[doublepost=1474677620,1474677368][/doublepost]I should also mention, Thruster Plumes can be used in conjunction with Ice or other solid block engines.
To garuntee them to work, place down the thrusters in the engine bell/nacelle, leave 1 block of GAP, then place your ice, Ice crystal, or other desired block. Accellerate to max speed, enable free cam (Double press Right Shift) or zoom out and voila, enjoy the plumes so long as you are holing the thrust key.
Plumes ALSO appear when engaging a Jump Drive jump