Does Train the Trainer really work?

Train the trainer is a concept where the trainer (a subject matter expert, and experienced trainer) teaches people on a topic, as well as a method of training - so the theory is that this top-down approach can go - very quickly - from the very top to the very bottom of the department or team. 

Here is the thing - IT DOES NOT WORK. Why? Not everyone has the knowledge, skills, abilities or capabilities to train others.

Per Work.Chron, "the complexity of both teaching a subject and simultaneously teaching others to teach the same subject leaves a limited amount of classroom time for participant self-expression or for trainees to gather and organize the subject material themselves. Many courses using the model include interactive activities, but they are essentially organized as lectures". 

NO ADULT LEARNS BY SITTING IN A LECTURE. 

Sure they may be inspired and chipper full of theoretical idea, but inspiration and theory do not necessarily lead to productivity (aka getting shit done).

So with that said, either train your trainers to be real trainers (not a 15-minute pep talk) or give up on the trainer the trainer method.