The Fat Controller

We have been expecting you Mr Bond, or should I say the Fat Controller... or perhaps even Sir Topham Hatt.

Officially he is the Superintendent of the railway in The Railway Series of books by the Reverend W. V. Awdry. In the first two books of the series, he was known as The Fat Director, though thereafter was referred to as the Fat Controller. He is a rather big guy, and is more commonly known by this descriptive nickname.

If you should encounter him while in Sodor, please address him by his correct title - Sir Topham Hatt. He was knighted for his services to the railways of Sodor, and should be respected for this. Depending on whether you read the books, or watch television series, you will discover he is actually four different people who all look very similar.

The Flat Pack Version.

Flat Pack Version

In The Railway Book Series there have been three separate Fat Controllers. It seems that the job of The Fat Controller has been passed down from father to son.

Sir Topham Hatt I

Sir Topham Hatt II

Sir Topham Hatt III

-Grandfather
-Father
-Son

In the television series he is portrayed as one character, with his lovely wife Lady Jane Hatt. Very little of his past is revealed, so there is a slight air of mystery about him. He is however, a very generous and reasonable man, who gets on superbly well with young children.

Rounded Version

Technical Stuff:

In the Wooden Railway system, The Fat Controller is presented in two formats, as pictured above. There is the "flat pack" printed version, or the more detailed rounded figure. His arms can be manipulated up or down, and his lower torso has limited movement from the waist. This created many logistical challenges when recreating the classic action moments from the James Bond series of films.
The figures are dressed in his familiar top hat and morning suit.
Just as James Bond is remembered for his one liners, The Fat Controller has his own identifiable quote - "You're a really useful engine". This is the ultimate compliment that can be given to an engine, and will commonly send their eyes spinning.
He learnt to drive as a young man in Elizabeth, the Sentinal lorry.

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