General Guide to Paint Schemes in Baltimore

General Paint Scheme Index for Baltimore Transit Vehicles
Dates in parentheses show the time frame of Delivery of the vehicles

Brill Semi-Convertible Streetcars (1905-1919)

As delivered, Brill Semi Convertibles wore a scheme consisting of Red bands above and beneath the windows, and on the dashers, as well as Cream bands on the lower skirts, and the roof. Block style numbers were placed in the center of the sides, and in the center of the dashers, above the headlight, and were Silver.
In 1919, cars were repainted into a scheme consisting of a Allentown Red body and window section, and a Buff roof. Numbers remained in their original location and style, and remained Silver as well.
In 1925, a new scheme for front-entrance cars debuted using a Cadmium Yellow body and window section, and a Gray roof, with numbers remaining as they were.
By 1926, the scheme changed to consist of a Canary Yellow body and roofline, Red body stripe, Cream window section, and a Dark Gray roof. Numbers remained in their original position, but were now Black Railroad Roman.
In 1927, rear-entrance cars were redone to carry a Bright Red body and roofline, Cream window sections, and a Dark Gray roof. Numbers remained in the center of the body sides, but were moved to both of the top corners of the dashers (and reduced), so as to be visible when operating in an MU train. Numbers remained Silver, and retained the original block style.
This system remained for years, until 1949, when NCL repaints simply involved painting the body Bright Yellow, and tarring the roof Black. Numbers were reduced, remaining Black Railroad Roman style, and were applied to the center of the dashers of front-entrance cars, while rear-entrance cars received small Black Railroad Roman numerals applied to the corners of the dashers, and additional lettering denoting their status as rear-entrance cars.

Early Chassis Buses (1915-1931)

It appears as if the earliest bus deliveries for the P.A.Y.E. Bus Company wore a Dark Yellow body and roofline, while having Cream skirting, window section, and roof. Lettering of a block style which was placed behind the door, was Gold.
United's first Brill buses, as well as later Republic made buses, and the first Double Decker buses, running under the Baltimore Transit Company name, appear to toned a solid Tan, with Gold Lettering, and Railroad Roman numerals, placed behind the operator on the sides.
Early Whites were a Solid Medium Blue, with Goldtrim and lettering in Railroad Roman placed behind the driver along the sides.
By 1929, buses were being delivered wearing a Blue body and roof, Gray window section and skirts, and Gold lettering in Block style placed in the center of the sides.
The double deckers of 1930 were delivered wearing a Desert Tan body, upper body, and roof, with Alexandria Blue Window sections and fenders, while displaying block numbers in the center of the sides of the lower deck, and on the center of the front of the upper deck in Gold.

Birney Safety Cars (1920-1921)

It appears as if the Birney safety cars arrived wearing the standard scheme of an Allentown Red body and window section, a Buff roof, and Silver block-style numbers in the center of the sides, in front below the headlamp, and in the center of the rear.
In the mid-1920's, cars were repainted with a Cadmium Yellow body and roofline, Cream window section, and a Buff roof. Numbers remained in the same style, but the front numbers were relocated to above the headlight.

Brill Trailer Cars (1920)

United's trailer cars debuted wearing the then-standard scheme of an all Allentown Red body and window section, topped with a Buffroof. Silverblock style numbers were placed above each truck, and in the center of the ends of the cars.
In 1927, some of the cars were redone in the rear entrance Semi scheme, with a Bright Red body, Cream window sections, and a Dark Gray roof. Numbers remained as they were.

Brill "Railless Cars" (1922)

As delivered, the original three Brill Railless Cars (Trackless Trolleys) were attired in a solid Allentown Red body and window section, and a Gray roof and numbers. Silver block style numbers were applied to the center of the sides, between the front headlights, and beneath the rear windows.
At least #4801 was later refurbished near 1930, and recieved a Bluebody and roofline, and a Gray belt, skirts, window section, roof, and numbers. The numbers on the front of the vehicle were removed to accomodate an additional headlamp.

Articulated Cars - PC Trains (1925-1926)

Since the Articulated cars were operated as front entrance, the cars debuted using a Cadmium Yellow body and window section, and a Gray roof, with numbers in the centers of the sides of both sections, and in the centers of the end dashers that were block style and Silver.
By 1926, the scheme changed to consist of a Canary Yellow body and roofline, Red body stripe, Cream window section, and a Dark Gray roof. Numbers remained in their original position, but were now Black Railroad Roman.

Peter Witt Streetcars (1930)

Peter Witt cars were delivered in the Front-Entrance scheme consisting of a Canary Yellowbody, a Bright Red beltrail, Cream window section, and a Buff Roof. Car numbers were in Railroad Roman, and were Black, placed below the headlight, on the right above each truck, on the left side in the center of the car, and on the rear below the rear center window.
Later the Red beltrail was narrowed.
In the late 1940's, cars 6100 and 6109 alone were given the standard "Fruit Salad" scheme consisting of a Bright Yellow body, Deep Green window section, and a Buff roof.
By 1950, any cars needing painting were given the new standard scheme of a Bright Yellow body and window section, while the rooves were tarred Black to try to preserve the canvas. Vehicle numbers on these repaints are smaller than original.

Early Cab-Forward type Buses (1933-1940)

Beginning in 1933, buses delivered no longer had hooded chassis fronts, hence the name Cab-Forward Buses.
The first deliveries of these buses had the standard bus scheme: Blue body, Silver belt, Cream window section, and Silver-Gray roof. Silver block style numbers were placed on the center of the sides of the buses, and below the rear windows. No front numbers were applied to the earliest models due to vents that took up most the front panel.
A 1935 delivery of ACF H-13's shows the use of Railroad Roman numbers, and small block-style numbers squeezed in on the upper front corners.
Delivery of the "Viaduct Coaches" in 1936, brought the PCC scheme to the bus fleet: Alexandria Blue body, Orange beltrail, Cream window section, and a Silver-Gray roof. Metallic Gold Railroad Roman numbers were placed on the center of the sides and back.
The single Super Twin articulated coach arrived wearing what appears to be an Alexandria Blue front and rear body that "swooshes" down to disappear in the center of the body, a White stripe above that that widens as it follows the swoosh, leaving a Warm Cream center body, and White Roof. Railroad Roman numbers appear to be White.
Four ACF Parlor type buses arrived wearing a Dark Blue cascading body, set of by Light Blue stripes and topped with a Light Blue window section and roof, accented by a Dark Blue background for Light Blue "BALTIMORE TRANSIT COMPANY" lettering along the roofline. Tiny gothic numbers were placed by the door.
Four Macks arrived in 1940, wearing a vivid scheme of Alexandria Blue side swooshes that raised and widened as they ran up the coach, only to dip down starting at the front wheelwell up to the headlights. The area inside the swooshes was Orange, while the window sections and open body to the rear were Cream. The roof was Silver-Gray. Three hoizontal bands of Alexandria Blue connected the swooshes across the front. Cream gothic numbers were applied near the wheelwells, while Alexandria Blue numbers were applied to the front and rear.

PCC Streetcars (1936-1944)

PCC cars were delivered in a new scheme that resulted from a contest held at the Maryland Institute College of Art. The scheme consisted of an Alexandria Blue body, Orange beltrail, Cream window section, and a Silver-Gray roof. Car numbers were Railroad Roman and were Metallic Gold (outlined in Black). Numbers were applied above the headlight, on right side above each truck, on the left in the center of the car, and on the rear below the rear window.
Wartime deliveries show the roof painted Buff, the car number on the right applied just in front of the center door, while the words "BALTIMORE TRANSIT" were applied behind the center door.
In the late 1940's, numerous cars were painted in the NCL "Fruit Salad" Scheme. of a Bright Yellow body, Deep Green window section, Bright Yellow above the windows, and a Silver-Gray roof. Car numbers were reduced, and were now applied in Black. A "BTCo" insignia was applied behind the front door.
By the early 1950's, all PCCs were repainted into a simpler scheme consisting of a Bright Yellow body and window section and a Silver-Gray roof. Car numbers were almost universally relocated on the front ends to the area above the destination sign so as to accomodate advertising racks.

Brill and Mack Trackless Trolleys (1938)

Baltimore's first modern trackless trolleys were delivered wearing a scheme of an Alexandria Blue body (that lowered as it approached the rear of the coach), an Orange belt of uniform width following the body swash (and inset with two Creamstripes at the front), a Cream window section of that descended to cover the body towards the rear of the coach, and a Buff roof. GoldRailroad Roman numerals were applied above the front bumper, below the rear window, and just behind the rear wheelwells on the sides.
After World War II, the coaches made it into the standard NCL "Fruit Salad" scheme of a Bright Yellow body, Deep Green window section, and an Off-White roof. Numerals were reduced, and changed to Black, the side numerals being relocated to above and before the rear wheelwells.

Pullman-Standard Trackless Trolleys (1938-1944)

The first Pullman tracklesses were delivered wearing the same scheme of an Alexandria Blue body (that lowered as it approached the rear of the coach), an Orange belt of uniform width following the body swash (and inset with two Creamstripes at the front), a Cream window section of that descended to cover the body towards the rear of the coach, and a Buff roof that the 1938 Brills and Macks wore. GoldRailroad Roman numerals were applied above the front bumper, below the rear window, and just behind the rear wheelwells on the sides.
Later orders and repaints were given a modified version of the PCC scheme. An Alexandria Blue body of uniform width, Orange beltrail, Cream window sections, and a Silver-Gray roof. Side numerals were relocated to the center of the coach.
By 1947, the NCL "Fruit Salad" scheme was adopted consisting of a Bright Yellow body, Deep Green window section, and an Off-White roof. Black Railroad Roman numerals replaced the originals, with the side numerals again relocated to just fall just before the rear wheelwells.
In the 1950's, the coaches appeared in another scheme consisting of a Bright Yellow body and window section, and a Silver-Gray roof. The numbers moved once again, this time to fall just behind the front wheelwells on the sides.

Yellow and GM Old-Look Buses (1938-1959)

The first Yellow coaches arrived wearing a flamboyant scheme of Alexandria Blue side swooshes that raised and widened as they ran up the coach, only to dip down starting at the front wheelwell up to the headlights. The area inside the swooshes was Orange, while the window sections and open body to the rear were Cream. The roof was Silver-Gray. Three hoizontal bands of Alexandria Blue connected the swooshes across the front. Cream Railroad Roman numbers were placed in the Orange area on the sides.
Later deliveries show the numbers in Metallic Gold, relocated to the Alexandria Blue area near the wheelwells, and in the Cream area on the front, above the bands.
Wartime repaints show the scheme greatly simplified: Alexandria Blue Body, Orange belt, Cream Window area, and a Buff roof. Side numbers relocated much further rearward.
Five late war coaches wore a simple scheme of a Gray body, and a White window section and roof. Side numbers returned to a forward position.
A postwar delivery of 100 buses wore a Lemon Yellow body and window section, Bright Blue belt that flared in the back, and dipped to a "V" in the front, and a White roof. Large Railroad Roman numbers were placed below the front widshield, rear windows, and over the left front wheelwell.
After NCL control, GM's were attired in the "Fruit Salad Scheme": Bright Yellow body with Deep Green window section, and a White roof. Black Railroad Roman numbers were placed between the headlights, in the front center of the sides, and below the rear window.
The scheme was later modified to have an all-Yellow body and window section, and a Silver-Gray roof. Rear numbers were placed above the rear window.
In the 1960's, the scheme was modified to "Two-Tone Green": an all Mint Green body, with a Pine beltrail.
Later, the rooves on the coaches was repainted to White, and the front number was reduced and placed on the lower corner beneath the headlight.
Under MTA ownership, some buses were redone wearing a wrapped Light Blue front that narrowed to a beltrail, becoming Chartreuse Green behind the MTA "T" emblem, Dull Silver body, and a White window section, roof, and windshield border. Numbers were small White Helvetica, placed on the lower front corners, and small Black Helvetica, placed below the rear window.

Ford Buses (1940, 1946-1947)

Prewar Fords arrived wearing a unique Scheme of an Alexandria Blue lower body, Cream Body, and a Warm Orange window section and roof, set off by Alexandria Blue pinstripes, including one that formed slight "V" in the front. Numbers were placed in the center of all sides.
Postwar Ford buses were delivered wearing a version of the Fruit Salad scheme: Bright Yellow body, Deep Green window area, and a White roof. Black Railroad Roman numbers were placed on the fronts between the vents. and on the rear below the rear windows.
The scheme was later simplified to a Bright Yellow body and window section, and White roof. Numbers were added behind the front wheelwells in a space formerly occupied by the words "BALTIMORE TRANSIT," which was reduced to the "BTCo" logo, now placed by the rear wheelwell

Brill TC-44 Trackless Trolleys (1948)

Brill Tracklesses were delivered in the Fruit Salad scheme, Bright Yellow body with Deep Green window section, and a White roof. Black Railroad Roman numbers were placed between the headlights, in the front center of the sides, and below the rear window.
The scheme was later modified to have an all-Yellow body and window section, and a Silver-Gray roof. Side numbers were placed farther rearward.

ACF-Brill Buses (1948-1949)

ACF'S were delivered in the Fruit Salad scheme, Bright Yellow body with Deep Green window section, and a White roof. Black Railroad Roman numbers were placed between the headlights, in the front center of the sides, and below the rear window.
The scheme was later modified to have an all-Yellow body and window section, and a Silver-Gray roof.
In the 1960's, the scheme was modified to "Two-Tone Green": an all Mint Green body, with a Pine beltrail and numbers in the original positions.
Later, the rooves on some coaches was repainted to White, and the front number was reduced and placed on the lower corner beneath the headlight.

GM New-Look Buses (1963-1974)

The original BTC fishbowls arrived wearing a sporty scheme of a Silver sided body and skirts, Metallic Mint front and window sections, Pine Green beltrail that narrowed to a pinstripe as it curved around the front of the coach, and a White roof. Numbers consisted of a Pine Green Railroad Roman placed on the lower right front corner, and a Mint Green placed in the center of the stripe under the rear window.
Beginning in 1971, the State scheme debuted: Coaches wore a Light Blue wrapped front that narrowed to a beltrail along the side. The beltrail changed to Chartreuse Green behind the flying "T" emblem. Body sides were Silver with Dark Gray skirts, and the roof and window sections were White. Numbers were white helvetica placed on the two front corners below the headlights, and in the center of the rear stripe. The lip around the windshield was painted White.
Later paints show the numbers enlarged and placed above the door and driver window in White, and below the windshield and on a Metal plate placed on the A/C vent (in Black).
The beltrail behind the "T" was later changed toLight Blue.
Around 1981, an experimental scheme was applied to a number of buses: All White (still with silversides), with a uniform width Dark Blue stripe that dipped around the windshield.
By 1983, the scheme changed to mirror the lines of the original scheme. Silver sides, Dark Blue front and Stripe, and White window section, skirts, windshield lip, and roof. Large numbers on the sides were relocated to the center of the stripe, just behind the back door.

Flxible New-Look Buses (1973-1975)

The first Flxibles delivered in 1973 had a version of the GM New-Look scheme. Coaches wore a Light Blue wrapped front that narrowed to a beltrail along the side. The beltrail changed to Chartreuse Green behind the flying "T" emblem. Body sides were Silver with Dark Gray skirts, and the roof and window sections were White. Numbers were White helvetica placed on the two front corners below the headlights, and a Black Helvetica placed directly below the rear window. The '73 models were mistakenly delivered with White around the destination sign area (intended to be Light Blue), and were fixed before entering service so that only the area around the windshield was White.
The 1975 Flxibles arrived with the above scheme, corrected.
Later paints show the numbers enlarged and placed above the door and driver window in White, and below the windshield and on a Metal plate placed on the A/C vent (in Black).
The beltrail behind the "T" was later changed to Light Blue.
Around 1981, an experimental scheme was applied to a number of buses: All White (still with silversides), with a uniform width Dark Blue stripe that dipped around the windshield.
By 1983, the scheme changed to mirror the lines of the original scheme. Silver sides, Dark Blue front and Stripe, and White window section, skirts, windshield lip, and roof. Large numbers on the sides were relocated to the center of the stripe, just behind the back door.

GM RTS-II Buses (1979-1980)

As delivered, the RTS II coaches carried a scheme of a White Body (and bumpers), and a modification of the State new-look scheme: Light Blue wrapped front narrowing to a beltrail that changed to Chartreuse Green behind the "T" emblem, which was placed above the rear wheelwell. Rear endcap was Black (and sloped) with a White border. Window section was Black, and the roof was White. Numbers were White large Helvetica placed on the front corners above the headlight, on the side stripe behind the driver area, and near the top of the solid endcap piece.
In the early 1980's, some coaches recieved Light Blue paint behind the "T" emblem as well.
The sloped endcap was replaced with a vertical back containing a new air conditioner, and the number was located in bottom of the Black vented area.
In the mid 1980's, the scheme was revised, and coaches were repainted all White with a Black window section and bordered endcap, and a uniform width Dark Blue Stripe around the circumference of the vehicle. Some, but not all coaches received the new MTA logo instead of the old "T" emblem.

Grumman and Flxible Metro Buses (1982-1995)

As delivered, MTA's Grummans and Metros (until 1985) carried a White body, Blue beltstripe running the circumference of the coach that dipped and narrowed slightly under the windshield, Black window area and a White roof. Numbers were White Helveticas placed in the center of the stripe in the front of the coach, on the side behind the driver area in the stripe, and on the rear right upper corner. Flying "T" emblem was centered above the rear wheelwell.
Grummans alone had the flying "T" emblem somehow reversed on the left side.
Starting in 1986, the "T" emblem was replaced with the new MTA logo in a rectangular area, modified in 1987 to a trapesoidal area.
In 1997, the scheme was modified so that the area above the beltstripe, originally containing a thin White spacer stripe, was widened to an 8" wide White stripe in this area. The stripe was no longer carried across the back of the coach.
In October of 1999, this was modified again so that the A/C grill, orignally Black with a White border, was changed to become all-White, so as to make the appearance more consistent with the NABI scheme.
Selected Coaches have, since 2001, been repainted into a new "MTA Maryland" Scheme, of all White, with a Yellow, Black, and Red slice wrap graphic denoting the state flag colors.

Neoplan Buses (1986)

As delivered, the Neoplan buses, came with a White body, Blue stripe, Black window area, and a White Roof. Numbers were applied within the stripe on the front corners, behind the driver area, and in the center of the back above the A/C vents (in which the entire area was painted Black). Numbers are White Helvetica. These were the last coaches delivered with the flying "T" emblem.
Before entering service, the "T" emblem was replaced with the new MTA logo.
Beginning in 1989, the Neoplans were repainted with front numbers now centered, the slope of the stripe behind the front lessened, and the back redone to have a white border to make its appearace more similar to that of the Metros.

Ikarus and NABI Buses (1995-2000)

NABI and Ikarus buses have been delivered wearing another modification of the long standing MTA livery. Coaches have a White body, Blue beltsripe with another White area above, Black Window area, and White roof and back. Numbers are placed in the center of the black lip below the windshield, in the stripe behind the driver area, and on the rear right corner of the bus. All numbers are White Helvetica, except the rear number, which is Blue.
Artics are embellished with a small pinstripe below the main belt, running the sides and front of the bus, and a small Blue stripe on the roofline.
9700 series alone were delivered with squatter bolder numbers, but as these coaches are repainted, they are replaced with lighter weight ones.
Over a four year period, all remaining coaches have, since 2001, been repainted into a new "MTA Maryland" Scheme, of all White, with a Yellow, Black, and Red slice wrap graphic denoting the state flag colors.

Neoplan Low Floor Buses (2002)

All Coaches were delivered with the "MTA Maryland" Scheme, of all White, with a Yellow, Black, and Red slice wrap graphic denoting the state flag colors.

New Flyer Low Floor Buses (2004-Present)

All Coaches were delivered with the "MTA Maryland" Scheme, of all White, with a Yellow, Black, and Red slice wrap graphic denoting the state flag colors.