Abstract: A self-positioning cushioning device adapted to be mounted in the end of a rail car sill includes a hydraulic cylinder and yoke. A piston rod extends from the cylinder and is joined to one end of a yoke. The other end of the yoke is joined to a rail car coupler through a drawbar. A preloaded stack of elastomer pads is confined in a pocket in the yoke between a pair of stop plates which extend laterally of the yoke to engage stops during movement of the yoke, rod and piston in response to buff and draft impacts. The cylinder is filled with pressurized hydraulic fluid which maintains the piston in a central neutral position with the stop plate adjacent to coupler held against stops on the rail car sill. Buff impacts are cushioned first by the cylinder and at the end of the stroke by both the cylinder and the spring. Draft impacts are cushioned by both the cylinder and the spring.