Thanks for the additional information David and Trauth.
After playing around a bit and getting closer to the Red I was seeking, I realized that the failure was a perception issue on my part.
What I was looking to do was similar to what is seen here for Soviet counters:
http://www.matrixgames.com/forums/tm.asp?m=3565992
But after playing around further, I found that it was not the base colors that were lacking but rather the Unit and number coloring (Yellows, Whites) that provided contrast to the base Red and made the whole thing "come alive".
At this stage, it is beyond my skill and gaming time allowance to attempt such a challenging modification - so I will keep the "near red" that I have now.
That's unless talented folks like yourselves choose to take up the cause ...