Sir Topham Hatt

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

- Elizabeth, Elizabeth the Vintage Lorry, sixth season

   Sir Topham Hatt, the "Fat Controller" Sir Topham Hatt, nicknamed "the Fat Controller" (previously "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.

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. 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-two in 2013, though he has, as yet, given no hint of retiring), Charles Nicholas (1974-) and Emily Helen (1977-).

He played a part in arranging the construction of the Arlesdale Railway's new locomotive, Jock, in 1990, a project which had been dear to his father's heart. 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, Sir Bertram Topham Hatt, a combination of the three from the Railway Series, runs the North Western Railway. He once owned a Sentinel steam lorry named Elizabeth and has a twin brother, Sir Lowham Hatt. Prior to the introduction of Mr. Percival in the ninth season, Sir Topham was also the controller of the Skarloey Railway.

Persona
The Fat Controller is seen as a firm but fair character. 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.

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 (does not speak)
 * 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), 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 - Salty's Secret, Harvey to the Rescue, No Sleep for Cranky, 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, and James the Second Best
 * 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, 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, Calm Down Caitlin, and Steamie Stafford

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

Magazine stories
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 * 1988 - A Late Start for Thomas, The Golfers, Trouble in the Shed, Old Iron, Thomas and Trevor (mentioned), and Henry's New Driver
 * 1989 - Fire and The Party
 * 1990 - Trouble in the Tunnel, Thomas and the Umbrella, and One Bump Too Many
 * 1992 - A Lost Load!
 * 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!, and Trevor to the Rescue! (does not speak)
 * 1994 - Keeping Time, A Special Treat for Thomas, A Special Treat!, The New Station, and Thomas and Trevor (not seen)
 * 1995 - Keeping Clean!, Gordon gets Going! (not seen), Thomas and the Play!, The Engine Parade!, Thomas's Bell! (does not speak), and A Desk for Daisy!
 * 1996 - 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!, and Play Time! (mentioned)
 * 1997 - Percy's Puzzling Trip!, Clowning Around!, Diesel Becomes a Coach (mentioned), Henry (cameo), Danger on the Line, Henry's Busy Day, Pirates! (does not speak), Carrying Coal!, 'Smile, Please!', and Rusty the Diesel (mentioned)
 * 1998 - 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!, James Breaks the Rules, and Christmas Crisis
 * 2000 - Police Engine (cameo), Shivers in the Sheds, Harold's View, Creepy Cutting! (mentioned), Back to Front!, and Turntable Bridge!
 * 2001 - The Eyesight Test, Thomas Chimes In, A Song for Caroline (does not speak), A Special Story About Diesel, Choc-o-BoCo!, Rick's Tricks, and Finest Fireman (does not speak), and A Special Story about the Fire Engine! (cameo)
 * 2002 - Mixed Grill, Whistling!, The Winning Shot (does not speak), Travelling Tables!, Henry Helps, Time Trouble!, The Flower Festival, and Big Ideas! (mentioned)
 * 2003 - Henry's Dizzy Day (cameo), New Year Cheer!, Dusty Diesel!, Castle Celebrations!, Feeling Fine, Seaside Search! (does not speak), and Tour of Sodor
 * 2004 - The Train Trolley, Fergus' Funnel, More Mischief!, Toby and the Lambs, Going for a Swim!, Salty by the Sea, Elephants and Engines, Name Fame, All Puffed Out, On the Beach (cameo), Holiday Hat, Daisy's Delight, Bulgy's Back!, Blackout! (cameo), and Place to Play
 * 2005 - Really Useful Coaches, What's Cooking?, Fresh Fish, Sweet Scent (does not speak), Winter Watch (mentioned), Slide and Ride (mentioned), and Percy and the Magic Carpet
 * 2006 - Right on Time, Ice Cream Special (cameo), Shower Power, 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), and Splendid Sight (does not speak)
 * 2007 - Airship, 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), and Seeing the Sights (mentioned)
 * 2008 - 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, and Funny Faces!
 * 2009 - Thomas Saves the Day, Night Light Train (cameo), Swing King Cranky (cameo), and Spring Time Special
 * 2010 - The Best Present of All (cameo), Early Bird, Henry Gets It Wrong!, Steam Roasted, 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, and Thomas and the Rainbow!
 * 2011 - Being Percy, Dairy Delivery, Steam on Stamps, Dolly Molly, Watch the Clock, 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, The Runaway Kite, Watch the Clock, Tidy Thomas, Caroline's Christmas (cameo), Winter Wish (cameo), Reindeer Rescue, Snow Tracks, Party Time, Perfect Panto, and Tiger Thomas
 * 2012 - 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, and Thomas and the Sound of Sodor
 * 2013 - Hover Bother!, Flash! Crash! Wallop! (speaks in speech bubble only), 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), and Play Time

Voice Actors

 * Kerry Shale (US; Hero of the Rails onwards)
 * Keith Wickham (UK; Hero of the Rails onwards)
 * Kōhei Miyauchi (Japan; first-fourth seasons)
 * Takeshi Aono (Japan; fifth-eighth season)
 * Rokurō Naya (Japan; Calling All Engines! onwards)
 * Øyvind Borgemoen Lyse (Norway; Hero of the Rails onwards)
 * Enzo Avolio (Italy)
 * Michael Bideller (Germany; thirteenth season only)
 * Eberhard Haar (Germany; fourteenth season onward)

Trivia

 * Due to political correctness, the Fat Controller is always known by his Sunday name of "Sir Topham Hatt" in America.
 * The Fat Controller's television model from Lady Hatt's Birthday Party was used 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.
 * The Fat Controller's office set was part of an exhibit at the Hangaram Museum in Korea in 2010.
 * One of the Fat Controller's models is currently on display at Nitrogen Studios in Canada.

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"

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
 * Bachmann
 * Bandai Tecs (in yellow or blue car; discontinued)
 * My First Thomas
 * Brio (discontinued)
 * Wind-up
 * Take-n-Play (in car or Winston)
 * Discover Junction
 * My Thomas Story Library (discontinued)