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There is a large diesel engine running that is connected to a even larger generator. This charges batteries and powers motors in each truck.
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Actually the prime mover (the diesel engine) in a modern locomotive is massive, not just large. For an example, the old EMD 567 prime mover was so named because
each cylinder was 567 cu.in.!! Even an older inline 6 from, let's say, an old Alco is massive. Also, the main generator is much smaller compared to the prime mover, not larger.
People may think that the main generator charges batteries for powering the traction motors, that is incorrect. Locomotives do have a bank of batteries, but mainly for ancillary uses and of course for starting the prime mover. The batteries have nothing to do with powering the traction motors; all power comes from the main generator. GE does have a hybrid loco in the works that uses energy dissipated from braking (from the dynamic brakes), and uses it to power the motors on-demand, giving the engineer about 2000 h.p. for traction when necessary.
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Some of the larger locos even have 2x motors per truck.
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You seem to be implying that some axles are un-powered. ANY modern locomotive has all axles powered (i.e. one traction motor for each axle). 6 axles = 6 motors.