Hi Jock; Welcome to Permies and the wonderful world of rocket science!
Nothing wrong with making your own bricks.
I suggest drying them near a fire rather than trying to dry in place.
I have not done such a thing, but I would be concerned they might crack or otherwise shift during firing.
Tim Barkers
water heater is very cool. Please document your build with text and photo's.
A lot of folks try to heat
hot water, most fail in one way or another.
The water heater you are building is tried and true. I would build one myself if I had a need of low pressure hot water.
Good luck on your build !