Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for retaining the rails of a railroad on the cross ties. Also disclosed herein is a novel railroad cross tie which has superior life expectancy as well as damping capability and is highly resistant to the elements of nature.A hollow metallic tie element has disposed therein a plurality of support blocks which are constrained within the tie member. An overlying rail member is secured to the tie through the block members by bolt means which run between the rail, tie dampers, and support collars.