A railcar hatch cover assembly having at least first and second covers each moveable between an open position and a closed position. First and second gears are mounted to the first and second covers, respectively. Third and fourth gears are mounted to a shaft that rotates between first, second, third, and fourth positions in sequence. The third gear is engaged with the first gear as the shaft rotates from the first position to the third position, and the fourth gear is engaged with the second gear as the shaft rotates from the second position to the fourth position. As the shaft rotates from the second position to the third position, the first cover assists in rotating the shaft and opening the second cover. The hatch cover assembly may have any number of covers, which as they move to an open position assist in the opening of another cover.