diff --git a/application/editormode.cpp b/application/editormode.cpp
index 86b51e97..ce22371d 100644
--- a/application/editormode.cpp
+++ b/application/editormode.cpp
@@ -675,10 +675,8 @@ void editor_mode::undo_last()
 
     if (snap.instance != 0)
     {
-        // include of a scenery template was placed or removed; either is taken back by flipping its removal
-        toggle_include(snap.instance);
+        restore_include(snap);
         g_redo.push_back(std::move(snap));
-        m_instance = 0;
         return;
     }
 
@@ -766,9 +764,8 @@ void editor_mode::redo_last()
 
     if (snap.instance != 0)
     {
-        toggle_include(snap.instance);
+        restore_include(snap);
         m_history.push_back(std::move(snap));
-        m_instance = 0;
         return;
     }
 
@@ -926,8 +923,27 @@ bool editor_mode::update()
     }
     if (m_instance != 0 && false == scene::Layers.removable(m_instance))
     {
-        m_instance = 0;
+        select_include(0);
     }
+    if (m_include.changed)
+    {
+        // a parameter of the selected include was changed in the node properties
+        m_include.changed = false;
+        apply_include();
+    }
+    if (false == m_include.active && false == m_gizmo_using)
+    {
+        m_include_gesture = false;
+    }
+    // models replaced after changes of includes are destroyed once the renderer can't have them among its pick candidates
+    for (auto &retired : m_retired)
+    {
+        if (--retired.second <= 0)
+        {
+            simulation::Instances.purge(retired.first);
+        }
+    }
+    m_retired.erase(std::remove_if(m_retired.begin(), m_retired.end(), [](std::pair<TAnimModel *, int> const &Retired) { return Retired.second <= 0; }), m_retired.end());
 
     simulation::Region->update_sounds();
     audio::renderer.update(Global.iPause ? 0.0 : deltarealtime);
@@ -1615,6 +1631,97 @@ void editor_mode::toggle_include(scene::instance_handle const Instance)
     ui()->set_status("Include of \"" + *included.file + "\" " + (included.removed ? "removed." : "restored."));
 }
 
+void editor_mode::restore_include(EditorSnapshot &Snapshot)
+{
+    if (Snapshot.serialized.empty())
+    {
+        // the include was placed or removed; either is taken back by flipping its removal
+        toggle_include(Snapshot.instance);
+        select_include(0);
+        return;
+    }
+    // parameters of the include were changed. the snapshot holds the directive to go back to, and leaves with the current one
+    auto current = scene::Layers.directive(Snapshot.instance);
+    if (current.empty() || scene::Layers.instance(Snapshot.instance).dead)
+    {
+        ui()->set_status("Include of \"" + Snapshot.node_name + "\" is gone from the scenery, the change can't be taken back.", true);
+        return;
+    }
+    set_include_directive(Snapshot.instance, Snapshot.serialized);
+    Snapshot.serialized = std::move(current);
+    select_include(scene::Layers.removable(Snapshot.instance) ? Snapshot.instance : 0);
+}
+
+void editor_mode::select_include(scene::instance_handle const Instance)
+{
+    m_instance = (scene::Layers.tracked(Instance) ? Instance : 0);
+    m_include = include_selection{};
+    m_include_gesture = false;
+    if (m_instance == 0)
+    {
+        ui()->set_include(nullptr);
+        return;
+    }
+    auto const &included = scene::Layers.instance(m_instance);
+    m_include.instance = m_instance;
+    m_include.target = *included.file;
+    // NOTE: a template without a usable description is still presented, with its parameters unnamed
+    std::string error;
+    editor_includes::load(*included.file, m_include.info, error);
+    if (false == editor_includes::parse_directive(scene::Layers.directive(m_instance), m_include.target, m_include.values))
+    {
+        m_include.values.clear();
+        m_include.issue = "The directive of the include can't be read from the scenery file, its parameters can't be changed.";
+    }
+    // with a rotation or a scale in effect the parameters don't translate to a location in the scene in a single way,
+    // see place_include()
+    m_include.placement = (included.context.rotation == glm::vec3{0.f} && included.context.scale == glm::vec3{1.f});
+    ui()->set_include(&m_include);
+}
+
+void editor_mode::set_include_directive(scene::instance_handle const Instance, std::string const &Directive)
+{
+    if (false == scene::Layers.modify(Instance, Directive))
+        return;
+    std::vector<TAnimModel *> retired;
+    simulation::State.rebuild_include(Instance, retired);
+    // the pick of the renderer is resolved a few frames after it's requested, and can still deliver one of these
+    for (auto *model : retired)
+        m_retired.emplace_back(model, 120);
+}
+
+void editor_mode::apply_include()
+{
+    if (m_instance == 0 || false == m_include.issue.empty())
+        return;
+    for (auto const &value : m_include.values)
+    {
+        if (value == "end" || value.find_first_of("\"\r\n") != std::string::npos)
+        {
+            // either would cut the directive short
+            ui()->set_status("A parameter of an include can't be \"end\", or have a quotation mark in it.", true);
+            select_include(m_instance); // back to the values of the directive
+            return;
+        }
+    }
+    auto before = scene::Layers.directive(m_instance);
+    auto const directive = editor_includes::compose_directive(m_include.target, m_include.values);
+    if (directive == before)
+        return;
+    if (false == m_include_gesture)
+    {
+        // a single undo step for the whole drag
+        EditorSnapshot snap;
+        snap.instance = m_instance;
+        snap.node_name = *scene::Layers.instance(m_instance).file;
+        snap.serialized = std::move(before);
+        m_history.push_back(std::move(snap));
+        g_redo.clear();
+        m_include_gesture = true;
+    }
+    set_include_directive(m_instance, directive);
+}
+
 void editor_mode::place_include(std::string const &File, int const RotationMode, float const FixedRotation)
 {
     if (scene::Layers.empty())
@@ -1670,6 +1777,7 @@ void editor_mode::place_include(std::string const &File, int const RotationMode,
     snap.node_name = File;
     m_history.push_back(std::move(snap));
     g_redo.clear();
+    select_include(instance);
 
     ui()->set_status(
         "\"" + info.name + "\" placed in layer \"" + scene::Layers.layer(layer).name + "\": " + std::to_string(preview.first) + " model(s) shown"
@@ -2097,7 +2205,15 @@ void editor_mode::render_gizmo_options()
         if (m_gizmo_snap < 0.0f)
             m_gizmo_snap = 0.0f;
     }
-    if (!m_node)
+    if (m_instance != 0)
+    {
+        auto const located = editor_includes::parameter_with_role(m_include.info, "pos.x") != 0 || editor_includes::parameter_with_role(m_include.info, "pos.y") != 0 ||
+                             editor_includes::parameter_with_role(m_include.info, "pos.z") != 0;
+        ImGui::TextDisabled("%s", false == located             ? "Include selected, no position parameters described" :
+                                  false == m_include.placement ? "Include selected, no gizmo under rotate or scale" :
+                                                                 "Include selected, axes as its template allows");
+    }
+    else if (!m_node)
         ImGui::TextDisabled("No node selected");
 }
 
@@ -2110,7 +2226,7 @@ void editor_mode::render_gizmo()
         return;
     }
 
-    if (!m_node)
+    if (!m_node && m_instance == 0)
     {
         m_gizmo_using = false;
         return;
@@ -2134,6 +2250,12 @@ void editor_mode::render_gizmo()
     float const aspect = io.DisplaySize.y > 0.0f ? io.DisplaySize.x / io.DisplaySize.y : 1.0f;
     glm::mat4 const projection = glm::perspective(fovy, aspect, 0.1f, 10000.0f);
 
+    if (!m_node)
+    {
+        render_include_gizmo(view, projection, camerapos);
+        return;
+    }
+
     // rotation/scale are only meaningful for instanced models; other node types translate only
     TAnimModel *model = dynamic_cast<TAnimModel *>(m_node);
 
@@ -2211,6 +2333,103 @@ void editor_mode::render_gizmo()
     }
 }
 
+void editor_mode::render_include_gizmo(glm::mat4 const &View, glm::mat4 const &Projection, glm::dvec3 const &Camerapos)
+{
+    m_gizmo_using = false;
+    if (false == m_include.placement || false == m_include.issue.empty())
+        return;
+
+    // parameters of the template the gizmo can drive, as indices of their values; -1 where the template has none
+    static char const *const positionroles[] = {"pos.x", "pos.y", "pos.z"};
+    static char const *const rotationroles[] = {"rot.x", "rot.y", "rot.z"};
+    auto const numeric_parameter = [this](char const *Role, double &Value) {
+        auto const index = editor_includes::parameter_with_role(m_include.info, Role) - 1;
+        if (index < 0 || index >= static_cast<int>(m_include.values.size()))
+            return -1;
+        auto const &text = m_include.values[index];
+        char *end = nullptr;
+        auto const number = std::strtod(text.c_str(), &end);
+        if (text.empty() || *end != '\0')
+            return -1;
+        Value = number;
+        return index;
+    };
+    int position[3], rotation[3];
+    double location[3] = {0.0, 0.0, 0.0}, angles[3] = {0.0, 0.0, 0.0};
+    auto positions = 0, rotations = 0;
+    for (auto axis = 0; axis < 3; ++axis)
+    {
+        position[axis] = numeric_parameter(positionroles[axis], location[axis]);
+        rotation[axis] = numeric_parameter(rotationroles[axis], angles[axis]);
+        positions += (position[axis] >= 0 ? 1 : 0);
+        rotations += (rotation[axis] >= 0 ? 1 : 0);
+    }
+    if (positions == 0)
+        return; // nothing tells where the include is
+
+    // only the axes the template has parameters for can be manipulated
+    auto operation = 0;
+    for (auto axis = 0; axis < 3; ++axis)
+    {
+        if (m_gizmo_op == gizmo_operation::translate && position[axis] >= 0)
+            operation |= (ImGuizmo::TRANSLATE_X << axis);
+        else if (m_gizmo_op == gizmo_operation::rotate && rotation[axis] >= 0)
+            operation |= (ImGuizmo::ROTATE_X << axis);
+    }
+    if (operation == 0)
+        return;
+    auto const translating = (m_gizmo_op == gizmo_operation::translate);
+
+    // the parameters are relative to the origin in effect at the directive
+    auto const &offset = scene::Layers.instance(m_instance).context.offset;
+    glm::vec3 const relativepos = glm::vec3(offset + glm::dvec3{location[0], location[1], location[2]} - Camerapos);
+    float const translation[3] = {relativepos.x, relativepos.y, relativepos.z};
+    float const rotationangles[3] = {static_cast<float>(angles[0]), static_cast<float>(angles[1]), static_cast<float>(angles[2])};
+    float const scale[3] = {1.0f, 1.0f, 1.0f};
+    glm::mat4 matrix(1.0f);
+    ImGuizmo::RecomposeMatrixFromComponents(translation, rotationangles, scale, glm::value_ptr(matrix));
+
+    // moving along the axes of the include would need all three of them
+    ImGuizmo::MODE const mode = (m_gizmo_local && (false == translating || positions == 3)) ? ImGuizmo::LOCAL : ImGuizmo::WORLD;
+    glm::vec3 const snapvalue(translating ? m_gizmo_snap : 5.0f);
+    float const *snap = Global.ctrlState && snapvalue.x > 0.0f ? glm::value_ptr(snapvalue) : nullptr;
+
+    ImGuizmo::Manipulate(glm::value_ptr(View), glm::value_ptr(Projection), static_cast<ImGuizmo::OPERATION>(operation), mode, glm::value_ptr(matrix), nullptr, snap);
+
+    if (false == ImGuizmo::IsUsing())
+        return;
+    m_gizmo_using = true;
+
+    float newtranslation[3], newrotation[3], newscale[3];
+    ImGuizmo::DecomposeMatrixToComponents(glm::value_ptr(matrix), newtranslation, newrotation, newscale);
+    if (translating)
+    {
+        glm::dvec3 const newlocation = Camerapos + glm::dvec3{newtranslation[0], newtranslation[1], newtranslation[2]} - offset;
+        for (auto axis = 0; axis < 3; ++axis)
+        {
+            if (position[axis] >= 0)
+                m_include.values[position[axis]] = editor_includes::number(newlocation[axis]);
+        }
+    }
+    else
+    {
+        if (rotations == 1)
+        {
+            // the decomposition spreads a turn of more than a quarter over all three angles;
+            // with a single axis to turn around the angle is taken straight from the matrix
+            newrotation[0] = glm::degrees(std::atan2(matrix[1][2], matrix[1][1]));
+            newrotation[1] = glm::degrees(std::atan2(-matrix[0][2], matrix[0][0]));
+            newrotation[2] = glm::degrees(std::atan2(matrix[0][1], matrix[0][0]));
+        }
+        for (auto axis = 0; axis < 3; ++axis)
+        {
+            if (rotation[axis] >= 0)
+                m_include.values[rotation[axis]] = editor_includes::number(clamp_circular(newrotation[axis]));
+        }
+    }
+    apply_include();
+}
+
 void editor_mode::update_camera(double const Deltatime)
 {
     Camera.Update();
@@ -2294,7 +2513,7 @@ void editor_mode::exit()
 
     // drop selection so a stale/dangling node pointer isn't used on the next editor session
     m_node = nullptr;
-    m_instance = 0;
+    select_include(0);
     m_gizmo_using = false;
     ui()->set_node(nullptr);
 
@@ -2400,7 +2619,7 @@ void editor_mode::on_key(int const Key, int const Scancode, int const Action, in
             m_history.push_back(std::move(snap));
             g_redo.clear();
             ui()->set_status("Include of \"" + *scene::Layers.instance(m_instance).file + "\" removed, Ctrl+Z brings it back. Its directive is erased when the scenery is saved.");
-            m_instance = 0;
+            select_include(0);
             break;
         }
         if (is_press(Action))
@@ -2526,7 +2745,7 @@ void editor_mode::on_mouse_button(int const Button, int const Action, int const
                         return;
 
                     m_node = nullptr;
-                    m_instance = 0;
+                    select_include(0);
 
                     // in a scenery opened for editing selection has its limits. nodes of locked layers are off limits.
                     // nodes defined by a scenery template can't be rewritten one by one on save, so a click on one
@@ -2536,8 +2755,8 @@ void editor_mode::on_mouse_button(int const Button, int const Action, int const
                         std::string reason;
                         if (node->from_template() && scene::Layers.removable(node->m_instance, &reason))
                         {
-                            m_instance = node->m_instance;
-                            ui()->set_status("Include of \"" + *scene::Layers.instance(m_instance).file + "\" selected. Del removes it from the scenery.");
+                            select_include(node->m_instance);
+                            ui()->set_status("Include of \"" + *scene::Layers.instance(m_instance).file + "\" selected. Its parameters are in the node properties, Del removes it from the scenery.");
                             node = nullptr;
                         }
                         else if (node->from_template() || false == scene::Layers.editable(node, &reason))
diff --git a/application/editormode.h b/application/editormode.h
index f5248c71..edd35ea7 100644
--- a/application/editormode.h
+++ b/application/editormode.h
@@ -129,6 +129,9 @@ class editor_mode : public application_mode
 	scene::basic_editor m_editor;
 	scene::basic_node *m_node{nullptr}; // currently selected scene node
 	scene::instance_handle m_instance{0}; // currently selected include of a scenery template; these are handled as a whole
+	include_selection m_include; // parameters of the selected include, changed with the gizmo and in the node properties
+	bool m_include_gesture{false}; // a change of the selected include is under way, and has its undo snapshot already
+	std::vector<std::pair<TAnimModel *, int>> m_retired; // models replaced after changes of includes, with the frames left until they're destroyed
 	bool m_takesnapshot{true}; // helper, hints whether snapshot of selected node(s) should be taken before modification
 	bool m_dragging = false;
 	glm::dvec3 oldPos; // world position of the last brush placement
@@ -173,6 +176,16 @@ class editor_mode : public application_mode
 	void place_include(std::string const &File, int RotationMode, float FixedRotation);
 	// undo and redo of placing or removing an include: brings removed include back, or removes it
 	void toggle_include(scene::instance_handle Instance);
+	// makes specified include the selected one, 0 clears the selection
+	void select_include(scene::instance_handle Instance);
+	// writes parameter values of the selected include to its directive, and shows the outcome in the scene
+	void apply_include();
+	// replaces directive of specified include, and the models shown for it
+	void set_include_directive(scene::instance_handle Instance, std::string const &Directive);
+	// undo and redo of an include snapshot
+	void restore_include(EditorSnapshot &Snapshot);
+	// gizmo for the selected include, limited to what the parameters of its template can express
+	void render_include_gizmo(glm::mat4 const &View, glm::mat4 const &Projection, glm::dvec3 const &Camerapos);
 	// 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
diff --git a/application/editoruilayer.cpp b/application/editoruilayer.cpp
index 70b6e0e1..42239690 100644
--- a/application/editoruilayer.cpp
+++ b/application/editoruilayer.cpp
@@ -164,6 +164,11 @@ void editor_ui::set_node(scene::basic_node *Node)
 	m_node = Node;
 }
 
+void editor_ui::set_include(include_selection *Include)
+{
+	m_itempropertiespanel.include(Include);
+}
+
 void editor_ui::add_node_template(const std::string &desc)
 {
 	m_nodebankpanel.add_template(desc);
diff --git a/application/editoruilayer.h b/application/editoruilayer.h
index 3f24d7c4..bc9edbe1 100644
--- a/application/editoruilayer.h
+++ b/application/editoruilayer.h
@@ -29,6 +29,8 @@ class editor_ui : public ui_layer
 	// updates state of UI elements
 	void update() override;
 	void set_node(scene::basic_node *Node);
+	// include of a scenery template to show in the node properties in place of a node; nullptr if there's none
+	void set_include(include_selection *Include);
 	void add_node_template(const std::string &desc);
 	float rot_val();
 	bool rot_from_last();
diff --git a/application/editoruipanels.cpp b/application/editoruipanels.cpp
index b93b5b0f..fee74f2f 100644
--- a/application/editoruipanels.cpp
+++ b/application/editoruipanels.cpp
@@ -312,6 +312,11 @@ void itemproperties_panel::render()
 
 void itemproperties_panel::render_body()
 {
+	if (m_include != nullptr)
+	{
+		render_include();
+		return;
+	}
 	// header section
 	for (auto const &line : text_lines)
 	{
@@ -1187,6 +1192,74 @@ ImVec4 const status_errorcolor{1.0f, 0.45f, 0.4f, 1.0f};
 
 } // namespace
 
+void itemproperties_panel::render_include()
+{
+	auto &include{*m_include};
+	include.active = false;
+
+	ImGui::Text("include: %s", Bezogonkow(include.target).c_str());
+	if (false == include.info.name.empty())
+	{
+		ImGui::TextDisabled("%s", include.info.name.c_str());
+	}
+	if (false == include.issue.empty())
+	{
+		ImGui::PushTextWrapPos(0.0f);
+		ImGui::TextColored(status_errorcolor, "%s", Bezogonkow(include.issue).c_str());
+		ImGui::PopTextWrapPos();
+		return;
+	}
+	if (include.values.empty())
+	{
+		ImGui::TextDisabled("The template takes no parameters.");
+		return;
+	}
+
+	ImGui::PushItemWidth(ImGui::GetFontSize() * 14.0f);
+	for (std::size_t idx = 0; idx < include.values.size(); ++idx)
+	{
+		auto const id{static_cast<int>(idx + 1)};
+		auto const lookup{std::find_if(std::begin(include.info.parameters), std::end(include.info.parameters), [=](include_parameter const &Parameter) { return Parameter.id == id; })};
+		auto const described{lookup != std::end(include.info.parameters)};
+		auto const role{described ? lookup->role : std::string{"free"}};
+		// the label from the description, or what the description tells about the parameter
+		auto const label{described && false == lookup->label.empty() ? lookup->label : role != "free" ? role : "(p" + std::to_string(id) + ")"};
+		auto &value{include.values[idx]};
+
+		ImGui::PushID(id);
+		char *end{nullptr};
+		auto number{std::strtod(value.c_str(), &end)};
+		if ((role.starts_with("pos.") || role.starts_with("rot.") || role == "number") && false == value.empty() && *end == '\0')
+		{
+			if (ImGui::DragScalar(label.c_str(), ImGuiDataType_Double, &number, role.starts_with("pos.") ? 0.05f : 0.5f, nullptr, nullptr, "%.3f"))
+			{
+				value = editor_includes::number(number);
+				include.changed = true;
+			}
+		}
+		else
+		{
+			// applied once the field is left, so the template isn't processed with a half-typed value
+			input_text(label.c_str(), value);
+			if (ImGui::IsItemDeactivatedAfterEdit())
+			{
+				include.changed = true;
+			}
+		}
+		include.active |= ImGui::IsItemActive();
+		if (ImGui::IsItemHovered())
+		{
+			ImGui::SetTooltip("(p%d), %s", id, role.c_str());
+		}
+		ImGui::PopID();
+	}
+	ImGui::PopItemWidth();
+
+	ImGui::PushStyleColor(ImGuiCol_Text, ImGui::GetStyleColorVec4(ImGuiCol_TextDisabled));
+	ImGui::TextWrapped("Models of the template follow the changes at once, the rest of it once the scenery is saved and loaded again.");
+	ImGui::PopStyleColor();
+}
+
 void layers_panel::report(std::string const &Status, bool const Error)
 {
 	status = Status;
diff --git a/application/editoruipanels.h b/application/editoruipanels.h
index 099dc85f..9d48ccce 100644
--- a/application/editoruipanels.h
+++ b/application/editoruipanels.h
@@ -29,6 +29,20 @@ struct item_properties {
     changeable<glm::vec3> rotation {};
 };
 */
+// include of a scenery template selected in the editor, with the values its directive passes to the template.
+// owned by the editor mode; the node properties let the user change the values
+struct include_selection
+{
+	scene::instance_handle instance{0};
+	std::string target; // name of the template, the way the directive spells it
+	include_info info; // description of the template
+	std::vector<std::string> values; // value of each parameter in turn
+	bool placement{false}; // the position and rotation parameters can be driven by the gizmo
+	std::string issue; // why the values can't be changed, if they can't
+	bool changed{false}; // set by the UI when a value was changed, cleared by the editor mode once the change is applied
+	bool active{false}; // the UI is in the middle of changing a value
+};
+
 class itemproperties_panel : public ui_panel
 {
 
@@ -39,6 +53,11 @@ class itemproperties_panel : public ui_panel
 	// position/rotation/scale of TAnimModel nodes in place. Other node types
 	// are still treated as read-only.
 	void update(scene::basic_node *Node);
+	// binds include of a scenery template to the panel, shown in place of a node; nullptr unbinds
+	void include(include_selection *Include)
+	{
+		m_include = Include;
+	}
 	void render() override;
 	// panel content without the window, also drawn inside the toolset window
 	void render_body();
@@ -50,9 +69,12 @@ class itemproperties_panel : public ui_panel
 	// renders DragFloat3/DragScalarN widgets for position, rotation and scale
 	// of the currently bound TAnimModel; no-op for other node subclasses.
 	void render_transform_editor();
+	// renders widgets for the parameters of the bound include
+	void render_include();
 
 	// members
 	scene::basic_node *m_node{nullptr}; // scene node bound to the panel
+	include_selection *m_include{nullptr}; // include of a scenery template bound to the panel
 	scene::group_handle m_grouphandle{null_handle}; // scene group bound to the panel
 	std::string m_groupprefix;
 	std::vector<text_line> m_grouplines;
diff --git a/editor/editorIncludeInfo.cpp b/editor/editorIncludeInfo.cpp
index 48c14062..46116f9e 100644
--- a/editor/editorIncludeInfo.cpp
+++ b/editor/editorIncludeInfo.cpp
@@ -543,15 +543,99 @@ bool complete(include_info const &Info, int const Parameters, std::string *Issue
 	return issue.empty();
 }
 
+std::string number(double const Value)
+{
+	std::ostringstream converter;
+	converter.imbue(std::locale::classic());
+	converter << std::fixed << std::setprecision(3) << Value;
+	return converter.str();
+}
+
+int parameter_with_role(include_info const &Info, std::string const &Role)
+{
+	auto const lookup{std::find_if(std::begin(Info.parameters), std::end(Info.parameters), [&](include_parameter const &Parameter) { return Parameter.role == Role; })};
+	return lookup != std::end(Info.parameters) ? lookup->id : 0;
+}
+
+bool parse_directive(std::string const &Directive, std::string &File, std::vector<std::string> &Values)
+{
+	// the same rules the scenery parser goes by, except the text is taken as it is written
+	std::vector<std::string> tokens;
+	std::string token;
+	auto const flush = [&]() {
+		if (false == token.empty())
+		{
+			tokens.emplace_back(token);
+			token.clear();
+		}
+	};
+	for (std::size_t idx = 0; idx < Directive.size(); ++idx)
+	{
+		auto const character{Directive[idx]};
+		if (character == '\"')
+		{
+			flush();
+			auto const end{Directive.find('\"', idx + 1)};
+			if (end == std::string::npos)
+			{
+				return false;
+			}
+			tokens.emplace_back(Directive, idx + 1, end - idx - 1);
+			idx = end;
+		}
+		else if (Directive.compare(idx, 2, "//") == 0)
+		{
+			flush();
+			idx = Directive.find('\n', idx);
+			if (idx == std::string::npos)
+			{
+				break;
+			}
+		}
+		else if (Directive.compare(idx, 2, "/*") == 0)
+		{
+			flush();
+			idx = Directive.find("*/", idx + 2);
+			if (idx == std::string::npos)
+			{
+				break;
+			}
+			++idx;
+		}
+		else if (character == ' ' || character == '\t' || character == '\n' || character == '\r' || character == ';')
+		{
+			flush();
+		}
+		else
+		{
+			token += character;
+		}
+	}
+	flush();
+	if (tokens.size() < 3 || ToLower(tokens.front()) != "include" || tokens.back() != "end")
+	{
+		return false;
+	}
+	File = tokens[1];
+	Values.assign(std::begin(tokens) + 2, std::end(tokens) - 1);
+	return true;
+}
+
+std::string compose_directive(std::string const &File, std::vector<std::string> const &Values)
+{
+	auto const quoted = [](std::string const &Text) { return Text.find_first_of(" \t;") != std::string::npos ? '\"' + Text + '\"' : Text; };
+	std::string text{"include " + quoted(File)};
+	for (auto const &value : Values)
+	{
+		// a parameter can't be left out, as the ones after it would take its place
+		text += ' ' + (value.empty() ? std::string{"none"} : quoted(value));
+	}
+	return text + " end";
+}
+
 std::string directive(std::string const &File, include_info const &Info, int const Parameters, glm::dvec3 const &Location, std::optional<float> Yaw)
 {
-	auto const number = [](double const Value) {
-		std::ostringstream converter;
-		converter.imbue(std::locale::classic());
-		converter << std::fixed << std::setprecision(3) << Value;
-		return converter.str();
-	};
-	std::string text{"include " + File};
+	std::vector<std::string> values;
 	for (auto id = 1; id <= Parameters; ++id)
 	{
 		auto const lookup{std::find_if(std::begin(Info.parameters), std::end(Info.parameters), [=](include_parameter const &Parameter) { return Parameter.id == id; })};
@@ -585,14 +669,9 @@ std::string directive(std::string const &File, include_info const &Info, int con
 			std::snprintf(suffix, sizeof(suffix), "_%08x", static_cast<unsigned int>(engine()));
 			value = (value.empty() ? std::filesystem::path(File).stem().string() : value) + suffix;
 		}
-		if (value.empty())
-		{
-			// a parameter can't be left out, as the ones after it would take its place
-			value = "none";
-		}
-		text += ' ' + (value.find_first_of(" \t;") != std::string::npos ? '\"' + value + '\"' : value);
+		values.emplace_back(value);
 	}
-	return text + " end";
+	return compose_directive(File, values);
 }
 
 } // namespace editor_includes
diff --git a/editor/editorIncludeInfo.hpp b/editor/editorIncludeInfo.hpp
index 1273a049..90241406 100644
--- a/editor/editorIncludeInfo.hpp
+++ b/editor/editorIncludeInfo.hpp
@@ -68,6 +68,16 @@ bool complete(include_info const &Info, int Parameters, std::string *Issue = nul
 // rotation parameters receive their default values
 std::string directive(std::string const &File, include_info const &Info, int Parameters, glm::dvec3 const &Location, std::optional<float> Yaw);
 
+// splits include directive into the name of the included file and the values of the parameters, both as they're
+// written. returns: false if the text isn't a complete include directive
+bool parse_directive(std::string const &Directive, std::string &File, std::vector<std::string> &Values);
+// builds include directive out of the name of the included file and the values of the parameters
+std::string compose_directive(std::string const &File, std::vector<std::string> const &Values);
+// text of a number passed as a parameter value
+std::string number(double Value);
+// number of the parameter with specified role, 0 if the description has none
+int parameter_with_role(include_info const &Info, std::string const &Role);
+
 // marks node bank template which stands for a scenery template rather than for definition of a single node
 extern std::string const directive_mark;
 
diff --git a/scene/scenelayers.cpp b/scene/scenelayers.cpp
index a3b3f51e..99015442 100644
--- a/scene/scenelayers.cpp
+++ b/scene/scenelayers.cpp
@@ -210,8 +210,8 @@ void node_layers::visible(layer_handle Layer, bool const Visible)
 		}
 		if (Visible)
 		{
-			// nodes of a removed include stay out of sight
-			if (Node->m_layerhidden && (false == tracked(Node->m_instance) || false == instance(Node->m_instance).removed))
+			// nodes of a removed include stay out of sight, and so do the ones the editor replaced with its own
+			if (Node->m_layerhidden && (false == tracked(Node->m_instance) || (false == instance(Node->m_instance).removed && false == stale(Node))))
 			{
 				Node->visible(true);
 				Node->m_layerhidden = false;
@@ -613,7 +613,7 @@ bool node_layers::can_merge(layer_handle Source, layer_handle Target, std::strin
 	{
 		// directives of includes placed in the editor are prepared for the end of their layer file
 		auto const unsaved{std::any_of(std::begin(m_instances), std::end(m_instances), [&](include_instance const &Instance) {
-			return false == Instance.dead && false == Instance.removed && false == Instance.directive.empty() && resolve(Instance.layer) == Source;
+			return false == Instance.dead && false == Instance.removed && false == Instance.span.valid() && resolve(Instance.layer) == Source;
 		})};
 		if (unsaved)
 		{
@@ -695,6 +695,7 @@ void node_layers::instance_begin(std::string const &File, source_span const &Spa
 	included.layer = handle();
 	included.file = &(*m_templates.emplace(File).first);
 	included.span = Span;
+	included.context = m_context;
 	m_instance = static_cast<instance_handle>(m_instances.size());
 }
 
@@ -741,7 +742,7 @@ void node_layers::removed(instance_handle Instance, bool Removed)
 	auto const includelayer{resolve(m_instances[Instance - 1].layer)};
 	auto const layervisible{false == valid(includelayer) || layer(includelayer).visible};
 	auto const update_node = [=, this](basic_node *Node, layer_item const Item) {
-		if (Node == nullptr || Node->m_instance != Instance)
+		if (Node == nullptr || Node->m_instance != Instance || (Item == layer_item::model && stale(Node)))
 		{
 			return;
 		}
@@ -791,6 +792,67 @@ instance_handle node_layers::place(layer_handle Layer, std::string const &File,
 	return static_cast<instance_handle>(m_instances.size());
 }
 
+// text of the directive of specified include, as changed in the editor or as it stands in the scenery file
+std::string node_layers::directive(instance_handle const Instance) const
+{
+	if (false == tracked(Instance))
+	{
+		return {};
+	}
+	auto const &included{instance(Instance)};
+	if (false == included.directive.empty() || false == included.span.valid() || false == valid(included.layer))
+	{
+		return included.directive;
+	}
+	std::string text(static_cast<std::size_t>(included.span.end - included.span.begin), '\0');
+	std::ifstream input{path(included.layer), std::ios_base::binary};
+	if (false == input.is_open() || false == input.seekg(included.span.begin).good() || false == input.read(text.data(), static_cast<std::streamsize>(text.size())).good())
+	{
+		return {};
+	}
+	return text;
+}
+
+// replaces the directive of specified include, the scenery file receives it on save
+bool node_layers::modify(instance_handle const Instance, std::string const &Directive)
+{
+	if (false == tracked(Instance) || m_instances[Instance - 1].dead || Directive.empty())
+	{
+		return false;
+	}
+	m_instances[Instance - 1].directive = Directive;
+	return true;
+}
+
+// takes the models specified include was loaded with out of the scene, once the editor shows its own in their place
+void node_layers::rebuilt(instance_handle const Instance)
+{
+	if (false == tracked(Instance) || m_instances[Instance - 1].rebuilt)
+	{
+		return;
+	}
+	auto const removed{m_instances[Instance - 1].removed};
+	for (auto *model : simulation::Instances.sequence())
+	{
+		if (model == nullptr || model->m_instance != Instance || model->m_preview)
+		{
+			continue;
+		}
+		// NOTE: the models themselves are left alone, events of the scenery can refer to them
+		simulation::Region->erase(model);
+		if (false == removed)
+		{
+			count(model->layer(), layer_item::model, -1);
+		}
+		if (model->visible())
+		{
+			model->visible(false);
+			model->m_layerhidden = true;
+		}
+	}
+	m_instances[Instance - 1].rebuilt = true;
+}
+
 } // namespace scene
 
 //---------------------------------------------------------------------------
diff --git a/scene/scenelayers.h b/scene/scenelayers.h
index 44661fc5..eacc6421 100644
--- a/scene/scenelayers.h
+++ b/scene/scenelayers.h
@@ -100,10 +100,11 @@ struct include_instance
 	layer_handle layer{null_handle}; // layer of the file holding the directive
 	std::string const *file{nullptr}; // name of the included template
 	source_span span; // location of the whole directive in the file; invalid for directive which wasn't saved yet
-	std::string directive; // text of the directive, for include placed in the editor and not saved yet
-	layer_context context; // placement the directive of include placed in the editor was prepared for
+	std::string directive; // text of the directive, for include placed or changed in the editor and not saved yet
+	layer_context context; // placement in effect at the directive
 	bool removed{false}; // the include is to be dropped from the scenery
 	bool dead{false}; // removal of the include was saved
+	bool rebuilt{false}; // models the include was loaded with gave way to the ones made by the editor
 };
 
 // marks nodes defined by a template which was included in a way the editor doesn't keep track of
@@ -277,6 +278,18 @@ class node_layers
 	// registers include directive made in the editor, to be written to the file of specified layer on save.
 	// the directive has to be prepared for the placement in effect at the end of that file. returns: handle to the include
 	instance_handle place(layer_handle Layer, std::string const &File, std::string const &Directive);
+	// text of the directive of specified include, as changed in the editor or as it stands in the scenery file.
+	// returns: empty text if the directive can't be read
+	std::string directive(instance_handle Instance) const;
+	// replaces the directive of specified include, the scenery file receives it on save. NOTE: the nodes aren't touched
+	bool modify(instance_handle Instance, std::string const &Directive);
+	// takes the models specified include was loaded with out of the scene, once the editor shows its own in their place
+	void rebuilt(instance_handle Instance);
+	// true if specified node was replaced by the editor with a node showing the current state of its include
+	bool stale(basic_node const *Node) const
+	{
+		return tracked(Node->m_instance) && instance(Node->m_instance).rebuilt && false == Node->m_preview;
+	}
 	// true if specified layer is included, directly or not, by the other one
 	bool is_descendant(layer_handle Layer, layer_handle const Ancestor) const;
 
diff --git a/scene/scenelayerssave.cpp b/scene/scenelayerssave.cpp
index f56c5c11..3a4071a2 100644
--- a/scene/scenelayerssave.cpp
+++ b/scene/scenelayerssave.cpp
@@ -275,6 +275,7 @@ struct node_layers::file_patch
 		std::size_t length{0}; // size of that definition
 		basic_node const *node{nullptr}; // node defined by the replacement
 		layer_handle site{null_handle}; // layer included by the directive in the replacement
+		instance_handle instance{0}; // include of a template made by the directive in the replacement
 		layer_handle inlined{null_handle}; // layer whose content replaces the range
 	};
 	std::vector<edit> edits;
@@ -460,6 +461,10 @@ bool node_layers::compose(save_state &State, layer_handle const Layer, compositi
 			{
 				Output.sites.push_back({edit.site, span});
 			}
+			if (edit.instance != 0)
+			{
+				Output.instances.push_back({edit.instance, span});
+			}
 			Output.text.append(edit.text, edit.lead - lead, std::string::npos);
 		}
 		cursor = end;
@@ -692,6 +697,17 @@ save_result node_layers::save(std::vector<std::string> const &Rootstatements)
 				edit.end = included.span.end;
 				state.patches[included.layer].edits.emplace_back(std::move(edit));
 			}
+			else if (false == included.directive.empty())
+			{
+				// changed in the editor, the new directive takes the place of the one in the file
+				file_patch::edit edit;
+				edit.begin = included.span.begin;
+				edit.end = included.span.end;
+				edit.length = included.directive.size();
+				edit.text = included.directive;
+				edit.instance = static_cast<instance_handle>(idx + 1);
+				state.patches[included.layer].edits.emplace_back(std::move(edit));
+			}
 		}
 		else if (false == included.removed && false == included.directive.empty())
 		{
@@ -840,7 +856,7 @@ save_result node_layers::save(std::vector<std::string> const &Rootstatements)
 	for (std::size_t idx = 0; idx < m_instances.size(); ++idx)
 	{
 		auto const &included{m_instances[idx]};
-		if (false == included.dead && false == included.removed && included.span.valid() && state.content.count(included.layer) != 0)
+		if (false == included.dead && false == included.removed && included.directive.empty() && included.span.valid() && state.content.count(included.layer) != 0)
 		{
 			state.instances[included.layer].emplace_back(static_cast<instance_handle>(idx + 1));
 		}
diff --git a/scene/scenenode.h b/scene/scenenode.h
index 8de0e060..df60187f 100644
--- a/scene/scenenode.h
+++ b/scene/scenenode.h
@@ -385,6 +385,7 @@ public:
     std::string m_name;
 	bool m_dirty { false };
     bool m_layerhidden { false }; // the node was visible until the editor hid its scenery layer, or the include which defines it
+    bool m_preview { false }; // the node was made by the editor to show an include it placed or changed, and is replaced when the include changes
     scene::layer_handle m_layer { null_handle }; // scenery layer this node belongs to, if any
     // include of an *.inc template which defines the node; 0 if the node is defined directly by a scenery layer file.
     // such nodes can't be rewritten one by one on scenery save. set only for scenery opened for editing
diff --git a/simulation/simulation.cpp b/simulation/simulation.cpp
index e50eff37..5f04c611 100644
--- a/simulation/simulation.cpp
+++ b/simulation/simulation.cpp
@@ -497,6 +497,51 @@ std::pair<int, int> state_manager::preview_include(std::string const &Directive,
 	return m_serializer.preview_include(Directive, Context, Layer, Instance);
 }
 
+std::pair<int, int> state_manager::rebuild_include(scene::instance_handle const Instance, std::vector<TAnimModel *> &Retired) {
+	if (false == scene::Layers.tracked(Instance)) {
+		return { 0, 0 };
+	}
+	auto const &included { scene::Layers.instance(Instance) };
+	// the models the include was loaded with don't match it anymore.
+	// NOTE: done ahead of retiring the models made by the editor, which are told from the loaded ones by their preview flag
+	scene::Layers.rebuilt(Instance);
+	for (auto *model : Instances.sequence()) {
+		if (model == nullptr || model->m_instance != Instance || false == model->m_preview) {
+			continue;
+		}
+		if (false == included.removed) {
+			scene::Layers.count(model->layer(), scene::layer_item::model, -1);
+		}
+		Region->erase(model);
+		scene::Hierarchy.erase(model->uuid.to_string());
+		model->visible(false);
+		model->m_preview = false;
+		Retired.emplace_back(model);
+	}
+	if (included.dead) {
+		return { 0, 0 };
+	}
+	auto const layer { scene::Layers.resolve(included.layer) };
+	auto const result { m_serializer.preview_include(scene::Layers.directive(Instance), included.context, layer, Instance) };
+	// what's shown for an include which is out of sight at the moment goes out of sight as well
+	auto const layerhidden { scene::Layers.valid(layer) && false == scene::Layers.layer(layer).visible };
+	if (included.removed || layerhidden) {
+		for (auto *model : Instances.sequence()) {
+			if (model == nullptr || model->m_instance != Instance || false == model->m_preview) {
+				continue;
+			}
+			if (included.removed) {
+				scene::Layers.count(model->layer(), scene::layer_item::model, -1);
+			}
+			if (model->visible()) {
+				model->visible(false);
+				model->m_layerhidden = true;
+			}
+		}
+	}
+	return result;
+}
+
 void state_manager::delete_model(TAnimModel *model) {
 	scene::Layers.count(model->layer(), scene::layer_item::model, -1);
 	scene::Layers.forget(model);
diff --git a/simulation/simulation.h b/simulation/simulation.h
index fe5fc87b..b75056ad 100644
--- a/simulation/simulation.h
+++ b/simulation/simulation.h
@@ -46,6 +46,11 @@ public:
 	// creates model instances defined by an include directive placed in the scenery editor
 	std::pair<int, int>
 	    preview_include(std::string const &Directive, scene::layer_context const &Context, scene::layer_handle Layer, scene::instance_handle Instance);
+	// replaces models shown for specified include with the ones defined by its current directive. Retired: receives
+	// the replaced models made by the editor. they're out of the scene already, but the renderer can still hold on
+	// to them for a few frames; pass them to Instances.purge() afterwards
+	std::pair<int, int>
+	    rebuild_include(scene::instance_handle Instance, std::vector<TAnimModel *> &Retired);
 	// delete TAnimModel instance
 	void
 	    delete_model(TAnimModel *model);
diff --git a/simulation/simulationstateserializer.cpp b/simulation/simulationstateserializer.cpp
index ae0841af..459e7755 100644
--- a/simulation/simulationstateserializer.cpp
+++ b/simulation/simulationstateserializer.cpp
@@ -1451,12 +1451,9 @@ std::pair<int, int> state_serializer::preview_include(std::string const &Directi
 			nodedata.instance = Instance;
 			auto *instance { (nodedata.type == "model" && nodedata.range_min >= 0.0) ? deserialize_model(parser, scratch, nodedata) : nullptr };
 			if (instance != nullptr) {
-				// same as for a model loaded with the scenery
-				if (instance->Model() != nullptr) {
-					for (auto const &smokesource : instance->Model()->smoke_sources()) {
-						Particles.insert(smokesource.first, instance, smokesource.second);
-					}
-				}
+				// NOTE: unlike for a model loaded with the scenery, smoke sources of the model aren't set up.
+				// they'd be left with a dangling owner when the model is replaced after a change of the include
+				instance->m_preview = true;
 				simulation::Instances.insert(instance);
 				simulation::Region->insert(instance);
 				scene::Hierarchy[instance->uuid.to_string()] = instance;
diff --git a/simulation/simulationstateserializer.h b/simulation/simulationstateserializer.h
index 2dd64307..2a39c934 100644
--- a/simulation/simulationstateserializer.h
+++ b/simulation/simulationstateserializer.h
@@ -46,7 +46,7 @@ public:
 	TAnimModel * create_model(std::string const &src, std::string const &name, const glm::dvec3 &position);
 	// create new eventlauncher from node stirng
 	TEventLauncher * create_eventlauncher(std::string const &src, std::string const &name, const glm::dvec3 &position);
-	// creates model instances defined by an include directive placed in the scenery editor, to show what was placed.
+	// creates model instances defined by an include directive placed or changed in the scenery editor, to show the outcome.
 	// everything else the included template defines is left out, and takes effect when the saved scenery is loaded.
 	// Context: placement in effect at the location of the directive. returns: number of created models and of skipped statements
 	std::pair<int, int> preview_include(std::string const &Directive, scene::layer_context const &Context, scene::layer_handle Layer, scene::instance_handle Instance);