The Fat Controller's Birthday

The Fat Controller's Birthday is a magazine story.

Plot
Every year, on The Fat Controller's birthday, a grand party is held for him and the engine crews give him presents. One year, Gordon's driver gives The Fat Controller a new tie pin while Edward's driver gives him a new brush for his top hat. Thomas and his driver, unfortunately, are stumped on what to give him.

Thomas and his driver end up so distracted thinking about presents that they miss the last station on the line. They only notice this when they return to the yard and an angry passenger tells them off.

Thomas' driver apologises as The Fat Controller arrives to see what the matter is. Thomas' driver is about to explain when The Fat Controller lets out a shout of joy. It is revealed that the passenger is an old friend of The Fat Controller's from his school days and they have not seen each other since. The Fat Controller declares Thomas' mistake to be the best birthday present he has ever had.

Characters

 * Thomas
 * Sir Topham Hatt
 * Edward
 * Gordon
 * Annie

Goofs

 * The man's outfit changes colours between the illustrations.