3D models removed from one KiCAD version to the next

More me trying to understand why, but I notice that each time I do a major upgrade to my version of KiCAD (I’m currently on V9.0.2), and I re-use a layout from a design done originally in an earlier version, that the 3D model references for that component are sometimes out of date, and often refer to a 3D model that has been completely removed from the libraries.

A case in point:

The crystal oscillator footprint Crystal:Crystal_SMD_2016-4Pin_2.0x1.6mm has a reference to a 3D model file of a similar name: /Crystal.3dshapes/Crystal_SMD_2016-4Pin_2.0x1.6mm.step

But if you go into that directory for V9.0.2, that .step file doesn’t actually exist. And in fact I can’t see any 2016 oscillator 3D models anymore!

Not a huge deal, I agree, as I can just download one from online. But seems a strange approach to take when doing version updates - removing stuff like existing 3D models from the libraries.

Cheers,
Mike

Many footprints point to a 3D model that does not exist (yet) as a placeholder.
Models supplied in the libraries are unlikely to be removed unless there was a licence problem.

@davidsrsb - that makes sense. Thanks for the clarification

Cheers,
Mike