Thomas and Friends

An original large scale miniature used during the production of the popular children's television series Thomas and Friends.

This Fat Controller miniature is an original large scale model created for use in close up shots and represents the largest scale of miniature Controller used in the series. This rare walking model is believed to have been created for series two of the show, notably used in the episode 'The Deputation' where it is noticeably the walking variant, that miniature exhibits some paint tells which demonstrates the same models use as one of the principal large scale close up Fat Controller miniatures used in several episodes of series two. The miniature was subsequently filmed for the series three episode 'A Scarf for Percy' with the scene not used in the final cut and again filmed for the series 6 episode 'No Sleep for Cranky', a still of which was used in a later book. Following HiT Entertainment's acquisition of the Thomas and Friends television rights in 2002 the miniature was refurbished with new paintwork along with a number of other props from older series.

This highly detailed miniature is constructed from solid resin and features poseable arms and a detachable head which allowed the crew to easily change the characters expression during production, the arms are also detachable by way of a ball and socket arrangement allowing crew to alter his poses as required. The model is hand painted in the characters signature attire with black morning coat, grey trousers, yellow waistcoat and trademark black top hat, finished with excellent attention to detail befitting a large scale close up miniature which includes a pocket square, tie, jacket pockets, spats and even hand painted fingers and thumb nail. As it is known that the head which once accompanied this miniature was destroyed the head offered here is believed to be a later model produced following HiT's acquisition and used in the later series of the show before production switched to CGI.

The Fat Controller stands a very impressive 10" tall and measures over 5" wide across the arms, he remains in excellent production used condition with vibrant paintwork which exhibits only very minor wear and a minor crack to the brim of his hat which has been expertly repaired, these small imperfections fail to detract from what is a stunning miniature. The body features some evidence of body filler to the underside of the right foot which would have been used to stabilise it on set with the bottom of the left foot having been inscribed by production with the numbers six and two, referring to the series in which it had been previously used. The underside of the head features a small locating hole which was likely used to pin it to another body however the walking body lacks this hole owing to it being an older miniature, dud to this the head is tacked to the body but could be glued or pinned if the new owner so desired. Following its use at Shepperton Studios during production the miniature was gifted to a senior crew member.

This represents an incredibly rare opportunity to acquire a large scale close up miniature of this iconic character which makes a stunning display piece and an instantly recognisable element of this popular children's television series.