Sir Topham Hatt

"You are lucky Gordon, to have a controller who knows how to run railways."

- Flying Scotsman, Enterprising Engines

   Sir Topham Hatt, the "Fat Controller" Sir Topham Hatt, nicknamed "the Fat Controller" (previously known as "the Fat Director"), is the manager of the North Western Railway.

The Fat Controllers
So far, there have been three controllers in charge of the North Western Railway.

Sir Topham Hatt I (1880-1956)
Topham Hatt was apprenticed at Swindon Works at age fourteen and seems to have struck a friendship with W. A. Stanier during his time there. He came to Sodor in 1901 and joined A. W. Dry & Co. at Tidmouth. On their recommendation, he became engineer to the Tidmouth, Knapford and Elsbridge Light Railway in 1909, the Tidmouth, Wellsworth & Suddery in 1912, and the North Western Railway upon its formation in 1914. On the North Western Railway, he rose to be general manager in 1923, managing director in 1936, and upon Nationalisation in 1948, he was created a baronet on his appointment as chairman of the Regional Executive.

He married Jane, sister of Mr. Handel Brown, and retired in 1954 in favour of his son Charles, whom the board had no hesitation in electing as his successor.

In The Three Railway Engines and Thomas the Tank Engine, he was nicknamed The Fat Director before his nickname changed to The Fat Controller in James the Red Engine.

Sir Charles Topham Hatt II (1914-1997)
Sir Charles Topham Hatt was the Fat Controller from 1954 to 1984, when he retired in favour of his own son. During his period of office, he began improvements to the harbour at Knapford, planned by his father, and reopened the Arlesburgh branch in 1965/6, being responsible for the construction of the Arlesdale Railway and for establishing the ballast consortium which uses it.

His cousin, Sir Handel Lloyd Brown II, was born in 1924. He married Amanda Croarie in 1940 and they had two children, Stephen Topham, born 1941, and Bridget, born 1943. Charles inherited his father's baronetcy in 1956.

Sir Stephen Topham Hatt III (1941-)
Sir Stephen Topham Hatt (who first appeared in Toby the Tram Engine while on a family holiday in East Anglia with his parents and grandfather) became the Fat Controller in 1984, succeeding to his father's baronetcy in 1997. In 1970, he married Helen Margaret, a distant cousin and granddaughter of the Reverend Nicholas Dreswick, the much-respected historian of Sodor. They had three children: Richard Topham, born in 1972 and no doubt destined to be Sir Topham Hatt IV (his father will be seventy-four in 2015, though he has, as yet, given no hint of retiring), Charles Nicholas (1974-) and Emily Helen (1977-).

With great skill, he masterminded the arrangements for the royal visit in 1995, when he welcomed the Prince of Wales on his visit to Sodor.

The Fat Controller in the television series
In the television series there is only one Fat Controller. He can be described as a combination of the three controllers from the Railway Series. He considers himself a gentleman of merit, and has no favourite engines.

Prior to his becoming Controller of the North Western Railway, Sir Bertram Topham Hatt owned a Sentinel steam lorry named Elizabeth, who notes that he wasn't the best driver. When he was a young man, Edward always took him aboard an old coach on his birthday. The Fat Controller later received his knighthood for his service to the railway industry. Sir Topham was also the controller of the Skarloey Railway, until Mr. Percival was hired to help him manage the ever-increasing size of his railway industry. In the sixteenth season, he gained a track inspection car named Winston, which is often used as a private transportation vehicle on the railway.

Sir Topham Hatt married Lady Hatt, and is the grandfather of Stephen and Bridget Hatt. He has a twin brother, Sir Lowham Hatt, and his mother is Dowager Hatt. According to the Official Website, "we have yet to meet his children".

As well as owning several engines, he owns a cat, two cars, and lives in a mansion somewhere on the outskirts of Wellsworth.

Persona
The Fat Controller is firm but fair. He can be strict, but also shows a fatherly side to the engines. He is quite a strong character and will remind the engines that he is in charge when they start to rebel against his authority. He does not stand bullying and, even though he is usually serious, he does enjoy a good laugh. Despite his kindness and fairness, however, there are times where he berates the engines for things beyond their control.

Attire
The Fat Controller is a short, stout gentleman. He is usually dressed in a black suit with grey trousers, a cream or yellow waistcoat, a black tie, and a top hat. He is most often depicted as having thinning grey hair and blue eyes.

Appearances
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Railway Series

 * The Three Railway Engines
 * Thomas the Tank Engine
 * James the Red Engine
 * Tank Engine Thomas Again
 * Troublesome Engines
 * Henry the Green Engine
 * Toby the Tram Engine
 * Gordon the Big Engine
 * Edward the Blue Engine
 * Percy the Small Engine
 * The Eight Famous Engines
 * Duck and the Diesel Engine
 * The Twin Engines
 * Branch Line Engines
 * Stepney the "Bluebell" Engine
 * Very Old Engines (mentioned)
 * Main Line Engines
 * Small Railway Engines (does not speak)
 * Enterprising Engines
 * Oliver the Western Engine
 * Tramway Engines
 * Really Useful Engines
 * James and the Diesel Engines
 * More About Thomas the Tank Engine
 * Gordon the High-Speed Engine
 * Toby, Trucks and Trouble
 * Thomas and the Twins
 * Thomas and the Great Railway Show
 * Thomas Comes Home
 * Henry and the Express
 * Wilbert the Forest Engine
 * Thomas and the Fat Controller's Engines
 * Thomas and Victoria
 * Thomas and his Friends

Television series

 * Season 1 - Thomas and Gordon (cameo), The Sad Story of Henry, Edward, Gordon and Henry, Thomas' Train, Thomas and the Trucks, Thomas and the Breakdown Train, James and the Coaches, Troublesome Trucks, James and the Express, Thomas and the Guard (mentioned), Thomas Goes Fishing, Thomas and Bertie (mentioned), Tenders and Turntables (does not speak), Trouble in the Shed, Percy Runs Away, Coal, The Flying Kipper, Whistles and Sneezes, Toby and the Stout Gentleman, Thomas in Trouble, Dirty Objects, Off the Rails, Down the Mine, and Thomas' Christmas Party
 * Season 2 - Thomas, Percy and the Coal (does not speak), Saved from Scrap (mentioned), Old Iron, Percy and the Signal (does not speak), Duck Takes Charge, The Runaway, Percy Takes the Plunge, Pop Goes the Diesel, Dirty Work, A Close Shave, Break Van, The Deputation, Thomas Comes to Breakfast, Daisy, Percy's Predicament, Wrong Road (does not speak), Edward's Exploit (does not speak), and Thomas and the Missing Christmas Tree
 * Season 3 - A Scarf for Percy, Percy's Promise, Time for Trouble, Gordon and the Famous Visitor (cameo), Donald's Duck, Thomas Gets Bumped, Thomas, Percy and the Dragon, Diesel Does it Again, Henry's Forest, The Trouble with Mud, No Joke for James, Thomas, Percy and the Post Train, Mavis (mentioned), Toby's Tightrope, Edward, Trevor and the Really Useful Party (does not speak), One Good Turn, Tender Engines, Escape, Oliver Owns Up, Heroes, Percy, James and the Fruitful Day, and Thomas and Percy's Christmas Adventure (does not speak)
 * Season 4 - Sleeping Beauty (does not speak), Four Little Engines (does not speak), A Bad Day for Sir Handel, Peter Sam and the Refreshment Lady (does not speak), Trucks!, Home at Last, Special Funnel, Passengers and Polish, Thomas and Stepney (mentioned), Bowled Out, Henry and the Elephant, Toad Stands By, Thomas and the Special Letter, Paint Pots and Queens, Fish, Special Attraction, and Mind that Bike (mentioned)
 * Season 5 - Cranky Bugs, Horrid Lorry (cameo), A Better View for Gordon, Lady Hatt's Birthday Party, James and the Trouble with Trees, Gordon and the Gremlin, Bye George!, Baa!, Put Upon Percy, Toby and the Flood, Haunted Henry, Double Teething Troubles, Stepney Gets Lost, Toby's Discovery, Something in the Air, Thomas, Percy and Old Slowcoach, Thomas and the Rumours, Oliver's Find, Happy Ever After, Sir Topham Hatt's Holiday, A Surprise for Percy, Make Someone Happy, Duncan Gets Spooked, and Rusty and the Boulder
 * Season 6 - No Sleep for Cranky, Salty's Secret, Harvey to the Rescue, A Bad Day for Harold the Helicopter, Elizabeth the Vintage Lorry, The Fogman, Jack Jumps In (mentioned), It's Only Snow, Twin Trouble, The World's Strongest Engine, Scaredy Engines, Percy and the Haunted Mine, Middle Engine, James and the Red Balloon, Jack Frost, Gordon Takes a Tumble, Percy's Chocolate Crunch, Buffer Bother, Toby Had a Little Lamb, Thomas, Percy and the Squeak, Thomas the Jet Engine, Edward the Very Useful Engine, Dunkin Duncan, and Rusty Saves the Day
 * Season 7 - Emily's New Coaches, Percy Gets it Right, Bill, Ben and Fergus (mentioned), The Old Bridge, Edward's Brass Band, What's the Matter with Henry?, James and the Queen of Sodor, The Refreshment Lady's Tea Shop, The Spotless Record, Toby's Windmill, Bad Day at Castle Loch, Rheneas and the Roller Coaster, Salty's Stormy Tale, Snow Engine, Something Fishy, The Runaway Elephant, Peace and Quiet, Fergus Breaks the Rules, Bulgy Rides Again, Harold and the Flying Horse, The Grand Opening, Best Dressed Engine (mentioned), Gordon and Spencer, Not So Hasty Puddings, Trusty Rusty, and Three Cheers for Thomas
 * Season 8 - Thomas and the Tuba, Percy's New Whistle, Thomas to the Rescue, Henry and the Wishing Tree, James Gets a New Coat, Thomas Saves the Day, Percy's Big Mistake, Thomas, Emily and the Snowplough, Emily's New Route, Thomas and the Firework Display, Gordon Takes Charge, Spic and Span, Edward the Great, Squeak, Rattle and Roll, Thomas and the Circus, Thomas Gets It Right, As Good as Gordon, Fish, Emily's Adventure, Halloween, You Can Do it, Toby!, Chickens to School, Too Hot for Thomas, James Goes Too Far, and Percy and the Magic Carpet
 * Season 9 - Percy and the Oil Painting, Thomas and the Rainbow, Molly's Special Special (does not speak), Thomas' Milkshake Muddle, Thomas and the Toy Shop, Thomas and the Birthday Picnic, Tuneful Toots, Thomas and the New Engine, Toby Feels Left Out, Thomas Tries His Best, Thomas and the Statue, Henry and the Flagpole, Emily Knows Best, Thomas' Day Off, Thomas' New Trucks, Bold and Brave, Saving Edward, Thomas and the Golden Eagle, Keeping up with James, and Flour Power
 * Season 10 - Follow that Flour (does not speak), Thomas and the Jet Plane, Percy and the Funfair, The Green Controller, Toby's Afternoon Off, It's Good to be Gordon, Seeing the Sights, Toby's New Shed, Edward Strikes Out, Topped Off Thomas, Which Way Now?, Thomas and the Shooting Star, Big Strong Henry, Sticky Toffee Thomas, Thomas' Frosty Friend, Emily and the Special Coaches, Thomas and the Colours, Thomas and the Treasure, James the Second Best, and Thomas and Skarloey's Big Day Out
 * Season 11 - Hide and Peep (mentioned), Thomas and the Storyteller, Dream On, Dirty Work, Hector the Horrid!, Gordon and the Engineer, Thomas and the Spaceship, Henry's Lucky Day, Thomas and the Lighthouse, Smoke and Mirrors, Thomas Sets Sail, Don't be Silly, Billy, Edward and the Mail, Toby's Triumph, Thomas and the Runaway Car (does not speak), Thomas and the Stinky Cheese, and Percy and the Left Luggage
 * Season 12 - Thomas and the Billboard, Steady Eddie, Rosie's Funfair Special, Henry Gets It Wrong, Heave Ho Thomas!, Toby's Special Surprise, Excellent Emily, Saved You!, Tram Trouble, Gordon Takes a Shortcut, Thomas Puts the Brakes On, Percy and the Bandstand, and Best Friends
 * Season 13 - Creaky Cranky, The Lion of Sodor, Tickled Pink, Double Trouble, Slippy Sodor, The Early Bird, Play Time, Time For a Story, Percy's Parcel, Toby's New Whistle, A Blooming Mess, Thomas and the Runaway Kite, Steamy Sodor, Splish, Splash, Splosh!, The Biggest Present of All, Snow Tracks, Henry's Good Deeds, Buzzy Bees (mentioned), and Hiro Helps Out
 * Season 14 - Thomas' Tall Friend, James in the Dark, Pingy Pongy Pick Up, Charlie and Eddie, Toby and the Whistling Woods, Henry's Health and Safety, Diesel's Special Delivery, Pop Goes Thomas, Victor Says Yes, Thomas in Charge, Being Percy, Thomas' Crazy Day, Merry Winter Wish, Thomas and the Snowman Party, Jumping Jobi Wood!, Thomas and Scruff (mentioned), O the Indignity, Jitters and Japes, Merry Misty Island, and Henry's Magic Box
 * Season 15 - Gordon and Ferdinand, Toby and Bash, Emily and Dash, Edward the Hero, James to the Rescue, Up, Up and Away!, Henry's Happy Coal, Let it Snow, Spencer the Grand, Stop that Bus!, Stuck on You, Wonky Whistle, Percy the Snowman, Tree Trouble, and Fiery Flynn
 * Season 16 - Race to the Rescue, Express Coming Through, Percy and the Monster of Brendam (cameo), Ho Ho Snowman (mentioned), Flash Bang Wallop!, Thomas and the Rubbish Train, Percy and the Calliope, Thomas and the Sounds of Sodor, Salty's Surprise, Sodor Surprise Day, Emily's Winter Party Special, Muddy Matters, Whiff's Wish, Welcome Stafford, Don't Bother Victor! (mentioned), and Happy Birthday Sir!
 * Season 17 - Kevin's Cranky Friend, Scruff's Makeover, Wayward Winston, Gordon Runs Dry (mentioned), Calm Down Caitlin, Steamie Stafford, Henry's Hero, Not Now, Charlie!, The Lost Puff, The Thomas Way, The Phantom Express, Percy's Lucky Day, Bill or Ben?, Too Many Fire Engines, No Snow for Thomas, Santa's Little Engine, The Missing Christmas Decorations (does not speak), The Frozen Turntable, Away From the Sea, Gone Fishing, The Afternoon Tea Express, The Smelly Kipper, No More Mr. Nice Engine, and Thomas' Shortcut
 * Season 18 - Old Reliable Edward (mentioned), Signals Crossed, Toad's Adventure, Duck in the Water, Duck and the Slip Coaches, Thomas the Quarry Engine, Thomas and the Emergency Cable, Spencer's VIP, Long Lost Friend, Last Train for Christmas, Duncan the Humbug (mentioned),  The Perfect Gift (does not speak), Emily Saves the World, Timothy and the Rainbow Truck, Marion and the Dinosaurs (mentioned), Samson at Your Service, Millie and the Volcano and Samson Sent for Scrap
 * Season 19 - Toad and the Whale, Who's Geoffrey?, The Truth About Toby, Lost Property, Henry Spots Trouble and Wild Water Rescue
 * Jack and the Sodor Construction Company - A Visit from Thomas, On Site with Thomas (episode) (mentioned), Percy's Scary Tale (mentioned), A Tale for Thomas, Percy Helps Out, and Mud, Glorious Mud

Specials:
 * Thomas and the U.K. Trip
 * Thomas and the Magic Railroad (not seen)
 * Calling All Engines!
 * The Great Discovery
 * Hero of the Rails
 * Misty Island Rescue
 * Day of the Diesels
 * Blue Mountain Mystery
 * King of the Railway
 * Tale of the Brave
 * The Adventure Begins
 * Sodor's Legend of the Lost Treasure

Magazine stories

 * 1987 - The Sad Story of Henry, Thomas' Train, Hello, Thomas!, Thomas and the Trucks, Thomas and the Breakdown Train, James and the Coaches, and Thomas' Christmas Party
 * 1988 - James and the Troublesome Trucks, James and the Express, A Late Start for Thomas, The Golfers, Tenders and Turntables (mentioned), Trouble in the Shed, Percy Runs Away, Thomas in Trouble, James and the Tar Wagons, Percy and the Signal (mentioned), Old Iron, Thomas and Trevor (mentioned), Thomas, Percy and the Coal (mentioned), Percy and Harold (mentioned), The Runaway, Henry's New Driver, Head On, Percy Gets Jammed (mentioned), Thomas' Present, Thomas and Bertie, The Train Spotters (mentioned), A Special Christmas Santa, The New Coaches, Duck Takes Charge, Percy's Predicament, Edward's Exploits (does not speak), Thomas Spoils the Washing, Henry and the Roof (mentioned), and Thomas Saves the Washing
 * 1989 - Gordon's Express, Fire, The Party, Henry the Hero (mentioned), In a Muddle, One Good Turn, An Important Visitor, Clearing Up, A New Driver, and A Second Chance
 * 1990 - Trouble in the Tunnel, Thomas and the Umbrella, One Bump Too Many, Thomas For Sale, Rumours and Speculation, Edward and the Express, Timetable Trouble, Daisy and Diesel, The Backlog, Percy and the Dragon, Trouble on the Track, Emergency!, and Go Easy (mentioned)
 * 1991 - Duck's Service, Gordon Forgets, and Daisy in Distress
 * 1992 - A Lost Load!, James's Task (mentioned), Diesel Pulls Hard, and Henry and the Holidaymakers!
 * 1993 - Percy and the Parrot!, All Steamed Up! (mentioned), Keeping Cool!, Roof Repairs!, The Wedding Engine! (does not speak), The Special Stationmaster!, Thomas and the Toboggan!, Thomas and the New Clock!, The Viaduct!, The Carriage Café (mentioned), Trevor to the Rescue! (does not speak), Thomas and the Lamps (mentioned), Too Fast!, and Fetching Freight (mentioned)
 * 1994 - Keeping Time, A Special Treat for Thomas, A Special Treat!, The New Station, Thomas and Trevor, The Hot Soup Special!, Thomas, Daisy and the Watermill, The Nature Bus! (mentioned), Well Caught! (mentioned), and Thomas Keeps a Secret!
 * 1995 - Keeping Clean!, Special Signal!, Gordon gets Going! (not seen), Thomas and the Play!, The Engine Parade!, Thomas's Bell! (does not speak), A Desk for Daisy!, Percy has Problems, Thomas and the Missing Whistle (mentioned), and The New Guard
 * 1996 - Proud Mavis!, Percy's Squeak!, Henry's Hoax, Flag Waving!, The Little Line, The Thomas Kart!, Going Slowly! (does not speak), Gordon's Spots!, The Missing Hens! (mentioned), Important Passengers!, Timetable Trouble, Edward and the River Rose!, Percy Saves the Day, Thomas and the Tunnel!, Thomas Takes a Ride!, Monkey Business!, Too Tired!, Sunday Schedule!, A Day at the Beach!, Truck Trouble!, Play Time! (mentioned), Singing in the Rain!, The Trouble With Mud!, The New Track, Duck and the Deer!, Lost Property!, The Brown Bear, Oliver's Mistake, and The Play Train! (mentioned)
 * 1997 - Percy's Goods Train, Henry (cameo), Percy's Puzzling Trip!, Clowning Around!, Diesel Becomes a Coach (mentioned), Diesel and the Trucks, Henry (cameo), Danger on the Line, Henry's Busy Day, Pirates! (does not speak), Carrying Coal!, 'Smile, Please!', Showing Off (does not speak), Rusty the Diesel (mentioned), The Posh Coaches, Keeping Dry, Rusty the Diesel (mentioned), and Percy's Promise
 * 1998 - The Snow Engine!, Thomas, Percy and the Dragon! (mentioned), Potty Parrot! (mentioned), The Red Squirrel!, Copycat!, Look Alike (mentioned), Fancy Dress!, Runaway Percy!, Thomas' Trick (cameo), Thomas and the Trucks!, The Carnival! (does not speak), Donald and Douglas (cameo), The Exhibition!, Billy's Bones! (does not speak), James' Hotel!, Toby and the Stout Gentleman!, The Big Speech!, Duncan Has a Spill, James Breaks the Rules, The Easter Cake!, The Unlucky Engine (not seen), and Christmas Crisis
 * 1999 - Brave Thomas Peter Sam (cameo), and Summer Fun!
 * 2000 - The End of the Rainbow!, Police Engine (cameo), Shivers in the Sheds, Harold's View, Creepy Cutting! (mentioned), Back to Front!, Henry (does not speak), Turntable Bridge!, Henry's Freight Cars (mentioned), and A Shock for Mavis
 * 2001 - Dents All Round!, Diesel Day!, The Eyesight Test, Thomas Chimes In, The Kite Contest, A Song for Caroline (does not speak), A Special Story About Diesel, Henry, Choc-o-BoCo!, Rick's Tricks, Dirty Percy!, Finest Fireman (does not speak), A Special Story about the Fire Engine! (cameo), Three Tins of Smoke, A Special Story About BoCo (cameo), Duncan Gets Upset (mentioned), and The Hairy Black Run
 * 2002 - Mixed Grill, Whistling!, The Winning Shot (does not speak), Travelling Tables!, Henry Helps, Time Trouble!, The Flower Festival, Ben at the Station, and Big Ideas! (mentioned)
 * 2003 - Playbus, The Most Beautiful Station, Henry's Dizzy Day (cameo), New Year Cheer!, Dusty Diesel!, Castle Celebrations!, Feeling Fine, Seaside Search! (does not speak), Tour of Sodor, A Foggy Friend, The Boatshow (does not speak), Surprise, Surprise! (does not speak), Super Heroes! (does not speak), Broken Bridges (does not speak), Cruise Control!, Gordon's Surprise, Harvey to the Rescue!, and Cook Controller!
 * 2004 - Rocket Power, Percy the Pirate, Percy gets Wet!, Thomas Braves the Waves, Monster Mistake!, It's Only Snow!, Girl Power!, The Grand Opening, The Train Trolley, Fergus' Funnel, James and the Red Balloon, More Mischief!, Toby and the Lambs, Going for a Swim!, Salty by the Sea, Elephants and Engines, Name Fame, All Puffed Out, Night Lights (does not speak), On the Beach (cameo), Holiday Hat, Daisy's Delight, Bulgy's Back!, Blackout! (cameo), Place to Play, Thomas' New Coaches, Good as New, Toby's Troubles!, Edward to the Rescue!, Emily's Day Out, Bertie and the Race, Harold's Bad Day, Buffer Bother!, Disgusted Diesels, Mountain Mistake, Engine Trouble, A Fishy Adventure, Steam Power, Thomas Gets It Right, A Nice Quiet Day, James' New Coat, Ben's Blunder, Colour Quarrel!, Fishy Business, Henry's Forest, The Haunted Mine, Problem Passenger, On the Fast Track!, and A Really Useful Idea (mentioned)
 * 2005 - Perfect Percy, Really Useful Coaches, What's Cooking?, Fresh Fish, Sweet Scent (does not speak), Winter Watch (mentioned), Slide and Ride (mentioned), Percy and the Magic Carpet, Emily's New Route, Eerie Engine (cameo), Three Kings, Working Christmas, Ice Carving, Passenger Pick Up, Really Useful Colours, George's Little Joke, Big Bad Roller (does not speak), Gordon's Snow Show, Tidy-Up Time!, Thomas' Hallowe'en, Spick and Span (cameo), Pop Goes the Diesel (mentioned)
 * 2006 - Saving Edward, Passenger Plane, Food Chain Train, Cold Chaos, Right on Time, King Thomas, Station Sounds, Ice Cream Special (cameo), Shower Power, Justice for James, No Trouble for Toby, Sow and Grow (does not speak), First-class Carriage, Bulgy's Back, Dizzy Dennis, Emily Knows Best (cameo), Taking Charge, BoCo the Brave (does not speak), Splendid Sight (does not speak), Thomas Tries His Best, Thomas, Emily, and the Snowplow, Toby Feels Left Out, Percy's New Whistle, Bulgy's Back, and Sparkling Sky
 * 2007 - Airship, In for Treatment, Playful Passengers, The Santa Engine, Everyone's Friend (does not speak), The Best Smile (does not speak), The Right Shape, Snow Chute, A Job for James, Surprise Visitor, The Scottish Connection, The Telescope, Good Old Duke! (mentioned), Rocky Ride, Helping Henry, Sleepy Sam (does not speak), Works Outing, Big Day Out, Canal Cruise, Easy for Edward, Saving Edward, Express Coming Through!, Seeing the Sights (mentioned), and A New Shed for Toby (mentioned)
 * 2008 - Percy's Post!, Percy's Parcel, Flower Engine, Edward's Mail, Snow Trouble!, Track Race, Being Bright (cameo), A Spring Clean!, Mystery Music, Thomas and the Lighthouse!, The Ice Train! (cameo), Big is Beautiful, Toby's Triumph, Funny Faces!, Claypit Clowns, Emily's Present, and Percy and the Left Luggage
 * 2009 - Thomas Saves the Day, Night Light Train (cameo), Swing King Cranky (cameo), Spring Time Special, King Arthur, and Luggage Lorry (mentioned)
 * 2010 - Rope Rescue, Silly Billy, Play Time, Hiro Helps Out, Henry's Good Deeds, Diesel's Special Delivery, Magpie Mavis, The Best Present of All (cameo), Early Bird, Henry Gets It Wrong!, Steam Roasted, Story Train, Big Ideas (mentioned), Proud Puffers, Creaky Cranky, The Water Wheel, Pulling the Post (mentioned), Misty Island Rescue (does not speak), Seeing Sheep!, Trees and Tunnels, Piggy-in-the-middle!, Perfect Picture!, Emily's Lucky Day (does not speak), Saving Santa!, Percy Ploughs In!, Halloween Hats, Carnival Costume (cameo), Snow Tracks, Launching Lizzie, Creepy Causeway, Tripped Up!, Surprise Visitor, Bubble Trouble, Thomas and the Rainbow!, and Percy and the Magic Carpet
 * 2011 - Saved Again, The Glow Engine, Pingy Pongy Pick-up, Off Colour, Taking a Break, O, the Indignity!, Horrible Hiccups, Fuss and Fumes, Being Percy, Dairy Delivery, Steam on Stamps, Dolly Molly, Watch the Clock, Special Carriage, Show Time (does not speak), Pop Goes Thomas (does not speak), Misty Island Rescue (does not speak), Musical Trucks (does not speak), Percy's Rainbow, Scaredy Cat (does not speak), Really Red, Henry's Health and Safety, Victor Says Yes, Thomas' Crazy Day (mentioned), The Glow Train, The New Works (cameo), Jitters and Japes, The Treasure Hunt, Salty's Surprise! (mentioned), The Flying Teapot, Strawberry Special, Jumping Jobi Wood, Flag Flying!, King Arthur!, Tickled Pink, Hiro Helps Out, Thomas' Tall Friend (cameo), The Runaway Kite, Watch the Clock, Tidy Thomas, Caroline's Christmas (cameo), Winter Wish (cameo), Reindeer Rescue, Snow Tracks, Party Time, Perfect Panto, Tiger Thomas, A Home for Salty, A Lion on Sodor, Mirror, Mirror, Bird Talk, Out of Control, Playful Passengers, Ready, Jet Set, Go! (does not speak), Creaky Cranky, and Charlie and Eddie (mentioned)
 * 2012 - Prize Guys, Percy the Post Train, Muddy Matters, Jack's Tracks!, Smiles All Round, Tender Trouble, Flaming Flynn (does not speak), Express Delivery!, Edward the Hero, Fiery Flynn!, Clever James (cameo), Bulgy's Back, Paint for Percy, Right on Time, Hooray for Henry, Double Trouble, Museum Mayhem, and Early Bird, Sound Around (does not speak), Park Life, and Edward the Hero, Bubbling Boiler (does not speak), The Railway Show, Henry's Happy Coal, Where's That Bus? (cameo), Bird Watch, The Fat Controller's Bedtime Story (Issue 639), Stuck on You, The Fat Controller's Bedtime Story (Issue 643), Wonky Whistle (does not speak), Thomas' Tall Friend, The Fat Controller's Bedtime Story (Issue 644), Team Spirit Time!, The Fat Controller's Bedtime Story (Issue 646), Sand Express (does not speak), Message Mix-Up!, Up, Up and Away! (speaks in speech bubble only), The Fat Controller's Bedtime Story (Issue 647), Welcome Stafford, A Whoosh of Water!, The Fat Controller's Bedtime Story (Issue 649), Thomas and the Rubbish Train, The Fat Controller's Bedtime Story (Issue 650), Bedtime Tale (does not speak),  City of Truro, Making Annie Smile, Playful Passenger!, Carol Concert (cameo), Clock Countdown, Emily's Winter Party Special, Percy the Snowman, Thomas and the Sound of Sodor, Rescue Team (does not speak), and Keeping up with James
 * 2013 - Horrible Hiccups, Happy Birthday, Sir!, Gordon's Shortcut, Hover Bother!, Flash! Crash! Wallop! (speaks in speech bubble only), All in a Day's Rescue, Whiff's Wish (does not speak), Terrible Twins, The Fat Controller's Bedtime Story (Issue 660), Sodor Surprise Day (mentioned), Early Bird!, Spring Special (cameo), The Fat Controller's Bedtime Story (Issue 662), Being Percy (does not speak), A Friend in Need (cameo), Play Time, Caught on Camera, The Fat Controller's Bedtime Story (Issue 665), James and the Giant Animals, Time For a Story, Steamie Stafford (mentioned), The Fat Controller's Bedtime Story (Issue 666), Coal and Treacle, Kevin's Cranky Friend (does not speak), Thomas the Spotter, Wayward Winston, Too Many Fire Engines! (does not speak), Brilliant Ben (cameo), Special Surprise, The Snowman's Hat, The Railway Rink, New Year Party, Spencer's Statue, and Spring Special (cameo)
 * 2014 - Salty's New Friend, Engine Trouble, Thomas Takes a Shortcut (mentioned), Valentine's Surprise, The Thomas Way, Friendship Fall-out, The Royal Carriage, Kite Flying, Happy Birthday, Sir!, Confusion and Delay, Muddy Matters, Fever!, No More Mr. Nice Engine, Mystery Fog!, Bill or Ben, The Afternoon Tea Express (cameo), Swanky Cranky! (mentioned), The Extra-Special Solo, Harvey the Crane Engine, Leaves on the Line!, Emily Makes a Splash! (mentioned), Edward the Helpful Engine, That's Snow Business, Frozen Turntable (speaks in speech bubble only), and Whistle-Stop Tour
 * 2015 - Signals Crossed, No 'I' in Team, Emily Saves the World, Easter Egg Express, Toby and Bash (does not speak), Duck in the Water, Silent Puffing!, It's Okay to be Scared, Spencer's Star, and Don't Be Late, Percy!

Sir Topham Hatt also appeared in the magazine stories, A Colourful Christmas, A Friend's Party, A Hole in One, A Job for James, A Perfect Garden, A Puzzle for Percy, A Special Story about Guards and Porters, An Old Friend, Arthur and Emily, Back-to-Front, Bertie's Bad Day, Big Catch, Bill and BoCo, Blowing About!, Building Blues!, Bulgy's Dream, Bulstrode the Engine, Bumpers and Buffers, Busy Bee, Catch!, Caught Out, Chiff Chaff, Christmas Puddings, Clever Carriages, Clever Climbers!, Clowning Around, Come back, Please!, Daisy's Day, Diesel's Drums, Diesel's Nasty Turn, Diesel Causes Delay, Diesel Display, Doctors and Nurses, Dressing Up, Edward's Scarecrow, Fair Scare!, Fast Food!, Feeding Time, Fish and Chips, Fish and Fog!, Flying James, Frying or Flying, Fun and Games!, Funnels and Tunnels, Glider Rider, Gone Fishing, Gordon and Edward, Happy Holiday!, Harold and the Broken Tree, Hello, Skarloey!, Henry's Secret, Henry's Soaking!, Hooked Hat, I Spy with my Little Eye, James and Edward, James and the Cheese, Jim's Jungle Ride!, Just Right, Lamp Light!, Lights On, Looking Splendid, Lost Luggage!, Lost and Found, Misbehaving, Mountains and Mess!, New Paint, On Your Guard!, Party Time!, Percy gets Wet!, Percy's House, Percy's Plight, Percy and the Trucks, Picnic Surprise, Pirate Passengers, Pot Luck!, Proud Percy!, Puzzles, Railway Open Day, Really Useful Edward, Retirement Time, Rhyming Engines, Road Ride, Road Train, Rushing Around, Rusty's Plan, Santa Special, Scaredy Puffer!, Sea-Bound Salty, Sea Sick, Seeing Steam, Ship Ahoy!, Silly Skarloey, Slick Trick!, Snap Happy, Snow Engine, So Much to See, Sodor's Strong Man, Sodor's Strongest Engine, Sodor Goes Pop, Sodor Rock, Sodor Rock, Sounds Useful, Special Treats, Spotty Spencer, Spooky Station, Station Mystery, Steaming Along!, Stick with Steam, Stolen Apples, Stormy Weather, Sunny Smile, Super Splash, Take Off with Terence, That Caps it All, The Balloon Race, The Best Band, The Best Bridge, The Best Engine, The Cat Controller!, The Christmas Sacks, The Cliff Railway, The Craft Show!, The Flower Dome, The Flying Broomstick, The Flying Horse, The Grand Controller, The Great Statue Robbery, The Hallowe'en Special, The Kettle Train, The Mystery Tour, The Open Top Bus, The Poorly Engine!, The Runaway Percy, The Smugglers, The Very Important Job, and Think Pink. }}

Voice Actors

 * Kerry Shale (US; Hero of the Rails - eighteenth season)
 * Keith Wickham (UK; Hero of the Rails onwards - US; The Adventure Begins onwards)
 * Blas García (Mexico; Hero of the Rails onwards)
 * Kōhei Miyauchi (Japan; first - fourth seasons)
 * Takeshi Aono (Japan; fifth - eighth seasons)
 * Rokurō Naya (Japan; Calling All Engines! - Emily Saves the World excluding Tale of the Brave)
 * Kan Tanaka (Japan; Millie and the Volcano onwards)
 * Øyvind Borgemoen Lyse (Norway; Hero of the Rails onwards)
 * Michel Lasorne (France and French speaking Canada; eighth - twelfth seasons)
 * Bernard Demory (France and French speaking Canada; Hero of the Rails onwards)
 * Enzo Avolio (Italy)
 * Michael Bideller (Germany; twelfth - thirteenth seasons)
 * Eberhard Haar (Germany; fourteenth season onwards)
 * Mikołaj Klimek (Poland)
 * Nir Ron (Israel)
 * Maarten Wansink (The Netherlands)
 * Troells Toya (Denmark)
 * Luiz Carlos de Morais (Brazil; twelfth season onwards)
 * Roberto Cuadrado (Spain; Hero of the Rails - onwards)

Trivia

 * The Fat Controller is always known as "Sir Topham Hatt" in America.
 * The Fat Controller's television model from Lady Hatt's Birthday Party appeared in the 2009 "Children in Need" charity single and was animated using stop-motion.
 * In Thomas and the Magic Railroad, Diesel 10 called him "Fat Hatt".
 * According to Elizabeth, Sir Topham Hatt was a bad driver in his younger days. Since he started driving Winston, it seems his skills have not improved.
 * The Fat Controller's office set was part of an exhibit at the Hangaram Museum in Korea in 2010.
 * Large scale and miniature models of Sir Topham Hatt are currently in the safe hands of Thomas fans Christopher Blower and Owen Hayward after they were sold by The Prop Gallery.
 * Throughout the television series, Sir Topham Hatt is accompanied by two men in standard blue railway uniforms. They are presumed to be his assistants. In Percy and the Calliope, the narrator refers to them as "helpers".
 * The Fat Controller received his knighthood for his services to the railway industry and an award for "Services to Transport".
 * In the book, Thomas-saurus Rex, it states that Sir Topham Hatt used to be called "Little Topham Hatt" in his youth. His grandfather also appears in the book.
 * Sir Topham Hatt's television series model had eyebrows inconsistently. Between Seasons 6-11, it mainly did not have them at all.
 * The alternative rock band Catherine Wheel released a song named after The Fat Controller called "Here Comes The Fat Controller" on their 1997 album Adam and Eve.

Quotes

 * "I never like these big engines. Always going wrong. Send for another engine at once!"

- Sir Topham Hatt, "The Three Railway Engines"


 * "This gentleman is a gentleman who knows how to speak to engines."

- Toby, "Toby the Tram Engine"


 * The Fat Controller spoke severely to Daisy too.
 * "My engines do not tell lies!" he said. "They work hard with no shirking. I sent lazy engines away!"
 * Daisy was ashamed.
 * "However," he went on. "Toby says you worked hard yesterday, after Percy's accident. So you shall have another chance!"
 * "Thank you, sir!" said Daisy. "I will work hard, sir. Toby says he'll help me."
 * "Excellent! What Toby doesn't know about branch line problems," The Fat Controller chuckled. "Such as er..bulls, isn't worth knowing. Our Toby, is an experienced engine!"

- Sir Topham Hatt and Daisy, "Percy's Predicament", "Branch Line Engines".


 * "Oh, it's you! Have you learned to drive properly yet?"

- Elizabeth, "Elizabeth the Vintage Lorry"

Merchandise

 * ERTL (with a conductor, his wife, or as a wind-up; discontinued)
 * Wooden Railway (several versions)
 * Take-Along (in car; Discontinued)
 * Motor Road and Rail (Discontinued)
 * TrackMaster (Discontinued)
 * Hornby (Discontinued)
 * Bachmann
 * Bandai Tecs (in yellow or blue car; discontinued)
 * My First Thomas
 * Brio (discontinued)
 * Wind-up
 * Pocket Fantasy (Discontinued)
 * Take-n-Play (in car, or placed inside Winston)
 * Trading Cards
 * Discover Junction
 * My Thomas Story Library (discontinued)
 * Departing Now
 * Mega Bloks (discontinued)
 * De Agostini (discontinued)
 * Lionel Trains