Hi Bob
The material is proper brake block material. I have used it on some of my other restos and it gives good performance. I had a look at using small automotive brake blocks but decided to give the material I already had a go initially. Try out the concept.
Glad you like the website there is around 10,000 pics there currently and I get feedback from all over the world on different things I restore.
Will let all know how this little brake project works out it should work a treat.
Regards