Roman road

[Dune]

Thanks all. It can be better, I'm not yet satisfied. The road needs better edges in terms of dead grass, dirt lying around, that sort of thing. These are only 3 kinds of grass, I'd better use more in the front area, some more flowers as well, and dead shrub. Willow sprouts I have to change as well, and the opposite bank of the river may need less trees. I have to find out how wooded it was back then. The roof of the watchtower needs work(it's just a bent plane), but that's for today. And soldiers, well, I don't have any, but the one that left his shield against the signpost has gone pissing, so there is one present at least.

[otakar]

Ulco, check this link out if there is anything new for you: http://www.nbcnews.com/id/16489022/ns/technology_and_science-science/t/ancient-roman-road-found-netherlands/

Roman roads were generally superbly engineered, which is why they have survived till present day in more than a few cases. Their construction was adapted to local conditions and availability of materials (and the link above describes it well in that particular setting).

Great scene and a favorite topic of mine. The poor legionnaire who left his scutum casually leaning against the road marker will surely face severe punishment after it goes missing

[Bjur]

The poor legionnaire who left his scutum casually leaning against the road marker will surely face severe punishment after it goes missing

Jap, military equipment was very expensive these days.. ^

But marvellous scene in all Ulco.

Makes me want to maunder down that road on a lazy afternoon just for the joy of the scene and thinking about all and sundry meanwhile..

Eyecandy AND comedy* at it's best!

* Had a very good laugh when I saw the last picture. "The worlds very 1st long-distance submarine!" I was thinking, thx for that one! 

What's about letting that sign away and pulling that milestone/broken column a bit into the front (but still alongside the road as it was, just 2-3 meters dunno)!?
Lean the Scutum (I like) against that column then maybe.
For me the sign ruins the "harmony" of your great scene a bit as it feels disturbing in it's size, place and in it's given form in all.

Alex

[Dune]

Thanks guys. I just read the article. Though it's older than a lot of other articles I've read about this, it gave me the wisdom to raise the road (1 yard above field level). I did do some drainage areas to either side but they don't come out well because of the grass. Though these may have been overgrown in due time.
The idea of the stone is good. It has some engravings, which are not discernible at the moment. The terrain was probably more open, I've asked about that.

[EoinArmstrong]

This part of your bigger project?  It's really lovely yet again; foliage placement is wonderful; as is the water.  I liked the subtle atmo in your 3rd attempt

[Dune]

No, this is something I do in between. For the big project a road like this would only be in the distance, so easier in a way.

I changed the road to a more Roman standard with poles to keep the gravel from spilling. What I would like to accomplish is set up a scene where the river has flushed away a bit of the road so you can see how it's built. But that's not easy, as (road) layers can't be made visible just like that.
Or I would at least like the 'ditches' to contain some moist/water and less grass.

[otakar]

Very good. Would the road have been this compact and even, though? No ruts?

[Dune]

I agree that the road looks quite unnatural. But the Romans also used lava stuff like concrete, and built their roads really well, in compact layers of gravel. Consider this newly laid 
But I realized it myself and will do something about its starkness, I just don't like it, whether it's real or not. I'll try some ruts.
Added another SSS and some objects in this version.

[yossam]

I really like the last one.............looking great. 

[masonspappy]

I really like the last one.............looking great. 

Agree

[mhaze]

The first thing that struck me was the lack of ruts, it also feels to clean.  Well placed vegetation and a nice everyday feel, it's coming along well look forward to the final.

[Dune]

But I liked the previous layout better, without the 'beach', so I continued with that for the time being. Got some really nice ruts now, to be rendered soon.....

[Bjur]

*Edit: Ups, you posted right before me..

The new watchtower looks great now and, indeed, your old scene had way more charisma and better vegetations and tells a complete different story in all.

The lance stomped into a stony road.. Nope!

To the road itself, old or new one, a "cheese cake" (ok, I'm hungry) comes into my mind because of it's buckle. 

[Dune]

Ruts on a wet road, and some new clouds.

[choronr]

The best of the series! What is that vertical stone object on the right?