Rail Transit
Rail Transit Gas Springs: Train Seating and Access Panel Struts
Passenger and conductor seats that lock smoothly, fold-down tables and berths that stay level on the track, and service hatches that lift with steady force. We custom-manufacture lockable gas springs and compression support rods around your railcar spec from prototype samples to OEM production.
- Elastic and Rigid Locking Train Seat Gas Springs
- Steady Compression Lift Struts Up to 2,000 N
- Custom Strokes, Forces and Metal or Plastic End Fittings
Where We Fit
One Railcar, Five Ways to Move
Every cabin seat, operator console, and exterior service panel carries a different load. Here is where each rail transit gas spring series does the work.
Passenger and Operator Seats
Elastic locking in both directions with a stable force curve and low spring-rate ratio to cushion track vibration.
Fold-Down Tables and Footrests
Tension rigid locking in the extension direction delivers high resistance to pulling, keeping tray tables secure.
Operator Consoles and Desks
Single-tube rigid locking in compression stays firm under downward load for height-adjustable cab consoles.
Sleeper Berths and Folding Bunks
Double-tube compression rigid locking gives more gas volume and a higher stroke-to-cylinder ratio in tight spaces.
Access Panels and Luggage Bins
Non-locking compression gas springs provide steady lifting force from mini 4 mm rods up to 2,000 N heavy-duty struts.
Choose Your Series
Pick the Spring by How the Part Moves
Ask two questions: does the rail component need to lock mid-stroke, and which direction does the load act? Compare all five rail transit gas spring series below.
| Series | Product Name | Locking Type | Force (F1/F2) | Stroke | Piston Rod (mm) | Product Page |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NTG | Ordinary Elastic Lockable Gas Spring | Elastic (both directions) | 11 to 225 lbf (50 to 1,000 N) | 0.4 to 19.7 in (10 to 500 mm) | 10 | View NTG |
| NTA | Tension Rigid Lockable Gas Spring | Rigid in extension | 11 to 281 lbf (50 to 1,250 N) | 0.4 to 19.7 in (10 to 500 mm) | 8, 10 | View NTA |
| NTB | Compression Rigid Lockable (Single Tube) | Rigid in compression | 11 to 112 lbf (50 to 500 N) | 0.8 to 13.8 in (20 to 350 mm) | 10 | View NTB |
| NTC | Compression Rigid Lockable (Double Tube) | Rigid in compression (dual tube) | 16 to 101 lbf (70 to 450 N) | 2.0 to 19.7 in (50 to 500 mm) | 8, 10 | View NTC |
| NTF / NTZ | Compression Gas Spring (Support Rod) | Non-locking steady lift | 3.4 to 450 lbf (15 to 2,000 N) | 1.6 to 17.7 in (40 to 450 mm) | 4, 6, 8, 12 | View NTF / NTZ |
Inside the Cylinder
Elastic Cushion or Rigid Lock
Every rail transit application demands specific motion control. In our lockable gas springs, an internal piston valve lets you stop and hold any position in the stroke. NTG locks elastically in both directions with a stable force curve and low spring-rate ratio so passenger seats absorb track shock. NTA locks rigidly against extension pulling forces up to 1,250 N, while single-tube NTB and double-tube NTC lock firmly under downward compression loads.
Need Non-Locking Lift Support? Our NTF and NTZ compression gas springs deliver steady lifting force from 15 N up to 2,000 N without mid-stroke locking, built to raise and hold overhead bin doors, machinery guards, and exterior service hatches safely open.
Make It Yours
Sized, Finished and Fitted to Your Drawing
Once your series is selected, we build each gas strut to your exact railcar geometry, with piston rod diameters from 0.16 to 0.47 in (4 to 12 mm) and strokes from 0.4 to 19.7 in (10 to 500 mm).
Rods and Finishes
Piston rods in 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 mm depending on series, plus up to five finishes to match cabin trim.
End Fittings
Single-ear and double-ear gas spring end fittings in metal or plastic for seat frames and access panels.
Pull-Switch Release
Metal or plastic pull-switch fittings connect to remote cable actuators for effortless seat and table adjustment.
How We Work
From First Sample to Full Production
Three straightforward steps from your railcar seat or panel drawing to custom OEM production batches.
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Share Your Design
Send your drawing, or use our gas strut force calculator with your lid or seat weight, stroke, and mounting points.
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Test Prototype Samples
We build custom OEM prototype samples to your exact force, stroke, rod diameter, and end-fitting specification for fit and function trials.
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Go to OEM Production
Every batch is manufactured to consistent force tolerances so every seat strut and access panel support rod performs reliably in service.
Industry Solutions
Explore Gas Springs Across Every Industry
We custom-manufacture gas springs, gas struts, and gas shocks for five additional OEM sectors.
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Automotive SolutionsAutomotive
Automotive Gas Springs and Struts
Custom tailgate lift supports, hood struts, and locking seat recline springs engineered up to 2,000 N.
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Furniture SolutionsFurniture
Furniture and Cabinet Gas Springs
Quiet cabinet lid struts and locking gas springs for recliners, chairs, and standing desks.
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Medical SolutionsMedical Devices
Medical and Hospital Bed Gas Springs
Precision locking gas springs and double-tube struts for hospital beds, surgical tables, and medical carts.
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Industrial SolutionsIndustrial
Heavy-Duty Industrial Gas Springs
High-force industrial gas struts and support rods up to 2,000 N for machine guards and hatches.
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Aerospace SolutionsAerospace
Aerospace and Aircraft Gas Springs
Reliable aircraft gas springs and lockable struts for aviation seating, tray tables, and overhead bins.
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Get a Rail Transit QuoteCurrent Page
Rail Transit and Train Gas Springs
Durable train seat locking gas springs, double-tube struts, and access panel support rods up to 2,000 N.
NTG, NTA, NTB or NTC: which lock do I need for rail interiors?
NTG provides elastic locking in both directions for cushioned train seat recline. NTA locks rigidly in the extension direction against pulling loads. NTB and NTC lock rigidly in the compression direction against downward loads: choose single-tube NTB for compact strokes (20 to 350 mm) or double-tube NTC when you need a longer stroke-to-cylinder ratio (50 to 500 mm).
When should I choose NTF or NTZ over a lockable gas spring?
Choose NTF or NTZ compression gas springs when you need a steady lifting force (15 to 2,000 N) without mid-stroke locking, such as overhead luggage bin lids, undercarriage battery boxes, and maintenance hatches.
How do I work out the force for a train seat or access panel?
Use our online gas strut force calculator or send us the panel weight, center of gravity, and mounting points. Our engineers will size the exact force and stroke for your rail application.
What end fittings and release options are available?
All five rail transit series support single-ear, double-ear, and pull-switch end fittings in either metal or plastic, making it easy to pair brackets or remote release levers with your assembly.
Let Us Size Your Rail Transit Gas Spring
Tell us what you need to move. Our engineers will reply with the right spec recommendation and a clear quote.
Have drawings? Email info@newtonmatic.com