Abstract: In a system for providing access to a diesel engine of a locomotive, a hatch lifting mechanism is pinned to a hatch for enhancing the capabilities of pushing and pulling the hatch during its opening and closing operation. The hatch lifting mechanism allows the hatch to be set open at any desired position, using a positive rigid support at the desired position. The system further includes a two-force member comprising a collar, an ACME threaded rod, and a plunger situated inside a pipe, with minimal bending exerted on the hatch. Placing all of the moving elements inside the pipe enables the mechanism to operate in a hostile environment and in a confined space. The design of the hatch lifting mechanism of the present invention also prevents a lock-tight phenomenon between the collar and the plunger when the rod is fully extended out of the pipe.