I seen both 3 and 4 firing ports along the right side. Are both of these versions correct?

Doug, you're right. Both versions exist. My guess is that the 4-port version is the early one. I've seen some in service with KFOR. When you look at pictures of ISAF deployed BTR-80A there are only three ports remaining.

Olivier

Hi,

I have never seen any A versions with 4 ports (although this does not prove anything )

Funny piece of trivia:

The inspiration for Trumpeter BTR-80A box art (a Hungarian vehicle) with 3 ports:



The actual box art with 4 ports:



Also there is one extra periscope on the As I hope it will be correct:



(this image is to differentiate between early (left) and late BTR-80s, but BTR-80As should have the extra periscope too.)

This is a comparision of BTR-80 and 80A, as the wheels are wider the body should be wider (the horizontal part over the wheels is extended):


(version A is on the left side).

I am really looking forward to the Trumpeter kit.

Regards,

Adam

Ps.: photos here http://mhrfweb.makett.org/MHRF/index.php?option=com_phocagallery&view=category&id=21%3Abtr-80-jarmcsalad&Itemid=11&lang=hu

Hi Adam;

GREAT POST" !! The link Is one Of The Best That I Have Seen !!!!!!!!! I Will Be Viewing And Taking Notes For Many Hours !!!!!

THANKS ADAM !!
CHEERS; MIKE.

I found this

Anyway, I will skip this version, waiting for a "BTR-80 Late"

Thanks Adam for your explanations and very useful link!

Hello Adam,
unless I'm wrong the A version is the one with the 30mm cannon and I've seen vehicles with either 3 or 4 ports, with the early wheels or the late wider ones. But I could be confused with the A type.

Hi Guys,

I have plenty of references as Hungary might be the biggest operator of BTR-80As as we have received loads from Russia when settling the national debt. As a result we have factory original BTR-80A-s.

As for the versions with 4 ports I still need to ask around, but I presume these are old BTR-80s upgraded with the new "A" turret. Like on the picture of Mokush - this seem to be originally an early BTR-80 because:

a) it has short handrails on the sides
b) it has rounded rubber shock absorbers on the front
c) no wider body

Also BTR-80As should not be confused with BTR82As - seen frquently Crimea operated by Russia -, which are quite similar

Just found photos of the Trumpeter BTR-80A:

http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/image/10287083p/10/1

Looks like we get the hull of the late BTR-80 kit (my opinion only as the late BTR-80 is not yet released) so it has 4 firing ports and missing the 4th driver's periscope on the left. But the rest looks correct for a decent BTR-80A with new tires and wider hull (these horizontal parts over the wheels are separate ones so the same hull can be used for multiple kits).

It is a bit letdown, although getting rid of the firing port is easy, but adding the 4th periscope needs some surgery.

Oddly enough the paining guide does NOT have the 4th firing port...

I will have my kit in January and fill you guys in.

Cheers,

Adam

Perhaps for whom it is useful. It is photographed personally by me at an exhibition in the city of Omsk.

http://www.tigerscorner.ru/index.php?topic=1056.0

Overview of the tower BTR-80A from Trumpeter
http://citroend.blogspot.com/2014/12/80.html