[Station X]

If you're measuring voltages you need to have the set switched on and the valve in its socket.

If you're measuring resistances you need to have the set switched off. In this case it won't matter whether the valve is in its socket or not. It's obviously easier to check the cathode resistor by removing the valve and connecting your meter between chassis and pin 2. As you say when looking form above the pins number anti-clockwise.