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Iron Maiden and Revell release “Aces High” inspired Spitfire Mk.II model kit

By John Freeman on December 4, 2019

Revell has detailed its latest collaboration with the heavy metal rockers, Iron Maiden, a Spitfire Mk.II model kit with the iconic “Eddie” as its pilot, in celebration of the band’s iconic single, “Aces High“, featured on the band’s fifth studio album, Powerslave – the songs lyrics written from the perspective of a Royal Air Force pilot fighting during the Battle of Britain.

In a deal brokered by Global Merchandising Services, who represent a huge line-up of bands including Anthrax, Little Mix and Slayer, Revell has developed a 1:32 scale model that includes the band’s famous mascot, Eddie the Head, both as a sitting and standing pilot. The figures of the band mascot have been specially designed for the kit and reflect the original single artwork from 1984 created by Derek Riggs, which he’s previously noted was inspired by a comic book cover.

The Supermarine Spitfire was one of the most built aircraft in the world. Its high speed, reliability and above all its enormous manoeuvrability made it a popular fighter aircraft. During the “Battle of Britain”, their deployment helped ensure the glorious victory of the Royal Air Force. Today, there are still about 40 of the legendary Spitfire in airworthy condition worldwide – plus one that still floats above the heads of the six heavy metal musicians during the band’s current Legacy of The Beast Tour as a full-size model, so it’s no wonder heavy metal band Iron Maiden chose to pay tribute to it.

The Spitfire Mk.II “Aces High” Iron Maiden, available now, packed in a special collector’s box a kit that includes, a sitting “Eddie the Head” pilot figure for the cockpit as well as a standing Eddie figure.

In addition to the “Aces High” version, the box also includes decals for the life-size Spitfire that hovers above the stage, reflecting lead singer Bruce Dickinson’s life-long passion for all things aviation related.

Iron Maiden – “Aces High” single cover by Derek Riggs

First released back in 1984, “Aces High” single cover designer Derek Riggs (aka Riggsy) recalls he got the idea from a 1960s comic cover, possibly Sgt Rock.

“The film poster for the Spielberg film 1942 stole the same idea but they gave the pilot a cigar as well,” he notes on his official site, “but Eddie has a healthy lifestyle and doesn’t smoke…”

Iron Maiden has announced they’ll continue their Legacy of the Beast Tour into 2020, heading to Australia, New Zealand, Japan and a first ever visit to The Philippines, followed by shows in Israel and Dubai in May before heading Europe for a final run with concerts in Belgium, Germany, Spain and more through June and July.

So far, the band has played to close to two million fans in 39 countries around the globe since the tour opened in 2018, including headlining to a capacity crowd of 100,000 at the legendary Rock In Rio festival in Brazil.

This isn’t the first time that Revell and Iron Maiden have partnered together. Back in 2016, Revell produced a 1:144 Scale Model of the “Ed Force One” plane which lead singer, Bruce Dickinson was piloting for the bands Book Of Souls World Tour.

• The Revell GmbH 5688 Revell 05688 Iron Maiden Aces High Spitfire is available here on AmazonUK (Affiliate Link)

• Iron Maiden are online at ironmaiden.com

• Run For Cover, The Art Of Derek Riggs available from Derek Riggs official site, is a full colour explosion of Eddie in your face and heavy metal’s pre-eminent book man Martin Popoff coaxes the life story out of the character’s reclusive creator. In Iron Maiden lore, Eddie has been there from the beginning, helping make Maiden the juggernaut they have become

• Full details of the “Aces High” Revell kit here on the Revell web site

• Buy the Revell “Aces High” kit from AmazonUK

John Freeman

The founder of downthetubes, which he established in 1998. John works as a comics and magazine editor, writer, and on promotional work for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival. He is currently editor of Star Trek Explorer, published by Titan – his third tour of duty on the title originally titled Star Trek Magazine.

Working in British comics publishing since the 1980s, his credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine, Babylon 5 Magazine, and more. He also edited the comics anthology STRIP Magazine and edited several audio comics for ROK Comics. He has also edited several comic collections, including volumes of “Charley’s War” and “Dan Dare”.

He’s the writer of “Pilgrim: Secrets and Lies” for B7 Comics; “Crucible”, a creator-owned project with 2000AD artist Smuzz; and “Death Duty” and “Skow Dogs” with Dave Hailwood.