I was thinking about purchasing a BTR-80A from Dragon or Zvezda, but I've noticed that in the BTR-80 box art, the vehicle has a kind of wheels, and in the BTR-80A box art, it has a different kind of wheels, bigger wheels, well, I know that both kits come with the same wheels, but I want a BTR-80A with the bigger wheels... Is there any after market wheels set? Thanks a lot in advance. Most regards.

José

Two different sets by Sargeant at Arms Models, but I am not sure if they are what you are looking for.
http://saammodels.tripod.com/companies/spdesigns/wheelsets/btrwheelssp066/index.htm
http://saammodels.tripod.com/companies/spdesigns/wheelsets/btrwheelssp106/index.htm

Here's another seller: http://www.modelpoint.us/p-241-btr-80-wheels.aspx
And some by Tiger Models Designs:
http://www.tigermodels.com/Shop/agora.cgi?cart_id=788.14497&p_id=355002&xm=on
http://www.tigermodels.com/Shop/agora.cgi?cart_id=788.14497&p_id=355003&xm=on

You can still build BTR-80A with 70/80 wheels: http://img249.imageshack.us/img249/838/b422e4d1hv2.jpg

I see now, thank you for correction. Jose, make sure you test vinyl tires before gluing them with hub details should you choose to use kit ones. It's been known for the Zvezda's vinyl to dissolve kit's plastic

I am not sure, but I do not think that the tires are any different than waht was fielded with the BTR-70 and on. The BTR series have a somewhat unique tire inflation control system tha tallows them to be inflated or deflated according to driving need...higher pressure for travel on paved roads, low pressure for use in sand etc...

Part of the problem is that DML did not do a very good job in sculpting the tires...but since it was some of their first work AND it was based on photos and not looking at the real deal, it is not too surprising and they did ok. But...it is not correct. The wheel should be a bit wider (~2mm) and rounder on the edges. Also, tread detail could be improved.

Also, NO aftermarket wheels are much more than copies of DML's in resin. Some have much better and more accurate rim details, SP Designs included, but the main "tire" is the same thing that DML did originally, but now in resin so there is no melting rubber problem.

Why has noone done a new total wheel? Basically, it would be a HUGE pain to try to do it right. Someone like Trumpeter or DML could, but there is not enough potential sales to offset costs in the usual aftermarket vendors.

Thank you guys for your replies... So that's it... I think I'll look for a Dragon BTR-80A, because... you know about the Zvezda plastic... I think I still can find one of those... Thanks again. Most regards.

José

Do you have the measurements Gary? I would have to look up the info, but my understanding when this came up a few years ago is that people were mistaking the difference of the BRDM-1 and -2 wheels with BTR wheels and that the tire inflation system had people thinking there were different wheels on BTR's. I admit I could be wrong on this, it has been a while since I looked over BTR wheel info...

Also, I prefer the zvezda wheels as they are plastic and not rubber. And the Zvezda kit is otherwise just fine.

DML/Zvezda tires shape are incorrect. Real BTR-80A can use both BTR-70/80 wheels. Very good replica of this wheels (Old style BTR-70/80 and new style BTR 80) make by company Capitan from Nizhniy Novgorod but it's very difficult to find this product even in Russia.
In USA it may be avliable on http://www.modelpoint.us/p-241-btr-80-wheels.aspx
in Russia on http://www.hobby-city.ru/catalog/allacessories/capitan/4828/
http://www.hobby-city.ru/catalog/allacessories/capitan/4827/

Best wishes
Alexey