Hey there, didn't know I'd find another train enthusiast on here! 
I'm from the UK, where we have a more expensive rail network than the US (as you might expect, being a much denser, and less car-centric, country) - but it can be incredibly unreliable and there's evidence of costcutting all over the place unfortunately.
I've not actually been to the US so I don't have a clue how travelling by train works there - my opinions are purely based on what I've seen online.
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From what I've seen online it looks like European passenger rail is a lot better than America's but I've never used pubic rail transport before. It seems like rail freight is generally better in America though, but the UK has beautiful steam locomotives
I've always wondered if there are any requirements to use the locomotive horn in the UK since I almost never hear them blow
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@TrainFan2020 Most passenger rail in the UK these days is multiple units which are basically passenger cars with the traction equipment mounted underneath - here is a video I took of one of the most modern ones if you're not sure what I mean and here is someone else's video of one of my favourites (it sounds lovely!)
We certainly don't have steam locos left in mainline service anymore though they occasionally run special railtours with them. There are also preserved railways that run them regularly.
America has a much wider range of rail freight, you're right.
As for the horns, I know there are some points where they have to be sounded such as on the approach to some level crossings but I don't know in much more detail than that!
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Bloody hell! Wouldn't like to live next to the tracks!
Here's some typical horn usage in the UK, along with some fast High Speed Trains (HSTs) at speed
In the background you can hear automated passenger announcements, which I also find pretty interesting. Here are some better recordings of those:
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