Hi Guys,

I happily found myself with more modelling time on my hands today than I've had for a while, and I've decided to start a Hayabusa blog for the US folks.

I had not started this kit with the intent of blogging it, but it is such a great kit I couldn't resist.

I have decided to NOT go with the colors as provided,but rather the colors as depicted in the first two pictures below. There is something visceral in my distaste for the silver/copper colors, and I much prefer the red/black. It is somehow that much more aggressive, and it brings to my mind Darth Maul! I've assembled it thus far as provided but the beauty (one of many) of this kit is that it screws together for the most part, and what I've assembled, I'll be able to unscrew and repaint. I'm taking it all down to the local Suzuki dealer tomorrow, and I hope to get the exact colors to paint it in. (at least the ratios so I can get the colors mixed)

This kit has PRESENCE! The tank seems like it weighs a good 2 pounds, and the wheel is just as meaty. Even my wife professes to be impressed...

I'm at stage 3, and the parts start out with the brake disks, and putting the wheel on the forks. Everything locks in positively when the disks are pressed onto the wheel, and the axle is a wonderful little bit of machining. As printed, the picture of the tread direction is a bit hard to make out, so I've included a good close-up. The caliper is a bit fiddly to install, and I ever so slightly started the second screw to hold it all in relative location.

Parts pack 9 is the fender, an Allen wrench, and 8 screws, of 2 different types. ***A note here: I promptly magnetized the Allen wrench. Doing this makes life SO much easier, and it keeps the carpet monster at bay!****
The fender does a great job of firming up the fork assembly, which has a bit of wobble to it before the fender is screwed down.

The parts in pack 10 are the carbs. This is a real quick little bit, with the bulk of the time spent trying to wrap my brain around the phrase "short end". It was a long day, and I'm a bit stooopid anyway!

The biggest bummer is that it all went together so well, and with only 3 parts sets, I was done far more quickly that I wished. It is going to be a longer than usual wait until it is all complete. This kit is right up there with my 1/16 DeAgostini Zero so far in terms of enjoyment.

The pics!!

Looks good Mark, like the colour choice too....or should I say "color"

Steve

I have been eyeballing this kit and now I may have to make the leap sinc e it has Marks seal of approval!!

Looking good Mark the busa has been a fun build to date. Glad to see another build to look at other builds.

Boy, that would make life a LOT easier! Thanks! The hunt is on.