Yard operations

[NW Modeling List]

I have some technical questions that need some answers before I 
finalize my train layout.
I'm modeling the south western VA area, in the 1930's.  1934 to be precise.
I have a 12 by 20 foot area, and want it to go around the room, with 
3 foot wide areas on the sides and 4 foot wide down the long sides.
I want to do a "twice around" with some grades.
It'll be double track mainline all around, and perhaps 3 track up the 
hill...maybe.

My questions:

1. Do the mainlines go to the outside of the yard track, or snake 
thru the middle?
2. Should the yard be 2 separate mini yards next to each other, one 
east, one west?
3. were the semaphores still in use by 1934, or were the round 
targets in use by then?
4. What colors did N&W use for the utility and station buildings.

OK, One last question for my dad, Who models the Southern RR in the same era:
What colors were they using on the Stations?  White with southern green trim?

Mark Lindsey
Stuck in the 1930's