RE: VMAR chipmunk or alternative?
Steer clear of the VMAR Chippy. It is not a nice flyer. The wing profile is wrong.
It is the same wing as they used on their now O.O.P. Stilleto, which had a tendancy to tip stall when flown slowly and so needed to be landed "hot."
The VMAR Chippy is the same and the U/C fastening blocks in the wings can't take too much of that sort of thing. (Had personal experience)
Look to World Models. Try their Super Sports 40 or T-34. You won't be sorry with either choice.