The Fat Controller (more formally referred to as Sir Topham Hatt in the U.S.) is the head of the railway in The Railway Series of books written by the Rev. W. V. Awdry. In the first two books in the series (The Three Railway Engines and Thomas the Tank Engine) he is known as The Fat Director. In the third book (James the Red Engine) he becomes The Fat Controller, as the railway has been nationalised. His full name is revealed in the foreword to the book Henry the Green Engine.
The Fat Controller also appears in many episodes of the television series Thomas & Friends, adapted from the books. In this he was usually portrayed in the form of a static figure, but from Season 12 onwards was portrayed using CGI.
The name or term "fat controller" has since been adopted in various contexts in the English language, beyond the sphere of the original stories.
Read more about The Fat Controller: Origin of Nickname, Biography (Railway Series), Biography (television Series), Mode of Dress, Inspiration, Real Fat Controllers, Other Uses of The Name "Fat Controller"
Famous quotes containing the word fat:
“Holly Golightly: You know those days when you’ve got the mean reds?
Paul: The mean reds? You mean like the blues?
Holly Golightly: No, the blues are because you’re getting fat or maybe it’s been raining too long. You’re just sad, that’s all. The mean reds are horrible. Suddenly you’re afraid and you don’t know what you’re afraid of.”
—George Axelrod (b. 1922)