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Gasworks Tunnel
Look what was seen coming out of the disused Gasworks Tunnel:
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Ev0VIp7XMAcZiim?format=jpg&name=large |
Gasworks Tunnel
Recliner wrote:
Look what was seen coming out of the disused Gasworks Tunnel: https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Ev0VIp7XMAcZiim?format=jpg&name=large Henry the Green Engine has had a make over. GH |
Gasworks Tunnel
Marland wrote:
Recliner wrote: Look what was seen coming out of the disused Gasworks Tunnel: https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Ev0VIp7XMAcZiim?format=jpg&name=large Henry the Green Engine has had a make over. Looking a bit grubby! Sam -- The entity formerly known as Spit the dummy to reply |
Gasworks Tunnel
Sam Wilson wrote:
Marland wrote: Recliner wrote: Look what was seen coming out of the disused Gasworks Tunnel: https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Ev0VIp7XMAcZiim?format=jpg&name=large Henry the Green Engine has had a make over. Looking a bit grubby! Sam So was Henry when the Fat Controller eventually let him out. For those who are mystified. https://ttte.fandom.com/wiki/The_Sad_Story_of_Henry GH |
Gasworks Tunnel
Marland wrote:
Sam Wilson wrote: Marland wrote: Recliner wrote: Look what was seen coming out of the disused Gasworks Tunnel: https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Ev0VIp7XMAcZiim?format=jpg&name=large Henry the Green Engine has had a make over. Looking a bit grubby! Sam So was Henry when the Fat Controller eventually let him out. Yes, appropriately so! For those who are mystified. https://ttte.fandom.com/wiki/The_Sad_Story_of_Henry We used to have an EP with Johnny Morris reading that. Sam -- The entity formerly known as Spit the dummy to reply |
Gasworks Tunnel
On 07/03/2021 19:23, Sam Wilson wrote:
Marland wrote: Sam Wilson wrote: Marland wrote: Recliner wrote: Look what was seen coming out of the disused Gasworks Tunnel: https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Ev0VIp7XMAcZiim?format=jpg&name=large Henry the Green Engine has had a make over. Looking a bit grubby! Sam So was Henry when the Fat Controller eventually let him out. Yes, appropriately so! For those who are mystified. https://ttte.fandom.com/wiki/The_Sad_Story_of_Henry We used to have an EP with Johnny Morris reading that. Sam And here it is:- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lmd8kmeEx44 |
Gasworks Tunnel
Sam Wilson wrote:
Marland wrote: Sam Wilson wrote: Marland wrote: Recliner wrote: Look what was seen coming out of the disused Gasworks Tunnel: https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Ev0VIp7XMAcZiim?format=jpg&name=large Henry the Green Engine has had a make over. Looking a bit grubby! Sam So was Henry when the Fat Controller eventually let him out. Yes, appropriately so! For those who are mystified. https://ttte.fandom.com/wiki/The_Sad_Story_of_Henry We used to have an EP with Johnny Morris reading that. Sam I had it as well unless there were more than one with the stories on it, one of them has a reasonable recording of a steam train going fast . Mother got quite fed up one afternoon when I borrowed her Garrard record player and attempted with various measures of success to synchronise that section of the recording with my Tri-ang Princess Royal and coaches on there never ending journey around a track on 6’x4’ board which represented wherever I wanted it to be. GH |
Gasworks Tunnel
wrote:
On 07/03/2021 19:23, Sam Wilson wrote: Marland wrote: Sam Wilson wrote: Marland wrote: Recliner wrote: Look what was seen coming out of the disused Gasworks Tunnel: https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Ev0VIp7XMAcZiim?format=jpg&name=large Henry the Green Engine has had a make over. Looking a bit grubby! Sam So was Henry when the Fat Controller eventually let him out. Yes, appropriately so! For those who are mystified. https://ttte.fandom.com/wiki/The_Sad_Story_of_Henry We used to have an EP with Johnny Morris reading that. Sam And here it is:- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lmd8kmeEx44 Wow! Brings back memories of the little red Dansette! Thank you. Sam -- The entity formerly known as Spit the dummy to reply |
Gasworks Tunnel
Marland wrote:
Sam Wilson wrote: Marland wrote: Sam Wilson wrote: Marland wrote: Recliner wrote: Look what was seen coming out of the disused Gasworks Tunnel: https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Ev0VIp7XMAcZiim?format=jpg&name=large Henry the Green Engine has had a make over. Looking a bit grubby! Sam So was Henry when the Fat Controller eventually let him out. Yes, appropriately so! For those who are mystified. https://ttte.fandom.com/wiki/The_Sad_Story_of_Henry We used to have an EP with Johnny Morris reading that. Sam I had it as well unless there were more than one with the stories on it, one of them has a reasonable recording of a steam train going fast . Mother got quite fed up one afternoon when I borrowed her Garrard record player and attempted with various measures of success to synchronise that section of the recording with my Tri-ang Princess Royal and coaches on there never ending journey around a track on 6’x4’ board which represented wherever I wanted it to be. And Morris got the rhythms right which, ironically, the Beatles’s drummer never did! Sam -- The entity formerly known as Spit the dummy to reply |
Gasworks Tunnel
On Sun, 7 Mar 2021 20:11:44 +0000,
wrote: On 07/03/2021 19:23, Sam Wilson wrote: Marland wrote: Sam Wilson wrote: Marland wrote: Recliner wrote: Look what was seen coming out of the disused Gasworks Tunnel: https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Ev0VIp7XMAcZiim?format=jpg&name=large Henry the Green Engine has had a make over. Looking a bit grubby! Sam So was Henry when the Fat Controller eventually let him out. Yes, appropriately so! For those who are mystified. https://ttte.fandom.com/wiki/The_Sad_Story_of_Henry We used to have an EP with Johnny Morris reading that. Sam And here it is:- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lmd8kmeEx44 Would the B-side be an EPB? |
Gasworks Tunnel
Sam Wilson wrote:
Marland wrote: Sam Wilson wrote: Marland wrote: Sam Wilson wrote: Marland wrote: Recliner wrote: Look what was seen coming out of the disused Gasworks Tunnel: https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Ev0VIp7XMAcZiim?format=jpg&name=large Henry the Green Engine has had a make over. Looking a bit grubby! Sam So was Henry when the Fat Controller eventually let him out. Yes, appropriately so! For those who are mystified. https://ttte.fandom.com/wiki/The_Sad_Story_of_Henry We used to have an EP with Johnny Morris reading that. Sam I had it as well unless there were more than one with the stories on it, one of them has a reasonable recording of a steam train going fast . Mother got quite fed up one afternoon when I borrowed her Garrard record player and attempted with various measures of success to synchronise that section of the recording with my Tri-ang Princess Royal and coaches on there never ending journey around a track on 6’x4’ board which represented wherever I wanted it to be. And Morris got the rhythms right which, ironically, the Beatles’s drummer never did! I'm reminded of the quote about "The best drummer in the world? Ringo wasn’t even the best drummer in the Beatles!" - though apparently it originated in a 1981 BBC Radio 4 comedy show rather than actually from John Lennon! https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/john-lennon-ringo-best-drummer/ Anna Noyd-Dryver |
Gasworks Tunnel
On 08/03/2021 07:17, Anna Noyd-Dryver wrote:
I'm reminded of the quote about "The best drummer in the world? Ringo wasn’t even the best drummer in the Beatles!" - though apparently it originated in a 1981 BBC Radio 4 comedy show rather than actually from John Lennon! https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/john-lennon-ringo-best-drummer/ McCartney was such a good drummer that it's arguable that Ringo really wasn't the best drummer in the Beatles. -- Basil Jet recently enjoyed listening to 2005 - Bang Bang Rock & Roll - Art Brut |
Gasworks Tunnel
On 7 Mar 2021 11:02:37 GMT, Marland
wrote: Sam Wilson wrote: Marland wrote: Recliner wrote: Look what was seen coming out of the disused Gasworks Tunnel: https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Ev0VIp7XMAcZiim?format=jpg&name=large Henry the Green Engine has had a make over. Looking a bit grubby! Sam So was Henry when the Fat Controller eventually let him out. Sigh. Youngsters. When I were a lad it wasn't The Fat Controller and it certainly wasn't Sir Topham Hat (who sounds, not coincidently, like a character from Bridgerton). It was The Fat Comptroller. https://ttte.fandom.com/wiki/The_Sad_Story_of_Henry GH |
Gasworks Tunnel
"Trolleybus" wrote in message
... When I were a lad it wasn't The Fat Controller and it certainly wasn't Sir Topham Hat (who sounds, not coincidently, like a character from Bridgerton). It was The Fat Comptroller. https://ttte.fandom.com/wiki/The_Sad_Story_of_Henry Where did the spelling "comptroller" come from? Is it etymologically more correct than "controller"? Is "comptroller" actually pronounced with an "n" and a silent "p", and was the spelling therefore changed to match the pronunciation? Was "comptroller" still an accepted (ie not archaic) spelling when Rev Awdry wrote his books in the 1940s? Interesting how spellings evolve over the years: alarum - alarm shew - show (*) comptrol(ler) - control(ler) connexion - connection Connexion is a weird one. Was it actually pronounced as spelled, with an X sound in the middle rather than the "sh" sound of "connection"? (*) As in the sign on Wakefield buses even into the 1940s and 1950s "All tickets must be shewn". My dad can remember that everyone ridiculed the spelling and offered to "shoo" their tickets to the conductor, so evidently it was seriously archaic even then. |
Gasworks Tunnel
On 08/03/2021 10:06, NY wrote:
a silent "p" Silent, like the pee in bath. Or, the particularly apt French for swimming pool: piscine. |
Gasworks Tunnel
In message , at 09:44:35 on
Mon, 8 Mar 2021, Trolleybus remarked: On 7 Mar 2021 11:02:37 GMT, Marland wrote: Sam Wilson wrote: Marland wrote: Recliner wrote: Look what was seen coming out of the disused Gasworks Tunnel: https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Ev0VIp7XMAcZiim?format=jpg&name=large Henry the Green Engine has had a make over. Looking a bit grubby! Sam So was Henry when the Fat Controller eventually let him out. Sigh. Youngsters. When I were a lad it wasn't The Fat Controller and it certainly wasn't Sir Topham Hat (who sounds, not coincidently, like a character from Bridgerton). It was The Fat Comptroller. Notwitstanding: https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/...AC_SL1184_.jpg I have some first edition Thomas books (plus the one with Gordon in the tunnel: The Three Railway Engines, the first in the series) and the person in question then was "The Fat Director". Book 2 "The Fat Director" Book 3 (James the Red Engine) Arghh - This one seems to be missing from my collection. If someone has an original copy from the 50's maybe they can look. But by book 4 and onwrds it was "The Fat Controller". Gordon was rehabilitated in number seven of the series (published 1953) the forward of which says: Dear Ian, You asked for a book about Gordon. Here it is. Gordon has been naughty, and The Fat Controller was stern with him. Gordon has now learnt his lesson and is a Really Useful Engine again. I wonder if Andrew Lloyd Webber was a Thomas fan. -- Roland Perry |
Gasworks Tunnel
On Mon, 8 Mar 2021 09:12:53 +0000, Basil Jet
wrote: On 08/03/2021 07:17, Anna Noyd-Dryver wrote: I'm reminded of the quote about "The best drummer in the world? Ringo wasnt even the best drummer in the Beatles!" - though apparently it originated in a 1981 BBC Radio 4 comedy show rather than actually from John Lennon! https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/john-lennon-ringo-best-drummer/ McCartney was such a good drummer that it's arguable that Ringo really wasn't the best drummer in the Beatles. A clip from the American b/w TV show I've got a secret"... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ToLZewcgIK8 |
Gasworks Tunnel
On 08/03/2021 09:12, Basil Jet wrote:
On 08/03/2021 07:17, Anna Noyd-Dryver wrote: I'm reminded of the quote about "The best drummer in the world? Ringo wasn’t even the best drummer in the Beatles!" - though apparently it originated in a 1981 BBC Radio 4 comedy show rather than actually from John Lennon! https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/john-lennon-ringo-best-drummer/ McCartney was such a good drummer that it's arguable that Ringo really wasn't the best drummer in the Beatles. I'm told that technically, Pete Best was the better drummer, he just didn't fit with the other members. -- Graeme Wall This account not read. |
Gasworks Tunnel
On Mon, 8 Mar 2021 11:45:41 +0000, Roland Perry
wrote: In message , at 09:44:35 on Mon, 8 Mar 2021, Trolleybus remarked: On 7 Mar 2021 11:02:37 GMT, Marland wrote: Sigh. Youngsters. When I were a lad it wasn't The Fat Controller and it certainly wasn't Sir Topham Hat (who sounds, not coincidently, like a character from Bridgerton). It was The Fat Comptroller. Notwitstanding: https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/...AC_SL1184_.jpg I have some first edition Thomas books (plus the one with Gordon in the tunnel: The Three Railway Engines, the first in the series) and the person in question then was "The Fat Director". Book 2 "The Fat Director" Book 3 (James the Red Engine) Arghh - This one seems to be missing from my collection. If someone has an original copy from the 50's maybe they can look. But by book 4 and onwrds it was "The Fat Controller". Gordon was rehabilitated in number seven of the series (published 1953) the forward of which says: Dear Ian, You asked for a book about Gordon. Here it is. Gordon has been naughty, and The Fat Controller was stern with him. Gordon has now learnt his lesson and is a Really Useful Engine again. I wonder if Andrew Lloyd Webber was a Thomas fan. That seems odd. Have any fictional characters had more names? Were there different editions, perhaps regional? My memories would be from copies circulating in the 60s. I didn't have a clue what a comptroller was. I still don't other than a vague idea it's more akin to a chief accountant that an operations person. |
Gasworks Tunnel
On Mon, 8 Mar 2021 11:45:41 +0000, Roland Perry
wrote: In message , at 09:44:35 on Mon, 8 Mar 2021, Trolleybus remarked: On 7 Mar 2021 11:02:37 GMT, Marland wrote: Sam Wilson wrote: Sigh. Youngsters. When I were a lad it wasn't The Fat Controller and it certainly wasn't Sir Topham Hat (who sounds, not coincidently, like a character from Bridgerton). It was The Fat Comptroller. Notwitstanding: https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/...AC_SL1184_.jpg I have some first edition Thomas books (plus the one with Gordon in the tunnel: The Three Railway Engines, the first in the series) and the person in question then was "The Fat Director". Book 2 "The Fat Director" Wiki suggests the Fat Director was used for a couple of books. The web is scattered with references to the Fat Comptroller but on Wiki Talk a chap suggesting (in 2006) that the name Fat Comptroller was ever used was basically told to go away. Fat Comptroller clearly WAS used, as a search for the term will show. I suspect the name was changed to controller many years ago as comptroller was an unusual word and controller almost a homophone. Controller seems an odd title and not in common (non-railway) use. But railways do have control offices. Were those working in control styled as Controllers? |
Gasworks Tunnel
In message , at 08:02:52 on
Tue, 9 Mar 2021, Trolleybus remarked: On Mon, 8 Mar 2021 11:45:41 +0000, Roland Perry wrote: In message , at 09:44:35 on Mon, 8 Mar 2021, Trolleybus remarked: On 7 Mar 2021 11:02:37 GMT, Marland wrote: Sigh. Youngsters. When I were a lad it wasn't The Fat Controller and it certainly wasn't Sir Topham Hat (who sounds, not coincidently, like a character from Bridgerton). It was The Fat Comptroller. Notwitstanding: https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/...AC_SL1184_.jpg I have some first edition Thomas books (plus the one with Gordon in the tunnel: The Three Railway Engines, the first in the series) and the person in question then was "The Fat Director". Book 2 "The Fat Director" Book 3 (James the Red Engine) Arghh - This one seems to be missing from my collection. If someone has an original copy from the 50's maybe they can look. But by book 4 and onwrds it was "The Fat Controller". Gordon was rehabilitated in number seven of the series (published 1953) the forward of which says: Dear Ian, You asked for a book about Gordon. Here it is. Gordon has been naughty, and The Fat Controller was stern with him. Gordon has now learnt his lesson and is a Really Useful Engine again. I wonder if Andrew Lloyd Webber was a Thomas fan. That seems odd. Have any fictional characters had more names? Were there different editions, perhaps regional? Regional books - no I don't recognise that concept. My memories would be from copies circulating in the 60s. Mine are from the 50's I didn't have a clue what a comptroller was. I still don't other than a vague idea it's more akin to a chief accountant that an operations person. -- Roland Perry |
Gasworks Tunnel
In message , at 08:24:30 on
Tue, 9 Mar 2021, Trolleybus remarked: On Mon, 8 Mar 2021 11:45:41 +0000, Roland Perry wrote: In message , at 09:44:35 on Mon, 8 Mar 2021, Trolleybus remarked: On 7 Mar 2021 11:02:37 GMT, Marland wrote: Sam Wilson wrote: Sigh. Youngsters. When I were a lad it wasn't The Fat Controller and it certainly wasn't Sir Topham Hat (who sounds, not coincidently, like a character from Bridgerton). It was The Fat Comptroller. Notwitstanding: https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/...AC_SL1184_.jpg I have some first edition Thomas books (plus the one with Gordon in the tunnel: The Three Railway Engines, the first in the series) and the person in question then was "The Fat Director". Book 2 "The Fat Director" Wiki suggests the Fat Director was used for a couple of books. The web is scattered with references to the Fat Comptroller but on Wiki Talk a chap suggesting (in 2006) that the name Fat Comptroller was ever used was basically told to go away. Fat Comptroller clearly WAS used, as a search for the term will show. I suspect the name was changed to controller many years ago as comptroller was an unusual word and controller almost a homophone. Controller seems an odd title and not in common (non-railway) use. But railways do have control offices. Were those working in control styled as Controllers? I've posted evidence it went from Director to Controller in the early 50's. When is your first sighting on Comptroller? -- Roland Perry |
Gasworks Tunnel
On 09/03/2021 08:34, Roland Perry wrote:
In message , at 08:02:52 on Tue, 9 Mar 2021, Trolleybus remarked: On Mon, 8 Mar 2021 11:45:41 +0000, Roland Perry wrote: In message , at 09:44:35 on Mon, 8 Mar 2021, Trolleybus remarked: On 7 Mar 2021 11:02:37 GMT, Marland wrote: Sigh. Youngsters. When I were a lad it wasn't The Fat Controller and it certainly wasn't Sir Topham Hat (who sounds, not coincidently, like a character from Bridgerton). It was The Fat Comptroller. Notwitstanding: https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/...AC_SL1184_.jpg I have some first edition Thomas books (plus the one with Gordon in the tunnel: The Three Railway Engines, the first in the series) and the person in question then was "The Fat Director". Book 2 "The Fat Director" Book 3 (James the Red Engine) Arghh - This one seems to be missing from ***** my collection. If someone has an original copy from the 50's ***** maybe they can look. But by book 4 and onwrds it was "The Fat Controller". Gordon was rehabilitated in number seven of the series (published 1953) the forward of which says: ****** Dear Ian, ****** You asked for a book about Gordon. Here it is. Gordon has been ****** naughty, and The Fat Controller was stern with him. ****** Gordon has now learnt his lesson and is a Really Useful Engine ****** again. I wonder if Andrew Lloyd Webber was a Thomas fan. That seems odd. Have any fictional characters had more names? Were there different editions, perhaps regional? Regional books - no I don't recognise that concept. My memories would be from copies circulating in the 60s. Mine are from the 50's I've only one survivor from the 1950s, Toby The Tram Engine, he's definitely the Fat Controller in that one. -- Graeme Wall This account not read. |
Gasworks Tunnel
In message , at 08:48:09 on Tue, 9 Mar 2021,
Graeme Wall remarked: On 09/03/2021 08:34, Roland Perry wrote: In message , at 08:02:52 on Tue, 9 Mar 2021, Trolleybus remarked: On Mon, 8 Mar 2021 11:45:41 +0000, Roland Perry wrote: In message , at 09:44:35 on Mon, 8 Mar 2021, Trolleybus remarked: On 7 Mar 2021 11:02:37 GMT, Marland wrote: Sigh. Youngsters. When I were a lad it wasn't The Fat Controller and it certainly wasn't Sir Topham Hat (who sounds, not coincidently, like a character from Bridgerton). It was The Fat Comptroller. Notwitstanding: https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/...AC_SL1184_.jpg I have some first edition Thomas books (plus the one with Gordon in the tunnel: The Three Railway Engines, the first in the series) and the person in question then was "The Fat Director". Book 2 "The Fat Director" Book 3 (James the Red Engine) Arghh - This one seems to be missing from ***** my collection. If someone has an original copy from the 50's ***** maybe they can look. But by book 4 and onwrds it was "The Fat Controller". Gordon was rehabilitated in number seven of the series (published 1953) the forward of which says: ****** Dear Ian, ****** You asked for a book about Gordon. Here it is. Gordon has been ****** naughty, and The Fat Controller was stern with him. ****** Gordon has now learnt his lesson and is a Really Useful Engine ****** again. I wonder if Andrew Lloyd Webber was a Thomas fan. That seems odd. Have any fictional characters had more names? Were there different editions, perhaps regional? Regional books - no I don't recognise that concept. My memories would be from copies circulating in the 60s. Mine are from the 50's I've only one survivor from the 1950s, Toby The Tram Engine, he's definitely the Fat Controller in that one. That's number 7, and I've already posted that the name had changed by number 4. The only open question is what the name was in number 3. -- Roland Perry |
Gasworks Tunnel
On Tue, 9 Mar 2021 08:37:02 +0000, Roland Perry
wrote: Wiki suggests the Fat Director was used for a couple of books. The web is scattered with references to the Fat Comptroller but on Wiki Talk a chap suggesting (in 2006) that the name Fat Comptroller was ever used was basically told to go away. Fat Comptroller clearly WAS used, as a search for the term will show. I suspect the name was changed to controller many years ago as comptroller was an unusual word and controller almost a homophone. Controller seems an odd title and not in common (non-railway) use. But railways do have control offices. Were those working in control styled as Controllers? I've posted evidence it went from Director to Controller in the early 50's. When is your first sighting on Comptroller? As a boy it's the only term I can remember seeing, sticking in the memory because it seemed an odd word. I'd guess around 1960, so not long before this thread started in 2004. I'd have been willing to consider the possibility that I'd been mistaken if there weren't others with similar memories out there. |
Gasworks Tunnel
In message , at 09:51:40 on
Tue, 9 Mar 2021, Trolleybus remarked: On Tue, 9 Mar 2021 08:37:02 +0000, Roland Perry wrote: Wiki suggests the Fat Director was used for a couple of books. The web is scattered with references to the Fat Comptroller but on Wiki Talk a chap suggesting (in 2006) that the name Fat Comptroller was ever used was basically told to go away. Fat Comptroller clearly WAS used, as a search for the term will show. I suspect the name was changed to controller many years ago as comptroller was an unusual word and controller almost a homophone. Controller seems an odd title and not in common (non-railway) use. But railways do have control offices. Were those working in control styled as Controllers? I've posted evidence it went from Director to Controller in the early 50's. When is your first sighting on Comptroller? As a boy it's the only term I can remember seeing, sticking in the memory because it seemed an odd word. I'd guess around 1960, so not long before this thread started in 2004. I'd have been willing to consider the possibility that I'd been mistaken if there weren't others with similar memories out there. I don't think you are mistaken, but we are trying to establish the timeline of when the job description changed. Prior to 1949 it was "Fat Director", and the newest one I have is 1961 (Branch Line Engines, No16, a genuine first edition) when it was still "Fat Controller". In the interim, never "Fat Comptroller". Did it perhaps go Director - Controller - Comptroller - Controller ? -- Roland Perry |
Gasworks Tunnel
On Tue, 9 Mar 2021 10:02:52 +0000, Roland Perry
wrote: In message , at 09:51:40 on Tue, 9 Mar 2021, Trolleybus remarked: On Tue, 9 Mar 2021 08:37:02 +0000, Roland Perry wrote: Wiki suggests the Fat Director was used for a couple of books. The web is scattered with references to the Fat Comptroller but on Wiki Talk a chap suggesting (in 2006) that the name Fat Comptroller was ever used was basically told to go away. Fat Comptroller clearly WAS used, as a search for the term will show. I suspect the name was changed to controller many years ago as comptroller was an unusual word and controller almost a homophone. Controller seems an odd title and not in common (non-railway) use. But railways do have control offices. Were those working in control styled as Controllers? I've posted evidence it went from Director to Controller in the early 50's. When is your first sighting on Comptroller? As a boy it's the only term I can remember seeing, sticking in the memory because it seemed an odd word. I'd guess around 1960, so not long before this thread started in 2004. I'd have been willing to consider the possibility that I'd been mistaken if there weren't others with similar memories out there. I don't think you are mistaken, but we are trying to establish the timeline of when the job description changed. Prior to 1949 it was "Fat Director", and the newest one I have is 1961 (Branch Line Engines, No16, a genuine first edition) when it was still "Fat Controller". In the interim, never "Fat Comptroller". Did it perhaps go Director - Controller - Comptroller - Controller ? Maybe, of maybe the books that had comptroller were changed to controller at reprint? Could make an interesting research project for a bored person. |
Gasworks Tunnel
Graeme Wall wrote:
On 08/03/2021 09:12, Basil Jet wrote: On 08/03/2021 07:17, Anna Noyd-Dryver wrote: I'm reminded of the quote about "The best drummer in the world? Ringo wasn’t even the best drummer in the Beatles!" - though apparently it originated in a 1981 BBC Radio 4 comedy show rather than actually from John Lennon! https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/john-lennon-ringo-best-drummer/ McCartney was such a good drummer that it's arguable that Ringo really wasn't the best drummer in the Beatles. I'm told that technically, Pete Best was the better drummer, he just didn't fit with the other members. Technically Ringo has an unusual style - he’s left handed but plays a right-handed drum kit so he doesn’t necessarily play the same drum patterns as other people. Sam -- The entity formerly known as Spit the dummy to reply |
Gasworks Tunnel
Roland Perry wrote:
In message , at 08:48:09 on Tue, 9 Mar 2021, Graeme Wall remarked: On 09/03/2021 08:34, Roland Perry wrote: In message , at 08:02:52 on Tue, 9 Mar 2021, Trolleybus remarked: On Mon, 8 Mar 2021 11:45:41 +0000, Roland Perry wrote: In message , at 09:44:35 on Mon, 8 Mar 2021, Trolleybus remarked: On 7 Mar 2021 11:02:37 GMT, Marland wrote: Sigh. Youngsters. When I were a lad it wasn't The Fat Controller and it certainly wasn't Sir Topham Hat (who sounds, not coincidently, like a character from Bridgerton). It was The Fat Comptroller. Notwitstanding: https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/...AC_SL1184_.jpg I have some first edition Thomas books (plus the one with Gordon in the tunnel: The Three Railway Engines, the first in the series) and the person in question then was "The Fat Director". Book 2 "The Fat Director" Book 3 (James the Red Engine) Arghh - This one seems to be missing from ***** my collection. If someone has an original copy from the 50's ***** maybe they can look. But by book 4 and onwrds it was "The Fat Controller". Gordon was rehabilitated in number seven of the series (published 1953) the forward of which says: ****** Dear Ian, ****** You asked for a book about Gordon. Here it is. Gordon has been ****** naughty, and The Fat Controller was stern with him. ****** Gordon has now learnt his lesson and is a Really Useful Engine ****** again. I wonder if Andrew Lloyd Webber was a Thomas fan. That seems odd. Have any fictional characters had more names? Were there different editions, perhaps regional? Regional books - no I don't recognise that concept. My memories would be from copies circulating in the 60s. Mine are from the 50's I've only one survivor from the 1950s, Toby The Tram Engine, he's definitely the Fat Controller in that one. That's number 7, and I've already posted that the name had changed by number 4. The only open question is what the name was in number 3. James The Red Engine was my first Railway book and my first memories are of The Fat Controller. Take that as any kind of evidence you like. Sam -- The entity formerly known as Spit the dummy to reply |
Gasworks Tunnel
In message , at 15:44:11 on Tue, 9 Mar 2021,
Sam Wilson remarked: Roland Perry wrote: In message , at 08:48:09 on Tue, 9 Mar 2021, Graeme Wall remarked: On 09/03/2021 08:34, Roland Perry wrote: In message , at 08:02:52 on Tue, 9 Mar 2021, Trolleybus remarked: On Mon, 8 Mar 2021 11:45:41 +0000, Roland Perry wrote: In message , at 09:44:35 on Mon, 8 Mar 2021, Trolleybus remarked: On 7 Mar 2021 11:02:37 GMT, Marland wrote: Sigh. Youngsters. When I were a lad it wasn't The Fat Controller and it certainly wasn't Sir Topham Hat (who sounds, not coincidently, like a character from Bridgerton). It was The Fat Comptroller. Notwitstanding: https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/...AC_SL1184_.jpg I have some first edition Thomas books (plus the one with Gordon in the tunnel: The Three Railway Engines, the first in the series) and the person in question then was "The Fat Director". Book 2 "The Fat Director" Book 3 (James the Red Engine) Arghh - This one seems to be missing from ***** my collection. If someone has an original copy from the 50's ***** maybe they can look. But by book 4 and onwrds it was "The Fat Controller". Gordon was rehabilitated in number seven of the series (published 1953) the forward of which says: ****** Dear Ian, ****** You asked for a book about Gordon. Here it is. Gordon has ****** naughty, and The Fat Controller was stern with him. ****** Gordon has now learnt his lesson and is a Really Useful Engine ****** again. I wonder if Andrew Lloyd Webber was a Thomas fan. That seems odd. Have any fictional characters had more names? Were there different editions, perhaps regional? Regional books - no I don't recognise that concept. My memories would be from copies circulating in the 60s. Mine are from the 50's I've only one survivor from the 1950s, Toby The Tram Engine, he's definitely the Fat Controller in that one. That's number 7, and I've already posted that the name had changed by number 4. The only open question is what the name was in number 3. James The Red Engine was my first Railway book and my first memories are of The Fat Controller. Take that as any kind of evidence you like. Sounds good. -- Roland Perry |
Gasworks Tunnel
Roland Perry wrote:
In message , at 15:44:11 on Tue, 9 Mar 2021, Sam Wilson remarked: Roland Perry wrote: In message , at 08:48:09 on Tue, 9 Mar 2021, Graeme Wall remarked: On 09/03/2021 08:34, Roland Perry wrote: In message , at 08:02:52 on Tue, 9 Mar 2021, Trolleybus remarked: On Mon, 8 Mar 2021 11:45:41 +0000, Roland Perry wrote: In message , at 09:44:35 on Mon, 8 Mar 2021, Trolleybus remarked: On 7 Mar 2021 11:02:37 GMT, Marland wrote: Sigh. Youngsters. When I were a lad it wasn't The Fat Controller and it certainly wasn't Sir Topham Hat (who sounds, not coincidently, like a character from Bridgerton). It was The Fat Comptroller. Notwitstanding: https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/...AC_SL1184_.jpg I have some first edition Thomas books (plus the one with Gordon in the tunnel: The Three Railway Engines, the first in the series) and the person in question then was "The Fat Director". Book 2 "The Fat Director" Book 3 (James the Red Engine) Arghh - This one seems to be missing from ***** my collection. If someone has an original copy from the 50's ***** maybe they can look. But by book 4 and onwrds it was "The Fat Controller". Gordon was rehabilitated in number seven of the series (published 1953) the forward of which says: ****** Dear Ian, ****** You asked for a book about Gordon. Here it is. Gordon has ****** naughty, and The Fat Controller was stern with him. ****** Gordon has now learnt his lesson and is a Really Useful Engine ****** again. I wonder if Andrew Lloyd Webber was a Thomas fan. That seems odd. Have any fictional characters had more names? Were there different editions, perhaps regional? Regional books - no I don't recognise that concept. My memories would be from copies circulating in the 60s. Mine are from the 50's I've only one survivor from the 1950s, Toby The Tram Engine, he's definitely the Fat Controller in that one. That's number 7, and I've already posted that the name had changed by number 4. The only open question is what the name was in number 3. James The Red Engine was my first Railway book and my first memories are of The Fat Controller. Take that as any kind of evidence you like. Sounds good. And before PC intervened the term “Fat Controller “ was easily understood and remembered amongst the Target audience of young children, that the character is instantly remembered by quite a few readers is evidence that target was well and truly hit. I don’t know when or where this term “ The Fat Comptroller “ was used but it doesn’t sound like a term that would be used for Children aged around 6 who will not be aware of the term Could it have been a misprint on a few books that got through? GH |
Gasworks Tunnel
On Tue, 9 Mar 2021 15:44:10 -0000 (UTC), Sam Wilson
wrote: Graeme Wall wrote: On 08/03/2021 09:12, Basil Jet wrote: On 08/03/2021 07:17, Anna Noyd-Dryver wrote: I'm reminded of the quote about "The best drummer in the world? Ringo wasnt even the best drummer in the Beatles!" - though apparently it originated in a 1981 BBC Radio 4 comedy show rather than actually from John Lennon! https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/john-lennon-ringo-best-drummer/ McCartney was such a good drummer that it's arguable that Ringo really wasn't the best drummer in the Beatles. I'm told that technically, Pete Best was the better drummer, he just didn't fit with the other members. Technically Ringo has an unusual style - hes left handed but plays a right-handed drum kit so he doesnt necessarily play the same drum patterns as other people. Pete Best on the American b/w panel game "I've got a secret". https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jw73eHvtv_I#t=09m49s |
Gasworks Tunnel
On 09/03/2021 16:48, Marland wrote:
Roland Perry wrote: In message , at 15:44:11 on Tue, 9 Mar 2021, Sam Wilson remarked: Roland Perry wrote: In message , at 08:48:09 on Tue, 9 Mar 2021, Graeme Wall remarked: On 09/03/2021 08:34, Roland Perry wrote: In message , at 08:02:52 on Tue, 9 Mar 2021, Trolleybus remarked: On Mon, 8 Mar 2021 11:45:41 +0000, Roland Perry wrote: In message , at 09:44:35 on Mon, 8 Mar 2021, Trolleybus remarked: On 7 Mar 2021 11:02:37 GMT, Marland wrote: Sigh. Youngsters. When I were a lad it wasn't The Fat Controller and it certainly wasn't Sir Topham Hat (who sounds, not coincidently, like a character from Bridgerton). It was The Fat Comptroller. Notwitstanding: https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/...AC_SL1184_.jpg I have some first edition Thomas books (plus the one with Gordon in the tunnel: The Three Railway Engines, the first in the series) and the person in question then was "The Fat Director". Book 2 "The Fat Director" Book 3 (James the Red Engine) Arghh - This one seems to be missing from ***** my collection. If someone has an original copy from the 50's ***** maybe they can look. But by book 4 and onwrds it was "The Fat Controller". Gordon was rehabilitated in number seven of the series (published 1953) the forward of which says: ****** Dear Ian, ****** You asked for a book about Gordon. Here it is. Gordon has ****** naughty, and The Fat Controller was stern with him. ****** Gordon has now learnt his lesson and is a Really Useful Engine ****** again. I wonder if Andrew Lloyd Webber was a Thomas fan. That seems odd. Have any fictional characters had more names? Were there different editions, perhaps regional? Regional books - no I don't recognise that concept. My memories would be from copies circulating in the 60s. Mine are from the 50's I've only one survivor from the 1950s, Toby The Tram Engine, he's definitely the Fat Controller in that one. That's number 7, and I've already posted that the name had changed by number 4. The only open question is what the name was in number 3. James The Red Engine was my first Railway book and my first memories are of The Fat Controller. Take that as any kind of evidence you like. Sounds good. And before PC intervened the term “Fat Controller “ was easily understood and remembered amongst the Target audience of young children, that the character is instantly remembered by quite a few readers is evidence that target was well and truly hit. I don’t know when or where this term “ The Fat Comptroller “ was used but it doesn’t sound like a term that would be used for Children aged around 6 who will not be aware of the term Could it have been a misprint on a few books that got through? Was there ever an American version? -- Graeme Wall This account not read. |
Gasworks Tunnel
On 09/03/2021 08:37, Roland Perry wrote:
In message , at 08:24:30 on Wiki suggests the Fat Director was used for a couple of books. The web is scattered with references to the Fat Comptroller but on Wiki Talk a chap suggesting (in 2006) that the name Fat Comptroller was ever used was basically told to go away. Fat Comptroller clearly WAS used, as a search for the term will show. I suspect the name was changed to controller many years ago as comptroller was an unusual word and controller almost a homophone. Controller seems an odd title and not in common (non-railway) use. But railways do have control offices. Were those working in control styled as Controllers? I've posted evidence it went from Director to Controller in the early 50's. The introduction to book 3, "James the Red Engine", first published in 1948, (c) in this edition 2002, says: Dear Friends of Edward, Gordon, Henry and Thomas, Thank you for your kind letters; here is the new book or which you asked. James, who crashed into the story of /Thomas, the Tank Engine/, settles down and becomes a useful engine. We are nationalised now, but the same engines still work the Region. I am glad, too, to tell you that the Fat Director, who under- stands our friends' ways, is still in charge, but is now the Fat Controller. I hope you will enjoy this book too. The Author This matches my memories of the books from the early '80s. |
Gasworks Tunnel
On Tue, 9 Mar 2021 21:52:26 +0000, Roger Lynn
wrote: On 09/03/2021 08:37, Roland Perry wrote: In message , at 08:24:30 on Wiki suggests the Fat Director was used for a couple of books. The web is scattered with references to the Fat Comptroller but on Wiki Talk a chap suggesting (in 2006) that the name Fat Comptroller was ever used was basically told to go away. Fat Comptroller clearly WAS used, as a search for the term will show. I suspect the name was changed to controller many years ago as comptroller was an unusual word and controller almost a homophone. Controller seems an odd title and not in common (non-railway) use. But railways do have control offices. Were those working in control styled as Controllers? I've posted evidence it went from Director to Controller in the early 50's. The introduction to book 3, "James the Red Engine", first published in 1948, (c) in this edition 2002, says: Dear Friends of Edward, Gordon, Henry and Thomas, Thank you for your kind letters; here is the new book or which you asked. James, who crashed into the story of /Thomas, the Tank Engine/, settles down and becomes a useful engine. We are nationalised now, but the same engines still work the Region. I am glad, too, to tell you that the Fat Director, who under- stands our friends' ways, is still in charge, but is now the Fat Controller. I hope you will enjoy this book too. The Author This matches my memories of the books from the early '80s. That's a reprint. Has anyone a 1948 copy? I assume that reprints in those days rarely altered text, but a move from comptroller to controller may have been manageable. |
Gasworks Tunnel
In message , at 09:37:36 on
Wed, 10 Mar 2021, Trolleybus remarked: On Tue, 9 Mar 2021 21:52:26 +0000, Roger Lynn wrote: On 09/03/2021 08:37, Roland Perry wrote: In message , at 08:24:30 on Wiki suggests the Fat Director was used for a couple of books. The web is scattered with references to the Fat Comptroller but on Wiki Talk a chap suggesting (in 2006) that the name Fat Comptroller was ever used was basically told to go away. Fat Comptroller clearly WAS used, as a search for the term will show. I suspect the name was changed to controller many years ago as comptroller was an unusual word and controller almost a homophone. Controller seems an odd title and not in common (non-railway) use. But railways do have control offices. Were those working in control styled as Controllers? I've posted evidence it went from Director to Controller in the early 50's. The introduction to book 3, "James the Red Engine", first published in 1948, (c) in this edition 2002, says: Dear Friends of Edward, Gordon, Henry and Thomas, Thank you for your kind letters; here is the new book or which you asked. James, who crashed into the story of /Thomas, the Tank Engine/, settles down and becomes a useful engine. We are nationalised now, but the same engines still work the Region. I am glad, too, to tell you that the Fat Director, who under- stands our friends' ways, is still in charge, but is now the Fat Controller. I hope you will enjoy this book too. The Author This matches my memories of the books from the early '80s. That's a reprint. Has anyone a 1948 copy? I assume that reprints in those days rarely altered text, but a move from comptroller to controller may have been manageable. I've got 1954 editions of Book 4, 7 & 9 and it's Fat Controller in those. (And in all the other later-printed books - apart from 1 [1954] & 2 [1955], where it's Fat Director.) It's a fairly convincing audit trail. -- Roland Perry |
Gasworks Tunnel
On 09/03/2021 17:33, Graeme Wall wrote:
On 09/03/2021 16:48, Marland wrote: And before PC intervened the term “Fat Controller* “ was easily understood and remembered amongst the Target audience of young children, that the character is instantly remembered by quite a few readers is evidence that target was well and truly hit. I don’t know when or where this term* “ The Fat Comptroller “ was used but it doesn’t sound like a term that would be used for Children* aged around* 6* who will not be aware of the term Could it have been a misprint on a few books that got through? Was there ever an American version? "The just a normal size Controller"? -- Arthur Figgis Surrey, UK |
Gasworks Tunnel
Arthur Figgis wrote:
On 09/03/2021 17:33, Graeme Wall wrote: On 09/03/2021 16:48, Marland wrote: And before PC intervened the term “Fat Controller* “ was easily understood and remembered amongst the Target audience of young children, that the character is instantly remembered by quite a few readers is evidence that target was well and truly hit. I don’t know when or where this term* “ The Fat Comptroller “ was used but it doesn’t sound like a term that would be used for Children* aged around* 6* who will not be aware of the term Could it have been a misprint on a few books that got through? Was there ever an American version? "The just a normal size Controller"? “regular size” Sam -- The entity formerly known as Spit the dummy to reply |
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