[Crannogman]

Originally Posted by CapnScurvy

No, not me!

I'm at a loss to tell you anything about the planes distant rendering. I'm guessing it would have to do with the Mip Maps that should be within the modeled graphic file. The Mip Maps create a compounded smaller image of the object, so at various distances the image will keep details clearer than a single image would. There are usually about 5 separate images, each smaller in size than the next, within the Mip Maps. The game renders these images at certain times to allow for the observed object to be seen clearly. Least that's how it's supposed to work.

Just how, when, and at what level this takes place in-game is beyond me.

See, way more technical