Particle Thrust

Hey everyone -

I am making some space figherships, and want to get some cool engine effects going. The idea was that I would make the 'engines' be particle emitters, and have almost a little cone of thrust of which the size was dependent on the speed of the aircraft. Does anyone have an idea how to accomplish this?

I have a mesh imported from 3d max, but I am unsure on what kind of particles to use to give them that 'thrust' look and color.

Cheers, Marcin