his parks, possibly replacing shyguy. But the validity to these rumors has not been confrimed.

Extensions to the towers would probably be a good idea.


I'm glad to learn that Mr. Wonder approves the new ride :D. I'm sure he'll be happy to know that new tower sections have already been built that can be assembled on-site to whatever height is needed. New tower designs are also in development at Stuk71's Studios and should ship sometime soon ;)

[soccerdude12]

Can't wait to see more!! This looks like it would be an awesome addition to any park

[Ice101]

That is....
I mean....
Holy....


Really no words can desribe how amazed I am, and how much I appreciate this hard work.

[Vodhin]

I've made some new tower parts and have added two new SkyCar sections: A Gentile Slope and and Steep Slope.



The test run over the lake and up the hill
(temp pic removed)


Close-up of the Steep Slope "Von Roll" style tower
(temp pic removed)

Another shot
(temp pic removed)

The Gentile Slope segments
(temp pic removed)






- I also discovered a positioning error that looks like it might force me to re-align some of the models.

The new sloping sections now begin at origin, to allow for easier placement over hilly terrain. Some existing sections might have to be adjusted, too, but I'm not sure yet. Terminal and Terminal Connections will remain as is, but I might lower the level half-section and move it so one end is at origin (instead of centered).

To my testers out there: the new towers and sloping section have been uploaded and you can get the new set from the links I've previously sent you ;)

[Coaster Guru]

Beautiful! This will make some good camera shots.

[CTRSind]

Its funny when I saw this thread the balloons from Land Of Oz was exactly my first thought, I used to live not far at all from Beach Mtn. in NC.
http://www.markturner.com/images/oz-08.jpg

[rideslover]

Wow, good job vodhin!

[supercoolsuper]

MY GOD! Vodhin amazing idea! Its looking oh so very perfect. And I wouldnt mind trying these out for my Linux park. I do recieve a little bit of lag on that park do to all the scenery in a small space. But either way, this is a new discovery to the game of RCT3.

[R-R Ltd.]

So I have to ask because if I dont my mind will hurt trying to think about it... How would you build with this. Is each piece seperat or is this one big piece. Also if it is many pieces then how does the car know how to follow it...
---
Another thing is, if the people here figure out (if they ever will) how to make peep useing rides, then I bet you yourself could make rct4 or a new game totally... You would be rich. If you have the time... Just a thought...

[Vodhin]

Its funny when I saw this thread the balloons from Land Of Oz was exactly my first thought, I used to live not far at all from Beach Mtn. in NC. http://www.markturner.com/images/oz-08.jpg
I have that photo in my archives, and another that's actually included in the model somewhere ;)

MY GOD! Vodhin amazing idea! Its looking oh so very perfect. And I wouldnt mind trying these out for my Linux park. I do recieve a little bit of lag on that park do to all the scenery in a small space. But either way, this is a new discovery to the game of RCT3.
It's not really a discovery, but a lot of work that started out last summer and has been waiting for improvements in the upcoming update to the importer (Don't ask- it's still got a ways to go as far as I know. Let's give Belgabor et. al. our respect and thanks for all the hard work he's doing).

...How would you build with this? Is each piece seperat or is this one big piece? Also if it is many pieces then how does the car know how to follow it...
Well, the cars and cable are one repeating animated piece. The towers and other support structures are other pieces. The cable and cars have a few sections with different features: there's one that slopes up, another that's half of a level section (they're reversable), and I have plans for a few other "speciaized" pieces. Each piece cycles every 10 seconds, and you have to pause the game before placing any- otherwise it's not going to synchronize between sections.



Now... why hasn't anyone asked about the other "things"? :p

[cp_diva]

Now... why hasn't anyone asked about the other "things"? :p

Do you remember what you did to me the last time you said something like that.

Animated railroad crossings!!!

[RCT-Spanky]

Dear Mr. Vodhin;

The Spanky GmbH thank you very much for choose our park "Spanky's World" also as a test-park for your newest ride-creation.

Because of the architecture of our park, we choose the Balloon-Model for testing. The design really fits with our park and we want use this model for our whole park.

Here are the first photos, taken by our photograph for our new Park Guide.

http://srv015.pixpack.net/20080129190255350_jdcbpbgckq.jpg

A view from one of the baskets on the marketplace.

http://srv014.pixpack.net/20080129192356955_boucsfsaqg.jpg

We hadn't found any problems with ride and our mechanics hasn't found any problems during the parks opening time with hundreds of visitors.

Thank you very much to have confidence in our company.

RCT-Spanky (C.E.O. Spanky GmbH, Germany)

[jaybuoy]

Amazing

[cp_diva]

African Airways Scenic Tour

Busch Gardens African Adventure officials are pleased to announce construction of it's newest ride addition to it's already impressive ride line-up.

Vodhin Industries provided the brainwork behind the installation of African Airways Scenic Tour. Guests will begin taking their first flights during the grand re-opening of African Adventure, slated to open within the month.

Park officials released these early shots showcasing the ride and it's tentative locale.


http://img181.imageshack.us/img181/48/balloons04mb1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Parading down the main midway, guests are fully immersed in the parks surroundings.

http://img352.imageshack.us/img352/4976/balloons02re2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Kasi dominates the skyline while guests enjoy a relaxing ride.

http://img149.imageshack.us/img149/1879/balloons03pt3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Nightime provides opportune photo moments along their journey.

http://img181.imageshack.us/img181/9550/balloons01dw0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Floating along the tree line, the parks taller attractions stand out.

The addition of the parks newest attraction did not cause "disruptions" to our guests experience. We look forward to the innovations Vodhin Industries have provided the community with.

[upside down]

Amazing, simply amazing.

[TheFreshEffect]

Jesus Spanky when did diagonal pieces come out!

[michielh3]

Jesus Spanky when did diagonal pieces come out!

Eeer .. they didn't :weird:

[Obi_Wan_Cannoli]

:eek: OMG. Vodhin, your amazing! Maybe this isn't the first animated CS, idk, haven't been around for a long time :D

But. WOW! That's amazing dude! I remember the days when we would say, "One day, we'll get animated CS, you'll see! You'll ALL see!!!" :D

Well you have done it again. :) Bravo

[MeJayBe]

I didn't realize until now that the balloon texture itself is somewhat transparent giving it that real see-through nylon appearance.

Such incredible attention to detail!

[AmusementPark]

WOW Vodhin, This is amazing.

[disneydork3]

Amazing set Vodhin :eek2::eek2::eek2: Spectacular, 5 stars. i love how the wires sag down in the middle for realism.
Shyguy, that must provide an excelent view of Water World!

[Vodhin]

Hi all! Thanks for all your compliments- Spanky and CP: those parks look great! And I've sent you a PM about a little update to one of the models. It looks promising that there will be no X-Ray effect in glass - even complex shapes - if this test works out :D

For those of you just joining this development, simple shapes, like a flat plane have been OK, but complex shapes, like the windows of my SkyCar, have had intermittent X-Ray show up. Now it looks like I've figured out a way to eliminate the X-Ray and I'm just waiting for our testers to PM me with the results (My own tests were X-Ray free 100% :D)



More To Come

[Cedar Point]

Would it be possible to somehow sync this scenery with an actual charlift, and have the SkyCar act as a mask for the chairlift?

Far-fetched, but I thought I'd just toss it out there.

Great work as usual, Vodhin!

[Coaster Guru]

I doubt that because the Skycar must be running constantly, Chairlifts don't.

[Loves2Laugh9]

Wows:eek:! Um.. one thing, did you cover up the old skyway car with the car you made or is it by itself on the rails?

[michielh3]

Wows:eek:! Um.. one thing, did you cover up the old skyway car with the car you made or is it by itself on the rails?

Is it that hard to read .. :weird:

[rctmaniac]

WOW! What have I missed! Fantastic Vodhin, have Atari been on the phone yet ;)

[Coaster Guru]

For what, voiding warranty?

[RCT-Spanky]

The futuristic design of the Skyway Cars has inspired me to create a Future Theme Park (it's currently just a test, but who knows, maybe a new area in Spanky's World). I have also tested Vodhin's updated Glass & Girders Version for the Loading Station. Here are a few shots from this new park:

http://srv013.pixpack.net/20080203161527249_skojlvmcbh.jpg

http://srv017.pixpack.net/20080203161839335_hdoeigczkc.jpg

http://srv017.pixpack.net/20080203162021835_hnerjicbev.jpg

http://srv012.pixpack.net/20080203162249864_gushqqeyng.jpg

http://srv021.pixpack.net/20080203162327912_wyttbwztkz.jpg

As you can see in the last two pics, the X Ray Effect was also influenced by the surround lightning. And it looks like the that the X Ray effect was on the last picture. You can see the path through the cars-window,but there must b the glass wall.

[coinich]

Hate to burst your bubble, but I get horrible X-Ray, and my graphics are on all but max on a laggy park. It doesn't matter if I'm seeing through one pane or two, and its just as selective on the things it shows as ususal.

Maybe the pm you sent me had the older curved windows?

[sean-o]

WOW!!

[Vodhin]

On what piece are you getting the X-Ray? I've only modified the one SkyCar Level section, not the terminals, not the slopes... I want to see if that piece behaves before redoing all the other models... ;)

[coinich]

Ok, correction. Perfection on the flat pieces, it appears, with basic testing,(eg, no coloring stuff). I saw the entire jungle of Howler (or at least, only the visible parts), with no xray at all.

[Vodhin]

Good :D Now try changing colors (play with all three options), change detail level settings, and try saving, closing RCT3, then re-starting that park and see if it shows up- so far I have not seen the X-Ray at all on that piece, but in order to get that requires almost an entire reconstruction of each and every model.

You can see why I want to test this one extensively, since it takes about an hour to modify each model: each piece has two cars, and each car has between 6 and 9 meshes- and each mesh is assigned to a specific animated bone, which all need to be in an exact order to get rid of the X-Ray (provided this new design does indeed work 100%).


Oh, part of the test is to make sure the inside of the car is visible- from above you should see the seats, and from level or below you should see the inside of the roof.

[rideslover]

cool that is very nice

[Loves2Laugh9]

Is it that hard to read .. :weird:

Well sorry...:cry:

[coinich]

Check your PMs... bad news. :(

I forgot to test with multiple settings, but everything except anti-alaising was on max. I'll work on that in a bit, and then send the results.

[Vodhin]

Check your PMs... bad news. :(

I forgot to test with multiple settings, but everything except anti-alaising was on max. I'll work on that in a bit, and then send the results.

Actually, the graphics settings I use have textures at 90 % (Compressed) and scenery details about 40-50% with a draw distance at about 40% I've found no difference in my models going higher, and have nbeen trying to figure out how to make our CS LODs match those used by Frontier (and I think it has to do with those exact figures in the SID settings).

Now on to your comments in the test you sent me:

Confound it, there still is an X-Ray effect. It appears as you get real close to the model, and is just as severe as usual, cutting out the other cars. Also, the inside pane dissapears when you get close as well. Animation doesn't change it at all, and neither does recoloring. There seems to be no pattern, and its not easily reproduceable (fiddling with the camera is the surest way to find it). Night also has some interesting issues, as they seem to somewhat selectively block out lights (effect point stuff), and not only CS lights. Also, the X-Ray effect seems to only affect the SkyCar pieces; nothing else was EVER X-Ray'd, even alphas and such. Final judgement: It appears as if the issue largely resides with the lowest LOD (if there are any).

Lights and particle effects are not drawn through any glass I have ever seen, including the original pieces that came with RCT3 and its expansions. Reason: it seems they get drawn after the glass is in place, and are therefore not present when the graphics engine determines what can be seen through the galess (That's the X-Ray effect in its simplest explanation, BTW).

Now, I got to looking at the shots you submitted, one in particular really bothers me:

(temp pic removed)


First- I think you have the model window open for another placing of this model that is not on screen- if that color option set is for the one seen, however, there may be more dificulties- as it appears that color 1 is showing up as color 3, color 3 as 2, and 2 as 1... The numbers on the car are the setting the texture is set for...

And Speaking of textures, it appears that the kit you got (and the other testers) does not have the High-res SkyCar texture- after checking my source files, it looks like I goofed and set the high-res to use a duplicate of the low res (yes, that's another secret to glass working nicely- it works best if the Screen/Texture/Model resolutions are close to parity), though it's "OK" with lower resolutions.


Now... About that X-Ray The blue car in the background was placed after the one in the foreground, right? This should be so... as currectly my experiments seem to yield no x-Ray for other objects seen through the glass, but duplicate placings of the same model will have it (and it appears that it might be a limit of the game itself, as there are some Frontier objects that act the same way).

It has to do with the faces and which ones get drawn before the others. That first car, looking at it from that angle, I can tell that you are looking at it through the "front" side- looking through the faces that are drawn (ordered) before the "back" side faces are. That's why you cannot see the inside of the car's roof: The Back side faces were not yet drawn at the time the engine drew the front faces- I do have a trick that should fix this though ;) And since the car in the background is drawn after the one in the foregraound (as far as I can tell), I believe that's why it is partially bad, too.

The fact that it's only the glass part seems to point to a new obsticle- Did you save the game and reload? I wonder if the game tried to sort out the glass meshes and needs more data if multiple placings of the same model are used...


Belgabor, myself, and a few other folks have been testing the yet to be released importer - to which this face sorting method has resulted in "perfect" glass- so far so good on simply objects (like flat windows) but it's the more complicated objects that we're looking at, seeing if we can get perfect glass nearly all the time :D


Also, your scenery doesn't cast a shadow. Just in case you didn't know, which I'm sure you did...
That's on purpose- just the animated parts: since the shadow doesn't move, it looks really funny... The towers and other supports do cast shadows...

[coinich]

Ok, sorry about the false alarm on the shadows and particle effects. Never noticed before...

Also, you were right on the colors thing. I tried to keep them distinct, and tried to use simple contrasting colors, and the car to its right (facing the station) just happened to have the same colors after my recoloring tests. However, I want say with fair certainty that the blue and red car cut off in the pic WAS NOT placed first as you said, as I think I remember moving from right to left (once again facing the station), but I'll double check that again. Did I send the pic of the first car's X-Ray hiding the second car's window, allowing the third car to be seen clearly?

I also apologize for some of the shakiness of the data. This is my first time doing stuff like this.

[disneyland1]

Is this up for download if it is where is the link.:)Oh yeah its amazing I love it so far.


And I just thought up a good one:why dont you make the people mover


Oh yeah, and can you time them differently so you dont have mutiple cars or choose how fast there going.

[rideslover]

good color.

[Vodhin]

Is this up for download if it is where is the link.:)Oh yeah its amazing I love it so far. And I just thought up a good one:why dont you make the people mover. Oh yeah, and can you time them differently so you dont have mutiple cars or choose how fast there going.
Er, you didn't read any of this, did you... It's testing right now. It's not a ride (the only way to have peeps on it, which cannot be done yet- and not for a long time to come), there will be different types of cars, timing cannt be change on scenery...

Ok, sorry about the false alarm on the shadows and particle effects. Never noticed before... Also, you were right on the colors thing. I tried to keep them distinct, and tried to use simple contrasting colors, and the car to its right (facing the station) just happened to have the same colors after my recoloring tests.

However, I want say with fair certainty that the blue and red car cut off in the pic WAS NOT placed first as you said, as I think I remember moving from right to left (once again facing the station), but I'll double check that again. Did I send the pic of the first car's X-Ray hiding the second car's window, allowing the third car to be seen clearly? I also apologize for some of the shakiness of the data. This is my first time doing stuff like this.

The glass issue has been solved, and with that an interesting discovery. With the solution for the glass will come a tedious re-building of the cars themselves...

[BoRJoYZeE]

Very Impressive!

[coinich]

Ok, hope I helped at least some... but I look forward to the new pieces. :up:

[Vodhin]

Oh, you helped a lot :) Those shots helped me see other graphics card's rendering. As a matter of fact,I think I've now got 99.999% perfect glass :D (and you testers out there can get the latest test set and see how it behaves).

[disneyland1]

No I know its not a ride yet. I was just thinking how about you builed people mover version of your set you know like the ride from Disneyland.I read your whole forum I think that having this classic ride is possible.And what I mean by timing the cars is like time each track so that the ride would pass over the track every whatever second so that you can have less cars.I hope you know what im talking about it would be cool to have these things.And I put a picture of the people mover below.


http://blog.thirdphaze.com/uploaded_images/PeopleMover-771635.jpg

[Coaster Guru]

A people mover would be sweet, but I think we can already make something pretty close with the monorail, and then add some CS around it. Is it really worth the effort so we can get an exact replica?

[snailmale152]

another GREAT INVENTION I love it!!!:up::up::up: if only peeps could get on it though:( its still cool.

[disneyland1]

And the old sky buckets would be awesome too.Or even the haunted mansion doom buggies,And a whole lot of dark rides.


http://history.amusement-parks.com/Disneyland/Attractions/chaletandtrain.jpg
http://www.betterhaunts.com/hmfaq/doombuggies.jpg

[Coaster Guru]

I can see the doom buggys. But maybe not so fast until he tells other CS creators how to do it. Give him a chance to fix the bugs.

[rideslover]

SkyWay and PeopleMover sound great.

[disneyland1]

I know But it would be super cool to see these in the game even if they are not ridable.

[Vodhin]

A "traditional" gondola type car is in the works, but it will be done last before the set is released. The SkyCar has the most intircate animations and once I nail those down, it will be really easy to convert them to other types of cars. I don't think I'll be doing people movers or "doombuggy" type stuff soon, unless there's a way to make them actually work like rides...

For now, I've had a little time to develop a new "Express" interchange section for the SkyCar:

(temp pic removed)

The cars travel twice the normal speed over the line, and will have a starting terminal, end terminal, and a level section. After that, I'll be making turns (90 degree and diagonal) along with mid-stations....



More To Come :D

[Ndawg426]

Wow, this is great! Good job Vodhin, I'm looking forward to this:)

[infiniteblue]

This is a really cool set, Vodhin! Animated rides, wow. If only this could function as a real ride...

[RaptorKid]

:eek2: Brilliant Set Vodhin Im Amazed :eek2:

[Coaster Freak]

WOW....

[rideslover]

Good Job Vodhin

[michielh3]

Great set , and it's getter better by the day :D

[rctman12]

AMAZING WORK!!

[imagineer10]

Wait Did you give out a small version to those other people? But i would LOVE to use it in a new park that i am creating! BUT THIS IS JUST EXCELENT!

[RaptorKid]

Wait Did you give out a small version to those other people? But i would LOVE to use it in a new park that i am creating! BUT THIS IS JUST EXCELENT!
That is what i was wondering as well.

[Vodhin]

Wait Did you give out a small version to those other people? But i would LOVE to use it in a new park that i am creating! BUT THIS IS JUST EXCELENT!
That is what i was wondering as well.
er... I have a couple of people testing the set, putting it though its paces to make sure it's made right? Would you rather get a set that happens to corrupt RCT3?

This isn't any old set of walls with new textures... this is a whole new set of animated senery items made with "unproven" techniques and "unproven" tools (and I'm one of the folks out there who are in the process of "proving" these tools and techniques work ;) ) Patients- when I have the set ready it will be released :D

[MeJayBe]

I've told myself to stop posting comments like this but I think this set is worth stooping to my own lack of self dicipline...

:jumpclap:ALL HAIL VODHIN!:jumpclap:

Whew... glad that's over with.

[Vodhin]

A quick update: Glass seems 100% perfect :D

Some new pieces have been developed for creating realistic gondola terminals, including docking rails that can be added to the left, right or both sides of the terminal structure:

A stack of spare balloons:
(temp pic removed)

A couple of extra SkyCars wait on the sides for more traffic:
(temp pic removed)


More to come :D

[deathfearsnone]

you are a rct3 god. Amazing job on this

[rideslover]

wow, that is so excite for SkyWay with a include the storage area. Great Job.

[RCT3robin]

woah.. great job man this will sure be a good addon for parks , Good looking glass aswell , looks like a perfect job ;)

[RaptorKid]

Sorry for bossing you about Vodhin

[Coaster Guru]

And the realism soars!

[Ice101]

That is so fudging awesome

[shyguy]

The new additions are fantastic!



But here's a couple goofs I spotted...


http://img201.imageshack.us/img201/8599/balloons1kc6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
The shading on the balloon baskets isn't correct. This pic was taken in the morning, when it is most noticable. It's the same on each section.

Also, shouldn't the icon be titled "Balloon Ride Span 1 - Terminal 2?" Terminal 1 is for the space cars, right?

[stuk71]

http://img255.imageshack.us/img255/4374/skycarstuk71jt5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)


Wonderfully detailed Vodhin. Fantastic glass effect you have there... can't seem to find the 'on-ride' cam button though' ;) - I've sent you a PM

[coinich]

:eek2:

[RCT-Spanky]

stuk71 - that's what I just call a perfect picture :up: :up: :up: :up: :up:

[Azn_warrior]

i must agree with coinich!
:eek2:

[Vodhin]

The new additions are fantastic! But here's a couple goofs I spotted...

http://img201.imageshack.us/img201/8599/balloons1kc6.jpg

The shading on the balloon baskets isn't correct. This pic was taken in the morning, when it is most noticable. It's the same on each section. Also, shouldn't the icon be titled "Balloon Ride Span 1 - Terminal 2?" Terminal 1 is for the space cars, right?

The shading of the balloon baskets has been a pain- because the model has section that you flip around, the normals all have to face one way or you see a jump in the lighting as they pass from one to the other. The previous version had a double mesh- inside and out - which was just too much...

I've also been hunting down a way to make the balloons light up at night, but since I got the newest version of the test importer (which fixes the sorting of the triangles and makes glass and alphas work properly) it appears that regular alphas are not shaded by in game lighting...

The terminal numbering is a left over from the first test set, where the cars were not colorable and the terminal structures and the cars were all one model. Terminal 1 was the drive, terminal 2 was the return. Once I made the cars colorable, I needed to seperate the parts out. It's an easy fix to figure out the names ;)

As it stands now, I do have plans for different terminal configurations, with one type for the current design (overhead, horizontal powered bullwheel) and terminal 2 for another design; a larger terminal with 3 vertical bullwheels:

http://www.vodhin.net/TPB3D/Snaps/SkyRide_Test3_2.jpg

I don't know if I want to use it though... It's going to be named in such a way that the sections match and stay together in the list...

http://img255.imageshack.us/img255/4374/skycarstuk71jt5.jpg

Wonderfully detailed Vodhin. Fantastic glass effect you have there... can't seem to find the 'on-ride' cam button though' ;) - I've sent you a PM

Got your PM and sent my reply :D heh... funny you should mention the cam button. I've been playing around with trying to add one (someone made a set of new toilets and they have a cam button- which is a little strange, if you think about it :p

[Ckef01]

Amazin! - love the new cars (I think so), It would be great if the peeps can ride in it, and if so... You're just the king of the CS!

[michielh3]

It's looking good , almost , to good .. ;) :D

[rctman12]

GREAT JOB!!!!

[apet08]

Got your PM and sent my reply :D heh... funny you should mention the cam button. I've been playing around with trying to add one (someone made a set of new toilets and they have a cam button- which is a little strange, if you think about it :p

Who made those toilets? It seems I've missed them...

[Belgabor]

Very nice. As you specially asked me to look for lod issues: There is in fact one. In the lowest lod of the experss connection, only one gondola is moving. If you don't know what I refer to, I'll upload a pic.

[adamb241]

These are amazing! These must have taken a lot of work to compleate!

[rideslover]

Wow, I am very happy for you Vodhin about round shaped gondola car and keep up a good work man.

how bout the fiberglass square shaped skyway?

[Vodhin]

Very nice. As you specially asked me to look for lod issues: There is in fact one. In the lowest lod of the experss connection, only one gondola is moving. If you don't know what I refer to, I'll upload a pic.

heh... I used the copy "animation" button (which still says "Copy Texture", BTW ;) ) and then deleted unneeded animations: Seems I deleted the animation for the second car and left the animation for the grip - room for improvement on error checking? (at least we know RCT3 will not crash if there's an animation sequence in the OVL and no mesh or bone for the animation)

I'm glad that was the only problem with LODs- and a special update will be coming tonight and will be just for RCT-Spanky to play with :D

[ThingMaker]

...faint....


Superb work on the latest cars, in fact those are my personal favorite (they're all amazing but the last set reminds me of the traditional set you'd find in the older parks. Man you're insanely-talented!

[disneyland1]

Are you going to make dark rides instead of suspended or at least try it?

[Ice101]

Vodhin you are like God . . . Well not quite but in terms of RCT3

[PLX3M]

:eek2::eek2: Vodhin I grovel at your feet

[ThingMaker]

Are you going to make dark rides instead of suspended or at least try it?

Are you going to appreciate what's being done, or at least try to?

(the curse of the word Disney in a screen name strikes again)

[Vodhin]

And so I spent the first half of the day experimenting with different textures for the Balloons and trying to make them glow in the dark properly. Here's a shot of the results:


(temp pic removed)

I like it except there seems to be an error with texture coordinates: the distant baloons have vertical "seams" that appear to be from the mesh either seperating or the txture mapping drifting sideways and into a part of the texture image not intended for the balloon part. I'll work on this more next week...

For now, Spanky has a PM, and you all can have a little sneak peak at the latest car design that I started today:

(temp pic removed)






-More To Come

[Maylene]

Simply stunning. You have out done your self. Gone above and beyond.

[cp_diva]

Found some time to play around with the newly-updated-yet-currently-outdated version and it just keeps getting better.

Each piece you add Vodhin adds so many more possibilities and options. I'm especially loving the storage rails and the functional look you gave them. Your attention to detail has not been overlooked.

Looking forward to version 3...I mean 19.0! ;)

http://img98.imageshack.us/img98/6315/vodhintest02tb3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img137.imageshack.us/img137/1541/vodhintest01dj9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[Ckef01]

Woah! Like the "Lightning" balloons, so realistic, like all my posts here ;)

[PLX3M]

its a davinci copter right

[rctman12]

my ego is stuck on the ground let me get it =[ ]

[JonAAAthunder]

This is the most brilliant set on ataricommunity!

[MeJayBe]

Woah! Like the "Lightning" balloons, so realistic, like all my posts here ;)

Lightning balloons? :mefiant15:

[Vodhin]

Because...


New Video- Click Here (http://www.vodhin.org/Temp/Vodhin_DaVinciOne_01a.wmv)


More To Come :D

[imagineer10]

THAT IS SO AMAZING!

[JonAAAthunder]

That looks really really good. That was a really good video! :up:

[rideslover]

Yes Video look nice what is that with Barrel and Spiral Rotor on Top on skyway?

[madgamer101]

This is siick!! (amazing)

[RCT3robin]

Wonderfull

[RudeboyDevil]

Its looking much more better...

[Ckef01]

Lightning balloons? :mefiant15:

I mean that those balloons have unlit textures:haha: - I thinks so, damn, it's glowing in the dark, right?


Vodhin: JUST AMAZING! Really good idea with that thing, Like it so much!

[RCT-Spanky]

I've solved a big problem with my computer in the past few hours (complete new installation, RCT3 shows errors with DirectX). Don't really know, if grey hair makes a man more sexy, but after the last hours a good way to find this out with all the new grey hair ;)

For that reason just a very quick test of the new DaVinci Gondolas. This gondolas are just perfect. It looks really great to see how the top rotate during the gondola smooths through your park. The whole set is pure genius. And it looks to me, that a few of DaVinci's genes are in Vodhin's blood.

Unfortunatly my current Shrek Park was killed and I can't test this ride like I really want to use it. No big problem, I want rebuild the park this weekend.

This is a sketch of an unused scene from Shrek3. Vodhin came up with the idea of the DaVinci-Cartype without knowledge of this pic. But for my favourite project this cartype is just perfect:

http://srv014.pixpack.net/20080126100617882_lkooifvnra.jpg

Anyway, here are a few screenies from Spanky's World with the new ride.

http://srv019.pixpack.net/20080216003224859_baafmatvxb.jpg

http://srv013.pixpack.net/20080216003704483_aasorlbuyj.jpg

http://srv017.pixpack.net/20080216003551344_vxbizblrve.jpg

http://srv015.pixpack.net/20080216003906655_eyroidwfpo.jpg

Hope it like it.

Spanky

[Ice101]

Oooh! Lookin nice!

[JonAAAthunder]

You make really good buildings, Spanky. :p That looks really good!

[Plokoon111]

Vodhin, one thing I may add, is maybe you should add support bases.

[littleguy29]

Amazing, except the rotors spin the wrong way. :p

[rctman12]

OMG!!!

[Vodhin]

Amazing, except the rotors spin the wrong way. :p
Ya know... I've been a bit perplexed by that issue... For flight, yeah, they would need to spin the other way, but- the concept would never actually work in reality, and if this were a real ride I'd design it so the propellers would twirl because of the thing moving through the air- no motors needed. So, in reality, which way would the propellers rotate only due air currents?


Vodhin, one thing I may add, is maybe you should add support bases.
These towers are generic and come in only few heights (essentually matching the heights that can be achievable with the sections on level ground). I have made "sectional" towers that will allow you to place a base and lower or raise the upper section as needed.

In Spanky's pics, there appears to be one of these upper sections used in his shots at a point where the tower isn't actually needed (there's no sheaves (pulleys) on the cable). But Hey, it's whatever makes you feel good.

Spanky- you inspired me for this one (and Fisherman spotted this- and I wonder if DaVinci ever thought about time travel... who knows what he might have done, or maybe... :p ). That's whi I sent it to you first, I'm glad you got your computer back, and I'm sure Shreck's Park will even better than before :D

Now on to make a different tower design and finish up the standard gondola cabs. Some testing needs to be done on those, as I'm going to try a trick that might allow different color cars...

[rideslover]

Shrek ride the kind of like a helicopter huh-uh?

how about the Great America SkyWay? or Eagle's Flight at Six Flags Magic Mountain?

[Ckef01]

Great! Can't wait to see all those ideas in your head Vodhin ;)!

[Fisherman]

I TOLD you all he was possessed by DaVinci! Here's your proof! Looks fantastic, Vodhin!!!

-Derek

[Ccron10]

Grr, you took my idea! lol
Oh well, great job! Can't wait for it to be finished, I should be a must-have set.

Please do a gondola car version so it would look great in a real park like Busch Gardens or California's Great America. That'd be very awesome!

[Eletigna]

Oh! multicolored balloons! It seems familiar to me :haha:

Wonderful work as usual, Vodhin. I will see if I find time to experiment like you do.

P.S: I am still waiting for yours tutorials to make objects/rides animated. ;)

[Vodhin]

Oh! multicolored balloons! It seems familiar to me :haha: Wonderful work as usual, Vodhin. I will see if I find time to experiment like you do. P.S: I am still waiting for yours tutorials to make objects/rides animated. ;)

Well, you know how you make a light effect point? It's the same with animation, but you make one for every key position and every rotation in the 3D environment, for every joint that needs moving (and the different meshes attach to the different joints). More than that information about animation would be premature as new developments keep coming that slightly alter the fine details.

I will say this: So far, the importer will only animate individual groups (meshes) and not verticies; if you are serious about animaation, read the hundreds of game animation tutorials that are out there- even if the tutorial does not cover the modeling program you are using (Blender, MilkShape, etc). The importer does NOT import animation: you have to manually enter the data behind it. Knowing what's going on behind the general game animation process will really help a whole lot...

[stu-2693]

why do you never post all this on vodhin.net?! you just shove the downloads up and hope somone notices them :p

just one suggestion, the roror should maybe go around the pole an extra time and get smaller near the top ;)

[Vodhin]

why do you never post all this on vodhin.net?! you just shove the downloads up and hope somone notices them :p

just one suggestion, the roror should maybe go around the pole an extra time and get smaller near the top ;)

Good question- considering it's 4:47 am here and I've just been woken up by a sour stomach... I actually don't know...

I need to prune my own website- I get lost in it sometimes :p

[stu-2693]

http://www.towerstimes.co.uk/attractions/transport/skyridegallery.htm

you should try making this, everyone who wants to do a AT recreation would love you, and it deffinatly would fit, its a quite big car, fitting 12 people per Gondola but im sure you could make it work, you made that wierd DaVinci-Cartype work :P if you want some more media for it, just ask lol

[RCT-Spanky]

you should try making this, everyone who wants to do a AT recreation would love you, and it deffinatly would fit, its a quite big car, fitting 12 people per Gondola but im sure you could make it work, you made that wierd DaVinci-Cartype work :P if you want some more media for it, just ask lol

Stu, I think, this gondola-type is very close to the one you want:

(Picture removed by request)

[stu-2693]

yea, kinda, only bigger, a slightly different shape, with tinted glass all the way round and a sliding door :p

[Vodhin]

Those look like a Dopplemeyer design, I could make it, but I don't think it could run on the parts already made- the car would require wider towers and terminal parts. Maybe... but for now I'm experimenting with "switch" animation that might allow me to have different colors per car on the Von Roll style car (Disney's Skyway). One other car I have designed is like the AT in that it's glass all a`round (and that's a clue ;) )

[Plokoon111]

^ The ATAT from starwars!?!?

[Belgabor]

Ya know... I've been a bit perplexed by that issue... For flight, yeah, they would need to spin the other way, but- the concept would never actually work in reality, and if this were a real ride I'd design it so the propellers would twirl because of the thing moving through the air- no motors needed. So, in reality, which way would the propellers rotate only due air currents?

Actually I pondered that first time I saw them. Actually I don't think you can tell by just looking (at least if you're not an aeronautics engineer). That would require building a model and testing. My guess would be that they don't really turn at all, just wiggle.

[Vodhin]

You could get them to spin if the air current over just one 3/4 turn caused a low pressure under it (forcing the "wing" down), it might behave exactly like a weather vane, but allways out of balance and thus gently turning > think of the maple seed pods...

Anyway, I did reverse the animation and it does look better that way so I will keep it that way.

Now on to an update. I have successfully figured out an animation sequence that will allow me to have multiple colored cars for the next (and probably last) gondola car type- one modeled after the VonRoll 101 design that used to grace Disney's east and west parks:


http://www.vodhin.org/e107/e107_plugins/sgallery/pics/7sfyigotsnwg/vodhin_vonroll_01.jpg

http://www.vodhin.org/e107/e107_plugins/sgallery/pics/7sfyigotsnwg/vodhin_vonroll_02.jpg

This was tricky bit of visual flummery, a sleight of digital hand as it were. See, the problem was that I had to figure a way to have the two center cars complete a full animation cycle in time with the other two cars, even though they start in the middle- half way across...

It works, though, and rather nicely. I'll have more updates probably tomorrow night, as I experiment a little further with this "Switch-back" chain animation...

[Ice101]

That is so cool!!! These and the balloons might be used the most

Great job

[rideslover]

Yes, Thank you Vodhin. Good for the Great America nice job. when is release date?

[Plokoon111]

Yes! Great job Vodhin, the god of rct3 animation.

[Coastergod]

lol those cars look like they have happy faces on them :bored:. awesome set anyway. Any kind of deadline for this? i reeeeeeaaaalllly want it

[rideslover]

Coastergod: Yeah that I want really bad. I can't wait.

[RaptorKid]

This is getting better every time i look into the thread. Great Work

[Ccron10]

:eek2:You have just made my day.
Could it be possible to make the cars like the Skyview at HP or Skyway at Knoebels?
http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u63/Ccron10/Photo_2007_3_31_18_17_36.jpg

http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u63/Ccron10/DSCF0320.jpg

[cp_diva]

[quote=Ccron10;10109972]
...Could it be possible to make the cars like the Skyview at HP or Skyway at Knoebels?]


I doubt it. The fact that he's made 4 different car types and not one person is currently ever going to ride it seems like he's done well enough.
I'm just looking forward to what he has up his sleeve next...

[simtanic8]

^^ there are already cars like that in the game.
This looks absolutley incredible Vodhin. This will definatly come in handy in many parks. I can not wait to get it...I wish I had a faster computer:sour:
~SImtanic8

[snailmale152]

Man!!! you ar the smartest guy I know:) this set should be written down in Atari history!!!!!:D

[rctman12]

OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! i cant see anymore!!! blinded my the amazement

[Coaster Guru]

Man!!! you ar the smartest guy I know:) this set should be written down in Atari history!!!!!:D

Guess what! It is!

Well, I believe enough have said "Amazing!" so I'm just going to say keep up with the good work and hopefully you'll release instructions later for building our own.

[ETapley0687]

AMAZING!!!! I've been waiting for those type of cars from your last update!!!

[JonAAAthunder]

This is really really good! I love the new car types!

[Ckef01]

You know my reaction, just amazing, bautifull, awsome, great, OMG, mastered, and everything else in that way..

[Ccron10]

[quote=Ccron10;10109972]
...Could it be possible to make the cars like the Skyview at HP or Skyway at Knoebels?]


I doubt it. The fact that he's made 4 different car types and not one person is currently ever going to ride it seems like he's done well enough.
I'm just looking forward to what he has up his sleeve next...


Yeah, I guess you're right. Don't want to do too many or the set won't ever be released.

[Coastergod]

OK WOW!!!!!!!! this is AWESOME. you rock vodhin. This and the WIP shyguys rock set are the two best WIP sets on the forums right now.

One question though... is the skylift just a bunch of scenery pieces that will link together like legos? or is it more complicated than that?

[Rupeeman]

A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!:D

Love it!

[MeJayBe]

Oh man, Disneyland park creators are going to pee their pants when they see what you've built. It's retro but reminds me so much of the sky way that ran through the Materhorn. I am thouroughly impressed.

[-eezee-]

I had the honor to test this set on my Mac. And I must confess, I'm really impressed. It works smoothly and looks stunning. It's perfect. There is only one thing I would like to suggest, it would be a great help when you release it to provide a quick guide to show where the parts are supposed to be placed - maybe with some examples. At first I was a little confused by the amount of different parts, and because I don't speak english that good it was hard for me to figure out. Besides of that this set is a real masterpiece. Thank you.

[Coaster Guru]

Oh man, Disneyland park creators are going to pee their pants when they see what you've built. It's retro but reminds me so much of the sky way that ran through the Materhorn. I am thouroughly impressed.

No, we won't. We like to make the current Disneyland. It would be helpful if we made a Yesterland.

[wabigbear]

No, we won't. We like to make the current Disneyland. It would be helpful if we made a Yesterland.

Who is this "we" you speak for? :haha:

Looking forward to the many possibilities this set looks to provide Vodin! :up:

[Coaster Guru]

I'm making one too you know, or rather, co-making it.

[Vodhin]

One question though... is the skylift just a bunch of scenery pieces that will link together like legos? or is it more complicated than that?
Organizing this set into a usefull and easy to use package has been almost as hard as coding the animation. It seems that everythimg a design a new car type, I see a new idea for section of cable or a need to re-orientate all the others and end up re-naming everything.

The set does click together, with about 5 or 6 "span" types per car design that link up. The cars are pre-attached and ready to go. Read on for more info:

I had the honor to test this set on my Mac. And I must confess, I'm really impressed. It works smoothly and looks stunning. It's perfect.
I'm glad to know that it work on the Mac... I was hoping that it would and tried my best to design the set without features that come with the expansions...

... it would be a great help when you release it to provide a quick guide to show where the parts are supposed to be placed... I was a little confused by the amount of different parts, and because I don't speak english that good it was hard for me to figure out...
All the icons have been redone with cleaner graphics and that has become a big help in finding the pieces. The naming of the pieces has also drastically changed from the version you have: Mainly I've found that the newest car design needs to be running at half the speed of the others, and so a special set of terminal parts got added for that- That's when I realized that each type of car should have it's own parts, more as a way of keeping things together than anything else...

So far there are 4 car designs:

The SkyCar
The Davinci One SkyCopter
The Balloon Ride
The Von Roll 101 (in progress)

Reach has their own terminal drive and return structure, and I'm thinking that I'll end up having design related towers in there, too. The towers all have the same placing and heights, so they will be interchangeable...

Coding the "SwitchBack" animation for the new cars continues, with the Terminal done, the Terminal Connection Span done, and the Level Section done. Two different slopes are in the works, and then I think it will be time for a beta release...



More To Come :D

[shaqinblak]

this is great, will it be ridable?