Zimmerit

Don't give up on putty, it's a lot easier than it seems.
If you take a look through the two sticky posts at the top of the forum. There has been a fair amount of discussion in regards to zimmerit that may be of some use to you. The discussion has covered many different methods. I'm sure you'll find one that best suits you.

The "May 2002" issue of Fine Scale Modeler has a great article on six ways to do zimmerit.

Cavalier used to also make precut zimmerit in thin sheets that you could glue on.

You should give putty a fair chance. Its not as bad as it seems. I've done it over the course of a few days and in the end its so rewarding. The trick is to be patient. If your getting tired of it then take a break and work on something else.

Hey thanks alot Erock the artical gave me some useful info.

There are several different ways to apply Zim.....other than putty. Cavalier makes a decent Photo-etched Zim along with Eduard. More brave souls have done the "hot knife" trick. A heated knife, screwdriver or other tool, is pressed into the plastic, to produce the Zim.

Here is an article that may help:

http://www.track-link.net/articles/15