Neverwas Haul, Steampunk Victorian House on wheels

The Neverwas Haul, one of the most celebrated creations in the steampunk world, has gotten a makeover and a new temporary home near a brewpub in Vallejo, California. Built in 2006 by Obtainium Works, the self-propelled Victorian house is often seen in photos cruising the playa at Burning Man. Until March, it was on display in downtown Las Vegas, first at the Lyft Art Park, beginning in Sept. 2018, and later at another location on Fremont Street.

But from now through the end of November – and perhaps longer – it will be open for tours on Sunday afternoons near the Mare Island Brewing Co. on Mare Island in Vallejo. That’s a few miles from Obtainium Works’ home base near the city’s downtown.

After months in the Las Vegas sun, the Haul needed some fixes, so Obtainium Works recruited volunteers to give it a makeover. “We removed all the walls and panels [and] did repairs, painting, and restoration,” explains Kathy O’Hare, who helps manage the art studio. “We also power washed the exterior and applied fresh sealant.” And they added new curtains. The renovated Haul opened for tours on Aug. 1. Long-Standing Fascination
Since its debut at Burning Man in 2006, the Neverwas Haul has become a steampunk icon. It returned to Burning Man six times from 2007 through 2015, and made three appearances at Maker Faire Bay Area, in 2007, 2008, and 2009. It was also prominently featured in Vintage Tomorrows, a documentary about steampunk. Some 15 years after its original construction, steampunk fans around the world continue to express fascination with the Victorian house on wheels.

Obtainium Works leader Shannon O’Hare has said he got his original inspiration from Neal Stephenson’s Snow Crash, which describes a virtual world with Victorian houses on tank treads. O’Hare eventually decided to build it on the base of a fifth-wheel travel trailer, which proved to be more practical.

Signs on Neverwas Haul
He’s crafted a backstory where the Traveling Academy of UnNatural Science uses the Neverwas Haul to circumnavigate the globe on behalf of the Hibernian Steam Empire and its Ministry of Insanity. “Hibernia” is the classic Latin name for Ireland, which is a major world power in this alternate reality.

The Haul has been described as a steampunk RV, but Shannon has said “it’s really meant as a clubhouse and art piece rather than a camper.”

More interesting facts about the Haul:

• It measures 24 feet long by 24 feet high and 12 feet wide.
• It’s powered by an 18-hp Honda utility engine and reaches a top speed of 3 to 4 mph.
• It has four major sections: The engine room, command deck, lounge, and observation deck.
• It can carry 25 to 30 passengers.

The New Location
The Haul’s new location is an outdoor art space behind the historic Coal Sheds on Mare Island. It shares the space with the Gummy Bear Pyramid, a 14-foot art installation by DiCapria, and “Tumble Leaf” metal sculptures by Karen Cusolito.