Redbird trains

These cars were painted a deep red to combat graffiti,[2] which had become a major problem in the late 1970s and early 1980s.

The color was referred to as "Gunn Red" or "Broad Street Red" in honor of its originator David L. Gunn, the former SEPTA General Manager who became President of the New York City Transit Authority during this period.

[3] Initially entering service in various colors, these cars received the new paint scheme between 1984 and 1989.

The BMT Redbirds were retired from 1989 to 1993, with the final R30 trip taking place on the C on June 25, 1993.

[2][4] 1,292 Redbirds have been sunk at sea off the coasts of Delaware (Redbird Reef), Georgia, New Jersey, South Carolina, and Virginia as artificial reefs to promote marine life, to serve as a barrier, and to enhance recreational scuba diving by Weeks Marine Inc.