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I would usually do the lowest components first, but some of them are taller than the sockets, so to ensure I got all the sockets level, and also to get the 'bulk' soldering out of the way, I opted to do the sockets first.
Note that all of the notches on the sockets point towards the keyboard end, which is considered 'South' with the power/video/cassette end being north in the build instructions.
This is contrary to the silkscreen, which on this particular reproduction board is 180 degrees out. The same is true for U41, whose notch faces east and not west. I've verified this with another builder and the build instructions from the original kit.
If you intend to build one of these, double check before fitting your sockets.
If all goes well I'll get the discrete parts soldered in tomorrow and If I'm really lucky, the key switches too. If I get all that done, then I'll hook up 5v after a 'short' test with the multimeter and do a quick smoke test before fitting any ICs.
I would say that it's a bit of a sod with not solder mask, as it's very easy to make unwanted solder bridges. My advice is clean them up as you make them, otherwise you may end up chasing them later.
I found an angled chisel tip was best for soldering, as the angle kept the rest of the tip away from other traces, but the point of the tip was very accurate for soldering and has a good thermal mass.
