We have done carry on only trips by train around Europe a few times, and have a carry on only trip scheduled for June 2023, which will involve AMS-Paris, then regional and local trains to Bayeux and Reims.
We have also trained in Italy...Rome-Venice-Florence-Cinque Terre, then back to Rome, as well as Paris-London. Our bags have always gone with us, usually in the overhead, but once or twice at the rear of the car. In that case, we carry a bike lock style cable lock to secure the bags.
We were in our 50s and 60s, now this coming trip will be 60s and 70s. I wouldn't be able to convince DW to do these if we were dragging checked bags.