Thanks for the explanation, BOB2.

Where I had most exposure to railroad (Switzerland, Germany, some little France), no signals are given when starting to move. There may be some warning in (delivery) switching environments, when the crew size is bigger, but otherwise, nope. In general, there is much less noise produced; one signal with the whistle/horn for unprotected (no gates, no warning lights) grade crossings (which are disappearing), and switching communication is all radio-based. Bells exist only on streetcars/light rail vehicles and are only used if needed.