Custom Inserts for CASCO bookcases

[bc6]

Does any have any experience making custom inserts for CASCO bookcases, I would like to make custom inserts for my bookcases thanks.

 

The paper insert slides out of the sleeve allowing you to put a custom insert into it. 

Edited September 7 by bc6

[Kamome]

So far just the one. Made a custom insert for a military equipment transport consist. Just need  half decent printer and can use free programs like Canva if you don’t have stuff like adobe illustrator.

 

The is some slight shadowing around the JGSDF insignia but not hugely noticeable. Images were found using Google images and a little OCD but even the camo pattern used is that of a JGSDF uniform.

 

It took a lot of painting and kitbashing so wanted to give it an appropriate bookcase. Loads are the YSK models resin moulded loads. Used to be available through Kuro-chan on Amazon Japan, but are available through the Kuro-chan web shop (not the easiest to navigate) Yellow Submarine used to stock but not sure if they still do. 

 

Edited September 7 by Kamome

[bc6]

Wow that's really good looking, How do you get the insert to fit snugly like you did?

[disturbman]

Made a few. Posted them somewhere on the forum at the time.

 

 

Always a picture for the front, the logo of the railway company and train faces icons/illustrations of the trains inside the bookcase

[Kamome]

12 hours ago, bc6 said:

Wow that's really good looking, How do you get the insert to fit snugly like you did?

Remove the existing insert to get exact measurements of label size. The most important consideration is to work out where you want the spine label to fall so that you can create both front and spine labels in an appropriate place. There is a subtle curve rather than a sharp crease as the label bends 90 degrees. 

 

The label will easily fit on a piece of A4 so make sure can print at 100% if your design uses accurate measurements rather than fitting to the paper size, ensuring the design background exceeds your trim lines, giving you edge to edge printing once cut to size. 

 

I’d recommend just having a play. I used Illustrator but you can probably create something suitable in most creative programs. 

Edited September 7 by Kamome

[KateM]

I designed mine in Word 🤪 Usually I create the label a little larger than the original one for a snugglier fit. If it doesn't fit, I cut a little and try again. To secure it in place, I hold it at one edge while simultaneously closing the case - otherwise the label moves and ends up a little askew. 

 

[bc6]

Thanks for the tips katem i'll give them a shot. 

[KateM]

Since I'm back at my computer, there are the full labels. Regarding fonts, I use Noto Sans JP for modern or smaller Japanese characters, Red Hat Display for Kiha 100 numerals, Helvetica Narrow for modern numerals, JNR Font number 2 for old Japanese characters and loco plate numerals, and Usoden Kokutetsu for JNR freight cars.

 

       

[bc6]

Wow, those are amazing. You've given me great ideas for custom inserts. Do you have any measurements for them that's where I seem to struggle with them.?

Edited September 8 by bc6

[KateM]

14 hours ago, bc6 said:

Do you have any measurements for them that's where I seem to struggle with them.?

 

I went with 22.5 mm spine side, 6.5 mm transition area, and 74 mm front side, which gives a total width of 103 mm. I usually end up cutting off a little bit on the right side to fit the label nicely inside the pocket. Max width I've tried is 104 mm, looked good but I haven't been able to not crease the label in the process of inserting it in.

 

Height is 138 mm. This corresponds to the dimensions of the original Casco label which is 138 mm high × 100 mm wide. You should be able to go up to 140 mm, but the cases have a slight variation in the vertical position of the pocket so it's good to have some leeway.

 

Please note that the new Casco cases sold since summer 2024 (product codes starting with CS instead of YP) have a different pocket which is in a different place and also is 10 mm higher. Casco says this is because they wanted people to be able to use postcards (はがき, 148 × 100 mm) for the labels. I haven't put my hands onto a new Casco case yet so can't comment whether the pocket is otherwise the same or not.

Edited September 9 by katem
I changed the last paragraph to talk about postcard (はがき, 148 × 100 mm) and not A6 paper (148 × 105 mm), which has been an error on my side.

[bc6]

Thanks Katem this is exactly the kind of information that I'm looking. I'll double check the item # on my case for the exact measurements.