I do this sort of thing with physics pivots...
OK... Create a physics pivot.
Place it at 0,0,0
Point the pivot in the direction of thrust, and move it forward however much thrust you are using (1 for the sake of argument)
Then apply a bit of dampening to it, ie, take the x,y,z and x co-ords and multiply each one by .9 or whatever, then reposition your pivot.
Now, translate you actual rocket the x,y and z positions of your pivot.
Now if you change the direction of your rocket, change the orientation of the pivot the same. Then your physics pivot will apply the force in the new direction. However, the exisiting forces will still be applied but be dampening each update.
I feel a bit of code coming on to demostrate this...
OK... Create a physics pivot.
Place it at 0,0,0
Point the pivot in the direction of thrust, and move it forward however much thrust you are using (1 for the sake of argument)
Then apply a bit of dampening to it, ie, take the x,y,z and x co-ords and multiply each one by .9 or whatever, then reposition your pivot.
Now, translate you actual rocket the x,y and z positions of your pivot.
Now if you change the direction of your rocket, change the orientation of the pivot the same. Then your physics pivot will apply the force in the new direction. However, the exisiting forces will still be applied but be dampening each update.
I feel a bit of code coming on to demostrate this...