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Planes

Modifying the Avios Spitfire Mk5b MTO into an Iron Maiden Aces High Spitfire Mk2

07/13/2026

Planes

Avios Spitfire MkVb Super Scale 1450mm MTO Scheme Warbird

The Iron Maiden Spitfire is a replica Spitfire which is used to buzz their stage whilst they are performing their "Aces High" number during the much vaunted "Legacy of the Beast Tour". This modification will turn your Avios Spitfire Mk5b MTO into this unique, and impressive rendition of the most famous fighter in the world. The best place to start is with a Revell 1/32nd Iron Maiden Aces High Spitfire Gift Set. This accurate scale model is perfect as a guide to obtain the details for the modifications. The gift set includes a set of accurate color paints, of course these are only supplied in small quantities, but they are perfect to make a color swatch to have matched at your local paint suppliers. You can also quite easily find the Federal Standard paint code for the colors you require. Take this code to your local supplier, and they will punch in the code which will give the perfect match of the color. The supplied decals in the Revell kit are very accurate but of course are too small, these will need scanning and resizing. Once you have done this you will need to send the files to a decal manufacturer, Callie Graphics are extremely helpful and produced the decals for our modification, contact them at the link shown below.

Of course, no modification to an Iron Maiden Aces High Spitfire would not be complete without an "Eddie the Head" Aces High pilot figure. NECA produce an 8" clothed action figure that is the perfect size (see link below). This brilliantly modelled figure wears a flying suit based on those worn by the Battle of Britain pilots during the dogfights as mentioned in the Iron Maiden's Aces High song lyrics. The Avios Mk5b is supplied with a Volks filter for use when the full-size was operating in desert conditions. This is not used on the Aces High modification, so just leave it with the standard cowling. The Revell kit will also show you which air scoops and other scale accessories you will need to use or to leave off. One thing the Mk2 doesn't have is the cannons, these need leaving off as this version just has machine guns.

Once all the above is done you need to bring the Aces High Spitfire to life with some subtle weathering, do not overdo this otherwise it looks wrong. Done well, weathering really enhances scale models such as the Spitfire, and really makes them stand out from the crowd. Follow the link below which takes you to some very good articles of how to achieve good weathering by our HobbyKing specialists. Also, if you are feeling adventurous, why not add some bullet holes as well! Turning your Avios Spitfire Mk5b into a replica of the Iron Maiden Aces High Spitfire Mk2 is both rewarding and fun, be the first at your local flying field with this fun rendition of the iconic Spitfire. To complete the illusion of being at a Iron Maiden concert, why not have "Aces High" blasting out from a Bluetooth speaker whilst you are flying your modified Spitfire?