Sir Topham Hatt I (Thomasfan9)

Sir Charles Topham Hatt (born in 12 January 1850 - died in 25 December 1945) was the first controller of the North Western Railway. He was known as the "Fat Controller", and held this position from the railway's opening in 1881 until 1916. He is one of the most important figures in the history of Sodor's railways.

Biography
Sir Charles Topham Hatt born in England 1850 at London, Number 15th, Cherry Tree Lane. At the age of 12, he went to Britain School. Then at the age of eighteen, he went to University. Then, he went to Sodor and he built the Railway in 1880. He became a controller in 1881. Neil was his first engine.

Retirement from NWR
Sir Topham Hatt had been diagnosed with Diabetes back in 1913. In 1915, it began to worsen to the point where he was having difficulty walking. He retired at the age of 65, and his son, Bertram, took over. Despite his illness, he still visited the engines quite frequently. As he could not drive very far, he would use trains for transport. He also went on holidays on the mainland quite frequently, often visiting The Thin Clergyman.

Death
Hatt managed to keep his diabetes under control until 1945. He could barely leave his house in Wellsworth because of severe lack of energy. He lost a massive amount of weight, going from about 400 lbs to less than 200. On November 28, he suffered a stroke and was hospitalized. Though he slightly recovered, he was bedridden and very unwell. Two weeks later, he relapsed and died on 25 December 1945 at the age of 95. He was survived by his wife and children. Sir Topham Hatt I's death was mourned throughout the island, and a ceremony was held at Tidmouth Station. All the NWR engines attended.

Engines Acquired During Tenure

 * Neil (1881)
 * Clive (1881)
 * Matthew (1881)
 * Eagle (1890)
 * Winston (1890)
 * Edward (1891)
 * Henry (1895)
 * Gordon (1911)
 * Wallace (1913)
 * James (1914)
 * Thomas (1915)

Films

 * The Adventure Begins

Voice Actor

 * DieselD199 (