Engine glows

OK, what is the best way to make engine glows for models. I should know this, but for some odd reason I don't. I'm aiming for high levels of photo-realism. I use 3ds max 8 and can buy any plugins necessary.

 

You could use the Fire effect to create a sort of flame coming out of the engines or you can just use the Glow Lens Effect, just add Lens Effect in the Effects window and then have it applied to a light or something.

 

This is what I do(keep in mind I use animor, but it is still the same.). This method does require however that you have adobe after effects or photoshop and premeire. Render your video like normal, but with no engine glow. Then convert everything in the scene to black, so the only thing visible is the white of the engine. Export that, then just using guasian blurs and screening, youve got glow and masks. BAsically like the lightsaber methodd.

 

OK, thanks guys, I'll try the AE thing, looks easy enough for me, lol