Thomas the Tank Engine Wikia
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** Sir Charles Topham Hatt II {{RWS}}
 
** Sir Charles Topham Hatt II {{RWS}}
 
** Sir Stephen Topham Hatt III {{RWS}}
 
** Sir Stephen Topham Hatt III {{RWS}}
|nickname(s) = * The Fat Controller
+
|nickname(s) = * Sir
  +
* The Fat Controller
 
* The Fat Director {{Note|formerly; [[The Railway Series|RWS]]}}
 
* The Fat Director {{Note|formerly; [[The Railway Series|RWS]]}}
 
* Fat Hatt {{Nickname|[[Diesel 10]]}}
 
* Fat Hatt {{Nickname|[[Diesel 10]]}}
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Sir Topham Hatt is firm but funny and fair. He can be strict, but with a good reason and he deeply cares about the engines and also shows a fatherly side to them. He is quite a strong character and will remind the engines that he is in charge if they start to rebel against his authority. He does not stand bullying and even though he is usually serious, he does enjoy a good jolly laugh.
 
Sir Topham Hatt is firm but funny and fair. He can be strict, but with a good reason and he deeply cares about the engines and also shows a fatherly side to them. He is quite a strong character and will remind the engines that he is in charge if they start to rebel against his authority. He does not stand bullying and even though he is usually serious, he does enjoy a good jolly laugh.
   
Despite his kindness and fairness, however, there are times where Sir Topham Hatt berates the engines for situations beyond their control. Like any son, he does hold a slight bit of respect for his mother, [[Dowager Hatt]]. But like all parental relationships, there are some things he finds more personal than others.
+
Despite his kindness and fairness, however, there are times where Sir Topham Hatt berates the engines for situations beyond their control, although it's usually because he still feels like their carelessness or ignorance played a hand in it. Like any son, he does hold a slight bit of respect for his mother, [[Dowager Hatt]]. But like all parental relationships, there are some things he finds more personal than others.
   
 
At times, Sir Topham Hatt can be the comic relief character, having high levels of irony and occasional slapstick. He can also be overhasty and forgetful at times and misplace priorities. He also has a slight sweet tooth, having a particular taste for creme buns, ice cream and milkshakes.
 
At times, Sir Topham Hatt can be the comic relief character, having high levels of irony and occasional slapstick. He can also be overhasty and forgetful at times and misplace priorities. He also has a slight sweet tooth, having a particular taste for creme buns, ice cream and milkshakes.
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* '''[[Toby the Tram Engine]]''' - [[Toby the Tram Engine (Railway Series)#Toby and the Stout Gentleman|Toby and the Stout Gentleman]], [[Toby the Tram Engine (Railway Series)#Thomas in Trouble|Thomas in Trouble]], [[Toby the Tram Engine (Railway Series)#Dirty Objects|Dirty Objects]] and [[Toby the Tram Engine (Railway Series)#Mrs. Kyndley's Christmas|Mrs. Kyndley's Christmas]]
 
* '''[[Toby the Tram Engine]]''' - [[Toby the Tram Engine (Railway Series)#Toby and the Stout Gentleman|Toby and the Stout Gentleman]], [[Toby the Tram Engine (Railway Series)#Thomas in Trouble|Thomas in Trouble]], [[Toby the Tram Engine (Railway Series)#Dirty Objects|Dirty Objects]] and [[Toby the Tram Engine (Railway Series)#Mrs. Kyndley's Christmas|Mrs. Kyndley's Christmas]]
 
* '''[[Gordon the Big Engine]]''' - [[Gordon the Big Engine#Off the Rails|Off the Rails]], [[Gordon the Big Engine#Leaves|Leaves]], [[Gordon the Big Engine#Down the Mine|Down the Mine]] and [[Gordon the Big Engine#Paint Pots and Queens|Paint Pots and Queens]]
 
* '''[[Gordon the Big Engine]]''' - [[Gordon the Big Engine#Off the Rails|Off the Rails]], [[Gordon the Big Engine#Leaves|Leaves]], [[Gordon the Big Engine#Down the Mine|Down the Mine]] and [[Gordon the Big Engine#Paint Pots and Queens|Paint Pots and Queens]]
 
* '''[[Edward the Blue Engine]]''' - [[Edward the Blue Engine#Saved from Scarp|Saved from Scarp]] {{Mentioned}} and [[Edward the Blue Engine#Old Iron|Old Iron]]
 
* '''[[Four Little Engines]]''' - [[Four Little Engines#Skarloey Remembers|Skarloey Remembers]] {{Mentioned}}
   
 
He appeared in the following books as Sir Charles Topham Hatt:
 
He appeared in the following books as Sir Charles Topham Hatt:
* '''[[Edward the Blue Engine]]''' - [[Edward the Blue Engine#Old Iron|Old Iron]]
 
* '''[[Four Little Engines]]''' - [[Four Little Engines#Skarloey Remembers|Skarloey Remembers]] {{Mentioned}}
 
 
* '''[[Percy the Small Engine]]''' - [[Percy the Small Engine#Percy and the Signal|Percy and the Signal]] {{Mentioned}}, [[Percy the Small Engine#Duck Takes Charge|Duck Takes Charge]] and [[Percy the Small Engine#Percy's Promise|Percy's Promise]]
 
* '''[[Percy the Small Engine]]''' - [[Percy the Small Engine#Percy and the Signal|Percy and the Signal]] {{Mentioned}}, [[Percy the Small Engine#Duck Takes Charge|Duck Takes Charge]] and [[Percy the Small Engine#Percy's Promise|Percy's Promise]]
 
* '''[[The Eight Famous Engines]]''' - [[The Eight Famous Engines#Percy Takes the Plunge|Percy Takes the Plunge]], [[The Eight Famous Engines#Gordon Goes Foreign|Gordon Goes Foreign]], [[The Eight Famous Engines#Double Header|Double Header]] {{Mentioned}} and [[The Eight Famous Engines#The Fat Controller's Engines|The Fat Controller's Engines]]
 
* '''[[The Eight Famous Engines]]''' - [[The Eight Famous Engines#Percy Takes the Plunge|Percy Takes the Plunge]], [[The Eight Famous Engines#Gordon Goes Foreign|Gordon Goes Foreign]], [[The Eight Famous Engines#Double Header|Double Header]] {{Mentioned}} and [[The Eight Famous Engines#The Fat Controller's Engines|The Fat Controller's Engines]]
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* '''[[Series 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]]
 
* '''[[Series 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]]
 
* '''[[Series 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]]
 
* '''[[Series 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]]
* '''[[Jack and the Sodor Construction Company]]''' - [[A Visit from Thomas]], [[On Site with Thomas]] {{Mentioned}}, [[Percy's Scary Tale]] {{Mentioned}}, [[A Tale for Thomas]], [[Thomas and the Moles]] {{Mentioned}}, [[Percy Helps Out]] and [[Mud, Glorious Mud]]
+
* '''[[Jack and the Sodor Construction Company]]''' - [[A Visit from Thomas]], [[On Site with Thomas]] {{Mentioned}}, [[Percy's Scary Tale]] {{Mentioned}}, [[A Tale for Thomas]], [[Thomas and the Moles]] {{Mentioned}}, [[Percy Helps Out]] and [[Mud Glorious Mud]]
 
* '''[[Series 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 (Series 8)|Fish]], [[Emily's Adventure]], [[Halloween]], [[You Can Do it, Toby!]], [[James Goes Too Far]], [[Chickens to School]], [[Too Hot for Thomas]] and [[Percy and the Magic Carpet]]
 
* '''[[Series 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 (Series 8)|Fish]], [[Emily's Adventure]], [[Halloween]], [[You Can Do it, Toby!]], [[James Goes Too Far]], [[Chickens to School]], [[Too Hot for Thomas]] and [[Percy and the Magic Carpet]]
 
* '''[[Series 9]]''' - [[Percy and the Oil Painting]], [[Thomas and the Rainbow]], [[Thomas' Milkshake Muddle]], [[Molly's Special Special]] {{Does not speak}}, [[Respect for Gordon]] {{Mentioned}}, [[Thomas and the Birthday Picnic]], [[Tuneful Toots]], [[Thomas and the Toy Shop]], [[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]], [[Duncan and the Old Mine]] {{Mentioned}}, [[Bold and Brave]], [[Saving Edward]], [[Thomas and the Golden Eagle]], [[Keeping Up with James]] and [[Flour Power]]
 
* '''[[Series 9]]''' - [[Percy and the Oil Painting]], [[Thomas and the Rainbow]], [[Thomas' Milkshake Muddle]], [[Molly's Special Special]] {{Does not speak}}, [[Respect for Gordon]] {{Mentioned}}, [[Thomas and the Birthday Picnic]], [[Tuneful Toots]], [[Thomas and the Toy Shop]], [[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]], [[Duncan and the Old Mine]] {{Mentioned}}, [[Bold and Brave]], [[Saving Edward]], [[Thomas and the Golden Eagle]], [[Keeping Up with James]] and [[Flour Power]]
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* '''[[Series 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]], [[Samson Sent for Scrap]] and [[Millie and the Volcano]]
 
* '''[[Series 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]], [[Samson Sent for Scrap]] and [[Millie and the Volcano]]
 
* '''[[Series 19]]''' - [[Who's Geoffrey?]], [[The Truth About Toby]], [[Lost Property]], [[Henry Spots Trouble]], [[A Cranky Christmas]], [[Snow Place Like Home]], [[The Beast of Sodor]], [[Toad and the Whale]], [[Very Important Sheep]], [[Salty All at Sea]], [[Den and Dart]], [[Helping Hiro]], [[Slow Stephen]], [[Two Wheels Good]], [[Reds vs. Blues]], [[The Little Engine Who Raced Ahead]], [[Philip to the Rescue]], [[Diesel's Ghostly Christmas]], [[Thomas the Babysitter]], [[The Other Side of the Mountain]], [[No Help at All]], [[Goodbye Fat Controller]] and [[Wild Water Rescue]]
 
* '''[[Series 19]]''' - [[Who's Geoffrey?]], [[The Truth About Toby]], [[Lost Property]], [[Henry Spots Trouble]], [[A Cranky Christmas]], [[Snow Place Like Home]], [[The Beast of Sodor]], [[Toad and the Whale]], [[Very Important Sheep]], [[Salty All at Sea]], [[Den and Dart]], [[Helping Hiro]], [[Slow Stephen]], [[Two Wheels Good]], [[Reds vs. Blues]], [[The Little Engine Who Raced Ahead]], [[Philip to the Rescue]], [[Diesel's Ghostly Christmas]], [[Thomas the Babysitter]], [[The Other Side of the Mountain]], [[No Help at All]], [[Goodbye Fat Controller]] and [[Wild Water Rescue]]
* '''[[Series 20]]''' - [[Sidney Sings]], [[Toby's New Friend]] {{Mentioned}}, [[Henry Gets the Express]], [[Bradford the Brake Van]], [[Saving Time]], [[Ryan and Daisy]], [[Pouty James]], [[Blown Away]], [[The Way She Does it]], [[Love Me Tender]] {{Mentioned}}, [[The Railcar and the Coaches]], [[Mucking About]], [[All in Vain]], [[Buckled Tracks and Bumpy Trucks]], [[Henry in the Dark]], [[Engine of the Future]], [[Hugo and the Airship]], [[The Missing Breakdown Train]], [[Skiff and the Mermaid]], [[The Christmas Coffeepot]] and [[Over the Hill]]
+
* '''[[Series 20]]''' - [[Sidney Sings]], [[Toby's New Friend]] {{Mentioned}}, [[Henry Gets the Express]], [[Bradford the Brake Van]], [[Saving Time]], [[Ryan and Daisy]], [[Pouty James]], [[Blown Away]], [[The Way She Does It]], [[Love Me Tender]] {{Mentioned}}, [[The Railcar and the Coaches]], [[Mucking About]], [[All in Vain]], [[Buckled Tracks and Bumpy Trucks]], [[Henry in the Dark]], [[Engine of the Future]], [[Hugo and the Airship]], [[The Missing Breakdown Train]], [[Skiff and the Mermaid]], [[The Christmas Coffeepot]] and [[Over the Hill]]
 
* '''[[Series 21]]''' - [[Dowager Hatt's Busy Day]], [[P.A. Problems]], [[Hasty Hannah]], [[Cranky at the End of the Line]], [[Unscheduled Stops]], [[Philip's Number]], [[The Fastest Red Engine on Sodor]], [[A Shed for Edward]], [[The Big Freeze]], [[Terence Breaks the Ice]] and [[Confused Coaches]]
 
* '''[[Series 21]]''' - [[Dowager Hatt's Busy Day]], [[P.A. Problems]], [[Hasty Hannah]], [[Cranky at the End of the Line]], [[Unscheduled Stops]], [[Philip's Number]], [[The Fastest Red Engine on Sodor]], [[A Shed for Edward]], [[The Big Freeze]], [[Terence Breaks the Ice]] and [[Confused Coaches]]
 
* '''[[Series 22]]''' - [[Number One Engine]] {{Note|fantasy}}, [[Forever and Ever]], [[Confusion Without Delay]], [[Trusty Trunky]] {{Note|fantasy}}, [[An Engine of Many Colours]], [[Apology Impossible]], [[Samson and the Fireworks]], [[Thomas' Animal Ark]], [[Rosie is Red]], [[Banjo and the Bushfire]] {{Note|fantasy}} and [[Counting on Nia]]
 
* '''[[Series 22]]''' - [[Number One Engine]] {{Note|fantasy}}, [[Forever and Ever]], [[Confusion Without Delay]], [[Trusty Trunky]] {{Note|fantasy}}, [[An Engine of Many Colours]], [[Apology Impossible]], [[Samson and the Fireworks]], [[Thomas' Animal Ark]], [[Rosie is Red]], [[Banjo and the Bushfire]] {{Note|fantasy}} and [[Counting on Nia]]
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* Due to different societal norms, the Fat Controller is always referred to by his real name, "Sir Topham Hatt" in the US.
 
* Due to different societal norms, the Fat Controller is always referred to by his real name, "Sir Topham Hatt" in the US.
 
** Even so, in certain US episodes following the CGI series, the engines' mouths are not reanimated properly, as their mouths say "The Fat Controller" when they verbally say "Sir Topham Hatt".
 
** Even so, in certain US episodes following the CGI series, the engines' mouths are not reanimated properly, as their mouths say "The Fat Controller" when they verbally say "Sir Topham Hatt".
** Also, several times in the UK script, Sir Topham Hatt is addressed by his nickname in public, when it would be inappropriate. This was fixed in Blue Mountain Mystery, when Victor called the Fat Controller by his real name "Sir Topham Hatt". In The Great Race, Gordon said "Sir Topham Hatt", also in the twenty-fourth series episode The Great Little Railway Show, The Thin Clergyman said ''your controller'' while interacting to Percy.
+
** Also, several times in the UK script, Sir Topham Hatt is addressed by his nickname in public, when it would be inappropriate. This was fixed in Blue Mountain Mystery, when Victor called the Fat Controller by his real name "Sir Topham Hatt". In The Great Race, Gordon said "Sir Topham Hatt''.''
 
* The Fat Controller's television series model from Lady Hatt's Birthday Party appeared in the 2009 "[[The Official BBC Children in Need Medley|Children in Need]]" charity single and was animated using stop-motion.
 
* The Fat Controller's television series model from Lady Hatt's Birthday Party appeared in the 2009 "[[The Official BBC Children in Need Medley|Children in Need]]" charity single and was animated using stop-motion.
 
* In Thomas and the Magic Railroad, [[Diesel 10]] calls him "Fat Hatt", a combination of his nickname and his real name.
 
* In Thomas and the Magic Railroad, [[Diesel 10]] calls him "Fat Hatt", a combination of his nickname and his real name.

Revision as of 01:41, 13 September 2020

Main Page
Behind the Scenes
Gallery

For other uses, see Sir Topham Hatt (disambiguation).
“You have caused confusion and delay!”
― Sir Topham Hatt


Sir Topham Hatt, nicknamed "The Fat Controller" (previously known as "The Fat Director"), is the manager of the North Western Railway and a father figure to his engines.

The Fat Controllers

Only three controllers had been seen in charge of the North Western Railway in the Railway Series.

Sir Topham Hatt I (1880-1956)

Topham Hatt was apprenticed at the Great Western Railway's Swindon Works in 1894 at the age of fourteen. During his time there, he seems to have struck up a friendship with William A. Stanier, a fellow apprentice. The story current at Crovan's Gate Works is that on at least one occasion, perhaps more, the future Sir Topham was able to help the future, Sir William, to escape the consequences of what might have been a serious scrape. Due to his training at Swindon, he always admired things Great Western.

He came to Sodor in 1901 and joined A. W. Dry & Co., a firm of drainage engineers, at Tidmouth. On their recommendation, he became an engineer to the Tidmouth, Knapford and Elsbridge Light Railway in 1910, 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.

For A.W. Dry & Co., he built a series of four vertical boiler engines known as Coffee Pots between 1905 and 1908, which were used by the TK&ER. After an Autumn gale in 1908, he directed unemployed miners in cutting a tunnel through the ridge south of Tidmouth. In 1915, for the NWR, he designed a double-tracked Scherzer Rolling Lift Bridge of 120 ft span to cross the Walney Channel. Sometime after this, he was appointed a director of the Company.

When the Railway was suffering from a locomotive crisis in the early 1920s, he was responsible for acquiring new engines. During this time, he made one of his rare bad bargains when he purchased Henry instead of the Robinson Atlantic he wanted. He remembered the mistake with sorrow for the rest of his days and was so angry at having been “done” that he would never admit who it was who had swindled him. No-one was better pleased than Topham Hatt when the Killdane accident occurred in 1935. Using his connections with William Stanier, now CME of the LMS, he was able to have Henry completely rebuilt at Crewe Works.

In 1953, when The Queen visited Sodor in Coronation year he had the honour of welcoming her to Tidmouth, having been previously presented to Her Majesty by Viscount Harwick, the Governor, who was also his son-in-law.

He retired in 1954 in favour of his son Charles, whom the Board had no hesitation in electing as his successor. It is no exaggeration to say that the present prosperity of the Railway is almost entirely due to his initiative and resource.

He married Jane, sister of Sir Handel Brown in 1910 and they had two children, Barbara Jane (born 1911), who married Henry Regaby in 1938 and Charles Topham. He died at Wellsworth in 1956 at the age of 76.

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 second Fat Controller from 1954 to 1984, when he retired in favour of his own son.

Charles Topham Hatt was educated at Abbey School, Cronk and from there went to Crewe Works as an engineering pupil under Mr. William Stanier in 1932. He was present during Henry's rebuilding in 1935. In 1937, he was recommended for railway service overseas by Mr. Stanier, but he returned in 1939 to enlist in the Royal Engineers, serving with them throughout the Second World War. He was demobilised in 1945 with the rank of Colonel.

He spent a further period overseas, before returning to Sodor in 1952 to become Chief Mechanical Engineer at Crovan's Gate Works and general assistant to his ageing father. Following his father's retirement in 1954, the Board had no hesitation in electing him as Controller.

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 in 1941 and Bridget, born in 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 sister and grandparents) became the third 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 (1972-), 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 first visit to Sodor.

Richard Topham is no doubt destined to be Sir Topham Hatt IV, but when is yet to be known. In Sodor: Reading Between the Lines, it was last heard that his father was 64 in 2005 and had not given any hint of a retirement. As of 2020, it is unknown if he is still acting as the controller.

Gallery

Sir Topham Hatt in Thomas & Friends

In Thomas & Friends, there is only one Sir Topham Hatt. He can be described as a combination of the three controllers from the Railway Series. His full name has been given as Sir Bertram Topham Hatt.

In his youth, he was a Boy Scout. Prior to him becoming Controller of the North Western Railway, Sir Topham Hatt owned a Sentinel steam lorry named Elizabeth, who notes that he was not the best driver. When he was a young man, Edward always took him aboard an old coach on his birthday. He also built the Coffee Pots some time prior to Thomas arriving on Sodor. Sir Topham later received his knighthood for his services to the railway industry. He 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. Prior to Blue Mountain Mystery, he bought a track inspection car named Winston, who 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 the railway, he owns a cat and a blue car and lives in a mansion somewhere on the outskirts of Wellsworth.

Personality

Sir Topham Hatt is firm but funny and fair. He can be strict, but with a good reason and he deeply cares about the engines and also shows a fatherly side to them. He is quite a strong character and will remind the engines that he is in charge if they start to rebel against his authority. He does not stand bullying and even though he is usually serious, he does enjoy a good jolly laugh.

Despite his kindness and fairness, however, there are times where Sir Topham Hatt berates the engines for situations beyond their control, although it's usually because he still feels like their carelessness or ignorance played a hand in it. Like any son, he does hold a slight bit of respect for his mother, Dowager Hatt. But like all parental relationships, there are some things he finds more personal than others.

At times, Sir Topham Hatt can be the comic relief character, having high levels of irony and occasional slapstick. He can also be overhasty and forgetful at times and misplace priorities. He also has a slight sweet tooth, having a particular taste for creme buns, ice cream and milkshakes.

Attire

Sir Topham Hatt is a short, chubby gentleman. He usually wears morning dress, consisting of grey trousers, a white shirt, a black tie, a cream, yellow, blue, purple or grey waistcoat, a black tailcoat and a black top hat. He is most often depicted as having thinning grey, black or brown hair and brown eyes, while in the television series, he is depicted as completely bald.

Appearances

The Railway Series

He appeared in the following books as Sir Topham Hatt I:

He appeared in the following books as Sir Charles Topham Hatt:

He appeared in the following books as Sir Stephen Topham Hatt:

Companion Volumes

Thomas & Friends

Specials

Music Videos

Learning Segments

Videos

Magazine stories

Sir Topham Hatt also appeared in the magazine stories, Thomas and the Baby, 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, Catch!, Caught Out, Chiff Chaff, Christmas Puddings, Clever Carriages, Clever Climbers!, Clowning Around, 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, 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!, 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!, Slick Trick!, Snap Happy, Snow Engine, So Much to See, Sodor's Strong Man, Sodor's Strongest Engine, Sodor Goes Pop!, 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 Christmas Sacks, The Cliff Railway, The Craft Show!, The Flower Dome, The Flying Broomstick, 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.

Annual stories

Voice Actors

Trivia

  • According to Sodor: Reading Between the Lines, the Fat Controller is based on no one in particular, though Christopher Awdry suggests his doctor at the time the character was created may have been an "unconscious contribution".
  • Due to different societal norms, the Fat Controller is always referred to by his real name, "Sir Topham Hatt" in the US.
    • Even so, in certain US episodes following the CGI series, the engines' mouths are not reanimated properly, as their mouths say "The Fat Controller" when they verbally say "Sir Topham Hatt".
    • Also, several times in the UK script, Sir Topham Hatt is addressed by his nickname in public, when it would be inappropriate. This was fixed in Blue Mountain Mystery, when Victor called the Fat Controller by his real name "Sir Topham Hatt". In The Great Race, Gordon said "Sir Topham Hatt.
  • The Fat Controller's television series 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 calls him "Fat Hatt", a combination of his nickname and his real name.
  • According to Elizabeth, Sir Topham Hatt was a bad driver in his younger days. When he is seen driving Winston, it seems his skills have not improved.
  • The Fat Controller's office set was part of an exhibit at the Hangaram Art Museum in Korea in 2010.
  • Large scale and miniature models of Sir Topham Hatt are currently in the safe hands of the Top Props preservation group, after they were sold by The Prop Gallery. A large scale walking model of Sir Topham Hatt was also 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 the sixteenth series episode, Percy and the Calliope, the narrator refers to them as "helpers".
  • 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 the sixth and eleventh series, the model mainly did not have them at all. It would not be until the CGI series that he would permanently have eyebrows.
  • 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.
  • From the thirteenth series to the fifteenth series, Sir Topham Hatt was referred to as "Bertram" (not to be confused with the engine).
  • From Hero of the Rails to the eighteenth series, Sir Topham Hatt had an American accent in the US dub.
  • In most episodes and specials, Sir Topham Hatt is seen writing with his right hand. But in the nineteenth series episode, No Help At All, he is seen writing left-handed. This could likely be a mistake, but may also mean he is ambidextrous (being able to write with both hands).
  • A photo of the Fat Controller from the first series episode, Trouble in the Shed was shown on a web-exclusive video of Last Week Tonight with John Oliver.
  • Sir Topham Hatt is the only named human character to appear and speak in every series of the television series.
  • Between the thirteenth and fifteenth series, Hero of the Rails to Tale of the Brave, Sir Topham Hatt was the only character from the model series to still be voiced by the narrator in the CGI Series in the Finnish dub.
  • His name is a pun on top hat, the constant loss of which is a running gag throughout the series.
  • Although unconfirmed, his sweet tooth might be the showrunners poking fun at his weight.

Quotes

“I never like these big engines. Always going wrong. Send for another engine at once!”
― Sir Topham Hatt, The Three Railway Engines
“We'll see about that, engines on My Railway do as they are told”.
―Sir Topham Hatt, Troublesome Engines
“This gentleman is a gentleman who knows how to speak to engines.”
Toby about Sir Topham Hatt, Toby the Tram Engine
The Fat Controller spoke severely to Daisy too.
"My engines do not tell lies! They work hard with no shirking. I send lazy engines away!"
"However, Toby says you worked hard yesterday, after Percy's accident. So you shall have another chance!"
"Thank you, sir! I will work hard, sir. Toby says he'll help me".
"Excellent! What Toby doesn't know about branch line problems, 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, sixth series
“You are lucky Gordon, to have a controller who knows how to run railways.”
Flying Scotsman, Enterprising Engines
“Hello, I'm The Fat Controller/Sir Topham Hatt. I'm the director of the railway. Nothing is more important to me and then my engines are being really useful and that means always being on time.”
― Website audio
“Silence!/Quiet!”
― Catchphrase

Merchandise


* RWS only | ** T&F only | --- Dropped

* RWS only | ** T&F only

* RWS only | ** T&F only