We have just released a major new release of OpenSceneryX, version 4.0.0. You will also need the new installer v2.5.0, so please download that from the home page. Here is the list of new stuff:

• New scenery objects in this version:
  • Incorporated DT Library by Darrell Thompson into OpenSceneryX, which includes a large set of markings suitable for small to medium airports.
  • einstein has contributed seasonal variants (autumn and winter without snow) for the original OpenSceneryX tree forests. This enables autumn and winter (without snow) for any sceneries that use original OpenSceneryX forests, as well as most of the individual plant and tree objects.
  • madmaxland has contributed a spring seasonal variant for the original OpenSceneryX tree forests. This enables springtime for any sceneries that use original OpenSceneryX forests, as well as most of the individual plant and tree objects.
  • FlyAgi has contributed seasonal variants (autumn, winter mild and winter deep) for all his vegetation forests.
• Modified scenery objects in this version:
  • The runway closed ‘X’ marking has been replaced by an improved version from DT Library which includes normals.
  • Some aircraft, both jets and props, are now incorporated into the X-Plane® static aircraft system.
  • Fixed missing TEXTURE_NORMAL in oil fired power station.
• Other changes:
  • Major new feature: Support for seasons. OpenSceneryX now exports seasonal regions compatible with core X-Plane, the Four Seasons plugin, the TerraMaxx plugin and the xAmbience plugin. Seasonal support is optional and can be chosen on install. Note that we only support seasons for library contributions that have seasonal alternatives.
  • Major new feature: Support for injecting OpenSceneryX items into X-Plane® built-in libraries. This can be used to enhance the X-Plane® automatic object placement and autogen. This is optional and can be selected on install. Currently some of the OpenSceneryX aircraft are exported to be used for static aircraft around airports.
  • Updated the Backup Library to v2.2.0
  • The library still includes the Backup Library but it is now separate and the installer gives the choice of using or not using it.
  • The website now provides more information about lines in the library – layer group, layer offset, line width and whether the line is mirrored.
  • The website now provides more information about objects in the library – whether they have multiple LODs, custom lights, named lights, parameterised lights, spill lighting, whether the object tilts on uneven ground and whether it emits black or white smoke. Also, objects are marked as ‘animated’ automatically now, by directly examining the .obj file for animation commands.
  • Markdown is now supported for all descriptions of items. This is automatically converted to HTML for publishing on the website. Many descriptions that were being squashed down to a single paragraph have been rewritten using Markdown and tables, e.g. many of the polygons, making them far more readable.

Because it’s so big and contains significant new features, we have taken the unusual step of running an open beta test of the next release of OpenSceneryX (v4.0.0).

The beta test is being run over on the thresholdx.net forums so if you want to take part and get early access to the next release, head over there now – all the details are in the README post.

Note: If you want to take part in the beta, please be aware there may be bugs and issues that cause problems with your X-Plane® simulator, so if you don’t feel comfortable with this please wait for the full release.