Sometimes, the automatic positioning of switch lanterns fails. Normally, you can just set the lantern side in the properties of the switch track. But sometimes, that isn't right either. On the image you see the lantern of switch 23 is pointing left to indicate a branch that is actually a branch to the right like all the other switches on the image.
I have created a test layout in order to experiment with this problem and try to find a way to fix it, but no matter what I do, I cannot get the lantern of switch 23 correct.
When I open the test layout, the lanterns of switch 19, 22, 23, and 25 are set (automatically) to the right of the switch, which is wrong. Furthermore, the lantern of switch 23 is indicating branch when the switch is actually set to the straight main line.
First, I enter the Properties dialog of the switches in error and set the lantern position to left. Then, I drive a locomotive through all switches to ensure that they are set to the main line. Now, all lanterns show "main", except the lantern of switch 23 which indicates "branch" to the LEFT! Strangely, in the 2D windows, the arrow is pointing RIGHT.
I right-click switch 23 and select "Swap main and branch" from the pop-up menu. This does not immediately affect the lantern, but I repeat the little trip with the locomotive and see, that switch 23 changes. The lantern is now showing "main".
For a moment, everything looks alright, but when I manually change the setting of switch 23 to "branch", the lantern does indicate "branch" too, but it displays an arrow pointing left instead of right.
In the 2D windows, the arrow is now wrong, poiting left where it should point right. Sic!
I have tried editing the switch 23 track in the 3D view (which sometimes moves the lantern from one side to the other).
I have also tried to delete switch 23 and recreate it by duplicating switch 22 forwards or 24 left (and then moving it), but the recreated switch 23 remains erroneous.
I have tried all possible combinations of lantern side settings in the track properties and several "Swap main and branch" operations, without getting the correct result.
How do I fix the Lantern of Switch 23?
If you want a copy of my test layout, please send me a PN (with your mail address).
Best Regards
Vogn22