SimCity 2000 DOS doesn't work that way. Clicking on the icons just sets the default tool/building for the selected icon. E.g. for the power icon it selects the power lines. If you want to build something else within that icon's group then you have to click and hold down on the icon and a list of items appears. Still whilst holding the mouse button down you select the item you want (e.g. power plant) and then release the mouse button. Now you are building the selected item (or a dialog window opens up for you to select from, like the different types of power plant).

Hope this helps.

Thanks so very much. Just never thought to do that! duh!!