Network Widening Mod

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Revision as of 15:43, 17 April 2010 by sc4e>Tarkus (Some formatting changes)
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Network Widening Mod (NWM)
Nwmlogo.png
Link
None (Unreleased Plugin)
General Information
Credits Complete list
Status Under Development (Unreleased)
Project Threads SC4Devotion
Language English
The OWR-3 as it appeared in an initial Orthogonal Prototype in 2008

The Network Widening Mod (NWM) is a future transit mod being produced by the NAM Team, consisting of a series of Override Networks, which are wider variants of the existing in-game networks, extending the RHW concept to Car-Based Surface Networks. The project was initially conceived in December 2006 by jplumbley, Tarkus, Ryan B. and beskhu3epnm.

As of this writing, there are no public releases of the NWM, and, as per standard NAM Team policy, there is no anticipated release date for Version 1. The project was on hiatus for an extended period of time through much of 2007 and 2008, due to several NAM components needing an overhaul to handle the NWM, and Tarkus and jplumbley being occupied with the RHW and SAM, respectively. This cast doubt on the future of the NWM for a considerable period of time. However, development recommenced privately in 2009 with superhands from the RAM Team coming on board to collaborate with Tarkus. The results of their efforts were first displayed in a re-opened NWM development thread at SC4 Devotion in March 2010.

Basic Network Characteristics

The NWM networks are all Override Networks, using Starter Piece Technology and extending on the Road and One-Way Road networks, both Surface-type Networks. They do allow for direct access to RCI Zones. In order to function properly, the NWM, upon its release, will require the use of the A, B or Z Traffic Simulators. There are 10 networks planned for the initial release, including 5 single-tile networks and 5 dual-tile networks. These comprise 5 basic network types, as outlined below.

Turning Lane Avenues (TLAs)

Turning Lane Avenues (TLAs) are Road-based, despite the name. They incorporate a median left-turn lane to allow for left-turning motions across the roadway without interrupting through traffic flow. In the case of multi-tile TLAs, this allows for traffic to access zones on either side of the network.

TLA-Type Networks

Single Tile: TLA-3
Dual Tile: TLA-5

A prototype of a triple-tile TLA-7 was shown in 2007 as a proof of concept. This network will not be included in the initial offering, but it has been confirmed that it will eventually be incorporated.

Avenues (AVEs)

NWM Avenues (AVEs) are Road-based, much like the TLAs. Like the default Avenue network that comes with the game, NWM Avenues feature a raised and landscaped median.

AVE-Type Networks

Single Tile: AVE-2

A prototype of a triple-tile AVE-6 was shown in 2007 as a proof of concept. Much like with the TLA-7, it will not be included in the initial offering, but it has been confirmed as a future addition.

Asymmetrical Roads (ARDs)

Asymmetrical Roads are Road-based, are medianless and feature an asymmetrical lane configuration. So far, only one ARD network has been seen.

ARD-Type Networks

Single Tile: ARD-3

Medianless Avenues (MAVEs)

Medianless Avenues are Road-based and are effectively Avenues without medians.

MAVE-Type Networks

Dual Tile: MAVE-4, MAVE-6

A single-tile "NMAVE-4" (Narrow MAVE) has also been seen as a proof-of-concept. It will not be included in the initial release, but is planned for future inclusion.

One-Way Roads (OWRs)

The NWM also includes additional width varieties of the game's default One-Way Road network, ranging from 1 to 5 lanes.

OWR-Type Networks

Single Tile: OWR-1, OWR-3
Dual Tile: OWR-4, OWR-5


NWM Development Team & Contributors

Current

Former