Methods and apparatus for the manufacturing of prestressed reinforced concrete railroad ties in which the apparatus consists of an elongated spine or compression member which has no foundation but rather is independent of the supporting surface upon which it rests. In one version of the apparatus two bridge members confront the opposite ends of the spine and permanent tension resisting members pass beneath the spine from end to end of the spine and are attached to the lower ends of the bridge members. In another version two structural members are embedded in the concrete of the spine and protrude to provide terminal members.