Wagon Station Customizers

A-Z West is the site of an ongoing investigation into issues of personal independence, self-sufficiency, and the need for community. We believe that in today’s society, forms of liberation are now most often achieved not by building large structures, but rather by shrinking down and finding ways to fit between the cracks and crevices of larger systems of authority and bureaucracies.

The latest structure currently in development here at A-Z West is the A-Z Wagon Station. It is based on two forms of great western shelter: the covered wagon and the station wagon. The covered wagons inspire us because they were primitive in design yet traversed incredibly difficult terrain and the station wagon because it is the smallest comfortable space for living in.

The A-Z Wagon station breaks into sections so that it’s components can be carried to difficult to reach locations. It small enough to go undetected if camouflaged to match the rugged desert terrain, and it’s intimate interior provides security and protection from the elements. Because the unit is portable it doesn’t need any special permits from the local building and safety department. Friends and coworkers who often stay at A-Z are currently customizing three of our Wagon Stations to reflect their own personal preferences and needs.

Hal MeFeely scavenged most of the components for his wagon station customization from the wood pile in the 29 Palms Marine Base, and in almost polar contrast Michael Stewart has created the mother of all luxury outposts with his wagon station with built in barbecue and cooler. It is hard to miss Russell Whitten’s Wagon Station (aka Freak Russ) which he has customized with high polish aluminum flames. Russ intended to provide shelter when he takes a break from riding his dirtbike across the hot desert near his home in Yucca Valley.

—from the HDTS 3 catalogue