diff --git a/shade/openstackcloud.py b/shade/openstackcloud.py
index 16e2baf99..420817431 100644
--- a/shade/openstackcloud.py
+++ b/shade/openstackcloud.py
@@ -216,7 +216,6 @@ class OpenStackCloud(object):
         self._glance_client = None
         self._glance_endpoint = None
         self._heat_client = None
-        self._ironic_client = None
         self._keystone_client = None
         self._neutron_client = None
         self._nova_client = None
diff --git a/shade/operatorcloud.py b/shade/operatorcloud.py
index ca2099bc2..16c0baae8 100644
--- a/shade/operatorcloud.py
+++ b/shade/operatorcloud.py
@@ -32,6 +32,10 @@ class OperatorCloud(openstackcloud.OpenStackCloud):
     See the :class:`OpenStackCloud` class for a description of most options.
     """
 
+    def __init__(self, *args, **kwargs):
+        super(OperatorCloud, self).__init__(*args, **kwargs)
+        self._ironic_client = None
+
     # Set the ironic API microversion to a known-good
     # supported/tested with the contents of shade.
     #