Iconic ‘Shawshank Redemption’ bus finds new home with Landoll’s help

Designed for large-scale hauling and recovery, the new Landoll 850XT trailer was utilized for hauling the famous ‘Shawshank’ bus.

Marysville, KS-based Landoll Trailers was tasked with transporting a piece of cinematic history – the iconic “Shawshank Redemption” bus – to Upper Sandusky and Mansfield, OH for the film’s 30th anniversary celebration. “The Shawshank Redemption” tells the story of Andy Dufresne (played by Tim Robbins), a banker wrongfully imprisoned for the murder of his wife and her lover, and his friendship with fellow inmate Ellis “Red” Redding (played by Morgan Freeman) over decades at Shawshank State Penitentiary.

The non-operational bus, featured in the film’s ending and previously on loan at Alabama State University, was transported 723-miles to Mansfield OH for the anniversary festivities, and then installed for permanent display. A local community advocate in Upper Sandusky, Bill Mullen, purchased the woodshop featured in the film and has since transformed it into a museum showcasing other memorabilia from Shawkshank Redemption.

Mullen had previously purchased another bus that was used in “The Green Mile,” was brought in by a Landoll trailer. The 1960 General Motors coach bus featured in “Shawshank” promised an easy load and unload process, so he decided to contact Landoll directly.

The Landoll team is seen in front of the iconic “Trailways” bus which is featured in the film’s ending.

On the move

The Landoll team included Loren Schmelzle, Phil Landoll and Paula Landoll-Smith, who recognized an opportunity to utilize their new 850XT trailer. Designed for large-scale hauling and recovery, the 850XT shares features with the current Landoll 800 series and offers loadable low deck height.

Salesman Will Stanard and driver Dave Ruhkamp coordinated with American Towing in Montgomery, AL, to maneuver and load the bus from a challenging location. Initial paperwork hurdles were navigated with the help of Dr. Howard Robinson, who worked tirelessly to finalize the necessary documentation. By August 6, 2024, the bus was in route to Ohio. The bus’ first stop was in Indianapolis, where Hedinger’s Equipment hosted a viewing and demo of the 850XT for local customers.

Dave Ruhkamp and Josh Landoll are pictured with “Red Redding” (Morgan Freeman). Several actors attended the celebration.

A timeless tribute

Upon arrival in Mansfield, OH, the bus drew attention from “Shawshank” fans worldwide, including at the Ohio State Reformatory, where much of the film was shot. Police escorts led the caravan to Upper Sandusky, where festivities included reenactments and speeches by key figures, including director Frank Darabont. Actors and extras mingled with attendees, bringing the beloved film’s legacy to life.

“I have seen a lot of really amazing things while working for Landoll,” said Stanard. “I’ve had the privilege of going to Cape Canaveral and have been inside the hangers used to store rockets. I’ve seen everything from giant buses to military equipment loaded onto trailers. But the transport of the ‘Shawshank’ bus is one of the coolest things I’ve ever been involved in.”

The bus will serve as a centerpiece at Mullen’s museum, commemorating one of the most beloved and recognized films.