The Fat Controller facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Sir Topham Hatt |
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| Thomas and Friends character | |
The Fat Controller ("Sir Topham Hatt"), as seen in the Series 2 episode "Duck Takes Charge" (1986)
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| First appearance | The Three Railway Engines (1945) |
| Created by | Rev. W. Awdry |
| Voiced by | US:
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| Information | |
| Gender | Male |
| Occupation | Controller of the North Western Railway |
| Spouse(s) | Lady Jane Hatt |
| Children | 2 |
| Nationality | British |
Sir Topham Hatt, also known as The Fat Controller in the UK and Australia, is a famous character from The Railway Series books. These books were written by the Reverend W. Awdry and his son, Christopher Awdry. In the very first books, he was called The Fat Director. Later, when the railway became owned by the government (this is called nationalised), he became known as The Fat Controller. His full name, Sir Topham Hatt, was first shared in the book Henry the Green Engine in 1951.
The Fat Controller also stars in the popular TV show Thomas & Friends. In the early TV episodes, he was a still figure made of resin or wood. But from the twelfth season onwards, he was brought to life using CGI (computer animation).
Contents
Why the Nickname "Fat Controller"?
The character first appeared in the story "The Sad Story of Henry" from the first Railway Series book, The Three Railway Engines. In this story, when Henry wouldn't leave a tunnel, the book says "a Fat Director who was on the train told the guard to get a rope."
From then on, the character was always called the Fat Director or Fat Controller in the books. The name Sir Topham Hatt was first seen in the book Henry the Green Engine. It even appeared on his luggage! In the TV show, the narrator introduced him as Sir Topham Hatt.
In the American version of the TV show, he is always called Sir Topham Hatt. He is never called The Fat Controller. This is because the word "fat" can be seen as more rude in the United States than in Britain.
The Controllers of the Railway
In the Railway Series books, there have actually been three different people who held the job of "Fat Controller." They all looked quite similar and were all known as Sir Topham Hatt. Special books about the Island of Sodor explain this clearly.
Sir Topham Hatt, The First Controller (1880-1956)
The first Sir Topham Hatt was a very skilled engineer. He helped build the early railway lines on Sodor. He also designed the first engines that ran on these lines.
When the railways on Sodor joined together in 1914, Topham Hatt was chosen for his engineering talent. He built a bridge connecting Sodor to the mainland. He also added more railway lines and improved places for the engines. He quickly became a Director of the railway.
He married Jane Brown and had two children, Charles and Barbara. In 1948, when the railway became part of British Railways, Topham Hatt was made the Controller. He was also given the special title of baronet for his great work on Sodor's railways. This is the Fat Controller you see in many of the early stories.
Sir Charles Topham Hatt, The Second Controller (1914-1997)
Charles Topham Hatt was the son of the first Sir Topham Hatt. He became the second Controller of the North Western Railway. Like his father, he was a clever engineer. He made many improvements to the railway and its engines. He also started the plan to build the Arlesdale Railway.
He was famous for keeping steam engines running on Sodor. This was at a time when other railways in Britain were getting rid of them. While other lines were closing, Charles was reopening them on Sodor!
Sir Stephen Topham Hatt, The Third Controller (1941-Present)
Stephen Topham Hatt was first seen as a child in the book Toby the Tram Engine. As an adult, he became the third Controller of the North Western Railway. His son, Richard Topham Hatt, is expected to take over the role when Stephen retires.
Sir Topham Hatt in the TV Show
In the Thomas & Friends TV series, The Fat Controller is always the same person. He has the same wife and grandchildren. He is shown to be in his mid-60s. We also meet more of his family, like his mother (Dowager Hatt) and his playful twin brother (Sir Lowham Hatt).
He is a skilled railway engine driver. He is in charge of all the engines on Sodor. He also has a lot of say over other vehicles. When he was young, he learned to drive in an old lorry named Elizabeth. He has overseen the building of many railway lines and services. He has also helped open several tourist attractions on Sodor.
His full name was revealed to be Bertram by the opera singer Alicia Botti in one episode. His mother, Dowager Hatt, also used this name in other episodes.
His Classic Look
Sir Topham Hatt always wears a top hat and a morning suit. This makes him look very old-fashioned and formal. However, back in the 1950s, it was normal for railway officials in Britain to dress this way. So, for his time, he was dressed quite properly!
In the TV show, his suit is sometimes used for funny moments. He might wear a scarf and mittens in winter. The show also highlights how old-fashioned his clothes are. He has a whole wardrobe of formal outfits for when he's not "on duty." He's even been seen in pajamas, a wizard costume, a kilt, and dressed like Santa Claus!
Sir Topham's Family
Wife: Lady Hatt
Lady Jane Brown Hatt helps her husband with the railway. She loves seeing new railway lines open. She used to dislike Annie and Clarabel, calling them "beach huts." But she grew to like them after they got new paint. Even though her husband runs a railway, she enjoys trips in their car or on a boat.
Mother: Dowager Hatt
Dowager Hatt visits Sodor sometimes. Her son once threw a party for her. She has a Dalmatian dog. She thinks the railway is very useful, and the Fat Controller says she is always right. She is the only family member who only appears in the TV series, not the books.
Grandchildren: Stephen and Bridget
Stephen and Bridget Hatt live on Sodor. They often go on outings and holidays with their grandparents.
Grandson: Stephen Hatt
Stephen Topham Hatt loves trains! He was very excited when he first met Toby the Tram Engine. Stephen knows a lot about Sodor. He helped discover the Old Castle and the mine where Bertram was found. In the Railway Series books, this Stephen grows up to become the current Fat Controller. But in the TV show, he stays a child.
Granddaughter: Bridget Hatt
Bridget Amanda Hatt also lives on Sodor. She goes on trips with her grandparents and brother. Once, they visited Toby's old line. She thought Toby was an electric tram, and her brother had to correct her!
Twin Brother: Lowham Hatt
Sir Lowham Hatt is Sir Topham Hatt's jolly twin brother. He is Dowager Hatt's son and Stephen and Bridget's great-uncle.
Lowham is playful and enjoys playing with children. He doesn't seem to know much about railways. He once pulled a lever in a signal box, which sent Gordon onto the wrong track! He dresses just like Sir Topham but has a moustache. He only appears in one TV episode, "Double Trouble."
The Hatt's Butler
Sir Topham Hatt has a butler who appears in both the Railway Series books and the Thomas & Friends TV series. He has appeared in a few stories, helping out the family.
Sir Topham Hatt in Real Life
"Day out with Thomas" events are popular ways to raise money for heritage railways. At these events, children can meet characters from the books and TV show. Often, a volunteer plays the part of the Fat Controller. These volunteers must look the part! They need to be of the right age and build. For example, a Fat Controller was once asked to shave his beard. It's also not allowed for a Fat Controller to be too thin! In the United States, the character is often played by someone in a full costume, so their face isn't seen.
Other Uses of the Name "Fat Controller"
The name "Fat Controller" has been used in other ways too:
- In Australia, it can describe someone who works in finance, like a financial manager. It's similar to the term "fat cat" for people in government.
- The name has been used for a student magazine, an electronic snow globe, and even a public house (a type of pub) in the United Kingdom.
- A British band called Catherine Wheel recorded a song named "Here Comes the Fat Controller."
- Electronic musician Squarepusher has a song called "Fat Controller."
- In software, "Fat Controller" is a term for a design that is too complicated.
- It's a nickname for a police superintendent in the British detective show Dalziel and Pascoe.
- In the fantasy novel Railsea, a deity of the rails is named That Apt Ohm, which is an anagram of Topham Hatt.
- There's a music venue in Adelaide, South Australia, called "The Fat Controller."
Images for kids
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The Fat Controller ("Sir Topham Hatt"), as seen in the Series 2 episode "Duck Takes Charge" (1986)
