What hardware and software is needed to put together a basic flight simulator?
(first off, I need to post a new picture of my sim rig soon.  It's improved since then)

1. Yoke vs. Stick

Try to model it after a plane you're actually going to fly.


If it's a yoke-controlled model (like a Cessna), then you should have a Yoke.
If you're working towards a stick controlled plane (like a Piper Cub), then you should get a simple joystick (not a fighter-pilot-styled super fancy one).


I have this model: 
But I want to upgrade to: 

2. Throttle

After that, I think a throttle is important.
Making the throttle precisely mirror your chosen airplane is not as important.
(pushing a lever is pretty similar to pushing a control rod).

The three-lever model comes with the Pro Flight Yoke.
Or you can get a a Push-rod version like this:


(more updates when I have time)