After an entire career working in the cabs of historic/antique diesel and steam locomotives I have mixed feelings about "noise" level. I have worn hearing protection religiously but still have developed tinnitus so I understand the long term effects of noise exposure. But something down deep in my soul wants trains to be noisy. I revel at the sound of a roots blown 567 engine at full load in run 8, the howl of dynamic brakes and the stack talk of a hard working steamer. A heavy train climbing a grade should let you know there's some serious stuff going on. Today's modern trains are still impressive but don't outwardly exhibit the brute force going on like the days of old. Heritage RR's still can put on a show but working on and around them for decades can take a toll - but I wouldn't have traded it for a career on a Class 1 (even though I'd probably be retired by now.....). Some horns and whistles just sound more annoying than others. I wouldn't want to live right next to a busy grade crossing and have to endure the constant crossing signals, but I do live about a mile from a fairly busy RR and I enjoy hearing the horns and sounds of the working trains from a distance.