Bricks, Masonry, Asphalt and Concrete - stucco panels? or real stucco?

Hi.

My 1972 home has painted grooved plywood siding which is not in the greatest shape. Its starting to splinter here & there but is solid. Id like to have a stucco sided home because I love the look & its weatherability. Im not experianced with stucco, but do not want to pay a contractor to apply it. I have a scafold system.

1) Is this difficult to apply? how do I learn?

2)Should I consider stucco panels like hardieboard?

3)Are there any other prefab panels I should consider?

Im tempted to seek a part time job with a stucco contactor just to learn the correct methods

Thanks before hand.

Mike K

Here is some information on stucco panels:

http://www.custompanelsystems.com/features.htm

http://www.lumbermens-inc.com/LP_hardboard_siding.htm

http://www.butlermfg.com/products/wall/texturewall.asp

http://www.rcoproducts.com/siding.html

Hope this helps.

Thanks for the urls:)

But how do I know which is the best stuff? I dont want to be involved in a law suite 10 years down the road.

Second.. Will any of these systems last as long as real stucco?

Where can I find a forum where the moderaters have actualy used these systems & would compare them & answer my specific questions?

Thanks

Mike