I know that dedicated controllers are available for train simulators but from my research there isn't much variety and they are expensive. I have a Saitek Throttle Quadrant (for Flight Simulator) and this has 3 levers very similar to the levers on some locos, and I'm wondering if anyone knows if this hardware could also be programmed to work the power, brakes and reversers in TS-2019 and/or TSW?
Yes, with the raildriver interface and a joystick plugin (available on UKTS) you can do this, in fact one of the YouTubers uses a stick in his vids.
Would it not be easier just to use an XBox 360 (PC) Controller? I use one for both TS2019 and TSW, and it works very well. The primary operating functions - throttle, reverser, brakes, wipers and others - are mapped automatically to the XBox Controller - although it must be the PC version of Controller you use with a desktop computer or laptop. Gordon