A house on wheels, piloted by a Pith helmeted crew, the Neverwas Haul is a marvel to behold. Major Catastrophe a.k.a. Shannon O'Hare, the Hauls commander, gives us some insights into the Haul and the folks behind it.

Can you explain the concept and origin of the Neverwas Haul?

After building the Clocktower in '05, we were sitting in camp at Burning Man talking about our adventure so far. I thought how much we looked like some explorer's club from some Victorian sci-fi, then I went further and drew the first Neverwas Haul concept sketch of an explorer's club that really explores. I also got inspired by the book Snowcrash - there is a brief note about a Victorian house on tank treads in it.

How long did it take to construct and how many were involved in it’s creation?

4 months 12 people off and on.

This seemed like an expensive venture, how did you fund the project?

I did get some private funding from good people who believed in the project, the bulk of the money came from my pocket. Burning Man did give us tickets and half-price tickets which helped some. Because of the clever use of reuse materials we were able to keep the cost down overall.

I see smoke stacks but I hear the sound of a diesel engine, what powers the Haul?

The Haul was powered (more like under powered) by a 10 horse 1 cylinder diesel engine. We hope with future funding to build a proper steam engine to power the Haul.

I understand you broke down at Burning Man and ended up being towed by Kinetic Steam Works, what was the problem?

On our first drive on the playa, we lost the linkage between the drive motor and the wheels, and we had a problem with the throttle. Luckily, we ended up in front of Camp Carp, home of K.S.W., and they were steamed up and ready to roll. They towed us back to camp and later that night towed us around the playa all the way out to the Waffle and back. Liam and Peter went to Reno that night and the next day were able to get the parts to repair the damage. We were under our own power Saturday night for the burning of the Man, went inside the Waffle, and drove it again Sunday and Monday.

Do you always wear a pith helmet or only when onboard the Haul?

This is the standard head attire for the entire explorer's club, but a personal favourite of mine at many events this past year...especially when I'm playing Major Catastrophe, the character I created as the Master and Commander of the Neverwas Haul.

What is the Hauls full crew compliment?

Outside of the Commander, previously mentioned Major Catastrophe, there are 2 drivers (1 steers, 1 throttles), motor man in the engine room, a lookout on the Observation Deck, and at least 2 walkers to keep folks from getting under the wheels of the Haul while it is moving.

Where can folks go to view the Haul or get involved in the project?

The Haul is currently housed at the Shipyard (1010 Murray Street, Berkeley, CA 94710). You can also contact us through tribe.net. We will be putting together a website soon and will let you know how to access it through the tribe site.

Will you returning to Burning Man next year?

Burning Man 2007. Yes, we will be returning to continue the adventures of the explorer's club. We hope to bring more steam-powered devices and art pieces in a grand Exhibit Hall sponsored by the Hibernian Empire. This will be subject to funding, etc., but hope to continue the story in 2008 with a spectacular, grand finale involving fire!

For more infromation on the project visit tribe.net.