The red fascia is more transparent because it filters out much more light than the blue or green versions (the VFD itself generates a blue/green hue). Even so, the red display is still less bright than either blue or green.

It is interesting to hear that you find the red display readable - as far as I can remember you're the only person who has ever reported it that way around.

There were some very early blue displays that were very dark and unreadable, but those were only fitted to the first few Mk.2 players and replacements were offered.

Rob