Mark Kulka

AKA: Mark II, the Rustic Rocketeer

Location: Tupper Lake, NY

Certification Level: L1 NAR

Club Memberships: NAR, ASTRE #471

Favorite Rockets: Estes Astron Sprite, Semroc SLS and Deci-Scale series, FSI Nova and others, Art Applewhite Cinco,

Biography:

I avidly pursued the hobby as a kid in the 1960s, but hung up my microclips "temporarily" when I went off to college. I always planned to resume it again when time and circumstances permitted. Finally did so, 33 years later. Wow, had things changed. Very fervid backwoods BAR since 2004; NAR member since 2006. Level 1 cert. in 2011. I particularly enjoy building clones and reproduction kits of classic model rockets that I had longed for back in the 1960s, as well as those that subsequently came and went during my long hiatus. Those old designs are new to me! I missed a lot of great stuff and I am happily working to catch up. I enjoy and pursue the entire range of modern hobby rocketry, from micros to high power. If it's powered by a reaction motor, it's good. One of my ongoing projects is to build clones of every model rocket design that Flight Systems, Inc. produced during its 27 year history. I have also been building reproductions of many of the Estes "Mini Brutes" from the 1970s and 80s. My focus isn't all on the hobby's storied past, though; I am keenly interested in current and new designs, products and developments in the hobby in the present day. I greatly enjoy talking about all aspects of the hobby with fellow enthusiasts on rocket web forums and online social network sites. I am constantly getting blown away by the skills and creativity of fellow rocket people today, both the young and the "mature." I am particularly impressed by the level of sophistication and depth of knowledge of many of the young members of the hobby today, and the willingness to "pay forward" (along with the wit and humor!) that is demonstrated by the the older members.

Favorite Quote:

Rocketry Without Pity.

In the forest, no one can hear you order a grande caffè misto.

No one is ever "Mayor" of the wild places.

RocketReviews.com Pages:

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