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@retrodicorsa
The easiest way to stop the forks turning while adjusting headset (I'm assuming it's threaded) is have the front wheel in and clamp it between your knees - helps if you either have a stand or an assistant to hold the rest of the bike upright. The locknut should indeed be pretty tight against the adjustable race, and there should be a washer or spacer of some sort between the two, ideally with a tab that engages in a slot on the steerer (not essential but helps to stop things turning as you do them up). The confusing thing is that the adjustment tends to go slightly loose as you snug everything up, so the adjustable race should be very slightly over-tight just before everything gets tight, it will then end up correct (if you see what I mean). There's always a degree of trial and error and 'feel' involved, just keep doing it until it's right and the locknut good and tight. Headrace spanners are long for good reason...