According to some embodiments, an apparatus comprises an air pump configured to couple to a capstan, and a pneumatic cylinder coupled to the air pump at a first end of the pneumatic cylinder. The pneumatic cylinder comprises a piston. Rotation of the capstan in a first rotational direction causes the air pump to provide air pressure to the first end of the pneumatic cylinder. In response to the air pump providing air pressure to the first end of the pneumatic cylinder, the piston of the pneumatic cylinder moves in a first linear direction. The piston is coupled to a longitudinal beam of a longitudinal door system of a railcar. In response to the piston moving in the first linear direction, the longitudinal beam moves in the first linear direction, opening a door of the longitudinal door system.