Abstract: An apparatus and method in which a radially and axially expandable and contractable tire building drum is used in a single-stage building of a pneumatic tire carcass, particularly tire carcasses for heavy service. The essential parts of the tire are applied and the manufacturing steps are accomplished without transferring or removing the tire carcass from the drum upon which it is built. The essential parts are applied and steps are accomplished including applying the carcass layers, positioning of the bead wire rings, turning the marginal edges around the bead wire rings, rolling and stitching, shaping the carcass into the toroidal configuration, applying, rolling and stitching of a reinforcing belt and a tread and application and shaping of the sidewalls. Shaping of the carcass into the toroidal configuration is accomplished by pneumatic pressure being applied between the carcass and the building drum.