No brakes for me on the Chippy for no better reason than that was how I was tought and checked out. Never had any problems with it and have found it to be one of the most sure footed taildraggers I have experienced.
During taxying I always found it possible to nudge the brake lever with my knee to assist in a turn.
For crosswinds I was tought the wing down wheeler technique and again have experienced no difficulty with some quite stiff crosswinds in the Chippy.
Lovely aircraft. A little quirky in some respects but that is part of it's charm for me.
I really miss the aeroplane and if a good one came up for sale I would be sorely tempted to buy one.
Happy days eh Vince?
PS. Hi Chipmunk Janey. We did meet at Barton some time back. I was in the yellow Cub at the time.