Yes it is possible, and I use it. I don't think its possible to use it on anything above pub servers, but some DM servers allow it and Ive seen it work on some MGE servers.

This is the file I use (in common\Team Fortress 2\tf\custom\my_custom_stuff\particles) https://www.dropbox.com/s/hkb525rk7hl7tfw/rockettrail_dx80.pcf?dl=0

So does it not work on sv_pure 2, or is it just disallowed in matches? And thank you for the help.

you don't want this. rockets are really hard to see without trails. the flames at the back of the rocket are part of the smoke particle.

Hmm, that would be a problem. The smoke is incredibly annoying, though, especially considering that I use the Original almost exclusively, but I suppose I can just deal with it. I could swear I remembered seeing someone get flames without smoke before, though.

I have a way. Every other guide on the internet has failed me.
So I made it myself.
Using GCFScape, open the file in the /tf/ folder named "tf2_misc_dir.vpk"
Open the particles section of the file.
Extract the file "shellejection.pcf" to any folder.
Make a folder inside your /tf/custom/ folder, and name it "SmokeRemover".
Make a folder inside that new folder, and name it particles.
Shove 6 copies of the shellejection.pcf file into that folder.
Rename each copy to one of these names:
"classic_rocket_trail.pcf"
"drg_cowmangler.pcf"
"drg_cowmangler_dx80.pcf"
"rocketbackblast.pcf"
"rockettrail.pcf"
"rockettrail_dx80.pcf"
Then, play your game as normal! HOWEVER. This will only take effect on community servers without sv_pure set to 1.

You're a god, I'm gonna see if this works next time I boot tf2

came through 7 years later and responds in 8 hours

fascinating thread

holy necro

Did it work right for you? It looks sort of goofy, since you can still see the projectile, but it works!