Update - in between dawdling this weekend got some more blockwork done,
There's one more course to go on the top but these will be the ones which will be "notched" to allow the rafter feet to poke thru in the top several inches - so thought I'd do them later. Infill or something.
Didn't half get a feeling of WTF have I built - it seemed (and still does) massive.
Will do the gables this week and get the timber delivered to do the trusses.
For the gables - the plan is to screw a 2x1 batton, upright, along the middle of the short end walls, to the required height and then run a string line from the end of the batton back to the corners, giving me an approx guide to the pitch. As long as the blockwork goes past - I'm think it should be ok.
I've got some lengths of 8x2 and 4x2 so might throw them across the top and cover with tarp giving me a bit of cover against the rain when making the trusses.
Windows - Almost forgot, the local timber yard sells sapele already run thru the spindle moulder for making into windows - if that makes sense. Mighty tempted to have a go as the last set of windows the local firm made up - were mostly screwed together. Not to mention the large saving - the only issue I'm having is the opener. Might have to have a ponder on that. Might ring round to see what the other firms will charge.
Also - the openings are 1350 wide x 1100 high. Not going to do a picture window. Split down the middle with one 1/2 opening? 3 sections with middle opening? Might have to wedge in with some lengths of roof laths lying about to get an idea of which might look better.
Edit - just rang the firm that used to sell the profiles - they no longer do, so will have to have a slight rethink. Although a firm in Manchester do sell them and more but the webpage isn't the clearest - (well to me anyway), too many profiles!. A local firm just quoted me around £300 (+ vat) per window (without glass) for a casement with 2 side hung openers.