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Orient Express community collab

soocoolsimsoocoolsim Posts: 6,260 Member
edited February 13 in Nominated Threads
Hi everyone, as some of you know I recently created a series of 3 lots to make a Christmas train for the BnS Challenge #221. A few folks and I liked the idea of adding additional lots to expand the train. Then I had an idea... how about the community collaborating to create the Orient Express (‘murder mystery’ train)? With the support from many talented simmers, this project is now a wonderful reality. Inspired by actual photos, participants have created and decorated cars for this train, as well as others. The Alpine train is fictional so designers had more creative freedom. See the posts below for details and links to all the creations.

Accompanying world build
I also hoped to have a special world to showcase the trains. Due to the interest received, and with the CAW talent of Jessabeans, this is also underway. We’re creating a world built around the journey of the OE from London - Paris - Venice. Each destination has a station to showcase the train cars designed by the community. Once released, simmers can have their sims 'travel' around the world by moving the playable lot to different train stations as desired. Each destination will also include a mix of residential and community lots reflecting popular landmarks and architecture for that city. This could be quite fun for story-tellers as well.

Sign-up for creating or decorating world lots open but not many lots still available! Lurkers... Hope you are enjoying the great builds completed so far. See links in the next two posts below. Feel free to download or rec on the Exchange and / or drop us a note here in the thread 😀

If you would like to design the interior of one or more of the train cars that would be excellent. (Edit! Train spots full) You can also participate by building lots in the world. Perhaps you're not keen on building lots but like decorating houses... we have a role for you too! Just sign-up by posting in this thread letting us know what you would like to claim. See the list of available lots and design notes below. Hoping you join us :smiley:

Video tour
More info about the Venice Simplon Orient Express train

Participating creators
@ciane, @Sandraelle , @romagi1 , @Jessabeans , @soocoolsim , @suzses , @HollownessDevour , @BreeMiles , @KarilynMonroe2 , @Hidehi , @60smusicluvr , @seaben , @fxchrfxchr , @equuest
Post edited by EA_Solaire on

Comments

  • soocoolsimsoocoolsim Posts: 6,260 Member
    edited September 2020
    TRAINS & TRAIN STATIONS

    Overall notes for anyone downloading and installing the train cars
    (Note: The OE world when released will include the completed trains and other collab lots)
    For the best train effect, before placing the lots for the train in your world, simply add several 24 x 15 custom lots in a row using the “Add Any Lot Size” mod available from ModTheSims. The train engine at the head goes on a bit larger 30 x 15 lot.

    Subways at train stations + stops around the world

    rp9yjlW.jpg
    Venice: Venice Simplon Orient Express (VSOE) ***** More info here and here and here.
    Engine + 3 dining + 3 sleepers + 1 piano/bar = 8 cars VDpBQp9.jpg
    Paris: British Pullman Orient Express ***** More info here and here and here.
    Engine + 7 multi-use = 8 cars
    Choice of car interior design from the following list:
    Perseus / Phoenix / Audrey / Lucille
    Each car features plush armchairs in open-plan saloons, arranged as intimate tables for two each side of the aisle.
    At one or both ends of each Pullman car is an enclosed 4-seat compartment or 'coupé' fVygm7M.jpg
    London: Royal Scotsman ***** More info here and here and here.
    Engine + 2 dining + 1 spa + 1 observation + 3 multi-use = 8 cars KAihzxp.jpg
    Mountain area - Alpine Express
    Engine + 7 multi-function passenger + freight = 8 cars
    Design freedom (interior and exterior colours and layout)
    Backstory: Rural train cobbled together from restored cars from out-of-service trains. Use car base shell from either the British Pullman or Royal Scotsman for footprint and exterior walls. Can add onto the top (caboose, etc).
    Post edited by soocoolsim on
  • soocoolsimsoocoolsim Posts: 6,260 Member
    edited March 9
    WORLD CREATION@jessabeans
    Lot creators / interior designers — @ciane, @Sandraelle , @romagi1 , @Jessabeans , @soocoolsim , @suzses , @HollownessDevour , @BreeMiles , @KarilynMonroe2 , @Hidehi, @60smusicluvr , @seaben , @fxchrfxchr , @equuest

    Download current world file => WIP version released Feb 6, 2020

    Notes for Creators / Interior Designers
    No CC allowed — please Custard Check your lots before upload to double check. Helpful notes
    All Expansion Packs OK - except KPST.
    The following Stuff Packs are OK for use: Outdoor Living, Town Life and Master Suite.
    Free store items can be used if they can still be downloaded.

    Style guidelines: For London... loosely Victorian/Edwardian style buildings are near the train station. Victorian/Edwardian industrial brick buildings with Asian landscaping/interiors in the Chinatown area. The residential area buildings are inspired by the Borough of Wandsworth. For Venice... Italian with a red terracotta roof, stucco exterior in any style/color and items from Last Venue of Amore are suggested there. For Paris... mainly uniform with Haussmann style buildings with Zinc metal roof and Lutetian Limestone exterior.

    Store content usage: The intent is to showcase our creativity while also keeping in mind world playability and aesthetics for end users. Please choose store content from worlds / venues / sets / objects already in use as indicated below:

    Worlds:
    World Adventures, Showtime, Monte Vista (base requirements for downloaders)
    Aurora Skies (with Daycare), Midnight Hollow (with Toyshop), Roaring Heights

    Venues:
    Stones Throw Greenhouse, Al Fresco Street Market, The Boardwalk, Business as Usual Bistro, Deliciously Indulgent Bakery, Grandpa's Grove, Last Venue of Amore, Olympian Physique, Prism Art Studio, Skylight Studio for the Performing Arts, The Now & Then Century Manor, Le Cinema Plumbob, Brunch at the Old Mill

    Additional notes (you can reference the world maps for locations in the next post - placement subject to change):
    Any lots with shells but are unclaimed are free to claim and make over as you wish.
    The Paris apartment shells are a starting point for a makeover, but we prefer you keep the roof color exterior wall treatment/color within the same family to keep the style cohesive - except for the street level shop paint/awning color (variety is preferred there). The code to edit apartments (after you place the room markers) is restrictbuildbuyinbuildings off.

    For London... Apartments or Duplexes are preferred to single family homes, but it's fine if you want to build a single family home that looks like a duplex or row of apartments.

    For apartments/duplexes in general... we need some NPC apartment doors in the world. They can be doors to empty rooms, or you can partially furnish them (basic kitchen, bath, bedroom(s), crib)

    Build/Build restriction remover mod: http://www.modthesims.info/d/450059

    Mod to unlock and select foods on the island paradise resort buffet table for any community lot, for making a self-serve restaurant: http://modthesims.info/d/523377/update-19-jul-2016-choose-your-resort-buffet-foods.html

    Lot assignments: https://forums.thesims.com/en_US/home/leaving?target=https://sims.fandom.com/wiki/Lot_assignment

    Installed items

    EDIT Feb 17 - For optimal CAW and game performance, we ask that you restrict store use to those objects already installed. Below are three resources that you can refer to... visual list, links to store items, and a list of the names of the store items. Thanks very much for your assistance.

    Screenshots of store items used (thanks Romagi1). Can be used for a visual check of allowed store items.

    Links to store items used (thanks KarilynMonroe2) - Part 1 / Part 2 / Part 3 / Part 4 / Part 5 / Part 6 / Part 7 / Part 8

    List of store items installed for lots placed in the world (thanks Jessabeans). These are the names pulled from the simpacks so some of them are titled different from the store for whatever reason but it should help you know what items are already being used.

    ——————————————————————
    Potential Community lots & Rabbit holes

    Additional lots for potential inclusion listed below. Can combine rabbitholes / functionality if well suited. Lots selected will be removed from here and slotted under the destination list:
    • Clubs – dance / disco / poolside
    • Consignment store
    • Pet lot (cat jungle) - Suzses (placement to be confirmed)

    WORLD LOTS — Placed / Completed, Claimed, Open for Claiming

    LONDON (entertainment area)
    Plant list: Chinese Elm, Slippery Elm, Oak Chestnut, Oak, Red Poppies (monte vista), Ranch Weeds, Cherry tree, Chinese Lantern plant, Bamboo used on lots (near Battersea Park area)
    Placed / Completed
    • Royal Scotsman train car lots — (completed) see post above for links
    • London Victoria station — soocoolsim (completed) Download / Pictures
    • Military, Police, City Hall combo (Supernatural) 40x30 — placed
    • Hospital, Science Center combo (Supernatural) 30x30 — placed
    • Big Show Venue 64x64 — placed
    • School #1, Stadium combo (Supernatural) 60x50 — placed
    • Movie Studio 50x50 — placed
    • Restaurant / Diner — 2 “visitors allowed” in train (completed, plus food court - see Train post above) / restaurant in train station
    • Caboose Salvage Yard — Ciane (completed) Download / Pictures
    • Marlborough Head British Pub / Florist / Grocery — HollownessDevour (completed) Download / Pictures
    • Cakes & Crumbs Bakery / Cafe — HollownessDevour (completed) Download / Pictures
    • London Firehouse — Sandraelle (completed) Download / Pictures
    • Cozy Container 10x15 — Ciane (completed) Download / Pictures
    • Shippin Shoppin (community lot) 15x20 — Ciane (completed) Download / Pictures
    • Abandoned Oil Tanker (residential) — soocoolsim (completed) Download / Pictures
    • Peace Pagoda/Chinese Garden landmark 40x40 — soocoolsim (completed) Download / Pictures
    • Container Cocoon house 10x15 — Suzses (completed) Download / Pictures
    • "Containment" Container house 10x15 — Ciane (completed) Download / Pictures
    • Westbridge Gym 40x40 — BreeMiles (completed) Download / Pictures
    • Chinatown Row Houses 30x20 — Ciane (completed) Download / Pictures
    • London Duplex 20x30 (across from gym) — KarilynMonroe2 (completed) Download
    • Kids Kingdom Playground (near school) — Ciane (completed) Download / Pictures
    • Old Brick Duplex 20x30 (behind gym) — Ciane (completed) Download / Pictures
    • Avondale Park 55x20 — Sandraelle (completed) Download / Pictures
    • Waterview Duplex 20x30 (near bridge) — Ciane (completed) Download / Pictures
    • The Tea Leaf Criminal Dive Bar 30x20 — Hidehi (completed) Download / Pictures
    • Victoria public Library 30x40 — Ciane (completed) Download / Pictures
    • Noble Warrior Academy (martial arts & massage parlour) 30x30 — soocoolsim (completed) Download / Pictures
    • National Gallery landmark 64x64 — seaben (completed) Download
    • The Dim Sum Restaurant Flats 30x20 — fxchrfxchr (completed) Download
    • The Anchor Bar & Restaurant 64x30 — ciane (completed) Download / Pictures
    • London Row Flats 60x20 — ciane (completed) Download / Pictures
    • Vampire Hangout & Lounge 30x30 — seaben (completed) Download / Pictures
    • Avondale Terrace 20x60 (flats near the park) — Hidehi (completed) Download / Pictures
    • Koko’s Music Machine 30x30 (live show venue) — Hidehi (completed) Download / Pictures
    • Trafalgar Square landmark 64x64 (winter festival lot) — ciane (completed) Download (world routing to be checked / fixed)
    • Trafalgar Flats 60x20 — romagi1 (completed) Download / Pictures
    • Fusion Lounge 30x30 — seaben (completed) Download / Pictures
    • Sherlock Holmes Bar & Grill 20x30 (Bar #1) — ciane (completed) Download / Pictures
    • The Blackfriars Pub 20x30 (Bar #2) — Sandraelle (completed)Download / Pictures
    • Ready for fun showtime venue 64x30 — seaben (completed) Download / Pictures
    • Swan Boat Dock 15x20 — equuest (completed) Download / Pictures
    • Brixton Brickyard Criminal Hangout 30x30 — Hidehi (completed) Download / Pictures
    • The Dark Horse Nightclub (Bar #3) 30x20 — soocoolsim (completed) Download / Pictures
    • Golden Dragon Plaza (community lot #2) 30x30 — soocoolsim (completed) Download / Pictures

    Claimed
    • Row of Flats #1 60x20 — Jessabeans
    • London Tower Bridge — soocoolsim (reference video) (completed) but upload pending next world update and testing
    • Chinatown Fusion Lounge 30x30 — Jessabeans
    • Chinatown Laundromat — Jessabeans
    • Tower of London landmark Tomb 64x64 — Jessabeans

    Open for claiming
    • Community lot 50x50 (empty spare for downloaders use?)—
    • Westminister 64x64 landmark (shell placed) —
    • Palace of Westminister 64x64 landmark (shell placed) —

    ——————————————————————
    PARIS (shopping area)
    Plant list: Red Oak, Oak Chestnut, WA Lavender, Red Maple, Chestnut Tree, Cinnamon trees on the outskirts, WA Olive Tree
    Placed / Completed
    • British Pullman train cars— (completed) see post above for links
    • Paris Gare de L’est station — soocoolsim (completed) Download / Pictures
    • world deco Eiffel Tower — placed
    • world deco Arc de Triomphe — placed
    • School #2 (Monte Vista) 30x40 — placed
    • Diner — 5 “visitors allowed” diners in train (completed - see Train post above), plus food court / restaurant in train station
    • Home Vineyard (abandoned) — romagi1 (completed) Download / Pictures
    • Riverside 2-Bedroom Apartments 20x30 — Jessabeans (completed) Download / Pictures
    • Parc a Chien (dog park) — Suzses (completed) Download / Pictures
    • Francine’s Boutique, Salon & Tattoo 30x30 — 60smusicluvr (completed) Download / Pictures
    • Paris Riverside Apartments 20x30 — Sandraelle (completed) Download / Pictures
    • Riverside Apartment for Paris 20x30 — romagi1 (completed) Download / Pictures
    • Parisian Riverside Apartment 20x30 — Suzses (completed) Download / Pictures[/url
    • Maisonette Luxueux Duplex 20x20 — ciane (completed) Download / Pictures
    • Elysees Numero Cinq 30x30 U-shape apartment— ciane (completed) Download / Pictures
    • Champ de Mars spring festival park 64x64 — ciane (completed) Download / Pictures
    • Elysees Numero Un 30x30 U-shape apartment — ciane (completed) Download / Pictures
    • The corner shop 30x30 — seaben (completed) Download
    • Paris restaurant and arboretum 30x30 — seaben (completed) Download / Pictures
    • Notre Dame of Paris cathedral 30x60 — soocoolsim (completed) Download / Pictures
    • La fontaine de la Vierge Cemetery 30x30 (behind Notre Dame) — soocoolsim (completed) Download / Pictures
    • Élysées Numero Trois 30x30 (Champs-Élysées) — ciane (completed) Download / Pictures
    • 9 Champs-Élysées Apartments 30x30 (near dog park if possible) — Suzses (completed) Download / Pictures
    • Moulin Rouge 30x30 (Showtime venue) — seaben (completed) Download / Pictures
    • Disneyland Paris Resort 64x64 — soocoolsim (completed) Download / Pictures
    • Elysees Apartment on 2 avenue 30x30 (2 Champs-Élysées) — seaben (completed) Download/Pictures
    • Champs-Élysées Paris Apartments 30x30 (U-shape) — equuest (completed) Download/Pictures
    • Parisian Townhome 20x30 — romagi1 (completed) Download / Pictures

    Claimed
    • Art Gallery (Louvre complex) landmark 64x64 — Jessabeans
    • L'orangerie/community garden landmark 64x64 — Jessabeans
    • Java Hut/Bakery or Coffee House 30x30 — Jessabeans
    • Paris Apartments U-shape 30x30 (Champs-Élysées) — Jessabeans
    • Paris Apartments 20x30 (interior design / shell tweaks) w/Elixir consignment shop — Jessabeans
    • Community lot 30x30 (Garnier Paris Opera House) — fxchrfxchr
    • Block community lot 20x60 — soocoolsim
    • L-shaped Community lot 30x30 (12 Champs-Élysées) (interior design / shell tweaks) — Sandraelle

    Open for claiming
    • L-shaped Community lot 30x30 (11 Champs-Élysées) (interior design / shell tweaks) — (leave shell for downloaders to use?)

    ——————————————————————
    VENICE
    Plant list: Italian Cypress, Chestnut Tree (Monte Vista), Juniper Tree (Monte Vista), Olive Tree (Monte Vista), WA Olive Tree, Red Poppies (monte vista)
    Placed / Completed
    • Venice Simplon Orient Express train cars — (completed) see post above for links
    • Stazione di Venezia Santa Lucia (Venice train station) — Sandraelle (completed) Download / Pictures
    • "Dolce Vita" house boat for the Venice Train Station - Sandraelle (completed) Download / Pictures
    • Business (Monte Vista rabbithole) 30x40 — placed
    • Day spa (Monte Vista rabbithole) 2-x20 — placed
    • Grocery/Diner (Monte Vista rabbithole) 20x30 — placed
    • Criminal Hideout (Monte Vista rabbithole) 30x20 — placed
    • Diner — 3 “visitors allowed“ diners in train, plus food court / restaurant in train station
    • Last Amore Gondola lot — placed
    • Ports — placed
    • Dive lots (3) — placed
    • Scuba Pool — placed
    • School (rabbithole) — placed
    • Rococo Bath House (pool) — HollownessDevour (completed) Download / Pictures
    • Teatro La Fenice Showtime venue 30x48 — KarilynMonroe2 (completed) Download
    • L’Oliveto Italian Farmhouse/Vineyard 50x50 — Suzses (completed) Download / Pictures
    • Venice Carnival Houseboat for St. Marks’s Square — KarilynMonroe2 (completed) Download / Pictures
    • Casa Venezia (water access 20x33) — KarilynMonroe2 (completed) Download / Pictures
    • Venice Apartment 20x30 — seaben (completed) Download / Pictures
    • Villa Incanto 20x30 — Hidehi (completed) Download / Pictures
    • Casa dell’amore (water access) 30x32 — romagi1 (completed) Download / Pictures
    • Apartamenti Del Bianchi (water access) 20x33 — KarilynMonroe2 (completed) Download / Pictures
    • Giovanni’s Ristorante Pizzeria 30x20 — Sandraelle (completed) Download / Pictures
    • Appartamento Solegiatto 20x30 — Hidehi (completed) Download / Pictures
    • Villa Liberty (lot #4) 20x30 — ciane (completed) Download / Pictures
    • Palazzatto de Verre (lot #5) 20x30 — ciane (completed) Download / Pictures
    • Bax??ega de San Marco (Saint Marks Basillica) 40x64 — seaben (completed) Download / Pictures
    • Villa Orabella (lot #7) 20x30 — Sandraelle (completed) Download / Pictures
    • Doges Palace (water access lot) 60x25 — ciane (completed) Download / Pictures
    • Bella Villa Con Ponte 40x40 — suzses (completed) Download / Pictures
    • Bella Villa Everywhere Edition 40x40 — suzses (completed) Optional version for other worlds Download
    • Piazzetta dei Leoncini 40x40 — Hidehi (completed) Download / Pictures
    • Casa Dei Sogni (lot #6) 20x30 — romagi1 (completed) Download / Pictures

    Claimed
    • Rialto bridge — Jessabeans
    • Island - Graveyard 64x64 — Jessabeans
    • Palace Ca' d'Oro 40x64 - HollownessDevour
    • Building attached to Ca' d'Oro 40x64 - HollownessDevour
    • St. Mark’s Square (summer festival lot) — Jessabeans & KarilynMonroe2
    • St. Mark’s Square (optional expanded Carnival version) — KarilynMonroe2
    • Community lot 20x30 — KarilynMonroe2
    • Community lot 30x20 — KarilynMonroe2
    • Island community lot (Hotel Danieli, formerly Palazzo Dandolo) — Sandraelle

    Open for claiming
    • Saint Michele (near graveyard) — Inspiration
    • Procuratie 64x64 (check with Jessabeans on what’s to be included) —
    • Community lot 30x40 (Palazzo Pisani Moretta? Palazzo Bembo?) —
    • Residential shell 30x30 (interior design) — (leave open for downloaders to use?)


    ——————————————————————
    ALPINE MOUNTAIN AREA (All lots completed)
    Plant list: Tall Fir Tree, Small Redwood Dawn, White Fir, Perennial heather, Red Poppies (monte vista), Ranch Weeds
    Post edited by soocoolsim on
  • soocoolsimsoocoolsim Posts: 6,260 Member
    edited April 2021
    WORLD LOT PLACEMENT MAPS

    Note: See the post above (WORLD CREATION) for the full list of claims and completed lots.

    Titles on the maps in yellow indicate lots that have been completed and are available for download.

    Other notes:
    Lot to be added somewhere for the cat jungle - size TBD
    Lot be added in the Alps area for the fall festival

    PARIS — updated Mar 14/21
    1iE8UsY.jpg

    Currently open for claiming
    • L-shaped Community shell 30x30 (11 Champs-Élysées) (interior design / shell tweaks) (leave open for downloaders?)

    LONDON
    b9JuPsq.jpg

    Currently open for claiming
    • Community lot 50x50 (leave open for downloaders?)
    • Westminister 64x64 landmark (shell placed)
    • Palace of Westminister 64x64 landmark (shell placed)

    ALPS
    BLnIbMv.jpg

    VENICE (2 maps)
    1) Community Lots
    0sG9y0I.png

    Currently open for claiming
    • Saint Michele (near graveyard) — Inspiration
    • Procuraties (check with Jessabeans on what’s to be included) 64x64
    • Community lot 30x40 (interior design / shell tweaks) (leave open for downloaders?)

    2) Residential Lots - updated Apr 9/21
    gOXZfFR.jpg

    Currently open for claiming
    • Residential shell 30x30 (interior design / shell tweaks) (leave open for downloaders?)
    Post edited by soocoolsim on
  • cianeciane Posts: 16,996 Member
    Cool pics. Great idea. I might try dining car, sleeping car, and/or piano bar. Do you want the sleeper cars to have the aisle in them?
  • soocoolsimsoocoolsim Posts: 6,260 Member
    edited December 2019
    Yay, so glad you’re participating @ciane. The interior design would be entirely up to you. The cars will be 6 x 26 on 20 x 30 lots. I’m in the early stages so can tweak the size before doing the CFE for the roof. Is that enough width to work with? I could go to 8 x 26 if that would work better.

    @Sandraelle , I think you’re considering this too. Preferred size from your perspective?
    Post edited by soocoolsim on
  • cianeciane Posts: 16,996 Member
    Wow! That's much bigger than I was anticipating. I was thinking the lot size would be much smaller and thinking it would be possible to do a 4 width, so 6 or 8 wide would give a lot more maneuver room. Are you sure you want such big lots? Realistically, of course, the train cars are much longer than they are wide. So, if it's 8 wide, the 26 length would be good. I just wonder if the lots should be narrower, but I'm a fan of making lots as small as possible so they'll fit anywhere. Whatever you think works best!
  • suzsessuzses Posts: 2,433 Member
    This looks fun!
    Ackney-upon-Sherne Collab on the forum here
    My Sims 3 Studio
    My forum builds thread
  • SandraelleSandraelle Posts: 6,146 Member
    edited December 2019
    Hi All! Great start you have going already for your project Paula!!

    I will definitely do at least one dining car and one sleeping car.

    I like the 26 length but I think 8 is too big of a width, was thinking more like 5 (maybe 6), otherwise the furniture placement will be too out of proportion. For a 5 deep dining car you could have 2 grid dining tables on each side with a 1 grid walkway between tables, which would be more realistic to a real train. And for sleeping cars, you could have a 1 space hallway and each bedroom could be 4 deep. Picture if it's 8 wide, you would have a 4 grid walkway between tables and that wouldn't be so much like a train. 6 would give you a 2 grid walkway which would be ok too if you guys liked this size better. And thinking about where the entrance doors would go, maybe the 6 deep might work better to fit in doors (unless the doors will be on the ends? Just my opinion though. :)

    As far as lot size, we would definitely need the 30 long to accommodate a long train car, but I don't think you can get any narrower of a lot going with the 30 length.

    Look forward to your thoughts.

    P.S. I'm a bit confused on the French restaurant names, isn't this a Venice train? :)

    Never mind, I just rewatched the video on the train and I see now that the restaurant cars are named that, lol. My bad!

    And looking at the real train again, the dining cars have a 2-seater table on one side and a 4-seat table on the other with a narrow aisle. So we could even go with a 4-tile width!! haha lol
    Post edited by Sandraelle on
  • SandraelleSandraelle Posts: 6,146 Member
    Hi, I'm back again! Just thinking ahead . . . Will you be placing the windows and the car colors or will we be customizing the outside of our own train? And I'm assuming we can use store content? :)
  • soocoolsimsoocoolsim Posts: 6,260 Member
    Yay, glad to see you here also @suzes and @Sandraelle . Yes, I would prefer to go with smaller lots while keeping as much to scale as possible. Heading in game now to play around with a 4 width and will circle back.

    Sandy, I'll be providing the 2 version of the exterior patterns for consistency and place windows and doors. However, based on your car and design, you can customize to delete / move / add more windows. For the exterior, it would also be more consistent if I provide the base landscaping (trees, platform, terrain paint) but everyone can add objects as desired.
  • soocoolsimsoocoolsim Posts: 6,260 Member
    edited December 2019
    Forgot to mention... I'm using all the EPs except for ITF, no SPs. Works for all? And yes... store content is perfectly fine, but no cc :smiley:
  • cianeciane Posts: 16,996 Member
    I can set up a game to just use EPs minus ITF and see how it goes. So a four wide is a possibility at this point, though we know sims will often route fail when only offered a one-wide hallway or aisle. Maybe, for that reason, a 5 or 6 wide version might work better. I thought of adding all-in-ones to the sleeper cars by the exits so that should allow a bit more room at the doors.
  • cianeciane Posts: 16,996 Member
    Sandraelle wrote: »
    I like the 26 length but I think 8 is too big of a width, was thinking more like 5 (maybe 6), otherwise the furniture placement will be too out of proportion. For a 5 deep dining car you could have 2 grid dining tables on each side with a 1 grid walkway between tables, which would be more realistic to a real train. And for sleeping cars, you could have a 1 space hallway and each bedroom could be 4 deep. Picture if it's 8 wide, you would have a 4 grid walkway between tables and that wouldn't be so much like a train. 6 would give you a 2 grid walkway which would be ok too if you guys liked this size better. And thinking about where the entrance doors would go, maybe the 6 deep might work better to fit in doors (unless the doors will be on the ends? Just my opinion though. :)

    As far as lot size, we would definitely need the 30 long to accommodate a long train car, but I don't think you can get any narrower of a lot going with the 30 length.

    Look forward to your thoughts.

    P.S. I'm a bit confused on the French restaurant names, isn't this a Venice train? :)

    Never mind, I just rewatched the video on the train and I see now that the restaurant cars are named that, lol. My bad!

    And looking at the real train again, the dining cars have a 2-seater table on one side and a 4-seat table on the other with a narrow aisle. So we could even go with a 4-tile width!! haha lol

    I was thinking of sleeping cars being three wide - just enough room for a bunk or loft bed and letting the aisle be two wide so sims could pass each other easily. And, yes, I like a 2 grid walkway idea. I'm a person who loves to double wide a stairway and make entrances with either two single doors or a double because... Murphy's law! Two sims will try to go through at the same time and one will go all the way around to the back entrance if there isn't another one right there. BUT, I'm open to realistic over routing if you all prefer that.

  • SandraelleSandraelle Posts: 6,146 Member
    @soocoolsim, I think that's a great idea for you to provide the landscaping, etc to the base lot and have 2 different color schemes/designs for us to choose from to keep the consistency.

    @ciane, you are right about possible routing problems with only a 1 tile walkway, so I think I'm liking the 5 wide best and having the sleeping compartments 3 deep with a 2 deep aisle. I was initially thinking the 4 deep so that I could add on an all-in-one bathroom next to the 3-tile bed, haha, but I guess we can make different configurations for the compartments (like single rooms with no private bath and having more deluxe accommodations with a bathroom). I like the double staircases and double doors as well! :)

    I am really bummed that you aren't going to include ITF, as I think those big round windows would like best on the train, hahah, TOTALLY KIDDING!! lol

    Speaking of windows, just curious if were going to use the windows from Roaring Heights that you used in your Elf express trains, or something different? I was looking at our window selection and so many are either too tall, too short, or don't sit low enough or have too many glass panes, etc. I was liking that rectangular one called India Inspired Bedroom - Timeless Views window, as it looks most like a picture window.

    I'm excited to work on one!
  • soocoolsimsoocoolsim Posts: 6,260 Member
    edited December 2019
    Such great input @ciane and @Sandraelle , I'm loving it! OK I did play around with the 4-wide, however am also in favour of routing vs realistic.

    Using a 15-wide lot, the largest only goes up to 20 which restricts the length of the cars to 16. You’ll be losing some space at both ends for the doors and front insets (see screenshot), so basically with a 6-wide you'll have a rectangular 10 x 6 plus the odd space to put the all-in-ones and ad hoc items (see screenshot). Would that be enough space for your needs? 5-wide would reduce it even further.

    If that is too little space for your needs, I would keep the engine on a 20 x 30 since it also houses the coal car and is basically almost done, however can go down to a 20 x 25 lot for the cars. If my math is correct, you would have a rectangular 6 x 15 area to work with plus the odd space top and bottom. While I should be able to tweak the CFE for a 5-wide, I'm thinking since we have the additional space anyway, why not utilize it.

    Soo... your thoughts... 6 wide on a 20 x 15 or 20 x 25?

    df4SIlX.jpg
  • soocoolsimsoocoolsim Posts: 6,260 Member
    edited December 2019
    Sandy, yes the window selection is pretty limited for this purpose. Yikes, I didn't realize that window came from Roaring Heights. Would prefer to use a window that most folks will have or easily obtain so thanks for the recommendation :smile:
  • cianeciane Posts: 16,996 Member
    edited December 2019
    I was liking the 5 wide idea, thinking a nice big 3 tile window centered with a space on either side matched made a great engine look, and I always prefer to challenge myself with a smaller build; but the 6 tile base does look good and you've already got it done. I'd prefer the 20x15 to the 20x25, but I'm open to whatever the consensus is. And, there's also a 20x20 option, right?
  • soocoolsimsoocoolsim Posts: 6,260 Member
    edited December 2019
    LOL @ciane I didn't even think about putting a window at the back of the engine. Glad you brought that up. I'll wait for @Sandraelle 's input to see if she's good with the 15 deep lot... and whether the 5-wide is enough for her needs.

    Edit! I just tried the 5-wide on a 20 x 15 and do like the scale.
    xzgGDt3.jpg
    Post edited by soocoolsim on
  • SandraelleSandraelle Posts: 6,146 Member
    I do like the 5-tile deep better, and although I would have preferred the 25x20 lot (too bad there's not a 25x15 one), to accommodate a longer length train car, that spacing looks ok. I only see room for about 3 sleeping compartments though, unless you put one at the back. Are those 4 insets where the doors go? If so, does there need to be doors on both sides of the train? And what about having just one door? That way the back (or right side in the picture) could house another sleeping compartment or a kitchen if it was a restaurant. Sorry if I'm being too difficult. :D
  • cianeciane Posts: 16,996 Member
    edited December 2019
    Here I was thinking you could get five 2 wide sleeping compartments in the middle or, if you did go with a single tile aisle, you could have three 3 tile sleeping compartments on each side, depending on the door placements. :smiley:
  • soocoolsimsoocoolsim Posts: 6,260 Member

    Lol you two are funny. I just finished watching Despicable Me3 with my daughter. Not sure if I should go in game or wait to see if either of you have more ideas 😃
  • romagi1romagi1 Posts: 6,988 Member
    Sorry ladies, with the Holidays and everything else going on I ended up getting ill and am having a horrible time getting over it. Now tonite hubby has come down with it too. We make for a miserable pair!

    The train cars in the video seem quite long to me and if a world builder does not come on board it would be a moot point. But there is a mod that you can use to make any size lot (like a 15 x 25 or 30). I believe in CAW you can make what size lot you want also. It's just a thought and we would need a world builder to pull off the different lot sizes unless everyone had the mod to make their own lot.

    With sims I prefer a playable lot so routing over realistic for me.

    Add Any Lot Size
    http://modthesims.info/download.php?t=471164
  • soocoolsimsoocoolsim Posts: 6,260 Member
    edited December 2019
    So glad to hear from you @romagi1 . Very sorry to hear you and hubby are sick. Sending get well wishes your way Rox <3

    There were two different sizes of coaches apparently so we could say we're doing the older version lol. But yeah... it's still not to scale.

    CZd7iiW.jpg

    Post edited by soocoolsim on
  • soocoolsimsoocoolsim Posts: 6,260 Member
    edited December 2019
    So ladies... final choices below. I added potential layouts with objects to get an idea of space. Doesn't mean you need to follow this.

    I tweaked the 5 wide car to push the doors closer to the edge in Option A which gives an extra compartment. I'm assuming you are OK with a 2-wide.

    Please rank the choices... we'll go with the majority and move on. It will be great if any others thinking of participating could vote as well :smile:

    Edit: Option D is a 5-wide version of Option C - windows will be fixed for symmetry in both versions.

    HuPL9uO.jpg

    Option D... 5-wide on 20 x 25 lot
    Post edited by soocoolsim on
  • cianeciane Posts: 16,996 Member
    edited December 2019
    You are such an awesome builder @soocoolsim! And quick too!

    I like option B best. I love the symmetry and spaciousness of it, and it keeps the double wide hallway on both sides of the car. I do have a few suggestions for it, if we go with that one.
    I'd slide the double windows of the outside larger compartments one tile to the outer edges and move the bunks to the inside walls next to the smaller compartments. This allows you to make those right angles cutting into the hallways diagonals, mirroring the diagonals in the kitchen and allowing more maneuver space for the hallways. (But I do like the little circle windows on the outside, so it's only a suggestion.)
    I'd also like the rear window centered if possible by MOOing another window next to, and over, the existing one just one tile over, making the two two-tile windows into a larger three-tile window.

    Those suggestions would also work for option A. However, I like the maneuverability of the second kitchen better. It is just more spacious with the diagonal walls adding more room for sims to get around each other.

    Option C windows bother me as I like symmetry too much. Moving the second double window over one tile on either side and replacing the center window either with a larger or smaller window would make it more appealing to me, ie. you could use the little circle window again in the middle and have one space between all the windows, OR you could MOO the same double window over the existing center window, just one tile over, making it a triple-wide window. Obviously, this option adds much more maneuver room and would play the best. If set up like option B, which is my favorite layout, I'd happily build in this one.

    So, I like B or C better than A, but would just alter some windows on my train; if you wouldn't mind.

    @romagi1 - I am glad you are finally feeling better. I hope your hubby recovers quicker with you to help nurse him. With all been coughing and fighting colds with this much colder weather than normal. Hopefully, the worse is over now and the immune systems can tackle whatever they need to tackle. Hugs and warm thoughts.
    Post edited by ciane on

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