diff --git a/CMakeLists.txt b/CMakeLists.txt
index 1485e520..13990261 100644
--- a/CMakeLists.txt
+++ b/CMakeLists.txt
@@ -178,6 +178,7 @@ set(SOURCES
 "application/scenarioloadermode.cpp"
 "application/scenarioloaderuilayer.cpp"
 "scene/scenenodegroups.cpp"
+"scene/scenelayers.cpp"
 "simulation/simulationenvironment.cpp"
 "simulation/simulationstateserializer.cpp"
 "rendering/precipitation.cpp"
diff --git a/application/application.cpp b/application/application.cpp
index ceb5ec6c..db77c976 100644
--- a/application/application.cpp
+++ b/application/application.cpp
@@ -1145,6 +1145,16 @@ int eu07_application::init_settings(int Argc, char *Argv[])
 				Global.local_start_vehicle = ToLower(Argv[++i]);
 			}
 		}
+		else if (token == "-edit")
+		{
+			// edit session: the scenery is loaded without player vehicle, straight into the editor
+			if (i + 1 < Argc)
+			{
+				Global.SceneryFile = ToLower(Argv[++i]);
+				Global.local_start_vehicle = "ghostview";
+				Global.editor_session = true;
+			}
+		}
 		else if (token == "-seed")
 		{
 			// a number is the seed; anything else is a word that stands for one. said in the
@@ -1159,6 +1169,7 @@ int eu07_application::init_settings(int Argc, char *Argv[])
 		{
 			std::cout << "usage: " << std::string(Argv[0]) << " [-s sceneryfilepath]"
 			          << " [-v vehiclename]"
+			          << " [-edit sceneryfilepath]"
 			          << " [-seed number|word]" << std::endl;
 			return -1;
 		}
diff --git a/application/drivermode.cpp b/application/drivermode.cpp
index 80fd3b17..dbe3e176 100644
--- a/application/drivermode.cpp
+++ b/application/drivermode.cpp
@@ -412,6 +412,14 @@ bool driver_mode::update()
 
 	simulation::is_ready = simulation::is_ready || (simulation::Train != nullptr && simulation::Train->is_cab_initialized) || Global.local_start_vehicle == "ghostview";
 
+	if (m_editorpending)
+	{
+		// edit session starts in the editor. the switch is made after the initial update on purpose, so the
+		// simulation state is set up the same way as when the editor is entered by hand right after the load
+		m_editorpending = false;
+		Application.push_mode(eu07_application::mode::editor);
+	}
+
 	return true;
 }
 
@@ -458,6 +466,8 @@ void driver_mode::enter()
 	Timer::ResetTimers();
 
 	set_picking(!Global.captureonstart);
+
+	m_editorpending = Global.editor_session;
 }
 
 // maintenance method, called when the mode is deactivated
diff --git a/application/drivermode.h b/application/drivermode.h
index 66ff6936..e0406043 100644
--- a/application/drivermode.h
+++ b/application/drivermode.h
@@ -116,4 +116,5 @@ private:
     int iPause { 0 }; // wykrywanie zmian w zapauzowaniu
 	command_relay m_relay;
 	std::string change_train; // train name awaiting entering
+	bool m_editorpending { false }; // scenery was opened for editing, switch to the editor after the initial update
 };
diff --git a/application/editormode.cpp b/application/editormode.cpp
index 74594118..2dd32555 100644
--- a/application/editormode.cpp
+++ b/application/editormode.cpp
@@ -25,6 +25,7 @@ http://mozilla.org/MPL/2.0/.
 #include "model/Model3d.h"
 #include "utilities/Float3d.h"
 #include "scene/scene.h"
+#include "scene/scenelayers.h"
 #include "utilities/parser.h"
 #include "utilities/utilities.h"
 
@@ -891,6 +892,14 @@ bool editor_mode::update()
     // variable step routines
     update_camera(deltarealtime);
 
+    // drop the selection if its layer was hidden or locked in the meantime
+    if (m_node != nullptr && false == scene::Layers.editable(m_node->layer()))
+    {
+        m_node = nullptr;
+        m_dragging = false;
+        ui()->set_node(nullptr);
+    }
+
     simulation::Region->update_sounds();
     audio::renderer.update(Global.iPause ? 0.0 : deltarealtime);
 
@@ -1522,10 +1531,24 @@ void editor_mode::save_scene_with_terrain()
     m_streamer.flush(); // save resident edited chunks to disk
 
     // export scenery; the exported .scm now carries an `editorterrain` directive (streamer is active)
-    simulation::State.export_as_text(Global.SceneryFile);
+    export_scenery();
     WriteLog("Editor: saved scene + terrain", logtype::generic);
 }
 
+void editor_mode::export_scenery()
+{
+    // hiding a layer clears the visibility flag of its nodes, and the flag is a part of exported node data.
+    // show the hidden layers for the duration of the export, so the files get the visibility defined in the scenery
+    auto const hiddenlayers = scene::Layers.hidden();
+    for (auto const layer : hiddenlayers)
+        scene::Layers.visible(layer, true);
+
+    simulation::State.export_as_text(Global.SceneryFile);
+
+    for (auto const layer : hiddenlayers)
+        scene::Layers.visible(layer, false);
+}
+
 void editor_mode::handle_terrain_sculpt(double Deltatime)
 {
     // world point under the cursor (Mouse_Position is camera-relative, like the brush placement uses)
@@ -2126,6 +2149,7 @@ void editor_mode::exit()
     m_fill_last.clear();
     m_orthophoto.cancel_pending();
     m_orthophoto.detach_scene(); // the layer is an editor aid, keep it out of the other modes
+    scene::Layers.show_all(); // likewise for hidden scenery layers, the other modes get the scenery as it was defined
 
     // drop selection so a stale/dangling node pointer isn't used on the next editor session
     m_node = nullptr;
@@ -2204,7 +2228,7 @@ void editor_mode::on_key(int const Key, int const Scancode, int const Action, in
         }
         else if (Global.ctrlState && Global.shiftState)
         {
-            simulation::State.export_as_text(Global.SceneryFile);
+            export_scenery();
         }
         break;
 
@@ -2340,6 +2364,10 @@ void editor_mode::on_mouse_button(int const Button, int const Action, int const
 
                     m_node = nullptr;
 
+                    // nodes of locked layers can't be selected
+                    if (node && false == scene::Layers.editable(node->layer()))
+                        node = nullptr;
+
                     // ignore picks that are beyond allowed placement distance
                     if (node) {
                         double const dist = glm::distance(node->location(), glm::dvec3{Global.pCamera.Pos});
diff --git a/application/editormode.h b/application/editormode.h
index c251186a..550d05a2 100644
--- a/application/editormode.h
+++ b/application/editormode.h
@@ -162,6 +162,8 @@ class editor_mode : public application_mode
 	void handle_chunk_edit_click(bool DeleteMode);
 	// commits authored terrain to disk, enables streaming, and exports the scenery (Ctrl+S)
 	void save_scene_with_terrain();
+	// exports the scenery in legacy (text) format, with layers hidden in the editor left out of the picture
+	void export_scenery();
 	// raises/lowers terrain under the cursor while the left mouse button is held in sculpt mode
 	void handle_terrain_sculpt(double Deltatime);
 	// returns the terrain patch (if any) whose footprint covers the given world point
diff --git a/application/editoruilayer.cpp b/application/editoruilayer.cpp
index 17514efb..99423d60 100644
--- a/application/editoruilayer.cpp
+++ b/application/editoruilayer.cpp
@@ -13,6 +13,7 @@ http://mozilla.org/MPL/2.0/.
 #include "utilities/Globals.h"
 #include "utilities/utilities.h"
 #include "scene/scenenode.h"
+#include "scene/scenelayers.h"
 #include "rendering/renderer.h"
 
 editor_ui::editor_ui()
@@ -99,6 +100,98 @@ void editor_ui::render_header_sections()
 		m_itempropertiespanel.render_body();
 		ImGui::Unindent();
 	}
+	if (ImGui::CollapsingHeader("Layers"))
+	{
+		ImGui::Indent();
+		render_layers();
+		ImGui::Unindent();
+	}
+}
+
+void editor_ui::render_layers()
+{
+	if (scene::Layers.empty())
+	{
+		// layers are established only when the scenery is loaded for editing, regular load skips the bookkeeping
+		ImGui::TextDisabled("Scenery layers are available in an edit session.\nStart the simulator with: -edit <scenery file>");
+		return;
+	}
+
+	ImGui::TextDisabled("visible, locked, layer file (click: make active)");
+
+	std::pair<char const *, scene::layer_item> const itemlabels[] = {{"models", scene::layer_item::model},
+	                                                                 {"tracks", scene::layer_item::track},
+	                                                                 {"traction", scene::layer_item::traction},
+	                                                                 {"power sources", scene::layer_item::powersource},
+	                                                                 {"memory cells", scene::layer_item::memcell},
+	                                                                 {"event launchers", scene::layer_item::launcher},
+	                                                                 {"events", scene::layer_item::event},
+	                                                                 {"vehicles", scene::layer_item::vehicle},
+	                                                                 {"sounds", scene::layer_item::sound},
+	                                                                 {"terrain shapes", scene::layer_item::shape},
+	                                                                 {"lines", scene::layer_item::lines}};
+
+	for (std::size_t idx = 1; idx <= scene::Layers.size(); ++idx)
+	{
+		auto const handle{static_cast<scene::layer_handle>(idx)};
+		auto const &layer{scene::Layers.layer(handle)};
+		auto const isactive{handle == scene::Layers.active()};
+
+		ImGui::PushID(static_cast<int>(idx));
+		// active layer receives new nodes, so it can't be hidden nor locked
+		if (isactive)
+		{
+			ImGui::PushStyleVar(ImGuiStyleVar_Alpha, ImGui::GetStyle().Alpha * 0.5f);
+		}
+		auto visible{layer.visible};
+		if (ImGui::Checkbox("##visible", &visible) && false == isactive)
+		{
+			scene::Layers.visible(handle, visible);
+		}
+		if (ImGui::IsItemHovered())
+		{
+			ImGui::SetTooltip("%s", isactive ? "Active layer is always visible" : "Show or hide models, tracks and traction of the layer");
+		}
+		ImGui::SameLine();
+		auto locked{layer.locked};
+		if (ImGui::Checkbox("##locked", &locked) && false == isactive)
+		{
+			scene::Layers.locked(handle, locked);
+		}
+		if (ImGui::IsItemHovered())
+		{
+			ImGui::SetTooltip("%s", isactive ? "Active layer can't be locked" : "Nodes of locked layer can't be selected in the viewport");
+		}
+		if (isactive)
+		{
+			ImGui::PopStyleVar();
+		}
+		ImGui::SameLine();
+		// layers are listed in the order the files were first opened, so indentation alone shows the include tree
+		auto const label{std::string(2 * scene::Layers.depth(handle), ' ') + Bezogonkow(layer.name) + " (" + (layer.binary ? "binary terrain" : std::to_string(layer.item_count())) + ")"};
+		if (ImGui::Selectable(label.c_str(), isactive))
+		{
+			scene::Layers.active(handle);
+		}
+		if (ImGui::IsItemHovered())
+		{
+			std::string content{isactive ? "Active layer, nodes created in the editor are placed here" : "Click to make this the active layer"};
+			if (layer.binary)
+			{
+				content += "\nThe file wasn't parsed, its content was loaded from binary terrain file";
+			}
+			for (auto const &itemlabel : itemlabels)
+			{
+				auto const count{layer.items[static_cast<std::size_t>(itemlabel.second)]};
+				if (count > 0)
+				{
+					content += "\n" + std::string{itemlabel.first} + ": " + std::to_string(count);
+				}
+			}
+			ImGui::SetTooltip("%s", content.c_str());
+		}
+		ImGui::PopID();
+	}
 }
 
 void editor_ui::render_rotation_controls()
diff --git a/application/editoruilayer.h b/application/editoruilayer.h
index 8b15d35d..68808d2e 100644
--- a/application/editoruilayer.h
+++ b/application/editoruilayer.h
@@ -58,6 +58,8 @@ class editor_ui : public ui_layer
 	// methods
 	void render_mode_options(nodebank_panel::edit_mode const Mode);
 	void render_header_sections();
+	// list of scenery layers: visibility, selection lock and choice of the layer receiving new nodes
+	void render_layers();
 	// members
 	itemproperties_panel m_itempropertiespanel{"Node Properties", true}; // not a window of its own, drawn in the toolset window
 	functions_panel m_functionspanel{"Functions", true}; // not a window of its own, its settings are drawn in the toolset tabs
diff --git a/application/editoruipanels.cpp b/application/editoruipanels.cpp
index 6c9a2df9..41849a8a 100644
--- a/application/editoruipanels.cpp
+++ b/application/editoruipanels.cpp
@@ -10,6 +10,7 @@ http://mozilla.org/MPL/2.0/.
 #include "stdafx.h"
 #include "application/editoruipanels.h"
 #include "scene/scenenodegroups.h"
+#include "scene/scenelayers.h"
 
 #include "utilities/Globals.h"
 #include "vehicle/Camera.h"
@@ -78,6 +79,10 @@ void itemproperties_panel::update(scene::basic_node *Node)
 	textline = "name: " + (node->name().empty() ? "(none)" : Bezogonkow(node->name())) + "\ntype: " + node->node_type + "\nlocation: [" + to_string(node->location().x, 2) + ", " + to_string(node->location().y, 2) + ", " +
 	           to_string(node->location().z, 2) + "]" +
 	           " (distance: " + to_string(glm::length(glm::dvec3{node->location().x, 0.0, node->location().z} - glm::dvec3{camera.Pos.x, 0.0, camera.Pos.z}), 1) + " m)" + "\nUUID: " + node->uuid.to_string();
+	if (scene::Layers.valid(node->layer()))
+	{
+		textline += "\nlayer: " + Bezogonkow(scene::Layers.layer(node->layer()).name);
+	}
 	text_lines.emplace_back(textline, Global.UITextColor);
 
 	// subclass-specific data
diff --git a/scene/scenelayers.cpp b/scene/scenelayers.cpp
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..3acb0154
--- /dev/null
+++ b/scene/scenelayers.cpp
@@ -0,0 +1,194 @@
+/*
+This Source Code Form is subject to the
+terms of the Mozilla Public License, v.
+2.0. If a copy of the MPL was not
+distributed with this file, You can
+obtain one at
+http://mozilla.org/MPL/2.0/.
+*/
+
+#include "stdafx.h"
+#include "scene/scenelayers.h"
+
+#include "simulation/simulation.h"
+#include "model/AnimModel.h"
+#include "world/Track.h"
+#include "world/Traction.h"
+
+namespace scene
+{
+
+node_layers Layers;
+
+std::size_t basic_layer::item_count() const
+{
+	return std::accumulate(std::begin(items), std::end(items), std::size_t{0});
+}
+
+// indicates start of content of specified scenery file. returns: handle to the layer of the file
+layer_handle node_layers::open(std::string const &Name)
+{
+	// the same file can be included more than once, all its content goes to a single layer then
+	auto const lookup{std::find_if(std::begin(m_layers), std::end(m_layers), [&](basic_layer const &Layer) { return Layer.name == Name; })};
+	auto layerhandle{static_cast<layer_handle>(std::distance(std::begin(m_layers), lookup) + 1)};
+	if (lookup == std::end(m_layers))
+	{
+		if (m_layers.size() < static_cast<std::size_t>(std::numeric_limits<layer_handle>::max()))
+		{
+			m_layers.emplace_back();
+			m_layers.back().name = Name;
+			m_layers.back().parent = handle();
+		}
+		else
+		{
+			// out of handles, content of the file is attributed to the parent layer
+			layerhandle = handle();
+		}
+	}
+	// NOTE: the stack receives an entry even if the layer wasn't created, to keep it in sync with close() calls
+	m_stack.emplace_back(layerhandle);
+
+	return layerhandle;
+}
+
+// indicates end of content of the current scenery file. returns: handle to the parent layer, or null_handle if the stack is empty
+layer_handle node_layers::close()
+{
+	if (false == m_stack.empty())
+	{
+		m_stack.pop_back();
+	}
+	return handle();
+}
+
+void node_layers::clear()
+{
+	m_layers.clear();
+	m_stack.clear();
+	m_active = null_handle;
+}
+
+int node_layers::depth(layer_handle Layer) const
+{
+	auto depth{0};
+	// NOTE: parent is always created before its children, which rules out cycles
+	while (valid(Layer) && layer(Layer).parent != null_handle && layer(Layer).parent < Layer)
+	{
+		Layer = layer(Layer).parent;
+		++depth;
+	}
+	return depth;
+}
+
+void node_layers::count(layer_handle const Layer, layer_item const Item, int const Change)
+{
+	if (false == valid(Layer))
+	{
+		return;
+	}
+	auto &itemcount{layer(Layer).items[static_cast<std::size_t>(Item)]};
+	if (Change >= 0)
+	{
+		itemcount += static_cast<std::size_t>(Change);
+	}
+	else
+	{
+		itemcount -= std::min(itemcount, static_cast<std::size_t>(-Change));
+	}
+}
+
+void node_layers::active(layer_handle const Layer)
+{
+	if (false == valid(Layer))
+	{
+		return;
+	}
+	// new items land in the active layer, they'd be out of reach right away if it was hidden or locked
+	visible(Layer, true);
+	locked(Layer, false);
+	m_active = Layer;
+}
+
+// shows or hides nodes of specified layer. visibility defined in the scenery is preserved, hidden layer only overrides it
+void node_layers::visible(layer_handle const Layer, bool const Visible)
+{
+	if (false == valid(Layer) || layer(Layer).visible == Visible)
+	{
+		return;
+	}
+	layer(Layer).visible = Visible;
+
+	auto const update_node = [Layer, Visible](basic_node *Node) {
+		if (Node == nullptr || Node->layer() != Layer)
+		{
+			return;
+		}
+		if (Visible)
+		{
+			if (Node->m_layerhidden)
+			{
+				Node->visible(true);
+				Node->m_layerhidden = false;
+			}
+		}
+		else if (Node->visible())
+		{
+			// nodes which are invisible on their own aren't marked, so they stay that way when the layer is shown again
+			Node->visible(false);
+			Node->m_layerhidden = true;
+		}
+	};
+	// only these node types are drawn by the renderers basing on their visibility flag
+	for (auto *instance : simulation::Instances.sequence())
+	{
+		update_node(instance);
+	}
+	for (auto *path : simulation::Paths.sequence())
+	{
+		update_node(path);
+	}
+	for (auto *traction : simulation::Traction.sequence())
+	{
+		update_node(traction);
+	}
+}
+
+void node_layers::locked(layer_handle const Layer, bool const Locked)
+{
+	if (valid(Layer))
+	{
+		layer(Layer).locked = Locked;
+	}
+}
+
+// true if nodes of specified layer can be selected and modified in the editor
+bool node_layers::editable(layer_handle const Layer) const
+{
+	// nodes without a layer (regular load, or created by the simulation) aren't restricted
+	return false == valid(Layer) || (layer(Layer).visible && false == layer(Layer).locked);
+}
+
+std::vector<layer_handle> node_layers::hidden() const
+{
+	std::vector<layer_handle> layers;
+	for (std::size_t idx = 0; idx < m_layers.size(); ++idx)
+	{
+		if (false == m_layers[idx].visible)
+		{
+			layers.emplace_back(static_cast<layer_handle>(idx + 1));
+		}
+	}
+	return layers;
+}
+
+void node_layers::show_all()
+{
+	for (auto const hiddenlayer : hidden())
+	{
+		visible(hiddenlayer, true);
+	}
+}
+
+} // namespace scene
+
+//---------------------------------------------------------------------------
diff --git a/scene/scenelayers.h b/scene/scenelayers.h
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..71df3726
--- /dev/null
+++ b/scene/scenelayers.h
@@ -0,0 +1,117 @@
+/*
+This Source Code Form is subject to the
+terms of the Mozilla Public License, v.
+2.0. If a copy of the MPL was not
+distributed with this file, You can
+obtain one at
+http://mozilla.org/MPL/2.0/.
+*/
+
+#pragma once
+
+#include "scene/scenenode.h"
+
+namespace scene
+{
+
+// kinds of scenery items a layer keeps count of
+enum class layer_item
+{
+	model,
+	track,
+	traction,
+	powersource,
+	memcell,
+	launcher,
+	event,
+	vehicle,
+	sound,
+	shape,
+	lines,
+	count_
+};
+
+// scenery layer: content of a single scenery file (.scn, .scm, .ctr...) other than an .inc node template
+struct basic_layer
+{
+	std::string name; // file name, relative to the scenery directory
+	layer_handle parent{null_handle}; // layer of the file this one was included from
+	bool visible{true};
+	bool locked{false}; // items of locked layer can't be selected in the editor
+	bool binary{false}; // the file wasn't parsed, its content came from binary terrain file
+	std::array<std::size_t, static_cast<std::size_t>(layer_item::count_)> items{}; // amount of items of each kind
+
+	std::size_t item_count() const;
+};
+
+// holds scenery layers, established during load of scenery opened for editing (-edit)
+// NOTE: regular load doesn't create any layers, all nodes are left with null_handle
+class node_layers
+{
+  public:
+	// methods
+	// indicates start of content of specified scenery file. returns: handle to the layer of the file
+	layer_handle open(std::string const &Name);
+	// indicates end of content of the current scenery file. returns: handle to the parent layer, or null_handle if the stack is empty
+	layer_handle close();
+	// returns layer of the scenery file being loaded, or null_handle if there's none
+	layer_handle handle() const
+	{
+		return m_stack.empty() ? null_handle : m_stack.back();
+	}
+	// removes all layers; layer handles stored in the nodes aren't touched
+	void clear();
+	bool empty() const
+	{
+		return m_layers.empty();
+	}
+	std::size_t size() const
+	{
+		return m_layers.size();
+	}
+	bool valid(layer_handle const Layer) const
+	{
+		return Layer != null_handle && Layer <= m_layers.size();
+	}
+	// grants direct access to specified layer. NOTE: handle has to be valid
+	basic_layer &layer(layer_handle const Layer)
+	{
+		return m_layers[Layer - 1];
+	}
+	basic_layer const &layer(layer_handle const Layer) const
+	{
+		return m_layers[Layer - 1];
+	}
+	// number of layers between specified layer and the scenario file
+	int depth(layer_handle Layer) const;
+	// adjusts item count of specified layer
+	void count(layer_handle const Layer, layer_item const Item, int const Change = 1);
+	// layer receiving the items created in the editor, or null_handle if there's none
+	layer_handle active() const
+	{
+		return m_active;
+	}
+	// NOTE: active layer is made visible and unlocked
+	void active(layer_handle const Layer);
+	// shows or hides nodes of specified layer. visibility defined in the scenery is preserved, hidden layer only overrides it
+	void visible(layer_handle const Layer, bool const Visible);
+	void locked(layer_handle const Layer, bool const Locked);
+	// true if nodes of specified layer can be selected and modified in the editor
+	bool editable(layer_handle const Layer) const;
+	// handles of layers which are currently hidden
+	std::vector<layer_handle> hidden() const;
+	// restores visibility of all layers
+	void show_all();
+
+  private:
+	// members
+	std::vector<basic_layer> m_layers; // layer handle is index in the vector + 1
+	std::vector<layer_handle> m_stack; // helper, layers of scenery files being loaded
+	layer_handle m_active{null_handle};
+};
+
+extern node_layers Layers;
+
+} // namespace scene
+
+//---------------------------------------------------------------------------
diff --git a/scene/scenenode.cpp b/scene/scenenode.cpp
index 1ba822e1..41b035bd 100644
--- a/scene/scenenode.cpp
+++ b/scene/scenenode.cpp
@@ -717,7 +717,8 @@ memory_node::deserialize( cParser &Input, node_data const &Nodedata ) {
 
 
 basic_node::basic_node( scene::node_data const &Nodedata ) :
-    m_name( Nodedata.name )
+    m_name( Nodedata.name ),
+    m_layer( Nodedata.layer )
 {
     uuid = UID::random();
     node_type = Nodedata.type;
diff --git a/scene/scenenode.h b/scene/scenenode.h
index ca727c2c..533ed41a 100644
--- a/scene/scenenode.h
+++ b/scene/scenenode.h
@@ -70,6 +70,7 @@ struct node_data {
     double range_max { std::numeric_limits<double>::max() };
     std::string name;
     std::string type;
+    layer_handle layer { null_handle }; // scenery layer the node is defined in, if any
 };
 
 // holds unique piece of geometry, covered with single material
@@ -359,6 +360,10 @@ public:
         group( scene::group_handle Group );
     scene::group_handle
         group() const;
+    void
+        layer( scene::layer_handle Layer );
+    scene::layer_handle
+        layer() const;
 	void
 	    mark_dirty() { m_dirty = true; }
 	bool
@@ -375,6 +380,8 @@ public:
     bool m_visible { true }; // visibility flag
     std::string m_name;
 	bool m_dirty { false };
+    bool m_layerhidden { false }; // the node was visible until its scenery layer was hidden
+    scene::layer_handle m_layer { null_handle }; // scenery layer this node belongs to, if any
     UID uuid;
 
 private:
@@ -443,6 +450,18 @@ basic_node::group() const {
     return m_group;
 }
 
+inline
+void
+basic_node::layer( scene::layer_handle Layer ) {
+    m_layer = Layer;
+}
+
+inline
+scene::layer_handle
+basic_node::layer() const {
+    return m_layer;
+}
+
 } // scene
 
 //---------------------------------------------------------------------------
diff --git a/simulation/simulation.cpp b/simulation/simulation.cpp
index a1493f63..e10b0843 100644
--- a/simulation/simulation.cpp
+++ b/simulation/simulation.cpp
@@ -24,6 +24,7 @@ http://mozilla.org/MPL/2.0/.
 #include "rendering/lightarray.h"
 #include "rendering/particles.h"
 #include "scene/scene.h"
+#include "scene/scenelayers.h"
 #include "vehicle/Train.h"
 #include "application/application.h"
 #include "utilities/Logs.h"
@@ -493,6 +494,7 @@ TEventLauncher * state_manager::create_eventlauncher(const std::string &src, con
 }
 
 void state_manager::delete_model(TAnimModel *model) {
+	scene::Layers.count(model->layer(), scene::layer_item::model, -1);
 	Region->erase(model);
 	Instances.purge(model);
 }
diff --git a/simulation/simulationstateserializer.cpp b/simulation/simulationstateserializer.cpp
index 99a733d3..f7429b1d 100644
--- a/simulation/simulationstateserializer.cpp
+++ b/simulation/simulationstateserializer.cpp
@@ -16,6 +16,7 @@ http://mozilla.org/MPL/2.0/.
 #include "simulation/simulationsounds.h"
 #include "simulation/simulationenvironment.h"
 #include "scene/scenenodegroups.h"
+#include "scene/scenelayers.h"
 #include "rendering/particles.h"
 #include "world/Event.h"
 #include "world/MemCell.h"
@@ -73,6 +74,14 @@ state_serializer::deserialize_begin( std::string const &Scenariofile ) {
     }
     scene::Groups.create();
 
+    scene::Layers.clear();
+    if( true == Global.editor_session ) {
+        // scenery opened for editing: keep track of which scenery file defines each node.
+        // the scenario file itself is the root layer, and the default target for nodes created in the editor
+        state->input.sceneryLayers = true;
+        scene::Layers.active( scene::Layers.open( Scenariofile ) );
+    }
+
 	if( false == state->input.ok() )
 		throw invalid_scenery_exception();
 
@@ -155,6 +164,7 @@ state_serializer::deserialize_continue(std::shared_ptr<deserializer_state> state
     }
 
     scene::Groups.close();
+    scene::Layers.close();
 
 	scene::Groups.update_map();
 	Region->create_map_geometry();
@@ -345,6 +355,7 @@ state_serializer::deserialize_event( cParser &Input, scene::scratch_data &Scratc
 
     if( true == simulation::Events.insert( event ) ) {
         scene::Groups.insert( scene::Groups.handle(), event );
+        scene::Layers.count( scene::Layers.handle(), scene::layer_item::event );
     }
     else {
         delete event;
@@ -436,6 +447,7 @@ state_serializer::deserialize_node( cParser &Input, scene::scratch_data &Scratch
         >> nodedata.name
         >> nodedata.type;
     if( nodedata.name == "none" ) { nodedata.name.clear(); }
+    nodedata.layer = scene::Layers.handle();
     // type-based deserialization. not elegant but it'll do
     if( nodedata.type == "dynamic" ) {
 
@@ -643,6 +655,34 @@ state_serializer::deserialize_node( cParser &Input, scene::scratch_data &Scratch
         simulation::Region->insert( sound );
     }
 
+    if( nodedata.layer != null_handle ) {
+        // scenery opened for editing: keep count of what the scenery file contains
+        // NOTE: node types which failed to load bail out earlier and aren't counted
+        static std::unordered_map<std::string, scene::layer_item> const itemtypes {
+            { "dynamic", scene::layer_item::vehicle },
+            { "track", scene::layer_item::track },
+            { "traction", scene::layer_item::traction },
+            { "tractionpowersource", scene::layer_item::powersource },
+            { "model", scene::layer_item::model },
+            { "triangles", scene::layer_item::shape },
+            { "triangle_strip", scene::layer_item::shape },
+            { "triangle_fan", scene::layer_item::shape },
+            { "lines", scene::layer_item::lines },
+            { "line_strip", scene::layer_item::lines },
+            { "line_loop", scene::layer_item::lines },
+            { "memcell", scene::layer_item::memcell },
+            { "eventlauncher", scene::layer_item::launcher },
+            { "sound", scene::layer_item::sound } };
+        auto const lookup { itemtypes.find( nodedata.type ) };
+        if( lookup != itemtypes.end() ) {
+            scene::Layers.count(
+                nodedata.layer,
+                // models with negative minimum range are 3d terrain, converted to shapes
+                ( lookup->second == scene::layer_item::model && nodedata.range_min < 0.0 ) ?
+                    scene::layer_item::shape :
+                    lookup->second );
+        }
+    }
 }
 
 void
@@ -1328,6 +1368,7 @@ TAnimModel *state_serializer::create_model(const std::string &src, const std::st
 	parser.getTokens(2); // name, type
 	nodedata.name = name;
 	nodedata.type = "model";
+	nodedata.layer = scene::Layers.active(); // null_handle unless the scenery was opened for editing
 
 	scene::scratch_data scratch;
 
@@ -1340,6 +1381,7 @@ TAnimModel *state_serializer::create_model(const std::string &src, const std::st
 	cloned->location(position);
 	simulation::Instances.insert(cloned);
 	simulation::Region->insert(cloned);
+	scene::Layers.count(cloned->layer(), scene::layer_item::model);
 
 	return cloned;
 }
diff --git a/utilities/Classes.h b/utilities/Classes.h
index f79cb851..568e3ae9 100644
--- a/utilities/Classes.h
+++ b/utilities/Classes.h
@@ -56,6 +56,7 @@ namespace scene {
 struct node_data;
 class basic_node;
 using group_handle = std::size_t;
+using layer_handle = std::uint16_t;
 }
 
 namespace Mtable
diff --git a/utilities/Globals.h b/utilities/Globals.h
index d0f70701..800737f6 100644
--- a/utilities/Globals.h
+++ b/utilities/Globals.h
@@ -84,6 +84,7 @@ struct global_settings {
     std::string szDefaultExt{ szTexturesDDS };
 	std::string SceneryFile;
     std::string local_start_vehicle{ "EU07-424" };
+    bool editor_session{ false }; // scenery was opened for editing (-edit): loader keeps track of scenery layers and hands over to the editor
     int iConvertModels{ 0 }; // tworzenie plików binarnych
     int iConvertIndexRange{ 1000 }; // range of duplicate vertex scan
     bool file_binary_terrain{ true }; // enable binary terrain (de)serialization
diff --git a/utilities/parser.cpp b/utilities/parser.cpp
index 7209df01..4219765c 100644
--- a/utilities/parser.cpp
+++ b/utilities/parser.cpp
@@ -12,6 +12,7 @@ http://mozilla.org/MPL/2.0/.
 #include "utilities/Logs.h"
 
 #include "scene/scenenodegroups.h"
+#include "scene/scenelayers.h"
 
 /*
     MaSzyna EU07 locomotive simulator parser
@@ -118,6 +119,11 @@ cParser::~cParser()
 		// wrap up the node group holding content of processed file
 		scene::Groups.close();
 	}
+	if (true == mLayerFile)
+	{
+		// content of the processed file ended, following nodes belong to the parent layer again
+		scene::Layers.close();
+	}
 }
 
 template <> glm::vec3 cParser::getToken(bool const ToLower, char const *Break)
@@ -336,6 +342,12 @@ void cParser::startIncludeFromParser(cParser& srcParser, bool ToLower, std::stri
 	if (isTerrain && true == Global.file_binary_terrain_state) {
 		WriteLog("SBT found, ignoring: " + includefile);
 		readParameters(srcParser); // preserve original side-effect: still consume parameters
+		if (sceneryLayers)
+		{
+			// the file is still a part of the scenery, even though its content comes from the binary terrain file
+			scene::Layers.layer(scene::Layers.open(includefile)).binary = true;
+			scene::Layers.close();
+		}
 		return;
 	}
 
@@ -355,6 +367,18 @@ void cParser::startIncludeFromParser(cParser& srcParser, bool ToLower, std::stri
 	if (mIncludeParser->mSize <= 0) {
 		ErrorLog("Bad include: can't open file \"" + includefile + "\"");
 	}
+
+	if (sceneryLayers)
+	{
+		mIncludeParser->sceneryLayers = true;
+		// content of an included scenery file forms a layer of its own. *.inc files are node templates
+		// reused all over the scenery, so their content stays in the layer of the file which includes them
+		if (false == mIncludeParser->mIncFile && mIncludeParser->mSize > 0)
+		{
+			scene::Layers.open(includefile);
+			mIncludeParser->mLayerFile = true;
+		}
+	}
 }
 
 bool cParser::handleIncludeIfPresent(std::string& token, bool ToLower, const char* Break) {
@@ -524,6 +548,7 @@ void cParser::injectString(const std::string &str)
 	{
 		mIncludeParser = std::make_shared<cParser>(str, buffer_TEXT, "", LoadTraction, std::vector<std::string>(), allowRandomIncludes);
 		mIncludeParser->autoclear(m_autoclear);
+		mIncludeParser->sceneryLayers = sceneryLayers;
 	}
 }
 
diff --git a/utilities/parser.h b/utilities/parser.h
index 0cf51d8c..1a806582 100644
--- a/utilities/parser.h
+++ b/utilities/parser.h
@@ -97,6 +97,7 @@ class cParser //: public std::stringstream
 	bool expandIncludes = true;
 	bool allowRandomIncludes = false;
     bool skipComments = true;
+	bool sceneryLayers = false; // included scenery files are registered as scenery layers (scenery opened for editing)
 
   private:
 	void startIncludeFromParser(cParser &srcParser, bool ToLower, std::string includefile);
@@ -118,6 +119,7 @@ class cParser //: public std::stringstream
     std::streamoff mSize { 0 }; // size of open stream, for progress report.
     std::size_t mLine { 0 }; // currently processed line
     bool mIncFile { false }; // the parser is processing an *.inc file
+    bool mLayerFile { false }; // the parser is processing a file registered as scenery layer
     bool mFirstToken { true }; // processing first token in the current file; helper used when checking for utf bom
     typedef std::map<std::string, std::string> commentmap;
     commentmap mComments {